Chapter XI: Part 11

"November 18. Last evening, Lady Hamilton received a letter from
the queen, full of the idea that money was indispensable: and
desired her ladyship to shew it to me; and, that I would say what I
saw. That I can do, very soon. I see the finest country in the
world, full of resources; yet, without enough to supply the public
wants: all are plundering, who can get at public money or stores.
In my own line, I can speak. A Neapolitan ship of the line would
cost more than ten English ships fitting out. Five sail of the line
must ruin the country. Every thing else is, I have no doubt, going
on in the same system of thieving: I could give your lordship so
many instances of the greatest mal-conduct of persons in office,
and of those very people being rewarded. If money could be placed
in the public chest at this moment, I believe it would be well
used: for the sad thing in this country is, that although much is
raised, yet very little reaches the public chest. I will give you a
fact--When the order of Jesuits was suppressed in this country and
Sicily, they possessed very large estates: although these, with
every other part of their property, were seized by the crown; yet,
to this moment, not one farthing has reached the public chest. On
the contrary, some years, the pretended expence of management was
more than the produce. Taxes have been sold for sums of money;
which, now, are five times more than when sold. This, it is true,
was done by viceroys, to please their distant masters. But, I am
tiring your patience. In short, their majesties look to us for
every succour; and, without it, they are undone.

"I have wrote to the Turkish and Russian admirals, and shall take
care to keep on the very best footing with all the allied powers.

"Believe me, your lordship's most obedient and obliged servant,

"Nelson."

At this Neapolitan review, a curious circumstance is said to have occurred. By some mistake of General Mack's, in directing the operations of a feigned fight, it so happened that his own troops were completely surrounded by those of the enemy; when Lord Nelson, vexed at the unfortunate and inauspicious blunder, immediately exclaimed, to his surrounding friends--"This fellow does not understand his business!"

It having been agreed, in a council held at the camp of St. Germaine's, as suggested in the foregoing letter, to take possession of Leghorn, not a moment was lost, by Lord Nelson, in preparing for that expedition. The King and Queen of Naples, affected by the very indifferent state of his lordship's health, and fearing that the exertion might prove too much for their chief protector, wished him to remain at Naples. When the queen, accordingly, through the medium of Lady Hamilton, advised him to send the troops; he instantly directed her to inform her majesty, that it was his custom, in order to succeed, not to say--"Go!" but--"Let us go!"

Such was the dispatch used on this occasion, that all the troops were embarked, and his lordship sailed from the Bay of Naples, on the 22d instant. The Vanguard, Culloden, Minotaur, and Alliance, were the only British ships, on board of which were about two thousand seven hundred soldiers; and, in the Portuguese Principe Real, Albuquerque, and St. Sebastian, two thousand four hundred. In all, five thousand, one hundred and twenty-three. As it blew a strong gale all that night, and the following day, none but the British kept company with the Vanguard, which arrived in Leghorn Road on the 28th.

The ministers of their Majesties of Great Britain and of the Two Sicilies, the Honourable William Windham and the Duke Di Sangro, immediately going on board the Vanguard, and being of opinion that a summons in the name of Admiral Lord Nelson, as well as that of the Neapolitan General Naselli, would be proper, the following was instantly prepared.

"We, the commanders of the troops of the King of the Two Sicilies,
and of the squadron of his Britannic Majesty, now before Leghorn,
demand of the Governor of Leghorn the free and instant admission of
his Sicilian Majesty's troops into the town and fortress of
Leghorn, and every thing thereunto depending. If you refuse, we
have power to enforce our just demand; which will, undoubtedly,
instantly be done.

"Naselli, General.

"Nelson, Rear-Admiral."

Captain Troubridge, accompanied by the two ministers, went on shore with this summons: and he returned, at eight in the evening, with a capitulation signed; in consequence of which the troops were immediately landed, and possession taken of the town and fortress of Leghorn.

On the following day, the Portuguese squadron also arrived, and landed the remainder of the troops. In the mean time, the Neapolitan general refused to seize the French vessels at Leghorn, under pretence that the King of Naples was not at war with France; and the Neapolitan minister, the Duke Di Sangro, was likewise weak enough to maintain the same opinion. The vexation which these impolitic scrupulosities occasioned in the superior mind of our decided hero, is difficult to be described. He saw the destructive tendency of such mental imbecility, and trembled for the fate of a country which was condemned to be thus served. His lordship's feelings will be best conceived, by his own account of what passed in his anxious bosom on the occasion, thus addressed to Mr. Windham.

Vanguard, 30th Nov. 1798.

