THE LIFE OF _THE RIGHT HONOURABLE_ _HORATIO_ LORD VISCOUNT NELSON:

 BARON NELSON OF THE NILE, AND OF BURNHAM-THORPE AND HILBOROUGH IN THE COUNTY OF NORFOLK; KNIGHT OF THE MOST HONOURABLE MILITARY ORDER OF THE BATH; DOCTOR OF LAWS IN THE UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD; VICE-ADMIRAL OF THE WHITE SQUADRON OF HIS MAJESTY'S FLEET; DUKE OF BRONTE, IN FARTHER SICILY; GRAND CROSS OF THE ORDER OF ST. FERDINAND AND OF MERIT; KNIGHT OF THE IMPERIAL ORDER OF THE OTTOMAN CRESCENT; KNIGHT GRAND COMMANDER OF THE EQUESTRIAN, SECULAR, AND CAPITULAR, ORDER OF ST. JOACHIM OF WESTERBURG; AND HONORARY GRANDEE OF SPAIN. 

 BY MR. HARRISON. 

IN TWO VOLUMES. 

VOL. II. 

 Lord Viscount Nelson's transcendent and heroic services will, I am persuaded, exist for ever in the recollection of my people; and, while they tend to stimulate those who come after him, they will prove a lasting source of strength, security, and glory, to my dominions. 

 _The King's Answer to the City of London's Address on the Battle of Trafalgar. _

LONDON:Printed at the Ranelagh Press, BY STANHOPE AND TILLING;FOR C. CHAPPLE, PALL MALL, AND SOUTHAMPTON ROW, RUSSELL SQUARE. 1806. 

THE LIFE OF_LORD NELSON_, DUKE OF BRONTE, &c. 

In tracing the history of a hero so active as Lord Nelson, the mind canscarcely be allowed a moment's pause. His multifarious transactions, indeed, frequently arise in such rapid successions, that they become fartoo much involved with each other to admit of any precise chronologicalarrangement. Operations are commenced, which cannot always be soonbrought to a conclusion: and, while these are transacting, an attentionto other occurrences, of more or less magnitude, becomes perpetuallyrequisite; which are, in their turn, subjected to similarprocrastinating delays and necessarily diverted attentions. 

The cares of Lord Nelson can hardly be said to have one minute ceased, even when he landed, in safety, at Palermo, the royal and illustriouscharacters, and their immense treasure, which he had successfullyconveyed thither, amidst such alarming difficulties and dangers. Hisanxious bosom, it is true, was now relieved from the apprehensions whichit had suffered during the storm; and felt, no doubt, as it ought, asympathetic sense of the grateful felicitations of beloved friends, onthe event of their happy arrival at a place of secure refuge. He couldnot, indeed, fail to rejoice in their joy: but it was, with all of them, a joy mingled with melancholy; and, with him, it was particularly so. 

An intellectual tempest, at this apparently enviable period of ourhero's glory, was violently agitating the secret recesses of his toosusceptible heart. Justly jealous of honour, his soul ever kindled withalarm at the most remote idea of aught that could, by any possibility ofimplication, be considered as having the smallest tendency to sully orimpair a single particle of that celestial inheritance which he feltconscious of having a legitimate right to possess in undiminishedlustre, If it should be thought, by the more calmly philosophical mind, that he might sometimes too soon take the alarm; let it, at least, notfail to be remembered, that the true votary of honour must never be, even once, a single moment too late. 

The reader who has attentively perused the preceding part of LordNelson's history, will long since have discovered, that one grand traitof character, in this exalted man, was a determined resolution ofaccomplishing, to it's fullest possible extent, the business, whateverit might be, which was once committed to his charge; and that, in everyexpedition, it formed his chief pride, to effect even more than couldhave been expected, by those who had, from the greatest possibleconfidence in his skill and ability, selected him for the enterprise. Itwas this invariable principle that, by prompting him to serve on shore, at the batteries before Calvi, cost him the vision of an eye; and it wasto this same cause, that he owed the loss of his arm at Teneriffe. Conformably to this grand characteristic, having so honourably receivedthe Earl of St. Vincent's orders to seek and to destroy the Frencharmament, which he had at length gloriously encountered at the mouth ofthe Nile; he still internally regretted, that the wound on that occasionreceived in his forehead, by rendering him almost wholly blind, hadproved the sole cause of a single French ship's escape. Not that thisundoubted conviction in his own bosom, that he should certainly havecaptured or destroyed the whole fleet, conveys the smallest reflectionon any other officer for not having effected the same purpose: for, mostassuredly, though many captains in this noble squadron might boast ofequal bravery with himself, and of much skill too, Lord Nelson greatlysurpassed them all, and perhaps every other naval commander, in thatpromptitude of vigorously winged imagination which instantaneously risesto the exigency. The moment Captain Berry had, on first beholding theposition of the French fleet at anchor, fully comprehended the entirescope of his adored admiral's design for the attack, he exclaimed, in anextacy--"If we succeed, what will the world say?"--"There is no if inthe case, " coolly replied the admiral: "that we shall succeed, iscertain; who may live to tell the story, is a very different question!"So positive was this great man of success, even before the battlecommenced. 

Though Lord Nelson had hitherto failed in taking the fugitive ships fromEgypt, and the transports were not yet destroyed at Alexandria; he neverrelinquished the idea, that some of his "band of brothers, " the heroiccaptains of the Nile, might finally fall in with, and either take ordestroy, the two line of battle ships, and two frigates, which had aloneescaped, and thus complete the destruction of all the ships of war. Norhad the comprehensive mind of our hero limited it's hope to these alone:he trusted that some of his brave band would at least assist ineffecting the destruction of the transports; as well as in preventingevery remaining Frenchman, who had been landed in Egypt, from everreturning to France. For this purpose, he had not only left Captain Hoodon the coast; but solicited, both at home, and of our allies, therequisite bomb-vessels, &c. By repeated most urgent epistles. 

At length, the necessary preparations had been made, and dispatched fromEngland, under the command of Sir William Sidney Smith, brother of theEnglish minister, Mr. Spencer Smith, at the Ottoman court. The highcharacter of Sir Sidney Smith--as he is usually called--for intrepidgallantry, as well as for incomparable dexterity and address in thatspecies of naval exploit which may be denominated incendiary warfare, seemed to justify sufficiently the judgment of the Admiralty inselecting a character so respectably enterprising for this service, andthe measure was certainly extremely popular at home. Every thing, indeed, was expected from Sir Sidney Smith's ability: and truth requiresthe acknowledgment, that neither government, nor the people, werefinally disappointed; as the history of the siege of Acre, where hecommanded on shore, and fairly defeated Bonaparte, will for ever afforda most satisfactory and substantial proof. 

A very obvious consequence, however, attended this appointment; which, strange as it may seem, undoubtedly escaped the attention of theAdmiralty, as well as of the country at large: the former of whom, it iscertain, would not have adopted, nor the latter have applauded, any actwhich they had foreseen could be liable to hurt the feelings of theirchief favourite, the gallant hero of the Nile. 

Not only did this measure introduce a new British hero to assist in thefull accomplishment of the business originally committed, by the Earl ofSt. Vincent, to Admiral Nelson; appearing, to his lordship's exquisitefeelings, an implied defectiveness in his noble band of brothers for thecompletion of the enterprise: but, by the circumstance of Sir SidneySmith's authorization to take under his command Captain Hood, and theships left with him in Egypt, Lord Nelson felt himself deprived of apart of his squadron, in favour of a junior officer, who wouldconsequently be placed above his brave friends. 

The day after leaving Naples, his lordship had received dispatches fromSir Sidney Smith, then off Malta, in his way to Egypt, apprizing him ofthese intentions; and, on the 27th, at Palermo, others from the Earl ofSt. Vincent, who does not appear to have been previously consulted, respecting the appointment of Sir Sidney Smith. It is probable, therefore, that the noble earl might participate with his gallant friendin the unpleasant feelings thus excited. Unfortunately, too, Sir Sidneyhad written, about this period, to our hero's friend, Sir WilliamHamilton; in terms, as it should seem, of insufficient caution;originating, perhaps, merely in the ebullitions of an honest overflowingheart, alive to it's own importance. Be this as it may, that of LordNelson was fired with an indignation, which he thus vehemently expressesto his commander in chief. 

 "Palermo, 31st Dec. 1798. 

 "MY DEAR LORD

 "I do _feel, for I am man_, that it is impossible for me to serve in those seas, with a squadron under a junior officer. Could I have thought it; and, from Earl Spencer? Never, never was I so astonished, as your letter made me. As soon as I can get hold of Troubridge, I shall send him to Egypt, to endeavour to destroy the ships in Alexandria. If it can be done, Troubridge will do it. The Swedish knight writes Sir William Hamilton, that he shall go to Egypt, and take Captain Hood, and his squadron, under his command. The knight forgets the respect due to his superior officer. He has no orders from you, to take my ships away from my command: but, it is all of a piece. Is it to be borne? Pray, grant me your permission to retire; and, I hope, the Vanguard will be allowed to convey me, and my friends Sir William and Lady Hamilton, to England. God bless you, my dear lord! and believe me, your affectionate friend, "Nelson. "

 "Earl of St. Vincent. "

His lordship now, certainly, had it in contemplation to retire, asexpressed in the above letter. He even went so far, as to request theEarl of St. Vincent's permission, that he might leave the command to hisgallant and most excellent second, Captain Troubridge, or some other ofhis brave friends who so gloriously fought at the battle of the Nile--ifhis health and uneasiness of mind should not be mended. In the meantime, he resolved to send Captain Troubridge to Egypt, as he had beforeintended, that he might endeavour to destroy the transports inAlexandria; after which, he was now to deliver up the Levant Seas tothe care of Sir Sidney Smith. 

Piqued as Lord Nelson evidently was, on this occasion, by what he feltas the obtrusion of Sir Sidney Smith, to the exclusion of his favouriteband of brothers, he nevertheless wished him all possible success, andreadily yielded him every requisite assistance in his power. At the sametime, with abundant address, his lordship selected, from the dispatcheswhich had been transmitted to him, an extract from Lord Grenville'sinstructions, which he transcribed into the following letter to SirSidney Smith, as a gentle hint that this officer's authority was notwholly without restriction. 

 "Palermo, Dec. 31, 1798. 

 "SIR, "I have been honoured with your letter from off Malta, with it's several inclosures: viz. An extract of a letter from Lord Grenville to John Spencer Smith, Esq. &c. --"And his majesty has been graciously pleased to direct, that your brother, Sir Sidney Smith, shall proceed to Constantinople with the eighty-gun ship Le Tigre. His instructions will enable him to take the command of such of his majesty's ships as he may find in those seas--unless, by any unforeseen accident, it should happen that there should be, among them, any of his majesty's officers of superior rank; and he will be directed to act with such force, in conjunction with the Russian and Ottoman squadrons, for the defence of the Ottoman empire, and for the annoyance of the enemy in that quarter:"--Also, an extract of another letter, from Lord Grenville to yourself and brother--And the Earl of St. Vincent having sent me an extract of a letter from Earl Spencer to him; saying that, for certain circumstances, you should be the officer selected for the command of a small squadron in the Levant Seas: and, his lordship having also informed me, that Captain Miller was the officer of your choice; and directing me to give you a frigate, or a sloop of war, till Captain Miller's arrival--You may rest assured, that I shall most strictly comply with the instructions sent by Lord Grenville to your brother; also, those of Earl Spencer, and the Earl of St. Vincent. For this purpose, I must desire that you will lose no time in proceeding to Alexandria, to take upon you the command of the blockade, &c. Which I shall direct to be delivered up to you; and, from my heart, I wish you every success. The united squadrons of the Turks and Russians, and of two sail of the line under your command, must be sufficient for the two ships _armée en flute_, and three frigates; which, thank God! are all the enemy have left in those seas. 

 "I have the honour to be, Sir, your most obedient servant, "Nelson. "

It is by no means improbable, that Lord Nelson, while coollytranscribing the above passage from Lord Grenville's judiciously guardedinstructions, to convince Sir Sidney Smith, that he was not restrained, had in some measure convinced himself that those instructions could notpossibly be intended to give him, or his gallant friends, the smallestjust cause of offence. 

On this same day, the last of the glorious year 1798, his lordship alsowrote the following answer to a letter from John Julius Angerstein, Esq. Chairman of the Committee at Lloyd's, which he had just received. 

 "Vanguard, Palermo, 31st Dec. 1798. 

 "SIR, "I have had the honour of receiving your's of the 10th October, inclosing a circular letter addressed to the commanders in the squadron under my command, requesting them to favour the committee with the lists of the killed and wounded on board their respective ships at the battle of the Nile: and I beg leave to acquaint you, that I have given the necessary directions to the captains of the ships at present under my command to furnish the committee with lists, agreeable to their wishes; and will write to the captains of those ships which are gone down the Mediterranean with the prizes, to do the same as soon as possible, in order to forward their charitable intentions. 

 "I have the honour to be, with the greatest respect, your most obedient and humble servant, "Nelson. "

However, neither this nor any other pleasing employ, amidst hislordship's numerous indispensible avocations, could hastily reconcilehim to the unpleasant circumstance of not being left to finish thebusiness which he had so nobly commenced, and so nearly closed. Even thesoothings of his amiable and illustrious friends were ineffectual; and, on the next day, the first of the year 1799, he wrote to Earl Spencerfor permission to return to England. This fact will appear in thefollowing letter; though, happily, by the timely and judiciousinterference of the Earl of St. Vincent, added to the earnest and unitedrequests of the King and Queen of Naples, and Sir William and LadyHamilton, he was induced finally to continue a command which the royalsufferers felt so necessary for their protection. 

 "Palermo, 1st Jan. 1799. 

 "MY DEAR LORD, "I have transmitted to Mr. Nepean, by way of Vienna, a duplicate of my letter to the commander in chief: which, of course, will likewise be sent you from him; and it will inform you of all which has passed, from the determination of leaving Naples to our arrival at Palermo. 

 "The day after I left Naples, I received a letter from Sir Sidney Smith, with several inclosures. I send you my answer. Every thing which the extracts sent me by Sir Sidney Smith point out to him, has been fully talked over, and fully explained, by Kelim Effendi; a person holding the office similar to our under-secretary of state, who had been sent with my Order of Merit: for, by the form of the investiture, that seems to me the properest name to call it. 

 "And now, my lord, having left the command of the two sail of the line in the Levant Seas to Sir Sidney Smith--than whom, I dare say, no one could be so proper--Commodore Duckworth will ably, I am sure, watch Toulon; for I shall very soon, I hope, be able to send him one or two sail of the line: and, Captain Troubridge, or some other of my brave and excellent commanders, being left to guard the One Sicily, and the coast of Italy; I trust, I shall not be thought hasty, in asking permission to return to England for a few months, to gather a little of that ease and quiet I have so long been a stranger to. 

 "Captain Troubridge goes directly to Egypt, to deliver up to Sir Sidney Smith the blockade of Alexandria, and the defence of the Ottoman empire by sea; for, I should hope, that Sir Sidney Smith will not take any ship from under my command, without my orders; although Sir Sidney, rather hastily, in my opinion, writes Sir William Hamilton, that Captain Hood naturally falls under his orders. I am, probably, considered as having a great force; but I always desire it to be understood, that I count the Portuguese as nothing but trouble. Ever believe, my dear lord, your most obliged

 "Nelson. "

 "January 2d. General Acton has just wrote me, that the French are within thirty miles of Naples, on the 30th. Marquis De Niza is prepared to burn the ships when the French get a little nearer. Mack is at Capua, with a strong force, numbers not mentioned. Dreadful weather! The great queen very ill: I fear for her. 

 "N. "

Two causes, in a short time, particularly contributed, as it shouldseem, to tranquillize the mind of our hero, with regard to what he couldnot but consider as Sir Sidney Smith's too great assumption ofauthority: one of these was, the hope that his friend Captain Troubridgemight effect the destruction of the transports at Alexandria before SirSidney's arrival; and the other, immediate information from the Earl ofSt. Vincent, that he was as little satisfied as Lord Nelson himself, with the business which had so deeply affected his feelings, and hadtherefore exerted his own power to prevent any such future occurrence. "Sir Sidney Smith, " says his lordship, writing this month to CaptainBall, "from a letter he wrote the Earl of St. Vincent off Malta, hasgiven great offence; having said, that he presumed, all the ships in theLevant being junior to him, he had a right to take them under hiscommand. His lordship has, in consequence, given him a broad hint, andtaken him handsomely down; and, to prevent any thing of the kindhappening in future, he has ordered Sir Sidney to put himself_immediately_ under my command. " These great men, however, though theyfelt jealous of their own command, had minds superior to the retentionof any continued animosity; and, when they fully understood each other, became very sincere friends. They were all equally anxious for the goodof the country; for the honour of the profession; and, for their ownindividual reputation. Their differences consisted more in the mannerthan in the form and substance of the thing; and, perhaps, on the whole, Lord Nelson's excess of feeling may be regarded as having, for a time, punished both himself and Sir Sidney with far more severity than thenecessity of the case, when coolly considered, could by any means renderrequisite. 

One of the first public measures taken by his Sicilian majesty, afterarriving at Palermo, was that of sending away, from the whole island ofSicily, every Frenchman it contained, of whatever description. Aresolution which, if it did not originate with our hero, was tooconsonant with his lordship's known inveterate Antigallicanism, not tohave received his hearty approbation. 

The following notice, dated on board the Vanguard, 6th January 1799, was accordingly issued by Lord Nelson. 

 "His Sicilian Majesty having directed, that all French, of whatever description, should leave the Island of Sicily--A ship of six hundred tons, an English transport, will be ready, by to-morrow morning, to receive French emigrants; say, two hundred. She will have put on board her biscuit, salt provisions, peas, oatmeal, and the common wine of the country. As this will be an additional gratuity, on the part of the King of Great Britain, the _emigrées_ will, if they chuse it, lay in such stock of fresh provisions, and other comforts, as they please. 

 "All those pensioned by Great Britain, will be received by a note from the British agent; and all those pensioned by his Sicilian Majesty, by a note from the Neapolitan agent. 

 "A Neapolitan corvette to be attached to this ship, to convey her to Trieste, and back again, and to receive on board such _emigrées_ as the court shall direct. The transports and corvette out to sail as soon as possible. Their time of departure will depend on the king's order. "

On occasions of this sort, no doubt, there will always be some cases ofpeculiar hardship; but the difficulty of discriminating between thetreacherous and the sincere, among a people so excessively insidious, and the danger to be dreaded from deceit, by those who were so severelysuffering it's effects, maybe considered as sufficiently justifying themeasure. 

Captain Troubridge, having arrived on the 5th, sailed on the 7th, withthe Culloden, Theseus, Bulldog, and victuallers, for Syracuse; withorders to collect the bombs, and proceed with them and the Theseus toAlexandria, for the purpose of making a vigorous attack on the shippingin that harbour. In writing, on this subject, to the Earl of St. Vincent, Lord Nelson says--"If the thing can be done, Troubridge will doit. "

Captain Louis, of the Minotaur, the present celebrated Admiral Louis, ever one of his lordship's most deservedly favourite friends, had beennow ordered to command on the coast of Italy towards Leghorn: andCommodore Mitchell, of the Portuguese squadron, was directed by LordNelson, if he could not, by the rules of the Portuguese service--asubject which, his lordship remarked, this was not the time to enteron--put himself under that very old and respectable officer, CaptainLouis; at least, to co-operate with him in the service on which he wasordered, and to remain on that service till farther orders from hislordship, or Captain Louis's consent for leaving it. In a letter of thisday, to the Earl of St. Vincent, his lordship says--"Minotaur is gone toLeghorn, to endeavour to do good; and Louis will act, I am sure, for thebest, as circumstances arise. " This very letter, sent by Captain Hope, he thus concludes--"I must refer you, my dear lord, to Hope, who isvery zealous and active. " So warmly affectionate was the heart of thisgreat and good man to all his worthy officers; and, indeed, to everydeserving person under his authority. 

On this day, Lord Nelson wrote no less than five public letters: thatalready noticed, to the Earl of St. Vincent; another, to Earl Spencer;two to Constantinople, one of them for Spencer Smith, Esq. And the otherfor Francis Wherry, Esq. A fourth to Commodore Duckworth; and the fifth, to the Honourable Lieutenant-General Stuart. 

Besides what has been extracted from the letter to the Earl of St. Vincent, it contains the following intelligence relative to the thenstate of Naples--"On the 4th, the French were not at Naples; but wereonly sixteen miles distant, negociating with the _nobles_ of Naples, forthe exclusion of the king. The French long to give them the fraternalsqueeze. Another party is for making the Duke of Parma's son, married tothe king of Spain's daughter, now at Madrid, king under Frenchprotection. The lower class are the only loyal people; and they, weknow, may any moment take a wrong turn. Mack is at Capua; but, it wasdetermined, should retreat towards Salerno. On the 3d, at night, theFrench attempted to force the lines of Capua. They did not succeed. Whatoccasioned their retreat, is difficult to guess; although the Neapolitanarmy is twenty-five thousand, and the French not eight thousand. _Isnot this a dream! Can it be real_?"

The letter to Earl Spencer is as follows. 

 "Palermo, Jan. 7, 1799. 

 "MY DEAR LORD

 "Our news from Naples has been daily from bad to worse. On the 4th, the enemy was not at Naples. There are parties, in the capital, for a republic; and another for making the Duke of Parma, who is at Madrid, king: but, I believe, the fighting party is very small. The events which have taken place in the kingdom of Naples have been so rapid and extraordinary, that it appears a dream. The king, God bless him, is a philosopher; but the great queen feels sensibly all that has happened. She begs me not to quit Palermo; for that Sir William and Lady Hamilton, and myself, are her only comforts. I shall, as is my duty, do every thing in the best manner I am able, for the honour of our country. General Stuart, from Minorca, calls for me; Mr. Windham, from Florence, does the same; and the affairs of Egypt and Malta are endeavouring to be brought to an issue. Captain Ball has done wonders; and, I trust, will soon succeed. The bombs, from Malta, go to Egypt, and are to make a vigorous attack on the shipping at Alexandria. These two points successful, will set us quite at our ease on the sea. With every sentiment of respect, believe me, your lordship's most faithful servant, "Nelson. "

The letters to Spencer Smith, and Francis Wherry, Esqrs. Contain littlemore than a reference to Sir Sidney Smith, as the new defender, by sea, of the Ottoman empire, and a polite termination of his lordship's publiccorrespondence with these gentlemen. 

What his lordship wrote to Commodore now Admiral Duckworth, contains somany interesting particulars, that it must necessarily be presentedentire. 

 "Palermo, 7th Jan. 1799. 

 "MY DEAR SIR, "You will have heard, by Captain Richardson, who left Naples on the 22d of December, of what had happened, to the astonishment of all Europe. It is incredible; but, such things are! I have received the notification of the force expected from Brest; and, if they do get into the Mediterranean, I am confident, they will first go to Toulon: which, when you are apprized of, I submit to your consideration, in concert with his Excellency General Stuart, the propriety of uniting our forces, at what point will be best; but, I shall be truly happy in coinciding with the general and yourself. I am well aware of the small force of the general and yourself, should an invasion of Minorca take place: but, I have a most detestable opinion of the Spanish officers and troops, and the very highest, from experience, of General Stuart; who, by his abilities, would make a bad army a good one. From the situation of affairs here, and having now got bomb-ships, I have determined to bring our matters to issue, both at Alexandria and Malta, as expeditiously as possible; for which purpose, Troubridge goes this day for Egypt, with my orders to make a vigorous attack on the ships in Alexandria. Captain Ball has, at this moment, I hope, finished with Malta. He was using the bombs, by the last account; and intended, about this time, storming the Bormola, the left side of the harbour: by which all the shipping must fall, and the French be close kept up in the town of La Vilette. I wish to send you two sail of the line, and to request your look-out upon Toulon: I am sure, it cannot be in better hands. But, our situation respecting Italy every day alters from bad to worse, so that I cannot answer for my present intentions. I have, under my command, four Portuguese ships of the line; you are most heartily welcome to them all, if you think they will be useful. I own, I consider them as nothing; except trouble in writing orders, which are intolerably executed. However, you may be assured of my ardent desire to do every thing which can render your command pleasant; and, for the security of the valuable acquisition of Minorca. 

 "Ever believe me, dear Sir, your faithful and obliged. 

 "Nelson. "

In the letter to General Stuart is a recapitulation of the affairs ofNaples; with the observation that such things are, if he is notdreaming! "The conduct of the Emperor, " he writes, "is to meextraordinary; the loss, at least, of his new Italian dominions, will bethe natural consequence. Tuscany must drop from his family; and, whethera month sooner or later, is of little importance. You have seen themovements of Austrian armies, so have I; and found, unhappily, all theirgenerals traders, making the most of their command, by oppressing thepoor soldiers. I feel, very much, my dear general, for your situation, in the invaluable possession which your excellent judgment placed underthe dominion of his majesty; and, believe me, I shall have the greatestpleasure in doing every thing you can wish me. " After observing that hisforce is merely nominal, and repeating his intentions, as expressed toCommodore Duckworth, his lordship concludes--"The Vanguard is atPalermo, their Sicilian Majesties desiring me not to leave them; but, the moment you want me, I fly to your assistance. "

The fact is, that Lord Nelson did not entertain apprehensions of anyserious attack on Minorca; and, therefore, without weakening moreessential service, prudently kept merely an eye to the remotepossibility of such an event; nor did his lordship's judgment, on thisoccasion, prove to be less judicious than usual. 

On the 8th, our hero received a most flattering encomium, indeed, fromEngland; which, certainly, could not fail fully to compensate for everytemporary mortification which he might have experienced. This wasnothing less than an elegant complimentary and congratulatory epistle, written to his lordship by Earl Howe, expressive of that noble andillustrious veteran's high admiration of the glorious victory off theNile. What his lordship may be supposed to have felt at the perusal ofthis most acceptable testimonial to his transcendent merits, cannot bemore effectually impressed than by reading the following admirableanswer, which he appears to have instantly written, while his heart wasoverflowing with gratitude. 

 "Palermo, 8th Jan. 1799. 

 "MY LORD, "It was only this moment, that I had the invaluable approbation of the great, the immortal, Earl Howe; an honour the most flattering a sea-officer could receive, as it comes from the first and greatest sea-officer the world has ever produced. I had the happiness to command a band of brothers; therefore, night was to my advantage. Each knew his duty; and, I was sure, each would feel for a French ship. By attacking the enemy's van and centre, the wind blowing directly along their line, I was enabled to throw what force I pleased on a few ships. This plan my friends readily conceived, by the signals--for which we are principally, if not entirely, indebted to your lordship--and we always keep a superior force to the enemy. At twenty-eight minutes past six, the sun in the horizon, the firing commenced. At five minutes past ten, when L'Orient blew up, having burnt seventy minutes, the six van ships had surrendered. I then pressed forward, towards the rear; and, had it pleased God, that I had not been wounded, and stone-blind, there cannot be a doubt but that every ship would how have been in our possession. But, here, let it not be supposed, that any officer is to blame. No; on my honour, I am satisfied each did his very best! I have never, before, my lord, detailed the action to any one; but I should have thought it wrong, to have kept it from one who is our great master in naval tactics and bravery. May I presume to present my very best respects to Lady Howe, and to Lady Mary; and to beg that your lordship will believe me, ever, your most obliged

 "Nelson. "

This was a rich repayment to the venerable and illustrious earl, of theexalted praise which he had so liberally transmitted our hero: praisewhich, however excessive, could scarcely be, on either side, too much. 

On the following day, the 9th, an opportunity occurs to exhibit ourincomparable hero in a new and most amiable light; the irresistibleChristian advocate of humanity, pleading for the emancipation ofMahometan captives from slavery. 

The ambassador, and his suite, from the Grand Signior, who had arrivedat Naples, and were now at Palermo, were about to take their departure;having long since fulfilled, as was formerly described, the object oftheir mission, by investing our hero with the Ottoman dignities. Theirreturn appears to have been delayed by the affairs of Naples, whichwould not sooner admit of a ship's being spared for their conveyance toConstantinople. The Bonne Citoyenne, however, commanded by CaptainNisbet, his lordship's son-in-law, had now the honour of that service. Accordingly, as Kelim Effendi, the Turkish ambassador, was passing, in aboat, to go on board the Bonne Citoyenne, near the Portuguese man ofwar, the Principe Real, then laying in the mole, several Moors and Turkscalled to him, from that ship, where they were confined as slaves. Theambassador immediately sent to Lord Nelson, requesting his interferencein procuring their liberty; and his lordship, with all that amiablehumanity which so highly distinguished his character, immediately wroteas follows to the Marquis De Niza. 

 "Palermo, Jan. 9th, 1799. 

 "MY DEAR MARQUIS, "You have some Turkish slaves on board. I beg, as a friend--as an English admiral--as a favour to me, as a favour to my country--that you will give me the slaves. In doing this, you will oblige your faithful friend, "Nelson. "

The marquis very handsomely gave up, instantly, all the Moors and Turkshe had oh board, twenty-five in number; and they were sent, by hislordship, to the Turkish ambassador, Secretary Kelim, who took them withhim to Constantinople, blessing their noble benefactor. 

On the 11th, intelligence was received at Palermo, that CommodoreCampbell had prematurely burned all the Neapolitan ships of war; thoughthe French were not then at Naples, or near it: "for, " says hislordship, "while an army was covering Naples, the enemy could not beconsidered as near taking it. " Of this conduct, Lord Nelson expressedhis entire disapprobation; and his Sicilian majesty was, as he had justreason to be, greatly displeased on the occasion. The commodore, however, who had evidently acted too precipitately, yet with the bestintentions, being under a Portuguese commander, happily escaped theenquiry of a court-martial; to which he would undoubtedly have beensubjected, had he served in the British fleet. The King and Queen ofNaples, indeed, satisfied of Commodore Campbell's upright, thoughunadvised conduct, graciously condescended to intercede in his behalf;and Lord Nelson, shortly afterwards, though he had at first beenexceedingly angry, convinced the worthy commodore that he retained notthe smallest animosity, by employing him on a confidential expedition tothe Bey of Tripoli. 

The fate of Naples was, in truth, at this time fast approaching. ThePrince General Pignatelli had signed an armistice with the French, inwhich the name of the King of Naples was omitted to be mentioned, whocould not but entirely disapprove of such a proceeding; and the French, who were in possession of Capua, now visited Naples as a friendly place. In this situation of affairs, his lordship, though very unwell, offeredto go to the Bay of Naples; but both the king and queen so earnestlypressed him not to move, that he was unable to withstand theirintreaties: they were, they freely acknowledged, full of apprehensions, and had confidence in him only for their safety. 

What the abilities of a Nelson might have effected, had it been possiblefor him to have headed, at land, the loyal Lazzaroni of Naples, isincapable of being ascertained; but no skill or valour could alone havelong preserved a nation so corrupt and pusillanimous from thedestruction which, by their meanness, the generality of the upper andmiddling classes were inviting. There wanted, only, what their subtleinvaders well knew was never far distant, some plausible artificesuddenly to prevail over the simplicity of the honest but credulousvulgar, which could not fail to divert that powerful torrent, intowhatever channel should most rapidly lead them to the gulph ofperdition. 

Without entering into the history of this war, which is neitherpracticable, nor requisite, on the present occasion, it may be brieflyremarked--that Championet, the French general, is well known to haveinformed the Directory at Paris that, by means of a correspondence withthe disaffected party, he should be master of Naples by the time theyreceived the news of the capitulation of Capua--that this treachery soonbecoming suspected by the Lazzaroni, who were in the royal interest, they seized all the arms; parading the streets, and vociferating thenames of the king and their tutelary St. Januarius--that General Mackwas regarded as a traitor; and the remains of the army which he hadcommanded were considered as jacobins whom French gold hadcorrupted--that Mack, not very unfavourably to the suspicions of theLazzaroni, fled from them to Championet, who gave him a passport andescort to Milan; where, however, with true French protection, he wasseized as a prisoner of war, by order of the Directory--that theNeapolitan army, equally terrified with their general at the menaces ofthe numerous Lazzaroni, deserted, to that of the French, and was in twodays quite disorganized and annihilated--that the Lazzaroni, urged tofury by the escape of their prey, attacked and drove in the advancedposts of the French, and penetrated even to the line--that PrinceMolliterno, who had been chosen their general, did not escape theirmenaces, when they found that he was entering into a negociation withChampionet--that they now every where plundered and massacred theobjects of their suspicions, however well or ill founded--that PrinceMolliterno, and his friends, seizing on the forts, called the French totheir assistance--and that, after numerous severe struggles, in whichvast numbers of the French, as well as of the Lazzaroni, were slain, thelatter were only finally subdued by stratagem. 

In the momentary cessations from mutual slaughter, Championet offeredhis protection to several of the terrified inhabitants. He professed amost profound veneration for St. Januarius; and gravely invoked theall-powerful saint, for the preservation of human lives, and therestoration of peace, in the suffering city of Naples. A French guard ofhonour was stationed at the church of the tutelary apostle: and "Respectfor Januarius, " adopted as the consign of their army. The report of suchsincere devotion to their favourite saint, flew with the celerity oflightning along the ranks of the Lazzaroni. "_Vivent lesFrançais!_--_Vive la republique!"_--"Long live the French!--Long livethe republic!"--soon followed, in thundering applauses, through thelines. In short, without pursuing the various scenes of the wretchedfarce by which these miserable devotees of superstition were betrayedinto an opinion that Championet possessed nearly as much sanctity as St. Januarius himself, and was scarcely less entitled to the adoration whichmany of the simple souls were now weak enough to pay him; the shouts ofadmiration, and of joy, universally succeeded to the shrieks of anguish, and the fearful cries of desperation; the contest was immediatelybrought to a close, and peace everywhere loudly proclaimed. Wonders werenot wanting on the occasion--The blood of St. Januarius miraculouslyflowed this very evening, at the intercession of the venerablearchbishop, and his pious clergy; whose devotion to the saint, appearsto have far surpassed their loyalty to their sovereign: and, though afiery eruption of Mount Vesuvius, which had been tranquil for thepreceding five years, was actually seen to burst forth on the very day, the 24th of January 1799, even that ancient proof of the anger of thesaint was, in the madness of the moment, considered as an additionaltoken of his holiness's approbation! Such is the inconsistency ofuntutored folly, and the fate of misinstructed superstition; the powerof superior cunning, and the effect of unprincipled deceit. 

The concern of the good King and Queen of Naples, at the calamitouseffects of these successful stratagems on the deluded people, could notfail to be excessive; and that of our indignant hero, and his estimablefriends, were little inferior. The despicable frauds, by which themiserable vulgar had been ensnared, were to them abundantly manifest;but they well knew that, had they even been present, and assured thecredulous creatures, that the liquification of St. Januarius's blood, and even the blaze of Mount Vesuvius--which was unaccompanied by anynatural overflow of the lava--were both easily effected by a simplechemical process, and a few kindled faggots and barrels of gunpowderthrown into the crater, they would most probably have been instantlymassacred for what the priests must have necessarily pronounced, fortheir own safety, the most blasphemous of all possible impieties. 

In writing, on the 28th of January, to the Honourable Mr. Windham, atLeghorn, Lord Nelson thus foretells the fate of Tuscany, and of all theEmperor of Germany's Italian dominions. "Alas!" says his lordship, "thefancied neutrality of Tuscany will be it's downfall. You see it, and itcannot fail soon to happen. Tuscany does not, or cannot, support it'sneutrality for us or Naples; only to protect the French, is this nameprostituted. Seratti, who is a man of sound sense, must see it. When theemperor loses Tuscany and Naples--which, I am bold to say, the conductof his ministry conduces to do more than the arms of the French--hisnewly-acquired dominions will not keep to him. Active, not passive;actions, are the only weapons to meet these scoundrels with. We can, asyour excellency knows, have no desire to distress the Grand Duke by ourconduct; on the contrary, it is our duty to support his royal highnessagainst the tyranny of the French. Your excellency will be so good as tosay, for me, to his royal highness, that an English ship of war shall, as long as he pleases, remain at Leghorn, ready to receive his personand family; for, unless the emperor acts speedily, the British flag willbe his only security. Tuscany has the choice, to act like men, and takethe chance of war; or, in a few weeks, to become another conquest of theFrench, and to form a new republic. " Speaking of Naples, he, says--"Wehave heard nothing since the 19th; and, from those accounts, it isdifficult to say, what turn the mob will take; at that time, they werecertainly loyal. The nobility, to a man, Jacobins. Mack has disappeared, and no one knows the route he has taken. " Such, it appears, was theuncertainty of the royal family of Naples, with regard to it's fate, onthe 28th, at Palermo; though, in reality, it had then been alreadydetermined. 

In fact, on the 25th, the following curious advertisement, for a grandTe Deum, in consequence of this desirable event, was actually publishedat Naples; and the archbishop, with the rest of the clergy, solemnlyassured the people, that great faith, and extraordinary prayers, hadinduced their saint to testify his entire approbation of the measure. 

 "All the faithful citizens of Naples are invited to be present this day, (Friday, the 25th of January 1799, ) at two in the afternoon, at the celebration of Te Deum; which the archbishop, accompanied by the chapter, the clergy, the general in chief and staff of the army of Naples, will sing in the cathedral church, to thank the Most High for the glorious entry of the French troops into this city; and who, protected in a peculiar manner by Providence, have regenerated this people, and are come to establish and consolidate our happiness. St. Januarius, our protector, rejoices in their arrival. His blood miraculously liquified on the very evening of the entry of the republican troops. "

Lord Nelson, in the letter last mentioned, thus speaks of the state ofSicily--"As to this island, I cannot take upon me to say much: that theyall hate the French, is certain; but, still, they feel themselves anoppressed people. On the 20th, at Augusta, a French vessel, with ahundred and forty officers and soldiers, arrived from Egypt. The boatpeople, and those of the town, attacked them. Eighty-seven were killed;the remainder escaped on board a Neapolitan frigate, who protected them. Sir William and Lady Hamilton, and I may add myself, are all unwell. Thegreat queen is far from well. The king is the best of the party. As thequeen is very anxious to hear of the fate of Tuscany, I shall directCaptain Louis--who, I was sure, your excellency would like--to sendeither Terpsichore, or this brig, back to Palermo. "

In a letter of the same date to Captain now Admiral Louis, his lordshipsays, observing that all in the house had been ill, and were still farfrom well--"The air of Palermo is very bad, in my opinion. " Hisconfidence in Captain Louis, as well as in Mr. Windham, is thus stronglyexpressed--"You will, I am sure, my dear Sir, act in that way, whichwill always meet my wishes and do credit to our country. Whenever Mr. Windham tells you, that his Royal Highness the Grand Duke his nooccasion for his majesty's ships, I shall be very glad to see you here;but consult with Mr. Windham, and you cannot err. "

On the last day of January, Lord Nelson received, from England, officialcommunications of the votes which had been passed by the House of Peers, the House of Commons, and the Irish House of Commons, conveying theirthanks, by their respective speakers, to his lordship, his officers, andmen, who fought in the battle off the Nile; which he instantlyacknowledged, by most respectful answers to Lord Loughborough, the RightHonourable Henry Addington, and the Honourable John Foster. 

On the same day, he also received letters from the Lord Mayor of London, the Clerk of the Drapers Company, and the Mayor of Liverpool; to whichhe immediately wrote, respectively, the following answers. 

 "Vanguard, Palermo, 31st Jan. 1799. 

 "SIR, "I have only this day received the honour of your letter (when Lord Mayor) of the 16th October; and I beg that you will convey to the Court of Common Council my sincere gratitude for all their goodness to me; and assure them, it shall be the business of my life, to act in the manner most conducive to the prosperity of the city of London, on which depends that of our country. 

 "I am truly sensible of your politeness, in desiring me to say what particular devices I should wish on the sword which is to be presented to me by the city of London; but, I beg to leave that to the better judgment of my fellow-citizens. Believe me, when I assure you, that I feel myself your most faithful and obliged servant, "

 Nelson. 

 "Sir William Anderson, Bart late Lord-Mayor of London. 

 "Vanguard, Palermo, 31st Jan. 1799. 

 "SIR, "I have this day received your letter, conveying to me the great honour conferred upon me by the worshipful Company of Drapers of London, by presenting me with the freedom of their company. I beg you will, Sir, have the goodness to convey to the worshipful Company, how much I feel honoured by their kind notice of my services; and assure them, that it shall be the study of my life, to preserve their good opinion. Allow me, also, to thank you, for the very flattering manner in which you have executed the orders of the company. Believe me, Sir, with great respect, your much obliged and most obedient servant, "

 "Nelson. "

 Henry Smith, Esq. Clerk of the Drapers Company. 

 "Vanguard, Palermo, 31st Jan. 1799. 

 "SIR, "I am this day favoured with your letter, conveying to me the unanimous resolution of the Common Council of Liverpool, to honour me with their thanks, and also the freedom of their town. I beg you will assure those whom, from this moment, I am to call my brother freemen, that my future exertions shall never be wanting, to approve myself worthy of the high honour conferred upon me by the representative body of the second sea-port in the kingdom; and believe me, with the highest respect, your much obliged and obedient servant, "Nelson. "

 "Thomas Leyland, Esq. Mayor of Liverpool. "

The transactions of this busy day were of a nature which could not failhighly to gratify the feelings of our hero. He also received, either onthis day or the following, a most kind, friendly, and highlysatisfactory epistle, from the Earl of St. Vincent; the purport of whichis sufficiently obvious from this answer, dated on board theBellerophon, to which he had now shifted his flag. 

 "Bellerophon, Palermo, 1st Feb. 1799. 

 "MY LORD, "I have to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 16th of January, inclosing a copy of one from Sir Sidney Smith, off Malta, with your answer; as, also, your lordship's order to take him under my command. I consider myself highly honoured by your lordship's letter, and flattered by your attention; and will order Sir Sidney Smith to put himself under my command the very first opportunity. I am, with the highest respect, my lord, your most obedient and faithful servant, "Nelson. "

The Vanguard, and La Minerve, had just been sent to Malta; and theBellerophon wanting a little repair, his lordship had now shifted hisflag on board that ship till the Vanguard's return. He was not withouthope, that Malta would soon fall; and chose rather to let Captain Ballhave the credit of driving the French out, after having, as he observed, gone through "all the hard fag, " than permit the Portuguese squadron, now at Messina, to participate the glory, who had been unwilling toencounter the fatigue, which his lordship had originally wished them topartake. In mentioning the Portuguese officers to the Earl of St. Vincent, he says--"As for the great commodores, their rank is as much aplague to them as it is to me. Niza is a good-tempered man. We are, apparently, the very best friends; nor have I, nor will I do an unkindthing by him. " But, he had torn himself away from Malta, at thecommencement, and his lordship was determined not to send him at theclose. 

Three letters were this day written by Lord Nelson to the Earl of St. Vincent; one of them has a conclusion so forcibly interesting, onseveral accounts, that it must on no account be omitted. What a pictureit affords, of a contrariety of contending passions, struggling, at thesame moment, in the bosom of this wonderful man; ever, as it shouldseem, feeling with too much energy, for the stability of it's ownprolonged peace!

