Letter and transcript. Transcript reads: 'Southminster, August 13th 1805, Dearly Beloved brother this comes with my kind and sincere love to you hoping the blessing of God this will find you well as I had the pleasure to hear your last letter left you, you have had a long cruise in search of the French and I believe the Nation in general are extreme by sorry that you were not lucky enough to fall in with them. If you had we flatter ourselves you would not have been so lost in a fog as those were who last engaged them. I find by your letter that you have heard from your wife since I wrote last so that I can at present give you no information respecting her not having heard from her since you received her letter. You wish to know what we think of peace at present. I dont believe there is the least thought of it. We expect a visit from the French daily our volunteers hold themselves in readiness in March and all are in a bustle. Provisions continue very dear flour 8/6 per peck meat 8D and 9D per pound butter 1/3 and every thing in proportion But we are likely to have an abundant harvest. Crops of every kind being very good. Every news day we are in hopes of hearing you have happened of the combined fleet and if you should Pray God prosper you and make it a Glorious day for you and your country. I assure you it is time that something should be done for the Nation is very dissatisfied. I shall be glad to hear from you as soon as convenient and recommending you to the protection of the Almighty Remaining Yours Brother W King. PS I am thank God well and hearty.

Administrative / biographical background
John King was quartermaster aged 54 and from Sunderland. He served on board the VICTORY at the Battle of Trafalgar (see Trafalgar roll) and was killed in action.