"MY DEAR SIR,

"I have been thinking, all night, of the General Naselli and the
Duke Di Sangro's saying that the King of Naples had not declared
war against the French. Now, I assert, that he has; and, in a much
stronger manner than the ablest minister in Europe could write a
declaration of war. Has not the king received, as a conquest made
by him, the republican flag taken at Goza? Is not the king's flag
flying there, and at Malta; not only by the king's absolute
permission, but by his orders? Is not his flag shot at, every day,
by the French; and returned, from batteries bearing the king's
flag? Are not two frigates, and a corvette, placed under my orders?
and they would fight the French, meet them where they may. Has not
the king sent publicly, from Naples, guns, mortars, &c. with
officers and artillery, to fight against the French in Malta? If
these acts are not tantamount to any written paper, I give up all
knowledge of what is war. So far, then, I assert, that the general
is authorized to seize all French and Ligurian vessels. But that is
a small matter, to what will happen if he permits the many hundreds
of French which are now in the mole to be neutral, till they have a
fair opportunity of being active. Even the interest of the Grand
Duke calls loudly, that the Neapolitan general should act with
vigour; for, if all other schemes fail, they have one sure: viz.
set one vessel on fire, and the port of Leghorn is ruined for
twenty years. Pray, say this to Seratti. I have, you know, no
interest personal to myself, in this advice. I wish the great duke
to have no unnecessary risk, and for the Neapolitan general and
myself to take all the odium on ourselves. Pray, excuse this
letter; but, I could not resist writing it. Ever your, &c.

"Nelson."

The unanswerable reasoning in this letter could not fail to produce perfect conviction; and General Naselli, at his lordship's request, consented to lay an embargo on all the vessels at Leghorn, till he should receive orders for their disposal from his Sicilian majesty. Among these ships, were a great number of French privateers; some of them, his lordship observed, in a letter to Sir William Hamilton, of such force as to do the very greatest mischief to our commerce, if permitted to sail. There were also about seventy sail of vessels, calling themselves belonging to the Ligurian Republic, before called Genoa, ready to sail, loaded with corn, for Genoa and France; the arrival of which, must expedite the entrance into Italy of more French troops. "General Naselli," says Lord Nelson, "sees, I believe, the permitting these vessels to depart, in the same light as myself; but, there is this difference between us--the general, prudently, and certainly safely, waits the orders of his court, taking no responsibility on himself; I act from the circumstance of the moment, as I feel it may be most advantageous for the honour of the cause which I serve, taking all responsibility on myself."

Having left Captain Troubridge at Leghorn, to act as exigencies might require, Lord Nelson immediately returned to Naples; where he arrived on the 5th of December, having been absent little more than ten days. During this time, letters had arrived from Commodore Duckworth, relating to the conquest of Minorca; and, these letters having been forwarded after him to Leghorn, he wrote the following apology and congratulation to his friend the commodore, now Admiral Sir John Duckworth, who commanded the squadron which had sailed from Gibraltar on this expedition.

"Naples, 6th Dec. 1798.

"MY DEAR SIR,

"On my arrival here, yesterday, I found Lieutenant Gregory, who had
been charged with your letters to me; but which were, unluckily,
sent after me to Leghorn: and, as Lieutenant Gregory is very
anxious to return to you, it is out of my power to answer such part
of your public letter as might require. However, I most heartily
congratulate you on the conquest of Minorca; an acquisition
invaluable to Great Britain, and which completely, in future,
prevents any movements from Toulon to the westward. My situation in
this country has had, doubtless, _one_ rose; but, it has been
plucked from a bed of thorns. Nor is my present state that of ease;
and my health, at best but indifferent, has not mended lately.
Naples is just embarked in a new war: the event, God only knows;
but, without the assistance of the emperor, which is not yet given,
this country cannot resist the power of France. Leghorn is in
possession of the King of Naples's troops, as is Civita Vecchia. I
have Troubridge, with Minotaur, Terpsichore, and Bonne Citoyenne,
&c. on the north coast of Italy. Three sail of the line, under
Ball, are off Malta: and Hood, with three sail of the line, and two
frigates, is in Egypt; but I expect his return every moment, and
that the Turks and Russian ships and flotilla have relieved him. I
am here, _solus_; for, I reckon the Portuguese as nothing. They are
all flag-officers, and cannot serve under any of my brave friends.

"With every good wish, believe me your most obedient servant,

"Nelson."

