Chapter IX (4)

"I most sincerely congratulate your lordship on the capture of Le
Guillaume Tell, the thirteenth and last of the line of battle ships
of the famous Egyptian squadron. I would have given one thousand
guineas your health had permitted your being in the Foudroyant. I
hear Le Guillaume Tell is dismasted, and Foudroyant little better.
I have sent three top-masts, spare-sails, lower and top-gallant
caps, spars, &c. to refit, and make jury-masts. As I do not feel
authorized to send any of these prisoners away until I hear from
your lordship, I have sent two transports to take them in. The
Maltese seamen I shall divide; the miserable wretches that Vaubois
was sending away as lumber, I mean to _return to him_, in his own
way--put them on the glacis, and fire on them if they attempt to
come away. I really think, the officers should not be permitted to
go to France for some time. Their business was, to have returned
with men and provisions. Suppose we could get them to Mahon, with
orders to carry them to England in the convoy. As I shall see your
lordship here soon, you can settle that then. The French wounded, I
have ordered to be landed at Syracuse. If the Foudroyant is not
ready, or in a state to fetch your lordship, what are your wishes?
The other three ships are preparing to sail from Valette the first
wind. Northumberland goes out, with my men, to-day. If the
Foudroyant had not come as she did, Le Guillaume Tell would have
beat all we had. The Penelope is the only effective ship; if she
goes, we shall be badly off. Much credit is due to Captains
Blackwood and Long; the latter, I beg your lordship to recommend to
the commander in chief. Every thing shall be done, in my power. If
the ships were here, I could soon refit them. My people begin to
droop, from hard work; the prize still sticks to us. I long to get
Diana and Justice to compleat the gang. In my former letter, I
acquainted your lordship, that I every night placed a lieutenant,
and three trusty men, with a night-glass, in a house close to the
enemy's works, to watch the ships. The signals from them apprized
the ships she was moving; and answered, fully, my expectations.
Rely on all and every exertion in my power. I am so busy, I have
not time to write you more at present. I have the honour to be, my
lord, your lordship's most obedient humble servant,

"T. Troubridge."

"Right Hon. Lord Nelson, K.B. &c."

The following is Captain Dixon's official account of the action, transmitted to Sir Thomas Troubridge; and, as it contains much fuller particulars than his hasty private letter, which had been inclosed to Lord Nelson, it is here inserted instead of that communication.

"Lion, at Sea, off Cape Passaro,
31st March 1800.

"SIR,

"I have the honour to inform you that, yesterday morning, at nine
o'clock, Cape Passaro bearing north half east, distant seven
leagues, the French ship of war Le Guillaume Tell, of eighty-six
guns, and one thousand men, bearing the flag of Contre-Admiral
Decres, surrendered, after a most gallant and obstinate defence of
three hours and a half, to his majesty's ships Foudroyant, Lion,
and Penelope. To declare the particulars of this very important
capture, I have to inform you, that the signal rockets and
cannonading from our batteries at Malta, the midnight preceding,
with the favourable strong southerly gale, together with the
darkness which succeeded the setting of the moon, convinced me the
enemy's ships of war were attempting to effect an escape: and which
was immediately ascertained, by that judicious and truly valuable
officer, Captain Blackwood of the Penelope; who had been stationed,
a few hours before, between the Lion and Valette, for the purpose
of observing closely the motions of the enemy. Nearly at midnight,
an enemy's ship was descried by him; when the Minorca was sent to
inform me of it, giving chase himself, and apprizing me, by signal,
that the strange ships seen were hauled to the wind on the
starboard tack. I lost not one moment, in making the signal for the
squadron to cut, or slip; and directed Captain Miller of the
Minorca, to run down to the Foudroyant and Alexander with the
intelligence, and to repeat the signal. Under a press of canvass, I
chased until five in the morning, solely guided by the cannonading
of the Penelope; and, as a direction to the squadron, a rocket and
blue light were shewn every half hour from the Lion. As the day
broke, I found myself in gun-shot of the chase; and the Penelope,
within musket-shot, raking her; the effects of whose well-directed
fire, during the night, had shot away the main and mizen top-masts
and main-yard. The enemy appeared in great confusion, being reduced
to his head-sails, going with the wind on the quarter. The Lion was
run close along-side, the yard-arms of both ships being just clear,
when a destructive broadside, of three round shot in each gun, was
poured in, luffing up across the bow, when the enemy's jib-boom
passed between the main and mizen shrouds. After a short interval,
I had the pleasure to see the boom carried away, and the ships
disentangled; maintaining a position across the bow, and firing to
great advantage. I was not the least solicitous, either to board or
to be boarded: as the enemy appeared of immense bulk, and full of
men, keeping up a prodigious fire of musketry; which, with the
bow-chasers, she could, for a long time, only use. I found it
absolutely necessary, if possible, to keep from the broadside of
this ship. After being engaged about forty minutes, the Foudroyant
was seen under a press of canvass; and soon passed, hailing the
enemy to strike: which being declined, a very heavy fire, from both
ships, broadside to broadside, was most gallantly maintained, the
Lion and Penelope being frequently in situations to do great
execution. In short, Sir, after an action, the hottest that
probably was ever maintained by an enemy's; ship, opposed to those
of his majesty, and being totally dismasted, the French admiral's
flag and colours were struck. I have not language to express the
high sense of obligation which I feel myself under to Captain
Blackwood, for his prompt and able conduct, in leading the line of
battle ships to the enemy, for the gallantry and spirit so highly
conspicuous in him, and for his admirable management of the
frigate. To your discriminating judgment, it is unnecessary to
remark, of what real value and importance such an officer must ever
be considered to his majesty's service. The termination of the
battle must be attributed to the spirited fire of the Foudroyant;
whose Captain, Sir Edward Berry, has justly added another laurel to
the many he has gathered during the war. Captain Blackwood speaks
in very high terms of the active and gallant conduct of Captain
Long of the Vincejo, during the night; and I beg to mention the
services of Captains Broughton and Miller. The crippled condition
of the Lion and Foudroyant, made it necessary for me to direct
Captain Blackwood to take possession of the enemy, take him in tow,
and proceed to Syracuse. I received the greatest possible
assistance from Lieutenant Joseph Paty, senior officer of the
Lion; and from Mr. Spence, the master: who, together with the other
officers, and ship's company, shewed the most determined gallantry.
Captains Sir Edward Berry and Blackwood have reported to me the
same gallant and animated behaviour in the officers and crews of
their respective ships. I am sorry to say, that the three ships
have suffered much in killed and wounded; and the loss of the enemy
is prodigious, being upwards of two hundred. I refer you to the
inclosed reports for farther particulars as to the state of his
majesty's ships, and have the honour to remain, Sir, your's most
truly,