 "All in this house have been ill, and are still. Our great queen, who truly admires you; our dear, invaluable Lady Hamilton; our good Sir William; and give me leave to add myself, to this excellent groupe; have but one opinion about you: viz. That you are every thing which is great and good. Let me say so, about Sir Sidney Smith! I thank you, most truly. My health is indeed, very indifferent; but, whilst I live, if the queen desire it, I remain for her security. No consideration of my own health shall make me abandon my honourable post, in which you have placed me. A parliament is called here: the queen has her doubts about their temper; and I have promised, under my hand, not to leave her; unless by her desire. Let me thank you, for your goodness to Captain Nisbet. I _wish_ he may deserve it; the thought half kills me! My dear lord, there is no true happiness in this life; and, in my present state, I could quit it with a smile. May God Almighty bless you with health, happiness, and long life! is the fervent prayer of your affectionate friend, "Nelson. "

To the intelligent reader, here is ample scope for reflection, in a veryshort compass. Felt gratitude, warmly expressed, to the Earl of St. Vincent, for his kind and generous attentions; lofty eulogiums of hislordship's royal and illustrious friends on the conduct of the nobleearl; severe mention of his friend Sir Sidney; complaint of ill health;firm attachment to the royal family at Palermo; fearful apprehensionsfor a beloved son-in-law, whom he had brought tenderly up with all theanticipatory hopes of the fondest paternal affection, and for whosefuture conduct he seems, by some untoward circumstances, to have beennow filled with all a feeling father's anxieties and alarms; and, lastly, as the consequence of defeated expectations, a despondingwillingness to relinquish even life, from an experienced conviction thatit affords no permanent or perfect felicity. 

On the 3d, his lordship received, through the Earl of St Vincent, thethanks of the House of Peers of Ireland, to himself, and the captains, officers, seamen, and marines, of the detached squadron under hiscommand at the battle off the Nile, and immediately returned arespectful answer by the same channel. He also wrote the following truesailor's letter to the earl, respecting Malta. 

"Palermo, Feb. 3, 1799. 

"MY DEAR LORD, "The Incendiary is just come fromBall, off Malta; and has brought me information, that the attempt to storm the city of Valette hadfailed, from--(I am afraid, I must call it)--cowardice. They were over the first ditch, and retired, _damn them_! But, I trust, the zeal, judgment, andbravery, of my friend Ball, and his gallant party, will overcome all difficulty. The cutter just goingoff prevents my being more particular. Ever yourmost faithful, "Nelson. "

"Naples is declared a republic, and the Frenchflag flying. We are low in spirits, but all inthis house love you. "

His lordship should have considered, before he pronounced the abovenaval anathema against the Maltese, for pusillanimity, the wretchedstarving state of the poor fellows carcases; of this he could not beignorant, since he had, this very day, written to Sir John Acton intheir behalf. "If, " says he, "six thousand salms of corn are not sentdirectly to Malta, the inhabitants are in that state of want, that theworst consequences for the interest of his Sicilian Majesty may beapprehended. All these poor people want is, that the king should givethem six months credit; when they could make their payments, in money orcotton. The case is important, and demands instant compliance. 

"The inhabitants have not seven days bread. " He wrote, the dayfollowing, to his friend Captain Ball, and inclosed him a satisfactoryanswer just received from General Acton on the subject: adding--"Thisevening I saw the king; and he is exceedingly angry, to think that hisfaithful Maltese subjects should want for any comforts or necessarieswhich it is in his power to bestow. " He addressed, at the same time, aseasonable letter to the deputies of the Maltese people; containing, also, a copy of General Acton's letter, with assurances of CaptainBall's protection, and his own determination to afford them everyassistance in his power. In short, though his lordship execrated allappearances of cowardice, he compassionated every species of distress. 

Lord Nelson, in a letter, dated the beginning of this month, addressedto Admiral then Commodore Duckworth, thus regrets the difficulty whichhe experiences, in consequence of having lost his right arm, with regardto writing--"I thank you, most truly, for your several very interestingletters, and beg that I may be favoured with your correspondencewhenever opportunity offers. You will, I am sure, make allowance for aleft-handed man; but, my inclination to write longer letters is great. Ican get but slowly over the paper. " This, added to the numerousavocations necessarily arising from so widely extended a command as thatin which he was now engaged, will sufficiently account for any seemingneglect of continued correspondence with old friends; whom, however, hewas not the man ever to forget. The truth of this observation moreparticularly manifests itself in the following letter written to thatesteemed veteran, Captain Locker; who had sensibly felt the effect ofthis difficulty, though not the last to congratulate his honoured pupilon the success of his most splendid victory. This excellent letter hasbeen repeatedly published, but it well merits to be again printed. 

 "Palermo, 9th Feb. 1799. 

 "MY DEAR FRIEND, "I well know, your own goodness of heart will make all due allowances for my present situation; in which, truly, I have not the time, or power, to answer all the letters I receive, at the moment. But you, my old friend, after twenty-seven years acquaintance, know that nothing can alter my attachment and gratitude to you. I have been your scholar. It was you who taught me to board a Frenchman, by your conduct when in the Experiment. It is you who always hold--"Lay a Frenchman close, and you will beat him!" And my only merit in my profession is, being a good scholar. Our friendship will never end, but with my life: but, you have always been too partial to me. 

 "Pray tell Kingsmill, that it was impossible I could attend to his recommendation. Indeed, I had, not being a commander in chief, no power to name an agent. Remember me kindly to him. 

 "The Vesuvian republic being fixed, I have now to look out for Sicily: but revolutionary principles are so prevalent in the world, that no monarchical government is safe, or sure of lasting ten years. 

 "I beg you will make my kindest remembrances to Miss Locker, and all your good sons; and believe me, ever, your faithful and affectionate friend, "Nelson. "

 "Lieutenant-Governor Locker, Royal Hospital, Greenwich. "

As the Vesuvian republic had been now formed on the ruins of theNeapolitan monarchy, under the protection of the French, and wasconsequently at war with Great Britain, Lord Nelson gave directions forthe property of all persons who had not left this new state to be seizedas lawful prize. Application was again made to the emperor; a surveytaken of the island, for the purpose of ascertaining it's strength andsecurity; and every endeavour used to obtain, during the war, a trucewith Tunis and Tripoli. The opinion of Lord Nelson, with regard to thesafety of Sicily, is conveyed in the following letter to Sir John Acton, Bart, expressly on that subject. 

 "Palermo, Feb. 11, 1799. 

 "MY DEAR SIR, "I have to thank your excellency for the honour of your letter; and for sending, for my perusal, the report of various officers on the situation of this island, and of it's means of defence. Respecting an invasion of the French, _in propriâ personâ_, I own, I have no alarms; for, if this island is true to itself, no harm can happen: but, I own my fears, that revolutionary principles may be sown here; and, the seasons being propitious to the growth, will produce fruit. If the emperor will not move, and save--(himself, for his throne must fall if the late measures of his councils are persisted in)--the good King, Queen, and Family of Naples, in the possession of their kingdoms; we may lament, but what must follow is certain. Having thus openly declared my general opinion, it is perfectly proper, no doubt, to be prepared for defence; and, if Calabria is occupied by the French, the first object is the preservation of Messina and the Torre del Faro. As to the other ports of the island, if the inhabitants are loyal, the French may be defied; they will not venture their carcases. But, indeed, my dear Sir, it is on the fidelity of the islanders we must depend for it's defence. When Captain Troubridge returns from Egypt, I shall have the power of having more ships on the east coast: as to Palermo, it shall never be without a proper defence in shipping from all attacks by sea; that is, from what the French have at present in the Mediterranean. In all other things, I beg that your excellency will have the goodness to assure his Sicilian Majesty, that nothing shall be wanting, on my part, for the defence of his kingdoms, and whatever can administer to his comforts; and I beg your excellency will believe with what great respect I am your most faithful and obedient servant, "Nelson. "

The safety of Messina appearing to be the first object for thepreservation of Sicily from the French, five hundred troops wereimmediately ordered thither by the Portuguese ships; and his lordshipalso urged his Excellency, the Vice-Admiral Theodore Uschakoff, whocommanded the Russian fleet then before Corfu, to send as many ships andtroops as possible to Messina, for the promotion of the common cause, and the good of his Sicilian Majesty in particular. 

On the same day, February 15, his lordship wrote also to his ExcellencyAbdul Cadir Bek, Vice-Admiral of the Turkish fleet, likewise at Corfu, with a similar request for ships and troops. "Your excellency, withoutdoubt, " writes his lordship, "has heard of the melancholy news fromNaples. The French, not content with having, by perfidy, declared Naplesa republic, have forced a great part of Calabria to erect a Tree of_Terror_, which these unbelievers call of _Liberty_; and theiremissaries are sowing the seeds of anarchy into this island, particularly at Messina. " His lordship adds, that as he has severalships in Egypt, for the Grand Signior, he earnestly requests suchTurkish ships and troops as can be spared, to prevent Messina's fallinginto the hands of the French. 

On the 24th of February, Lord Nelson had the satisfaction to distributethe following sums of money, given by his Sicilian Majesty, among theseveral persons who assisted in conveying the Royal Family from Naples:one thousand ounces of silver to the officers, seamen, and marines, ofhis Britannic Majesty's ship the Vanguard, as a mark of the king'sapprobation of their conduct during the time he was on board; onehundred ounces to each of the two barges crews who brought off the royalfamily from the palace; one hundred ounces to the admiral's servants;and one hundred ounces to the barge's crew of the Alcmene. The thousandounces for the several persons on board the Vanguard were thusapportioned, by his lordship's directions--The wardroom, one hundredounces; twenty-seven gentlemen of the quarter-deck, andwarrant-officers, four ounces each; five hundred and seventy-nine seamenand marines, one and one-third of an ounce each; twenty-six boys, halfan ounce each; and a surplus of seven ounces, to be expended for generaluse. 

While Lord Nelson was busily exerting himself for the security ofMessina, as the key to the island of Sicily, the masters of Englishmerchant vessels at Palermo were impatient for convoy, that they mightconvey their cargoes to Leghorn. On the hazard of visiting a place socritically situated, he felt it his duty strongly to remonstrate; and, aware how often danger is disregarded, where the loss is to fall onunderwriters, he even suggested the impropriety of thus incurring riskswhich could not possibly be in the contemplation of the parties at thetime of effecting the insurances, before he gave his reluctant consentfor their departure. 

This great man was indifferent to nothing by which either national orindividual honour might be affected. A just sense of Lord Nelson'sservices, in this respect, has probably contributed, in no slightdegree, to the extreme popularity of that most laudable institution forthe relief of suffering seamen and marines, and their distressedfamilies, so happily commenced and continued by the Committee atLloyd's. Nor is, perhaps, the idea very chimerical, when we reflect onthe magnitude of the contributions, which looks forward to a possiblepermanent establishment, at no distant day, on this very basis; in whichthe voluntary subscriptions of benevolent and opulent individuals shallalmost vie, in the extent of it's charity to this meritorious class ofsociety, whose services can alone preserve the united kingdom and it'sextended commerce in full security, with the grand and munificent publicendowment which so nobly adorns our country at Greenwich: to which, also, some national augmentation might, with much propriety, be at thesame time made; not only to keep pace with the increase of our navy, butto afford an equally needful asylum for those deserving and greatlyexposed auxiliaries, the unfortunate and superannuated Royal Marines. Asight of such noble institutions, with suitable pictures and statues ofnaval heroes and their glorious atchievements, in which Lord Nelson andhis transcendent actions must for ever stand pre-eminently conspicuous, would far surpass, in genuine grandeur, perhaps, and certainly inrational and philosophical contemplation, the loftiest and moststupendous pillar or pyramid ever raised by human art and industry, forlittle other purpose than to attract the gaze of profitless admiration, with the vain attempt of mocking the powers of tempests and of time, bywhich the proudest of these trophied monuments must necessarily be bowedto subjection, and finally crumbled into dust. The solitary hermitage, which shelters a single hoary head, is more interesting to the feelingheart than the proudest display of barren pomp that neither rises overthe tomb of departed worth nor affords any living mortal a comfortablehabitation. The grand naval pillar, to commemorate the battle off theNile, for which a large sum was some years since subscribed, without anypreviously decided plan, and which is said to be still undisposed of, ifemployed in erecting a respectable edifice for the residence of thosebrave veterans by whom that battle was fought, and such of theirsuccessors, for ever, as should live to find such a residence desirable, might be so constructed and endowed, with the money contributed, as toafford a higher satisfaction to the subscribers; a superior, andperpetually renewable, memorial of the event; and a far more gratifyingobject of contemplation, even for such of the brave heroes who may neverneed such a sanctuary; than the loftiest and most embellished obeliskthat human ingenuity can ever devise, or human industry execute. This isa subject on which the author could with pleasure dilate; and thepromotion of which he would gladly assist, in every way, with all hisslender abilities: but, at present, it is an agreeable reverie, in whichhe feels that he must no longer indulge. 

He will, however, transcribe one of Lord Nelson's letters written on thesubject which led to this digression, as a satisfactory proof of hislordship's attention to the mercantile interests of his country in thatrespect, and at this particular period. 

 "Palermo, 25th Feb. 1799. 

 "GENTLEMEN, "I have received your letter of the 23d. I can assure you, I have always the greatest pleasure in paying attention to the representations of the masters of merchant ships; who, at this distance, act for their owners in Great Britain. I can have no difficulty in granting you a convoy to Leghorn; but it is my duty to again point out to you the expressions of Mr. Windham's several letters, and the request of the English factory at Leghorn to Captain Louis: and, at the same time, you must be sensible that an English man of war cannot always lay in the neutral port; and I expect, that the Minotaur is now on her passage to join me. If, under all these circumstances, you still persist in going to Leghorn, I will grant a convoy to that port as soon as possible. You cannot, of course, expect that, when all the knowledge you have, here, of the situation of Tuscany, is known in London, that the underwriters, or myself, can in the smallest degree be answerable for what may happen to your ships or cargoes. I can only again assure you of my readiness to afford you all the protection possible, compatible with the other important duties entrusted to me; and that I am, with great respect, your most obedient servant, "Nelson. "

 "To the Masters of the English Ships in the Port of Palermo. "

To this it may be sufficient to add that, on their persisting in adesire to sail, he granted them the convoy; repeating, in anotherletter, "but still with the reservation for the underwriters and myself, as I think the case requires. " He also wrote to Mr. Windham, informingthat gentleman of the necessity which he had felt himself under tocomply with their desire; and requesting him to acquaint Captain Derby, whom he sent on that service, in the Bellerophon, whether he might withsafety leave them at Leghorn. If not, his lordship observed, the signalshould be made for convoy; and those who chose to quit a place of dangermight be brought back, with the comfort of having lost the presentconvoy for England. However, he adds, it is his duty, and it is hisinclination too, to do every thing for the protection of our commerceconsistently with the other important duties required of him. CaptainDerby was directed, should circumstances require, to wait a reasonabletime for such of the merchant ships as might have perishable cargoes onboard, to enable them to dispose of them. 

In the letter to Mr. Windham above quoted, his lordship says, alludingto the cruelties of the French, who were then over-running Italy--"Yourexcellency's account of the treatment of his Royal Highness the GrandDuke, of the King of Sardinia, and of the poor old Pope, makes my heartbleed; and I curse, in the bitterness of my grief, all those who mighthave prevented such cruelties!"

It will be recollected, that the venerable Pope Pius VI, who had beenseized and carried off by the French, and whose fate Lord Nelson thusfeelingly commiserates, as if anticipatory of the event, was at theperiod of being thus forced from Rome in his eighty-second year; andthat his holiness expired, at Valence, on the 19th of August following, after a captivity of six months: his body being consumed, by unslackedlime thrown into the grave, to prevent it's receiving, at any futureperiod, the honours which might be esteemed due to a modern martyr; who, perhaps, possessed equal piety and resignation, with many holy sufferersof ancient times, for a like rigid adherence to the Christian religion, who have been canonized by the Roman Catholic church. 

On the last day of February, the 28th, Lord Nelson sent instructions tohis friend Captain Ball, at Malta, to preside over the meetings of theMaltese people: their deputies having represented to Sir WilliamHamilton and his lordship, that he had, by his address, frequentlyunited the jarring interests of the different chiefs, at theirdistracted councils, and that they were therefore desirous of his futureassistance; which was, also, the wish of his Sicilian Majesty. CaptainBall, therefore, was vested with full power to leave his ship in chargeof the first-lieutenant, directing him how to proceed, and to be onshore whenever he should deem it necessary, either to attend suchmeetings, or assist the Maltese army; his lordship observing that, though neither Sir William Hamilton nor himself had power to grant anysalary for the extraordinary expences he must thus necessarily incur, itwould be proper to keep an account of them, that it might be representedto his majesty's ministers in England, and the amount allowed him. 

At the beginning of March, Lord Nelson was made a citizen of Palermo;which the court thought might have a good effect, by shewing theattachment of the English hero to the royal family. This, with otherinformation, is more particularly mentioned in the following letter toEarl Spencer, which appears to have been written immediately on CaptainNisbet's return from Constantinople with La Bonne Citoyenne, bringingseveral important dispatches. 

 "Vanguard, Palermo, 6th March 1799. 

 "MY DEAR LORD, "I send you a copy of the Turkish admiral's letter to me, from Corfu; also, one from the Emperor of Russia: and one from Sir Sidney Smith, those parts of which, that are ministerial, are--I doubt not--very proper; but, indeed, my dear lord, those parts of Sir Sidney's letter which, as a captain of a man of war to an admiral commanding the squadron in the Levant, are not so respectful as the rules of our service demands from the different ranks in it. No man admires Sir Sidney's gallantry and zeal more than myself; but he should recollect, how I must feel, on seeing him placed in the situation which I thought naturally would fall to me. You may be assured, that I shall take care and arrange proper plans with the Porte for the service of Egypt, and shall support Sir Sidney to the utmost of my power. It is matter of regret, that no squadron of Turks and Russians are yet gone to Egypt; for, I want all our ships for Malta, Sicily, Naples, and Leghorn: and my only wish is, that the Turks and Russians would take care of all the French to the east of Malta. Our situation here is quiet; but who can say, if the French get into our neighbourhood, that we shall remain so? In Calabria, the people have cut down the Tree of Liberty; but I shall never consider any part of the kingdom of Naples safe, or even Sicily, till I hear of the emperor's entering Italy: when all my ships shall go into the Bay of Naples, and I think we can make a revolution against the French; at least, my endeavours shall not be wanting. I hope to go on the service myself, but I have my doubts if the King and Queen will consent to my leaving them for a moment. A few days past, I was presented, in due form, with the freedom of the city of Palermo in a gold box, and brought upon a silver salver. I have endeavoured so to conduct myself, as to meet the approbation of all classes in this country, and I hope to be equally fortunate in meeting your lordship's. A ship is in sight, from Malta. I shall keep this letter open till her arrival; but I do not expect any thing particularly good. The blockade must continue, to the end of the chapter; for neither Maltese, nor Italians, will fight by themselves. Ever your lordship's faithful, and obedient, "Nelson. 

 "P. S. I send your lordship copies of Captain Ball's letters from Malta. It is not for me to judge the propriety of Captain Ball's plans; but, I can assure you, he is a man of great judgment and abilities, and ought to have a recompence for all his expence and trouble. "

The letters of Captain Ball principally related to taking men intoBritish pay; those of the Turkish and Russian admirals, from Corfu, werehighly satisfactory, giving assurances of all possible assistance; andthat from the Emperor Paul of Russia, congratulatory of the gloriousvictory of the Nile, was in the highest degree flattering, andaccompanied by the emperor's picture, in a box magnificently set withdiamonds. His lordship, however, learned that Corfu, though dailyexpected to fall, had not yet surrendered; and that Le Genereuxunfortunately escaped the vigilance of the blockading squadrons, on the5th of February. From Constantinople, he received the agreeableinformation that the Grand Signior had ordered ten thousand Albanesetroops to Sicily; but Sir Sidney Smith's letters, luckily blending hisnaval and ministerial characters, so outraged Lord Nelson's nice senseof propriety, that it renewed all those keen sensations of inquietudewhich had been so recently tranquilized in our hero's breast. 

This circumstance produced the following letter to Sir Sidney Smith;which serves to shew that his lordship, though displeased on theoccasion, was not altogether unjust in requiring better futurediscrimination. 

 "Vanguard, Palermo, 8th March 1799. 

 "SIR, "I have received your letters of January the 23d, February 6th, 10th, and 23d. Your situation as Joint-Minister at the Porte, makes it absolutely necessary that I should know who writes to me: therefore, I must direct you, whenever you have ministerial affairs to communicate, that it is done jointly with your respectable brother, and not mix naval business with the other; for, what may be very proper language for a representative of majesty, may be very subversive of that dicipline of respect from the different ranks in our service. A representative may dictate to an admiral, a captain of a man of war would be censured for the same thing: therefore, you will see the propriety of my steering close between the two situations. I have sent you my orders, which your abilities as a sea-officer will lead you to punctually execute. Not a ship more than the service requires shall be kept on any particular station; and that number must be left to my judgment, as an admiral commanding the squadron detached by the commander in chief to the extent of the Black Sea. I shall, of course, keep up a proper communication with the Turkish and Russian admirals, which net captain of a man of war under my orders must, interfere in. I am, Sir, your very humble servant, "Nelson. "

 "Sir William Sidney Smith. "

The above epistle, which was accompanied by a regular order, dated thepreceding day, for Sir William Sidney Smith, captain of his majesty'sship Le Tigre, to put himself under Lord Nelson's command may certainlybe considered as sufficiently severe; and, it is probable, his lordshipwas of that opinion: but he judged it necessary, for his own comfortthus plainly to deliver his sentiments, however painful the task, thathe might escape any repetitions of what must continue to exciteunpleasant feelings. 

On this day, too, Lord Nelson wrote to Captain Ball, from whom he hadreceived letters which gave hopes of a speedy termination to his longand arduous labours. The deputies lately arrived from Malta hadsolicited supplies of arms, ammunition, and money, from his SicilianMajesty; and their application, it will appear, had not proved in vain. Money, cloathing, &c. Lord Nelson informs Captain Ball, are difficult tobe got; however, some will be sent. "You will, " he adds, "receive seventhousand ounces, which the king confides in you to dispose of to thebest advantage. Whenever the French are driven out, you are certainlyfitted for the station of chief, and I should suppose his SicilianMajesty could have no objection to give you the proper appointments. Youare sure, I shall do every thing that is in my power, for your honourand benefit. Having said this, I will finish, for I am tired to deathwith writing. " His lordship, however, does not conclude withoutobserving that he trusts to nothing but his blockade for the reductionof Malta; that there is yet no news of the emperor's movements, but movehe must; that all the lower order of the kingdom of Naples are ready totake arms against the French; that ten thousand Albanese are nearMessina; and that ten thousand Russians are on that side Constantinople, for the same destination, besides the Russian army passing the Tyrol. "Apropos, " he at length concludes, "the Emperor of Russia has sent mehis picture, in a magnificent box; but, this shall not prevent mykeeping a sharp look out on his movements against the good Turk. "

Part of the money mentioned in this letter, as well as of the arms, ammunition, &c. Requested by the deputies, and three of the deputiesthemselves, were conveyed, in La Bonne Citoyenne, by Captain Nisbet, toMalta, in his return to Constantinople; who was charged with dispatchesfor Sir Sidney Smith, Spencer Smith, Esq. His brother, and hisExcellency Constantine Upsilanti, at the Ottoman court. The remainder ofthe arms, ammunition, stores, and money, with the other three deputies, were sent to Malta by Captain Gage in the Terpsichore: who wasafterwards to deliver a letter from Lord Nelson to his SardinianMajesty, at Cagliari in Sardinia; to call at Minorca, for any dispatcheswhich Commodore Duckworth might have for the Earl of St. Vincent; and, finally, to join the commander in chief at Gibraltar, or wherever elsethe earl might happen to be. 

On the 10th of March, General Sir Charles Stuart arrived at Palermo, with the thirtieth and eighty-ninth regiments; who immediately departedfor Messina. This, his lordship observes, in a letter to Mr. Windham, afew days afterwards, would not only save that important place from alldanger, but had already acted like an electrical shock over the wholeisland, and must extend it's influence to Naples. 

With abundant address, at this period, Lord Nelson offered himself as amediator between the Bey of Tunis and Bashaw of Tripoli, and hisSicilian Majesty and the Queen of Portugal: for which purpose, he wroteto Perkin Magra, Esq. The British consul at Tunis, as well as to the beyhimself; and to the Bashaw of Tripoli, as well as to Simon Lucas, Esq. Consul-General at that court Mrs. Magra, and her family, it appears, were then residing in the hospitable mansion of Sir William Hamilton, aswell as his lordship; for he says, writing to the consul, and mentioninghis lady and family, "they will give you all the chit-chat of the place. Lady Hamilton is so good to them, that they in truth require nothingfrom me; but, whenever they think it right to go to Tunis, a ship of warshall carry them. "

On the 17th, Captain Troubridge and Captain Hood arrived with thesquadron from Egypt, where every endeavour to destroy the transports atAlexandria proved quite ineffectual. The French had, after the departureof Lord Nelson, very strongly fortified all the points of the harbour;and the transports could not be destroyed by shells, as all the mortarsburst, and six fireships were lost in a gale of wind. This was amortifying circumstance to our hero, and it did not come unaccompanied. Captain Troubridge was the bearer of Sir Sidney Smith's dispatches;which, with their usual fatality, again offended his lordship in one ofthe nicest points. The cause, and the effect, will at once be seen inthe following most peremptory epistle. 

 "Vanguard, Palermo, 18th March 1799. 

 "SIR, Captain Troubridge arrived here last evening: and, as he has delivered to me all the papers he received from you, amongst which I see a form of a passport; and Captain Troubridge tells me, that it was your intention to send into Alexandria, that all French ships might pass to France--now, as this is _in direct opposition to my opinion_; which is, _never to suffer any one individual Frenchman to quit Egypt_; I must, therefore, _strictly charge and command you_, never to give any French ship, or man, leave to quit Egypt. And I must also desire, that you will oppose, by every means in your power, any permission which may be attempted to be given by any foreigner, admiral, general, or other person; and you will acquaint those persons, that I shall not pay the smallest attention to any such passport after your notification: and you are to put my orders in force, not on any pretence to permit a single Frenchman to leave Egypt. Of course, you will give these orders to all the ships under your command. As I am very, anxious for the return of the Emma polacre, I have to request that you will not detain her more than two hours. As I shall hope to have a constant communication with you, through the means of the Turkish or Russian admirals, all letters for your squadron, I shall direct to be left in the Vanguard. 

 "I am, Sir, your very humble servant, "Nelson. "

 "Sir William Sidney Smith, Captain of his Majesty's ship Le Tigre. "

Not even the judicious plan which his lordship was now busily engaged inarranging for the recovery of Naples, with all the other objects of hisincessant care, could divert his attention from that grand object, theentire destruction of the French armament sent to Egypt. He had justreceived information of the, surrender of Corfu; and, about this time, avery elegant and flattering letter had been written to his lordship bythe King of Sardinia, full of gratitude for the protection of theBritish flag in conveying him from Leghorn. In writing to the Earl ofSt. Vincent, after mentioning these subjects, with the return of CaptainTroubridge's squadron from Egypt, he observes that it is his intentionto send a small squadron, under that commander, into the Bay of Naples, "I wish, first, " says his lordship, "to take the Island of Procida, which will secure a tolerable anchorage, and effectually blockadeNaples. It must, also, have the effect of preventing the French fromdetaching any troops from Naples to to the provinces, who are all loyal. The court tells me, that twelve thousand Russians, and fifteen thousandTurks, are ready to cross the Adriatic, to land in the kingdom ofNaples. If so, our squadron will create a powerful diversion. " Havingstated the reasons which have been seen for Captain Troubridge's failureat Alexandria, he adverts to Sir Sidney, who has now the blockade ofthat place. "I send you, " says his lordship, "copies of my letters tohim; for the victory of the Nile would, in my opinion, be useless, ifany ship, or Frenchman, is suffered to return to Europe. I hope you willapprove of my conduct; for, as a captain to an admiral, either SirSidney Smith, or myself, must give way. Bonaparte is at Cairo, not morethan sixteen thousand strong. He must and will fall, sooner or later, ifSir Sidney Smith does not allow him to retreat by sea. As to myself, Iam, at times, ill at my ease: but, it is my duty to submit; and, you maybe sure, I shall not quit my post, without absolute necessity. If theemperor moves, I hope yet to return the royal family to Naples. Atpresent, I cannot move; would the court but let me, I should be better:for, here, I am writing from morn to eve; therefore, you must excusethis jumble of a letter. "

Neither of these letters, however, mention the very importantcircumstance of Captain Troubridge's having intercepted Bonaparte'sdispatches, on his way to Constantinople; which is contained in thefollowing communication to his Excellency the Honourable WilliamWindham, for the purpose of having that satisfactory intelligencetransmitted to England. This letter, as well as other dispatches of the21st, to Mr. Windham, was written on board the Culloden; into which shipLord Nelson had shifted his flag, having that day sent Captain Hardy toTripoli with the Vanguard. 

 "Culloden, Palermo, 22d March 1799. 

 "MY DEAR SIR, The ambassador of Bonaparte being intercepted by my friend Troubridge, on his way to Constantinople, among other articles of his instructions, is a very important one; viz. An offer to enter on terms for his quitting Egypt, with his army. This offer is what I have long expected the glorious battle of the Nile would produce; but it was my determination, from that moment, never, if I could help it, to permit a single Frenchman to quit Egypt. Captain Sir William Sidney Smith, who has the present command of the squadron off Alexandria, I have reason to believe, thinks differently from me, and will grant passports for that part of the French army which God Almighty permits to remain. I have, therefore, thought it highly proper to send Captain Sir Sidney Smith the order of which I transmit a copy; for, I consider it nothing short of madness, to permit that band of thieves to return to Europe. _No!_ to Egypt they went, with their own consent: and there they shall remain, whilst Nelson commands this detached squadron; for never, never, will he consent to the return of one ship or Frenchman. 

 "I beg your excellency will take the earliest opportunity of sending this important information, and a copy of my letter to Captain Sir Sidney Smith, to England; and ever believe me, with the greatest respect, your obliged and faithful servant, "Nelson. "

On the 25th of March, Lord Nelson says, in a letter to Captain Ball, dated at Palermo--"Now, my dear friend, Captain Nisbet is appointed tothe Thalia, a very fine frigate, and I wish he may do credit to himself, and in her. Will you do me the favour of keeping her, and sending me LaMinerve; for I want Cockburne, for service of _head_. As soon as CaptainBarker's surveys, &c. Are over, make one of the small craft bring himhere. I have sent Vanguard to Tripoli, to scold the bashaw. Tunisbehaves well. As Corfu has surrendered, I hope Malta will follow theexample very soon. I am not well; but keep rubbing on, from day to day. God bless you; finish the business as soon as you can. "

Captain Dunn, in the Thalia, for Captain Nisbet, was the bearer of theabove letter with other dispatches to Captain Ball; and Captain Malingtook his passage in the Thalia, to supercede Captain Nisbet in La BonneCitoyenne. Captain Dunn went to supercede Captain Barker in theIncendiary; on his appointment to the Barfleur; and he was required tojoin Lord Nelson by the very first opportunity, being wanted to go downthe Mediterranean. 

This day, too, his lordship wrote congratulatory letters to the Russianand Turkish admirals, on the surrender of Corfu; and invited them, respectively, to co-operate with him in placing the good King and Queenof Naples again on their throne in the capital of that kingdom. ToSperidion Foresti, Esq. The consul at Corfu, Lord Nelson wrote, also, the following very flattering encomiums, in a letter which contains someadditional reasons for his lordship's complaint with regard to SirSidney Smith. 

 "Palermo, 26th March 1799. 

 "SIR, "I feel myself very much obliged by your interesting and important letters, which I have sent to the Earl of St. Vincent. Give me leave to say that, throughout my command in the Levant seas, you have done yourself the highest honour; and rendered, as far as was possible, the greatest services to your country. This public testimony, from a stranger to every thing except your good conduct, will, I trust, be not unacceptable. I observe what you tell me of Lord Grenville's orders to obey Sir William Sidney Smith. You will, of course, follow Lord Grenville's orders, as Sir William Sidney Smith is considered as a minister at Constantinople. I, also, know him in that capacity, jointly with his worthy brother; but, Captain of the Tigre, and in all matters relative to naval operations, he is under my orders: and this I would have you perfectly understand; and explain, when it may be necessary. For an idea seems gone abroad, very injurious to my credit in the world; that, although I was entrusted with the command of the detached squadron, even into the Black Sea, should the French have got there--that, although I had the happiness of commanding the squadron who obtained the glorious victory off the Nile--Captain Sir William Sidney Smith was sent out to command somewhere, in prejudice to me, and four or five captains now serving with me, in the Levant. Having stated this fully to you, you will be equal to every explanation. Whenever you favour me with your very interesting correspondence, I shall receive it with pleasure. As Sir William Hamilton writes you, I shall not repeat, &c. &c. 

 "Nelson. "

 Speridion Foresti, Esq. 

Every exertion was at this time making, by Lord Nelson, and CaptainTroubridge, in concert with their Sicilian Majesties, for the recoveryof Naples from the domination of the French. Cardinal Ruffo, whounited, in himself, the three important characters of statesman, prelate, and general, had raised a large army of loyalists in theprovinces, by the powerful operation of the Catholic cause, and headedin person what was denominated the Christian Army. The French, withtheir usual insatiable thirst of plunder, officers as well as men, hadattended to little else than their own individual gratifications, sincethey entered Naples; and this did not fail to produce it's customaryconcomitant, a speedy spirit of insubordination. The fiery population ofNaples, in the mean time, like the volcano in it's vicinity, though atpresent apparently tranquil, might be expected suddenly to burst forth, and overwhelm every obstacle to the progress of it's destructivetorrent. In this state of things, it was judiciously resolved thatCaptain Troubridge should proceed to the Bay of Naples; for whichpurpose, Lord Nelson--who had, by the general promotion of admirals, onthe 14th of February, been made Rear-Admiral of the Red---furnished thatbrave officer with the following instructions. 

 By Horatio Lord Nelson, K. B. Rear-Admiral of the Red, &c. 

 "Whereas it is of the utmost importance, that the city and towns in the Bay of Naples should be immediately blockaded, to prevent the French forces in those places from getting any supplies of corn or other articles by sea; and it being expedient that an officer of your distinguished merit and abilities should command the blockade, in order to render it the more effectual--

 "You are hereby required and directed to take under your command, the ships named in the margin--[Minotaur, Zealous, Swiftsure, Seahorse, Perseus bomb, and El Corso sloop]--embarking on board them the Governor of Procida, and two hundred troops, as also such officers as are ordered by his Sicilian Majesty to embark with them, and proceed to the Bay of Naples. And it being necessary that the squadron employed on this service should have some safe anchorage, the more effectually to carry on the said blockade, and the Island of Procida affording the anchorage desired, you will do your endeavours to seize and get possession of the said Island of Procida, if possible, and reinstate the governor in the command thereof, and using every means in your power to conciliate the affections of the loyal part of the inhabitants; and, also, of those of the islands of Ischia and Capri; and, if possible, bring them to their former allegiance: and, also, to communicate with the loyal inhabitants of Naples, as much as in your power, and by every opportunity; but, by no means, to fire upon the city, without farther orders from me, or circumstances render it necessary to fire on some parts of it, in case of the loyal taking arms against the French. And you will use every effort to prevent all supplies of corn, or other articles, from entering the city and ports in the Bay of Naples; and also of Gaietta and it's vicinity, and along the Roman coast to Civita Vecchia: and, as it is said, the Ponzo Islands continue in their allegiance to his Sicilian Majesty, you will direct that all protection and assistance may be given to them, should they stand in need. And you will consider that every means is to be used, not only by yourself, but by all those under your command, to communicate with the inhabitants on all the northern coast of the kingdom of Naples, and the islands before mentioned; and, as much as in your power, to cultivate a good understanding with them, and conciliate their affections, in order to induce them to return to their allegiance to his Sicilian Majesty, and to take arms to liberate their country from French tyranny and oppressive contributions. 

 Palermo, 28th March 1799. 

 To Captain Troubridge, his Majesty's ship Culloden. 

Captain Troubridge, who was also armed with additional powers by hisSicilian Majesty, sailed on the 31st of March to the Bay of Naples, forthe purpose of carrying into effect these important orders. It is asingular fact that, even at this very period, when Lord Nelson was thusengaged in securing Sicily from the French, as well as labouring toobtain the restoration of Naples, attempts were making, by the Governorof Messina, then actually protected by British troops, to prevent thecondemnation of a French prize which had been taken near the entrance ofthat port, as if it were still in a state of neutrality. It is difficultto decide, whether this strange conduct originated in a pusillanimousdread of French resentment, or a traitorous disaffection to his SicilianMajesty. Lord Nelson, however, soon satisfied the prize agents, Messrs. Birch and Broadbent, at Messina, that such shameful conduct would not besubmitted to by a British admiral. He wrote, accordingly, the followingspirited letter to those gentlemen, which immediately produced it'sdesired effect. 

 "Palermo, 2d April 1799. 

 "GENTLEMEN, I have received your letter of the 26th of March, and am exceedingly surprised that the Governor of Messina should presume to interfere in the captures made by a British ship of war. Captain Foley is justifiable in taking the French tartan, although she was going into the port, or even in the port. You will, therefore, claim from him the materials of which the vessel has been plundered; and, at the same time, demand from him what he has done with the French prisoners of war taken in the vessel, as it is highly presumptuous in him to interfere with British prisoners of war. As to demands made against the vessel, it is my desire that they are not paid, nor has he any right to make them; on the contrary, the captors have a right to demand, from him, satisfaction, for the employment of the vessel on the coast of Calabria. I am, gentlemen, your very humble servant, Nelson. 

The Vanguard this day arrived from Tripoli; and Captain Hardy brought, with other pacific promises, from the bashaw, the most positiveassurances that no provisions should be sent to Malta by any of hissubjects: but, his lordship observed, interest is, we know, their mainspring, and they are not to be greatly depended on. The bashaw ofTripoli had, in fact, made a treaty with Bonaparte on the 24th ofFebruary, when he received a present of a diamond; the perniciouseffects of which, to Great Britain and her allies, his lordship was thusdetermined totally to counteract. 

On the 5th of April, in a letter to his Excellency Sir CharlesWhitworth, the British minister at Petersburgh, Lord Nelson thus writesrespecting Malta--We certainly have, at an expence of fifteen thousandpounds a month, so closely blockaded the port of La Valette, that theappearance of the Russian troops on the island must insure it's fall ina week, if famine does not force it's surrender before their arrival. The garrison are mutinous, and in dreadful want of provisions. Thescurvy cannot be checked. His lordship then observes, that his anxietyto get possession of Le Guillaume Tell, and two frigates, which escapedafter the battle of the Nile, will not be doubted; and that these ships, but for our close blockade, would probably have long ago been in France:all which, he begs, may be submitted to his Imperial Majesty, theEmperor of Russia. He has, he adds, given directions to Captain Ball toco-operate in the most cordial manner with the Russian troops; who soably conducted himself, not only as a sea-officer, but as conciliatingthe affections of the Maltese, that he was, unanimously, by theislanders, and with the approbation of his Sicilian Majesty, electedtheir general and chief. His lordship trusts that, should the order berestored, Captain Ball would be a knight of it; "for a more gallant, able officer, does not grace this world. I feel, " continues he, "I havesaid a great deal; but, with my honour, I pledge myself for the truth ofit. " Then, with the most consummate address, Lord Nelson proceeds toremark--"His imperial majesty will know, that the poor islanders haveoften, in their distress, and as a mark of their gratitude, offered--asfar as they could--themselves for subjects of our king, and made theirrequest to his Sicilian Majesty; but both Sir William Hamilton andmyself, knowing that no views of individual aggrandizement actuate thebreast of our gracious sovereign, have invariably refused every offer ofthat nature: but, in the present situation of his Sicilian Majesty, andby his desire, his colours and the British flag fly together, to markthat Great Britain protects the flag of his Sicilian Majesty. It isproper in this place to mention, as the heart of the emperor overflowswith justice, that in many instances the islanders have been grievouslyoppressed by the order; probably, more by their consummate pride, thanby a wish to oppress. I know, it is only necessary to mention thismatter, for the consideration of the present illustrious Grand Master, to have it remedied; by which, a brave and industrious people will berendered happy. " His lordship concludes this exquisite proof ofdiplomatic dexterity, with observing, that he impatiently waits thearrival of the Russian troops; by nine or ten thousand of whom Napleswould be recovered in a week, and his imperial majesty have the glory ofreplacing a good monarch and an amiable queen, again on their throne. 

Captain Troubridge, in the mean time, was executing, with all possibleactivity and success, the very important duties which he had been sentto perform. The islands of Procida, Ischia, and Capri, immediatelysurrendered; and the inhabitants in general, who had been greatlyoppressed by the usurpers, manifested such a spirit of loyalty, thatthey gladly delivered up all the municipal officers for the disposal oftheir lawful sovereign, and the principals were received, as prisoners, on board the British squadron. The information of these auspiciouscommencements diffused universal joy at Palermo; and greatly revivedthe drooping spirits of their Sicilian Majesties, who readily sent thedistressed islanders all the relief which it was in their power tobestow, both in provisions and money. The consideration of thosedistresses, however, while they excited the compassion of theirmajesties for the oppressed, necessarily called forth their indignationagainst the oppressors: and, with the relief sent under convoy of LaMinerve, for the most distressed of the former; a judge was sent out byhis Sicilian Majesty, on board that vessel, charged with a specialcommission for the trial and execution of the most criminal among thelatter. 

In writing, on the 12th of April, to the Earl of St. Vincent, respectingthese events, his lordship says--"Captain Troubridge is in completepossession of Procida, Ischia, and Capri; the inhabitants of whichislands have joyfully hoisted his Sicilian Majesty's colours, cut downthe Tree of Liberty, and delivered up all the municipality and thedetested Jacobins; all of whom are confined on board ship, and in thechateau of Ischia. The French in Naples are not more than two thousand, the civic guards about twenty thousand; but, as these last will notremain fighting for the French if there is any risk, I am warranted insaying that ten thousand troops would place the king again on histhrone. " The health of his lordship appears to have been, at thisperiod, very indifferent. Indeed, the air of Sicily seems by no meansto have ever agreed with him. He says, in this letter, speaking of SirWilliam and Lady Hamilton--"We, of this house, are all anxious to gethome; yet, in the present moment, cannot move. Indeed, we have been themain-spring, joined with you, that have kept, and are keeping, this somuch out of repair machine from breaking to pieces. " The difficulties, indeed, of supporting a government every way so feeble in whatconstitutes the true strength of a state, perplexed our hero in no smalldegree. He saw, every where, that inactivity and indecision which solittle accorded with his own prompt and active mind; and he languishedfor the busy scenes of action, from which he was detained by the alarmsof their Sicilian Majesties, and the constant claims on the wisdom ofhis councils, which they could not always find the means, or even thefirmness, completely to carry into execution. 