From the following congratulatory letter which Lord Nelson wrote, at the same time, to his old "brother brigadier," the Honourable Lieutenant-General Stuart, commander in chief of the forces at the reduction of Minorca, may be learned the very unpromising state of military affairs with the Neapolitan army at this important period. It also clearly developes the secret cause of his lordship's sudden recall from Egypt.

Naples, 6th Dec. 1798.

"MY DEAR SIR,

"Allow me to congratulate you on the conquest of Minorca; an
acquisition, as a sea-port, invaluable to our country. I hurried
from Egypt, early in August; as, by the Earl of St. Vincent's
orders, I was in expectation of being summoned to attend you.
However, I am sure, my place was much better filled by Commodore
Duckworth. The new war commenced here, it is yet impossible to say
how it may turn: whether it will really hasten the ruin, or save
the monarchy. At all events, if the king had not began the war, he
would have soon been kicked out of his kingdom. The king is at
Rome; but five hundred French still hold possession of St. Angelo.
General Mack is gone to Civita Castellana, where thirteen thousand
French have taken post. Mack's force, with him, is twenty thousand
fine young men; but, with some few exceptions, wretchedly
officered. If the French are not soon driven from their post, which
is very strong by nature, Mack must fall back to the frontier on
the side of Ancona. The French have drove back, to say no more, the
right wing of the king's army, and taken all their baggage and
artillery. The emperor has not yet moved, and his minister, Thugut,
is not very anxious to begin a new war; but, if he does not, Naples
and Tuscany will fall in two months. I shall be happy if you will
honour me, at any time, with your commands, here or elsewhere;
being, with the highest respect, your most obedient servant,

"Nelson."

A letter from Earl Spencer had likewise reached Naples, at this period, with the official intelligence of Admiral Nelson's elevation to the peerage; an elevation which, it is certain, the Hero of the Nile by no means considered as excessive, any more than his particular friends, and even the country in general. In the following answer to Earl Spencer, it will appear, however, that his zeal kindles with far more ardour for his friend Troubridge, than for himself.

Naples, 7th Dec. 1798

"MY DEAR LORD,

"On my arrival here, from Leghorn, I received your lordship's
letter of October 7, communicating to me the title his majesty had
been graciously pleased to confer upon me; an honour, your lordship
is pleased to say, the highest that has ever been conferred on an
officer of my standing, who was not a commander in chief.

"I receive, as I ought, what the goodness of our sovereign, and not
my deserts, is pleased to bestow: but, great and unexampled as this
honour may be, to one of my standing--yet, I own, I feel a higher
one, in the unbounded confidence of the king, your lordship, and
the whole world, in my exertions. Even at the bitter moment of my
return to Syracuse, your lordship is not insensible of the great
difficulties I had to encounter, in not being a commander in chief.
The only happy moment I felt, was in the view of the French; then,
I knew, that all my sufferings would soon be at an end!

"I observe what your lordship is pleased to say, relative to the
presenting myself, and the captains who served under me, with
medals; and, also, that the first lieutenants of the ships engaged
will be distinguished by promotions, as well as the senior marine
officers. I hope, and believe, the word "engaged" is not intended
to exclude the Culloden; the merit of that ship, and her gallant
captain, are too well known to benefit by any thing I could say.
Her misfortune was great, in getting aground, while her more
fortunate companions were in the full tide of happiness. No; I am
confident, that my good Lord Spencer will never add misery to
misfortune. Captain Troubridge, on shore, is superior to captains
afloat. In the midst of his great misfortunes, he made those
signals which prevented, certainly, the Alexander and Swiftsure
from running on the shoals. I beg your pardon for writing on a
subject which, I verily believe, has never entered your lordship's
head; but my heart, as it ought to be, is warm to my gallant
friends.

"Ever your lordship's most faithful and obedient

"Nelson."

So anxious was Lord Nelson for his gallant friend Troubridge, and the other brave officers of the Culloden, that he thus urges, at the same time, in a letter to the Earl of St. Vincent, the subject which occupied his feeling heart. "I received, yesterday," writes he, "a private letter from Lord Spencer; saying, that the first lieutenants of all the ships engaged would be promoted. I sincerely hope, this is not intended to exclude the first of the Culloden. For Heaven's sake, for my sake, if it be so, get it altered! Our dear friend Troubridge has suffered enough; and no one knows, from me, but Culloden was as much engaged as any ship in the squadron. His sufferings were, in every respect, more than any of us. He deserves every reward which a grateful country can. bestow on the most meritorious sea-officer of his standing in the service. I I have felt his worth every hour of my command. I have before wrote you, my dear lord, on this subject; therefore, I place Troubridge in your hands."