Manly Dixon.

P.S. The Guillaume Tell is of the largest dimensions, and carries
thirty-six pounders on the lower gun-deck, twenty-four pounders on
the main-deck, twelve pounders on the quarter-deck, and thirty-two
carronades on the poop."

Sir Thomas Troubridge."

Copious as the above account of this action may seem, the following affectionate letter of Sir Edward Berry, to Lord Nelson, relates so many interesting particulars of the contest, not elsewhere mentioned, and is so characteristically amiable, that it would be unpardonable to omit such a valuable document.

"Foudroyant, at Sea,
Cape Passaro North by East Eight or Nine Leagues.
30th March 1800.

"MY VERY DEAR LORD,

"Had you been a partaker with me of the glory, every wish
would have been gratified. How very often I went into your cabin,
last night, to ask you if we were doing right; for, I had nothing
to act upon! I thought one ship had got out of La Valette, but I
did not know which. The Minorca hailed me, after I had slipped; and
said, Captain Blackwood _believed_ an enemy's ship had passed on
the starboard tack. The wind was south. I came aft, and considered
for two minutes; which determined me to stand on the starboard
tack, one point free. This was at three quarters past twelve. After
hearing guns on shore, and seeing rockets thrown up, the night
remarkably dark, could just carry single reefed topsails,
top-gallant sails, gib, and maintopmast staysails. At one, heard
guns to the eastward, saw false fires; then, some rockets. Put the
helm up; brought those rockets, and false fires, to bear two points
on the weather-bow; could then carry royal and top-gallant
stay-sails, and reefed fore top-mast studding-sail. Got her to go
ten and a half and eleven knots occasionally. Every now and then,
saw the flashes of guns; kept steering a steady course, east
north-east; set the lower studding-sail occasionally: frequently
obliged to take in the royal and top-gallant stay-sails. We gained
rapidly on the firing and rockets. Were convinced, at three
o'clock, there was a running fight, of some sort. Thought it never
would be day-light. Praying, earnestly, for you to fly on board. At
last, day-light came. Saw a ship, firing into a ship with the main
and mizen-topmast gone; and a ship going athwart her, firing. She
wore, and the Lion was to leeward. At this time, her running
rigging much cut, and appeared very ungovernable; firing,
occasionally, at the William Tell; which I was surprised to see was
not returned by the enemy, as they were within gun-shot. But it was
not long, ere I had good reason to know that a most tremendous
broadside was reserved for me. Began to shorten sail, hauled the
main-sail up, and had every gun loaded with three round shot. She
was on the larboard, I on the starboard, tack; I, therefore,
steered as if meaning to go to windward of her: but, determined to
go close to leeward, kept the weather leeches of the main and mizen
topsail lifting; and, at six, backed the main topsail, running as
close as possible, to avoid touching. I went on the gangway, and
desired the French admiral, who I distinctly saw, to strike; which
he answered, by brandishing his sword, and firing a musket at me;
and fired a most tremendous broadside in, of round, grape,
musketry, and langridge. The good effects of being so close, was
manifest. It was only our sails and rigging that suffered
considerably, as not one running rope was left. But, if what we
received was tremendous, our return was furious; and not to be
stood against, but by determined veterans. The obvious effects,
silenced his musketry; but not the great guns: though we could
distinctly hear the shot crash through and through her, and the
mainmast began to totter. Fortunately, I kept way on the
Foudroyant: and was, though with infinite difficulty, able to wear,
and give him as compleat a dose from the larboard as we had done
from the starboard side; and, down came his mainmast. The action
then continued, with great obstinacy. A man, in the heat of the
fire, nailed the French ensign on the stump of the mainmast. By
this time, our fore topmast was over the side, main topsail down,
yard shot away, mizen top-gallant mast and main-sail--indeed, every
sail--in tatters. The enemy's mizen-mast was gone; which enabled
him to wear, and draw ahead of us. His men were on deck, very
active in clearing away the wreck, regardless of the fire; and they
fixed a small French admiral's flag on the stump of the mizen mast,
over another ensign nailed there, which seemed to bid defiance to
us. At half past seven we had separated a little, our head to his
stern. The Lion gave him many broadsides; but he preferred firing
at us, when a gun would bear. I threw out the Penelope's pendants,
who had just raked the enemy, and got her within hail; and begged
that Blackwood would take me in tow, and get me once more close
along-side the William Tell: which he was in the act of
performing--for, when I watched a favourable moment to call the
people from the main-deck guns, and filled the main-sail, and
secured the mizen-mast; and, with a few rugs forward (the
sprit-sail yard, jib-boom, &c. being all shot away) got her before
the wind, and had the happiness to get once more close along-side
of her, the action then began again, with more obstinacy than
before. Our guns were admirably well served, and well directed,
crashing through and through her. At eight, I began to think they
were _determined_ to sink, rather than surrender; as she began to
settle in the water, till her fore-mast went over the side: when,
in a few minutes after, the gallant Decres struck, having four
hundred killed and wounded--so the prisoners report. I felt my
heart expand, when I took this brave man by the hand; happy to
find, he had survived so much honour. When you consider the
superiority of three ships--the Lion, Foudroyant, Penelope, and the
two brigs in company with the Strombolo; though the latter, of
course, did not act, but it carried the appearance of numbers: on
the other hand, the Lion was nothing to her, only three hundred
men; but that, the French admiral did not know. In short, it seems
as if he considered us his only _match_; and the happiness I have
experienced, in proving it, on this occasion, is a circumstance
that you, my friend, can participate in. They are feelings that are
familiar to you; I, happily, caught them from your lordship: and
let me beg of you, on this occasion, to accept my tribute of
gratitude. It is to you, I owe my success; and, by a strict
observance of your order, I arrived exactly in time. I sent
Lieutenant Bolton to take possession of the prize; but, as I had
great difficulty in floating one boat, Captain Blackwood's officer
got there before him. The admiral, of course, he carried to the
Lion, being the commodore; but, I hope, our officers will get
promoted for it. You will see, the letter I have written you on the
subject, is with a view of your inclosing it to Lord Spencer, if
you approve of it. You know how to distribute my best wishes and
regards to all your party; and that I am, my very dear lord, your
affectionate, and faithful,

