It won't have gone altogether. Click on 'Private Messages' at the right hand end on the horizontal bar at the top of the page, and that should get you to it. For future reference, hold down the 'Ctrl' button when clicking on private message announcers, that bypasses the pop-up blocker.
Well, I'm straining to see Private Messages at right hand end of horizontal bar at top of page... it says Log Out. Unless you're referring to a different page? Or I need new glasses. I did manage to find the private mssg in my (closed) email...aargh. We learn 'til we die, don't we?
Oh, for heaven's sake (to myself!) Thank you Michael. New glasses are now ahead of new camera on my wish list.