1

NICHOLAS HADDOCK TO HIS FATHER

2
5    I have both y^r letters by Captⁿ Delevall, as also the butter and
6cheeses, for w^ch I returne you thanks. I'm glad to hear both my
7sisters are so well recovered by the Bath. Pray God continue their
8healths. Sunday last we took this place, attacking it by land and
9sea; and almost all the people of it are run up to the castle, w^th
10the garrison, for protection. We assisted our army with 500 seamen.
11I have been ashore with 50 of our ship's company during

page 51

12the seige; am very heartily fateigued, but very well in health.
13After we have got the castle, I hear the fleet will go for the Islands
14of Minorca and Majorca, and, after that, I hope home. If the
15S^t George should not do, intend asking S^r Jn^o Leake leave for
16my self.
17    I'm glad to hear the ship at Sheernes will be launcht so soon as
18March. I hope I'm pretty secure of her. I desire your excuse for
19this bad scrawle and blotted paper, but I write w^th a pen made w^th
20an old razor that I find in the house I'm quartered in. I have no
21more to say but my duty to y^r self and mother and love to all
22freinds in London and Mile end, and remaine,
26