"E. Berry.

"No accident by powder, but one bad cartridge, which did not
communicate with any other. Performed divine service, at two, and
returned thanks to Almighty God for the victory. I only write about
this ship; having nothing to say officially, from our idea it would
be wrong."

On the 8th, Lord Nelson wrote, officially, to Lord Keith, the following letter, relative to this happy event.

"Palermo, 8th April 1800.

"MY LORD,

"I have the happiness to send you a copy of Captain Dixon's letter
to Commodore Sir Thomas Troubridge, informing him of the capture of
the William Tell. The circumstances attending this glorious finish
to the whole French Mediterranean fleet, are such as must ever
reflect the highest honour to all concerned in it. The attention of
the commodore, in placing officers and men to attend the movements
of the French ships, and the exactness with which his orders were
executed, are a proof that the same vigour of mind remains,
although the body, I am truly sorry to say, is almost worn away.
Then come the alacrity of the Vincejo, Captain Long, and other
sloops of war. The gallantry and excellent management of Captain
Blackwood, of the Penelope frigate: who, by carrying away the
enemy's main and mizen topmasts, enabled the Lion to get up; when
Captain Dixon shewed the greatest courage, and officer-like
conduct, in placing his ship on the enemy's bow, as she had only
three hundred men on board, and the enemy one thousand two hundred
and twenty. The conduct of these excellent officers enabled Sir
Edward Berry to place the Foudroyant where she ought, and is the
fittest ship in the world, to be--close along-side the William
Tell; one of the largest and finest two-decked ships in the world:
where he shewed that matchless intrepidity, and able conduct, as a
seaman and officer, which I have often had the happiness to
experience, in many trying situations. I thank God, I was not
present; for it would finish me, could I have taken a sprig of
these brave men's laurels. They are, and I glory in them, my
darling children; served in my school; and all of us caught our
professional zeal and fire, from the great and good Earl of St.
Vincent!

"I am confident, your lordship will bestow the promotion in the
properest manner; therefore, I have done nothing in that respect:
and, on this occasion, I only beg leave to mention, that Governor
Ball would be much flattered by the command of the William Tell;
and Captain Ormsby, a volunteer in the Penelope, would be happy in
filling her for him, during his very necessary attendance at Malta;
and, in complying with their request, your lordship will highly
oblige your most obedient servant,

"Bronte Nelson of the Nile.

"Right Honourable Lord Keith, K.B. &c."

His lordship also wrote, this day, to Earl Spencer, the following very feeling letter.

"Palermo, 8th April 1800.

"MY DEAR LORD,

"I send you Sir Edward Berry's letter, and am sure your lordship
will not be sparing of promotion to the deserving. My friends
wished me to be present. I have no such wish; for a something might
have been given me, which now cannot. Not for all the world, would
I rob any man of a sprig of laurel; much less, my children of the
Foudroyant! I love her, as a fond father a darling child, and glory
in her deeds. I am vain enough to feel the effects of my school.
Lord Keith sending me nothing, I have not, of course, a free
communication. I have wrote to him, for permission to return to
England, when you will see a brokenhearted man! My spirit cannot
submit, patiently. My complaint, which is principally a swelling of
the heart, is at times alarming to my friends; but not to, my dear
lord, your obliged and faithful

Bronte Nelson of the Nile.

"If I may again say it--what would I feel, if my brother was a
commissioner of the navy; for ever, grateful!"

"Earl Spencer."