Captain Ball had transmitted a painful picture of the wretched state ofthe inhabitants of Malta, but their Sicilian Majesties were incapable ofaffording them relief; Captain Troubridge had been obliged to part withall his flour, to preserve the recovered islands from starving. "Ihave, " says his lordship, in another letter to the Earl of St. Vincent, dated the 17th of April, "eternally been pressing for supplies; andrepresented that a hundred thousand pounds, given away in provisions, just now, might purchase a kingdom. In short, my dear lord, my desireto serve, as is my duty, faithfully their Sicilian Majesties, has beensuch, that I am almost blind, and worn out; and cannot, in my presentstate, hold out much longer. I would, indeed, lay down my life for suchgood and gracious monarchs; but I am useless, when I am unable to dowhat, God knows, my heart leads me to. "

Happily, this sombre state was a little relieved a few days after, bythe arrival of a cutter from England; which brought considerablesupplies, both of consolation and money, for his Sicilian Majesty. Onthe 21st of April, his lordship now writes to Captain Ball, that hisefforts to obtain a small sum of money for the unhappy Maltese had beenuseless, till the arrival of this vessel from England; "which, " says he, "brought the court such accounts of goodness, that Sir William andmyself again touched the point about Malta, when the queen gave up seventhousand ounces; for, although the island has granted two millions ofmoney, yet not one sixpence is collected; therefore, they are indistress enough. If any person can keep the Maltese in good humour, itis, my dear friend, you and you only; therefore, for all our sakes, tryhard till the arrival of the Russians, who cannot now be long beforethey make their appearance. " Then, adverting to Naples, his lordshipadds--"All goes on as it should, on the other side. The lower order onlywant a little support from the regular troops, and the business isover. "

Captain Troubridge, indeed, was proceeding with great vigour; but theSicilian judge, it appears, did not accord with our naval heroes in hisnotions of criminal justice. Cardinal Ruffo, too, seems to haveentertained what they considered as erroneous ideas of lenity. If thejudge and the cardinal really meant to be merciful; whatever might bethe effect of such good intentions, the motive is not possible to becondemned: they might be weak, but they would not be criminal. On theother hand, the possessors of that wisdom which perceives when it isnecessary to make examples of the incorrigibly guilty, for thepreservation of the menaced innocent, as well as of those who are yetunconfirmed in crimes; and of that firmness and fortitude which theninduce them to risk all the obloquy of contrary appearance, for the sakeof producing true lenity in it's fullest extent; are not to beconsidered as by any means less inclined to mercy than those who, without loving it more, do not conduce so much to it's genuineinterests. Often, however, the really merciful, for the openly avowedand honest discharge of a severe duty, are condemned, by theinconsiderate zeal of weak and vulgar minds; while those who are inducedartfully to draw dispositions of a malignant, treacherous, or sanguinarynature, in the semblance of merciful habits, for the mere purpose ofacquiring the popularity of that applause to which this divine attributemust ever entitle it's amiable possessors, are idolized by theunreflecting crowd, as the sincerest friends of the very virtue towhich they are, in truth, the severest enemies. 

The following letter to Captain Troubridge, who had communicated hissentiments on this subject to Lord Nelson, fully demonstrates hislordship's disdain of any improper interference with the criminaljurisdiction of his Sicilian Majesty's government, however it might failto meet with his approbation. It speaks, his free sentiments both of thejudge and cardinal; but hastens to other topics, of better aspect, andcomprehends several points of interesting elucidation. 

 "Palermo, April 25, 1799. 

 "MY DEAR TROUBRIDGE, "I thank you, again and again, for your letters, and for the ability and exertion you shew on all occasions. As to Mr. Judge, he must hang, or let it alone, as he pleases. It has been that miserable system, which has caused much of the present misery in Naples. In respect to the cardinal, he is a swelled up priest. If his letter had been directed to you, his answer would, I am sure, been proper. Such impertinence, in treating of the assistance of England, deserves reprobation. He makes his army great or small, as it suits his convenience. He is now frightened at a thousand men going against him: which, at one time, is thirty thousand; at another, not three thousand. In short, my dear friend, without foreign troops, the stream will sometimes run different ways. Some Russian ships are said to be at Otranto; but, we know less than you. If the Austrian armies are beaten, Naples will be lost; if victorious, our exertions, with the constant loyalty of the lower order, will hasten the king's return. What are your ideas of the king's going into the Bay of Naples, without foreign troops? If it should cause an insurrection in Naples, which did not succeed, would it not be worse? The king, if a rising of loyal people took place, ought to be amongst them; and, that he will never consent to. Alphonso is going to Tripoli; the bashaw has taken another twist. Lord Spencer disavows the conduct of Sir William Sidney Smith, as being in any manner independent of me. What will his lordship say, when he reads the passports? Your wants and wishes shall, as far as I am able, be complied with. Your bill for extra expences, if the court will not pay, I will answer for. With kind remembrances, &c. 

 "Nelson. "

The mode adopted by Lord Nelson, with regard to the Bashaw of Tripoli, on this occasion, was a master-stroke of policy. In order not to committhe country, with too much precipitation, though resolved to act withall requisite energy at the moment, his lordship employed a Portugueseship in the business, and selected that of Commodore Campbell for thisconfidential service. His knowledge of mankind taught him, that thisofficer would not fail to feel gratified by the honour of such amission; consequently, be induced to execute it with his best ability. Simon Lucas, Esq. His Britannic Majesty's consul at Tripoli, had foundit expedient to quit that court for Palermo: but he consented to returnwith Commodore Campbell, in order to assist the negociation; and, shouldit appear advisable, to resume there his ministerial functions. Theletter which Lord Nelson sent by Commodore Campbell is much too curiousto be omitted. It is, indeed, highly characteristic of it's able author. 

 "Palermo, 28th April 1799. 

 "SIR, "When I received your highness's letter, by Captain Hardy of the Vanguard, I was rejoiced to find that you had renounced the treaty you had so imprudently entered into with some emissaries of General Bonaparte; that man of blood, that despoiler of the weak, that enemy of all good Mussulmen: for, like Satan, he only flatters that he may the more easily destroy; and it is true that, since the year 1789, all Frenchmen are exactly of the same disposition. I had sent your letter to the Great King, my master; I had done the same to the Grand Signior: for I never believed, that your highness would say a word that was not strictly true. A lye is impossible for a true Mussulman to tell; at least, I had always believed so. What, then, must have been my astonishment, to have heard, from his Britannic Majesty's consul, Mr. Lucas, that the moment the Vanguard sailed, the French consul, and all the French, were liberated; and, also, the French vessels in the port allowed to fit for sea: and one, to my knowledge, had sailed for Malta! Why will your highness be thus led astray by evil counsellors; who can have no other object in view, but your ruin? Your highness knows that, although a powerful squadron of Portuguese ships has been since last August under my command, by every means in my power they have been prevented from cruizing against the ships of your highness, or from approaching your coast. It is now my duty to speak out, and not to be misunderstood. That Nelson, who has hitherto kept your powerful enemies from destroying you, can and will let them loose upon you, unless the following terms are in two hours complied with; viz. That the French consul at Tripoli, vice-consul, and every Frenchman, are delivered on board her most faithful majesty's ship Alphonso, to Commodore Campbell, in two hours from Mr. Lucas's setting his foot on shore; that hostages are also sent on board, to remain till every Frenchman in the state of Tripoli shall be sent off, which shall not exceed four days. N. B. There shall be no reservation, or trick, about the French consul, &c. At Tripoli; he shall be on board in two hours after the demand's being made. All French vessels, or vessels pretended to be taken from the French, shall be destroyed in two hours. These terms complied with, Commodore Campbell will, as he has done upon the passage, refrain from taking your vessels, till his arrival at Palermo. If, then, proper terms are not complied with, I can no longer prevent the ships of her most faithful majesty from acting with vigour against your highness. 

 "Your highness will, without difficulty, write me a letter, the substance of which will be dictated by Mr. Lucas: you will also, as a convincing proof of your detestation of the evil councils which have been given to you by Hamet Reis, your captain of the port, either cause him to be delivered to Commodore Campbell, that I may send him to Constantinople, or dispose of him in such a manner that he may for ever be incapable of giving your highness any advice; for his heart is so black, that I am informed he can give you no good. 

 "Your highness will, I am confident, approve of the open and unreserved manner of this letter; and consider it as a proof of the honest and upright intentions of the great monarch who I have the honour of serving, and that it comes from your highness's most obedient and faithful servant, "Nelson. "

 "His Highness the Bashaw of Tripoli. "

Mr. Lucas was furnished with a copy of this letter; and instructed, ifpossible, to bring the bashaw to a proper way of thinking, by forciblyrepresenting the numerous evils which bad counsellors would be sure tobring on him, should he persist in his present disloyal conduct. Thedismissal of the captain of the port, though a very desirable thing, wasnot to be persisted in, so as to occasion the hostilities of CommodoreCampbell against his highness; for, Lord Nelson observed, "every masterhas a right to chuse his own servants. " The other articles were not inany manner to be given up. It was, however, directed to be carefullypressed on the bashaw, that his Britannic Majesty was not at war withhim; and that his lordship would be happy still to interest himself inpreventing depredations on his highness's coast, provided he shouldimmediately return to a proper way of thinking and acting. 

On the 30th, Lord Nelson writes to the Earl of St. Vincent, that hisfriends are doing wonders on the continent: Hood had taken Salerno, twenty-eight miles from Naples, and garrisoned the small castle with hismarines and loyalists; and had caused Sorento, &c. To Castello a Mare torise and massacre the Jacobins. The Swiftsure was anchored at the latterplace, which is opposite Naples, though twelve miles distant by theround of the bay. These events, so near the capital, with the successesof the Austrian army both on the Rhine and in Italy, had induced theFrench to call in all their out-posts, leave five hundred men in thecastle of St. Elmo, and retire from Naples to Capua; taking with themall their sick, as well as every description of plunder. The Jacobins, too, with the traitor Carraccioli among them, were retired to the castleof St. Elmo. Lord Nelson was preparing to send eight hundred troops, with three hundred cavalry, but, his lordship observes, the court beingpoor, and having no revenue, made things slower than they wouldotherwise be: "however, " he adds, "we make the best of the slender meanswe possess. I own, my dear lord, myself much fitter for the actor thanthe counsellor, of proper measures to be pursued in this very criticalsituation of public affairs; but, at least, their Sicilian Majesties aresatisfied that my poor opinion is an honest one. Their majesties areready to cross the water, whenever Naples is entirely cleansed; whenthat happy event arrives, and not till then, a desire will be expressedfor the British troops to be removed from Messina into Naples, to guardthe persons of their majesties. Whenever your name is mentioned, I canassure you, their expressions are the very handsomest that tongue canutter; and, as is my duty, both as my commander in chief, and my friend, I do not fail ever to speak of you in the only way, if truth is spoken, that you can be represented, as the very ablest sea-officer his majestyhas, and as the best and truest friend that can be in this world. Mydear Lady Hamilton is always my faithful interpreter, on all occasions;and, never with so much pleasure. My dear lord, you will forgive myshort sketches of what is going on here; for neither my head, nor myhand, is equal to what is absolutely necessary for me to write:therefore, all private correspondence is given up; for, I cannot answera letter. Three of Sir William Sidney Smith's ships, with sickFrenchmen, are stopped by Troubridge; the poor devils are sent toCorsica. I am very much displeased with this Levant commodore with abroad pendant. I send one of his passports. We are not forced tounderstand French! Malta is as usual, the moment a land force arrives itwill fall. God bless you, my dear lord. "

In a letter written the preceding day to Earl Spencer, Lord Nelson says, speaking of the affairs of Naples--"I think it very probable that, inten days, their Sicilian Majesties will be again in Naples. These happyprospects have been brought about, first, by the war of the emperor;secondly, by the wonderful loyalty of the lower order of the people;and, lastly, I flatter myself, I may say, by the conduct of the English. Captain Troubridge has given a portion of that spirit he possesses toall who communicate with him. On the 25th, Macdonald left the town, forCapua; with all the troops, except five hundred in the Castle of St. Elmo. Orders have been given, by the Jacobin government, for thebatteries not to fire on the English ships. In short, the communicationwith Naples is so open, that a general took a boat from the city, andcame on board Troubridge, to consult about surprising St. Elmo. Thecivic guards have individually declared, that they assembled to keeppeace in the city, and not to fight. Many of the principal Jacobins havefled, and Carraccioli has resigned his situation as head of the marine. This man was fool enough to quit his master, when he thought his casedesperate; yet, in his heart, I believe, he is no Jacobin. Thefishermen, a few days ago, told him, publicly--"We believe you areloyal, and sent by the king; but, much as we love you, if we find youdisloyal, you shall be among the first to fall. I am not, in person, inthese busy scenes; more calculated for me, than remaining here, givingadvice. But their majesties think the advice of my incompetent judgmentvaluable, at this moment; therefore, I submit: and can only say, that Igive it as an honest man, one without hopes or fears; therefore, theyget at the truth, which their majesties have seldom heard. "

The French, in evacuating Naples, in their retreat to Caserta and Capua, robbed all the shops as they passed along: the Neapolitan republic, however, continued organizing their troops, as yet disinclined to givein; and the royalists remained inactive, probably waiting for thedeparture of the French out of the kingdom before they ventured tocommence their operations. The band of brothers, in the mean time, whohad so nobly fought off the Nile, were fast gathering fresh laurels onthe Neapolitan coast; and inspiring, by their example, other navalheroes of merited celebrity. To these brave men, Lord Nelson paid thejust and honoured tribute of applause which their conduct merited, inthe following very flattering epistle to Captain Troubridge. 

 Vanguard, Palermo, 8th May 1799. 

 "MY DEAR TROUBRIDGE, I desire you will express, to Captain Hood, the true sense I have of his conduct, not only at Salerno, but on all other occasions; and, that I never expect any but the most useful services, where he commands: and I beg you will say the same for me, to Captains Louis, Hallowell, Foote, and Oswald; not forgetting Captain Harward, and Commodore Mitchell, as far as they have been concerned. As to yourself, your conduct is so all of a piece, that I can only say, what is true, that the last services seem to eclipse the former ones. You have an arduous task in your present command; and no officer in his majesty's service could, I am convinced, perform it with more judgment and advantage for his majesty's service, than yourself: and I beg that you will ever believe me, your faithful, affectionate, and obliged friend, "Nelson. "

This day, the Neapolitan ship Lion, Captain Dixon, arrived from Egypt;and brought information that three or four French frigates, and as manycorvettes, had escaped from Alexandria. Sir Sidney Smith left that placeon the 7th of March, and these ships got away between the 5th and 18thof April. Captain Dixon finding these ships gone, came away; withouthearing more of Sir Sidney, than that he had arrived at St. Jean D'Acre. 

At this momentous period, when the king's restoration to his Neapolitandominions was daily to be expected; when the fall of Malta was judgedscarcely possible to be long delayed; and Lord Nelson was anxiouslylooking forward to a temporary cessation of his toils, and a speedyreturn to his native country; intelligence suddenly arrived, that theFrench fleet from Brest, having escaped Lord Keith's vigilance, had beenseen off Oporto, and was expected to effect a junction with that ofSpain at Cadiz. On the 12th of May, at six o'clock in the evening, thisinformation was brought to Palermo, by L'Espoir brig; which, atmidnight, such was his lordship's dispatch, sailed for Procida, Minorca, and Gibraltar, with letters for Captain Troubridge, Captain Ball, Admiral Duckworth, and the Earl of St. Vincent. To Captain Troubridgehis lordship writes, that he must immediately send the Minotaur, Swiftsure, and St. Sebastian, with either the Culloden or Zealous; andeither himself, or Captain Hood, remain with the Seahorse, La Minerve, &c. At Procida, and get the Lion from Leghorn, in exchange for one ofthe small craft--To Admiral Duckworth, that he is sending him eight, nine, or ten, sail of the line, with all expedition, that they may beready to form a junction with their great and excellent commander inchief; for which purpose his lordship ventures to offer an opinion, thatit will be better for the ships to remain under sail off Port Mahon, than in the harbour: and adds best wishes for success, as he is notpermitted to come--And, to the earl of St. Vincent, that these severalships will be ready to obey the earl's orders off Mahon; and that, hoping the Russians are off Malta, he has requested some of thatadmiral's ships may be sent to Minorca. 

 "In short, " his lordship concludes this last letter, "you may depend on my exertions, and I am only sorry that I cannot move to your help; but, this island appears to hang on my stay. Nothing could console the queen, this night, but my promise not to leave them, unless the battle was to be fought off Sardinia. May God Almighty bless and prosper you, is the fervent prayer of your obliged and affectionate

 "Nelson. "

His lordship also wrote to Captain Ball, desiring him, if the Russiansquadron were before Malta, to proceed with all the line of battleships, and the Thalia frigate, off Port Mahon, under the orders ofAdmiral Duckworth; laying his lordship's letter before Vice-AdmiralUschakoff, as well as the Ottoman admiral, should he be there, andprocuring such ships as they could both spare for Minorca: but, if theywere not with him, to send the Audacious and Goliath to Mahon. 

At nine o'clock in the evening of the 13th, the lieutenant of thePetterel arrived, by land, at Palermo. The sloop not being able to getup, owing to strong east winds, Captain Austin very properly sent thelieutenant on shore. He brought intelligence, that the French fleet hadactually passed the Straits Mouth: and this news induced his lordship toalter his intended plan of sending such ships as he could collect offMahon; instead of which, he now resolved to rendezvous with the whole ofthem off the Island of Maritimo. Of this change he instantly sent toapprize the commander in chief, as well as Admiral Duckworth; trustingthat the latter would send his squadron there, which might enable him tolook the enemy in the face. He hoped, indeed, that if the Russians andTurks were off Malta, he should get a force, of different nations, equalto the enemy; when it was his determination, that not a moment should belost in bringing them to battle. 

Though the French fleet consisted of nineteen sail of the line, and thatof the Spaniards with which it was about to form a junction no less thantwenty-five, his lordship determined to sail, with all possibleexpedition, for Maritimo. 

On the 17th, the Culloden, Minotaur, Swiftsure, and St. Sebastian, arrived off Palermo; but it blew so hard, from the east south-east, thatthe ships were obliged to strike yards and top-masts. This galecontinued till the 20th, when his lordship put to sea; and, on the 24th, in the morning, arrived off Maritimo. 

In a letter of this day's date, to the Earl of St. Vincent, his lordshipobserves that, not having been yet joined by Captain Ball or AdmiralDuckworth, he has only to remain on the north side of Maritimo, to keepcovering Palermo, which shall be protected to the last, and to wait theearl's orders for regulating his future proceedings. "Your lordship, " headds, "may depend, that the squadron under my command shall never fallinto the hands of the enemy; and, before one is destroyed, I have littledoubt but the enemy will have their wings so completely clipped, thatthey may be easily overtaken. " Yet, at this period, it is to beobserved, his lordship had only five British ships of the line, withthree Portuguese, La Minerve Neapolitan frigate, L'Entreprennantecutter, and the Incendiary fireship. In a postscript, his lordshipconcludes--"No doubt, by this time, the Austrians are at Leghorn; and, if this event had not happened, we should have been in Naples. "

Lord Nelson remained at sea till the latter end of May; when, having onthe 28th been informed, off Trappano, by the Earl of St. Vincent, thathe might, from the then state of the French and Spanish fleets, act ashe thought best, in the situation of affairs; his lordship determined onreturning to Palermo, for the purpose of completing the provisions ofhis squadron to six months, with as much wine as they could stow, thatthey might be in momentary readiness to act as circumstances shouldrequire. In the mean time, by continuing on the coast of Sicily, tocover the blockade of Naples, he was certain of preserving the formerfrom any attack; to which it would not only be more exposed, were theships withdrawn, but the spirits of the people receive such a damp thatthey would make little or no resistance. 

On the 30th, Lord Nelson arrived at Palermo; and, having learned thatthe Bey of Tunis had stopped several vessels with his lordship'spassports, he immediately wrote a very spirited letter to Mr. Magra, theconsul, and another to the bey, which he dispatched in the Earl of St. Vincent cutter on the 4th of June. In these letters, however, he againoffers his services, as the mediator of a truce, or peace, with hisSicilian Majesty, as well as with the Portuguese; and observes, that theMarquis De Niza is ready to send a ship for this latter purpose. Hislordship assures the Bey of Tunis, that he has granted no passports toany vessel which his highness, and every good man, will not highlyapprove of; and, that those who would, or dare, counsel his highness toprevent food from being given to those who are fighting in the cause ofGod against those vile infidels the French, are no better thanFrenchmen. "I will, " says his lordship to the consul, "have my passportsrespected, given only to serve the cause in which his highness ought tobe as much interested as I am. This you will state clearly and forciblyto the bey--that, as I will do no wrong; so, I will suffer none: this isthe firm determination of a British admiral. "

In a letter written to the Earl of St. Vincent on the following day, June 5, his lordship says, after noticing the conduct of the Bey ofTunis, "I hope to bring this gentleman to reason. " He adds--"My time hasbeen so taken up, that I have not been able to pay that attention to theBarbary States I could have wished, but I know these people must betalked to with honesty and firmness. "

His lordship had, indeed, just received, from Tripoli, a tolerable goodproof of the efficacy of his mode of dealing with the Barbary States, inthe success of Commodore Campbell, of which his lordship thus writes tothe earl--"We are better friends with the Bashaw of Tripoli than ever. Commodore Campbell, whom I selected for that purpose, in the firstplace, because he was fit for the business; and, secondly, to mark that, although I could _censure_ when wrong, yet that I have no resentment forthe past; having done, on that occasion, what I thought right. Thecommodore has, on this occasion, conducted himself with proper spiritand judgment; and he has, by it, made a very advantageous peace forPortugal. "

So completely did Commodore Campbell act up to the spirit of LordNelson's orders, that the bashaw actually delivered to him all theFrench who were at Tripoli, nearly forty in number. These, his lordshipsent in the Susannah cartel, carrying French prisoners to Genoa, whichsailed on the 6th of June; honourably stating, that they were not to beconsidered as prisoners of war, having been sent from Tripoli, inBarbary, for political reasons. 

On the 7th of June, in consequence of his lordship's recent informationof being promoted to be Rear-Admiral of the Red, he quitted theVanguard; and, on the 8th, hoisted it on board the Foudroyant. 

While Lord Nelson was engaged in provisioning his squadron, withoutlosing sight of the blockade of Naples; and anxiously expecting to hearthat the Earl of St. Vincent had fallen in with the French fleet, andobtained another brilliant victory; he had the mortification to be againsuddenly impeded in the prosecution of his plan for replacing theirSicilian Majesties on the throne of their Neapolitan dominions, by aletter from Lord Keith, dated the 6th of June, who appears to have beenalarmed for the supposed fate of Minorca. 

At the receipt of this letter, the 13th of June, Lord Nelson wasactually on his way to Naples, with troops, &c. In order to finishmatters in that kingdom: but, considering the force of the French fleeton the coast of Italy, then said to be twenty-two sail of the line, fourof them first-rates; and that, probably, the ships at Toulon would havejoined them by the time he was reading the letter; the force with hislordship being only sixteen sail of the line, not one of which was ofthree decks; three being Portuguese, and one of the English a sixty-fourvery short of men; his lordship considered himself as having had nochoice left, but to return to Palermo, and land the troops, ammunition, &c. Which he accordingly did. He then proceeded off Maritimo, hoping tobe joined by such reinforcements from Captain Ball, &c, as might enablehim to seek the enemy's fleet; when, his lordship said, there should notbe a moment lost in bringing them to battle:

 "for, " concludes he, in his answer to Lord Keith, dated the 16th of June, on board the Foudroyant, at sea, "I consider the best defence for his Sicilian Majesty's dominions is, to place myself alongside the French. That I may be very soon enabled to have that honour, is the fervent prayer of your lordship's most obedient servant, Nelson. "

Though Lord Nelson felt that he had no force fit to face the enemy, andwas resolved never to get out of their way--"I cannot think myselfjustified, " said his lordship, writing to the Earl of St. Vincent, thissame day, "in exposing the world--I may almost say--to be plundered bythese miscreants. I trust, your lordship will not think me wrong, in thepainful determination I conceived myself forced to make; for agonized, indeed, was the mind of your lordship's faithful and affectionateservant. "

The fact seems to be, that Lord Nelson had not the smallestapprehensions of any serious designs on Minorca; and greatly fearedthat, if he should entirely quit the protection of Sicily and Naples, they would both soon be irrecoverably lost. It was, therefore, withextreme reluctance, that he proceeded on the present business; andhaving, next day, the 17th, been joined off Malta by the Alexander andGoliath, his force was now fifteen sail of two-decked English ships, andthree Portuguese, with a fireship and cutter. 

On the 20th, the Swallow Portuguese corvette brought dispatches of the17th, from the Earl of St. Vincent; acquainting Lord Nelson of the nearapproach of the squadron under Sir Alan Gardiner, and that Lord Keithwas going in search of the French fleet. Having now, therefore, no hopeof any sufficient reinforcement to enable him to do the same, hislordship determined once more to offer himself for the service ofNaples, which he seems to have imagined the French intended to visit;and, indeed, information to that effect had repeatedly arrived, bydifferent ships, as well British as foreign. Accordingly, having partedfor Palermo, he arrived off that port on the 21st; but, the ship beingbecalmed, he was under the necessity of proceeding some leagues in hisbarge. Having reached Palermo early in the morning of this day, hewaited on Sir William Hamilton; and requested that, the instant they hadbreakfasted, the carriage might be ready to take himself, with SirWilliam and Lady Hamilton, to the king and queen. Nothing could possiblyhave been more opportune than this unpremeditated visit; for hislordship now learned, that General Acton had actually written to him, bythe desire of their majesties, though he had not yet received the lettermost earnestly intreating his return, for the purpose of going into theBay of Naples, and there completing the business which had been soauspiciously commenced under his judicious arrangements. Such, indeed, was the then critical state of affairs at Naples, that it required boththe ablest heads, and the best hearts, to seize the favourable moment, already beginning to flit away, for effectually restoring loyalty andorder in that devoted country. During the absence of Lord Nelson andCaptain Troubridge, from Sicily and Naples, Cardinal Ruffo, with hisarmy of twenty thousand Calabrese and other loyalists, aided by somehundred Russian troops, had defeated the Neapolitan republicans, afterthe evacuation of Naples by the French under General Macdonald, whosucceeded to Championet; and, in consequence, was actually inpossession of all the capital, except the castles of St. Elmo, Ovo, andNuovo, the two latter of which were momentarily expected to fall. Inthis state of things, with many doubts respecting the firmness ratherthan the fidelity of the cardinal, and much apprehension with regard tothe pernicious effects of the imposing plausibility of several chiefs ofthe numerous parties into which the distracted country was unhappilydivided, every precaution was considered necessary to be adopted thathuman sagacity could contrive, and all the fortitude judged requisite tobe preserved that the most magnanimous bosom could exercise. TheirSicilian Majesties well knew, that they had now before them a man, devoted to their just interests, who possessed, in the supremest degree, these rare and most estimable qualities. They intreated him, therefore, to undertake the arduous task, which could not be securely committed toany other hands than his own. His lordship was sensible of theimportance of the charge, and overwhelmed with generous sentiments forthe noble confidence expressed by the royal sufferers in his abilitiesto render them those essential services which their peculiar situationdemanded. Difficulty could never deter the mind of Lord Nelson from anyattempt; for, where there is no difficulty, heroism is without anobject. His lordship had, therefore, not a moment to pause, with respectto his ready acquiescence in the will of their majesties; but, from hisvery imperfect knowledge of the Italian language, he expressed hisapprehensions that he might be subject to fatal deceptions, if he shouldtrust to the fidelity of any interpreter among a people so generallycorruptible. He did not, however, state the objection, without proposinga remedy. If, his lordship said, Sir William and Lady Hamilton wouldaccompany him into the Bay of Naples, that he might have the assistanceof their able heads, and excellent hearts, to consult, correspond, andinterpret, on all occasions, he should not have the smallest doubt ofcomplete success in the business. Sir William, and his lady, wereaccordingly requested, by the king and queen, to afford their requisiteaid on the occasion: to which they agreed, without a moment'shesitation; and, in less than three hours from the time of his firstlanding, such was the dispatch thought necessary, that her ladyship, having packed up a few articles of the first necessity, proceeded in thebarge, with Sir William and his lordship, on board the Foudroyant, whichinstantly sailed for the Bay of Naples. 

Lord Nelson, it may be supposed, had received very full powers fromtheir Sicilian Majesties; with the advice of their equally brave, wise, and skilful privy-counsellor, General Sir John Acton: but, such was thedelicacy of his lordship in the exercise of his almost limitlessauthority, that no single instance can be with truth adduced, where heever interfered with the criminal jurisprudence of the country; except, indeed, on the side of mercy, to which his excellent heart, it is wellknown, constantly inclined. 

On the 24th, they arrived in the Bay of Naples; where Lord Nelson saw aflag of truce flying on board the Seahorse, Captain Foote, and also onthe Castles of Ovo and Nuovo. Having, on the passage, receivedinformation, that an infamous armistice was entered into with the rebelsof those castles, to which Captain Foote had put his name, his lordshipinstantly made the signal to annul the truce; being determined, as hesaid, never to give his approbation to any terms, with rebels, butunconditional submission. The fleet was now anchored in close line ofbattle, north-west by north, and south-east by south, from the molehead, one mile and a half distant; flanked by twenty-two gun and mortarboats, which he had recalled from Procida. 

His lordship sent, instantly, Captains Troubridge and Ball to theCardinal Vicar-General Ruffo; to represent to his eminence, the opinionwhich he entertained of the infamous truce entered into with the rebels. They were also charged with two papers to his eminence, expressive ofthese sentiments; one of which was intended for their perusal, previously to the agreed surrender. The cardinal, however, declared thathe would send no papers; and that, if his lordship pleased, he mightbreak the armistice, for he was himself tired of his situation. CaptainTroubridge then asked this plain question--"If Lord Nelson breaks thearmistice, will your eminence assist him in the attack of the castles?"His answer was decisive--"I will neither assist him with men nor guns. "

After much talking, to very little purpose, his eminence expressed awish to see his lordship on board, that he might converse with himrespecting this situation of affairs; and they, accordingly, accompaniedhim thither. Sir William Hamilton interpreted between Lord Nelson andCardinal Ruffo, till he was almost exhausted with fatigue. The disputelasted about two hours, and frequently ran very high; the cardinal, however, proved more than a match for Sir William and his lordshiptogether in volubility, though far from equal to either in trueeloquence. The venerable Sir William, at length, vexed and wearied, calmly seated himself; and requested his lady, though less loquaciousthan the generality of her sex, to assist their honourable friend, whocontinued pacing the cabin with the most determined perseverance, inconducting this war of words. The pleasingly persuasive voice of herladyship, delivering the manly sentiments of his lordship, made noimpression on the cardinal. He would not submit to reason, nor hislordship to any thing else: so that the lady was in a fair way ofbecoming soon as desirous to desist as Sir William had been before her, and for the same reason too, if Lord Nelson had not suddenly put an endto the argument, by observing that, since he found an admiral was nomatch for a cardinal in talking, he would try the effect of writing. Hewrote, therefore, the following opinion, which he immediately deliveredto Cardinal Ruffo--

 "Rear-Admiral Lord Nelson, who arrived in the Bay of Naples on the 24th of June, with the British fleet, found a treaty entered into with the rebels; which, he is of opinion, ought not to be carried into execution, without the approbation of his Sicilian Majesty--the Earl of St. Vincent--Lord Keith. "

Thus terminated the interview: the cardinal retired in disgust; and therebels, after having notice of his lordship's resolve, persisted incoming out of the castles, which were immediately occupied by themarines of the squadron. 

Much has been said, by weak persons, respecting the justice of thusannulling a truce which had been actually signed before his lordship'sarrival. They know little of this great and honourable man, the glory ofhuman nature, as well as of his country, who can for a moment conceivethat any part of Lord Nelson's character, public or private, need shrinkfrom the severest scrutiny to which the actions of terrestrial beingsmay with justice be subjected. He was, it is maintained, among the best, as well as the bravest, among the most just, as well as the mostjudicious, of mankind. With regard to the right which his lordshippossessed of putting an end to the armistice, notwithstanding thecapitulation had been signed, while the castles remained unsurrendered, a few plain words will be allowed sufficient, by the sober part ofmankind, for whom they can, indeed, scarcely be necessary, to set thequestion at rest for ever. Had the French fleet arrived, instead of theBritish, would the capitulation have been at all regarded by those whohad agreed to surrender these castles? Would they have delivered them upto the then overpowered besiegers? On the contrary, would they not haveinstantly directed the guns of these very fortresses against the personsto whom they had just signed their submission? These questions are soobvious, that they scarcely need any reply, since there cannot possiblybe two opinions on the subject. If there exists, in such derogations, any departure from strictly moral justice, which admits of much doubt, it must be ascribed to the rigorous necessities inseparable from a stateof war, and not to any want of rectitude in the breasts of thosehonourable men on whom devolves the severe task of dictating theoperations of that dreadful but unavoidable chastiser of the human race. The besieged, by the laws of war, would have had a right to availthemselves, as is suggested, in the case of such an arrival of theFrench fleet; and, unquestionably, that of the British, which actuallyoccurred, was alike entitled to alter the effect of the unexecutedcapitulation. 

It appears, however, that Lord Nelson, though he would not sanction anarmistice which he considered as dishonouring the sovereign for whom hewas acting, had not the smallest desire to interfere with the disposalof the rebels whom he was so anxious to secure. It was not for theirpunishment, but for the security of those whom he feared they mightcontaminate by their principles, that he resolved to keep them in safecustody till the farther pleasure of his Sicilian Majesty should beknown; and, in this, even Cardinal Ruffo, it seems, at length, reluctantly acquiesced. 

On the morning of the 27th, having embarked all the principal rebels inthe several ships of the British squadron, and the rest in polacresanchored under their care, his lordship ordered Captain Troubridge toland with a detachment of troops, for the purpose of cutting down "theinfamous Tree of Anarchy, " which was immediately burnt before the king'spalace. His Sicilian Majesty's flag was now every where flying inNaples, except on the Castle of St. Elmo. This fortress still remainingin the hands of the French, Captains Troubridge and Ball, who had now, in some degree, conciliated the cardinal, taking with them thirteenhundred men from the ships, five hundred Russian troops, and aconsiderable body of royalists, proceeded to invest it. 

As there could be little doubt that this place, though exceedinglystrong, must in a few days yield to the vigorous operations of the braveand skilful officers by whom it was besieged, which would complete therepossession of the Neapolitan capital, Lord Nelson wrote to GeneralActon; requesting that his Sicilian Majesty would come into the Bay ofNaples, as well as the general, to sanction and direct, by his royalpresence, and their united councils, the requisite measures forcompleting the important business now in so fair a train for beinghappily concluded. 

At the surrender of the castles, Carraccioli had effected his escape;but he was soon apprehended by the royalists, who were clamorous for hisexecution; and, on the 29th, after a fair trial, by a board of navalofficers of his Sicilian Majesty, for rebellion against his lawfulsovereign, and firing at his Sicilian Majesty's frigate La Minerve, hewas hanged at the fore-yard-arm of that ship. 

Lord Nelson greatly lamented the fate of this unhappy man, though hecould not deny the justice of his sentence; and he would, undoubtedly, have recommended him as an object of mercy to his Sicilian Majesty, hadhe not well known that such an interference, in the then temper of thepeople, must have rendered himself an object of their suspicion; andthus have operated against the king's interest, without finallypreserving the culprit from the worst effects of their fury. When it isconsidered that, a very few months before, Carraccioli had received, atPalermo, the supreme command of the small remains of his SicilianMajesty's fleet; that, on his departure for Messina, he had beenearnestely and most pathetically conjured by the queen, while takingleave of her majesty, to do every thing in his power for the promotionof the welfare of her little family; that he had, soon after, underpretence of assisting the royalists in Calabria, abandoned hissovereign, and actually joined the republicans with the force committedto his charge; he cannot be well regarded as an object entitled to anyvery extraordinary degree of commiseration. 

On the 3d of July, Lord Nelson had the high gratification of receivingofficial notice of the liberal grant of ten thousand pounds, which hadbeen unanimously voted to his lordship by the Honourable East IndiaCompany, for his services at the battle off the Nile; and hisconsiderate regard to their interests, demonstrated by his judiciousconduct immediately after that glorious event. To the letter from SirStephen Lushington, Bart. Chairman of the Court of Directors, whichconveyed this agreeable information, his lordship instantly wrote thefollowing answer. 

 "Foudroyant, Naples Bay, 3d July 1799. 

 "SIR, "I was this day honoured with your letter of May 1st, conveying to me the resolutions of the Honourable East India Company. It is true, Sir, that I am incapable of finding words to convey my feelings, for the unprecedented honour done me by the Company. Having, in my younger days, served in the East Indies, I am no stranger to the munificence of the Honourable Company; but this generous act of their's to me so much surpasses all calculation of gratitude, that I have only the power of saying that I receive it with all respect. Give me leave, Sir, to thank you for your very elegant and flattering letter, and to add, that I am, with the greatest respect, your most obliged and obedient servant, "Nelson. "

Nor did this generous man, for whose just praise language must ever beat a loss, rise from the table at which he had penned the above letterof thanks, till his liberal soul, invited every dear relative in thefirst degree to a kind participation of the bounty which he had justreceived; by making out drafts, of five hundred pounds each, for hisvenerable father--his elder brother, Maurice Nelson, Esq. Of the NavyOffice--the Reverend Dr. Nelson, the present Earl--and his two mostamiable sisters, Mrs. Bolton and Mrs. Matcham: thus nobly disposing of afourth part of what he had so honourably acquired, in a way which mustever reflect unfading glory on his memory, and no inconsiderable lustreon the characters of those who were thought thus uniformly entitled tothe tender regards of such an exalted as well as kindred mind. It willscarcely be supposed possible, that any human being could convert thisgenerous token of his lordship's affection and esteem for his family, into a cause of violent complaint. There was one person, however, whodid complain on the occasion; and that with such piteous lamentations, as absolutely induced his lordship's father, in whose house she was atthe same time residing, to decline accepting his portion of his son'smost honourable gift. The mention of this undoubted fact, has no otherobject, than to demonstrate how very distant from a unity of sentiment, in some important respects, Lady Nelson and her illustrious husband, must necessarily have been; the unfortunate want of which, is everlikely to occasion a proportionable degree of connubial infelicity, andto account for all it's disagreeable consequences, without resorting togrosser motives. 

On the 6th of July, Captain Ball, who had been commanding at St. Elmowith Captain Troubridge, was ordered by Lord Nelson to resume hissituation at Malta; for which place he accordingly sailed in theAlexander, with the Portuguese ship Alfonso de Albequerque, and CaptainPeard in the Success. 

During the siege of St. Elmo, many of the Neapolitans came out, everyday, in boats, to the British squadron; and the leaders of differentparties, with various views, but all affecting the strictest zeal andmost loyal attachment to their sovereign, paid congratulatory visits toLord Nelson and Sir William and Lady Hamilton: it was not, perhaps, always possible to discover the insincere; but this illustrioustriumvirate, as they merit to be denominated, by their extremecircumspection and address, made all of them conduce, whatever mighthave been their original design, to the promotion of the royal cause. Her ladyship, on these occasions, was eminently successful inconciliating those who had entertained unjust prejudices against thequeen; and, by the well timed distribution of necklaces, ear-rings, andother trinkets, among the most active of the female partisans, said tobe the gracious gifts of her majesty, who had not any present means ofmore profusely showering her bounty on her beloved people, in whichassertion there was but little departure from truth, such an astonishingprogress was made in the attachments of them and their numerousadmirers, as would appear scarcely credible to those who areunacquainted with the wonderful influence of the Neapolitan women. 

On the 10th of July, his Sicilian Majesty, with his principal ministers, arrived in the Bay of Naples; and went on board the Foudroyant, when hisroyal standard was instantly hoisted. At the first notice of this event, the Neapolitan royalists came out in prodigious numbers; and, rowinground the ship, called, in the most affectionate manner, for a sight oftheir beloved sovereign, under the denomination of their dear father. "The effusions of loyalty, " says Lord Nelson, in writing to Lord Keithof this event, "from the lower order of the people to their _father_, for by no other name do they address the king, is truly moving!" It was, indeed, very affecting to hear them; and their transports of joy, onbeholding him, are not to be described. Every day, which their kingremained on board, did these loyal people continue to flock out;crying--"Father! father! let us only see your face, and we will besatisfied. " It was truly pathetic to hear the generous creatures; and tobehold the amiable condescension of their worthy sovereign, who neverrefused to indulge them with a sight of his person. From half pasttwelve, however, the constant time of dining, till four in theafternoon, when the king usually slept, the most profound silence waspreserved by the many anxious and impatient people with whom thesurrounding boats were crouded. If the smallest noise occurred, silencewas immediately insisted on--"Do you not know, " they would softly, butfiercely, say, "that our father is asleep? Would you dare to disturbhim?" Then, as the time of his awaking drew near, they generally askedfor their good mistress, the name by which they addressed Lady Hamilton;requesting that she would kindly let them know when their father wasready to see them. This, her ladyship never failed to do; and theyimmediately resumed the eager and affecting cry of--"Father! father!"&c. When the king instantly presented himself to their view, and oftenspoke to them with the most consoling affability. The effect of LadyHamilton's continual presents and kind remembrances from her majesty, soon occasioned them to make similar enquiries after their good mother, the queen; and their dear children, the royal offspring--"When shall weagain behold our good mother? When shall we once more see our dearchildren?" In such simple expressions of affectionate regard, did allthe humble classes of Neapolitans pour forth their effusions of loyalattachment to their beloved sovereign; while the generality of those whopossessed titles of honour, seemed wholly destitute of it's principles. "The conduct of the nobles, " Lord Nelson remarked, in the letter abovenoticed, "has been infamous; and it delights me, to see that his majestymarks the difference in the most proper manner. It has been, and is, mystudy, to treat his majesty with all the respect due to so great apersonage; and I have the pleasure to believe, that my humble endeavourshave met with the royal approbation. "

The painful anxiety of the king, as he viewed the hostile flag on thedistant Castle of St. Elmo, feeling both for the besiegers and thebesieged, was excessive; but, when on the third day after his arrival, it was visibly lowered, as he stood on the deck, with Lord Nelson and SirWilliam and Lady Hamilton, he threw his arms round them in an extacy ofgratitude, and hailed those generous friends by the appellation of hispreservers and restorers. 

In fact, the castle surrendered, on the 12th, by capitulation, after aclose siege of eight days, with open batteries; in which, the bravery ofCaptain Troubridge, and the other British officers serving under him, with a most heterogeneous army of British marines, and Russian, Portuguese, Albanese, Calabrese, and Swiss troops, was eminentlyconspicuous. The particulars of this siege, as well as it's success, will appear in the following letter sent by Captain Troubridge to LordNelson. 

