Chapter IX (2)

"Darby and Hood, I hope, have long joined you. Pray, be so good as
to deliver to them the medals, with my best regards. Our dear
lady," he adds, "has been very unwell: and, if this fête, to-night,
does not kill her, I dare say she will write to you to-morrow; for,
there is none she respects more than yourself. Good Sir William is
much better for his trip. Make my best regards to Sir James St.
Clair. I really have not the power of writing, and I am really
blind; but, whilst I have life," concludes this excellent,
indefatigable, and friendly hero, "believe me, my dear admiral,
your obliged and affectionate

"Nelson."

His lordship might well be weary, on this sultry day; the festivity of which he so little regarded, that he was actually employed, from morning till night, in writing and dictating letters and orders. In the evening of this day, Lord Nelson received information that the Russian and Turkish squadrons, from Corfu, had arrived at Messina; and, on the 18th, sent the copy of a letter just received from Lord Keith, who had quitted the Mediterranean in pursuit of the combined fleets, to Admiral Uschakoff, commander in chief of the Russian squadron, who had retaken the Leander at Corfu, mentioning an order from the British Admiralty for the restoration of that ship. His lordship, however, not having received this order, apologized for being unable to send it: and stated, very properly, that it was to be presumed the courts of Petersburgh and London had decided on the restoration of the Leander; as the Admiralty would not, otherwise, have sent such orders to the commander in chief, and appointed officers to that ship. Captain Drummond, his lordship observed, who would wait on his excellency with these letters, was appointed to the temporary command of the Leander; and requested that he might be favoured with directions to the officer commanding at Corfu, for assistance in fitting out and manning the said ship, so as to enable him to proceed with it to Minorca.

On the 19th, his lordship wrote to Commodore Troubridge, acquainting him that Lord Keith was in pursuit of the combined fleets, which had been seen off Cape St. Vincent's the 24th of July; that the British fleet passed the Straits on the 30th; and that the Earl of St. Vincent sailed for England, in the Argo, on the 31st. His lordship also mentions, that he has just received great news from Egypt. The siege of Acre was raised on the 21st of May; and Bonaparte, leaving all his cannon and sick behind, had got again to Cairo. The La Forte French frigate had been taken by the English La Sybille, but that poor Captain Coote had been killed; "and here," says his lordship, "we must shed a tear for dear Miller! By an explosion of shells, which he was preparing on board the Theseus, him and twenty-five others were killed; nine drowned, by jumping overboard; and forty-three wounded." After observing that, if Commodore Troubridge cannot immediately proceed against Civita Vecchia, he is to collect all his ships; and, the moment the Russians appear, to join his lordship, for the purpose of proceeding to Gibraltar, by the way of Palermo, where the necessary provisions may be obtained--"Your letter of the 13th," he concludes, "is just arrived. The Neapolitans must manage their own Jacobins; we have, thank God, done with them."

Sir Sidney Smith having transmitted to Lord Nelson, as his superior in command, the account of his splendid atchievements in the defence of Acre, and the total defeat and discomfiture of Bonaparte on that memorable occasion, his lordship immediately wrote the following congratulatory epistle to Sir Sidney; whose important dispatches he afterwards forwarded to England, accompanied by a public letter to Mr. Nepean, as they were afterwards published in the London Gazette.

"Palermo, 20th Aug. 1799.

"MY DEAR SIR,

"I have received, with the truest satisfaction, all your very
interesting letters to July 16th. The immense fatigue you have had,
in defending Acre against such a chosen army of French villains,
headed by that arch-villain Bonaparte, has never been exceeded; and
the bravery shewn by you, and your brave companions, is such as to
merit every encomium which all the civilized world can bestow. As
an individual, and as an admiral, will you accept of my feeble
tribute of praise and admiration, and make them acceptable to all
those under your command? I have returned the Cameleon, that your
lieutenant might have a good sloop; which, I hope, Lord Keith will
approve: and, in every thing in my junior situation in the fleet,
you may be assured of my readiness to do what you can wish me. I
hope, Alexandria is long before this in your possession, and the
final blow given to Bonaparte; but, I hope, no terms will ever be
granted for his individual return to Europe. Captain Stiles will
tell you all our news here; and good Sir William Hamilton tells me,
he thinks that he has told you the heads of all. In short, all is
well, if Lord Keith falls in with the combined fleet. I think, you
had better order the Theseus to Mahon; and I will endeavour to send
you either a good sloop, or a small frigate. The factory at Smyrna,
in my opinion, have written a very improper letter to you. I do not
like the general stile of Mr. Wherry's letters, they too much talk
of government affairs. It is our duty to take care of the Smyrna
trade, as well as all other, and it never has yet been neglected;
but Great Britain, extensive as her navy is, cannot afford to have
one ship lay idle. Be assured, my dear Sir Sidney, of my perfect
esteem and regard, and do not let any one persuade you to the
contrary: but my character is, that I will not suffer the smallest
tittle of my command to be taken from me. But, with pleasure, I
give way to my friends; among whom, I beg, you will allow me to
consider you: and, that I am, with the truest esteem and affection,
your, &c.

"Nelson.

"Sir Sidney Smith."

This excellent letter not only makes amends for all former asperities, but forms a most noble eulogium on the merits of Sir Sidney Smith; who, it must be confessed, had entitled himself, by his skill and valour, even to this proudest of all possible panegyrics from the first of heroes.

