16 FRANCE DECLARES WAR [JET. 31

roads were very deep; but whilst the commissary was mustering us on the beach it cleared, and turned out a very fine afternoon. Two other regiments were arranged upon the beach waiting for the return of the boats, the sun was shining, and the sea perfectly calm. I ordered none of the boats to put off till the whole regiment was embarked, that all might proceed together. By signal we gave three cheers, which were answered by the regiments on shore: the bands playing, colours flying, &c.3 the whole forming a lively animating scene. In ten minutes we were rowed aboard our different ships ... and at daylight to-morrow, if the wind continues fair, we sail.

His arrival at Gibraltar is thus noted.

GIBBALTAE, 26th March 1792.

MY DEAR FATHER,—I have only time to tell you that, after a most delightful passage, we anchored in this Bay, the eleventh day from our leaving Cork. We landed yesterday, and everything is so completely opposite to the arrangements in Britain or Ireland, that we are much at a loss, and must continue so for some time, in spite of every exertion on my part. I have been up at daylight ever since we anchored, and seldom off my legs till bedtime. The weather is that of a hot July in England. Oranges, green peas, &c., are in perfection; and notwithstanding the descriptions I had of the Rock, it surprised me more than any place I ever saw. Sir Robert Boyd (the Lieutenant-Governor) acknowledged me as an old acquaintance, and has been extremely civil. . . .

He soon afterwards made a trip through Spain, visiting Cadiz, Xeres, and Seville. It was whilst he was at ordinary garrison duty at Gibraltar that war was declared against us by the Revolutionary Government in France. The opportunities presented by the situation both in Toulon and in Corsica were too tempting to be thrown away by our Government. It