 "Antignano, near St. Elmo, July 13, 1799. 

 "MY LORD, Agreeable to your lordship's orders, I landed with the English and Portuguese marines of the fleet, on the 27th of June: and, after embarking the garrisons of the castles of Ovo and Nuovo, composed of French and rebels, I put a garrison in each; and, on the 29th, took post against Fort St. Elmo, which I summoned to surrender. But, the commandant being determined to stand a siege, we opened a battery of three thirty-six pounders and four mortars, on the 3d inst. Within seven hundred yards of the fort; and, on the 5th, another, of two thirty-six pounders. The Russians, under Captain Buillie, opened another battery of four thirty-six pounders and four mortars, against the opposite angle; intending to storm it, in different places, as soon as we could make two practicable breaches in the work. On the 6th, I added four more mortars: and, on the 11th, by incessant labour, we opened another battery of six thirty-six pounders, within a hundred and eighty yards of the wall of the garrison; and had another, of one eighteen pounder, and two howitzers, at the same distance, nearly completed. After a few hours cannonading from the last battery, the enemy displayed a flag of truce, when our firing ceased; and, their guns being mostly dismounted, and their works nearly destroyed, the inclosed terms of capitulation were agreed to and signed. 

 "In performing this service, I feel much satisfaction in informing your lordship, that I received every possible assistance from Captain Ball, for the first seven days: when your lordship ordered him on other service, and did me the honour to place Captain Hallowell under my orders in his room; whose exertions and abilities your lordship is acquainted with, and merit every attention. 

 "Lieutenant-Colonel Strickland, Major Cresswell, and all the officers of marines, and men, merit every praise I can bestow: as does Antonio Saldineo de Gama, and the officers and men belonging to her most faithful majesty the Queen of Portugal; their readiness, on all occasions, does them great honour. The very commanding situation of St. Elmo, rendered our approaches difficult; or, I trust, it would have been reduced much sooner. The ready acquiescence to all our demands, and the assistance received from the Duc di Salandra, I beg, may be made known, by your lordship, to his Sicilian Majesty. 

 "I feel myself also much indebted to Colonel Tschudy, for his great zeal and exertions on all occasions. 

 I have the honour to be, &c. T. Troubridge, The Right Honourable Lord Nelson, K. B. "

 _Articles of Capitulation agreed upon between the Garrison of Fort St. Elmo and the Troops of his Sicilian Majesty and his Allies. _

 I. 

 The French Garrison of Fort St. Elmo shall surrender themselves prisoners of war to his Neapolitan Majesty and his allies; and shall not serve against any of the powers actually at war with the French republic, until regularly exchanged. 

 II. 

 The English grenadiers shall take possession of the gate of the fort in the course of the day. 

 III. 

 The French garrison shall march out of the fort to-morrow, with their arms, and drums beating. The troops shall lay down their arms on the outside of the gate of the fort; and a detachment of English, Russian, Portuguese, and Neapolitan, troops, shall take possession of the castle. 

 IV. 

 The officers shall keep their arms. 

 V. 

 The garrison shall be embarked on board the English squadron, until the necessary shipping are provided to convey them to France. 

 VI. 

 When the English grenadiers take possession of the gate, all the subjects of his Sicilian Majesty shall be delivered up to the allies. 

 VII. 

 A guard of French soldiers shall be placed round the French colours, to prevent their being destroyed: that guard shall remain until all the garrison be marched out, and it is relieved by an English officer and guard; to whom orders shall be given to strike the French flag and hoist that of his Sicilian Majesty. 

 VIII. 

 All private property shall be reserved for those to whom the same appertains; and all public property shall be given up with the fort, as well as the effects pillaged. 

 IX. 

 The sick, not in a state to be removed, shall remain at Naples, with French surgeons, and shall be taken care of at the expence of the republic. They shall be sent back to France as soon as possible after their recovery. 

 Done at Fort St. Elmo, the 22d Messidor, in the seventh year of the French republic, or 12th July 1799. 

 Signed, Il Duca di Salandra, Captain-General of the Forces of his Majesty the King of the Two Sicilies. 

 Thomas Troubridge, of his Britannic Majesty's ship Culloden, and Commander of the British and Portuguese troops at the attack of St. Elmo. 

 Chevalier Belle, Captain-Lieutenant, commanding the troops of his Imperial Russian Majesty at the attack of St. Elmo. 

 Jh. Mejau, commanding Fort St. Elmo. 

 _Return of Killed and Wounded at the Siege of the Castle of St. Elmo. _

 Marine forces landed from the squadron--John Hickman, private, of the Vanguard, killed; Daniel Elliott, Christopher Calonie, privates of ditto, wounded. Serjeant Morgan, of the Foudroyant, Thomas Jones, and Benjamin Cole, privates of ditto, wounded. 

 Royal Artillery--Lieutenant Millbank killed. 

 T. Strickland, Lieutenant-Colonel of the Marine Forces. 

 Swiss Regiment--Two officers, seven privates, killed; nine privates wounded. 

 Albanese Volunteers--Four privates wounded. 

 Russians--One officer, three rank and file, killed; one officer, three rank and file, wounded. 

 Calabrese Regiment--One officer, twenty-one rank and file, killed; four officers, sixty-four rank and file, wounded. 

 Total--Five officers, thirty-two rank and file, killed; five officers, seventy-nine rank and file, wounded. 

 Foudroyant, Naples Bay, 13th July 1799. 

The Castle of St. Elmo, at the time of it's surrender, had no want ofammunition or provisions: of the former, besides abundance of shot, shells, grenades, cartridges, &c. They had twenty-five thousand poundsof powder; and, of the latter, with eighteen oxen, upwards of threehundred barrels of salt beef and pork, nearly three thousand quintals ofwheat, a hundred and fifty-eight of biscuit, two thousand one hundredand sixty-seven of flour, and numerous other articles of food inproportion, they had fifty thousand pints of wine, and six thousand ofbrandy. 

Lord Nelson, immediately on receiving these dispatches from CaptainTroubridge, wrote the following official letter to Lord Keith. 

 "Foudroyant, Naples Bay, 13th July 1799. 

 "MY LORD, "I have the pleasure to inform you of the surrender of Fort St. Elmo, on the terms of the inclosed capitulation, after open batteries of eight days; during which time, one heavy battery was advanced within a hundred and eighty yards of the ditch. The very great strength of St. Elmo, and it's more formidable position, will mark with what fortitude, perseverance, and ability, the combined forces must have acted. Captain Troubridge was the officer selected for the command of all the forces landed from the squadron. Captain Ball assisted him for seven days, till his services were wanted at Malta, when his place was ably supplied by Captain Hallowell, an officer of the most distinguished merit, and to whom Captain Troubridge expresses the highest obligation. Captain Hood, with a garrison for the castle of Nuovo, and to keep good order in the capital--an arduous task, at that time--was also landed from the squadron; and I have the pleasure to tell you, that no capital is more quiet than Naples. I transmit you Captain Troubridge's letter to me, with a return of killed and wounded. 

 "I have now to state to your lordship, that although the ability and resources of my brave friend Troubridge are well known to all the world; yet he had difficulties to struggle with, in every way, which the state of the capital will easily bring to your idea, that has raised his great character even higher than it was before: and it is my earnest request, that your lordship will mention him, in that way, to the board of Admiralty, that his majesty may be graciously pleased to bestow some mark of his royal favour on Captain Troubridge; which will give real happiness to your lordship's most obedient and faithful servant, "Nelson. "

 "Right Honourable Lord Keith. "

Besides the above letter, Lord Nelson this day wrote three otherletters to Lord Keith, and one to Earl Spencer; so indefatigable was hislordship in the performance of every branch of his duty. Yet, at thisvery moment, he was hazarding the imputation of too little regarding it, by those who have not his ability to discern in what it truly consists, or the magnanimity to hazard the consequences of a nominal and apparentbreach, for the sake of securely seizing the spirit and substance ofit's unquestionably intended effect. A truly great man, must sometimeseven venture to expose his character, as well as his person, in periloussituations; though he will seldom be so presumptuous or rash as wantonlyto commit either, on trivial occasions. 

The fact is, that his lordship had, at this very critical juncture, beenordered, by Lord Keith, to detach a considerable part of his squadronfor the reinforcement of his lordship, then at Minorca; with this order, however, having already parted with two ships for Malta, it was notpossible to comply, without again putting the safety of Naples to a mostimminent hazard. He ventured, therefore to remonstrate against themeasure, in the following apology to Lord Keith; describing his precisesituation, of which the commander in chief could not have any possibleknowledge at the time of sending such orders. 

 "Foudroyant, Naples Bay, 13th July, 1799. 

 "MY LORD, "I have to acknowledge the receipt of your lordship's orders of 27th June; and, as soon as the safety of his Sicilian Majesty's kingdoms is secured, I shall not lose one moment in making the detachment you are pleased to order. At present, under God's providence, the safety of his Sicilian Majesty, and his speedy restoration to his kingdoms, depends on this fleet; and the confidence inspired, even by the appearance of our ships before the city, is beyond all belief: and I have no scruple in declaring my opinion that, should any event draw us from the kingdom, if the French remain in any part of it, disturbances will again arise: for, all order having been completely overturned, it must take a thorough cleansing, and some little time, to restore tranquillity. I have the honour to be, with great respect, your lordship's obedient servant, "Nelson. "

 "Right Honourable Lord Keith. "

With these accounts of the operations at Naples, copies of which weretransmitted by Lord Nelson, to England, for public information, hislordship wrote the following private letter to Earl Spencer; in which, among other interesting particulars, descriptive of his then state, healludes to the impropriety of hastily detaching any ships for Minorca. 

 "Foudroyant, Naples Bay, 13th July 1799. 

 "MY DEAR LORD, "I have much to say; but am unable to write, or speak, half so much as my duty would make it right: therefore, I must be brief. On my fortunate arrival here, I found a most infamous treaty entered into with the rebels, in direct disobedience of his Sicilian Majesty's orders. I had the happiness of saving his majesty's honour; rejecting, with disdain, any terms but unconditional submission to rebels. Your lordship will observe my note and opinion to the cardinal. The rebels came out of the castle with this knowledge, without any honours; and the principal rebels were seized, and conducted on board the ships of the squadron. The others, embarked in fourteen polacres, were anchored under the care of our ships. His majesty has entirely approved of my conduct in this matter. I presume to recommend Captain Troubridge for some mark of his majesty's favour: it would be supposing you, my dear lord, were ignorant of his merits, was I to say more than that he is a first-rate general. The king holds his levees on the quarter-deck of the Foudroyant, at the same hour as he did when in his palace. His Majesty's health is perfect, and he is in the highest spirits and good humour. May I offer my kindest respects to Lady Spencer; and, believe me, I am sensible of her goodness. Lieutenant Parkinson will, I am sure, meet with your kind protection; he is an officer of great merit. Lord Keith writes me, if certain events take place, it may be necessary to draw down this squadron for the protection of Minorca. Should such an order come, at this moment, it would be a cause for some consideration, whether Minorca is to be risked, or the two kingdoms of Naples and Sicily. I rather think, my decision would be, to risk the former. I am told, the alteration of the government is began in this capital, by the abolition of the feudal system, and that it is meant to be continued through the country. Sir John Acton is with his majesty: I need not say more, than that he has the wisest and most honest head in this kingdom. Sir William and Lady Hamilton are, to my great comfort, with me; for, without them, it would have been impossible I could have rendered half the service to his majesty which I have now done: their heads, and their hearts, are equally great and good. With every sentiment of respect and attachment, believe me, my dear lord, your obliged and faithful

 "Nelson. "

 "Earl Spencer. "

In the public letter to Evan Nepean, Esq. Which inclosed the severaldispatches, Lord Nelson also recommends Lieutenant Parkinson, who is thebearer, to the notice of the Lords of the Admiralty; observing, thatthis officer is sent, by desire of his Sicilian Majesty, to mark thatmonarch's approbation of his lordship's conduct. Then, apologising forthe brevity of his letter, when he has so much to communicate, hislordship adds, that he is writing in a fever, and finds it barelypossible to keep out of bed; but, to the last, begs he will assure theboard, that every exertion shall be made for the honour of his king andcountry. 

By the surrender of St Elmo, the King of Naples had once more thesatisfaction to behold his own flag waving over the capital, and all theforts by which it was defended. The only places now remaining in thehands of the French and his Neapolitan Majesty's rebellious subjects, were Capua and Gaieta. Against the former of these, on the 14th, Captains Troubridge and Hallowell began to make preparations, by landinga thousand men from the squadron; which, uniting with four thousandother troops, of various denominations, marched in a few days to effectit's reduction. 

On the 17th, Lord Nelson, by the desire of his Sicilian Majesty, sent aletter to Captain Troubridge, directing him, when he sent in a summonsto the commander of the French troops in Capua, to state that, oncondition of immediately giving up Capua and Gaieta, both being underhis command, the French garrisons, after laying down their arms, shouldbe permitted to go to France without any restrictions; but, if this werenot complied with, they should be considered as prisoners of war, withas degrading terms as it was in his power to give them: in short, theallies must dictate the terms. To this letter, there was a remarkablepostscript; which serves to shew, with what marked contempt his lordshipregarded those whom he had reason to consider as traitors--"There is aperson, " says his lordship, "who has been a _notorious rebel;_ but, now, _pretends_ to serve his king faithfully. If he should attempt to comeeven into your presence, I earnestly request, that you will nevervoluntarily admit him to your sight, much less speak to him; for honourand loyalty, which you possess, never ought to be contaminated withinfamy and rebellion. His name is said to be _Roccaromara_. " There canbe no doubt, that Lord Nelson had good reasons for this positivecaution: the want of which might, perhaps, have been prejudicial to theexpedition; if not fatal to this his lordship's favourite commander, forwhose honour and welfare he was to the full as solicitous as for hisown. 

Just as every thing was arranged, ready to march against Capua, theevent which his lordship had anticipated in his letter to Earl Spenceractually occurred. A peremptory order arrived, on the 19th, from LordKeith, directing him to detach, immediately, from the Island of Sicily, the whole of his squadron--or such part, at least, as might not benecessary in that island--for the protection of Minorca. Lord Nelson, however, well knowing, that Lord Keith, at the time of sending thisorder, could not be informed of the change of affairs in the kingdom ofNaples, where all the marines, and a considerable body of seamen, werenow landed, in order to drive the French scoundrels out of thekingdom--which was likely, he said, with God's blessing, to be very sooneffected, when a part of the squadron should be instantly sent--hethought it right, till the French were all driven from Capua, not toobey his lordship's order for sending down any part of the squadronunder his command. After stating these reasons, as his apology for thusacting, his lordship thus concludes--"I am perfectly aware of theconsequences of disobeying the orders of the commander in chief; but, asI believe the safety of the kingdom of Naples depends, at the presentmoment, on my detaining the squadron, I have no scruple in deciding, that it is better to save the kingdom of Naples, and risk Minorca, thanto risk the kingdom of Naples, and save Minorca. Your lordship will, Ihope, approve of my decision. "

Though Lord Nelson's heroic bosom could by no means fail to be violentlyagitated on this very alarming occasion, his resolution was not to beshaken by any consideration of personal suffering: had the refusal beenattended with the certain loss of life, he would not have consented topart with a single ship; such was the inflexible firmness of thisinvincible man, when his determination was once fixed. He did not, however, set danger at defiance; though he so little regarded it'sweight, when placed in the scale which opposed his own conscious senseof duty. Desirous to be duly understood, and to obtain the indemnity ofwhich he could not but consider himself as worthy of receiving, he hadventured to hope for Lord Keith's approbation of his conduct. He judgedit right, however, to be prepared against the worst that could happen, by immediately addressing Earl Spencer, also, in a private letter on thesubject; as well as the Admiralty in general, through their secretary, Mr. Nepean. These valuable documents, at once self-criminating andexculpatory, are finely characteristic of his lordship's firmness, sensibility, and honour. 

 "Foudroyant, Naples Bay, 19th July 1799. 

 "MY DEAR LORD, "You will easily conceive my feelings, at the order this day received here from Lord Keith; but my mind, your lordship will know, by my letter sent by Mr. Lieutenant Parkinson and Mr. Silvester, was perfectly prepared for this order: and, more than ever, is my mind made up. At this moment, I will not part with a single ship; as I cannot do that, without drawing a hundred and twenty men from each ship now at the siege of Capua, where an army is gone this day. I am fully aware of the act I have committed; but, sensible of my loyal intentions, I am prepared for any fate which may await my disobedience. Capua and Gaieta will soon fall; and, the moment the scoundrels of French are out of this kingdom, I shall send eight or nine ships of the line to Minorca. I have done what I thought right: others may think differently; but it will be my consolation, that I have gained a kingdom, seated a faithful ally of his majesty firmly on his throne, and restored happiness to millions. Do not think, my dear lord, that my opinion is formed from the arrangements of any one. _No_; be it good, or be it bad, it is all my own. It is natural I should wish the decision of the Admiralty, and my commander in chief, as speedily as possible. To obtain the former, I beg your lordship's interest with the board; and, in all events, I shall consider myself your lordship's, &c. &c. 

 "Nelson. "

 "Earl Spencer. "

The letter for the Lords of the Admiralty, addressed to Evan Nepean, Esq. Their Secretary, was as follows. 

 "Foudroyant, Naples Bay, 19th July 1799. 

 "SIR, "I send you a copy of Lord Keith's orders to me, my answer, and a copy of a letter written since my letter to Lord Keith. My decision was taken, and I feel the importance of it in every way; and know, I must be subject to trial for my conduct: but I am so confident of the uprightness of my intentions for his majesty's service; and for that of his Sicilian Majesty, which I consider as the same; that I, with all submission, give myself to the judgement of my superiors. I have the honour to be, with great respect, your, &c. 

 "Nelson. "

By this open and dignified manner of appealing to the honourable Boardof Admiralty, as well as to his commander in chief, Lord Nelson not onlyescaped any public censure, but even obtained great private applause, very much to the honour of all parties. It was, they well knew, no lightdeparture from duty, originating in presumption or ignorance; but anecessary deviation, dictated by the most profound wisdom, and justifiedby the truest discernment. 

Lord Nelson appears to have been of opinion, about this time, that theFrench fleet, which had effected a junction with the Spanish, makingtogether forty-three sail of the line, and were reported to have sailedfrom Carthagena on the 29th of June, had hostile designs against thekingdom of Portugal. This he mentions to Sir Sidney Smith, in acongratulatory epistle on the first successes of that able officer inEgypt. "Yesterday, " his lordship says, writing on the 24th of July, "brought me letters from your worthy brother; and we had the greatpleasure of hearing that your truly meritorious and wonderful exertionswere in a fair train for the extirpation of that horde of thieves, whowent to Egypt with that arch-thief Bonaparte. I beg you will express, toCaptain Miller, and to all the brave officers and men who have fought sonobly under your orders, the sense I entertain of your and their greatmerit. " To Sir Sidney's brother, his lordship writes with stillstronger praise of that spirited and enterprising officer--"I thank you, truly, " says his lordship, "for your letter of June 9th, containing anextract of one from your brother, who has done so much at Acre. It islike his former conduct; and, I can assure you, no one admires hisgallantry and judgment more than myself. But, if I know myself, as Inever have encroached on the command of others, so I will not suffereven my friend Sir Sidney to encroach upon mine. I dare say, he thoughthe was to have a separate command in the Levant; I find, upon enquiry, it never was intended to have any one in the Levant separate from me. "This candid explanation may be considered as a manly acknowledgment ofhis lordship's, that he had pushed his severity against his friend SirSidney sufficiently far. 

Lord Nelson also received, from Constantinople, among other dispatches, the approbation of the Grand Signior for his conduct at Tripoli andTunis: to whom he had constantly sent copies of his correspondence withthe bashaw and the bey; and now, in a letter to his Excellency the GrandVizir, observed that he had no other object in view, than to fulfil theorders of the great king, his master, by proving him a most faithfulally. 

On the 28th, the garrison of Capua surrendered to Captain Troubridge, and the commanders of the other allied troops; of which event heinformed Lord Nelson, next day, in the following public letter. 

 "Culloden, Naples Bay, 29th July 1799. 

 "MY LORD, "Agreeable to your lordship's orders, I marched on the 20th inst. With the English and Portuguese troops from Naples, and arrived at Caserta the following morning. After resting the people, we marched and encamped near Capua. The Swiss, under Colonel Tschudy, the cavalry under General Acton, and the different corps of infantry under General Boucard and Colonel Gams, took up their appointed situations: the former, to the left of the camp; and the latter, to the right of the river. 

 "On the 22d, a bridge of pontoons was thrown over the river, to establish a communication. Batteries of guns and mortars were instantly began, within five hundred yards of the enemy's works: and, on the 25th, the gun-battery of four twenty-four pounders, another with two howitzers, and two mortar-batteries, were opened, and kept up a constant and heavy fire; which was returned, by the enemy, from eleven pieces of cannon. On the 26th, trenches were opened, and new batteries began, within a few yards of the glacis. 

 "The enemy, on finding our approach so rapid, sent out terms, which I rejected _in toto_; and offered, in return, the inclosed terms of capitulation, which the French general agreed to, and signed the following morning at six o'clock. The French garrison marched out this morning, at three; and, grounding their arms, proceeded to Naples, under the escort of four hundred English marines, and two squadrons of General Acton's cavalry. 

 "In performing this service, I feel much indebted to Captains Hallowell and Oswald; to whose abilities and exertions, I attribute the reduction of the place in so short a time; as they staid night and day in the field, to forward the erecting of the batteries. I also beg leave to recommend Lieutenant-Colonel Strickland and Major Cresswell, the officers and marines, for their constant and unremitted attention; as well as the officers and men of her most faithful majesty, the Queen of Portugal. The Russian forces, under Captain Builie, rendered every assistance. Generals Acton and De Boucard, and Colonel Gams, merit much for their zeal in chearfully performing all the different services that arose. Colonel Tschudy's zeal merits great attention, for his constant readiness to send working parties to the batteries, as well as pushing his men forward on all occasions. 

 "To M. Monfrere, a volunteer gentleman from the Seahorse, whom I had the honour to recommend to your lordship's notice at St. Elmo, I feel indebted for his great ability and assistance as an engineer, which forwarded our operations much. 

 "Lieutenants Lowcay and Davis, who served as aides-du-camp to me, have also great merit; as well as Mr. Greig, an officer in the Russian service, serving in his majesty's ship under my command, whom I beg your lordship to recommend to the court of Petersburgh as a promising officer. Count di Lucci, chief of the etat-major, was unremitting in his attention. I have the honour to inclose your lordship a return of the ordnance, stores, and provisions, found in Capua, as well as a return of the garrison, not including Jacobins, which were serving with the French. 

 "I have the honour to be, &c. 

 "T. Troubridge. "

 "The Right Honourable Lord Nelson, K. B. "

The capitulation contained nine articles, like that of St. Elmo, whichit in all other respects resembled. The ordnance was one hundred andeighteen pieces of cannon; and there were twelve thousand muskets, fourhundred and fourteen thousand musket-cartridges filled, and sixty-seventhousand eight hundred and forty-eight pounds of powder. The Frenchgarrison consisted of a hundred and ninety-nine officers, and twothousand six hundred and eighteen non-commissioned officers andprivates. 

The town and garrison of Gaieta, being under the same commander in chiefas Capua, Monsieur Girardon, General of Brigade, was immediately afteragreed to be surrendered without a siege, and an order to that effectwas sent, on the 30th, to the Governor: on which account, the placehaving only been blockaded, all the French troops, consisting ofeighty-three officers, and fourteen hundred and fifteen privates, wereallowed to march out with their firelocks, bayonets, swords, andcartouch-boxes, without being deemed prisoners of war on their arrivalin France. In other respects, the articles of the capitulation, whichwas signed by General Acton, Lord Nelson, and Monsieur Girardon, onboard the Foudroyant, were very similar to those of Capua. There weresixty pieces of brass cannon, twelve iron, and thirteen mortars, with animmense quantity of powder and other garrison stores. 

On the 1st day of August 1799, the first anniversary of Lord Nelson'sglorious victory off the Nile, his lordship had the inexpressiblehappiness of announcing to his king and country, the entire liberationof the kingdom of Naples from French anarchy; the restoration of it'sworthy sovereign to his hereditary throne; and of his numerous oppressedsubjects, to the felicity of that benign and paternal protection whichthey had ever experienced under his Sicilian Majesty's mild and gentlesway. 

This agreeable intelligence was communicated in the two followingletters: one, to the commander in chief, Lord Keith; the other, to EvanNepean, Esq. Secretary to the Admiralty. 

 "Foudroyant, Bay of Naples, 1st August 1799. 

 "MY LORD, "I have the honour to transmit you a copy of Captain Troubridge's letter to me, and the capitulation of Capua and Gaieta, &c. Too much praise cannot be given to Captain Troubridge, for his wonderful exertion in bringing about these happy events, and in so short a space of time. Captain Hallowell has also the greatest merit. Captain Oswald, whom I send to England with a copy of my letter, is an officer most highly deserving promotion. I have put Lieutenant Henry Compton, who has served as a lieutenant with me from January 1796, in the Perseus bomb, in his room, and whom I recommend to your lordship. 

 "I sincerely congratulate your lordship, on the entire liberation of the kingdom of Naples from a band of robbers; and am, with the greatest respect, my lord, your, &c. 

 "Nelson. "

 "Right Honourable Lord Keith, K. B. "

 "Foudroyant, Naples Bay, 1st August 1799. 

 "SIR, "I have the honour to transmit you copies of my letter to the commander in chief, with it's several enclosures: and most sincerely congratulate their lordships on the entire liberation of the kingdom of Naples from the French robbers; for by no other name can they be called, for their conduct in this kingdom. This happy event will not, I am sure, be the less acceptable, from being principally brought about by part of the crews of his majesty's ships under my orders, under the command of Captain Troubridge. His merits speak for themselves. His own modesty, makes it my duty to state that, to him alone, is the chief merit due. The recommendation bestowed on the brave and excellent Captain Hallowell, will not escape their lordship's notice, any more than the exceeding good conduct of Captain Oswald, Colonel Strickland, and Captain Cresswell, to whom I ordered the temporary rank of major; and all the officers and men of the marine corps: also, the party of artillery, and the officers and men landed from the Portuguese squadron. 

 "I must not omit to state, that Captain Hood, with a garrison of seamen, in Castle Nuovo, has for these five weeks very much contributed to the peace of the capital; and Naples, I am told, was never more quiet than under his directions. 

 "I send Captain Oswald, of the Perseus bomb, with this letter; and I have put Lieutenant Henry Compton, who has served with me ever since January 1796, as a lieutenant, into the Perseus: and I beg leave to recommend these two officers, as highly meriting promotion. 

 "I have the honour to be, &c. 

 "Nelson. "

 "Evan Nepean, Esq. "

In his lordship's private letter to Earl Spencer, of the same date, which accompanied the dispatches to England, he thus expresseshimself--"I certainly, from having only a left hand, cannot enter intodetails which may explain the motives that actuate my conduct, andwhich may be necessary for a commanding officer who may wish to haveevery subject of duty detailed by those under his command. My principle, my dear lord, is--to assist in driving the French to the devil, and inrestoring peace and happiness to mankind. I feel, that I am fitter to dothe action, than to describe it; therefore, briefly, all the Frenchbeing forced to quit this kingdom, and some order restored, two moreships of the line are to sail this evening for Minorca, which I willtake care of. " Having thus demonstrated that he was embracing theearliest opportunity to comply with Lord Keith's former orders, hislordship proceeds to state that he is going to send five hundredmarines, with six hundred excellent Swiss, for the attack of CivitaVecchia, and to assist the insurrection in the Roman state: the sea partof this business to be under the direction of Captain Louis of theMinotaur, and the land part under Captain Hallowell of the Swiftsure;assisted by an excellent officer, Captain Cresswell of the marines, whomit has been necessary to give the temporary rank of major, which hewishes the board to confirm. His lordship also trusts to the earl'sgoodness, for the promotion of Lieutenant Compton. At the time ofwriting this letter, Lord Nelson had not heard that the French andSpanish fleets were returning to Brest; for he congratulates the earl onthe happy arrival of the combined fleets at Cadiz; having, he says, beenfearful that, as they had escaped the vigilance of Lord Keith, theywould get to Brest. On the state of affairs at Naples, his lordshipremarks that, his Sicilian Majesty, having settled a certain degree oforder, will return to Palermo on the 7th. "I send you, " adds hislordship, "a letter of Sir John Acton to me, which gives reasons forcontinuing the cardinal at the head of affairs in this country. Myopinion of him has never altered. He is now only lieutenant-general ofthe kingdom; with a council of eight, without whose consent no act isvalid: but, we know, the head of every board must have great weight. This man must soon be removed; for all about him have been, and are, socorrupt, that there is nothing which may not be bought. Acton, andBelmonte, seem to me the only uncorrupted men in the kingdom. "

Lord Nelson's opinion of Cardinal Ruffo has been already seen, in hisletter to Captain Troubridge: his lordship used facetiously todenominate him, the Great Devil who commanded the Christian Army; and, though he did not seriously think him a traitor, he probably consideredhim as not altogether incorruptible. To an ambitious cardinal, the tiaramight have proved a dangerous temptation. 

Captain Louis, who had been sent to the French governor of the fortressof Gaieta, with the terms of capitulation entered into between LordNelson and the commandant of Capua for the surrender of Gaieta, was tohave immediate possession of the gates; and, within twenty-four hours, to embark the garrison. Some objections, however, being raised by thegovernor, which he expressed in writing, Captain Louis was induced tosend them to his lordship; who instantly returned, for answer, that hewas hurt, and surprised, the capitulation had not been complied with. "It shall be, " said his lordship, "and the commander has agreed to it. Ihave not read your paper inclosed. You will execute my orders, or attackit. The Fellow ought to be kicked, for his impudence. "

This French governor, it seems, with true Gallic insolence, had theaudacity to require, among other unreasonable conditions, that theyshould embark horses for France, as well as carry away all the pillagedproperty; but Lord Nelson was not thus to be trifled with. "The greatestcare, " said his lordship, in a letter of the 3d of August, to CaptainDarby, "is to be taken that no property, which they did not bring withthem into the country can be theirs, or is suffered to be carried away. We are to send them to France: and will, properly; but, not as theydictate. As to horses, it is nonsense; as well might they say--_We willcarry a house_! If the fellow is a scoundrel, he must be threshed. "

A letter of this date, however, from Captain Louis, informed hislordship that the matter was settled; in answer to which, he thusexpresses himslef--"i was sorry that you had entered into anyaltercation with the scoundrel. The capitulation once signed, therecould be no room for dispute. There is no way of dealing with aFrenchman, but to knock him down. To be civil to them, is only to belaughed at, when they are enemies. "

We tremble, in this age of refinement, for the fate of so rough asentiment; but, perhaps, we ought rather to tremble for that of the agewhich is become so refined. It will, at least, not be disputed, byposterity, that no man ever knew better than Lord Nelson, how to dealproperly with Frenchmen. 

Besides assisting the councils of his Sicilian Majesty, with regard tothe necessary arrangements for Naples, Lord Nelson was actively engagedin making a proper distribution of the squadron under his command, anddirecting the various operations already commenced, or in immediatecontemplation. He had already ordered the Bellerophon, Captain Darby, and the Zealous, Captain Hood, to Minorca: and Captain Martin, in theNorthumberland, was now detached, with the San Leon, Captain Harward, with orders to proceed off Civita Vecchia; looking out for CaptainNisbet of the Thalia, who had been seen cruizing off that place, and wasto join them. From thence, Captain Martin had instructions to proceedinto Leghorn Roads, and send a boat on shore for intelligence respectingthe affairs of the north of Italy, and the situation of the alliedarmies: and, should he fall in with Captain Foote, of the Seahorse, totake that officer under his orders; and, proceeding to the Gulph ofGenoa, co-operate with Field-Marshal Suwarrow, for the annoyance of theenemy, and the good of the common cause. 

The following kind letter, which was written by Lord Nelson to CaptainNisbet, at this period, will evince the truly paternal anxiety which hislordship felt for the welfare of his son-in-law, "Foudroyant, Naples Bay, 3d August 1799. 

 "MY DEAR SIR, "I herewith inclose you a letter received some days ago: and, on the receipt of this, you will keep a good look out for the Northumberland, who is coming your way; and join her as soon as you can, Captain Martin having letters for you. I am sorry to find, you have been cruizing off Civita Vecchia; I was in hopes of your being on the north coast of Italy: but, I am persuaded, it was done for the best. I here inclose you the copy of a letter, sent open to me, from Mr. Smith, at Constantinople; respecting some supplies furnished La Bonne Citoyenne, at the Dardanelles: and request, that you will give the necessary directions to have it settled; or explain it to me, that it may be settled. Mr. Tyson has written to the purser, Mr. Isaacson, to desire he will draw out bills for the amount; and fresh vouchers for your signature, and the settlement of his account. 

 "I am, wishing you every success, your's very affectionately, "Nelson. "

 "Captain Nisbet. "

This letter cannot require any comment; it must produce decisiveconvictions in the mind of every intelligent reader, respecting the truecharacteristics of both parties. It forms, indeed, a genuine picture ofpaternal solicitude. 

On the 5th of August, Lord Nelson wrote to inform Lord Keith, as well asEarl Spencer and the Board of Admiralty, that being then about toproceed, in the Foudroyant, with his Sicilian Majesty on board, forPalermo; and, finding it necessary the command of the squadron in NaplesBay, and along the coast, should be left with an officer above the rankof post-captain--especially, as the Russian and Turkish squadrons weresoon expected in the bay--he had thought it right to give CaptainTroubridge an order to wear a broad red pendant at the main top-gallantmast-head of the Culloden, which he hoped their lordships would, respectively, approve and confirm. 

Having thus generously promoted his friend Troubridge, he left under thecommand of the new commodore, besides the Culloden, the Audacious, Goliath, and Swiftsure, British line of battle ships, with twoPortuguese, and smaller vessels of war: directing him to co-operate withCardinal Ruffo, the lieutenant-general of the kingdom of Naples, in allthings necessary for it's safety, and the peace and quiet of thecapital; with liberty, should he find it necessary, to detach a part ofthe squadron along the Roman coast, to the northward, as far as Leghorn, in order to prevent the French from carrying off the plunder of Rome. 

This and every other requisite arrangement being completed, for thepeace and security of his Sicilian Majesty's Neapolitan dominions, andthe due distribution of the British squadron under Lord Nelson'scommand, his lordship immediately sailed for Palermo, with the king andhis principal ministers, and his friends Sir William and Lady Hamilton;all impatient personally to acquaint the queen with the particulars ofthose joyful events which had filled every bosom with sensations of thepurest delight. Her majesty, indeed, had been regularly apprised of thevarious transactions, immediately as they occurred: but, in an affair ofsuch variety and importance as the recovery of a wrested kingdom fromforeign and domestic enemies, ten thousand little occurrences, oftenmost powerfully interesting to souls of genuine grandeur, and formingthe chief charm for minds of a delicate and tender susceptibility, maybe supposed to have attracted those who were present amidst theseimpressive scenes, absolutely incommunicable by the most practised andfacile pen, and only to be successfully detailed with the manyadventitious aids of personal elocution. The feelings of the king, as hebenignantly eyed his noble benefactors; of the illustrious hero, and histwo estimable friends, who were the honoured objects of his majesty'sjust regards; must be left to the conception of the reader: it would bedifficult to decide, which enjoyed, on this occasion, the greatestportion of substantial felicity; the grateful monarch thus happilyrestored to his rightful throne, or the generous friends who had sodisinterestedly and successfully accomplished the arduous task ofreplacing him. 

Fraught with these dignified sentiments, they no sooner arrived offPalermo, on the 8th inst. Than the queen, and royal offspring, sympathetically replete with equally exalted sensations, and who hadimpatiently awaited the happy return of his majesty, came out, in theroyal barge; attended by innumerable pleasure-boats filled with loyalSicilians of all ranks, who hailed their beloved sovereign withacclamations of the sincerest joy. Her majesty, overwhelmed withdelight, no sooner got on board the Foudroyant, than she embraced LadyHamilton, who had respectfully hastened to receive the queen; and, atthe same instant, hung round her ladyship's neck a rich chain of gold, to which was suspended a beautiful portrait of herself, superbly set indiamonds, with the motto--"_Eterna Gratitudine!_"--"EternalGratitude!"--inscribed at the back of the picture. To Lord Nelson, hermajesty also united with the king in the highest degree of gratefulregard which it is possible for language to convey. He was addressed astheir preserver, their deliverer, their restorer; and it was easy toperceive that, even when they were silent, their great minds meditatedsome noble reward. Nor were the substantial services of Sir WilliamHamilton, though of a less brilliant nature than those of his heroicfriend, passed over without the most grateful acknowledgments of theirSicilian Majesties; whose interests that wise and worthy minister haduniformly promoted, for a long series of years, with a zeal little lessardent than that which he is well known to have constantly exerted forthe honour and advantage of his own sovereigns, whom himself and lady sosplendidly and munificently represented at the Neapolitan court. 

A few days after their arrival at Palermo, Lord Nelson received theroyal remuneration of his transcendent services, in a stile farsurpassing any expectation which his lordship could possibly have formedon the subject; and of which, so rare is any excess of human gratitude, history scarcely affords a single similar instance. 

Indeed, when Lady Hamilton, by desire of the Queen of Naples, firstannounced to his lordship, on the second day after their arrival, thatit was the determination of his Sicilian Majesty to create him Duke ofBronte, and to confer on him all the valuable estate and princelyprivileges attached to that most distinguished and appropriate title;such were his lordship's nice notions of honour, that he positivelyprotested against receiving any reward from that sovereign, for what heconsidered as a mere faithful discharge of the duty which he owed to hisown. It was not the formal "_Nolo episcopari!_"--"I am unwilling tobecome a bishop, or to take on myself the episcopal character!"--ofevery new bishop; who is injudiciously constrained, by a singularperversion of propriety, to prepare for the exercise of the most sacredof all functions, by making a declaration which, though it ought, in aspiritual sense, to be strictly correct, is extremely subject, at best, to be considered as not altogether sincere: but, in truth, thespontaneous and felt sense of that dignified delicacy of honourableconduct, by which his lordship was ever directed; and of which personsof vulgar intellect, who are by no means fitted to form any justestimate of the actions of so exalted a character, will probably be weakenough still to doubt the actual existence. It is certain, nevertheless, that Lord Nelson resolutely held out against the acceptance of theseelevated dignities, and their annexed emoluments, for two or three days, at least, notwithstanding all the intreaties of Sir William and LadyHamilton: nor did this incomparable man finally agree to receivethem--maintaining, to the last, that he could not do so withoutsubjecting the purity of his motives, in what he had happily effected, to the opprobrium of unjust suspicion--till Lady Hamilton, at theexpress instance of the queen, solicited the inflexible hero, even onher knees, to consent to the wishes of these truly amiable and mostmunificent sovereigns; as requisite to demonstrate that, amidst the toorigid sense which he evidently entertained of what might seem to himproper for the maintenance of his own honour, he was not altogetherunregardful of what the world, as well as themselves, must ever consideras absolutely necessary for the preservation of their's. The exquisiteaddress of this argument, as suggested by her Sicilian Majesty, andpressed by the unaffected eloquence of her ladyship, was too powerful tobe opposed. His lordship could offer nothing sufficiently substantialagainst such persuasive wisdom; and, being unable longer to reason, hecould no longer continue to resist. Should the scornful insolence, thatis ever awakened, in low and vicious minds, by even the slightestmention of virtuous deeds, endeavour to interpose the mean malignity ofit's cold suspicions on hearing this recital; let the humbler bosom, that cherishes more generous sentiments, reflect but for a moment, thathis lordship had recently risked even a disobedience of orders from histemporary commander in chief, while promoting the interests of theirNeapolitan Majesties, and it will feel sufficient reasons for our hero'sdelicate repugnance to the ready acceptance of any undesiredaggrandizement, however highly merited, on this particular occasion. 

On the 13th, therefore, in consequence of this acquiescence, the Kingof Naples sent his lordship a superb diamond-hilted sword, with a mostaffectionate letter; thanking him for having reconquered his majesty'skingdom, and again placed him on the throne of his ancestors. The valueof this present, estimated at four thousand guineas, was incalculablyenhanced by the very appropriate circumstance of it's being theidentical sword which had been given to the King of Naples, by Charlesthe Third, on that monarch's memorable departure to Spain, accompaniedby the following most remarkable declaration--"With this sword, Iconquered the kingdom which I now resign to thee. It ought, in future, to be possessed by the first defender of the same; or, by him who shallrestore it to thee, in case it should ever be lost. " At the same time, Lord Nelson received an official letter from his Excellency the PrinceDi Luzzi, informing him that his Sicilian Majesty had that day beengraciously pleased to create his lordship Duke of Bronte, in Sicily, andto confer on him all the valuable estate and privileges attached to thatmost honourable title. 

When it is considered, that the word _Bronte_ signifies, in the Greeklanguage, _Thunder_; that the fabulous forger of the thunder of Jupiterwas said to be one of the Cyclops, named _Bronte_, who resided at Etnain the Island of Sicily, where the Dukedom of Bronte is situated; andthat the military guard of honour, appertaining to the Dukes of Bronte, still actually wear, in allusion to the fabled Cyclops, sons of Neptuneand Amphitrite, who had one large eye in the middle of their foreheads, the representation of an eye on the front of their caps; there couldnot, every person must admit, have been a more appropriate dignitybestowed on our incomparable hero, by his Sicilian Majesty, than thatwhich he had thus liberally and judiciously been induced to confer. 

Lord Nelson, penetrated with unutterable gratitude, by his majesty'smost generous munificence, instantly wrote the following letter to theminister who had made this interesting communication. 

 "Palermo, 13th August 1799. 

 "SIR, "I have this moment received the honour of your excellency's letter, conveying to me his Sicilian Majesty's most gracious approbation of my conduct; and, also, that his majesty had been pleased to confer upon me the title of Duke of Bronte, together with the estate attached to it. I request that your excellency will lay me, with all humility, and full of gratitude, at his majesty's feet: express, to him, my attachment to his sacred person, the queen, and royal family; and that it shall be the study of my life, by following the same conduct which has gained me his royal favours, to merit the continuance of them. 

 "I sincerely thank your excellency for the very handsome manner in which you have executed the royal commands; and believe me, with the highest respect, your excellency's most obliged and obedient servant, "Bronte Nelson". 

 "His Excellency Prince Di Luzzi. "

Immediately after, his lordship penned also the following admirableletter for the sovereign by whom he had been thus bountifully honoured, which was instantly transmitted to that generous monarch. 

 "Palermo, 13th August 1799. 

 "SIRE, The bounty of your majesty has so overwhelmed me, that I am unable to find words adequate to express my gratitude: but it shall be my study to continue in the same line of conduct which your majesty has been pleased to approve, and to mark with such very extraordinary proofs of your royal favour; and which has also gained me the approbation of my own most gracious sovereign, your majesty's most faithful ally. That the Almighty may pour down his choicest blessings on your sacred person, and on those of the queen and the whole royal family, and preserve your kingdoms in peace and happiness, shall ever be the fervent prayer of your majesty's faithful servant, Bronte Nelson. 