The Russian admiral not complying with Lord Nelson's request, as to the restoration of the Leander, his lordship immediately addressed the Chevalier Italinskoy, the Russian minister at the court of their Sicilian Majesties, on the subject: informing him that, whenever the admiral chose to send the Leander to Minorca, the ship would be received. "But," says his lordship, "after even my word not being taken, by his excellency, I cannot again subject myself to a refusal of giving up the Leander, agreeable to the intention of the emperor; though the form of order, on this occasion, was not arrived." His lordship also sent Captain Drummond, with the particulars of this refusal, to Lord Keith; observing, that he should now wait till the Russian admiral sent the Leander to Mahon. Captain Drummond was desired, on failure of meeting with Lord Keith, to proceed immediately to England, and deliver his lordship's letter to the secretary of the Admiralty, acquainting him with the cause of his arrival.

On the 28th, Lord Nelson transmitted to Captain Hope, at the request of his Sicilian Majesty, a diamond ring of considerable value: for having, as it was expressly stated, embarked his Majesty and the Prince Royal in his barge, on the night of December 21, 1798; and which his majesty desired might be accepted, by Captain Hope, as a mark of his royal gratitude. This, and other similar presents of rings and gold boxes, were sent by Sir John Acton, to Sir William Hamilton, from his Sicilian Majesty; with a request that his excellency would have the goodness to present them to the Duke of Bronte, that he might distribute them according to the note enclosed, and in the name of his Sicilian Majesty, as a small mark of his royal gratitude to the several English commanders. The pleasure which this agreeable task afforded Lord Nelson's excellent heart, may be judged of by the following effusion of it's feelings, addressed to Captain Hood on the occasion. "My dear Hood, I never had greater pleasure, than in executing his Sicilian Majesty's orders, for sending you a box from his majesty; and, as the dispatch expresses it--To Captain Hood, for services in the Gulph of Naples, and at Salerno; for his operations on shore, and his care of the castles of Naples." In afterwards describing these presents from his Sicilian Majesty, on writing to England, his lordship informs Mr. Nepean, that each of the captains had a very valuable gold box, set round with diamonds. In the centre of that given to Commodore Troubridge, was his majesty's portrait; and, to him, he also gave an elegant ring. In the centre of the others, were his majesty's cypher of f.r. neatly set in diamonds. His majesty, he adds, has also presented Captain Thomas Masterman Hardy, his lordship's captain in the Foudroyant, with an elegant box, set round with a double row of diamonds, and his portrait in the centre, and an elegant diamond ring; and, to Mr. Tyson, his lordship's secretary, a diamond ring of great value.

Transient, however, seem to have been all the felicities of his lordship's most eventful life. The happiness which he enjoyed, in seeing the companions of his cares and successes thus rewarded with truly royal munificence; while he felt himself remunerated, beyond his proudest hope or expectation; the pleasing sensations which he must necessarily have experienced on beholding the vast and magnificent preparations to celebrate their united atchievments on the anniversary of receiving, at Naples, the first intelligence of the glorious victory off the Nile, which had arrived on the 3d of the preceding September; were not permitted to remain undisturbed in his ever anxious bosom, even for a few days.

On the 31st, his lordship received letters from Malta, which gave birth to most extraordinary suspicions. The agonized feelings of his heroic mind are not to be described; but, nothing could for a moment divert him from the painful discharge of it's duty. In a state of inconceivable agitation, he wrote the following letter to Sir John Acton.

"Palermo, 31st Aug. 1799.

"MY DEAR SIR,

"I send your excellency a letter from Captain Ball, of his
majesty's ship Alexander, with two papers enclosed. I cannot bear
the thought of what the papers convey; but it is my duty, as a
British admiral, to ask of your excellency an explanation of this
very extraordinary business--which, I trust in God, is entirely
false, as far as relates to his Sicilian Majesty and Prince Luzzi!
If this man is an unauthorized person, his majesty will have no
difficulty in approving of my condemning him as a spy; and, as
such, ordering him to be hanged. But, what shall I say, if Prince
Luzzi has authorized this man to enter La Vilette, and to
communicate with the enemy? I must say, that the minister has
betrayed his trust; for I never will believe, that their Sicilian
Majesties could treat in such a manner his Britannic Majesty, my
royal master. On your excellency's communication of his Sicilian
Majesty's pleasure, depends the line of conduct which my duty will
call upon me to perform. I have the honour to be, with the greatest
respect, your excellency's obedient servant,

"Bronte Nelson."

"His Excellency, Sir John Acton, Bart."

Happily, this alarm turned out to be unfounded; but the circumstance serves, nevertheless, to assist in demonstrating the jealous attention of his lordship to whatever might be supposed capable of affecting either the national honour or his own. In a few days, having fully investigated the affair, he wrote thus to Captain Ball--"My dear Ball, Mr. Alos is, doubtless, a scoundrel. He had persuaded some here, that he had an interview with Vaubois; which, I believe, is a lie: and, as to his conduct with the Maltese, it was, probably, to shew his consequence. I am sure, the good queen never had a thought of any under-hand work against us; therefore, I would recommend sending him here with a kick in the breech, and let all the matter drop."