Of his own disappointment, at not having obtained higher rank, he writes nothing to his commander in chief; but, among his most intimate friends, he is known to have freely expressed his grief and indignation at receiving the title of baron only. Had they left him as he was, he has been heard repeatedly to say, he would not have complained; but, he thought, his services merited more than a barony. It would, perhaps, be difficult to find any substantial objection against his having been made, at least, a viscount; which would still have left the commander in chief his superior in rank. Indeed, on such peculiarly great and glorious occasions, there need be little dread respecting precedents. No minister would have been impeached, who had even advised his being created a duke; and, most assuredly, the country would have rejoiced at his merited elevation to that dignity. Why should not the navy possess honours equal to those of a military Marlborough? and, when do we expect to behold the hero on whom they may with more propriety be bestowed?

It is a positive fact, that Lord Nelson would never wear his own gold medal, till he had obtained one for his friend Captain Troubridge; who, by the strictness of official etiquette, without any actual blame in administration, had been at first excluded.

The following laconic epistle to Captain Troubridge, at Leghorn, exhibits a true sailor's letter.

"Naples, Dec. 10th 1798.

"MY DEAR TROUBRIDGE,

"I have just received Mr. Windham's letter of November 30th, and
find it is settled that all the cargoes of the Genoese ships should
be landed; and all the French privateers disarmed, and their crews
sent away. So far, I am content. Money is not our object; but to
distress the common enemy. I hope, if you liked it, you visited the
Grand Duke, in my stead; I could not have been better
represented--the copy is a damned deal better than the original.

"Nelson."

"Duckworth has a captain under him; John Dixon, from England, is
Post Captain; and Mr. Grey arrived."

At the same time, he wrote to his Excellency the Honourable Mr. Windham, apologizing for not having himself accepted his Royal Highness the Grand Duke's invitation to visit him at Pisa. "I have," says he, "to request that you will present my most profound acknowledgments to his Royal Highness. I was under a sacred promise, to return here as expeditiously as possible; and not to quit the Queen and Royal Family of Naples, without her majesty's approbation. This will plead my cause for quitting Leghorn so expeditiously."

Another letter, written to Mr. Windham this day, is too interesting to be omitted. It presents his opinion of the patriotic character of Mr. Windham, the disinterestedness of his own, and the wretched pusillanimity of the Neapolitan officers.

Naples, 10th Dec. 1798.

"MY DEAR SIR,

"Your several letters of November 30, came to me this moment.
Believe me, no person can set a higher value on your friendship
than I do; for, I know, from experience, that you have nothing more
at heart, than the honour of our king and country. I rejoice to
hear, that the cargoes of corn in the Mole of Leghorn will be
landed; and the privateers disarmed, and the scoundrels belonging
to them sent away. The enemy will be distressed; and, thank God, I
shall get no money. The world, I know, think that money is our God;
and, now, they will be undeceived, as far as relates to us. "Down,
down with the French!" is my constant prayer. I hope, that the
emperor is marched to support this country: for, unused to war,
it's officers seem alarmed at a drawn sword; or a gun, if loaded
with shot. Many of them, peaceable heroes, are said to have run
away when brought near the enemy. The King and General Acton being
at Rome, I know not what orders will be sent to General Naselli;
but, you may depend, I will do nothing which can do away your just
demand of retribution to our merchants robbed by the French at
Leghorn. I arrived here on the 5th of December, and found my
presence very comfortable for the poor queen. Ever believe me, my
dear Sir, your most faithful and obliged

"Nelson."

Our indefatigable hero wrote, also, on this day, two letters to his Excellency, the Right Honourable Sir Moreton Eden, K.B. Minister Plenipotentiary at Vienna. In the first of these, he says, with his usual excellence of heart, "I have to thank you, for your kindness to Captain Berry. Poor fellow, he has suffered greatly, both in body and mind; but, I hope, his reception in England will perfectly restore him." The other letter fully demonstrates that his head was no less excellent than his heart. It would have been well for the repose of Europe, and particularly for the welfare of the Emperor of Germany, and his hereditary dominions, as well as of his royal relatives at Naples, had our hero's advice, even at this late period, been sufficiently regarded. We give, with peculiar pleasure, the whole of this almost prophetic document.

Naples, Dec. 10, 1798.