The effect of this agreeable event on Lord Nelson's spirits, had it been followed by other pleasing circumstances, might possibly have recruited his lordship's health; but a long succession of felicity, was what he never on earth enjoyed. In a few days, without any previous notice, his friend Sir William Hamilton was suddenly superseded by the arrival of Mr. Arthur Paget, as himself had recently been by Lord Keith. This circumstance effectually determined him immediately to quit the station. Resolved not to begin either with new men, or new measures, Mr. Paget had no sooner delivered his credentials, than his lordship, though still much indisposed, immediately sailed for Malta; with hopes of getting that business also brought to a conclusion before his return home. Sir William and Lady Hamilton accompanied his lordship on this occasion; having agreed, that they would afterwards proceed to England together. The Queen of Naples, it may be presumed, was greatly affected at thus beholding the cherished friends of herself, her family, and country, suddenly torn away from situations which they had filled with so much honour to themselves, and with such advantage to the interests of the two allied sovereigns. Nor could the good sense of the king fail to feel some apprehensions, that a change might prove for the worst, which was not possible to be for the better; though his envious ministers are supposed to have inspired him with flattering hopes, which he was never afterwards happy enough to see realized. Her majesty, indeed, felt such alarm, even for the safety of the country, under any other protectors than those whose abilities, zeal, and fidelity, had been so long and so beneficially experienced, that she determined to take her three daughters, with her son Prince Leopold, to their sister, the empress, at Vienna; and, accordingly, while her estimable friends were gone to Malta, the queen was making preparations for accompanying them, in their way to England, as far as that imperial city.

At the time of Lord Nelson's first conveying the King and Queen of Naples to Palermo, three Spanish ships had taken refuge in that port; two of them most immensely rich, being laden with quicksilver for the use of the South American mines, and the third a man of war to protect them. There, however, from the period of his lordship's arrival, they had continued snugly to remain; appearing rather disposed to rot in the mole, than venture out to sea with a certainty of being captured. The Spanish commander was no stranger to Lord Nelson's circumspection; who, it will be readily imagined, was often observed to cast a longing eye on such desirable booty: and his lordship's good-humoured remarks on the excessive politeness of the fearful Spaniard, whenever they met, were highly diverting to his friends. About the 20th of April, however, just before his lordship sailed for Palermo, some strong indications had been manifested, of a design in these ships to attempt getting off. He had, therefore, instantly, sent judicious instructions for intercepting them to the squadron at Minorca, as well as ordered express-boats on the spot to be sent in all directions with the necessary information for their being pursued, and had consequently little doubt that they must be immediately captured, should they happily venture to depart.

Lord Nelson, and his friends, on arriving at Malta, were received with the most rapturous joy. The flag of Le Guillaume Tell was presented to his lordship, by the gallant captors; with a kindly affectionate address, on thus delivering the trophy which marked the completion of his glorious triumph over every French ship which had been encountered at the battle off the Nile: and the grand illuminations which took place, on visiting Governor Ball's villa at St. Antonia, where his lordship and friends remained two days, so greatly alarmed the French, who were unable to penetrate the cause, that they attempted to make a sortie, but were instantly driven back.

About the 8th of May, amidst these pleasing attentions of his gallant brethren in arms, and the grateful inhabitants who owed so much to his lordship's protecting influence, he received letters from England which filled him with extreme concern. He learned, by these, that his noble friend, the Earl of St. Vincent--who had accepted a challenge sent by Sir John Orde, immediately after his return home, for having appointed his lordship, instead of himself, the senior officer, to the command of the squadron which had so successfully destroyed the French fleet; an intended duel, happily prevented by the interposition of the law, and the still stronger efficacy, it is said, of a positive royal injunction--now made a claim to prize-money, as commander in chief, after having quitted the Mediterranean station on account of ill health. His lordship, who always felt warmly, vehemently protested against the admission of this claim, in a powerful protest, addressed to his confidential friend, Mr. Davison. It is to be lamented that this unfortunate affair, which was afterwards litigated, and finally decided against the earl, should have in any degree abated that ardent friendship which had, so much to their reciprocal honour and advantage, as well as to the benefit and glory of their country, heretofore subsisted between the two first naval heroes in the world!

Information, it appears, had reached Lord Keith, so long since as the beginning of April, respecting the intention of these Spanish ships at Palermo: for Lord Nelson, in a letter dated on board the Foudroyant, at Malta, 10th May 1800, observes that he has received his lordship's intelligence from Mahon, of the 3d of April, on that subject, which is perfectly correct; and had already ordered that, in case of their preparing to leave the port, express-boats should be sent in all directions with the necessary information for their being pursued, as well as written to Mahon on the occasion. These ships, however, it may be proper here to remark, though they could not elude the vigilance of Lord Nelson, who had narrowly watched them for upwards of seventeen months, certainly effected their escape from Palermo, very shortly after his departure; and, to his lordship's infinite mortification and regret, arrived safely in Spain, long before he reached England.

After remaining about a month at Malta, and being fully convinced, from the arrangements then made, that it must soon fall, his lordship returned to Palermo; as, notwithstanding his earnest wishes for the possession of that important island, he did not chuse to be present at the time of it's actual surrender, lest his friend Ball should thus lose the chief honour of the conquest. Besides concerting plans for the speedy reduction of this island, his lordship, during his stay there, was busily engaged in politely closing his numerous public correspondences with the allied powers, the Barbary states, and the respective British envoys, &c. at the various courts.