In a letter of this date, August 31, Lord Nelson thus laments, to Commodore Troubridge, the situation in which he finds himself. "Our joint exertions," he says, "have been used, to get the king to go to Naples; but, of no avail; the Austrians will be there before him. I do not expect any of the Russian troops this some time to come. I am, indeed, sick and tired of this want of energy; and, when I find the impossibility of being longer useful, I will retire from this inactive service." He complains, also, to Lord Spencer, in a letter written about this time, of the uncomfortableness of his situation: for, he says, plain common sense points out that the king should return to Naples; but, nothing can move him. "Believe me," his lordship adds, "I shall do my best, in all circumstances. But, I am almost blind; and, truly, very unwell; and, which does not mend matters, I see no king in Europe really assisting these good monarchs, but our gracious sovereign."

In this unenviable state of mental anxiety, and corporeal lassitude, was our justly renowned hero, at the period of those preparations being completed, which were calculated to display him, in the view of an enraptured people, as the greatest and most felicitous of mortals; nor did his admirable heart, amidst all it's oppressions, reject a temporary participation in the bliss which was so amply provided for his enjoyment,

On the 3d of September, their Sicilian Majesties gave their splendid Fête Champêtre in the royal gardens at Palermo, to celebrate the recovery of the kingdom of Naples under the auspices of Lord Nelson. A grand temple of Fame was erected, on this occasion; in which were three figures, the size and exact resemblance of life, beautifully modelled in wax. The centre figure represented Admiral Lord Nelson, Duke of Bronte, dressed in a full British uniform; as conducted, by a figure of Sir William Hamilton, to receive from the hand of a third, resembling Lady Hamilton in the character of Victory, the laurel wreath of triumph which adorned the hero's brow. Before the steps of this temple, their Sicilian Majesties, with all the royal family, stood ready to receive the three illustrious characters thus represented; and, on their approach, after publicly embracing them, the king, with his own hand, took the laurel wreath from the wax figure, and placed it on the head of the real hero, who wore it during the whole of the entertainment. Sir William, and his lady, were also presented with similar investments; the queen thus honouring her ladyship, and his majesty Sir William. On the robe of the figure of Victory were embroidered the names of all those heroes, in particular, who had fought at the battle of the Nile; and, on various Egyptian pyramids, placed around the several temples of the garden, were inscribed the names of the most distinguished English, Neapolitan, Russian, and Turkish, heroes of the war, with appropriate verses to each. Their majesties received the company; which consisted of some of the principal nobility of Naples as well as of Palermo, with all the British, Russian, and Turkish, officers of the respective squadrons. Prince Leopold, their majesties youngest surviving son, then nine years of age, who was educating for the navy, did the honours of the evening, in his midshipman's uniform: and all the three princesses, as well as the consort of the hereditary prince, and most other ladies, wore some ornament allusive to Lord Nelson and his victories round their necks. The entertainment commenced with a most brilliant and magnificent fire-work: representing the English and French fleets at Aboukir, the ever-memorable battle off the Nile, and the total defeat of the French; terminating with the explosion of L'Orient, and the blowing up of the tri-coloured flag. The queen, at this representation, said to Cadir Bey, the Turkish admiral--"On this day, last year, we received from Lady Hamilton intelligence of this great man's victory; which not only saved your country, and our's, but all Europe!" After the fire-works, a cantata was performed, entitled the Happy Concord. This piece, which was written purposely on the occasion, expressed the general joy for the deliverance of the two Sicilies; loyal wishes for the prosperity of their sovereigns, and the royal family, as well as for those of their worthy allies; and particular acknowledgments to the British hero. The music was most excellent; and all the opera band, with Senesino at their head, sung--"Rule Britannia!" and "God save the King!" in which they were joined by the whole assembly, who had been previously drilled to the English pronunciation.

About the time of this grand festival, an unfortunate affray between the Turkish seamen and some of the Sicilians, occurred at a tavern, in Palermo; and was carried to such an excess, that many men of both countries lost their lives on the occasion. The quarrel originated in the superstition of the Sicilians; who, like all the vulgar Italians, when they address the Turks, rudely tell them, that they are not Christians, but beasts. The Turks, after getting on board their ships, continued to wrangle among themselves; and were, at length, in such a state of mutiny, that Cadir Bey, their commander in chief, became greatly terrified. Lord Nelson, however, being made acquainted with the affair, and having a great friendship for this Turkish admiral, immediately offered him his services; and, the next day, very calmly going on board, accompanied by Sir William and Lady Hamilton, speedily quelled the mutiny. It appears, however, to have soon again broken out: having been excited, it is said, by Patrona Bey, who was desirous of supplanting Cadir Bey; but who, not very long afterwards, had rendered himself so obnoxious to the men whom he thus endeavoured to delude, that they suddenly rose on him, and literally cut him to pieces. It was well, therefore, that the generous friendship of Lord Nelson had impelled him to pen a letter to the Grand Signior, previously to Cadir Bey's departure, that he might protect this worthy man from any misrepresentation respecting the fatal affray with the Sicilians; as, without such a powerful advocate, it is highly probable that Cadir Bey would have lost his situation, if not his life: instead of which, he obtained the merited approbation of the Grand Signior, by this epistle; which was inclosed in a letter to the Captain Pacha--and a copy of it also sent to Spencer Smith, Esq. the minister at Constantinople--of the same date. The letter to the Grand Signior was expressed in the following terms.

"Palermo, 10th Sept. 1799.

"SIRE,

"I trust, that your Imperial Majesty will permit the servant of
your most faithful ally to bear his testimony to the good conduct
of your Admiral Cadir Bey.

"I can assure your majesty, that ships in higher order cannot be,
than those under his command; and the little disturbance which has
arose in this place has not been owing to any want of attention
from your majesty's admiral.

