A family man at sea : "my dearest Margaret ..." :letters home from a Mediterranean flagship 1837-1841 /edited by Barbara McDowell.

Features the letters of John Loudon written to his wife while on a three-year tour of duty on board the flagship, the Princess Charlotte, as Secretary to Admiral Sir Robert Stopford in command of the Mediterranean fleet. Writing to his wife on average once a week, Loudon's letters have survived, but not those sent in return. In some 200 letters Loudon describes daily life on board, his relationships with other officers, including Charles Austen, brother of Jane, as well as the attacks on the Syrian coast towards the end of the tour. Writing with humour and humanity, Loudon provides advice and support to his wife during his absence and the letters provide a valuable insight into the life of his family at home in England.