On arriving at Palermo, the latter end of May, every preparation was made, by his lordship, and Sir William and Lady Hamilton, for immediately going to England. One of the chief objects of his lordship's attention, had been to promote, by all possible means, the general and individual prosperity of Bronte; by enriching the country with the improvements of agriculture, and preserving the people from oppression. He selected, with this view, a governor, of unimpeachable honour, and of uncommon abilities in directing agricultural operations. The name of this gentleman was Graffer; and he had, already, for some time, acted in that capacity, highly to the satisfaction of his lordship. The following letter to Sir John Acton, occasioned by some interesting communications from Mr. Graffer, not only affords a satisfactory proof of that gentleman's integrity, but a fine picture of his lordship's ever anxious regard to the comfort of those who had claims on his powerful and benign protection.

"Palermo, 2d June 1800.

"SIR,

My object, at Bronte, is to make the people happy, by not suffering
them to be oppressed; and to enrich the country, by the
improvements of agriculture. For these reasons, I selected Mr.
Graffer, as a proper person for governor; as his character for
honesty is unimpeachable, and his abilities as an agriculturist
undeniable: and yet, it would appear, that there are persons who
wish, for certain reasons, to lessen the king's most magnificent
gift to me; and, also, to make the inhabitants of that country more
miserable than they were before the estate came into my possession.
Several people who have hired farms, on the contract of not letting
them to what we in England call middle-men, have already done so;
and I am told, that I either have been, or am to be, induced to
consent that a superior, or rather that all Bronte causes, should
be tried at Palermo. Now, as this is a measure so repugnant to
justice, and which must heap ruin on those it is my wish to render
happy, I intreat that, except such causes as the present laws of
Sicily oblige to resort to some superior court, it may never be
imagined that I will consent to do an unjust act. It is possible,
from my not reading Italian, that I may sign a very improper
paper--(which God forbid!)--if men in whom I place confidence lay
it before me for my signature. In his majesty's most gracious gift
of Bronte, has been omitted the word Fragilé a farm belonging to
me. The reasons of this omission are, I fear, too clear; and, at a
future day, I may lose it, and his majesty not retain it. These
are, in brief, the letters of Mr. Graffer. I have, therefore, by
his desire, to request his majesty to grant me the following
favours--First, that the farm of Fragilé may be inserted in the
patent; secondly, that a billet-royale may be granted, to annul the
present contract of the feuds of St. Andrea and Porticella. I send
your excellency copies and extracts of Mr. Graffer's letters, which
prove him an honest and upright man. In arranging these matters for
me, it will be an additional obligation conferred upon your
excellency's most obedient and obliged

"Bronte Nelson of the Nile."

These requests were readily granted by his Sicilian Majesty; who had, this morning, transmitted his lordship the statutes of the order of St. Ferdinando, accompanied by such expressions of kindness as made the most sensible impression on his lordship's mind, and filled his heart--to use his own phrase--with affection, pleasure, and gratitude. Under these impressions, our hero was desirous of presenting a gold medal to the king, as a small but sincere testimonial of his esteem and regard; he sent one, therefore, accompanied by the following letter.

Palermo, 2d June 1800.

"SIRE,

"The Almighty, who granted to my legitimate sovereign's arms the
battle of the Nile, impressed your majesty with a favourable
opinion of me; which has led your royal heart to grant me the most
distinguished honours, and a fortune which I never had an idea of
expecting. I presume, therefore, to request that your majesty will
permit to lay on your table a gold medal, highly flattering to your
majesty's devoted and faithful

"Bronte Nelson of the Nile."

"His Sacred Majesty, the King of the Two Sicilies."

His lordship had intended to quit Palermo on the 4th of June; but, owing to disagreeable news from Vienna, respecting the successes of the French, the queen waited a few days longer. On the 8th, however, her majesty, with the three princesses, and Prince Leopold; Sir William and Lady Hamilton; Prince Castelcicala, who was going to England on a special mission; and a numerous train of royal attendants, &c. were embarked on board the Foudroyant and Alexander, which immediately proceeded to Leghorn. After a quick but tempestuous passage, during which his lordship was so extremely ill as to be at one time considered in a very dangerous state, they arrived in Leghorn Roads on Saturday evening, the 14th of June; with so fresh a gale from the west, that the ships had sometimes gone more than eleven miles an hour. The weather continuing bad, they were unable to land till the 16th; when Lord Nelson steered his launch, which conveyed the queen and royal family on shore, where they were received with all possible honours. The Governor of Leghorn first conducted his illustrious guests to the cadethral; and afterwards to the palace, where the queen and royal family took up their temporary residence, while Lord Nelson and his friends were accommodated at the British consul's. Intelligence of the unfortunate defeat of the Austrians having just arrived, the queen was prevented from pursuing her journey by land, as had been originally intended; and Lord Nelson, and his friends Sir William and Lady Hamilton, were pledged not to quit the royal family till they should be in perfect security. The Queen of Naples, on landing safely at Leghorn, presented our hero with a rich picture of the king; at the back of which were the initials of her own name in diamonds, inclosed with branches of oak and laurel intertwining each other, composed of diamonds and emeralds. Sir William Hamilton, at the same time, received the gift of a gold snuff-box, with a picture of the king and queen set round with diamonds; and Lady Hamilton a most superb diamond necklace, with cyphers of all the royal children's names, ornamented by their respective hair: the queen observing, that she considered herself as indebted to her ladyship for the safety of them all, by having been the means of enabling Lord Nelson to fight the glorious battle off the Nile, and thus become their protector. In writing to Sir John Acton, from Leghorn, his lordship says, after mentioning the queen's agitation, on account of the unfavourable news--"Your excellency will assure his majesty, in which join Sir William and Lady Hamilton, that nothing shall make us quit the queen and royal family, until _all is safe_. and their future plans are _perfectly_ and securely settled. On every occasion," adds his lordship, "I only wish for opportunities of proving to their majesties my desire to shew my gratitude for the numerous favours, honours, and magnificent presents, they have heaped upon me." Lord Nelson now first heard of the attempt on our sovereign's life, by Hatfield, the lunatic, who fired a pistol at the king from the pit of Drury Lane Theatre, on the 15th of May 1800. "The Queen of Naples," says his lordship, writing to Lord Keith, on the 18th of June, "waits here, with impatience, news from the armies; for, if the French beat, I have only to return with my sacred charge: but, a very few days must decide the question. What a sad thing," feelingly exclaims our hero, "was the attempt on our good king's life! But, from what I hear, it was not a plan of any Jacobin party, but the affair of a madman."