"Cadir Bey is with me every day; and a better man does not live in
the world, or a better officer. He is my brother; and I am, in the
truest sense of the words, your majesty's attached and faithful
servant,

"Bronte Nelson."

"To his Imperial Majesty, the Grand Signior."

His lordship, in writing to Earl Spencer, a few days before, thus states the difference between the Russian and Turkish commanders in chief. "The Russian admiral," says he, "has a polished outside, but the bear is close to the skin: he is jealous of our influence; and thinks, whatever is proposed, that we are at the bottom. The Turk, who is by no means a fool, on the contrary, has more natural sense than the other; is our brother; and, I am sure, there is not a thing that we could desire him to do, which he would not instantly comply with. I make use of the word _we_," adds his lordship; "because Sir William and Lady Hamilton have more merit in gaining the affection and implicit confidence of Cadir Bey, and his officers, than I have."

On the 12th, Lord Nelson writes to Rear-Admiral Duckworth--"The Russian admiral has told me, his ships _cannot_ keep the sea in winter; and I see no _desire_ to go to sea in summer." Then, mentioning the state of some of the ships at Minorca, reported to be unfit for active service, his lordship says--"To keep them lying at Mahon, appears to me to be a waste of public money. My mind," proceeds this great and most considerate commander, "is fixed, that I will not keep one ship in the Mediterranean, that is not fit for _any_ service during the winter; those half fit, drain us of all the stores, and render us all useless: you have acted on this principle, in sending the Aurora and Dolphin; and it is my _particular_ desire, that you continue it. I beg you will write to the Admiralty, of my intentions to keep no ships but what are fit for service in the Mediterranean; and, I am sure, the king will save by the measure being adopted on stations so near England. I am aware of the argument, which may be used against my plan; viz. our seamen get no good by going to England: to which, I perfectly agree. But, the ships left here with me are beyond all common refit; nor can they be furnished with stores, not having any foundation to be kept up: and what would be an ample supply to keep up a squadron, is really nothing in our situation."

To Sir James St. Clair Erskine, also at Minorca, in a letter of the 13th, his lordship writes--"I see, with pleasure, that you do not envy me my good fortune. The field of glory is a large one, and was never more open to any one, than at this moment to you. Rome would throw open her gates, and receive you as her deliverer; and the pope would owe his restoration to the papal chair to a _heretic_. This is the first great object; as it would not only be the compleat deliverance of Italy, but restore peace and tranquillity to the torn to pieces kingdom of Naples: for such an occasion, a part of the garrison of Messina might be taken. The next great object, is the reduction of Malta; and, in any other moment than the present, it would be a most important one. Vaubois only wants a pretence, to give up: his sole hope is that, in the next month, he may escape with the ships." General Fox, however, being hourly expected at Minorca, Sir James did not judge it proper to lessen the garrison; and, says his lordship, in a letter to Sir Thomas Troubridge, "enters upon the difficulty of the undertaking in a true soldier way."

These difficulties, however, were in a very few days completely surmounted by Sir Thomas Troubridge: for, on the 20th of September, a capitulation was entered into by that commander, who was then blockading Civita Vecchia, on the part of Great Britain and her allies, with the General of Division Gamier, commander in chief of the French troops, and those of Italy and other allies then in the Roman Republic in a state of siege; which terminated in the surrender of the fort and town of Civita Vecchia on the 29th in the afternoon, and of Rome and St. Angelo two hours after midnight. Civita Vecchia, Corneto, and Tolfa, containing five thousand troops, were taken into possession by two hundred marines and seamen of the Culloden and Minotaur; and General Bouchard, with the troops of his Sicilian Majesty, took possession of Rome: but the French general refused to treat with any other than a British commander.

It was the wish of Lord Nelson, that Commodore Troubridge should himself have every advantage of transmitting to England the dispatches on this occasion: being generously desirous of giving all the glory to this favourite officer; who, accordingly, wrote the following letter to Mr. Nepean.

"Civita Vecchia, 5th Oct. 1799.

"SIR,

"In obedience to orders from Lord Nelson, I have the honour to send
you, for their lordships information, a copy of the articles of
capitulation I have made with the French General Garnier, to clear
the Roman state. As I knew the French had all the valuables of the
Roman state packed up ready for embarking, and the coast of Civita
Vecchia forming a deep bay, with hard west south-west gales and a
heavy sea, which prevented the blockade from being so close as was
necessary to prevent the enemy from carrying off those truly
valuable articles; I, therefore, thought it best to grant the
liberal terms I have, to get them out of this country, where they
have committed every excess possible. I trust, what I have done,
may meet their lordships approbation. I beg you to represent to
their lordships, that I received every assistance from Captain
Louis; who went to Rome, and arranged the evacuation and taking
possession of that place, with General Bouchard, with great ability
and exertion, and much to my satisfaction.

I have the honour to be, &c. T. Troubridge.

Evan Nepean, Esq."

Lord Nelson informed Earl Spencer, in a private letter, as well as the Admiralty Board in a public one to Mr. Nepean, that he had desired Commodore Troubridge to send extracts of all his letters to him, as temporary commander in chief of the Mediterranean fleet, with the terms on which the French evacuated the Roman state. "I sincerely congratulate your lordship," concludes Lord Nelson to Earl Spencer, "on this event, so honourable to our country; for the French would treat with no country but Britain."