"MY DEAR SIR,

"I received, with thanks, your favour of November the 15th: and
perfectly agree with you, that a delayed war, on the part of the
emperor, will be destructive to this monarchy; and, of course, to
the newly-acquired dominions of the emperor in Italy. Had the war
commenced in September or October, all Italy would at this moment
have been liberated. This month is worse than the last; the next
will render the contest doubtful; and, in six months, when the
Neapolitan _republic_ will be organized, armed, and with it's
numerous resources called forth, I will suffer to have my head cut
off, if the emperor is not only defeated in Italy, but that he
totters on his throne at Vienna. Pray, assure the empress, from me,
that, notwithstanding the councils which have shook the throne of
her father and mother, I shall remain here, ready to save the
sacred persons of the king and queen, and of her brothers and
sisters; and, that I have also left ships at Leghorn, to save the
lives of the Great Duke and her imperial majesty's sister: for all
must be a republic, if the emperor does not act with expedition and
vigour. "Down, down with the French!" ought to be placed in the
council-room of every country in the world: and, may Almighty God
give right thoughts to every sovereign! is the constant prayer of
your excellency's most obliged and obedient servant,

"Nelson."

"Whenever the emperor acts with vigour, your excellency may say
that a proper naval force shall attend to the safety of the
Adriatic, as far as in my power."

At this period, it appears, the unfavourable news from the royal army, and the manifest cowardice, treason, and treachery, every where seeming to pervade the unhappy and devoted kingdom of Naples, plunged the excellent queen into an agony of grief which admitted not of consolation. "None, from this house," says Lord Nelson, writing on the 11th of December to Earl Spencer, "have seen her majesty these three days; but, her letters to Lady Hamilton paint the anguish of her soul. However," adds his lordship, "on enquiry, matters are not so bad as I expected. The Neapolitan officers have not lost much honour; for, God knows, they had not much to lose: but, they lost all they had. Mack has supplicated the king to sabre every man who ran from Civita Castellana to Rome. He has, we hear, torn off the epaulets of some of those scoundrels, and placed them on good serjeants. I will, as briefly as I can, state the position of the army, and it's lost honour; for, defeat they have had none. The right wing of nineteen thousand men under General St. Philip, and Micheux (who ran away at Toulon) were to take post between Ancona and Rome, to cut off all supplies and communication. Near Fermi, they fell in with the enemy, about three thousand. After a little distant firing, St. Philip advanced to the French general; and, returning to his men, said--_I no longer command you!"_ and was going off to the enemy. A serjeant said--"You are a traitor; what have you been talking to the enemy?" St. Philip replied _I no longer command you!"_--"Then you are an enemy!" and, levelling his musket, shot St. Philip through the right arm. However, the enemy advanced; he was among them; Micheux ran away, as did all the infantry; and, had it not been for the good conduct of two regiments of cavalry, they would have been destroyed. So great was this panic, that cannon, tents, baggage, military chest, all were left to the French. Could you credit--but, it is true--that this loss has been sustained with the death of only forty men! The French lost many men by the cavalry; and, having got the good things, did not run after an army three times their number. Some ran thirty miles, to Pesara. The peasantry took up arms, even the women, to defend their country. However, the runaways are not only collected, but advanced to Arcoti; which they took from the French, cutting open the gates with hatchets. It is said, they have got a good general; Cetto, a Neapolitan prince; and, I hope, will be ashamed of their former conduct. General Micheux is bringing a prisoner to Naples. This failure has thrown Mack backward. It is the intention of that general to surround Civita Castellana. Chevalier Saxe advanced th Viterbi; General Metch to Fermi; and Mack, with the main body, finding his communication not open with Fermi, retreated towards Castellana. In his route, he was attacked from an entrenchment of the enemy, which it was necessary to carry. Finding his troops backward, he dismounted, and attempted to rally them: but they left their general, and basely fled. The natural consequence was, he was sorely wounded; but saved by some gallant cavalry, and carried off by the bravery of a coachman: and is safe, poor fellow, at Rome; and, hopes are entertained of his recovery. The fugitives are fled to Rome, fancying the French at their heels; who never moved from their entrenchment, which was carried by another party of troops, under General Dumas. It is reported, that the king has stripped the Prince di Tarante, Duc di Tranoulle, of his uniform, and disgraced him. He commanded under Saxe; and fled, among the first, to Rome. It is for the traitorous and cowardly conduct of these scoundrels, that the great queen is miserable, knowing not whom to trust. The French minister, and his legation, went off by sea yesterday."