On the morning of this day, while Lady Hamilton was at the palace withthe queen, who had purposely invited that lady early, two coach loadsof the most magnificent and costly dresses, were secretly sent to herhouse, with a richly jewelled picture of the king, worth a thousandguineas, for her ladyship; and another picture of his majesty, of thesame value, for Sir William Hamilton. The whole of the presents on thisoccasion received by Sir William and his lady, from their SicilianMajesties, were estimated at full six thousand guineas. 

Lord Nelson had, in these few days, so completely detached the squadronunder his command to the several destinations, that his own flag was nowflying on board the Samuel and Jane transport; yet, even thus situated, so confident were their majesties, and their Sicilian subjects, thatthere could be nothing to fear while they possessed even the person ofour invincible hero, not the smallest alarm was either felt or expressedon the occasion. 

The Foudroyant, indeed, which had accompanied two Portuguese ships ofthe line to Captain Ball at Malta, was only intended to remain there afew days, with some hope of quickening the surrender of that island bythe appearance of such a force; and, on the 14th, his Sardinian Majestyhaving requested a ship to carry him and his family to the continent, ina letter received from his minister by our grand protector of kings, hislordship was constrained to order the Foudroyant on that importantservice. This letter also solicited the kind and powerful interferenceof our hero, to obtain, from the Bey of Tunis, some modification of thevery severe terms to which his Sardinian Majesty had been under thenecessity of agreeing, but found it impossible immediately to raise thesum stipulated from his distressed people for the ransom of theirfellow-subjects. Though his lordship could not but feel almost hopelessof success in any requisition of pecuniary forbearance from a BarbaryState, he did not hesitate a single moment in making the attempt, bywriting both to Mr. Magra and the Bey of Tunis, with his customarydiplomatic dexterity and address. Having done this, his lordship thusanswered the letter of his Sardinian Majesty's minister, CountChilembert. 

 "Palermo, 16th August 1799. 

 "SIR

 "I was yesterday honoured with your excellency's letter of August 11th. The situation of the poor people taken by the Bey of Tunis is shocking to humanity, and must sensibly touch the royal heart: but I will not attempt to cherish a hope, that the bey will abate one zequin of the sum fixed in the convention of June the 21st; and I very much doubt, if a longer time than that fixed by the convention, and witnessed by six friendly consuls, will be granted. However, I have, I can assure your excellency, no difficulty in sending a letter to Mr. Magra, his Britannic Majesty's consul, covering one to the bey; to say, that I am confident such a mark of his goodness will be highly acceptable to the great king, my master. 

 The Chevalier Marechal is gone towards Malta, after the Foudroyant; and, I hope, she will be at Cagliari in three days after this letter: I have, therefore, only to intreat, that every thing for the service of his majesty may be ready to put on board the moment she anchors. I send the Foudroyant, as she is my own flag-ship, and the first two-decked ship in the world. I would send more ships, but the service of the civilized world requires every exertion; therefore, I have not the power to send another ship of war. A very fine brig I have directed from Naples, to assist in carrying his majesty's attendants; and, as a much less ship has carried a much more numerous royal family, I trust, their majesties will not be pressed for room. I beg that your excellency will lay me at their majesties feet, and assure them of my sincere desire to be useful for their service; and believe me, with the greatest respect, your excellency's most obedient servant, "Bronte Nelson. 

 "There is a Russian squadron in the bay; but they are not, in the smallest degree, under my orders. "

 "His Excellency Compte Chilembert. "

The Russian squadron mentioned in the above postscript had arrived atPalermo the preceding day, as appears from the following letter to thecelebrated Russian general, Field-Marshal Suwarrow. 

 "Palermo, 16th Aug. 1799. 

 "MY DEAR FIELD-MARSHAL, "Yesterday, brought me your excellency's letter of July 30th; and four galliots are ordered, by his Sicilian Majesty, to protect provisions, &c. For the use of your army, under the orders of my friend Captain Martin. I have ordered another frigate and brig to join the squadron on the Riviere of Genoa. I wish, I could come to you myself; I shall truly have a pleasure in embracing a person of your exalted character; but, as that cannot be at present, I only regret I cannot send you more ships. Rear-Admiral Katzow is here, with three sail of the line and a frigate; but, they are not under my orders or _influence_. May God bless you, my honoured friend! and believe me, for ever, your attached friend, "Bronte Nelson. "

In a long letter, of this day's date, to Admiral Duckworth, Lord Nelsonsays--"In Naples, every thing is quiet; but the cardinal appears to beworking mischief against the king, and in support of the nobles: sooner, or later, he must be removed, for his bad conduct. We are dying withheat, and the feast of Santa Roselia begins this day; how shall we getthrough it!" Then, mentioning the honours and gifts from the King ofNaples, his lordships says, respecting the dukedom of Bronte, "thetitle, of course, I cannot assume, without the approbation of our king;which, I now hear, has been some time desired. " His lordship, itappears, had just received medals for his captains; for he says--

 "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 ofwhich he so little regarded, that he was actually employed, from morningtill night, in writing and dictating letters and orders. In the eveningof this day, Lord Nelson received information that the Russian andTurkish squadrons, from Corfu, had arrived at Messina; and, on the18th, sent the copy of a letter just received from Lord Keith, who hadquitted the Mediterranean in pursuit of the combined fleets, to AdmiralUschakoff, commander in chief of the Russian squadron, who had retakenthe Leander at Corfu, mentioning an order from the British Admiralty forthe restoration of that ship. His lordship, however, not having receivedthis order, apologized for being unable to send it: and stated, veryproperly, that it was to be presumed the courts of Petersburgh andLondon had decided on the restoration of the Leander; as the Admiraltywould not, otherwise, have sent such orders to the commander in chief, and appointed officers to that ship. Captain Drummond, his lordshipobserved, who would wait on his excellency with these letters, wasappointed to the temporary command of the Leander; and requested that hemight be favoured with directions to the officer commanding at Corfu, for assistance in fitting out and manning the said ship, so as to enablehim to proceed with it to Minorca. 

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

Sir Sidney Smith having transmitted to Lord Nelson, as his superior incommand, the account of his splendid atchievements in the defence ofAcre, and the total defeat and discomfiture of Bonaparte on thatmemorable occasion, his lordship immediately wrote the followingcongratulatory epistle to Sir Sidney; whose important dispatches heafterwards 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 ofheroes. 

The Russian admiral not complying with Lord Nelson's request, as to therestoration of the Leander, his lordship immediately addressed theChevalier Italinskoy, the Russian minister at the court of theirSicilian Majesties, on the subject: informing him that, whenever theadmiral chose to send the Leander to Minorca, the ship would bereceived. "But, " says his lordship, "after even my word not being taken, by his excellency, I cannot again subject myself to a refusal of givingup the Leander, agreeable to the intention of the emperor; though theform of order, on this occasion, was not arrived. " His lordship alsosent Captain Drummond, with the particulars of this refusal, to LordKeith; observing, that he should now wait till the Russian admiral sentthe Leander to Mahon. Captain Drummond was desired, on failure ofmeeting with Lord Keith, to proceed immediately to England, and deliverhis lordship's letter to the secretary of the Admiralty, acquainting himwith the cause of his arrival. 

On the 28th, Lord Nelson transmitted to Captain Hope, at the request ofhis Sicilian Majesty, a diamond ring of considerable value: for having, as it was expressly stated, embarked his Majesty and the Prince Royal inhis barge, on the night of December 21, 1798; and which his majestydesired might be accepted, by Captain Hope, as a mark of his royalgratitude. This, and other similar presents of rings and gold boxes, were sent by Sir John Acton, to Sir William Hamilton, from his SicilianMajesty; with a request that his excellency would have the goodness topresent them to the Duke of Bronte, that he might distribute themaccording to the note enclosed, and in the name of his Sicilian Majesty, as a small mark of his royal gratitude to the several Englishcommanders. The pleasure which this agreeable task afforded LordNelson's excellent heart, may be judged of by the following effusion ofit's feelings, addressed to Captain Hood on the occasion. "My dearHood, I never had greater pleasure, than in executing his SicilianMajesty's orders, for sending you a box from his majesty; and, as thedispatch expresses it--To Captain Hood, for services in the Gulph ofNaples, and at Salerno; for his operations on shore, and his care of thecastles of Naples. " In afterwards describing these presents from hisSicilian Majesty, on writing to England, his lordship informs Mr. Nepean, that each of the captains had a very valuable gold box, setround with diamonds. In the centre of that given to CommodoreTroubridge, was his majesty's portrait; and, to him, he also gave anelegant ring. In the centre of the others, were his majesty's cypher off. R. Neatly set in diamonds. His majesty, he adds, has alsopresented Captain Thomas Masterman Hardy, his lordship's captain in theFoudroyant, with an elegant box, set round with a double row ofdiamonds, and his portrait in the centre, and an elegant diamond ring;and, to Mr. Tyson, his lordship's secretary, a diamond ring of greatvalue. 

Transient, however, seem to have been all the felicities of hislordship's most eventful life. The happiness which he enjoyed, in seeingthe companions of his cares and successes thus rewarded with truly royalmunificence; while he felt himself remunerated, beyond his proudest hopeor expectation; the pleasing sensations which he must necessarily haveexperienced on beholding the vast and magnificent preparations tocelebrate their united atchievments on the anniversary of receiving, atNaples, the first intelligence of the glorious victory off the Nile, which had arrived on the 3d of the preceding September; were notpermitted to remain undisturbed in his ever anxious bosom, even for afew days. 

On the 31st, his lordship received letters from Malta, which gave birthto most extraordinary suspicions. The agonized feelings of his heroicmind are not to be described; but, nothing could for a moment divert himfrom the painful discharge of it's duty. In a state of inconceivableagitation, 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 circumstanceserves, nevertheless, to assist in demonstrating the jealous attentionof his lordship to whatever might be supposed capable of affectingeither the national honour or his own. In a few days, having fullyinvestigated the affair, he wrote thus to Captain Ball--"My dear Ball, Mr. Alos is, doubtless, a scoundrel. He had persuaded some here, that hehad an interview with Vaubois; which, I believe, is a lie: and, as tohis 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 workagainst us; therefore, I would recommend sending him here with a kick inthe breech, and let all the matter drop. "

In a letter of this date, August 31, Lord Nelson thus laments, toCommodore Troubridge, the situation in which he finds himself. "Ourjoint exertions, " he says, "have been used, to get the king to go toNaples; but, of no avail; the Austrians will be there before him. I donot 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 theimpossibility of being longer useful, I will retire from this inactiveservice. " He complains, also, to Lord Spencer, in a letter written aboutthis 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 domy best, in all circumstances. But, I am almost blind; and, truly, veryunwell; and, which does not mend matters, I see no king in Europe reallyassisting these good monarchs, but our gracious sovereign. "

In this unenviable state of mental anxiety, and corporeal lassitude, wasour justly renowned hero, at the period of those preparations beingcompleted, which were calculated to display him, in the view of anenraptured people, as the greatest and most felicitous of mortals; nordid his admirable heart, amidst all it's oppressions, reject a temporaryparticipation in the bliss which was so amply provided for hisenjoyment, On the 3d of September, their Sicilian Majesties gave their splendidFête Champêtre in the royal gardens at Palermo, to celebrate therecovery of the kingdom of Naples under the auspices of Lord Nelson. Agrand temple of Fame was erected, on this occasion; in which were threefigures, the size and exact resemblance of life, beautifully modelledin wax. The centre figure represented Admiral Lord Nelson, Duke ofBronte, dressed in a full British uniform; as conducted, by a figure ofSir William Hamilton, to receive from the hand of a third, resemblingLady Hamilton in the character of Victory, the laurel wreath of triumphwhich adorned the hero's brow. Before the steps of this temple, theirSicilian Majesties, with all the royal family, stood ready to receivethe three illustrious characters thus represented; and, on theirapproach, after publicly embracing them, the king, with his own hand, took the laurel wreath from the wax figure, and placed it on the head ofthe real hero, who wore it during the whole of the entertainment. SirWilliam, and his lady, were also presented with similar investments; thequeen thus honouring her ladyship, and his majesty Sir William. On therobe of the figure of Victory were embroidered the names of all thoseheroes, in particular, who had fought at the battle of the Nile; and, onvarious Egyptian pyramids, placed around the several temples of thegarden, were inscribed the names of the most distinguished English, Neapolitan, Russian, and Turkish, heroes of the war, with appropriateverses to each. Their majesties received the company; which consisted ofsome of the principal nobility of Naples as well as of Palermo, with allthe British, Russian, and Turkish, officers of the respective squadrons. Prince Leopold, their majesties youngest surviving son, then nine yearsof 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 asthe consort of the hereditary prince, and most other ladies, wore someornament allusive to Lord Nelson and his victories round their necks. The entertainment commenced with a most brilliant and magnificentfire-work: representing the English and French fleets at Aboukir, theever-memorable battle off the Nile, and the total defeat of the French;terminating with the explosion of L'Orient, and the blowing up of thetri-coloured flag. The queen, at this representation, said to Cadir Bey, the Turkish admiral--"On this day, last year, we received from LadyHamilton intelligence of this great man's victory; which not only savedyour country, and our's, but all Europe!" After the fire-works, acantata was performed, entitled the Happy Concord. This piece, which waswritten purposely on the occasion, expressed the general joy for thedeliverance of the two Sicilies; loyal wishes for the prosperity oftheir sovereigns, and the royal family, as well as for those of theirworthy allies; and particular acknowledgments to the British hero. Themusic was most excellent; and all the opera band, with Senesino at theirhead, sung--"Rule Britannia!" and "God save the King!" in which theywere joined by the whole assembly, who had been previously drilled tothe English pronunciation. 

About the time of this grand festival, an unfortunate affray betweenthe Turkish seamen and some of the Sicilians, occurred at a tavern, inPalermo; and was carried to such an excess, that many men of bothcountries lost their lives on the occasion. The quarrel originated inthe superstition of the Sicilians; who, like all the vulgar Italians, when they address the Turks, rudely tell them, that they are notChristians, but beasts. The Turks, after getting on board their ships, continued to wrangle among themselves; and were, at length, in such astate of mutiny, that Cadir Bey, their commander in chief, becamegreatly terrified. Lord Nelson, however, being made acquainted with theaffair, and having a great friendship for this Turkish admiral, immediately offered him his services; and, the next day, very calmlygoing on board, accompanied by Sir William and Lady Hamilton, speedilyquelled the mutiny. It appears, however, to have soon again broken out:having been excited, it is said, by Patrona Bey, who was desirous ofsupplanting Cadir Bey; but who, not very long afterwards, had renderedhimself so obnoxious to the men whom he thus endeavoured to delude, thatthey suddenly rose on him, and literally cut him to pieces. It was well, therefore, that the generous friendship of Lord Nelson had impelled himto pen a letter to the Grand Signior, previously to Cadir Bey'sdeparture, that he might protect this worthy man from anymisrepresentation respecting the fatal affray with the Sicilians; as, without such a powerful advocate, it is highly probable that Cadir Beywould have lost his situation, if not his life: instead of which, heobtained the merited approbation of the Grand Signior, by this epistle;which was inclosed in a letter to the Captain Pacha--and a copy of italso sent to Spencer Smith, Esq. The minister at Constantinople--of thesame date. The letter to the Grand Signior was expressed in thefollowing 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 statesthe difference between the Russian and Turkish commanders in chief. "TheRussian admiral, " says he, "has a polished outside, but the bear isclose to the skin: he is jealous of our influence; and thinks, whateveris proposed, that we are at the bottom. The Turk, who is by no means afool, on the contrary, has more natural sense than the other; is ourbrother; and, I am sure, there is not a thing that we could desire himto do, which he would not instantly comply with. I make use of the word_we_, " adds his lordship; "because Sir William and Lady Hamilton havemore merit in gaining the affection and implicit confidence of CadirBey, and his officers, than I have. "

On the 12th, Lord Nelson writes to Rear-Admiral Duckworth--"The Russianadmiral has told me, his ships _cannot_ keep the sea in winter; and Isee no _desire_ to go to sea in summer. " Then, mentioning the state ofsome 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 awaste of public money. My mind, " proceeds this great and mostconsiderate commander, "is fixed, that I will not keep one ship in theMediterranean, 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; andit is my _particular_ desire, that you continue it. I beg you will writeto the Admiralty, of my intentions to keep no ships but what are fitfor service in the Mediterranean; and, I am sure, the king will save bythe measure being adopted on stations so near England. I am aware of theargument, which may be used against my plan; viz. Our seamen get no goodby going to England: to which, I perfectly agree. But, the ships lefthere with me are beyond all common refit; nor can they be furnished withstores, not having any foundation to be kept up: and what would be anample 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 the13th, his lordship writes--"I see, with pleasure, that you do not envyme my good fortune. The field of glory is a large one, and was nevermore open to any one, than at this moment to you. Rome would throw openher gates, and receive you as her deliverer; and the pope would owe hisrestoration to the papal chair to a _heretic_. This is the first greatobject; as it would not only be the compleat deliverance of Italy, butrestore 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 othermoment than the present, it would be a most important one. Vaubois onlywants a pretence, to give up: his sole hope is that, in the next month, he may escape with the ships. " General Fox, however, being hourlyexpected at Minorca, Sir James did not judge it proper to lessen thegarrison; 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 completelysurmounted by Sir Thomas Troubridge: for, on the 20th of September, acapitulation was entered into by that commander, who was then blockadingCivita Vecchia, on the part of Great Britain and her allies, with theGeneral of Division Gamier, commander in chief of the French troops, andthose of Italy and other allies then in the Roman Republic in a state ofsiege; which terminated in the surrender of the fort and town of CivitaVecchia on the 29th in the afternoon, and of Rome and St. Angelo twohours after midnight. Civita Vecchia, Corneto, and Tolfa, containingfive thousand troops, were taken into possession by two hundred marinesand seamen of the Culloden and Minotaur; and General Bouchard, with thetroops of his Sicilian Majesty, took possession of Rome: but the Frenchgeneral refused to treat with any other than a British commander. 

It was the wish of Lord Nelson, that Commodore Troubridge should himselfhave every advantage of transmitting to England the dispatches on thisoccasion: being generously desirous of giving all the glory to thisfavourite 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 theAdmiralty Board in a public one to Mr. Nepean, that he had desiredCommodore Troubridge to send extracts of all his letters to him, astemporary commander in chief of the Mediterranean fleet, with the termson which the French evacuated the Roman state. "I sincerely congratulateyour lordship, " concludes Lord Nelson to Earl Spencer, "on this event, so honourable to our country; for the French would treat with no countrybut Britain. "

It was, certainly, a most singular circumstance, that Rome should thusbe reduced by a naval force: and it appeared to be the more remarkable, as it fulfilled what was now called a prophecy, which had beenpronounced on our hero's first arrival at Naples after his gloriousvictory off the Nile; in which it had been said, _that his lordshipshould take Rome by his_ ships. This prophecy, however, itseems proper to remark--the author having no desire to encourage thegrowth of superstition, or to degrade the dignity of historical researchby dazzling weak powers of perception with the fascinative influence ofthe marvellous--was considered, at the time of it's being pronounced, asnothing more than a mere harmless Hibernicism; originating in the zealof Father M'Cormick, a very honest and worthy Irish priest, who had comefrom Rome to Naples, disgusted at the enormities of the French. Thisgood and loyal man, in the ardent warmth of congratulating Lord Nelsonon his stupendous victory, triumphantly exclaimed--"And your lordshipshall, before long, take Rome, too, with your _ships!_" A declarationwhich, it may be supposed, was heard with far less gravity than it wasuttered, though now converted into a prophetic anticipation of theevent. This honest Irish pastor, though not regarded as a prophet byLord Nelson, was so well known to be a pious and faithful priest, thathis lordship, who was for ever studying how he could best serve allpersons of merit who came in his way, afterwards recommended him to thepresent 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 soonerreceived information of the successes of Commodore Troubridge, than heinstantly drew his attention to other objects. In a letter of the 1st ofOctober, his lordship says--"If it is necessary to leave a few of yourand Louis's marines, do it, and one or two of the small craft for theprotection of the trade; but I want, certainly, all the line of battleships, and such of the small craft as are not absolutely wanted there. My intention is, to go almost directly to Minorca, and arrange a propernaval defence for that island; and to try and get troops to finish thebusiness of Malta, which the French intend to relieve. Five polacres, and two Venetian ships, are loading provisions and stores; therefore, Iwish to fix our ships on the spot most likely to intercept them: atLampedosa and Cape Bon, and in the track from Toulon to Ajaccio. Theseare my ideas; for, as to blockading Toulon for so few ships, they wouldescape, the first north-west wind, if the whole fleet was there. I needonly say, to you, these are my objects, for you to support me; which itis my pleasure always to acknowledge. "

His lordship afterwards repeats the full confidence which he feels, thatthe 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 Nizarespecting these supplies for Malta, which were preparing at Toulon, with directions for intercepting them; but, by letters from Lisbon, justreceived, the Portuguese squadron was now ordered to return home. Anxious, therefore, to prevent the intended relief from reachingMalta--over the people of which island he had, a few days before, obtained the honour, for his friend Captain Ball, of being regularlyappointed Chief, by his Sicilian Majesty--he inclosed the particulars ofthis information to General Acton, and urged the necessity of havingpart of the English garrison at Messina, as well as of the Russiansquadron and troops, ordered immediately to Malta; observing that, ifMalta was relieved, all our forces got together could not take it, andthe commencement of a new blockade would become useless. "Nor, " says hislordship, "would this be the worst consequence; for all the Barbarycruizers would here have their rendezvous, and not a vessel of hisSicilian Majesty's could put to sea: and, Great Britain and Russia notbeing at war with those powers, the case would be dreadful, and ruinous, to the subjects of his Sicilian Majesty. I have, " concludes hislordship, "stated the situation, under mature reflection; and have onlyto request, that it maybe taken into immediate consideration. "

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

While his lordship was indefatigably engaged in obtaining every aid forthe reduction of Malta, information arrived, that thirteen French andSpanish sail of the line, one of them a three-decker, had been seen onthe coast of Portugal. He immediately, therefore, wrote to hastenCommodore 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 CommodoreTroubridge, "I can but get a force to fight these fellows, it shall bedone quickly. I am in dread for our outward bound convoys; seven hundredsail, under a few frigates, in England, thinking all the force was atBrest. I need only say, get to Mahon as quick as possible, that we mayjoin. " Accordingly, having sailed from Palermo, he wrote the followingletter 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; whichbrought him a letter from Captain Darby at Minorca, stating that a fleetof twenty vessels, among which were two sail of the line and severalfrigates, had been seen steering to the south-east on the 29th ofSeptember. These, his lordship was of opinion, could only be the twoVenetian ships from Toulon, with a convoy for Malta; and, as the MarquisDe Niza had seven sail of the line, one frigate, and three sloops, hehad hopes that the greatest part of them would be taken. 

On the 12th, having arrived off Port Mahon; and left orders with CaptainDarby, who had come on board the Foudroyant, for Commodore Troubridge, with some other ships to follow, his lordship proceeded on his voyage toGibraltar. Between Port Mahon and Majorca, however, Lord Nelson fell inwith 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 CapeOrtegal, and Sir Edward Berry, from Lisbon, assuring his lordship thatthe information was entirely disbelieved there, the squadron returned toMinorca. 

On the 14th, his lordship wrote a long letter to Rear-AdmiralDuckworth; in which are some interesting passages, relative to CaptainNisbet. "I send you down, " says his lordship, "the Bellerophon; who, Darby says, and I believe truly, is in good order, and fit to stand fairwinter's service. The Thalia also goes with him: I wish I could say anything in her praise, inside or out. You will receive an order forholding a court-martial on the lieutenant of marines. Perhaps, you maybe able to make something of Captain Nisbet; he has, by his conduct, almost broke my heart. The ship, I believe, wants some little matterdoing to her. If so, I wish Inglefield would bring her out of the moleas soon as possible; and if, after all our pains, no good can be got outof either ship or captain, send the Thalia to England with some of theconvoys; or send her any where out to try. I wished to have placed himwith my friend Cockburne; but, alas! he will not let me do for him whatmy heart wishes. " This letter mentions the propriety of getting a listof all vessels taken since the 1st of August, Lord Keith having arrivedin Torbay on the 17th. Custom, his lordship observes, will point out, whether they are to be considered as the only two flag-officers in theMediterranean; and freights of money, by the Earl of St. Vincent'sacting, 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 doas I would be done by. " After detailing the particulars of hisproceedings since leaving Palermo, and stating his future intentions, particularly with regard to Malta, his lordship concludes withobserving--"Captain Buchanan has just told me, that you wish to put twoyoung men into the Port Mahon; and, that Lord St. Vincent had intendedyou should name all the officers for her. Believe me, I would not, onany consideration, do less than was intended by the earl; therefore, Ibeg you will send up all officers you like, and I will leave actingorders for them with Captain Buchanan. "

In a letter to Mr. Nepean, dated Port Mahon, October 15, 1799, LordNelson also details his late proceedings and intentions with regard toMalta; which, if not speedily forced to surrender, will call for theattention of more ships than he may have the power of placing there, andnecessarily cramp other requisite services. The Chichester storeship, Captain Stevens, his lordship observes, is going with the officers ofthe Leander to Corfu, having now the Russian admiral's order for thatship's delivery; and he has no doubt that Captain Stevens, who appearsan 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 toany force Spain can send against it; and, if General Fox was not hourlyexpected, Sir James would go with me to the attack of Malta, withfifteen hundred good troops. " In another letter, of the same date, addressed to Earl Spencer, his lordship says, "I have considered thesecurity of his Sicilian Majesty's dominions as very near the heart ofthe king: this makes the reduction of Malta of the very utmostimportance, and to accomplish which is now, in Italy, the dearest objectI have in view. " Lord Nelson mentions that, Sir Edward Berry havingjoined the Foudroyant, by the Bull-dog, he has put Captain Hardy intothe Princess Charlotte; and, mustering a few men, intends taking herwith him to sea. "My friend Hardy, " says his lordship, "will make a manof war of her very soon; and I make it my earnest request that, ifCaptain Stephenson is not sent out to her, Captain Hardy may be allowedto remain in her, and receive an Admiralty commission. "

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

On the 23d of October, Lord Nelson returned to Palermo, where he foundletters from Sir Sidney Smith; to which he, next day, returned thefollowing 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 fromhis friend, Lord Minto; which, he observed in his answer, gave equalpleasure to Sir William, Lady Hamilton, and himself. "Yesterday, " sayshis lordship, writing on the 24th, "your whole letter was read to thequeen. 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 sheintends, I believe, to write you herself. We all have the mostaffectionate regard for your public and private character; and I shoulddo injustice to my friends, was I to attempt to say my regard exceededtheir'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 Iknow: for, if I thought otherwise, I should not be so faithful a servantto my country, as I know I am at present. As I shall send you my lettersto Mr. Nepean and Lord Spencer, they will speak for themselves:therefore, I will only say, believe I am the same Nelson as you knewCaptain of the Agamemnon; and, more than ever, your attached andfaithful friend. "

The pleasurable sensations excited by Lord Minto's most kind andfriendly communications, were succeeded by the most racking anxietiesrespecting Malta. Fresh orders had arrived for the recall of thePortuguese squadron; and Captain Ball could with difficulty keep thedistressed islanders from joining the French. Lord Nelson, in a state ofdistraction, wrote letters to the Marquis De Niza, deprecating hisdeparture; and consoled Captain Ball with hopes of assistance, which hestrained every nerve to obtain from all possible sources. The followingmost urgent epistle to Sir James St. Clair Erskine, on this occasion, will not only convey the state of his lordship's feelings to everyintelligent reader, but elucidate the genuine principles on which hislordship ventures to advise a departure from the strictness of etiquettein 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 hehad reason to suppose was at Minorca, his lordship says--"My letter toSir James St. Clair, if this finds you at Mahon, will shew you what Ifeel about Malta. " After again describing apprehended consequences, andexpressing his hope that General Fox is arrived, and that Sir James willlay all circumstances before him, his lordship continues--"I know SirJames to be a most fair, honourable, and zealous officer; and Iearnestly hope, that you will have the carrying him and fifteen hundredtroops to Malta. If, alas! all my arguments are in vain, against_orders--not knowing our situation here_--or the delicacy of theapproach of General Fox; then, it is only for me to grieve, and intreatof you to come here, and bring the Northumberland--that, at least, I mayprevent supplies getting in: and, for this purpose, I shall be under thedistressing 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 theFoudroyant, to join the Marquis De Niza off Malta; intreating him, notto withdraw a man from the island, even on the arrival of the Russians. "Again, and again, " writes his lordship, "I desire--for which, you maybe certain, I hold myself responsible--that you will not, on anyconsideration, withdraw a single man belonging to your squadron from theisland. "

Scarcely a day now passed, that Lord Nelson did not send someinformation to Captain Ball, for the purpose of inspiriting hisdepressed hopes in the conduct of this arduous undertaking; and, certainly, the indefatigability of his lordship, in labouring to obtainevery requisite aid for the accomplishment of this important object, wasimpossible to be surpassed, and has probably never been equalled. Everyrisk, the purity of his heroic mind was prepared to encounter; everyhonour, it's dignified humility was desirous of yielding to all whoshould 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. " Inanother, a day or two after--"The court have all the inclination; but, to my knowledge, they have not cash enough for the common purposes ofthe government!" In a third, the day following--"The King of Naples hassent four thousand ounces, to assist the poor islanders who bear arms. "His lordship adds, that this will do for the present; and, that thelarge sum required must come from the three allied courts. In a futureletter, Lord Nelson observes, that this sum of four thousand ounces, wastaken, for it was no where else to be had, from their Sicilian Majestieschildren, with the hope of being replaced with the money which LordGrenville had so handsomely promised to the Marquis Circello. "Theenormous expences, " writes his lordship to Earl Spencer, "incurredwithin 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 advantageof it's temporary chief, wrote a long epistle to the Emperor of Russia, as Grand Master. In which, he details the principal operations of thisprotracted siege; the various difficulties which had occurred, and thosewhich still existed: with the admirable address, fortitude, andperseverance, of Captain Ball, in conciliating the inhabitants, relieving their necessities, and animating their nearly extinguishedhopes; whose merits his lordship most earnestly recommended to thenotice of his Imperial Majesty. His lordship had before applied for theorder of Malta, for his friend Ball, in a letter to Sir CharlesWhitworth; but, not having received any answer, he says, in a letter toCaptain Ball, "I have now gone to the fountain head. "

While Lord Nelson was thus earnestly solicitous to obtain honours forhis meritorious friend, he little imagined that he should, in two orthree days, be gratified by the acquisition of a new and mostdistinguished one conferred on himself. This, however, actually and veryunexpectedly happened: for a Turkish corvette, which had probablyreached Messina about the time when his lordship was writing the aboveletter in favour of his brave friend, brought from Constantinople AbdurAmand, a special messenger, sent by the Grand Signior, who arrived atPalermo on the 3d of November, and was charged with an additionalmanifestation of the Sublime Porte's friendly esteem for ourincomparable hero. This gentleman, on that day, presented to LordNelson, as an honourable gift from his imperial master, the GrandSignior, a magnificent diamond star, or medallion; in the centre ofwhich, on blue enamel, were represented the Turkish crescent and a star. This valuable present was accompanied by an elegant letter from theGrand Vizier, dated the 9th of September: in which it was announced, that the Grand Signior had been pleased to order Lord Nelson amedallion, which his Imperial Majesty was desirous should be worn on hislordship's breast, as a mark of esteem for his kindness to OsmanHadgi--a noble Turk, who had accompanied Lord Nelson from Alexandria, and to whom his lordship was much attached by the strongest ties offriendship--as well as for the interest which his lordship on alloccasions took in the prosperity of the Sublime Porte. From the natureof this rich gift, and the respectful manner in which it was deliveredby Abdur Amand, his lordship was induced to consider it as constitutinghim, in conjunction with the former insignia, First Knight of the Orderof the Imperial Turkish or Ottoman Crescent. In a most respectful answerto the Grand Vizier, Lord Nelson says--"I intreat that your excellencywill present, with the most profound gratitude, my thanks to theemperor, for this new and distinguished honour conferred upon me. I haveplaced 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 anymanner serve the Sublime Porte more than I have done; for, it has everbeen with all my soul. But this mark of favour shews, in the strongestlight, that the smallest services are watched, and most magnificentlyrewarded, by his Imperial Majesty; whose life, may God prolong, withhealth and every other earthly happiness: and may he give meopportunities of shewing my gratitude, by risking my life for thepreservation of the smallest grain of sand belonging to the Ottomanempire; and may the enemies of his Imperial Majesty fall into dust, bythe wise councils of your excellency!"

His lordship also wrote a similar letter to the Captain Pacha; in whichhe did not forget the kindest recommendation of his friend Cadir Bey, and general remembrances to all the admirals and captains serving underthat worthy commander. Earl Elgin, and Mr. Spencer Smith, both now atConstantinople, were likewise most respectfully addressed by hislordship. To the former, he modestly writes--"Having yesterday receivedsuch a mark of the Grand Signior's favour, I have been puzzled how toexpress myself properly. I must, therefore, trust to your excellency'sgoodness for supplying my deficiency of language. " To the latter, hereturns thanks for all his goodness to his lordship, both public andprivate; sends him some sherry and sugar, but can neither get a drop ofMadeira nor claret in the island, or even in all Italy: and concludeswith desiring affectionate remembrances to his brother, Sir Sidney, whenever he writes; for whom, his lordship observes, he has just sent "alarge cargo of good things. "

The pleasure, however, of this unexpected honour from the Grand Signior, was insufficient to preserve the susceptible heart which it covered, from corroding cares, and painful anxieties, for his country and hisfriends. He wanted not, indeed, for personal and private causes ofvexation and regret: but these, though they were perpetually preying onhis constitution, seldom called forth his complaint; and scarcely everwere even mentioned, except to a very few of his most select friends. 

One of the first disappointments, after this recent honour, was thearrival of Captain Stephenson, to take the command of the PrincessCharlotte; by which, his lordship feelingly observes, in a letter of the7th, to Captain Ball, "poor Hardy was consequently turned adrift. " Hehad, at this time, too, received a mortifying letter from General SirJames St. Clair Erskine: mentioning, that the twenty-eighth regiment wasordered to England; and that he was sure General Fox, who was everymoment expected, would not, on any consideration, break his orders, forany object. With this disagreeable information, his lordship could notbring his mind yet to acquaint Captain Ball. On the contrary, he affectsto anticipate, in the letter above mentioned, that he expects the answerfrom Minorca will be unfavourable to both their wishes; and expresseshis intention of going to Naples, for assistance from the Russians andhis Sicilian Majesty. He then, with exquisite kindness and address, introduces the extract of a letter from Earl Spencer; which liberallystates, that Captain Ball, by his unparalleled vigilance and exertion, had indeed shewn himself worthy of the friendship with which Lord Nelsonhad honoured him. "I only send this, my dear Ball, " says his lordship, "to shew that I do not forget my friends: as to honouring you, that isnot in my power; but to render you justice, is my duty. "

In the mean time, his lordship had, on the preceding day, thus expressedhimself to Earl Spencer, on the subject of attention to orders, inconsequence of this refusal of troops from Minorca--"Much, my dearlord, as I approve of strict obedience to orders--even to acourt-martial, to enquire whether the object justified the measure--yet, to say that an officer is never, for any object, to alter his orders, iswhat I cannot comprehend. The circumstances of this war so often vary, that an officer has almost every moment to consider--What would mysuperiors direct, did they know what is passing under my nose? The greatobject of the war is--_Down, down, with the French!_ To accomplishthis, every nerve, and by both services, ought to be strained. My heartis, " says this excellent man and true hero, "I assure you, almost broke, with that and other things. " Then, speaking of the state of theblockade, he says--"If the enemy get supplies in, we may bid adieu toMalta. This would compleat my misery; for, I am afraid, I take allservices too much to heart. The accomplishing of them is my study, nightand day. "

It is a singular circumstance, and merits high consideration, that whileLord Nelson thus strongly urges the necessity for both services to beequally strained; Sir Sidney Smith was most feelingly complaining, inletters dated off Rhodes, 29th September 1799, of the want of a cordialco-operation in General Koehler: who seems to have regarded Sir Sidney'sgallant exploits on land as an improper interference with the militarydepartment; and to have made the subject of a long and formal complaint, what all the world has agreed to consider as fairly entitling him toimmortal honour. On the receipt of these letters, which are written witha noble confidence in the kind and generous sanction of his lordship, Lord Nelson immediately wrote the following excellent letter to the Dukeof Clarence. It certainly has, being addressed to a brother sailor, somestrong professionalism; but it delicately claims, nevertheless, for SirSidney's conduct, the most decided approbation and applause, from avery competent judge of the duties of the profession. 

 "Palermo, 9th Nov. 1799. 

 "SIR, "I beg leave to present to your royal highness, Captain Hardy, late of the Foudroyant: an officer of the most distinguished merit; and, therefore, highly worthy of your notice. He will tell you of all my arduous work in this country; and, that all my anxiety is, at present, taken up with the desire of possessing Malta. But, I fear, notwithstanding all my exertions, that I shall not get any British troops from Minorca: without which, the business will be prolonged, perhaps, till it is relieved; when all the force which we could collect would be of little use, against the strongest place in Europe. I am anxiously waiting the arrival of General Fox; and hope he will not consider the order for the removal of one or two regiments, of such great consequence as the reduction of Malta, by keeping them for two months longer in the Mediterranean. On the one hand, they must, in England, or on the continent, be like a drop of water in the ocean. By staying here, and employed, they would liberate us from our enemy close to our door; gratify the Emperor of Russia; protect our Levant trade; and relieve a squadron of our ships from the service: besides giving us one eighty-gun ship, two forty-gun frigates, a Maltese new ship of the line ready for sea, and two frigates. With these in the scale, I cannot comprehend that a moment can be lost in deciding. But, Sir, I find, few think, as I do--that, to obey orders, all perfection. To serve my king, and to destroy the French, I consider as the great order of all, from which little ones spring; and, if one of these little ones militates against it--(for, who can tell exactly, at a distance?)--I go back to obey the great order, and object; to _down_, _down_, with the damned French villains! Excuse my warmth; but my blood boils at the name of a Frenchman. I hate them _all_; royalists and republicans. 

 "My late letters from Egypt are, that Sir Sidney Smith is hurt at the notorious cowardice and want of discipline in the Turkish army; and I find, that General Koehler does _not approve_ of such irregular proceedings, as naval officers attacking and defending fortifications. We have but one idea; to get close along-side. None but a sailor, would have placed a battery only a hundred and eighty yards from the Castle of St. Elmo: a soldier must have gone according to art, and the zig-zag way; my brave Sir Thomas Troubridge went straight, for we had no time to spare. Your royal highness will not believe, that I mean to lessen the conduct of the army. I have the highest respect for them all. But General Koehler should not have wrote such a paragraph in his letter. It conveyed a jealousy which, I dare say, is not in his disposition. 

 "May health and every blessing, attend your royal highness, is the constant prayer of your attached and obliged servant, "Bronte Nelson. "

Lord Nelson had, as it may be seen, signed his letters to foreigners asDuke of Bronte, from the time of obtaining that honour; but this epistleto the Duke of Clarence was one of the first in which he ever prefixedthe word Bronte to his name when addressing any British subject. It isprobable, therefore, that he had, about this time, received hissovereign's recognition of that Sicilian title. 

Though his lordship had hitherto been unsuccessful in his repeatedapplications for troops at Minorca, he continued still to offer newreasons why they ought to be sent. With the most unwearied exertions, did this great man constantly labour for the promotion of whateverrelated to the honour or advantage of his king, his country, and hisfriends; and his assiduities never relaxed, till he had secured theaccomplishment of his object. He tried, in particular, on this occasion, for the possession of Malta, all the arts of that powerful eloquencewhich flowed so naturally from his pen; and he might well say, as hedid, in a letter of the 10th of November, to Mr. Nepean, "it has been nofault of the navy, that Malta has not been attacked by land; but we haveneither the means ourselves, nor influence with those who have thepower. " In short, the history of this protracted siege, including allthe military and political perplexities with which our hero's navaloperations were entangled, would alone form a volume of noinconsiderable magnitude. 

It appears that, about this time, suspicions were entertained, by SirJohn Acton, respecting our intentions with regard to Malta; which firstmanifested themselves in a remark addressed to Lord Nelson, that theflag of the order was to be hoisted, instead of the three flags, whenthat island should be taken. This observation, he remarks, in a letterimmediately written to Sir John, dated at Palermo, 18th November 1799, seems to convey, that his sentiments of respect for his SicilianMajesty's flag were lessened. "I send you, " says his lordship, with thatnoble frankness, and prompt decision, for which he was ever remarkable, "two papers, on which my order to good Captain Ball was founded. If Ihave erred, it is not too late to call back my order; and, if you thinkso, I shall be happy to meet your excellency, and the minister ofEngland and Russia, on this subject. There is not, I can assure you, that man on earth, who would so strongly unite the two monarchs whom weserve as myself; and may perdition seize the wretch who would do theleast thing towards lessening that harmony! And could it ever happen, that any English minister wanted to make me an instrument of hurting thefeelings of his Sicilian Majesty, I would give up my commission soonerthan do it. I am open to your excellency; and, I think, you are so tome. The interests of our sovereigns require it; and, I am sure, that weboth only think of uniting the courts of London and Naples still closertogether. I am placed in such a situation--a subject of one king, bybirth; and, as far as is consistent with my allegiance to that king, avoluntary subject of his Sicilian Majesty--that, if any man attempted toseparate my two kings, by all that is sacred, I should consider evenputting that man to death as a meritorious act! Therefore, my dear SirJohn, never, never, for a moment, think that I am capable of doing anything but endeavouring to exalt the glory of their Sicilian Majesties. "

Nor was this the only prejudice which malevolence seems now to have beensecretly exciting against our hero. Though it has been sufficientlyseen, that his lordship's indefatigable endeavours for the possession ofMalta, which were never surpassed, either in activity or address, hadconstantly in view the merited aggrandizement of his persevering, brave, and conciliating friend, Captain Ball--for whom he had implored bothemoluments and honours, which no consideration on earth could ever haveinduced him to solicit for himself--some apprehensions of our hero'sdiminished regard had been malignantly insinuated into the bosom of thatworthy commander: as appears from the following expressions, which occurin a letter written to him by Lord Nelson on the 24th of November 1799. "My dear Ball, I love, honour, and respect you; and no persons everhave, nor could they, were they so disposed, lessen you in my esteem, both as a public officer and a private man: therefore, never let such athought come into your head; which was never more wanted to be clearfrom embroils, than at this moment. " Then, fortifying his perseverancewith assurances that Commodore Troubridge is immediately coming withships, and Colonel Graham with troops, he thus affectionately proceeds--

 "But, my dear friend, your holding your post so long as you have, is matter of the greatest credit to you;" and, with unexampled kindness, concludes with thus arming his friend against the worst--"If you are forced to quit the island, it cannot lessen your exertion or abilities; and do not let such an event, should it unfortunately happen, depress your spirits for a moment: and believe me, as ever, your obliged and affectionate friend, "Bronte Nelson. "

These unpleasant events did not fail momentarily to affect hislordship's sensibility, and with more permanency his health. In everyexcess of anxiety, or even of joy, his heart continued to suffer arenewal of that agony which it had first experienced during his searchafter the French fleet destined for Egypt; and such were theever-shifting scenes of his active life, that he was seldom, for manydays together, exempted from the effects of it's influence, by theoccurrence of one or other of these causes. 

