[Lieut. James Hervey, 27th Regiment of Foot.] Autograph Letter Signed ('James Hervey | Lt. 27 Regt') to his father, describing his regiment's journey from Africa to Minorca, the island itself, and Sir Ralph Abercromby's coming mission to Egypt.

3pp., 4to. 71 lines closely and neatly written. Bifolium. Good, on lightly-aged paper, with minor repairs to wear with gummed paper. Addressed, with three postmarks (one Portsmouth), on reverse of second leaf, to 'John Hervey Esqre | Ballangrew Cardross | by Stirling | N. Britain'. He reports that his regiment arrived at Minorca a few days previously 'from Fitwan Bay': 'on our leaving the coast of Africa a separation of the Fleet took place one half went direct of [sic] Malta & the other to this place to get Provisions, and water'. As soon as they have completed their 'watering' they are to proceed to Malta, 'to join the Army again, the whole army is to redevouse [sic] there, and be landed and Inspected by Gen. Abercrombie that he may so [sic] what number he has to depend on, and then we are to embark for Egypt, to drive out the French that are there, which I am afraid will not be easy done - there is a report here at present that a French Fleet with 10000 Men on board have escaped out of Toulon and are gone to Egypt to reinforce Towns on the coast to prevent our landing, if that is true we will find some thing to do before they are driven out'. He has been ashore in Minorca for two days, and finds it 'a fine fertile Island', with Mahon 'small like all other Spanish towns'. He describes the harbour, and then continues: 'Gen. Fox has made a great deal of improvements on it since he came here, in its present situation all the Fleets of France & Spain could not force their way into the harbour'. He gives news of his regiment, with references to 'Nath. Dounie' and 'Coll. Erskine', and the comment 'The troops on the Island is very unhealthy at present some of the Regts. loose [sic] ninety men per Month'. Resuming on 29 November he reports that he has been on shore 'to procure some small articles for the voyage. The Admiral has made the signal for sailing & we shall be off this evening, the wind is fair and bids well for short passage'. He hopes his father will write to him 'soon & direct to the 1st Battn. 27th. as the 2nd is in Lisbon'. After a reference to 'John Robertson' he states that 'The Report of the French Fleet being out is confirmed. I expect our Fleet will fall in with them before they reach Egypt which if they do they will give a good account of them.' He ends with the news: 'The Boat waits for me to go on Board'. A long postscript refers to 'Margrate [sic]' and 'Christian'.