On the 14th, the King of Naples returned home; and notice was immediately given, by Lord Nelson, through the medium of Sir William Hamilton, with as much secrecy as circumstances would admit, that three English transports, then in the Bay of Naples, had directions to receive on board such valuable effects as could be stowed in them, from British merchants, and other residents, and that the whole squadron would be ready to receive their persons, should such a measure be found necessary, in consequence of the kingdom's being invaded by a formidable French army. The Marquis De Niza, at the same time, was desired, by his lordship, to spare a number of Portuguese officers and seamen, for the purpose of assisting to fit some of the Neapolitan ships for sea. He wrote, also, to Captain Ball, at Malta, for the Goliath, Captain Foley, to be sent immediately; and to Captain Troubridge, at Leghorn, whom he desired to join him without one moment's loss of time; leaving the Terpsichore in Leghorn Roads, to bring off the Grand Duke, should such an event be necessary. "The King," writes he, "is returned home, and every thing is as bad as possible. For God's sake, make haste. Approach the place with caution. Messina, probably, I shall be found at; but you can enquire, at the Lipari Islands, if we are at Palermo. Caution Gage to act with secrecy; and desire him to write to Windham, and give him those instructions which may be necessary, at this time, for his guarded conduct and secrecy."

It had, at this time, been fully resolved, that the King, Queen, and Royal Family, of Naples, should embark, with all their richest moveable effects, on board Lord Nelson's ship, for Sicily. In the mean while, it was necessary to conceal such an intention from the Neapolitans in general; who would, probably, never have consented to their departure. Most of the nobility, who were disaffected, and of the common people, who were loyal, it was not doubted, would object, for different reasons, to a measure which they must behold in different points of view, and consequently both conspire to defeat: while, by the dangerous collision, a spark might be struck on materials of so inflammable a nature as the rude populace, and particularly of a populace so very rude as the Lazzaroni of Naples; which, suddenly blazing forth into a devouring flame, might fatally involve the whole royal family, and their most faithful and friendly adherents, and render them the unfortunate victims of the cruel and destructive conflagration.

It was, therefore, at the extreme hazard of their lives, that Lord Nelson, with Sir William and Lady Hamilton, for several days preceding the meditated departure, took in charge the various articles secretly conveyed from the palace, and concerted the different operations necessary for effecting the escape of the royal family without discovery or suspicion. Every day, Lady Hamilton assisted and advised with the King and Queen of Naples, and their jewels, cloaths, &c. were conveyed in boxes, during the night. Neither Sir William Hamilton, nor Lord Nelson, for several days, judged it safe to appear publicly at the palace; but his lordship secretly accompanied Lady Hamilton, one evening, for the purpose of exploring a subterraneous passage leading from the queen's bedchamber to the sea, by which it was agreed that they should get off; and settled every preliminary preparation with the few loyal nobility in whom the royal family could confide. Great anxiety was expressed for the cardinals, and other members of the Romish church, who had taken refuge, in Naples, from French persecution, and might now be expected to fall the first victims of their cruelty; but Lord Nelson desired they might be humanely informed that, on coming in boats alongside any of his ships, and displaying their red stockings, they should be instantly received on board.

In the midst of this important business, his lordship had written, on the 18th, the following very concise epistle to Earl Spencer.

Naples, Dec. 18, 1798.

"MY DEAR LORD,

"There is an old saying--that, when things are at the worst, they
must mend." Now, the mind of man cannot fancy things worse than
they are here. But, thank God, my health is better; my mind never
firmer; and my heart in the right trim, to comfort, relieve, and
protect, those who it is my duty to afford assistance to. Pray, my
lord, assure our gracious sovereign--that, whilst I live, I will
support his glory; and that, if I fall, it shall be in a manner
worthy of your lordship's faithful and obliged

"Nelson."

"I must not write more. Every word may be a text for a long
letter."

In spite of every precaution, however, an idea of what was going forward, seems to have prevailed among the people; and, on the 20th, riotous proceedings began to take place, and some murders were committed, which filled the royal family, and their loyal adherents, with new alarms. This was a most critical period for our hero, and Sir William and Lady Hamilton, who would certainly have been sacrificed to the fury of the populace, had a full discovery been then made of the important parts they were acting. Nothing, however, could deter these firm friends from continuing to assist the royal family in escaping from the perils by which they were so cruelly surrounded: and, at night, they were got off, by his lordship, through the subterraneous passage; and conveyed, in barges, amidst a most tremendous sea, on board the Vanguard, where they safely arrived about ten o'clock. Among this unfortunate royal family, thus constrained to quit their kingdom, under protection of the British flag, was the amiable Princess Royal, and with her infant of only a month old. They sailed, on the 23d, at night; and, in addition to their misfortunes, a more furious tempest the next day arose than Lord Nelson had ever before witnessed. It was borne, however, by the royal sufferers, with all the magnanimity which can distinguish minds worthy of majesty. Scarcely had the storm subsided, when their estimable hearts were subjected to a still more severe trial: for, next morning, being Christmas-day, their third son, Prince Albert, seven years of age, was suddenly taken ill; and, at six o'clock in the evening, died in Lady Hamilton's arms. This was an affliction too poignant for nature to be defeated of her tribute; and the unhappy pair were overwhelmed, on the melancholy occasion, with a grief which adorned their illustrious character, and communicated even to the most heroic of their friends. At ten o'clock, they entered the Bay of Palermo; and, at midnight, the viceroy and nobility arrived on board, and informed the royal mourners that all their Sicilian subjects were ready to receive their majesties with joy.