After remaining about a month at Leghorn, his lordship was called early out of bed, one morning, by a message from the palace, informing him of an insurrection of the people. The French army being then at Lucca, only twenty-four miles distant, the populace had assembled in great force, with arms snatched from the arsenal, and expressed their determination to secure the queen and royal family, for the purpose of detaining Lord Nelson also; as they knew, they said, that he would not depart without her majesty, and they wanted him to lead them against the French, whom they were resolved to attack under the command of the invincible hero. It was with the utmost difficulty, that his lordship, with Sir William and Lady Hamilton, could force their way to the palace, through the assembled multitude; where the queen, and royal offspring, appeared in a balcony, anxious for the approach of their friends and protectors. Lady Hamilton, however, had the address to gain over one of the ringleaders; by assuring him that Lord Nelson was their friend, and wished to deliver his sentiments as soon as he could reach the palace, where the queen waited his arrival. Having, at length, by this man's assistance, penetrated to the balcony of the palace, Lady Hamilton, at the request of Lord Nelson, who was unable to speak the Italian language, addressed the populace in his lordship's name. Her ladyship began, accordingly, by remonstrating on the impropriety of thus violently surrounding an amiable and illustrious queen, and her royal offspring, whose powerful and sovereign protector was in a distant country, with weapons of war in their hands; and positively declared, that his lordship would not hold the smallest communication with them, unless every man demonstrated the rectitude of his intentions, by immediately returning his arms to the public arsenal. This was attended with all the desired effect: the insurgents signified their acquiescence, by repeated shouts of approbation; and instantly proceeded to deposit their arms in the place from whence they had been so indiscreetly taken. The queen, and royal family, in the mean time, being exceedingly terrified, retreated on board the Alexander; from whence they landed in the night, and set off for Florence, distant sixty-two miles, in their way to Ancona. His lordship, and friends, followed next morning; the whole forming a train of fourteen carriages, and three large baggage-waggons.

After remaining two days at Florence, where they also received the most respectful attentions, they proceeded to Ancona, a journey of about four days. Here they continued nearly a fortnight; and then embarked, in two Russian frigates, for Trieste. After a voyage of four or five days, in very boisterous weather, they arrived there on the 1st of August 1800; being the second anniversary of his lordship's glorious victory off the Nile.

At this, as well as every other place, they were received with universal rejoicings, and experienced every mark of honour; but the queen and Sir William Hamilton had both caught violent colds on board the Russian ship, followed by a dangerous degree of fever, which confined them upwards of a fortnight, and considerably alarmed their friends. From Trieste, the queen, immediately on her recovery, departed for Vienna: and Lord Nelson, with Sir William and Lady Hamilton, two days afterwards; accompanied by Mr. Anderson, the British vice-consul, who offered his services in conducting them thither, being perfectly familiar with that particular route, through the provinces of Carniola, Carinthia, Stiria, and into Austria.

His lordship, and friends, having travelled to Vienna, in about a week from the time of leaving Trieste, were privately introduced to their imperial majesties, by the Queen of Naples, who had arrived two days before them. The empress afterwards held a grand circle, to receive her royal mother publicly: when Lord Nelson, and Sir William Hamilton, were also publicly presented by their friend Lord Minto, the British ambassador; and Lady Hamilton, by Lady Minto. On the day after Lord Nelson's arrival, the party having intended to quit Vienna almost immediately, and none of them understanding the German language, Mr. Oliver, an English linguist residing in that city, was engaged by his lordship, to act as confidential secretary and interpreter, and accompany them to England; this gentleman having been long known to Sir William Hamilton, who had many years before recommended him to be employed, occasionally, by the King of Naples, in procuring carriages, horses, curious animals, and various other articles of pleasure and amusement, from London. The very flattering attentions universally paid to Lord Nelson and his friends, added to the slow recovery of Sir William from the consequences of his recent indisposition, and the unwillingness which they all felt to accelerate their affecting separation from the good queen, detained them in the fascinations of this charming city six weeks. So attractive was our hero, wherever he went, that his presence drew all the best company thither: and the proprietors of the several theatres, alarmed at his lordship's confining himself, for a few nights, to one of them in particular, protested all the rest were deserted; and that they should be entirely ruined, unless he kindly condescended to visit them by turns, which he accordingly promised, and faithfully performed. The journey, which had proved too fatiguing for his friend, Sir William Hamilton, seems to have nearly restored our hero to perfect health; who, on his first arrival at Leghorn, had been so extremely indisposed, as to be four days out of seven confined to his bed. In truth, besides the salutary changes of air, in the different climates thus rapidly passed, from the excessive enervating heats and sultry breezes of Italy, to the corroborating cool temperature of the Austrian refreshing gales; his lordship's ever active mind felt now not only delivered from the thraldom of a controuled and perplexed command, but was invigorated by the boundless admiration he beheld, at each stage of his progress, and through every varying country which he travelled, affectionately and respectfully tendered to it's indubitable and transcendent worth: even the barriers, like our turnpikes, were all thrown open on his approach, and the whole company, sanctioned by the hero's presence, permitted gratuitously to pass. Such public testimonies of universal esteem, could not fail to exhilarate his heart, and fortify it against the depressive influence of any deficient kindness where he felt himself still more entitled to receive it. To enumerate all the instances of affectionate respect which his lordship and friends experienced while at Vienna, would be quite an impracticable task. Some of them, however, must by no means be omitted.