It was, certainly, a most singular circumstance, that Rome should thus be reduced by a naval force: and it appeared to be the more remarkable, as it fulfilled what was now called a prophecy, which had been pronounced on our hero's first arrival at Naples after his glorious victory off the Nile; in which it had been said, _that his lordship should take Rome by his_ ships. This prophecy, however, it seems proper to remark--the author having no desire to encourage the growth of superstition, or to degrade the dignity of historical research by dazzling weak powers of perception with the fascinative influence of the marvellous--was considered, at the time of it's being pronounced, as nothing more than a mere harmless Hibernicism; originating in the zeal of Father M'Cormick, a very honest and worthy Irish priest, who had come from Rome to Naples, disgusted at the enormities of the French. This good and loyal man, in the ardent warmth of congratulating Lord Nelson on his stupendous victory, triumphantly exclaimed--"And your lordship shall, before long, take Rome, too, with your _ships!_" A declaration which, it may be supposed, was heard with far less gravity than it was uttered, though now converted into a prophetic anticipation of the event. This honest Irish pastor, though not regarded as a prophet by Lord Nelson, was so well known to be a pious and faithful priest, that his lordship, who was for ever studying how he could best serve all persons of merit who came in his way, afterwards recommended him to the present Pope, in a letter which was written, expressly for that purpose, by Lady Hamilton.

So active was Lord Nelson in all his operations, that he no sooner received information of the successes of Commodore Troubridge, than he instantly drew his attention to other objects. In a letter of the 1st of October, his lordship says--"If it is necessary to leave a few of your and Louis's marines, do it, and one or two of the small craft for the protection of the trade; but I want, certainly, all the line of battle ships, and such of the small craft as are not absolutely wanted there. My intention is, to go almost directly to Minorca, and arrange a proper naval defence for that island; and to try and get troops to finish the business of Malta, which the French intend to relieve. Five polacres, and two Venetian ships, are loading provisions and stores; therefore, I wish to fix our ships on the spot most likely to intercept them: at Lampedosa and Cape Bon, and in the track from Toulon to Ajaccio. These are my ideas; for, as to blockading Toulon for so few ships, they would escape, the first north-west wind, if the whole fleet was there. I need only say, to you, these are my objects, for you to support me; which it is my pleasure always to acknowledge."

His lordship afterwards repeats the full confidence which he feels, that the commodore, knowing what is necessary, will come as soon as he can; "for," says his lordship, "our business is never done."

Lord Nelson had already sent information to the Marquis De Niza respecting these supplies for Malta, which were preparing at Toulon, with directions for intercepting them; but, by letters from Lisbon, just received, the Portuguese squadron was now ordered to return home. Anxious, therefore, to prevent the intended relief from reaching Malta--over the people of which island he had, a few days before, obtained the honour, for his friend Captain Ball, of being regularly appointed Chief, by his Sicilian Majesty--he inclosed the particulars of this information to General Acton, and urged the necessity of having part of the English garrison at Messina, as well as of the Russian squadron and troops, ordered immediately to Malta; observing that, if Malta was relieved, all our forces got together could not take it, and the commencement of a new blockade would become useless. "Nor," says his lordship, "would this be the worst consequence; for all the Barbary cruizers would here have their rendezvous, and not a vessel of his Sicilian Majesty's could put to sea: and, Great Britain and Russia not being at war with those powers, the case would be dreadful, and ruinous, to the subjects of his Sicilian Majesty. I have," concludes his lordship, "stated the situation, under mature reflection; and have only to request, that it maybe taken into immediate consideration."

In the mean time, Lord Nelson wrote to the Marquis De Niza, inculcating the necessity of not obeying his orders to return home. "I have," says his lordship, "received a letter from Don Roderigo de Souza, saying that, as the squadron under your orders were not now necessary in the Mediterranean, his royal highness had directed their return. On this belief, your orders are founded; but, as the contrary is the fact--for your services were never more wanted than at this moment, when every exertion is wanting to get more troops of English and Russians to Malta--I must, therefore, most positively desire, that your excellency will not, on any consideration, withdraw one man from the shore, or detach any ship down the Mediterranean. I send you an order, to justify your excellency's not complying with his royal highness's orders; and, I am confident, he will approve of my conduct."

While his lordship was indefatigably engaged in obtaining every aid for the reduction of Malta, information arrived, that thirteen French and Spanish sail of the line, one of them a three-decker, had been seen on the coast of Portugal. He immediately, therefore, wrote to hasten Commodore Troubridge, and sent also to Sir Sidney Smith: informing them, that he should sail next day, the 5th of October, for Mahon; and, probably, to Gibraltar. "If," says his lordship, to Commodore Troubridge, "I can but get a force to fight these fellows, it shall be done quickly. I am in dread for our outward bound convoys; seven hundred sail, under a few frigates, in England, thinking all the force was at Brest. I need only say, get to Mahon as quick as possible, that we may join." Accordingly, having sailed from Palermo, he wrote the following letter to Captain Ball.

"Fondroyant, at Sea,
5th Oct. 1799.

MY DEAR BALL,

"I fervently hope, that Niza has got hold of the French ships from
Toulon. As that business is over, I have only to hope the best:
This day, by his Sicilian Majesty's orders, a letter is wrote to
Messina, to request General Graham to get to Malta with five
hundred men. The Russian Admiral is wrote to, to go with at least
seven hundred. A corps of Russian grenadiers are also expected at
Leghorn, for Malta. If Niza has been successful, all will end well.
Ever your's, most faithfully,

"Nelson."