The following most interesting letter, written by Lord Nelson to the Earl of St. Vincent, the third day after their arrival, contains a valuable narrative of the various proceedings by which this important business was preceded, and at length thus successfully accomplished.

"Palermo, Dec. 28, 1798.

"MY LORD,

"On the 22d, I wrote a line to Commodore Duckworth, telling him
that the Royal Family of the Two Sicilies were safely embarked on
board the Vanguard; and requested him to take the first opportunity
of acquainting your lordship of this event. For many days previous
to the embarkation, it was not difficult to foresee that such a
thing might happen. I, therefore, sent for the Goliath, from off
Malta; and for Captain Troubridge in the Culloden, and his squadron
from the north and west coast of Italy: the Vanguard being the only
ship in Naples Bay. On the 14th, the Marquis De Niza, with three of
the Portuguese squadron, arrived from Leghorn; as did Captain Hope,
in the Alcmene, from Egypt. From this time, the danger for the
personal safety of their Sicilian Majesties was daily increasing;
and new treasons were found out, even to the minister at war. The
whole correspondence relative to this important business was
carried on, with the greatest address, by Lady Hamilton and the
queen; who, being constantly in the habits of correspondence, no
one could suspect. It would have been highly imprudent, either in
Sir William Hamilton or myself, to have gone to court; as we knew
that all our movements were watched, and that even an idea was
entertained, by the Jacobins, of arresting our persons, as a
hostage--as they foolishly imagined--against the attack of Naples,
should the French get possession of it. Lady Hamilton, from this
time, to the 21st, every night received the jewels of the royal
family, &c. &c. &c. and such cloaths as might be necessary for the
very large party to embark; to the amount, I am confident, of full
two millions five hundred thousand pounds sterling. On the 18th,
General Mack wrote, that he had no prospect of stopping the
progress of the French; and intreated their majesties to think of
retreating from Naples, with their august family, as expeditiously
as possible. All the Neapolitan navy were now taken out of the
mole, consisting of three sail of the line and three frigates. The
seamen, from the two sail of the line in the bay, left their ships,
and went on shore; and a party of English seamen, with officers,
were sent from the Vanguard, to assist in navigating them to a
place of safety. From the 18th, various plans were formed for the
removal of the royal family from the palace to the water-side. On
the 19th, I received a note from General Acton; saying, that the
king approved of my plan for their embarkation. This day, and the
20th, and 21st, very large assemblies of the people were in
commotion; several people were killed, and one was dragged by the
legs to the palace. The mob, by the 20th, were very unruly, and
insisted that the royal family should not leave Naples. However,
they were pacified by the king and queen's speaking to them. On the
21st, at half past eight, three barges, with myself and Captain
Hope, landed in a corner of the arsenal. I went into the palace,
and brought out the whole royal family; put them in the boats; and,
at half past nine, they were all safely on board the Vanguard: when
I gave immediate notice to all British merchants, that their
persons would be received on board every and any ship in the
squadron, their effects of value being before embarked; and I had
directed that all the condemned provisions should be thrown
overboard, in order to make room for their effects. Sir William
Hamilton had also directed two vessels to be hired for the
accommodation of the French emigrants, and provisions were supplied
from our victuallers. In short, every thing had been done for the
comfort of all persons embarked. I did not forget, in these
important moments, that it was my duty not to leave the chance of
any ships of war falling into the hands of the French; therefore,
every preparation was made for burning them, before I sailed. But
the reasons given me by their Sicilian majesties, induced me not to
burn them till the last moment. I, therefore, directed the Marquis
De Niza to remove all the Neapolitan ships outside the squadron
under his command; and, if it were possible, to equip some of them
with jury-masts, and send them to Messina: and, whenever the French
advanced near Naples, or the people revolted against their
legitimate government, then immediately to destroy the ships of
war, and to join me at Palermo; leaving one or two ships to cruise
between Capri and Ischia, in order to prevent the entrance of any
English ships into the Bay of Naples. On the 23d, at seven in the
evening, the Vanguard, Samnite, and Archimedes, with about twenty
sail of vessels, left the Bay of Naples, The next day, it blew much
harder than I ever experienced since I have been at sea. Your
lordship will believe, that my anxiety was not lessened by the
great charge that was with me; but, not a word of uneasiness
escaped the lips of any of the royal family. On the 25th, at nine
in the morning, Prince Albeit, their majesty's youngest child,
having eat a hearty breakfast, was taken ill; and, at seven in the
evening, died in the arms of Lady Hamilton! And here it is my duty
to tell your lordship, the obligations which the whole royal
family, as well as myself, are under, on this trying occasion, to
her ladyship. They necessarily came on board without a bed, nor
could the smallest preparation be made for their reception. Lady
Hamilton provided her own beds, linen, &c. and became their slave;
for, except one man, no person belonging to royalty assisted the
royal family. Nor did her ladyship enter a bed the whole time they
were on board. Good Sir William, also, made every sacrifice for the
comfort of the august family embarked with him. I must not omit to
state, the kindness of Captain Hardy, and every officer in the
Vanguard; all of whom readily gave their beds for the convenience
of the numerous persons attending the royal family. At three in the
afternoon, being in sight of Palermo, his Sicilian majesty's royal
standard was hoisted at the main top-gallant mast-head of the
Vanguard: which was kept flying there, till his majesty got into
the Vanguard's barge; when it was struck in the ship, and hoisted
in the barge, and every proper honour paid to it from the ship. As
soon as his majesty set his foot on shore, it was struck from the
barge. The Vanguard anchored at two in the morning of the 26th. At
five, I attended her majesty, and all the princesses, on shore: her
majesty being so much affected, by the death of Prince Albert, that
she could not bear to go on shore in a public manner. At nine, his
majesty went on shore; and was received with the loudest
acclamations and apparent joy. I have the honour to be, with the
greatest respect, your lordship's most obedient humble servant,