The Prince and Princess of Esterhazy invited them to their delightful palace at Eisenstadt, one of the frontier towns of Hungary, about forty miles from Vienna. Here they were entertained, for four days, with the most magnificent and even sovereign state. A hundred grenadiers, none of them under six feet in height, constantly waited at table, where every delicacy was sumptuously served up in profusion: a grand concert, too, was given in the chapel-royal, under the direction of the chief musician, the celebrated Haydn; whose famous piece, called the Creation, was performed on this occasion, in a stile worthy of that admirable composer, and particularly gratifying to those distinguished amateurs of musical science, Sir William Hamilton and his most accomplished lady. The prince and princess had, a few years before, during a residence of several months at Naples, received such polite attentions from, and been so splendidly entertained by, Sir William and his lady, that they repeatedly promised to evince their gratitude, should the opportunity ever offer; which now happily occurred, and was nobly embraced, to the extreme gratification of all parties.

The Archduke Albert, the emperors uncle, formerly Governor of the Low Countries, gave a grand dinner to his lordship and friends, at the Au Gardens, near Vienna: which was likewise honoured with the presence of the Elector of Cologne, another uncle of his imperial majesty; the Prince of Wirtemberg; his brother, the Governor of Vienna; all the foreign ministers; and about fifty other persons of the first nobility.

An aquatic fête was also given by the Count Bathiani, on the Danube, within a mile of Vienna; where Lord Nelson was particularly invited to see some experiments made with a very large vessel, which had been projected and constructed by the count, having machinery for working it up against the powerful stream of that rapid torrent. This vessel had been so splendidly prepared for the reception of the illustrious guests, that it would not have disgraced a congress of sovereigns. The party were served with coffee, fruits, cakes, ices, &c. in the utmost profusion, and were much pleased with their entertainment; but his lordship did not appear to consider the count's plan, though prodigiously ingenious, as likely to answer the intended purpose. The pleasure of the day was considerably enhanced, by their having previously formed a fishing-party, and dined on what they caught by angling, which was Sir William Hamilton's favourite diversion, at Bridgid Au, near the Au Gardens; two long-boats having conveyed the company to that charming place, with an excellent band of music.

Arnstein, too, the banker, at Vienna, a most opulent, liberal, munificent, and benevolent Jew, whose family may be considered as the Goldsmids of Germany, gave a grand concert, and splendid supper, to his lordship and friends; at which all the foreign ministers and principal nobility were present.

Though the Queen of Naples insisted on defraying all sorts of expences incurred by his lordship and friends during their stay at Vienna, whither they had so handsomely escorted her--and who had, accordingly, every thing prepared for them at the palace, and regularly sent--they constantly purchased, without her majesty's knowledge, whatever they might happen to want. Mr. Oliver, being one day informed that the Champagne was nearly exhausted, went immediately in search of a fresh stock. It being a prohibited article at Vienna, the merchant whom he applied to, observed that he did not sell it. Mr. Oliver then asked, where he could procure some, as he feared his lordship would have none at table. "What!" said the merchant, "do you want it for the great Lord Nelson?" On being answered in the affirmative, he immediately replied--"Then you shall take as much as you like; for, no man on earth is more welcome to any thing I have." Mr. Oliver took only two bottles, as the owner positively refused to receive any money from his lordship; who, with his usual benignity of heart, on being informed of this generous act, immediately invited the merchant to dine with him next day.

At the earnest request of the Queen of Naples, their departure from Vienna had been put off for several days; when it could no longer be protracted, this dreaded separation took place at the imperial palace of Schoenbrun, situated on the river Wien, which gives name to the city of Vienna, from whence the palace is only two miles distant. The queen was prodigiously affected, and earnestly intreated Lady Hamilton to return with her to Naples. Sir William, too, her majesty remarked, when he had transacted his business in England, whither he was for that purpose accompanying his illustrious friend, would find the soft climate of Italy far more congenial to his constitution than the damp atmosphere of his own native country. Neither Sir William, nor his lady, however, could listen to any arrangement which must subject them to even a temporary separation from each other. Their domestic happiness, notwithstanding the very considerable disparity of age, was ever most exemplary; and it seems probable, that the amiable demeanour of Lady Hamilton, whose tender regard for Sir William could not fail to excite the admiration of every virtuous visitor, first gave birth to that ardent friendship by which Lord Nelson unquestionably felt himself attached to her ladyship. When the Queen of Naples found, that nothing could induce Sir William to leave his lady behind, her majesty immediately wrote an instrument, appointing Lady Hamilton to receive, for her eminent services, an annuity of one thousand pounds a year. This, however, Sir William positively objected to her ladyship's accepting. He maintained, that he could not suffer his lady to take it, without subjecting them both to unmerited suspicions at home; and her ladyship, impressed with similar sentiments, instantly tore the paper in pieces. The Queen of Naples, however, persisting in her desire to promote, if possible, the interests of her estimable and beloved friends, now penned an elegant epistle to her Britannic majesty, in which she is said to have recommended Sir William and Lady Hamilton as worthy of receiving every possible honour.