"I am not well; and left our dear friends, Sir William and Lady
Hamilton, very unwell."

"Captain Ball, Chief of the Maltese."

His lordship had, this day, fallen in with the Salamine brig; which brought him a letter from Captain Darby at Minorca, stating that a fleet of twenty vessels, among which were two sail of the line and several frigates, had been seen steering to the south-east on the 29th of September. These, his lordship was of opinion, could only be the two Venetian ships from Toulon, with a convoy for Malta; and, as the Marquis De Niza had seven sail of the line, one frigate, and three sloops, he had hopes that the greatest part of them would be taken.

On the 12th, having arrived off Port Mahon; and left orders with Captain Darby, who had come on board the Foudroyant, for Commodore Troubridge, with some other ships to follow, his lordship proceeded on his voyage to Gibraltar. Between Port Mahon and Majorca, however, Lord Nelson fell in with the Bull-dog, ten days from Rear-Admiral Duckworth, at Gibraltar; who, giving little or no credit to the report of the ships seen off Cape Ortegal, and Sir Edward Berry, from Lisbon, assuring his lordship that the information was entirely disbelieved there, the squadron returned to Minorca.

On the 14th, his lordship wrote a long letter to Rear-Admiral Duckworth; in which are some interesting passages, relative to Captain Nisbet. "I send you down," says his lordship, "the Bellerophon; who, Darby says, and I believe truly, is in good order, and fit to stand fair winter's service. The Thalia also goes with him: I wish I could say any thing in her praise, inside or out. You will receive an order for holding a court-martial on the lieutenant of marines. Perhaps, you may be able to make something of Captain Nisbet; he has, by his conduct, almost broke my heart. The ship, I believe, wants some little matter doing to her. If so, I wish Inglefield would bring her out of the mole as soon as possible; and if, after all our pains, no good can be got out of either ship or captain, send the Thalia to England with some of the convoys; or send her any where out to try. I wished to have placed him with my friend Cockburne; but, alas! he will not let me do for him what my heart wishes." This letter mentions the propriety of getting a list of all vessels taken since the 1st of August, Lord Keith having arrived in Torbay on the 17th. Custom, his lordship observes, will point out, whether they are to be considered as the only two flag-officers in the Mediterranean; and freights of money, by the Earl of St. Vincent's acting, belong to the commander in chief. "Whether that is so, or no," says his lordship, "we shall never differ about; my only wish is, to do as I would be done by." After detailing the particulars of his proceedings since leaving Palermo, and stating his future intentions, particularly with regard to Malta, his lordship concludes with observing--"Captain Buchanan has just told me, that you wish to put two young men into the Port Mahon; and, that Lord St. Vincent had intended you should name all the officers for her. Believe me, I would not, on any consideration, do less than was intended by the earl; therefore, I beg you will send up all officers you like, and I will leave acting orders for them with Captain Buchanan."

In a letter to Mr. Nepean, dated Port Mahon, October 15, 1799, Lord Nelson also details his late proceedings and intentions with regard to Malta; which, if not speedily forced to surrender, will call for the attention of more ships than he may have the power of placing there, and necessarily cramp other requisite services. The Chichester storeship, Captain Stevens, his lordship observes, is going with the officers of the Leander to Corfu, having now the Russian admiral's order for that ship's delivery; and he has no doubt that Captain Stevens, who appears an excellent seaman, will very soon get her to Minorca. "This island," says his lordship, "is in such a state of security as to bid defiance to any force Spain can send against it; and, if General Fox was not hourly expected, Sir James would go with me to the attack of Malta, with fifteen hundred good troops." In another letter, of the same date, addressed to Earl Spencer, his lordship says, "I have considered the security of his Sicilian Majesty's dominions as very near the heart of the king: this makes the reduction of Malta of the very utmost importance, and to accomplish which is now, in Italy, the dearest object I have in view." Lord Nelson mentions that, Sir Edward Berry having joined the Foudroyant, by the Bull-dog, he has put Captain Hardy into the Princess Charlotte; and, mustering a few men, intends taking her with him to sea. "My friend Hardy," says his lordship, "will make a man of war of her very soon; and I make it my earnest request that, if Captain Stephenson is not sent out to her, Captain Hardy may be allowed to remain in her, and receive an Admiralty commission."

This letter, too, is remarkable for containing, a request in favour of his worthy elder brother, Maurice Nelson, Esq. "I have given," says his lordship, "my brother, belonging to the Navy Office, a strong letter of recommendation to your lordship, that he may be appointed a Commissioner of the Navy. I mention the circumstance, that you may be aware such a letter is coming; and prepared, I most earnestly hope, to meet my wishes."

On the 23d of October, Lord Nelson returned to Palermo, where he found letters from Sir Sidney Smith; to which he, next day, returned the following interesting answer.

"Palermo, 24th Oct. 1799.

