order says ; we are now on our way, and as it is not 30 leagues hope we may be there some time tomorrow. It is to be presumed they purpose sending us back, indeed I do not know what we should do in this part of the world, and so much wanted everywhere else. Was there ever such an expedition? Or had ever people such luck? I have been disappointed in every hope I formed these six months past, never had a moment’s comfort since the transport put back to Cove last Sept, and fear my favourite horse will die, for certain he never can come back, so must sell him for whatever I can get ; however thank God I am well. I shall see Rome, but really don’t find the least pleasure in sights at this moment, it was not for that I came out. To be sure one should make the best of which does appear bad fortune ; and as soon as the Regiment is fixed, and that I have arranged what I think necessary, shall take my leave of it, till it is going again to be re-embarked, or going to march elsewhere, and endeavour to amuse myself as well as I can. I purpose putting this in the post at Civita Vechia, and write it now, as I don’t expect to have time when there. I liked the Island of Elba much, a fine, romantic, quiet and beautiful spot, and the most delightful climate. Admirals Hotham and Cosby were in the harbour, and as civil to me as possible, dined very often with them, and had a general invitation with both. I hope my Father and Edward have had good sport at the Grove ; I should write to him, but think the letter has a better chance of finding you sooner. My duty to him, love to sisters, brothers, and remembrance to friends. Tell Edward I depend on him to get my young horse, that my Father gave me, handled this next summer. Tell him also there is an old Dragoon of the 12th, name of Stinson, he lives at the other side of the lake, who is a good hand. Send word to John’s people, he is well. We are almost becalmed. Write a few lines in your next letter for me, to William.

My dear Mother, your affectionate and dutiful
M. Archdall.

Civita Vechia, March 7th. Though so short a passage, we arrived but yesterday. We were ordered to come here to refresh our horses ; and when we did come there was nothing prepared for us, nor were we expected, though our Lieut.-Col. is Adjutant General, obliged to send off an express to the Pope for leave. Was there ever such an expedition? I say again, it is the way everything is conducted in this part of the world. No wonder we should not beat the French. I don’t think we shall even get stabling enough. I do not expect to hear from you. Do not write as I think it possible we shall not stay long enough for me to receive it.

Civita Vechia, April 2nd 94. My dear Father. I wrote to you from Leghorn, and to my Mother three or four times since, but think it likely they did not all come to hand. The wonderful fatality that attends this Regt, has placed us in the Territories of the Pope, the last part of the world I should ever imagine I could have been in, in a military capacity, but this is the age of extraordinary events. What is to become of us I cannot learn. Some think we are to join the Sardinian Army. Sir James St. Clair, I am informed, wishes to march us across Germany to join the Duke of York. For my part, I think the first would be a very bad plan for us to be the only English corps in a rascally Italian army ; and the other a chimerical one from the length of way, and number of States we should have to march through ; and that the most rational would be to sell our horses here, and go back to be remounted. We should all lose much by selling, but they never would return. How much disappointed and vexed I have been, you may well imagine, but now receive all that has happened as a very just punishment for my too great anxiety to go on service. All we suffered in storms, want of fresh provisions (and by the by I had unfortunately at the time the best stomach I have had these three years), was I assure you very great,— hardships for which we shan’t have the least credit. This is a good place to refresh the horses, but in every other particular very bad. The Gentlemen who have a good appetite complain very much, but in that respect don’t think them much to be pitied ; the climate terrible in summer, the worst in Italy, but hope we may get away before the hot weather sets in. It is not very unhealthy till then. I took the opportunity of seeing Rome, about 45 English miles from here, and passed ten days very agreeably, being well received everywhere. One of our Princes (Augustus) is there, and was remarkably civil, dined twice with him. He is to come here to see us, as soon as I write word we are fit to receive him. I received the other day a letter from Sir James St. Clair (he is with the Army in Corsica), part of which I shall transcribe. He says, that he had reason to believe that the Dragoons might expect a Regimental promotions similar to that lately ordered for the Infantry, and in that case he desired to know whether I desired to become the second Lt-Col. of the Regiment, paying the price that may be fixed on by Government, and which in no case has been allowed to amount to the regulated price of the commission to be purchased. He adds that he had no doubt, that no promotion of that consequence would take place in the Regt without his concurrence, and so good as to say he was particularly desirous of having me in that situation. My answer was, that I would purchase if my Father had no objection. He says he doesn’t think the Majoritys will go in the Regiment, the Captains being so young. Though I don’t think we shall stay here long enough for me to receive your answer, yet as it is a matter of such importance to me, I shall be much obliged to you for a few lines, with your sentiments on the subject,— I may get it. Gen. Dundass has left the command of the southern Army. I understand he and Lord  Hood did not agree. I believe Dundass wished to