Third Tackle : written

July the twentieth,

It has been some time since I've opened this book. I confess, I tend not to think about it often; it is too unlike anything I am familiar with. However, I will endeavour to use it more often.

I am still in possession of the sloop-of-war Britannia. [Thank goodness he's writing. He'd have never been able to contain his overwhelming relief. For two months, he's been waiting for the admiral mentioned by Buffy to provide him with an official writ, taking that command away from him.] I have made a great deal of progress on her maintenance.

However, I should like to take her out to sea soon. Until I am able, I will not know how she handles.

By her size, I should estimate that she would support a full complement of one-hundred-and-twenty souls. ["Men," he manages not to write. He's learned enough about women here to be cautious.] However, for a basic jaunt and not a war-time assignment, she would only require perhaps twelve to manage her properly.

There is no form of currency here, or I would offer pay. I am open to negotiation for the price of the labour, though. I will meet what I can.

D Long, commander, R.N.