As if it were not enough, that his mind was perpetually harrassed withprofessional cares, he had private and domestic sources of inquietudeThe former, he could freely impart to his numerous friends and in somedegree fellow-sufferers; but the latter was scarcely communicable toany, and no one could be implicated in the same identical cause ofdistress. Even the very quality in which he surpassed, perhaps, everycommander, even by sea or land, that of keeping up a punctual andwidely-extended correspondence, did not, at this oppressive period, entirely preserve him from censure. He received, what he calls, in afamiliar letter to his friend Rear-Admiral Duckworth, of the 27thNovember 1799, "a severe set-down from the Admiralty, for not havingwritten, by the Charon, attached to a convoy; although, " adds hislordship, "I wrote, both by a courier and cutter, the same day. But Isee, clearly, that they wish to shew I am unfit for the command. I willreadily acknowledge it; and, therefore, they need have no scruples aboutsending out a commander in chief. " In this letter, his lordship tellsRear-Admiral Duckworth, that he approves very much of his calling atAlgiers. "I am aware, " says he, "that the first moment any insult isoffered to the British flag, is to get as large a force as possible offAlgiers, and seize all his cruizers; but if, in such a contest, anyEnglish vessel is taken, I know what will be said against me, and howlittle support I shall experience. But, my dear admiral, where theobject of the actor is only to serve faithfully, I feel superior to thesmiles or frowns of any board. " His lordship afterwards concludes--"SirWilliam and Lady Hamilton desire their kindest regards. I am nearlyblind; but things go so contrary to my mind, _out_ of our profession, that truly I care not how soon I am off the stage. " In a postscript, hislordship does not forget to add--"Pray, do not let the Admiralty wantfor letters of every occurrence. "

His lordship wrote, on the same day, a serious and respectablejustification of his conduct, to Mr. Nepean; in which he observes, howperfectly conscious he is, that want of communicating where and when itis necessary, cannot be laid to his charge. After stating, that heactually wrote to Mr. Nepean, as well as to Earl Spencer, by aNeapolitan courier, who left Palermo on the very day the Charon sailed, he spiritedly says--"I own, I do not feel that, if cutters and couriersgo off the same day, that it is necessary to write by a convoy. I knowthe absolute necessity of the board's being exactly acquainted withevery thing which passes; and they, I beg, will give me credit forattention to my duty. As a junior flag-officer, " he observes, "ofcourse, without those about me--secretaries, interpreters, &c. --I havebeen thrown into a more extensive correspondence than ever, perhaps, fell to the lot of any admiral; and into a political situation, I own, out of my sphere. It is a fact, which it would not become me to boastof, but on the present occasion--I have never, but three times, put myfeet on the ground, since December 1798; and, except to the court, thattill after eight o'clock at night I never relax from business. I havehad, hitherto, " concludes his lordship, "the board knows, no oneemolument, no one advantage, of a commander in chief. "

In a letter written to Earl Spencer next day, the 28th, this exaltedman, after observing that General Fox orders Colonel Graham not to incurany expence for stores, or any other articles but provisions, asks--"What can this mean? But I have told Troubridge, that the causecannot stand still for want of a little money. This would be, what wecall--penny wise, and pound foolish. If nobody will pay it, " nobly addsour hero, "I shall sell Bronte, and the Emperor of Russia's box; for Ifeel myself above every consideration, but that of serving faithfully. Do not, my dear lord, " he most pathetically concludes, "let theAdmiralty write harshly to me; my generous soul cannot bear it, beingconscious it is entirely unmerited!" The reader of sensibility will notfail to feel this very affecting deprecation; and to lament, that itshould ever have been necessary. 

On the day following, however, Lord Nelson had the satisfaction ofreceiving eight thousand ounces from his Sicilian Majesty, for therelief of the poor Maltese; which his lordship immediately sent toCaptain Ball, by the Perseus bomb; and, determined that nothing in hispower should be wanted, he not only took on himself, from thediscouraging circumstance of General Fox's orders to Colonel Graham, toaugment his numerous other occupations, by becoming a commissary forthese troops, but actually pledged Bronte for twelve thousandounces--six thousand six hundred pounds--should any difficulty arise inthe payments. 

On the 19th, Lord Nelson having been informed, by his friend Sir WilliamHamilton, that the principal inhabitants of Rome, and other professorsand admirers of the fine arts, were about to erect, in that city, agrand monumental testimony of their gratitude to his lordship, forhaving delivered the country, as well as those valuable treasures of artand antiquity which had for ages formed it's proudest boast, from thetyranny and rapacity of French cruelty and barbarism, he immediatelyaddressed the following letter to Mr. Fagan, an ingenious artist atRome, who had so handsomely made the communication of this pleasingintelligence, through Sir William, and with whom the design of thathonourable intention appears to have chiefly originated. 

 Palermo, 19th Dec. 1799. 

 "DEAR SIR, "Sir William Hamilton has been so kind as to communicate to me the distinguished honour intended me by the inhabitants, by you, and other professors and admirers of the fine arts at Rome, to erect a monument. I have not words sufficient to express my feelings, on hearing that my actions have contributed to preserve the works which form the school of fine arts in Italy, which the modern Goths wanted to carry off and destroy. That they may always remain in the only place worthy of them, Rome, are and will be my fervent wishes; together with the esteem of, dear Sir, your most obliged servant, "Bronte Nelson. "

Had the several powers of the continent taken the constant advice of hislordship, cordially to unite, in resolutely opposing the Frenchpillagers of principle as well as property, these rare productions ofthe Greek and Roman schools of art would not since have found their wayto Paris, nor the projected grand rostral column have finally failedequally to honour Rome and our immortal hero. 

On the 17th of December, the Phaeton, Captain Morris, arrived fromConstantinople; having, by desire of the Ottoman ministry, brought twoTurkish ministers, one for Tunis, and the other for Algiers, to belanded by Captain Morris, in his way down the Mediterranean. TheseTurkish gentlemen brought Lord Nelson a very elegant letter from theGrand Signior; accompanied by a drawing of the Battle of the Nile, andanother of the hero himself: "a curious present, " pointedly says hislordship, in writing next day to Earl Spencer; "but highly flattering tome, as it marks that I am not in the least forgotten. "

At this time, too, Lord Nelson received, from the inhabitants of Zante, through the hands of Mr. Speridion Forresti, the very elegant andflattering presents of a sword and cane; accompanied by a most kind andrespectful letter, in which they express their grateful acknowledgmentsto his lordship, for having been the first cause of their liberationfrom French tyranny. This, though true, his lordship observed, in a veryaffectionate answer, was such an example of gratitude as must for everdo them the highest honour; and begs that Mr. Speridion Forresti, bywhom he transmits it to them, will have the goodness to express, infuller terms than any words which his lordship can find, his sense oftheir kindness, and of the wish to prove himself farther useful to them. The cane was mounted in gold, with a single circle of diamonds; thevalue of which was rendered incalculable, by the circumstance of theinhabitants having declared that it was their wish to have added anothercircle, but that they had no more diamonds in the island. 

His lordship's letter to the Grand Vizier, in return for the presentsand epistle from the Grand Signior, was as follows. 

 "Palermo, 22d Dec 1799. 

 "SIR

 Were I to attempt, by words, to express what I felt on receiving the imperial present of the drawing of the Battle of Aboukir, and the highly flattering letter wrote by your excellency in obedience to the imperial command, I should feel myself unequal to the task. Therefore, I can only beg your excellency to express, in words most adapted to convey my gratitude to his imperial majesty, my sense of the extraordinary high honour conferred upon me, by a present more valuable than gold or jewels; as they may come only from the hand of a great monarch, while this can only flow from the benevolent heart of a good man. That the Almighty may pour down his choicest blessings on the imperial head, and ever give his arms victory over all his enemies, is the fervent prayer, and shall ever be, as far as my abilities will allow me, the constant exertion, of your excellency's obliged servant, "Bronte Nelson. "

In a letter to Earl Elgin, then ambassador at Constantinople, hislordship thus expresses his grateful attachment to the Turks. "They, "says he, "do me but justice, in believing that I am always alert to dothem every kindness; for, as no man ever received greater favours fromthe Sublime Porte, so no one shall be more grateful. " His lordshipsincerely regrets the escape of Bonaparte; and remarks, that those shipswhich he had destined for the two places where Bonaparte would certainlyhave been intercepted, were--from the Admiralty's thinking, doubtless, that the Russians would do something at sea--obliged to be at Malta andon other services, in which he also thought the Russian admiral wouldhave assisted: "therefore, " he adds, "no blame lays at my door. " TheVincejo sloop, however, his lordship says, had a few days before taken avessel from Egypt, with General Voix, and seventy-five officers; andthat Captain Long was happy enough to save the dispatches, which hadbeen thrown overboard with a weight insufficient to instantly sink them. These dispatches represented the extreme distress of the French army inEgypt; and he expresses his hope, that the Sublime Porte will neverpermit a single Frenchman to quit Egypt. "I own myself, " says hislordship, in that severe spirit of Antigallicanism for which he was everso remarkable, "wicked enough, to wish them all to die in that countrythey chose to invade. We have scoundrels of French enough in Europe, without them. " It is contrary to his opinion, he repeats, to allow asingle Frenchman, from Egypt, to return to France, during the war; norwould he subscribe any paper giving such permission. "But, " concludeshis lordship, "I submit to the better judgment of men. "

To Spencer Smith, Esq. Now secretary of the embassy, his lordship writesin a similar strain--"I have read, with pleasure, all that has passed inEgypt, between Bonaparte, Kleber, and the Grand Vizier; and I send LordElgin some very important papers, which will shew their very deplorablesituation: but I cannot bring myself to believe they would entirely quitEgypt; and, if they would, I never would consent to one of themreturning to the continent of Europe during the war. I wish them toperish in Egypt; and give a great lesson to the world, of the justice ofthe Almighty. "

On the 23d of December, his lordship received information from SirThomas Troubridge, that the Culloden, in going into the Bay of MarsaScirocco, in the Island of Malta, to land cannon, ammunition, &c. FromMessina, for the siege, had struck on a rock, and was greatly damaged. The rudder, and great part of the false keel, were carried away; and therudder would have been lost, but for Sir Thomas's timely exertion ingetting a hawser reeved through it. The pintles were all broken; and theship was steered to the anchorage, with the sails, in a safe but leakystate. In answer to his friend Troubridge, respecting this unfortunateaccident, Lord Nelson says--"Your resources never fail; and you wouldcontrive something, I dare say, if the ship's bottom was knocked out. "

In another letter of the 2d of January 1800, his lordship, who isincessantly labouring, at all points, to obtain every requisite for thereduction of Malta, and for the relief of the distressed natives, writesthus--"I cannot get the frigate out of the mole; therefore, I must learnto be a hard-hearted wretch, and fancy the cries of hunger in my ears. Isend you orders for the different governors: you will see, they are forthe supply of the army and navy; therefore, whatever Graham and you sendfor will, if possible, be granted. I hope the Russians will sail, thisnorth-east wind; and it is my intention to give you all a meeting, themoment the Foudroyant arrives. "

On this day, too, his lordship wrote letters to Portugal: containing thekindest praises of the Marquis De Niza, and the several officers and menof the Portuguese squadron under his command; which were, at length, returning home, in obedience to orders, on being relieved by Sir ThomasTroubridge's arrival at Malta. One of these letters contained particularrecommendations of promotion for Captains Thompson, Welch, and De Pinto. "When, " says his lordship, "I mention my brother, and friend, Niza, Imust say, that I never knew so indefatigable an officer. During thewhole time I have had the happiness of having him under my command, Ihave never expressed a wish that Niza did not fly to execute. "

On the 6th of January, his lordship learned that his prediction toRear-Admiral Duckworth, of what had been intended respecting the commandof the Mediterranean fleet, was completely verified, by the approach ofLord Keith; who now signified, in a letter to Lord Nelson, that he wascoming to Sicily. The effect which this event, though not unsuspected, must have produced on his lordship's mind, is less difficult to beconceived, than expressed. He had already met with sufficientimpediments to the execution of his designs, most of which were justhappily surmounted; but a paramount difficulty seemed now arising, against which he might be disarmed of all power to perform any thingefficient. The general aspect of his public situation, at this period, is concentrated by his own skilful hand, in the following professionalletter, which he immediately wrote to Lord Keith; but his exalted andsuperior mind disdained to discover, in such a communication, the stateof his own private feelings. 

 "Palermo, 7th Jan. 1800. 

 "MY DEAR LORD, Last night, I received your letters, and orders, to December 14th, from November 30th; all of which, I shall endeavour to obey: and, with the greatest pleasure, to give you the state of the squadron, and of affairs on this side of Minorca. I shall begin in the east. My last accounts from thence were by the Phaeton, Captain Morris; and, as your lordship will probably see him, I shall only say, that I have not heard immediately from Sir Sidney Smith since September the 7th. At Constantinople, they heard he was communicating with the Grand Vizier, at Gaza, respecting the French army. The ships with him are, Theseus and Cameleon; but the Bulldog is directed to go to him, till the Smyrna convoy is ready to return. I have lately sent provisions, and some few stores, all we had, for those ships; and I have written to Duckworth, and Inglefield, to send particularly for those ships. What Turkish ships of war Sir Sidney Smith has under him, I know not; but, I am told, there are several. The Turkish admiral, Captain Morris tells me, who served under him, had his head taken off, for leaving the port of Alexandria open, and permitting the escape of Bonaparte. I would have kept up a more constant communication with Egypt; but, I have never had the benefit of small vessels. At Corfu, General Villete is arrived, and raising two regiments of Albanians. Our consul there, Mr. Speridion Forresti, is a very able man; and, from thence, the passage of an express, by land, to Constantinople, is twelve days. To get to Malta--which has kept, for sixteen months, every ship I could lay my hands on fully employed; and has, in truth, broke my spirits for ever--I have been begging, of his Sicilian Majesty, small supplies of money and corn, to keep the Maltese in arms, and barely to keep from starving the poor inhabitants. Sicily has, this year, a very bad crop, and the exportation of corn is prohibited. Both Graham and Troubridge are in desperation, at the prospect of a famine. Vessels are here, loading with corn for Malta; but I can neither get the Neapolitan men of war, nor merchant vessels, to move. You will see, by the report of the disposition of the ships, what a wretched state we are in. In truth, only the Foudroyant and Northumberland are fit to keep the sea. The Russians are, on the 4th, arrived at Messina; six sail of the line, frigates, &c. With two thousand five hundred troops. It is not to be expected, that any one Russian man of war can, or will, keep the sea; therefore, the blockade by sea can only be kept up by our ships: and it is my intention, if the Foudroyant, or even a frigate, comes soon, to go for two days to Malta, to give the Russian admiral and general, Graham, Troubridge, and Governor Ball, a meeting; not only, on the most probable means of getting the French out, but also, of arranging various matters, if it should fall to our exertions. The Maltese have, Graham says, two thousand excellent troops; we have, soldiers and sailors, fifteen hundred; the Russians will land full three thousand. I hope, the Ricasoli may be carried; and, if it is, I think the French general will no longer hold out. What a relief this would be to us! If I cannot get to Malta very soon, I shall, from your letter, remain here, to give you a meeting and receive your orders. It is impossible to send, from Mahon, too many supplies of stores to Malta; sails, rope, plank, nails, &c. You can form no idea of our deplorable state, for the last year. In Sicily, we are all quiet. I have been trying, with Sir William Hamilton, in which the queen joins, to induce the king to return to Naples; but, hitherto, without effect. I must suppose, his majesty has reasons which I am unacquainted with. It has long been my wish, to send a small squadron on the coast of Genoa; for the Russian ships are of no use, to co-operate with the Germans: but, I have not them to send. La Mutine, I have directed to protect our trade about Leghorn; and to assist, as far as she is able, in giving convoy to vessels carrying provisions to the Austrian army. The report of the combined fleets being ready for sea, induced me to direct the Phaeton and Penelope to cruize between Cape Spartel and Cape St. Vincent; that I may have timely notice of their approach, if bound this way--_which I believe_. 

 I have run over our present state; perhaps, too hastily: but, I am anxious not to keep the brig one moment longer than my writing this letter. With every sentiment of respect, believe me, my dear lord, your most obedient servant, "Bronte Nelson. "

To his Excellency, the Honourable Lieutenant-General Fox, at Minorca, his lordship on the same day wrote, that he would not suffer GeneralGraham to want, if he could "beg, borrow, or steal, to supply him. LordKeith, " he adds, "is, I dare say, with you, at this moment; and, I amsure, all matters will be much better arranged with him than I haveability of doing. I have only the disposition to do what is right, andthe desire of meriting your esteem. " To Colonel Graham, at Malta, healso wrote, this day, as follows--"I hope to soon pay you a visit, and Ionly wish that I could always do all you ask me. It is certain, that youcannot go on at Malta, without money; therefore, I declare, sooner thanyou should want, I would sell Bronte. But, I trust, from General Fox'sletter to me, that you will have his consent for ordering what money maybe necessary. I send you all the Egyptian papers, for you, Ball, andTroubridge; and, if you like, in confidence, Italinskoy. Suwarrow is atPrague, with his whole army: ready to act with the Austrians, if theycome to their senses; or, perhaps, against them. _Moreau_ is at Vienna, treating for peace. What a state the allies bring us into! But, it is invain to cry out; John Bull was always ill-treated. May a speedy successattend you!"

On the 14th, a new mortification occurred to his lordship. The Russianadmiral, who had so long lingered at Naples, and recently arrived atMessina, with the intent, as was supposed, of at length going to Malta, sent notice that he was proceeding with his ships and troops to Corfu, and could not go to Malta. Lord Keith was, at this time, gone to stationa squadron for the blockade of the port and coast of Genoa; and LordNelson, after arranging, with General Acton, a plan for sending twothousand six hundred troops, and encouraging his respective friends atMalta to persevere in their labours, under these and other comfortingassurances, sailed in the Foudroyant, on the 16th, to concert measuresfor future operations with the commander in chief. 

On the 23d, his lordship writes to Earl Spencer, from Leghorn, that hecame thither to meet Lord Keith; and that they are going, together, toPalermo and Malta. "If, " says his lordship, "Sir James St. Clair, orGeneral Fox, had felt themselves authorized to have given us twothousand troops, I think that Malta, by this time, would have fallen;and our poor ships been released from the hardest service I have everseen. The going away of the Russians, has almost done me up; but theKing of Naples has ordered two thousand six hundred troops from Sicily, to assist Graham, and they are to be under our command. It is true, theyare not good soldiers; but, they will ease our's in the fatigues ofduty. The feeding the inhabitants of Malta, and paying two thousand ofthe people who bear arms, has been a continual source of uneasiness tomy mind. His Sicilian Majesty has done more than it was possible toexpect he had the ability of performing; for the resources of hiskingdom are hardly yet come round, and his demands are excessive fromall quarters of his dominions. Lord Keith will now be able to judge, with his own eyes and ears, and your lordship will see his report. Theloyalty and attachment of their Sicilian Majesties to our king andcountry is such, that I would venture to lay down my head to be cut off, if they would not rather lose their kingdom of Naples, than hold it onterms from Austria and the French, by a separation from their alliancewith England. There is not a thing which his majesty can desire, thattheir majesties of the two Sicilies will not have the greatest pleasurein complying with. I have, before, ventured on the character of theirSicilian majesties. The king is a real good man, but inclined to bepositive in his opinion; the queen is certainly a great monarch, and atrue daughter of Maria Theresa. I am just favoured with your letter ofDecember 12th; which, although so entirely contrary to my expectations, cannot alter my respect for all your kindness. I am in debt, from mysituation; but, time and care will get me out of it. Since May 1798, Ihave had all the expence of a commander in chief, without even thesmallest advantage. Lord Keith, " concludes his lordship, "shall find, inme, an officer ever ready to anticipate his wishes, so long as my healthpermits. "

Though Lord Nelson does not absolutely complain of his then ill health, he was certainly much indisposed; and, but a few weeks before, hadundergone a painful course of electricity, at Palermo, from which heentertained hopes of recovering the sight of his left eye. 

On the 26th, his lordship sailed from Leghorn, and arrived safely atPalermo; from whence, in a few days, he proceeded to Malta, for thepurpose of arranging the business of that important siege. 

On the 12th of February, at sea, his lordship received the report of asurvey held on the warrant-officers stores found onboard the Leander atthe time, of it's being delivered up, with an account of those said tobe supplied by the Russians while this ship was in their possession, which he inclosed to Lord Keith, as commander in chief; and, only sixdays after, being in company with the Northumberland, Audacious, and ElCorso brig, fortunately captured Le Genereux, by which the Leander hadbeen originally taken. The particulars of this pleasing event will bebest described in his lordship's own words. 

 "Foudroyant, at Sea, 10th Feb. 1800. Off Cape di Corso, Eight Leagues West of Cape Passaro; off Shore, Four Miles. 

 "MY LORD, This morning, at day-light, being in company with the ships named in the margin, I saw the Alexander in chase of a line of battle ship, three frigates, and a corvette: and, about eight o'clock, she fired several shot at one of the enemy's frigates, which struck her colours; and, leaving her to be secured by the ships astern, continued the chase. I directed Captain Gould of the Audacious, and the El Corso brig, to take charge of this prize. At half past one P. M. The frigates and corvette tacked to the westward; but the line of battle ship, not being able to tack without coming to action with the Alexander, bore up. The Success being to leeward, Captain Peard, with great judgment and gallantry, lay across his hawser, and raked him with several broadsides. In passing the French ship's broadside, several shot struck the Success; by which, one man was killed, and the master and seven men wounded. At half past four, the Foudroyant and Northumberland coming up, the former fired two shot; when the French ship fired her broadside, and struck her colours. She proved to be Le Genereux, of seventy-four guns, bearing the flag of Rear-Admiral Perrée, commander in chief of the French naval force in the Mediterranean; having a number of troops on board, from Toulon, bound for the relief of Malta. I attribute our success, this day, to be principally owing to the extreme good management of Lieutenant William Harrington, who commands the Alexander in the absence of Captain Ball: and I am much pleased with the gallant behaviour of Captain Peard, of the Success; as, also, with the alacrity and good conduct of Captain Martin, and Sir Edward Berry. I have sent Lieutenant Andrew Thomson, First Lieutenant of the Foudroyant, to take charge of Le Genereux; whom I beg leave to recommend to your lordship, for promotion: and send her, under care of the Northumberland, and Alexander, to Syracuse, to wait your lordship's orders. I have the honour to be, my lord, your lordship's most obedient and most humble servant, Bronte Nelson

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

His lordship, the next day, directed Captain Gould, of the Audacious, toproceed with the French prisoners for the harbour of St. Paul, in theIsland of Malta; and, putting them on board any ship of war, or emptytransport, he might find there, to return to the westward of Goza, wherehe was to cruize till farther orders. 

Though Lord Nelson was much gratified by this capture, which reduced thenumber of French ships that had escaped at the battle off the Nile tothe single one of Le Guillaume Tell, then blocked up at Malta, hishealth appeared daily on the decline. Still, however, his spirits seemto have remained lively; for, in writing on the occasion, to Palermo, hedesires Prince Leopold will tell his august father, that he is, hebelieves, the first Duke of Bronte who ever took a French seventy-four. 

Besides the French prisoners sent to Malta for the sake of compellingtheir countrymen to maintain them, and consequently to assist in theconsumption of the provisions of the garrison, and thus accelerate it'ssurrender; there were a number of Moorish prisoners on board LeGenereux, subjects of the Bashaw of Tripoli. These Lord Nelson sent backto their own country; with letters to the bashaw, as well as to theBritish consul: the former of whom he assures, that he is happy in theopportunity of saving so many of his subjects from a French prison; andthe latter, he requests, will not fail to impress on the bashaw's mind, that Nelson is never unmindful of his friends. "The bashaw, " he adds, "was very good in supplying the El Corso with some rope, which was dulyreported to me; and, for which, I beg, you will thank his excellency inmy name. "

On the 24th of February, off Malta, where his lordship found his healthmuch affected, he wrote to Lord Keith, that it was impossible he couldremain much longer there. "Without some rest, " says his lordship, "I amgone. I must, therefore, whenever I find the service will admit of it, request your permission to go to my friends at Palermo, for a few weeks, and leave the command here to Commodore Troubridge. Nothing butnecessity obliges me to write this letter. " Finding, however, on the28th, from the report of his friend Captain Ball, that the French shipswere perfectly ready for sea, and would probably attempt to escape thefirst fair wind, he writes thus to Lord Keith--"My state of health isvery precarious. Two days ago, I dropped with a pain in my heart, and Iam always in a fever; but the hopes of these gentry coming out, shallsupport me a few days longer. I really desire to see this Malta businessfinished. " The following passage, which occurs in another part of thisletter, is highly characteristic--"The intended movements of theirships, is a convincing proof, to me, that the garrison has lost allhopes of a successful resistance, and I wish General Graham would makefalse attacks. I am no soldier; therefore, ought not to hazard anopinion: but, if I commanded, I would torment the scoundrels night andday. "

Having waited till the 8th of March, with the vain expectation that theFrench ships would venture out, his lordship wrote to Lord Keith, thathis health continued so bad, he was obliged, in justice to himself, toretire to Palermo for a few weeks, directing Commodore Troubridge tocarry on the service during his necessary absence: and, in a day or twoafter, sailed for Palermo; where he did not arrive, having had atedious passage, till the 16th. 

On the 20th, his lordship writes to Lord Keith--"It is too soon to formany judgment of what effect it may have on my health; but, on the 18th, I had near died, with the swelling of some of the vessels of the heart. I know, the anxiety of my mind, on coming back to Syracuse in 1798, wasthe first cause; and more people, perhaps, die of broken hearts, than weare aware of. " To Commodore Troubridge he writes, also, on this day, much in the same strain--"It is too soon to form an opinion whether Ican ever be cured of my complaint. At present, I see but glimmeringhopes; and, probably, my career of service is at an end: unless theFrench fleet should come into the Mediterranean, when nothing shallprevent my dying at my post. I hope, my dear friend, that yourcomplaints are better. Pray, do not fret at any thing; I wish I neverhad: but my return to Syracuse, in 1798, broke my heart; which, on anyextraordinary anxiety, now shews itself, be that feeling _pain_ or_pleasure_. " His lordship remarks, however, that he is an infidel aboutthe Brest fleet again trusting themselves in the Mediterranean. TheRussians, he observes, are certainly going to Malta; under commanders, both at sea and land, with whom all will be harmony. "You will haveheard, " continues his lordship, "that Mr. Arthur Paget is dailyexpected, to replace, for the present, Sir William; Comte Pouskin isalso superseded by Italinskoy. In short, great changes are going on; andnone, that I can see, for the better. I have not yet seen General Acton;but I am led to believe, that the king's not returning to Naples, _has_been entirely owing to the general. At present, perhaps, he has so muchfrightened him, that the act appears his own. _We, of the Nile_, are notequal to Lord Keith, in his estimation; and ought to think it an honourto serve under such a _clever man_. " In concluding this letter, hislordship says--"Acton has, I am almost convinced, played us _false_. "

In another letter to Sir Thomas Troubridge, dated on the 28th, hislordship says, that if the ships get away, he is certain the garrisonwill not hold out; and expresses his intention again to visit Malta, before he retires from the station. A courier, from Constantinople, hesays, is just arrived: bringing intelligence, that the French treaty forquitting Egypt is ratified by the Porte; and, that the ministers ofEngland and Russia have acquainted the Porte of the determination of theallies not to suffer the French army to return to Europe. His lordshipthen directs him to repeat the orders already given, for making theFrench from Egypt, under whatever protection they may be, come into someof the ports of the allies; for, on no consideration, must they beallowed to return to France. "I now, " adds his lordship, "come to themost painful part of my letter, the loss of the Queen Charlotte, byfire. Lord Keith is safe; and, I hope, most of the officers and crew. She sailed from Leghorn at daylight of the 17th, with a strong landwind. She was, when five miles distant, discovered to be on fire; and, at noon, she blew up, about twelve miles from the light-house. This isthe whole we know. Vessels were fearful, till after some time, toapproach her; therefore, many poor fellows must be gone!"

In a very few days after this melancholy accident, Lord Nelsonexperienced one of the highest gratifications of his life, by thecapture of Le Guillaume Tell. The first information of that importantevent was conveyed in the following note from Sir Edward Berry. 

 "Foudroyant, 30th March 1800. 

 "MY DEAR LORD, "I had but one wish, this morning; it was for you. After a most gallant defence, Le Guillaume Tell surrendered, and she is compleatly dismasted. The Foudroyant's lower masts, and main topmast, are standing; but, every roll, I expect them to go over the side, they are so much shattered. I was slightly hurt in the foot; and, I fear, about forty men are badly wounded, besides the killed, which you shall know hereafter. All hands behaved as you would have wished. How we prayed for you, God knows, and your sincere and faithful friend, "E. Berry. "

On the 4th of April, his lordship having received farther particularsfrom Sir Thomas Troubridge, wrote thus to Mr. Nepean. 

 "Palermo, 4th April 1800. 

 "SIR, "I have received no official reports, but I have letters from Commodore Troubridge, Captain Dixon, and Sir Edward Berry, telling me of the capture of the William Tell, on the morning of the 30th of March, after a gallant defence of three hours. The Lion and Foudroyant lost each about forty killed and wounded. The French ship is dismasted; the French Admiral, Decres, wounded; and the Foudroyant much shattered. I send Sir Edward Berry's hasty note. Thus, owing to my brave friends, is the entire destruction of the French Mediterranean fleet to be attributed, and my orders from the great Earl of St. Vincent are fulfilled. Captain Blackwood, of the Penelope, and Captain Long, of the Vincejo, have the greatest merit. My task is done; my health is finished; and, probably, my retreat for ever fixed--unless another French fleet should be placed for me to look after. Ever your most obedient humble servant, "Bronte Nelson of the Nile. "

 "Evan Nepean, Esq. "

The letter of Commodore Troubridge, above mentioned, contains thefollowing particulars. 

 "Culloden, Marsa Scirocco, 1st April 1800. 

 "MY LORD, "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 fullerparticulars than his hasty private letter, which had been inclosed toLord 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 followingaffectionate letter of Sir Edward Berry, to Lord Nelson, relates so manyinteresting particulars of the contest, not elsewhere mentioned, and isso characteristically amiable, that it would be unpardonable to omitsuch 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 followingletter, 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 veryfeeling 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 beenfollowed by other pleasing circumstances, might possibly have recruitedhis lordship's health; but a long succession of felicity, was what henever on earth enjoyed. In a few days, without any previous notice, hisfriend Sir William Hamilton was suddenly superseded by the arrival ofMr. Arthur Paget, as himself had recently been by Lord Keith. Thiscircumstance effectually determined him immediately to quit the station. Resolved not to begin either with new men, or new measures, Mr. Pagethad no sooner delivered his credentials, than his lordship, though stillmuch indisposed, immediately sailed for Malta; with hopes of gettingthat business also brought to a conclusion before his return home. SirWilliam 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 thusbeholding the cherished friends of herself, her family, and country, suddenly torn away from situations which they had filled with so muchhonour to themselves, and with such advantage to the interests of thetwo allied sovereigns. Nor could the good sense of the king fail to feelsome apprehensions, that a change might prove for the worst, which wasnot possible to be for the better; though his envious ministers aresupposed to have inspired him with flattering hopes, which he was neverafterwards happy enough to see realized. Her majesty, indeed, felt suchalarm, even for the safety of the country, under any other protectorsthan those whose abilities, zeal, and fidelity, had been so long and sobeneficially experienced, that she determined to take her threedaughters, with her son Prince Leopold, to their sister, the empress, atVienna; and, accordingly, while her estimable friends were gone toMalta, the queen was making preparations for accompanying them, in theirway to England, as far as that imperial city. 

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

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

About the 8th of May, amidst these pleasing attentions of his gallantbrethren in arms, and the grateful inhabitants who owed so much to hislordship's protecting influence, he received letters from England whichfilled him with extreme concern. He learned, by these, that his noblefriend, the Earl of St. Vincent--who had accepted a challenge sent bySir John Orde, immediately after his return home, for having appointedhis lordship, instead of himself, the senior officer, to the command ofthe squadron which had so successfully destroyed the French fleet; anintended duel, happily prevented by the interposition of the law, andthe still stronger efficacy, it is said, of a positive royalinjunction--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 theadmission of this claim, in a powerful protest, addressed to hisconfidential friend, Mr. Davison. It is to be lamented that thisunfortunate affair, which was afterwards litigated, and finally decidedagainst the earl, should have in any degree abated that ardentfriendship which had, so much to their reciprocal honour and advantage, as well as to the benefit and glory of their country, heretoforesubsisted between the two first naval heroes in the world!

Information, it appears, had reached Lord Keith, so long since as thebeginning of April, respecting the intention of these Spanish ships atPalermo: for Lord Nelson, in a letter dated on board the Foudroyant, atMalta, 10th May 1800, observes that he has received his lordship'sintelligence from Mahon, of the 3d of April, on that subject, which isperfectly correct; and had already ordered that, in case of theirpreparing to leave the port, express-boats should be sent in alldirections with the necessary information for their being pursued, aswell as written to Mahon on the occasion. These ships, however, it maybe proper here to remark, though they could not elude the vigilance ofLord Nelson, who had narrowly watched them for upwards of seventeenmonths, certainly effected their escape from Palermo, very shortly afterhis 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, fromthe arrangements then made, that it must soon fall, his lordshipreturned to Palermo; as, notwithstanding his earnest wishes for thepossession of that important island, he did not chuse to be present atthe time of it's actual surrender, lest his friend Ball should thus losethe chief honour of the conquest. Besides concerting plans for thespeedy reduction of this island, his lordship, during his stay there, was busily engaged in politely closing his numerous publiccorrespondences with the allied powers, the Barbary states, and therespective British envoys, &c. At the various courts. 

On arriving at Palermo, the latter end of May, every preparation wasmade, by his lordship, and Sir William and Lady Hamilton, forimmediately going to England. One of the chief objects of his lordship'sattention, had been to promote, by all possible means, the general andindividual prosperity of Bronte; by enriching the country with theimprovements of agriculture, and preserving the people from oppression. He selected, with this view, a governor, of unimpeachable honour, and ofuncommon abilities in directing agricultural operations. The name ofthis gentleman was Graffer; and he had, already, for some time, acted inthat capacity, highly to the satisfaction of his lordship. The followingletter to Sir John Acton, occasioned by some interesting communicationsfrom Mr. Graffer, not only affords a satisfactory proof of thatgentleman's integrity, but a fine picture of his lordship's ever anxiousregard to the comfort of those who had claims on his powerful and benignprotection. 

 "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 mostsensible impression on his lordship's mind, and filled his heart--to usehis own phrase--with affection, pleasure, and gratitude. Under theseimpressions, our hero was desirous of presenting a gold medal to theking, as a small but sincere testimonial of his esteem and regard; hesent 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, owingto disagreeable news from Vienna, respecting the successes of theFrench, the queen waited a few days longer. On the 8th, however, hermajesty, with the three princesses, and Prince Leopold; Sir William andLady Hamilton; Prince Castelcicala, who was going to England on aspecial mission; and a numerous train of royal attendants, &c. Wereembarked on board the Foudroyant and Alexander, which immediatelyproceeded to Leghorn. After a quick but tempestuous passage, duringwhich his lordship was so extremely ill as to be at one time consideredin a very dangerous state, they arrived in Leghorn Roads on Saturdayevening, the 14th of June; with so fresh a gale from the west, that theships had sometimes gone more than eleven miles an hour. The weathercontinuing bad, they were unable to land till the 16th; when Lord Nelsonsteered his launch, which conveyed the queen and royal family on shore, where they were received with all possible honours. The Governor ofLeghorn first conducted his illustrious guests to the cadethral; andafterwards to the palace, where the queen and royal family took uptheir temporary residence, while Lord Nelson and his friends wereaccommodated at the British consul's. Intelligence of the unfortunatedefeat of the Austrians having just arrived, the queen was preventedfrom pursuing her journey by land, as had been originally intended; andLord Nelson, and his friends Sir William and Lady Hamilton, were pledgednot to quit the royal family till they should be in perfect security. The Queen of Naples, on landing safely at Leghorn, presented our herowith a rich picture of the king; at the back of which were the initialsof her own name in diamonds, inclosed with branches of oak and laurelintertwining each other, composed of diamonds and emeralds. Sir WilliamHamilton, at the same time, received the gift of a gold snuff-box, witha picture of the king and queen set round with diamonds; and LadyHamilton a most superb diamond necklace, with cyphers of all the royalchildren's names, ornamented by their respective hair: the queenobserving, that she considered herself as indebted to her ladyship forthe safety of them all, by having been the means of enabling Lord Nelsonto fight the glorious battle off the Nile, and thus become theirprotector. In writing to Sir John Acton, from Leghorn, his lordshipsays, after mentioning the queen's agitation, on account of theunfavourable news--"Your excellency will assure his majesty, in whichjoin Sir William and Lady Hamilton, that nothing shall make us quit thequeen 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 desireto shew my gratitude for the numerous favours, honours, and magnificentpresents, they have heaped upon me. " Lord Nelson now first heard of theattempt on our sovereign's life, by Hatfield, the lunatic, who fired apistol at the king from the pit of Drury Lane Theatre, on the 15th ofMay 1800. "The Queen of Naples, " says his lordship, writing to LordKeith, on the 18th of June, "waits here, with impatience, news from thearmies; for, if the French beat, I have only to return with my sacredcharge: but, a very few days must decide the question. What a sadthing, " feelingly exclaims our hero, "was the attempt on our good king'slife! But, from what I hear, it was not a plan of any Jacobin party, butthe affair of a madman. "

After remaining about a month at Leghorn, his lordship was called earlyout of bed, one morning, by a message from the palace, informing him ofan insurrection of the people. The French army being then at Lucca, onlytwenty-four miles distant, the populace had assembled in great force, with arms snatched from the arsenal, and expressed their determinationto secure the queen and royal family, for the purpose of detaining LordNelson also; as they knew, they said, that he would not depart withouther majesty, and they wanted him to lead them against the French, whomthey were resolved to attack under the command of the invincible hero. It was with the utmost difficulty, that his lordship, with Sir Williamand Lady Hamilton, could force their way to the palace, through theassembled multitude; where the queen, and royal offspring, appeared in abalcony, anxious for the approach of their friends and protectors. LadyHamilton, however, had the address to gain over one of the ringleaders;by assuring him that Lord Nelson was their friend, and wished to deliverhis sentiments as soon as he could reach the palace, where the queenwaited his arrival. Having, at length, by this man's assistance, penetrated to the balcony of the palace, Lady Hamilton, at the requestof Lord Nelson, who was unable to speak the Italian language, addressedthe populace in his lordship's name. Her ladyship began, accordingly, byremonstrating on the impropriety of thus violently surrounding anamiable and illustrious queen, and her royal offspring, whose powerfuland sovereign protector was in a distant country, with weapons of war intheir hands; and positively declared, that his lordship would not holdthe smallest communication with them, unless every man demonstrated therectitude of his intentions, by immediately returning his arms to thepublic arsenal. This was attended with all the desired effect: theinsurgents signified their acquiescence, by repeated shouts ofapprobation; and instantly proceeded to deposit their arms in the placefrom whence they had been so indiscreetly taken. The queen, and royalfamily, in the mean time, being exceedingly terrified, retreated onboard the Alexander; from whence they landed in the night, and set offfor Florence, distant sixty-two miles, in their way to Ancona. Hislordship, and friends, followed next morning; the whole forming a trainof fourteen carriages, and three large baggage-waggons. 

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

At this, as well as every other place, they were received with universalrejoicings, and experienced every mark of honour; but the queen and SirWilliam Hamilton had both caught violent colds on board the Russianship, followed by a dangerous degree of fever, which confined themupwards of a fortnight, and considerably alarmed their friends. FromTrieste, the queen, immediately on her recovery, departed for Vienna:and Lord Nelson, with Sir William and Lady Hamilton, two daysafterwards; accompanied by Mr. Anderson, the British vice-consul, whooffered his services in conducting them thither, being perfectlyfamiliar 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 weekfrom the time of leaving Trieste, were privately introduced to theirimperial majesties, by the Queen of Naples, who had arrived two daysbefore them. The empress afterwards held a grand circle, to receive herroyal mother publicly: when Lord Nelson, and Sir William Hamilton, werealso publicly presented by their friend Lord Minto, the Britishambassador; and Lady Hamilton, by Lady Minto. On the day after LordNelson's arrival, the party having intended to quit Vienna almostimmediately, and none of them understanding the German language, Mr. Oliver, an English linguist residing in that city, was engaged by hislordship, to act as confidential secretary and interpreter, andaccompany them to England; this gentleman having been long known to SirWilliam Hamilton, who had many years before recommended him to beemployed, occasionally, by the King of Naples, in procuring carriages, horses, curious animals, and various other articles of pleasure andamusement, from London. The very flattering attentions universally paidto Lord Nelson and his friends, added to the slow recovery of SirWilliam from the consequences of his recent indisposition, and theunwillingness which they all felt to accelerate their affectingseparation from the good queen, detained them in the fascinations ofthis charming city six weeks. So attractive was our hero, wherever hewent, that his presence drew all the best company thither: and theproprietors of the several theatres, alarmed at his lordship's confininghimself, for a few nights, to one of them in particular, protested allthe rest were deserted; and that they should be entirely ruined, unlesshe kindly condescended to visit them by turns, which he accordinglypromised, and faithfully performed. The journey, which had proved toofatiguing for his friend, Sir William Hamilton, seems to have nearlyrestored our hero to perfect health; who, on his first arrival atLeghorn, had been so extremely indisposed, as to be four days out ofseven confined to his bed. In truth, besides the salutary changes ofair, in the different climates thus rapidly passed, from the excessiveenervating heats and sultry breezes of Italy, to the corroborating cooltemperature of the Austrian refreshing gales; his lordship's ever activemind felt now not only delivered from the thraldom of a controuled andperplexed command, but was invigorated by the boundless admiration hebeheld, at each stage of his progress, and through every varying countrywhich he travelled, affectionately and respectfully tendered to it'sindubitable and transcendent worth: even the barriers, like ourturnpikes, were all thrown open on his approach, and the whole company, sanctioned by the hero's presence, permitted gratuitously to pass. Suchpublic testimonies of universal esteem, could not fail to exhilarate hisheart, and fortify it against the depressive influence of any deficientkindness where he felt himself still more entitled to receive it. Toenumerate all the instances of affectionate respect which his lordshipand friends experienced while at Vienna, would be quite an impracticabletask. Some of them, however, must by no means be omitted. 