"MY DEAR SIR,

"When I arrived here, yesterday, from Mahon--having been down the
Mediterranean to look out for a French and Spanish squadron, which
had been on the coast of Portugal, but returned to Ferrol---I
received all your letters by the Turkish corvette, which is arrived
at Messina. The details you have given me, although unsuccessful at
Aboukir, will by all military men ever reflect upon you, and your
brave companions, the highest honour; and I beg you will tell all
those whose conduct you have so highly approved, that their
merits--even of the lowest--will be duly appreciated by me: for
which reason, I have given all the promotion, and shall continue to
do it, if they deserve it, amongst them. All the arrangements for
your young men are filled up as you desired; and, my dear Sir, you
shall ever find that, although I am jealous of having a particle of
my honour abridged, yet that no commanding officer will be so ready
to do every thing you wish. We have but little, here, of stores;
but I have stripped the Foudroyant of every thing. At Mahon, there
is nothing. But, your demands, with a bare proportion for the
Theseus, goes to-morrow for Gibraltar; and, although I am pretty
sure you will not receive half what your ships want, I shall urge
Inglefield to send you every thing he can. You will have heard,
probably, that Lord St. Vincent still retains the Mediterranean
command; and that I am, by order, acting till his return:
therefore, I have not the power of giving commissions, or any thing
more than acting orders. As to getting Neapolitan gunboats to you,
there are many reasons against it. In the first place, they have
none fit for such a voyage. This is enough; but, was this not
sufficient, it would be a thing impossible. I believe, we are as
bad a set to deal with, for real service, as your Turks. Mr.
Harding has sent me word, he does not chuse to return to Egypt; for
which, he is a fool. Your brother will, of course, tell you all our
good news from Holland and Germany; and, I hope, the King of
Prussia has joined the coalition. May peace, with a monarchy in
France, be soon given to us! I have just got a report, which
appears to have some foundation, that Bonaparte has passed Corsica
in a bombard, steering for France. No crusado ever returned with
more humility. Contrast his going out in L'Orient, &c. Again, be
assured that I place the greatest confidence in all you do; and no
commanding officer shall ever have more attention to all your wants
and wishes, than will your, &c.

"Nelson."

"Sir William Sidney Smith, Knt."

Lord Nelson had, also, on his return to Palermo, received a letter from his friend, Lord Minto; which, he observed in his answer, gave equal pleasure to Sir William, Lady Hamilton, and himself. "Yesterday," says his lordship, writing on the 24th, "your whole letter was read to the queen. I am charged to say every thing which is grateful, and thankful, on her majesty's behalf. But, I know, I need not say much; as she intends, I believe, to write you herself. We all have the most affectionate regard for your public and private character; and I should do injustice to my friends, was I to attempt to say my regard exceeded their's. My conduct, as your's, is to go straight and upright. Such is, thank God, the present plan of Great Britain; at least, as far as I know: for, if I thought otherwise, I should not be so faithful a servant to my country, as I know I am at present. As I shall send you my letters to Mr. Nepean and Lord Spencer, they will speak for themselves: therefore, I will only say, believe I am the same Nelson as you knew Captain of the Agamemnon; and, more than ever, your attached and faithful friend."

The pleasurable sensations excited by Lord Minto's most kind and friendly communications, were succeeded by the most racking anxieties respecting Malta. Fresh orders had arrived for the recall of the Portuguese squadron; and Captain Ball could with difficulty keep the distressed islanders from joining the French. Lord Nelson, in a state of distraction, wrote letters to the Marquis De Niza, deprecating his departure; and consoled Captain Ball with hopes of assistance, which he strained every nerve to obtain from all possible sources. The following most urgent epistle to Sir James St. Clair Erskine, on this occasion, will not only convey the state of his lordship's feelings to every intelligent reader, but elucidate the genuine principles on which his lordship ventures to advise a departure from the strictness of etiquette in the discharge of military duties.

"Palermo, 26th Oct. 1799.

"MY DEAR SIR JAMES,

"I am in desperation about Malta. We shall lose it, I am afraid,
past redemption, I send you copies of Niza's and Ball's letters;
also, General Acton's: so that, you will see, I have not been idle.
If Ball can hardly keep the inhabitants, in hopes of relief by the
five hundred men landed from our ships; what must be expected, when
four hundred of them, and four sail of the line, will be withdrawn?
And, if the islanders are forced again to join the French, we may
not find even landing a very easy task; much less, to get again our
present advantageous position. I therefore intreat, for the honour
of our king, and for the advantage of the common cause, that
whether General Fox is arrived, or not, at least, the garrison of
Messina may be ordered to hold post in Malta, till a sufficient
force can be collected to attack it; which, I flatter myself, will
in time, be got together. But, while that is effecting, I fear our
being obliged to quit the island; therefore, I am forced to make
this representation. I know, well enough, of what officers in your
situation can do. The delicacy of your feelings, on the near
approach of General Fox, I can readily conceive; but, the time you
know nothing about. This is a great and important moment; and the
only thing to be considered--_Is his majesty's service to stand
still for an instant?_ I have no scruple in declaring what I should
do: that, knowing the importance of possessing Malta, to England
and her allies; that, if even two regiments were ordered from
Minorca, yet it must be considered--for which the officer must
certainly be responsible--was the call for these troops known at
home, would not they order them to proceed where the service near
at hand so loudly calls for them? _This is the only thing, in my
opinion, for consideration._ If we lose this opportunity, it will
be impossible to recal it. If possible, I wish to take all the
responsibility. I know, my dear Sir James, your zeal and ability;
and, that delicacy to General Fox, has been your sole motive for
not altering the disposition of the troops: but, I hope, General
Fox is with you; and, I am sure, from his character, he will
approve of my feelings on this subject. If he is not, I must again
earnestly entreat that, at least, you will give directions for
Colonel Graham to hold Malta till we can get troops to attack La
Valette. May God direct your councils, for the honour of our king
and his allies, and to the destruction of the French, is the
fervent prayer of, &c.

"Nelson."

