3 3 2                   A • " SECKET EXPEDITION "              [^r. 3 7
appeared on the south-west or northern coast; but that fleet having entered the Mediterranean every apprehension for Ireland is over. Deprived of the hopes of support from without the inhabitants will continue quiet. It will depend upon the wisdom of the measures which Government adopt whether we finally reconcile them and gain their affection. In this state of affairs I applied to Lord Cornwallis for leave to go to England for a couple of months, which he granted; but before I could arrange to set off I received a letter from his secretary, Colonel Littlehales, informing me that it was the intention of his Majesty's Ministers to employ me upon a secret expedition. It was, therefore, Lord Cornwallis's orders that I should give up the command here to Brigadier-General Meyrick and proceed instantly to Dublin. I expect Meyrick from Galway this day, and shall leave this on the i8th. The 92nd marched from here this morning for Cork to embark for Portsmouth. The Guards and 2nd Kegiments have also taken that route.