The travelling party, who proceeded from Vienna, on the 26th of September 1800, with Lord Nelson, and Sir William and Lady Hamilton, including domestics, consisted of seventeen persons. The Archduke Charles had written to his aunt, the Queen of Naples, soon after her arrival, intreating that Lord Nelson might be requested to visit him at Prague, in the way to Dresden; being himself so extremely ill, that he was unable to pay the British hero his respects at Vienna, as had been his most earnest wish. His lordship, accordingly, on arriving at Prague, the capital of Bohemia, had an immediate interview with that great military hero. He was accompanied, as usual, by his friends Sir William and Lady Hamilton, to the palace; and was so delighted with the archduke, that he said, when he got into the carriage, returning to their hotel--"This is a man after my own heart!" The next day, being the anniversary of our hero's birth, Michaelmas-day 1800, the Archduke Charles gave a grand entertainment; verses written for the occasion were published in the newspapers; and the whole city was illuminated. Sir William Hamilton politely remarked, at this festival, with one of these two renowned heroes on each side of him, that he had then the honour to be between the greatest naval and the greatest military character in Europe.

On the following day, Lord Nelson departed for Dresden, the capital of Saxony; and, after a few stages, quitting the direct road, turned off towards the Upper Elbe, for the purpose of embarking at Leitmeritz, and proceeding down that celebrated river: a circuitous but agreeable route, to which his lordship had been recommended, that he might escape the rough and dangerous passes, and stoney roads, of the dreadful mountain and limitropic barrier of Peterswald, which extends to within two stages of Dresden. His lordship was much amused by this freshwater voyage; and viewed with delight the stupendous rocks of basaltes through which the Elbe here securely wound it's way, amidst scenes of such impressive grandeur. In two days they reached Dresden, and took up their residence at the Great Hotel: where they were immediately visited by Mr. Elliot, the British minister; who is a brother of Lord Minto, our hero's early, great, and invariable, friend. Prince Xavier, the Elector of Saxony's brother, came also, the same day, to pay his grateful respects to Sir William and Lady Hamilton, in return for their polite attentions to his highness while at Naples, where he had been for two months entertained by their excellencies; as well as to be introduced to our immortal hero, whom he was induced emphatically to denominate, on this occasion, "_the Glory of the World_."

A message having been sent, from the elector, that the celebrated Dresden Gallery would be open for the inspection of his lordship and friends, Sir William's love of the arts soon led them thither; and the ladies of the electoral court, who had given orders to be informed when they should arrive, contrived to gratify their curiosity, by thus gaining a sight of our hero, previously to his public introduction. The party remained eight days at Dresden, while two gondolas were fitted up with chambers, and other conveniences, to convey them to Hamburgh; having a small boat attached to one of them, for the purpose of sending occasionally on shore. During the time of making these preparations, there was a grand entertainment given to them at court; they visited all public places; and accepted invitations to dine with the different foreign ministers.

The company having embarked with the English coach, baggage, and eleven male and female servants, they quitted Dresden, and proceeded to Magdeburg. At every place where they touched, assembled crowds lined the shore; all so anxious to see the British hero, that they are said to have remained, in many different stations, two or three days and nights, purposely to behold him pass. At Magdeburg, where they landed, and remained one whole day, the King of Prussia had ordered a guard of honour to attend his lordship. The curiosity of the crowd was here so great, that the master of the hotel where the party were entertained, gained no inconsiderable sum of money, by permitting the people to mount a ladder, which enabled them to view the hero and his friends through a small window. On leaving Magdeburg, in the evening, they were still more numerously attended than they had been at landing, in the morning; and the multitude testified their delight, by every customary expression of joy.

Lord Nelson, who had never, till this journey, experienced the pleasures of travelling by any inland navigation, was anxious to behold, and inquisitive to know, every thing. When night came on, his lordship and Sir William Hamilton often amused themselves, by playing together their favourite game of cribbage: and, not unfrequently, while passing down this river, was the hero's busy mind actively employed in forming new plans for future naval attacks; the operations of which, he fully demonstrated to his admiring friends, by instantaneously sketching rough and hasty illustrations of his ideas, must necessarily prove so decisively successful, that the affair off the Nile, the hero maintained, would hereafter be considered as nothing. Mr. Oliver, his lordship's confidential secretary and interpreter, who had, during the whole of this voyage, been occasionally dispatched on shore with a servant, in the small boat rowed by two men, was landed within two stages of Hamburgh, to take a post-carriage; announce their approach; and prepare the apartments for their reception, which had been hired by the British consul: and, on the twelfth day after quitting Dresden, the party arrived safely at Hamburgh, where they were greeted with the most rapturous rejoicings.

The people of all descriptions, in this motley city, hailed our hero with the most perfect unity of sentiment; and, at the theatres, and other public places, even the hat with the Gallic tri-coloured cockade of republicanism was waved with exultation and applause, on beholding the chief champion of royalty and prime protector of kings. Such was the acknowledged glory of all his public actions, and such the universal sense of respect for the various known virtues of his private character, that every good and great mind aspired to claim for itself the privilege of regarding him as a brother. The honours which his lordship here received were greater, perhaps, than had ever been before paid to any individual by the joyful inhabitants of this then free commercial city. The grand governing bodies, every illustrious personage, and all the most opulent merchants, vied with each other in testifying the happiness they felt on thus having the first hero of the world among them.