My conversation with the Empress leaned chiefly on the state of the mines

and on the Chinese frontiers. Her questions were very general and the way

much disposed to

make out a compliment in what I said to her when I

meant none. She talked about the brilliant State of our Navy.

Spoke with terms of great regard of the Lord Keppel, and with great

contempt of the French.

She thanked me for my observations and said she thought they might be

exceedingly usefull.

Sunday April PS 1783

This sheet & part of the other was written at Sir James's, upon his

telling me, that the Courier is setting off in a quarter of an hour;

whereas he had before told me, he did not go till tomorrow,

& other people had told me the day after. This sudden departure not

only prevents my writing more as I had intended to have done

tonight after coming from the Field Marshal's, but it also

prevents my sending some other papers I had prepared and which now I

cant get at. I have not even time to write any separate

letter to endeavour to assure you of the strength of affection and duty

with which I am sure ever to remain S. B.