The Prince and Princess of Esterhazy invited them to their delightfulpalace at Eisenstadt, one of the frontier towns of Hungary, about fortymiles from Vienna. Here they were entertained, for four days, with themost magnificent and even sovereign state. A hundred grenadiers, none ofthem under six feet in height, constantly waited at table, where everydelicacy was sumptuously served up in profusion: a grand concert, too, was given in the chapel-royal, under the direction of the chiefmusician, the celebrated Haydn; whose famous piece, called the Creation, was performed on this occasion, in a stile worthy of that admirablecomposer, and particularly gratifying to those distinguished amateurs ofmusical science, Sir William Hamilton and his most accomplished lady. The prince and princess had, a few years before, during a residence ofseveral months at Naples, received such polite attentions from, and beenso splendidly entertained by, Sir William and his lady, that theyrepeatedly promised to evince their gratitude, should the opportunityever offer; which now happily occurred, and was nobly embraced, to theextreme gratification of all parties. 

The Archduke Albert, the emperors uncle, formerly Governor of the LowCountries, gave a grand dinner to his lordship and friends, at the AuGardens, near Vienna: which was likewise honoured with the presence ofthe Elector of Cologne, another uncle of his imperial majesty; thePrince of Wirtemberg; his brother, the Governor of Vienna; all theforeign 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 tosee some experiments made with a very large vessel, which had beenprojected and constructed by the count, having machinery for working itup against the powerful stream of that rapid torrent. This vessel hadbeen so splendidly prepared for the reception of the illustrious guests, that it would not have disgraced a congress of sovereigns. The partywere served with coffee, fruits, cakes, ices, &c. In the utmostprofusion, and were much pleased with their entertainment; but hislordship did not appear to consider the count's plan, thoughprodigiously ingenious, as likely to answer the intended purpose. Thepleasure of the day was considerably enhanced, by their havingpreviously formed a fishing-party, and dined on what they caught byangling, which was Sir William Hamilton's favourite diversion, atBridgid Au, near the Au Gardens; two long-boats having conveyed thecompany 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 theGoldsmids of Germany, gave a grand concert, and splendid supper, to hislordship and friends; at which all the foreign ministers and principalnobility were present. 

Though the Queen of Naples insisted on defraying all sorts of expencesincurred 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--theyconstantly purchased, without her majesty's knowledge, whatever theymight happen to want. Mr. Oliver, being one day informed that theChampagne was nearly exhausted, went immediately in search of a freshstock. It being a prohibited article at Vienna, the merchant whom heapplied to, observed that he did not sell it. Mr. Oliver then asked, where he could procure some, as he feared his lordship would have noneat table. "What!" said the merchant, "do you want it for the great LordNelson?" On being answered in the affirmative, he immediatelyreplied--"Then you shall take as much as you like; for, no man on earthis 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 thisgenerous act, immediately invited the merchant to dine with him nextday. 

At the earnest request of the Queen of Naples, their departure fromVienna had been put off for several days; when it could no longer beprotracted, this dreaded separation took place at the imperial palaceof Schoenbrun, situated on the river Wien, which gives name to the cityof Vienna, from whence the palace is only two miles distant. The queenwas prodigiously affected, and earnestly intreated Lady Hamilton toreturn with her to Naples. Sir William, too, her majesty remarked, whenhe had transacted his business in England, whither he was for thatpurpose accompanying his illustrious friend, would find the soft climateof Italy far more congenial to his constitution than the damp atmosphereof his own native country. Neither Sir William, nor his lady, however, could listen to any arrangement which must subject them to even atemporary separation from each other. Their domestic happiness, notwithstanding the very considerable disparity of age, was ever mostexemplary; and it seems probable, that the amiable demeanour of LadyHamilton, whose tender regard for Sir William could not fail to excitethe admiration of every virtuous visitor, first gave birth to thatardent friendship by which Lord Nelson unquestionably felt himselfattached to her ladyship. When the Queen of Naples found, that nothingcould induce Sir William to leave his lady behind, her majestyimmediately 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'saccepting. He maintained, that he could not suffer his lady to take it, without subjecting them both to unmerited suspicions at home; and herladyship, impressed with similar sentiments, instantly tore the paperin pieces. The Queen of Naples, however, persisting in her desire topromote, if possible, the interests of her estimable and belovedfriends, now penned an elegant epistle to her Britannic majesty, inwhich she is said to have recommended Sir William and Lady Hamilton asworthy of receiving every possible honour. 

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

On the following day, Lord Nelson departed for Dresden, the capital ofSaxony; and, after a few stages, quitting the direct road, turned offtowards the Upper Elbe, for the purpose of embarking at Leitmeritz, andproceeding down that celebrated river: a circuitous but agreeable route, to which his lordship had been recommended, that he might escape therough and dangerous passes, and stoney roads, of the dreadful mountainand limitropic barrier of Peterswald, which extends to within two stagesof Dresden. His lordship was much amused by this freshwater voyage; andviewed with delight the stupendous rocks of basaltes through which theElbe here securely wound it's way, amidst scenes of such impressivegrandeur. In two days they reached Dresden, and took up their residenceat 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'sbrother, came also, the same day, to pay his grateful respects to SirWilliam and Lady Hamilton, in return for their polite attentions to hishighness while at Naples, where he had been for two months entertainedby their excellencies; as well as to be introduced to our immortal hero, whom he was induced emphatically to denominate, on this occasion, "_theGlory of the World_. "

A message having been sent, from the elector, that the celebratedDresden Gallery would be open for the inspection of his lordship andfriends, Sir William's love of the arts soon led them thither; and theladies of the electoral court, who had given orders to be informed whenthey should arrive, contrived to gratify their curiosity, by thusgaining a sight of our hero, previously to his public introduction. Theparty remained eight days at Dresden, while two gondolas were fitted upwith chambers, and other conveniences, to convey them to Hamburgh;having a small boat attached to one of them, for the purpose of sendingoccasionally on shore. During the time of making these preparations, there was a grand entertainment given to them at court; they visited allpublic places; and accepted invitations to dine with the differentforeign ministers. 

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

Lord Nelson, who had never, till this journey, experienced the pleasuresof travelling by any inland navigation, was anxious to behold, andinquisitive to know, every thing. When night came on, his lordship andSir William Hamilton often amused themselves, by playing together theirfavourite game of cribbage: and, not unfrequently, while passing downthis river, was the hero's busy mind actively employed in forming newplans for future naval attacks; the operations of which, he fullydemonstrated to his admiring friends, by instantaneously sketching roughand hasty illustrations of his ideas, must necessarily prove sodecisively successful, that the affair off the Nile, the heromaintained, would hereafter be considered as nothing. Mr. Oliver, hislordship's confidential secretary and interpreter, who had, during thewhole of this voyage, been occasionally dispatched on shore with aservant, in the small boat rowed by two men, was landed within twostages of Hamburgh, to take a post-carriage; announce their approach;and prepare the apartments for their reception, which had been hired bythe British consul: and, on the twelfth day after quitting Dresden, theparty arrived safely at Hamburgh, where they were greeted with the mostrapturous rejoicings. 

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

At a grand fête given by the English merchants to Lord Nelson and hisfriends, his lordship, after dinner, addressed the company, consistingof all the principal people of Hamburgh, in a very admirable speech, expressive of the high sense which he entertained of their indulgentregards: and having, a few days before, been to visit the British consulat Altona, who was a brother of his friend Captain. Cockburne, fromwhence his lordship, with Sir William and Lady Hamilton, had notreturned to Hamburgh till after the gates had been long closed, and wereconsequently under the necessity, of waiting a considerable time beforepermission could be obtained for admitting them into the city; hislordship, ingeniously adverting to the circumstance, remarked that hehad happily experienced a specimen of the difficulties which the Frenchwere likely to encounter, should they ever approach the gates ofHamburgh; and trusted that the worthy inhabitants would always be foundready as obstinately to defend them against their worst enemies, as theyhad recently done against their most sincere friend. Lord Nelson, atthis fête, lost one of the large diamonds from the grand sword given tohim by the King of Naples; which, notwithstanding the greatly boastedsecurity of property, from the depredations of theft, in thiswell-governed city, was never afterwards recovered by his lordship. Themerchants, however, much to their honour, would have replaced it byanother of equal value, at the expence of eight hundred pounds, but hislordship could not be induced to accept any gift on such an occasion. 

Among the numerous interesting occurrences while Lord Nelson and hisfriends remained at Hamburgh, there are some which seem to meritparticular notice, as highly illustrative of amiable characteristicsboth in our hero himself and the generality of the different persons towhom they also relate. 

A venerable clergyman, apparently between seventy and eighty years ofage, was perceived one morning by his lordship, with a large book underhis arm, anxiously looking towards the door of his apartment, with themost expressive solicitude depicted in his countenance. His lordship, immediately, with his ever prompt kindness and humanity, desired Mr. Oliver to enquire what was the object of his wish. Having learned, thathe was the pastor of a place forty miles distant, who had travelled thusfar with his parochial bible, in the first leaf of which he wanted theimmortal hero to inscribe his name, his lordship instantly admitted himinto his presence; readily complied with his request; and then, takinghim kindly by the hand, heartily wished the patriarchal and spiritualshepherd a safe return to his rural flock. The aged and pious ministersuddenly dropped on his knee: fervently imploring Heaven to bless hislordship, for so generously condescending to indulge his wish; andsolemnly declaring that he should now be happy till it pleased God tocall him, when he would die contented, having thus done homage to, andobtained favour from, "_the Saviour of the Christian World_. "

Another circumstance, of still greater singularity, occurred atHamburgh, relative to a wine-merchant. This gentleman, who was likewisemore than seventy years of age, and of a very respectable appearance, had requested to speak with Lady Hamilton. Her ladyship, accordingly, condescendingly admitted him to a private audience; when he informedher, through the medium of Mr. Oliver, who interpreted for both parties, that he had some excellent old Rhenish wine, of the vintage of 1625, andwhich had been in his own possession more than fifty years. This, hesaid, had been preserved for some very extraordinary occasion; and onehad now arrived, far beyond any he could ever have expected. In short, he flattered himself that, by the kind recommendation of her ladyship, the great and glorious Lord Nelson might be prevailed onto accept sixdozen bottles of this incomparable wine: part of which, he observed, would then have the honour to flow with the heart's blood of thatimmortal hero; a reflection which could not fail to render himself themost fortunate man in existence, during the remainder of his days. Hislordship being informed of these curious particulars, immediately cameinto the apartment, and took the old gentleman kindly by the hand, butpolitely declined his present. He was, however, finally persuaded toaccept of six bottles, on condition that the worthy wine-merchant shoulddine with him next day. This being readily agreed, a dozen bottles weresent; and his lordship, jocosely remarking that he yet hoped to havehalf a dozen more great victories, protested he would keep six bottlesof his Hamburgh friend's wine, purposely to drink a bottle after each. This his lordship did not fail to remember, on coming home, after thebattle of Copenhagen; when he "_devoutly drank the donor_. " It is said, that this winemerchant, soon after Lord Nelson had first taken him bythe hand, happening to meet with an old friend, who was about to salutehim in a similar way, immediately declined the intended kindness, andsaid he could not suffer any person to touch the hand which had been sohighly honoured by receiving that of Lord Nelson. Certain it is, thatthis man felt so overcome by his excessive sensibility, that heliterally shed tears of joy during the whole time he was in our hero'spresence. 

At a grand public breakfast, given to Lord Nelson and his friends, byBaron Berteuil, formerly the French ambassador at the court of Naples, the celebrated General Dumourier was introduced to his lordship. LordNelson, notwithstanding his general aversion to Frenchmen, had afavourable opinion of this able and intelligent officer; and said tohim, that he hoped they should both, in future, fight hand in hand forthe good cause: adding, as there was then some prospect of GeneralDumourier's being employed in the British service, that there was noperson, if we were to have joint operations by sea and land, with whomhe would sooner act. The general was so overpowered by this generosityand grandeur of soul in our hero, that he could only articulate--"GreatNelson! brave Nelson! I am unable to speak. I cannot make any reply toyour goodness!" His lordship, finding the circumstances of GeneralDumourier very humble, for a man of his merits, kindly sent him aweighty purse, next day, by Mr. Oliver, to whom the general feelinglyexpressed the utmost thankfulness. 

While Lord Nelson remained at Hamburgh, he received, one morning, a veryextraordinary visit. An Englishman, of gentlemanly address, called onhis lordship, and requested to speak with him in private. Sir WilliamHamilton, conceiving the stranger's appearance to be suspicious, particularly as he held one hand under his coat, advised his lordshipnot to withdraw. Our hero replied that, though he had never beforediffered with Sir William in opinion, he must decidedly do so now. Hefelt conscious, be said, that he had done no ill; and, therefore, dreaded none. He then, with firmness, bade the stranger follow him intoanother apartment; who soon gave his lordship to understand, that he wasno less a personage, than the famous Major Semple, of swindlingnotoriety. With a considerable degree of feeling, he detailed hismiserable situation: an outcast from society; in the deepest distress;avoided, and despised, by every body. Lord Nelson protested, that he hadnot expected the honour of such a visit; but, nevertheless, returning toSir William and Lady Hamilton, and mentioning who it was, kindlyasked--"What shall we do for the poor devil?" They accordingly gave him, between them, a purse of twenty guineas: his lordship tenderlyremarking, that he seemed a man of talents; who had, probably, from somefirst error of early life, unchecked by friendly advice or assistance, finally sunk into a state of, perhaps, irrecoverable ignominy. 

His lordship, on arriving at Hamburgh, had written for a frigate, toconvey him and his friends to England; but, as it was not sent, he hireda packet at Cuxhaven, which was sent up the river, as far as the villaof Mr. Power, about five miles from Hamburgh: where the party embarked;and, after a voyage of five days, in very stormy weather, arrived offYarmouth, on Thursday the 6th of November. 

A pilot immediately came out, on beholding them in the offing; but, awedby his sense of danger, and the consideration of who and what were onboard, he was afraid to undertake getting the vessel in. Lord Nelson, who thought a seaman ought not to fear any thing, asked him if it werenot his trade; and, immediately ordering him a glass of liquor, said itwould inspirit him to take the ship over the bar, where the pilot hadexpressed his opinion there was by no means a sufficient depth of water. His lordship, however, was resolved that the experiment should be tried:and, accordingly, they got safely into the harbour; though not without aconsiderable degree of that horrible grating of the ship's bottom, whileforcing it's way through the sands, which so often thrills those whonavigate this perilous road. The weather being bad, his lordship andfriends, on landing, went into a carriage; from which the shoutingmultitude, who had hailed his arrival, instantly detached the horses, and drew them to the Wrestlers Inn. All the ships in the harbour hoistedtheir colours, and every honour was paid to his lordship by AdmiralDickson, the then commander of the fleet. The Mayor and Corporation ofYarmouth immediately waited on his lordship with the freedom of thetown; which, in consequence of his eminent services, had been previouslyvoted. With the blundering fatality, however, that seldom fails to marksome member in almost every town-corporate, on any extraordinaryoccasion, when the usual oath was tendered to his lordship, who placedhis left and only hand on the book, the officer who administered itincautiously exclaimed--"Your right hand, my lord!" His lordship, with agood-humoured smile, mildly reminded him that he had no right hand. Thesurrounding company, however, were less merciful; and not only indulgedan immediate hearty laugh at his expence, but sarcastically fastened onhim, for ever after, the unfortunate phrase--_"Your right hand, mylord_!" In the mean time, all the troops quartered in the town paradedbefore the inn, with their regimental band; paying every military honourto his lordship, and firing _feux de joie_. The corporation, afterpresenting Lord Nelson with the freedom, went in procession, with hislordship, to church; whither he was also attended by all the navalofficers on shore, as well as the principal inhabitants, who joined hislordship in this public thanksgiving to the Almighty, on thus landing inhis native country. At night, the whole town was illuminated, bonfireswere kindled, and discharges of musketry and ordnance continued tillmidnight. On quitting the town, next day, the corps of VolunteerCavalry, commanded by William Palgrave, Jun. Esq. Now Collector of theCustoms at the port of Yarmouth, and who had paid his lordship andfriends the most polite attentions, unexpectedly drew up, saluted, andfollowed the carriage; not only to the town's end, but as far as theextreme boundary of the county of Norfolk: a mark of respect, which toosensibly impressed his lordship, ever to be forgotten; and, accordingly, he never afterwards went to Yarmouth, without making his first visit toMr. Palgrave. 

In Suffolk, his lordship was no less honoured than in his native county. The people of Ipswich came out to meet him, and dragged the carriage amile into town; and, on his leaving it, drew it three miles out. Whenhis lordship was Captain of the Agamemnon, he had felt desirous to bereturned member for this town, and some leading men of the thencorporation had been consulted by a friend. The terms, however, weresuch as could not be listened to; and his lordship, shrewdly observingthat he would endeavour to find a preferable path intoparliament--meaning, no doubt, that which so honourably conducted himinto the House of Peers, instead of the House of Commons--wrote to hissister, Mrs. Bolton, that there might a time come, when the people ofIpswich would think it an honour for him to have ever represented them;a time which, most certainly, had now long since arrived. 

At Colchester, in Essex, and every other place through which hislordship passed, he was received with similar demonstrations of joy, andexperienced every respectful attention. 

On Sunday, the 9th, his lordship arrived in London; and immediatelyproceeded to Nerot's Hotel, King Street, St. James's; where Lady Nelson, and his lordship's venerable father, who were just arrived from Norfolk, had taken up their residence. His lordship, who was dressed in a fulluniform, with three stars on his breast, and two gold medals, waswelcomed by repeated huzzas from a prodigious crowd, who had followedthe carriage from the moment they knew who was arrived. Theseaffectionate testimonies of public regard, were most courteouslyreturned by his lordship, who bowed continually to the enrapturedmultitude. Every eye beamed with pleasure to behold him; every heartexulted in the possession of such a hero; every tongue imploredblessings from Heaven on the honoured protector of his country. If thesewere the obvious feelings of those who could boast no nearer affinitythan that of being the fellow-subjects of this exalted man, what was notto be expected from such as were closely allied to him by the ties ofblood: the father, from whom he derived his existence; the wife, whom hehad so disinterestedly selected from society, to participate in all hisearthly honours and enjoyments? That his worthy father did, indeed, receive him with a heart which overflowed with paternal love, is not tobe doubted: to the Christian and the father, however, was he indebtedfor the ardent and sincere embrace; while the tear of rapture wasblended with that of regret, drawn by imputations of apprehended privateguilt dreadfully detracting from the honourable list of his son's knownpublic virtues. The duteous hero, unconscious of crime, happilyperceived not, in his beloved father, any symptoms of suspicion. At theobvious coldness of her ladyship, however, the warmth of hisaffectionate heart felt a petrifying chill, which froze for ever thegenial current of supreme regard that had hitherto flowed with puritythrough the inmost recesses of his soul. This is a topic which must, forevident reasons, be touched with a tender hand. Woe to the woman who, wedded to a man with superlative merits, whatever they may be, which areacknowledged and admired by all the world, feels alone insensible of herhusband's transcendent worth! Where there is genius, the warmth ofaffection is seldom wanting; if it be not returned with ardour, itkindles into a fierce and dangerous flame. Lady Nelson's ideas were solittle congenial with those of his lordship, that she is said never tohave asked him a single question relative to that glorious victory whichhad so astonished the world. On the contrary, all the scandalousinsinuations, and licentious remarks, with which the Jacobinical foreignjournalists had filled their pestiferous pages, relative to our heroand his friends in Italy, and which had found their way into the mostthoughtless and depraved of our own newspapers, were preserved for hislordship's immediate amusement. Without introducing the reader behindthe sacred veil of the connubial curtain, let it suffice to say, thatLord Nelson rose at an early hour, and went to visit Sir William andLady Hamilton; where, at least, he was always sure to behold the actualexistence of conjugal happiness. He related, in a few words, the natureof his situation; and assured Sir William that, such was his misery, itwould be mercy to dispatch him. These amiable friends did all they couldto tranquilize his perturbed spirits; and their soothing consolationssucceeded, at length, in calming the tempest by which his feeling bosomwas so cruelly agitated. A temporary reconciliation was soon effected;the contrariety of sentiment, however, between the parties, gave butlittle hope of it's ever proving permanent. In the mean time, as the 9thof November happened this year to be Sunday, the Lord-Mayor's day, inLondon, was kept on Monday the 10th; and Lord Nelson, being particularlyinvited to the civic festivity, joined the procession in it's return. His lordship was accompanied by his inseparable friend, Sir WilliamHamilton; it having been long mutually agreed, between them, that theywould never visit any place where both were not equally welcome. Thecarriage had no sooner reached the top of Ludgate Hill, than thecitizens took out the horses, and drew him to Guildhall; the ladies, from the windows, all the way round St. Paul's Church-yard, alongCheapside, and down King Street, waving their handkerchiefs as the heropassed, and using every other expression of admiration and applause. After a most sumptuous dinner, to which the company sat down at sixo'clock, had been succeeded by the usual toasts, a very elegant sword, richly ornamented--the handle being of solid gold, covered with blueenamel, and studded with diamonds, the guard supported by anchors, withthe figure of a crocodile, as emblematical of the battle off theNile--and which had been voted, as formerly mentioned, immediately afterreceiving information of that glorioas victory, was presented to hislordship by Richard Clarke, Esq. Chamberlain of the City of London; who, at the same time, delivered the following address. 

 "LORD NELSON!

 "In chearful obedience to a unanimous resolution of the right honourable the lord-mayor, aldermen, and commons, of the city of London, in common-council assembled, I present your lordship with the thanks of the court, for the very important victory obtained by a squadron of his majesty's ships under your command, over a superior French fleet, off the mouth of the Nile, on the 1st of August 1798: a victory, splendid and decisive; unexampled in naval history; and reflecting the highest honour on the courage and abilities of your lordship, and your officers, and the discipline and irresistible bravery of British seamen; and which must be productive of the greatest advantages to this country, and to every part of the civilized world, by tending to frustrate the designs of our implacable enemy, and by rouzing other nations to unite and resist their unprincipled ambition. 

 "As a farther testimony of the high esteem which the court entertains of your lordship's public services, and of the eminent advantages which you have rendered your country, I have the honour to present your lordship this sword. 

 "The consequences of the action I am thus called upon to applaud, are perhaps unequalled in the history of mankind. A numerous army, which had triumphed in Europe over brave and veteran troops, commanded by officers of the most established reputation, landed in Egypt, under the command of him who now sways the Gallic sceptre, with designs of the most ambitious and extensive nature. One of their objects, as acknowledged by themselves, was to annihilate, by degrees, the English East-India trade; and, finally, to get into their possession the whole commerce of Africa and Asia. Such were the gigantic views of our implacable foe; and such confidence had they in the fleet which conveyed them, and in the station which it took on the coast of the devoted country, that it bade defiance to the whole navy of Britain: but, at this momentous period, the Almighty directed your lordship, as his chosen instrument, to check their pride, and crush their force as a maritime power during the present contest. The circumstances attending this grand display of providential interposition and British prowess, must interest the feelings of every Englishman. Had a space been chosen, to exhibit to the world a struggle for superiority in nautical skill, and personal valour, between the two greatest naval powers of the globe, none could have been more happily selected. The three grand divisions of the ancient world were witnesses; and the shores which had beheld the destruction of the Persian navy by the Greeks, and the heroic acts of Sesostris, now resounded with the echo of British thunder. To your lordship belongs the praise of having added glory to such a scene: the heroes we applaud, would themselves have applauded us; and he who, ages since, led his three hundred against an almost countless host, might on that proud day have wished himself a Briton. 

 "The thanks of your country, my lord, attend you; it's honours await you: but, a higher praise than even these imply, is your's--In the moment of unexampled victory, you saved your country: in the next moment, you did still more--you exemplified that virtue which the heathen world could not emulate; and, in the pious--"_Non nobis Domine_!" of your modest dispatches, you have enforced a most important truth--that the most independant conqueror felt, in the most intoxicating point of time, the influence and protection of Him whom our enemies, to their shame and ruin, had foolishly and impiously defied. May that same Power, my lord, ever protect and reward you! May it long, very long, spare to this empire so illustrious a teacher, and so potent a champion!"

To this highly respectable address, Lord Nelson instantly replied--

 "SIR, "It is with the greatest pride, and satisfaction, that I receive, from the honourable court, this testimony of their approbation of my conduct: and, with this very sword, "[_Holding it up, in his only hand_] "I hope soon to aid in reducing our implacable and inveterate enemy to proper and due limits; without which, this country can neither hope for, nor expect, a solid, honourable, and permanent peace. "

His lordship was highly gratified with his city reception, on this dayof annual festivity. He was ever a great friend to the grand display ofa London Lord-Mayor's shew: not on account of the pageantry and paradeof such a public spectacle; but, as he expressed himself to his friends, for the sake of it's beneficial effects on youthful minds. It was, hecontended, a holiday without loss of time: since the hope of one dayriding in the gilt coach of the Lord Mayor, excited a laudable emulationin the breast of every ingenuous city apprentice, which made themafterwards apply themselves, with redoubled diligence, to the businessof their respective masters; and, by thus fixing them in industrioushabits, could not fail of proving finally advantageous to themselves. 

Not only the city of London, but the whole nation, through everygradation of rank, from the sovereign on the throne to the occupier ofthe humblest hut gratefully regarded the hero of the Nile as the personto whom they were chiefly indebted for the security and comfort theyenjoyed; and there was, perhaps, scarcely a house which his lordshipcould enter, in the British dominions, or even those of our allies, where he would have been welcomed with a less affectionate aspect thanhis own. 

Having taken up his residence in Dover Street, he naturally wished toenjoy the society of his nearest and dearest relatives; from whom hehad, in the discharge of his professional duties, been so long divided. Few of these, however, had, during his lordship's absence, met with anyexcess of respectful civilities from her ladyship; and, of course, though now affectionately invited, their visits by no means appeared toaugment her felicity. Lady Nelson's nerves could not bear the constantpresence of his lordship's young nephews and nieces; while hislordship, fond of virtue in every shape, never felt happier than whensurrounded by the amiable children of his brother and sisters. Here wasanother want of unison in sentiment; and, consequently, a considerablesource of discord. It will be sufficient, to hint a few such unhappyincongruities of disposition, to account for that extreme deficiency ofharmony between the parties which afterwards led to a separation bymutual consent. The present Earl and Countess Nelson, there can be nodoubt, will long remember the mortifying _hauteur_ which they so oftenexperienced from her ladyship, even at their brother's table, as well ason other occasions, where they were then deemed of insufficientconsequence to appear in company with so lofty a personage as theirelevated sister-in-law, over whom they now triumph in rank: such are thefluctuations of fortune; such, not unfrequently, the salutary checks tothe career of a vain ambition. 

Lady Nelson unfortunately regarded all his lordship's relations as thenatural enemies of her son; whom she seems, unaccountably, to haveconsidered as the rightful heir of her husband's honours. Thisimprovident young man, however, far from conciliating hisfather-in-law's esteem, had insulted him with more grossness than hislordship ever experienced from any other person; and, consequently, estranged himself, as much as possible, from his heart. Had any otherhuman being acted exactly in the same manner, it is not improbable thathis life might have paid the forfeiture. What a source was this, too, for domestic inquietude! In short, without any charge of criminalityagainst her ladyship, the unfortunate tempers of herself and son, solittle accordant with that of his lordship, conduced to render our hero, amidst all the honours he was every where deservedly receiving, the mostmiserable mortal in existence. After one of those too frequent domesticbroils, by which his life was embittered, this exalted man, of whom theworld was scarcely worthy, had wandered all night, through the streetsof London, in a state of absolute despair and distraction. He rambled asfar as the city; perambulated Fleet Market, Blackfriars Bridge, &c. And, exhausted with fatigue, as well as overpowered by mental suffering, reached the house of Sir William Hamilton, in Grosvenor Square, aboutfour in the morning; where, having obtained admittance, he threw himselfon the bed of his alarmed friends, in an agony of grief much toopoignant for expression. The soothing voice of friendship; thesympathetic tenderness of such congenial minds; and the manifestinterest which they felt in the affecting recital which his lordshipventured to unbosom; all assisted, by degrees, to calm the tremendoushurricane in his perturbed breast. After his lordship was refreshed, andhad taken a little rest, his friend, Sir William, persuaded him to seekthat happiness in his professional pursuits, which it seemed unlikely bewould ever find at home; and, that very day, it is said, his lordshipoffered his services at the Admiralty, where they were gladly accepted. 

On the 1st of January 1801, he was elevated to the rank of Vice-Admiralof the Blue: and, on the 9th, ordered to hoist his flag on board the SanJosef, of a hundred and twelve guns, one of the Spanish prizes taken byhimself in the battle off Cape St. Vincent, and then lying at PlymouthDock; which he accordingly did, on the 17th of the same month. 

On the 28th, his lordship received orders to put himself under thecommand of his old friend, the Earl of St. Vincent; and, as soon as theSan Josef should be in all respects ready for sea, to proceed with thatship to Torbay. 

In the mean time, the memorable Quixottical insanity of the RussianEmperor Paul, having operated, with the intrigues of France, to producean intended naval confederacy of the northern nations against themaritime power of Great Britain, it was wisely determined, by the thenBritish government, instantly to crush a design pregnant with suchalarming consequences. For this purpose, a powerful fleet was nowfitting out, under Admiral Sir Hyde Parker; which, while it conveyed tothe triple league of the Danes, the Swedes, and the Russians, the mostunequivocal desire of preserving peace, on the part of Great Britain, should carry with it the fearless front of a decided readiness tocommence, if necessary, immediate hostilities. 

Lord Nelson having consented to go out second in command, on this grandand most important expedition, came to London, for a few days, previously to his departure: when his lordship learned, with no smalldegree of surprise, that Lady Nelson had given up the house, and wasretired to Brighthelmstone. His astonishment, at thus finding himselfwithout a house or home, is not easy to be described. He hastened to hisfriend Sir William Hamilton, and most pathetically represented hissituation. Sir William embraced him--"My dear friend! while I have ahouse, you can never want one. " Then, conducting him to hislady--"Emma, " exclaimed Sir William, "Lord Nelson says, he has no home. I say, he has, while I have one; what say you?" Her ladyship replied, that she was exactly of the same opinion. Lord Nelson opposed thisarrangement, on account of the slanders of the world: but Sir WilliamHamilton, with a noble disdain of malevolence, felt sufficientlysatisfied of the virtue in which he confided; and Lady Hamilton, whonever opposed Sir William in any thing, without affecting to raisesqueamish objections, readily signified her acquiescence. Lord Nelsonthen dropped on his knee, and piously appealed to Heaven, as witness ofthe purity of his attachment; and, with similar solemnity, they each, reciprocally, vowed an equally disinterested and indissolublefriendship. Such was the bond of that sincere amity which, whatever maybe said, the individuals who compose the world will generally beinclined to estimate, as they always do on such occasions, according tothe larger or lesser degree of vice or virtue which they respectivelyfind in their Own hearts. From this moment, it was agreed that, whilehis lordship should be in England, they would constantly residetogether: and, as no power on earth could have now prevailed on LordNelson again to live with his lady, who had carried her resentments muchfarther, in several respects, than it is thought necessary on thisoccasion to particularize, deeds of separation were soon after preparedand executed by mutual consent; the negociation of which was kindlyundertaken by Alexander Davison, Esq. His lordship's confidentialfriend. 

While Lord Nelson, the second in command, was thus seeking to escapeinfelicity, by a separation from his lady, which he had fully resolvedshould be brought to a conclusion previously to his return from thisexpedition; his old friend, Sir Hyde Parker, the commander in chief, wasequally desirous of securing happiness, prior to his departure, by theimmediate possession of a young wife. This difference in the state oftheir respective domesticities by no means operated to disturb theirharmony; though, doubtless, his lordship was rather in the greatesthurry to be gone. The few days while Lord Nelson remained in London werechiefly engaged at the Admiralty; where, happily, his mind was so muchabsorbed by the consideration of public affairs, and the formation ofdue professional arrangements, that his domestic concerns found fewerintervals for their unwelcome intrusion. Even while at the house of hisfriend Alexander Davison Esq. In St. James's Square, transacting his ownprivate business, so intent was his lordship on the public service that, when he mentioned, at the first proposal of the Copenhagen expedition, his intended going under Sir Hyde Parker--"If, " added his lordship, "Ihad the chief command, I know well enough what I would do. " Then, observing that his knowledge of the Cattegat was rather imperfect, andthat he should therefore wish to see a correct chart, he requested Mr. Davison would immediately send for one to Mr. Faden's shop at CharingCross. This being done, he said that government could spare only twelveships for the purpose; and, after examining the chart a very fewminutes, he positively marked on it the situations of those twelve shipsexactly as they were afterwards placed on that memorable occasion. Thisextraordinary anecdote of Lord Nelson, his biographer had the honour toreceive from Mr. Davison's own lips, in the very parlour where thecircumstance occurred; and it affords an admirable proof of our hero'swonderful promptness and decision, as well as of his ardent zeal for theservice of his country. 

His lordship's flag had been shifted to the St. George, a second rate ofninety-eight guns; the San Josef, which he left at Torbay, being unfitfor the intended service in the north seas. After joining part of thesquadron at Spithead, they proceeded to Yarmouth, where the wholearmament, consisting of fifty-two sail of various descriptions, unfortunately lessened by the loss of the Invincible of seventy-fourguns, which struck on a shoal off Winterton, having been assembled, andfully prepared, took their departure on the 12th of March 1801. 

Early in the morning of the 18th, land was discovered; and next day, about noon, the British fleet made the Scaw, or Scagen, the firstgeneral rendezvous. This low point of sandy and apparently barren land, which is the most northernly part of the peninsula of North Jutland, iseleven or twelve leagues distant from Marstrand Island on the Swedishshore. At both these points, the Danes and Swedes have respectivelyerected light-houses; for the support of which, all vessels passing theSound, or entering the Swedish ports, are required to contribute: theentrance between the Scaw Lights and the Cattegat being considered asthe entrance to the Cattegat. As it was well known, that the Danes weremaking every possible effort to obstruct the passage of the Sound, andrender Copenhagen inaccessible to the approach of gun-vessels, muchsurprise was expressed, at the fleet's not being ordered to pass theCattegat, with a strong north north-west wind, so highly favourable tosuch a design. The commander in chief, however, was probably deterred, by the nature of his instructions, from committing the country, by aforcible passage of the Sound, till the effect of Mr. Vansittart'spacific propositions, who had preceded the fleet, on board a frigatewith a flag of truce, should be first fairly ascertained. This gentlemanhaving reached Elsineur the 20th of March, proposed to the Danishcourt, in conjunction with Mr. Drummond, the British minister atCopenhagen, the secession of Denmark from the northern alliance; theallowance of a free passage to the British fleet through the Sound; andan abandonment of the system of sending convoys for the protection ofDanish merchant vessels. These proposals being instantly rejected, thetwo British plenipotentiaries received passports for their return. 

In the mean time, the officers and crew of the fleet, by foul winds, with heavy falls of sleet, snow, and rain, added to a chilling cold, which they particularly experienced from the 21st to the 24th, sufferedconsiderable fatigue. This, with the delay, had a tendency to damp theardour of the enterprise; and Lord Nelson, aware of all theconsequences, would gladly have discarded much of that diplomaticetiquette which finally proved, as he had from the first supposed itwould do, quite unimpressive with the Danes. Still less did he regardthe discouraging suggestions of ignorant and designing pilots, whoseexaggerated accounts of the difficulties to be surmounted, when thecommander in chief had resolved on forcing the passage of the Sound, represented the enterprise as more practicable, and less hazardous, bythe circuitous passage of the Great Belt. Though Lord Nelson's mindcould not be thus induced to fluctuate, and was decidedly for theimmediate passage of the Sound, when the Great Belt appeared to bepreferred--"Let us, then, go by the Great Belt!" said the hero. Impatient for action, he was desirous of proceeding by any way whichmight soonest lead to the object. 

On the 26th, at day-break, the fleet got under weigh, and stood to thewestward; for the purpose, as was generally imagined, of passing theGreat Belt; and Captain Murray, of the Edgar, who had, the precedingsummer, surveyed that entrance to the Baltic with a degree of precisionhitherto unknown, tendered his services for the purpose. The facilitywith which this passage might be effected, by the aid of so active andintelligent an officer, where the Danes had only a single guard-ship, left little room to doubt that it would be adopted. This, however, wasnot done. Several vessels from the Baltic, on this and the followingday, passed the Sound, under Prussian colours; and they were permittedto proceed, notwithstanding it was then sufficiently ascertained thatPrussia had also acceded to this confederacy against Great Britain. 

On the 27th, Sir Hyde Parker, acting under his instructions, dispatcheda flag of truce, with the following note, to the Governor of CronenbergCastle, "From the hostile transactions of the Court of Denmark, and sending away his Britannic Majesty's Charge d'Affaires, the commander in chief of his majesty's fleet is anxious to know what the determination of the Danish Court is--and whether the commanding officer of Cronenberg Castle has received orders to fire on the British fleet as they pass into the Sound?--as he must deem the firing; of the first gun a declaration of war on the part of Denmark. 

 "Hyde Parker. "

To these enquiries, this answer was returned by the Danish Governor. 

 "I have the honour to inform your excellency, that his Majesty, the King of Denmark, did not send away the Charge d'Affaires; but that, on his own demand, he obtained a passport. As a soldier, I cannot meddle with politics; but, I am not at liberty to suffer a fleet, whose intention is not yet known, to approach the guns of the castle which I have the honour to command. In case your excellency should think proper to make any proposals to the King of Denmark, I wish to be informed thereof before the fleet approaches nearer to the castle. 

 "Heer Stricker. "

After receiving the above reply, the British commander in chiefimmediately sent notice to the Danish Governor--That, finding theintentions of the Court of Denmark to be hostile against his BritannicMajesty, he regarded his excellency's answer as a declaration of war;and, therefore, agreeable to his instructions, could no longer refrainfrom hostilities, however repugnant it might be to his feelings: butthat, at the same time, the admiral would be ready to attend to anyproposals of the Court of Denmark, for restoring the former amity andfriendship, which had for so many years subsisted between the twocourts. During these negociations, an officer of distinction, high infavour with the crown prince, coming on board the admiral, with a verbalanswer to one of our proposals, and finding some difficulty inexpressing, with sufficient accuracy, the sentiments of his court, wasrequested to communicate them in writing; when, a pen being brought forthis purpose, which happened to be ill pointed, he held it up, andremarked, with a sarcastic smile--"If your guns are not better pointedthan your pens, you will make little impression on Copenhagen. " Certainit is, that the Danes, who were conscious of having taken everyprecaution which science could suggest for the defence of their country, entertained very little doubt that the British fleet would be compelledto retire, should it even venture to make an attack. The Sound wasprotected, on the Swedish side, by the fort of Helsingberg; and, on thatof Denmark, by the Castle of Cronenberg: each of them garrisoned withforces very sufficient to withstand any attack. Besides this formidableopposition, numerous strong batteries were erected on the Danish shore, through the tremendous fire of which it was thought quite impracticablefor any hostile fleet to pass. As for Copenhagen, it was, from theexcellent state of it's ancient fortresses, the different batteriesrecently constructed, and the numerous well-disciplined troops by whichthey were manned, considered as absolutely impregnable. 

On the 28th, the order to prepare for battle was received, as usual, bythe British tars, with the loudest acclamations of joy; and they weresoon convinced, that the passage of the Sound had been at length decidedon. Nothing was now wanting to their felicity, but the appointment of apopular leader: and, happily for their country, and even for those whoopposed them, this service was allotted to Lord Nelson; who, for thatpurpose, had judged it advisable to shift his flag on board theElephant, commanded by his gallant and judicious friend, the HonourableCaptain Thomas Foley. 

The ships were now cleared for action, with an alacrity and expeditionalmost incredible: and, on the 30th, the wind having become favourable, the British fleet weighed, and formed the order of battle, Lord Nelsonleading the van-division; and all safely passed the Sound, thecelebrated Key of the Baltic, in about four hours, without havingreceived the smallest damage from any of the Danish artillery. The onlycasualty, indeed, of this day, happened on board the Isis; where six orseven men were killed or wounded, by the bursting of a lower-deck gun. It is to be observed, however, that the Swedish batteries were veryprudently silent, which afforded our ships an opportunity of keeping ata sufficient distance from the shore of Denmark; where a heavy andwell-supported fire had commenced, from the whole line of theirpositions, at half-past six in the morning, when the Monarch, which hadthe honour of leading the fleet, appeared sufficiently advanced to benearly within their range: a compliment which was soon returned, andwith far better effect, on the town of Elsineur, by the leading ships, as well as by some of those which composed the centre and reardivisions. 

The Danes, from a long received opinion in Europe, that the possessionof Cronenberg Castle gave them an uncontrouled command of the passage ofthe Sound, have exacted, for more than a century, the undisputed rightof levying contributions on all vessels trading to and from the Baltic, in proportion to the value of the cargoes: an imposition so sanctionedby time, that they considered any augmentation to the works assuperfluous; and, relying on the co-operation of the Swedes, hadfortunately neglected to render the approach more difficult, by forminga line of floating-batteries. 

The channel of the Sound offers a prospect of very singular interest. Onthe right, appear the territories of Denmark; the islands of Saltholmand Amak, with part of Zealand; and Copenhagen, the capital of thekingdom, nearly in the front. The shore of Denmark presents a continuedsuccession of fertile plains, umbrageous woods, rich meadows, ruralmansions, neat villas, and embellished gardens; while the Swedish sidechiefly exhibits, with much excellent pasture, a mountainous andpicturesque coast. The island of Nuen, too, famous for the Observatoryof the celebrated Tycho Brahe, fails not to attract the attention ofevery curious voyager: from whence the eye, looking back, perceives thefortresses of Elsineur, Cronenberg, and Helsingberg, apparently unite, bounding a vast lake to the north; but, on advancing, immediatelydescries the ocean, and the whole extent of the plain of Copenhagen, with it's capacious port crouded by vessels, and it's highly cultivatedenvirons. On the side next the sea, this city, which is visible at thedistance of several miles, presents itself in all it's magnificence; andthe Gothic towers, with which it abounds, greatly engage the attentionof every spectator, as well by the loftiness of their spires, as by thevariety of their pleasingly grotesque decorations. The fortresss ofFredericstadt, supported on one side by the batteries of one of thearsenals, defends the entrance of the harbour: where there is, also, another battery; and where, as at this period, in case of necessity, anumber of flat-bottomed boats, and floating-batteries, may likewise bestationed. 