At the same time, addressing a letter to Commodore Troubridge, who he had reason to suppose was at Minorca, his lordship says--"My letter to Sir James St. Clair, if this finds you at Mahon, will shew you what I feel about Malta." After again describing apprehended consequences, and expressing his hope that General Fox is arrived, and that Sir James will lay all circumstances before him, his lordship continues--"I know Sir James to be a most fair, honourable, and zealous officer; and I earnestly hope, that you will have the carrying him and fifteen hundred troops to Malta. If, alas! all my arguments are in vain, against _orders--not knowing our situation here_--or the delicacy of the approach of General Fox; then, it is only for me to grieve, and intreat of you to come here, and bring the Northumberland--that, at least, I may prevent supplies getting in: and, for this purpose, I shall be under the distressing necessity of taking as many ships as possible from Minorca; which, I assure you, would hurt me very much."

On the 28th, his lordship detached the Minotaur, and even the Foudroyant, to join the Marquis De Niza off Malta; intreating him, not to withdraw a man from the island, even on the arrival of the Russians. "Again, and again," writes his lordship, "I desire--for which, you may be certain, I hold myself responsible--that you will not, on any consideration, withdraw a single man belonging to your squadron from the island."

Scarcely a day now passed, that Lord Nelson did not send some information to Captain Ball, for the purpose of inspiriting his depressed hopes in the conduct of this arduous undertaking; and, certainly, the indefatigability of his lordship, in labouring to obtain every requisite aid for the accomplishment of this important object, was impossible to be surpassed, and has probably never been equalled. Every risk, the purity of his heroic mind was prepared to encounter; every honour, it's dignified humility was desirous of yielding to all who should assist in the enterprize.

In one of these letters, he says--"I have begged, almost on my knees, for money, for the present subsistence of the Maltese who bear arms." In another, a day or two after--"The court have all the inclination; but, to my knowledge, they have not cash enough for the common purposes of the government!" In a third, the day following--"The King of Naples has sent four thousand ounces, to assist the poor islanders who bear arms." His lordship adds, that this will do for the present; and, that the large sum required must come from the three allied courts. In a future letter, Lord Nelson observes, that this sum of four thousand ounces, was taken, for it was no where else to be had, from their Sicilian Majesties children, with the hope of being replaced with the money which Lord Grenville had so handsomely promised to the Marquis Circello. "The enormous expences," writes his lordship to Earl Spencer, "incurred within the last eight months, have drawn the king's chest very low; but, his majesty has never failed giving every thing I could ask."

On the 31st of October, Lord Nelson, fully resolved that nothing should, on his part, be neglected, for the attainment of Malta, or the advantage of it's temporary chief, wrote a long epistle to the Emperor of Russia, as Grand Master. In which, he details the principal operations of this protracted siege; the various difficulties which had occurred, and those which still existed: with the admirable address, fortitude, and perseverance, of Captain Ball, in conciliating the inhabitants, relieving their necessities, and animating their nearly extinguished hopes; whose merits his lordship most earnestly recommended to the notice of his Imperial Majesty. His lordship had before applied for the order of Malta, for his friend Ball, in a letter to Sir Charles Whitworth; but, not having received any answer, he says, in a letter to Captain Ball, "I have now gone to the fountain head."

While Lord Nelson was thus earnestly solicitous to obtain honours for his meritorious friend, he little imagined that he should, in two or three days, be gratified by the acquisition of a new and most distinguished one conferred on himself. This, however, actually and very unexpectedly happened: for a Turkish corvette, which had probably reached Messina about the time when his lordship was writing the above letter in favour of his brave friend, brought from Constantinople Abdur Amand, a special messenger, sent by the Grand Signior, who arrived at Palermo on the 3d of November, and was charged with an additional manifestation of the Sublime Porte's friendly esteem for our incomparable hero. This gentleman, on that day, presented to Lord Nelson, as an honourable gift from his imperial master, the Grand Signior, a magnificent diamond star, or medallion; in the centre of which, on blue enamel, were represented the Turkish crescent and a star. This valuable present was accompanied by an elegant letter from the Grand Vizier, dated the 9th of September: in which it was announced, that the Grand Signior had been pleased to order Lord Nelson a medallion, which his Imperial Majesty was desirous should be worn on his lordship's breast, as a mark of esteem for his kindness to Osman Hadgi--a noble Turk, who had accompanied Lord Nelson from Alexandria, and to whom his lordship was much attached by the strongest ties of friendship--as well as for the interest which his lordship on all occasions took in the prosperity of the Sublime Porte. From the nature of this rich gift, and the respectful manner in which it was delivered by Abdur Amand, his lordship was induced to consider it as constituting him, in conjunction with the former insignia, First Knight of the Order of the Imperial Turkish or Ottoman Crescent. In a most respectful answer to the Grand Vizier, Lord Nelson says--"I intreat that your excellency will present, with the most profound gratitude, my thanks to the emperor, for this new and distinguished honour conferred upon me. I have placed it on my coat, on my left side, over my heart. I cannot say, however flattering this mark of favour is to me, that I can in any manner serve the Sublime Porte more than I have done; for, it has ever been with all my soul. But this mark of favour shews, in the strongest light, that the smallest services are watched, and most magnificently rewarded, by his Imperial Majesty; whose life, may God prolong, with health and every other earthly happiness: and may he give me opportunities of shewing my gratitude, by risking my life for the preservation of the smallest grain of sand belonging to the Ottoman empire; and may the enemies of his Imperial Majesty fall into dust, by the wise councils of your excellency!"