ABSTRACT
A gloom fell upon all; and those, who had been rejoicing in the expectation of the laurels to be gathered on the battlements of the Bogue, now walked the desks listlessly, unwilling and unable to conceal their disappointl11ent.~
As it is more than probable I may be overwhelmed with astonishment on my first arrival and that my time may be fully taken up some time after by the etiquette of Government House, I avail myself of a tedious calm to write a few words to you on board the Ncr/mddah on her way to Calcutta. I ought to have written last month but my mind was so distracted for news from China that I could not bear to tell you one half I was suffering.