"Nelson."
Earl of St. Vincent."

It has been said, that the King of Naples had not, without much difficulty, been induced to quit the seat of his government. Doubtless, as will ever be the case, where various powerful parties unhappily divide a country, each chiefly regardful of it's own particular interest, the leaders of the several factions would struggle, by all imaginable stratagems, to draw into their own vortex the sovereign on whose debasement they could alone hope to erect any satisfactory individual exaltation. The King of Naples, though a man of excellent dispositions, and neither defective in valour nor in wisdom, might possibly have fallen a prey to some of the numerous deceptive artifices which originated in these causes, if the admirable political sagacity of his vigilant and august consort, the worthy daughter of Maria Theresa, aided by the keen council of our immortal Nelson, and the penetrative wisdom and address of the British minister and his accomplished lady, had not preserved his Sicilian, majesty's unsuspecting mind from the ruinous effects of such, destructive machinations. Nothing can possibly be more obvious, than that the advice of these friendly fellow-sufferers must necessarily have been sincere; and, if the king really did hesitate, before he embraced a design which nothing but necessity could justify, it must only be ascribed to that ardent desire of constantly doing what is right, which finally induced his majesty to adopt the proposed salutary measure. The king, however, had by no means abandoned his loyal Neapolitan subjects, in thus guarding against the treasons of the disloyal; that would not have been a measure for our exalted hero or his estimable friends ever to have advised, or either of their Sicilian majesties to have adopted. On the contrary, Prince Pignatelli had been previously created a viceroy; a grand, police guard established, to preserve the tranquillity of the city during his majesty's absence, commanded by officers selected equally from the respective classes of the nobility and private citizens; and large sums of money, with a prodigious number of arms, freely distributed among the Lazzaroni, to preserve all the advantages of their accustomed ardent zeal and loyal attachment. It was, therefore, in fact, only a temporary removal of the court of the King of the Two Sicilies, from his capital of Naples, in one grand division of his dominions, at a most critical period, to that of Palermo, in the other. In short, the prudence of the precaution soon manifested itself by the event; and the noble part which our immortal hero so successfully performed, by his consummate wisdom, on the important occasion, liberally interwove, with the civic laurels of Italy, the honoured wreath of naval glory, which had been recently and universally yielded to his invincible valour on the banks of the Nile.

END OF VOLUME THE FIRST.

--------------- Printed by Stanhope and Tilling, Ranelagh