It appears that Sir Hyde Parker had, with the soundest discretion, nowleft every thing, but the nominal chief command, to our hero; who, withhis usual alertness on all important occasions, lost not a singlemoment in preparing for the grand attack of the Danish capital. "Theattempt, " observes an ingenious eye-witness, said to be Mr. Fergusson, surgeon of the Elephant, "was arduous in the extreme; no common minddurst have conceived it, but it was suited to the exalted heroism ofhis. As his was the invigorating spirit of the counsel that planned theattack; so, in the execution, he only could have commanded success. "During the interval which preceded the battle, the passage to the sceneof action being very little known, and extremely intricate, his lordshiphad the soundings accurately made under his own eye and observation, andthe several buoys laid which were to direct the passage of the fleet;the vast fatigue of this employ was too much for his tenderconstitution, and had nearly proved fatal, but he was happilyre-invigorated by his excessive zeal. With the most indefatigableattention, did he prescribe every measure to be adopted by all ranks anddegrees under his command; and there was no possible position that couldhave been contrived by the enemy, for which he was not effectuallyprepared, "I could only admire, " says Mr. Fergusson, modestlydisclaiming nautical science, "when I saw the first man in all the worldspend the hours of the day and the night in boats; and wonder, when thelight shewed me a path, marked by buoys, which was trackless thepreceding evening. " It had been agreed, with Sir Hyde Parker, that hislordship should proceed with twelve ships of the line, and all thefrigates, bomb-ketches, fire-ships, and other vessels, to Draco Point, ashort distance from Copenhagen, for the purpose of making his finaldispositions for the attack; waiting, there, the favourable effect of awind to the southward: and the commander in chief was to weigh anchor, with his division, whenever his lordship should proceed to the immediatescene of action; thus menacing, by his advance, the Crown Batteries, together with four ships or hulks which lay near for the protection ofthe arsenal, as well as covering any vessels which might happen to bedisabled in an attack where they must necessarily be so prodigiouslyexposed. Being now fully prepared, his lordship, with that trulyChristian spirit which, in direct opposition to the puritanic cant ofpiety, was ever far more manifested by his actions than expressed by hislips, devoutly exclaimed--"Thank God, for having enabled me to getthrough this difficult and fatiguing part of my duty: which has, really, worn me down; and is infinitely more grievous to me, than any resistanceI can experience from an enemy!"

The subsequent circumstances, as described by Mr. Fergusson, are so verycharacteristically detailed, that they cannot fail highly to interestevery reader--"On the 1st of April, in the afternoon, " says thisingenious gentleman, "we took our departure from the main body of thefleet, then lying about four miles below Copenhagen; and coasted alongthe outer edge of the shoal called the Middle Ground, till we doubledit's farthest extremity, when the squadron cast anchor. This shoal, ofthe same extent as the sea-front of the town, lies exactly before it, atabout three quarters of a mile in distance. The interval between it andthe shore has deep water, and is called the King's Channel. There theDanes had arranged their line of defence, as near the town as possible. It consisted of nineteen ships and floating-batteries, flanked at thelower extremity by two artificial islands in the mouth of the harbour, called the Crown Batteries, and extended for about a mile along thewhole extent of the town, leaving intervals for the batteries on shoreto play. As our anchor dropped, at eight in the evening, Lord Nelsonemphatically called out, that he would fight them the moment he had afair wind. It came with the morning; and the signal to prepare forbattle, floated from our mast-head. He had spent the whole night inconsultation. The gallant and ever to be lamented Captain Riou neverleft him. Captain Hardy, too, was there, of course; and the brave andthe good Captain Foley. To mark the spirit which the presence andexample of Lord Nelson never failed to inspire, Captain Hardy, as soonas it became dark, had ventured along the enemy's line, in the smallestsized boat; and, as he went so near that the noise of throwing the leadmight have discovered him, he used a long pole, or rod, on which hemarked the depth of the water. About half past nine in the morning, thesignals of the different ships having been made, repeated, and answered, we had the mortification to see the Agamemnon get upon the edge of theshoal, on the first attempt to leave her anchorage, where she remainedimmovable. A similar misfortune followed, in succession, to the Russelland Polyphemus; and the Jamaica frigate, with a convoy of gun-boats andsmall craft, having fallen in with a counter-current, made the signal ofinability to come forward. A mind less invincible than Lord Nelson's, might have been discouraged. Though the battle was not began, yet he hadapproached the enemy; and he felt that he could not retreat, to wait forreinforcements, without compromising the glory of his country. His soul, too, was ever superior to common discouragements; and, the signal tobear down still kept it's place. His agitation, during these moments, was extreme. I never shall forget the impression that it made upon me!It was not, however, the agitation of indecision; but of ardent, animated patriotism, panting for glory, which had appeared within hisreach, and was vanishing from his grasp. The Edgar, at last, led in. Ishall not attempt to describe the scene that ensued, for language hasnot the power. We were received with the fire of more than a thousandguns! No sooner had all the ships got into their stations, than thecountenance of our chief brightened, and his good-humour flowed. As thefire rolled, his conversation became joyous, animated, elevated, anddelightful; for, confident of victory, he knew that his deck was, atthat moment, the most glorious theatre of human nature. For an hour, thebattle raged. Our fire was regular, distinctive, and terrible; that ofthe enemy was becoming desultory and ill-directed. When thesignal-lieutenant called out, that number 39, (to discontinue theaction) was thrown out by the commander in chief, then about four milesoff, Lord Nelson refused to believe it: but, when he was again assured, he exclaimed--"Then, damn the signal; take no notice of it, and hoistmine for closer battle: that is the way I answer such signals!" It flew, at the word; and every ship engaged respected it as soon as seen. Heagain exclaimed--"Now, nail mine to the mast!" and, turning to CaptainFoley, with admirable good-humour said--"Foley, you know I have lost aneye, and have a right to be blind when I like; and, damn me, if I'll seethat signal!"--pointing to Sir Hyde Parker's ship. At a quarter beforethree in the afternoon, the victory was compleat; the whole Danish line, that was drawn up before the town, having struck their colours, after adreadful defence, and their ships becoming untenable. The Elephant, theflag-ship, about an hour before, in veering away cable, to get oppositethe Crown Batteries, had stuck on a small middle shoal, and remainedfast: the same misfortune had happened to the Defiance; and, I believe, one more besides. To board the prizes was difficult; or, rather, impossible: for, being under the batteries of the town, no boat couldapproach them. Lord Nelson, therefore, sent a flag of truce, with thefollowing letter--

 "Lord Nelson has directions to spare Denmark, when no longer resisting; but, if the firing is continued on the part of Denmark, Lord Nelson will be obliged to set on fire all the floating-batteries he has taken, without having the power of saving the brave Danes who have defended them. 

 "Nelson and Bronte, "Vice-Admiral, under the command of "Admiral Sir Hyde Parker. 

 "Dated on board his Majesty's ship Elephant, Copenhagen Roads, "April 2, 1801. 

 "To the Brothers of Englishmen, the Danes. "

"It may be farther characteristic of his lordship, to mention that, whena wafer was brought for the above letter, he said--"No; bring me wax, and a match: this is no time to appear hurried and informal. " Anunfounded idea has prevailed, that the flag of truce was sent to coverhis own ships, which would inevitably have been destroyed if the Daneshad not been cajoled into an armistice; and the victory is, thereby, converted into a defeat: but the victory was too decisive, to be thusravished from his grasp. The enemy were compleatly horrified anddismayed, at the carnage and ruin which a dreadful contest of five hourshad involved them in. The batteries of the town were too far distant, tohave much effect even upon the ships aground; Sir Hyde Parker, with therest of the fleet, could soon have approached; and, as to the CrownBatteries, which alone were to be dreaded, the following disposition wasmade for carrying them--As the flag of truce left the admiral's ship, fifteen hundred of the choicest boarders, who had been selected from thewhole fleet previously to the action, descended into fifty boats, thirtymen in each boat. These boats were to be commanded by the HonourableColonel Stewart, and Captain Freemantle. The moment it could be known, that the flag of truce was refused, the boats were to have pushed forthe batteries. The fire of every gun in the fleet would have coveredtheir approach; a few minutes would have carried them there; and let anyone ask himself, what defence was to be expected from five hundred rawDanish soldiers, on an ill-built battery, that gave no cover--fatigued, besides, by the carnage of a terrible battle--against such assailants, flushed with victory, and irresistible in courage. " It may, however, beproper to remark, that we could have done little more than spiked theguns; as these batteries, being within the range of the fire of thecitadel, were not possible to have been long retained. 

The following note, in answer to that sent on shore by Lord Nelson, wasbrought in a flag of truce from Copenhagen, by General-AdjutantLindholm. 

 "His Royal Highness, the Crown Prince, has sent me, General-Adjutant Lindholm, on board, to his Britannic Majesty's Vice-Admiral, the Right Honourable Lord Nelson, to ask the particular object of sending the flag of truce?"

Though Sir Frederic Thesiger, formerly a commander in the Russianservice, and who had been recommended, by Earl Spencer, to accompanyLord Nelson as what is absurdly denominated, with a very reprehensiblespirit of Gallicism to introduce into the British navy, the admiral'saide-de-camp, had carried the flag of truce, with Lord Nelson's note, and was authorized verbally to enlarge on the humanity of it's import, some suspicions appear to have been entertained as to the true natureand extent of his lordship's object; and, therefore, General-AdjutantLindholm was thus commissioned to procure a farther explanation inwriting. His lordship, accordingly, addressed to the Government ofDenmark the following reply. 

 "Lord Nelson's object in sending the flag of truce, is humanity. He, therefore, consents that hostilities shall cease, till Lord Nelson can take his prisoners out of the prizes; and he consents to land all the wounded Danes, and to burn or remove his prizes. 

 "Lord Nelson, with humble duty to his royal highness, begs leave to say, that he will ever esteem it the greatest victory he ever gained, if this flag of truce may be the happy forerunner of a lasting and happy union, between his own most gracious sovereign and his majesty the King of Denmark. 

 "Nelson and Bronte. "Elephant, 2d April 1801. "

The Danish government, now wisely satisfied of Lord Nelson's sincerity, immediately invited him on shore, that a conference might be held withthe King of Denmark, for arranging the preliminaries of an amicabletreaty; and his lordship, without hesitation, visited Copenhagen in theafternoon of this very day. 

On landing at the quay, the carriage of a respectable merchant, by whomit had been purposely sent, was respectfully offered to his lordship:the royal carriage, intended for our hero's conveyance, not havingarrived sufficiently soon; owing to the suddenness of his arrival, andthe vast press of people who had assembled to behold him. Much has beensaid, respecting the temper of this prodigious multitude, on firstseeing the British hero among them: some protesting, that the conquerorof their country in the morning, was hailed, in the afternoon, as theirguardian angel--which, all things considered, he perhaps well deservedto have been; while others maintain, that the people's fury was soexcessive, and their knowledge of his lordship's views so imperfect, that they were with difficulty restrained from absolutely tearing inpieces the pacific hero who had thus, inspired by the most humane andgenerous sentiments, fearlessly ventured his person among them. It maybe very difficult, and cannot on this occasion prove of much importance, to ascertain the exact truth; which seldom resides in extremes, and isnot always found precisely in the centre, where dull and formal gravityis ever induced alone to seek it. Whatever might seem the momentary biasof the mob, they unquestionably proceeded to no actual outrage; and itis universally agreed, that the Danes, of all ranks, were no sooner madeacquainted with our hero's humane and generous motives, than theygreeted him with every testimony of the truest admiration and regard. 

Lord Nelson having walked to the royal palace of the Octagon, the crownprince received him in the hall; conducted him up stairs; and presentedhim to the king, whose very infirm state is said to have greatlyaffected our hero's sensibility. The preliminary objects of thisimpressive interview having been arranged, with every appearance ofreciprocal sincerity, his lordship readily accepted an invitation topartake of some refreshment with the crown prince. During the repast, Lord Nelson spoke in raptures of the valour of the Danes; and he isasserted to have declared that, though the French fought bravely, theycould not have stood one hour the fight which the Danes had maintainedfor four. "I have been, " observed his lordship, "in one hundred and fiveengagements, in the course of my life, but that of to-day was the mostterrible of all. " It is added, that he particularly requested the crownprince would introduce him to a very young officer, whom he described ashaving performed wonders during the battle, by attacking the Elephantimmediately under the lower guns. This proved to be a youth ofseventeen, named Villemoes: whom the hero, on his being presented, immediately embraced with the affection of a brother; and delicatelyintimated, that he ought to be made an admiral. The crown prince, withpeculiar felicity, instantly replied--"If, my lord, I were to make allmy brave officers admirals, I should have no captains or lieutenants inmy service. " This heroic stripling had volunteered the command of a sortof raft, called a praam, carrying twenty-four guns, and a hundred andtwenty men; on which, having pushed off from shore, in the fury ofbattle, he got under the stern of his lordship's ship, below the reachof the stern-chasers, and fired with considerable effect. The Britishmarines, however, made terrible slaughter among these brave fellows;many of whom were soon killed, but their young commander still remainedat his post, surrounded by the slain, till the announcement of thetruce. The crown prince has since presented this youth with a medallioncommemorative of his gallantry, and appointed him to the command of theroyal yacht in which his royal highness makes his annual visit toHolstein. 

On the day following, Lord Nelson addressed the official account of thisgreat victory to Sir Hyde Parker, his commander in chief. 

 "Elephant, off Copenhagen, 3d April 1801. 

 "SIR, "In obedience to your directions, to report the proceedings of the squadron named in the margin--[the Elephant, Defiance, Monarch, Bellona, Edgar, Russell, Ganges, Glatton, Isis, Agamemnon, Polyphemus, and Ardent, ships of the line; the Amazon, Desirée, Blanche, and Alcmene, frigates; the Dart, Arrow, Cruiser, and Harpy, sloops; the Zephyr, and Otter, fire-ships; the Discovery, Sulphur, Hecla, Explosion, Zebra, Terror, and Volcano, bombs; with eight gun-brigs]--which you did me the honour to place under my command, I beg leave to inform you that, having by the assistance of that able officer Captain Riou, and the unremitting exertions of Captain Brisbane and the masters of the Amazon and Cruiser in particular, buoyed the channel of the Outer Deep and the position of the Middle Ground, the squadron passed in safety, and anchored off Draco the evening of the 1st: and that, yesterday morning, I made the signal for the squadron to weigh; and to engage the Danish line, consisting of seven sail of the line, ten floating-batteries mounting from twenty-six twenty-four pounders, to eighteen eighteen pounders, and one bomb-ship, besides schooner gun-vessels. These were supported by the Crown Islands, mounting eighty-eight cannon; four sail of the line, moored in the harbour's mouth; and some batteries on the island of Amak. 

 "The bomb-ship, and schooner gun-vessels, made their escape; the other seventeen sail are sunk, burnt, or taken, being the whole of the Danish line to the southward of the Crown Islands, after a battle of four hours. 

 "From the very intricate navigation, the Bellona and Russell unfortunately grounded: but, although not in the situation assigned them, yet so placed as to be of great service. The Agamemnon could not weather the shoal of the Middle Ground, and was obliged to anchor: but not the smallest blame can be attached to Captain Fancourt; it was an event to which all the ships were liable. These accidents prevented the extension of our line by the three ships before mentioned: who would, I am confident, have silenced the Crown Islands, the two outer ships in the harbour's mouth, and prevented the heavy loss in the Defiance and Monarch; and which unhappily threw the gallant and good Captain Riou (to whom I had given the command of the frigates and sloops named in the margin--[the Blanche, Alcmene, Dart, Arrow, Zephyr, and Otter]--to assist the attack of the ships at the harbour's mouth) under a very heavy fire. The consequence has been, the death of Captain Riou, and many brave officers and men in the frigates and sloops. The bombs were directed, and took their stations, abreast of the Elephant, and threw some shells into the arsenal. Captain Rose, who volunteered his services to direct the gun-brigs, did every thing that was possible to get them forward, but the current was too strong for them to be of service during the action; but not the less merit was due to Captain Rose, and--I believe--all the officers and crews of the gun-vessels, for their exertions. 

 "The boats of those ships of the fleet who were not ordered on the attack, afforded us every assistance; and the officers and men who were in them, merit my warmest approbation. 

 "The Desirée took her station in raking the southernmost Danish ship of the line, and performed the greatest service. 

 "The action began at five minutes past ten. The van led by Captain George Murray of the Edgar, who set a noble example of intrepidity, which was as well followed up by every captain, officer, and man, in the squadron. It is my duty to state to you, the high and distinguished merit and gallantry of Rear-Admiral Graves. 

 "To Captain Foley, who permitted me the honour of hoisting my flag in the Elephant, I feel under the greatest obligations; his advice was necessary, on many important occasions, during the battle. I beg leave to express how much I feel indebted to every captain, officer, and man, for their zeal and distinguished bravery on this occasion. Colonel Stewart did me the favour to be on board the Elephant; and himself, with every officer and soldier under his orders, shared with pleasure the toils and dangers of the day. 

 "The loss, in such a battle, has naturally been very heavy. Amongst many other brave officers and men who were killed, I have, with sorrow, to place the name of Captain Moss, of the Monarch, who has left a wife and six children to lament his loss; and, among the wounded, that of Captain Sir Thomas Boulden Thompson, of the Bellona. 

 "I have the honour to be, with the greatest respect, Sir, your most obedient humble servant, "Nelson and Bronte. "

The above letter being transmitted to England by Sir Hyde Parker, inclosed in his dispatches to government, was afterwards published inthe London Gazette, preceded by the following public letter from thecommander in chief. 

 "Copenhagen Roads, 6th April 1801. 

 "Sir, "You will be pleased to acquaint the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty, that since my letter of the 23d of March, no opportunity of wind offered for going up the Sound, until the 25th; when the wind shifted, in a most violent squall, from the south-west to the north-west and north, and blew with such violence, and so great a sea, as to render it impossible for any ship to have weighed her anchor. The wind and sea were even so violent, as to oblige many ships to let go a second anchor to prevent them from driving, notwithstanding they were riding with two cables an end; and, by the morning, the wind veered again to the southward of the west. On the 30th of last month, the wind having come to the northward, we passed into the Sound with the fleet; but not before I had assured myself of the hostile intention of the Danes to oppose our passage. After anchoring about five or six miles from the Island of Huen, I reconnoitred, with Vice-Admiral Lord Nelson and Rear-Admiral Graves, the formidable line of ships, radeaus, pontoons, galleys, fireships, and gun-boats, flanked and supported by extensive batteries on the two islands called the Crown; the largest of which was mounted with from fifty to seventy pieces of cannon. These were again commanded by two ships of seventy guns, and a large frigate, in the inner road of Copenhagen; and two sixty-four gun ships, without masts, were moored on the flat on the starboard side of the entrance into the arsenal. The day after, the wind being southerly, we again examined their position, and came to the resolution of attacking them from the southward. Vice-Admiral Lord Nelson having offered his services for conducting the attack, had some days before we entered the Sound shifted his flag to the Elephant; and, after having examined and buoyed the outer channel of the Middle Ground, his lordship proceeded, with the twelve ships of the line named in the margin--[Elephant, Defiance, Monarch, Bellona, Edgar, Russell, Ganges, Glatton, Isis, Agamemnon, Polyphemus, and Ardent]--all the frigates, bombs, fire-ships, and all the small vessels; and, that evening, anchored off Draco Point, to make his disposition for the attack, and wait for the wind to the southward. It was agreed, between us, that the remaining ships with me, should weigh at the same moment his lordship did, and menace the Crown Batteries and the four ships of the line that lay at the entrance of the arsenal; as, also, to cover our disabled ships, as they came out of action. 

 "I have, now, the honour to inclose a copy of Vice-Admiral Lord Nelson's report to me of the action on the 2d instant. His lordship has stated so fully the whole of his proceedings on that day, as only to leave me the opportunity to testify my entire acquiescence and testimony of the bravery and intrepidity with which the action was supported throughout the line. Was it possible for me to add anything to the well-earned renown of Lord Nelson, it would be by asserting that his exertions, great as they have heretofore been, never were carried to a higher pitch of zeal for his country's service. I have only to lament, that the sort of attack, confined within an intricate and narrow passage, excluded the ships particularly under my command from the opportunity of exhibiting their valour: but I can with great truth assert, that the same spirit and zeal animated the whole of the fleet; and I trust, that the contest in which we are engaged will, on some future day, afford them an occasion of shewing that the whole were inspired with the same spirit, had the field been sufficiently extensive to have brought it into action. 

 "It is with the deepest concern, I mention the loss of Captains Moss and Riou; two very brave and gallant officers, whose loss, as I am well informed, will be sensibly felt by the families they have left behind them: the former, a wife and children; the latter, an aged mother. From the known gallantry of Sir Thomas Thompson, on former occasions, the naval service will have to regret the loss of the future exertions of that brave officer, whose leg was shot off. For all other particulars, I beg leave to refer their lordships to Captain Otway; who was with Lord Nelson in the latter part of the action, and is able to answer any questions that may be thought necessary to put to him. A return of the killed and wounded you will receive herewith. "

 KILLED. 

 Officers 20 Seamen, Marines, and Soldiers 234--254

 WOUNDED. 

 Officers 48 Seamen, Marines, and Soldiers 651-699 --- Total killed and wounded 953 ---

After a week's negotiation, during which Lord Nelson daily went onshore, and greatly endeared himself to the virtuous of all ranks, forhis amiable frankness, generosity, and honour, the following treaty wassigned and sealed, as the basis of returning amity between Great Britainand Denmark. 

 "The Danish Government on the one hand--and Admiral Sir Hyde Parker, Knight, Commander in Chief of his Britannic Majesty's Forces in the Road of Copenhagen, on the other--being, from motives of humanity, equally anxious to put a stop to the farther effusion of blood, and to save the City of Copenhagen from the disastrous consequences which may attend a farther prosecution of hostilities against that city, have mutually agreed upon a Military Armistice, or Suspension of Arms. His Danish Majesty having, for that purpose, appointed Major-General Ernest Frederic Walterstorff, Chamberlain to his Danish Majesty, and Colonel to a Regiment; and Adjutant-General Hans Lindholm, Captain in his Danish Majesty's Navy; his Commissioners for agreeing about the terms of the said Armistice--and Admiral Sir Hyde Parker, Knight, having, with the same view, duly authorized the Right Honourable Horatio Lord Nelson of the Nile, Knight of the most honourable Order of the Bath, Duke of Bronte in Sicily, Knight of the Grand Cross of the Order of St. Ferdinand and of Merit, and of the Imperial Order of the Ottoman Crescent, Vice-Admiral in the Fleet of his Britannic Majesty; and the Right Honourable William Stewart, Lieutenant-Colonel in his Britannic Majesty's service, and commanding a detachment of his Britannic Majesty's forces embarked--the said Commissioners have met this day; and, having exchanged their respective powers, have agreed upon the following terms--

 "ARTICLE I. 

 "From the moment of the signature of this armistice, all hostilities shall immediately cease, between the fleet under the command of Admiral Sir Hyde Parker, and the City of Copenhagen, and all the armed ships and vessels of his Danish Majesty in the road or harbour of that city; as, likewise, between the different islands and provinces of Denmark, Jutland included. 

 "ARTICLE II. 

 "The armed ships and vessels belonging to his Danish Majesty shall remain in their present actual situation, as to armament, equipment, and hostile position; and the treaty, commonly understood as the treaty of Armed Neutrality, shall, as far as relates to the co-operation of Denmark, be suspended while the Armistice remains in force. 

 "On the other side, the armed ships and vessels under the command of Admiral Sir Hyde Parker, shall in no manner whatsoever molest the City of Copenhagen, or his Danish Majesty's armed ships and vessels on the coasts of the different islands and provinces of Denmark, Jutland included; and, in order to avoid every thing which might otherwise create uneasiness or jealousy, Sir Hyde Parker shall not suffer any of the ships or vessels under his command to approach within gun-shot of the armed ships or forts of his Danish Majesty, in the road of Copenhagen. This restriction shall not, however, extend to vessels necessarily passing and repassing through the Casper or King's Channel. 

 "ARTICLE III. 

 "This armistice is to protect the city of Copenhagen, as also the coast of Denmark, of Jutland, and islands included, against the attack of any other naval force which his Britannic Majesty may now, or hereafter, during it's remaining in force, have in those seas. 

 "ARTICLE IV. 

 "The fleet of Admiral Sir Hyde Parker shall be permitted to provide itself at Copenhagen, and along the coasts of the different islands and provinces of Denmark, Jutland included, with every thing which it may require for the health and comfort of it's crews. 

 "ARTICLE V. 

 "Admiral Sir Hyde Parker shall send on shore all such subjects of his Danish Majesty as are now on board the British fleet under his command; the Danish government engaging to give an acknowledgment for them, as also for all such wounded as were permitted to be landed after the action of the 2d instant, in order that they may be accounted for in favour of Great Britain, in the unfortunate event of the renewal of hostilities. 

 "ARTICLE VI. 

 "The coasting trade carried on by Denmark along all such parts of her coast as are included in the operation of this armistice, shall be unmolested by any British ships or vessels whatever, and instructions given accordingly by Admiral Sir Hyde Parker. 

 "ARTICLE VII. 

 "This armistice is to continue, uninterrupted by the contracting parties, for the space of fourteen weeks from the signature hereof; at the expiration of which time, it shall be in the power of either of the said parties to declare a cessation of the same, and to recommence hostilities, upon giving fourteen days previous notice. 

 "The conditions of this armistice are, upon all occasions, to be explained in the most liberal and loyal manner, so as to remove all ground for farther dispute, and facilitate the means of bringing about the restoration of harmony and good understanding between the two kingdoms. 

 "In faith whereof, we, the undersigned commissioners, in virtue of our full powers, have signed the present armistice, and have affixed to it the seal of our arms. 

 "Done on board his Britannic Majesty's ship the London, in Copenhagen Roads, April 9, 1801. 

 "Nelson and Bronte. "William Stewart. "Ernest Frederic Walterstorff. "Hans Lindholm. 

 "In pursuance of my abovementioned authority, I ratify this document with my hand--

 "Frederic. 

 "Ratified by me--

 "Hyde Parker, Admiral and Commander in Chief of his Britannic Majesty's Fleet. "

The Danes had great reason to be satisfied with the liberality of thisarmistice; the conditions of which certainly were, on our part, moststrictly performed. It will appear that, on the part of Denmark, thiswas not precisely the case. Lord Nelson's conduct, however, at once firmand conciliating, procured justice to his country without againresorting to arms. The first blow had been struck by Denmark, and shehad suffered for her rashness and temerity. Even in passing the Sound, her guns evinced the disposition, but happily possessed not the power, to injure the British fleet. A very heavy fire was kept up by the Danes, but none of our ships received a shot. In the mean time, we had severalbomb-ships firing on the town of Elsineur, the shells from which killedupwards of a hundred and fifty people on shore. At Copenhagen, stillmore confident in their strength, they had made every arrangement forthe destruction of our fleet, but no preparation for the defeat of theirown. Shielded by nature with dangerous shoals, and fortified by art withpowerful batteries, they seemed rather to invite, than to dread, anyhostile attack. They reflected not, that the hero coming against themwas no less expert as a navigator than as a warrior, and scarcely more aseaman than a soldier. Happily his heroic heart was replete withhumanity, and his dreadful ability to shed human blood only surpassed byhis ardent desire to spare it's unnecessary effusion. The Danes, trusting to the strength of their grand line of defence, composed ofeighteen ships, block-ships, floating-batteries, &c. Which were all, ina few hours, sunk, burnt, or taken, had neglected to engage surgeons fortheir wounded defenders; who were found bleeding to death, on boardingthe different captured vessels, in prodigious numbers, and afforded ashocking spectacle of horror to our brave but humane seamen. To preservehis fellow creatures from wanton destruction, the hero's flag of truceunfurled; a pause was thus obtained; reason had time to operate; and thebasis was immediately laid for a renewal of that amity which had happilyprevailed, for a long series of years, between the two nations, thoughanciently the fiercest foes. 

The news of this victory was received in England with the utmostrejoicing; nor did the temper of the people fail to participate in theirfavourite hero's generous sentiments towards the brave but vanquishedDanes. They considered Denmark as having been unwillingly dragged intothe confederacy; they admired the patriotic courage of her misdirectedsons; and generously lamented the cruel necessity of thus compellingthem to relinquish a league, which had for it's object, beneath theartful veil of a generous love of liberty, that has sufficiently delugedthe earth with blood, the unjust and absurd view of destroying themaritime power of Great Britain, by which the freedom of the, seas isalone preserved to the honourable commerce of all civilized nations. 

On the 16th of April, the Earl of St. Vincent, then First Lord of theAdmiralty, made a motion in the House of Peers--and Mr. Addington, nowLord Sidmouth, then Chancellor of the Exchequer, in the House ofCommons--of thanks to Sir Hyde Parker, Lord Nelson, Rear Admiral Graves, and the rest of the officers, seamen, and marines, for their veryexemplary bravery displayed in the great and glorious victory atchievedat Copenhagen; which were carried, in both houses, with acclamations ofunanimous applause. The Duke of Clarence observed, of his old friend, Lord Nelson, whom he ever loved and revered, that fortune seemed to backhis courage and intrepidity, in every enterprise he engaged; andacknowledged his own obligations, as a prince of the blood, to thegallant commanders, and to the whole fleet, for the accomplishment of avictory which, probably, in it's effects, would restore the possessionson the continent to his family, together with the peace and security ofthe British empire, and of Europe. About a month afterwards, Lord Nelsonwas elevated to the rank of Viscount of the united kingdom of GreatBritain and Ireland, by the name, stile, and title, of Viscount Nelsonof the Nile, and of Burnham-Thorpe in the county of Norfolk; anadditional honour which was generally and justly considered, at thetime, and must ever be regarded by posterity, as by no means equal tohis high deserts. 

In the mean time, immediately after signing the convention with Denmark, Russia and Sweden remaining still unattacked, Sir Hyde Parker hadproceeded to the eastward, with such ships as were in a condition forservice: leaving Lord Nelson at Copenhagen, with orders to repair hisdamaged ships, and dispose of the prizes; after which, he was to followthe commander in chief, and assist in accomplishing the other designs ofthis very important expedition. The repairs were not long compleating, and the prizes were soon disposed of; of the latter, all but one--theHolstein of sixty-four guns--were found entirely unfit for service, andimmediately destroyed. Even this solitary remain of the Danishformidable line of defence, was only judged worthy of being commissionedas an hospital-ship in the British fleet; yet villainy and weaknessunited to wrest from our hero the honour of a compleat victory, even onthe spot where it had been felt as well as witnessed. 

Lord Nelson, after the battle of the 2d of April, had returned with hisflag to the St. George; and, on the 16th, was ready to proceed after thecommander in chief, who had entered the Baltic, and greatly alarmed theRussians, Prussians, and Swedes. Most of the squadron of his lordship, however, touched the ground, in their passage through the narrow andshallow channel which divides the islands of Amak and Saltholm, and twoor three of them actually sticking fast for a short time, he wasdetained, even after they did pass, to have the St. George lightened, which drew still more water than the rest, by taking out the guns, andputting them on board an American ship. While this was effecting, thereport of the Swedish fleet being out, with an intention to join thatof Russia, then lying at Revel, reached his lordship. The instant hereceived this intelligence, though it was then a very cold evening ofthat climate, he descended into his gig, or smallest boat; and, afterbeing so exposed on the water several hours, got again on board theElephant, the former bearer of his flag and triumph. Lord Nelson, in hisextreme haste to quit the St. George, had neglected to take hisboat-cloak; but he would not lose a moment in returning for it, notwithstanding the inclemency of the weather and the great distance hehad necessarily to go. A master of one of the ships, who was ordered toattend, earnestly pressed his lordship's acceptance of a great coatwhich he had brought for himself. This, however, was as kindly refused, as it had been affectionately tendered--"I thank you, " said the hero, "very much; but, to tell you the truth, my anxiety, at present, keeps mesufficiently warm. " Soon afterwards, his lordship asked--"Think you, that the British fleet has quitted Bornholm? If it has, " continued he, without waiting for a reply, "we must follow it to Carlscrona. " Hislordship had arrived about midnight; and, the next day, saw the Swedisharmament safely sheltered under the numerous forts and batteries erectedon the island at the entrance of Carlscrona; where, as he suspected, ithad taken timely refuge from the British fleet. Sir Hyde Parker, whileon his voyage to Revel, having gained intelligence of the intendedjunction of the Swedish fleet with that of the Russians against whichhe was proceeding, had immediately steered his course for the Island ofBornholm, with the hope of intercepting the Swedes; but the commander, warned by the Danish disaster, wisely retreated from the danger of asimilar encounter, by returning into port with the utmost precipitation. 

Scarcely had Lord Nelson quitted Copenhagen, where he could not but haveendeared himself to every virtuous heart, by his amiable liberality ofdisposition--bountifully rewarding youth of promise in the nationalmilitary schools of the Danes, as if he had been dealing honours amongthe deserving of his own country, and every way displaying the superiorcast of his dignified soul--when he learned that Olfert Fischer, theDanish commander in chief, had officially published the followingshamefully partial account of this indisputably great and gloriousvictory, as transmitted to his Royal Highness the Crown Prince. 

 DANISH OFFICIAL ACCOUNT OF THE BATTLE OF COPENHAGEN. 

 "On the 1st of April, at half past three in the afternoon, two divisions of the English fleet, under the command of Vice-Admiral Lord Nelson, and a rear-admiral, weighed anchor, and stood eastward, and by the south of the middle passage of the road, where they anchored. This force consisted of twelve ships of the line; and several large frigates, gun-boats, and other smaller vessels; in all, thirty-one sail. 

 "On the 2d of April, at three-quarters past nine in the morning, the wind south-east, both the vessels to the south and the vessels to the north of the middle road, weighed anchor. The ships of the line, and heavy frigates, under Lord Nelson, steered for the Konigstiefe, to take their stations, in order, along the line of defence confided to me. The gunboats, and small vessels, took their stations near the town; and the division of Admiral Parker, consisting of eight ships of the line, and some small vessels, steered with a press of sail southwards, to the right wing of defence. 

 "At half past ten, the foremost ship of Admiral Nelson's division passed the southernmost ship of the line of defence. I gave those ships that were within shot the signal for battle. The block-ships, Provesteen, and Wagner, and immediately after these the Jutland, between which and the block-ship Dannebrog, the leading English ship of seventy-four guns fixed her station, by throwing out one of her rear-anchors, obeyed the signal, by a well directed and well supported fire. By degrees, the rest of the ships came up; and, as they sailed past, on both sides of the ships already at anchor, they formed a thick line: which, as it stretched northward to the ship of the line the Zealand, engaged not more than two-thirds of the line of defence committed to me; while the Trekroner--or Three Crowns Battery--and the block-ships Elephanten and Mars, with the frigate Hielperen, did not come at all into the action. 

 "In half an hour, the battle was general. Ten ships of the line, among which was one of eighty guns, the rest chiefly seventy-fours, and from six to eight frigates, on the one side: on the other, seven block-ships; of which, only one of seventy-four, the rest of sixty-four and under; two frigates; and six smaller vessels. _This was the respective strength of the two parties_. The enemy had, on the whole, _two ships to one_: and the block-ship Provesteen had, besides a ship of the line and the rear-admiral, two frigates against her; by which she was raked the whole time, without being able to return a shot. 

 "If I only recapitulate, _historically_, what your highness, and along with you a great portion of the citizens of Denmark and Europe, have seen, I may venture to call that an unequal combat, which was maintained, and supported, for four hours and a half, with unexampled courage and effect--in which the fire of the superior force was so much weakened, for an hour before the end of the battle, that several of the English ships, and particularly Lord Nelson's, were obliged to fire only single shots--that this hero, himself, in the middle and very heat of the battle, sent a flag of truce on shore to propose a cessation of hostilities--if I also add, that _it was announced to me, that two English ships of the line had struck_; but, being supported by fresh ships, again hoisted their flags--I may, in such circumstances, be permitted to say, and I believe _I may appeal to the enemy's own confession_, that in this engagement Denmark's ancient naval reputation blazed forth with such incredible splendor, that I thank Heaven all Europe are the witnesses of it!

 "Yet the scale, if not equal, did not decline far to the disadvantage of Denmark. The ships that were first and most obstinately attacked, even surrounded by the enemy, the incomparable Provesteen, Wagner, and Jutland, fought till almost all their guns were dismounted; but these vessels were obliged to give way to superior force, _and the Danish fire ceased along the whole line from north to south_. 

 "At half past eleven, the Dannebrog ship of the line, which, lay along-side Admiral Nelson, was set on fire. I repaired, with my flag, on board the Holstein, of the line, belonging to the north wing; _but the Dannebrog long kept her flag flying, in spite of this disaster_. At the end of the battle, she had two hundred and seventy men killed and wounded. 

 "At half past two, the Holstein was so shattered, and had so many killed and wounded, and so many guns dismounted, that I _then carried the pendant to be hoisted instead of my flag, and went on shore, to the battery of the Three Crowns_, from whence I commanded the north wing; _which was slightly engaged with the division of Admiral Parker_, till about four o'clock, when I received orders from your royal highness to put an end to the engagement. 

 "Thus, the quarter of the line of defence, from the Three Crowns to the frigate Hielperen, was in the power of the enemy; and the Hielperen, finding herself alone, slipped her cables, and steered to Stirbfeir. The ship Elven, after she had received many shots in the hull, and had her masts and rigging shot away, and a great number killed and wounded, retreated within the Crowns. The gunboats, Nyebrog and Aggershuus--which last towed the former away, when near sinking--ran ashore, and the Gurnarshe floating-battery, which had suffered much, together with the block-ship Dannebrog, shortly after the battle, blew up. 

 "Besides the visible loss the enemy have suffered, I am convinced, their loss in killed and wounded is considerable. The advantage the enemy have gained by their victory, too, _consists merely in ships which are not fit for use, in spiked cannon, and gunpowder damaged by sea-water_. 

 "The number killed and wounded cannot yet be exactly ascertained; but I calculate it, from sixteen to eighteen hundred men. Among the former, it is with grief that I mention the captains of the block-ship Infoedstratten and the frigate Kronbrog, Captain Thura and First-Lieutenant Hauch, with several other brave officers: among the wounded, the commander of the Dannebrog; who, besides other wounds, has lost his right hand. 

 "I want expression, to do justice to the unexampled courage of the officers and crews. The battle itself can only enable you to form an idea of it. 

 "Olfert Fischer. "

The honourable mind of Lord Nelson indignantly revolted at the meannessconspicuous in this account; and he was resolved to chastise thepusillanimous malignity which it was so clumsily adapted to cover, byaddressing the following letter, through General-Adjutant Lindholm, tothe Crown Prince of Denmark, that his royal highness might see hislordship's sense of such a wretched attempt to deprive our hero of thehonour of a victory, and screen the Danish commander in chief, himself, from the dreaded shame of a defeat not in itself by any meansdisgraceful. 

 "St. George, at Sea, 22d April 1801. 

 "MY DEAR SIR, "Commodore Fischer having, in a public letter, given an account to the world of the battle of the 2d, called upon his royal highness as a witness to the truth of it. I, therefore, think it right to address myself to you, for the information of his royal highness; as, I assure you, had this officer confined himself to his own veracity, I should have treated his official letter with the contempt it deserved, and allowed the world to appreciate the merits of the two contending officers. I shall make a few, and very few, observations on this letter. He asserts the superiority of numbers on the part of the British; it will turn out, if that is of any consequence, that the Danish line of defence, to the southward of the Crown Islands, was much stronger, and more numerous, than the British. We had only five sail of seventy-fours, two sixty-fours, two fifties, and one frigate, engaged; a bomb vessel, towards the latter end, threw some shells into the arsenal. Two seventy-fours, and one sixty-four, by an accident, grounded; or the Crown Islands, and the Elephanten and Mars, would have had full employment: and, by the assistance of the frigates--who went to try, alone, what I had directed the three sail of the line who grounded to assist them in--I have reason to hope, they would have been equally successful as that part of the British line engaged. I am ready to admit, that many of the Danish officers and men behaved as well as men could do, and deserved not to be abandoned by their commander. I am justified in saying this, from Commodore Fischer's own declaration. In his own letter, he states that, after he quitted the Dannebrog, she long contested the battle. If so, more shame for him to quit so many brave fellows! _Here_ was no manoeuvering, it was downright fighting; and it was his duty to have shewn an example of firmness becoming the high trust reposed in him. He went in such a hurry, if he went before she struck--which, but for his own declaration, I can hardly believe--that he forgot to take his broad pendant with him, for both pendant and ensign were struck together; and it is from this circumstance, that I claimed the commodore as a prisoner of war. He then went, as he says, on board the Holstein--the brave captain of which did not want him--where he did not hoist his pendant. From this ship, he went on shore, either before or after she struck, or he would have been again a prisoner. As to his nonsense about victory, his royal highness will not much credit him. I sunk, burnt, captured, or drove into the harbour, the whole line of defence to the southward of the Crown Islands. He says, he is told that two British ships struck. Why did he not take possession of them? I took possession of his as fast as they struck. The reason is clear, that he did not believe it. He must have known the falsity of the report, and that no fresh British ships did come near the ships engaged. He states, that the ship in which I had the honour to hoist my flag fired, latterly, only single guns. It is true; for steady and cool were my brave fellows, and did not wish to throw away a single shot. He seems to exult, that I sent on shore a flag of truce. Men of his description, if they ever are victorious, know not the feel of humanity. You know, and his royal highness knows, that the guns fired from the shore could only fire through the Danish ships which had surrendered; and that, if I fired at the shore, it could only be in the same manner. God forbid, that I should destroy an unresisting Dane! _When they became my prisoners, I became their protector_. Humanity alone, could have been my object; but Mr. Fischer's carcase was safe, and he regarded not the sacred call of humanity. His royal highness thought as I did. It has brought about an armistice; which, I pray the Almighty, may bring about a happy reconciliation between the two kingdoms. As I have not the names of all the ships correct--only of the thirteen, including the seven sail of the line which struck, remained at anchor, and fell into my possession after the battle--I shall, therefore, be very much obliged to you, for a correct list of their names; and the number of men, if possible to be obtained, on board each, and the numbers sent from the shore during the action. My earnest wish is, to be correct; and believe me, dear Sir, with great esteem, your most obedient servant, "Nelson and Bronte. "

 "General-Adjutant Lindholm. "

Whatever severity may appear in this retort, it's, justice would be withdifficulty refuted. The answer of General-Adjutant Lindholm apologizes, with very considerable address, for the commander in chief; but thathonourable officer's reasoning is also tinctured with as much nationalpartiality as is consistent with a due regard to truth. This is nouncommon effect of patriotic zeal in the best minds, and may be tracedeven in that of our hero. 

 "Copenhagen, 2d May 1801. 

 "MY LORD!

 "Your lordship has imposed upon me a very painful task, by desiring me to communicate to his Royal Highness the Crown Prince the contents of that letter with which your lordship has favoured me the 22d of April; and in which you have treated Commodore Fischer with a severity which, as a brother officer, I cannot but think too great, indeed, I conceive, that your lordship has felt a certain degree of displeasure at that incorrectness which you have thought to find in Commodore Fischer's official report; but your lordship did not fully consider, at that moment, that he himself might have received incorrect reports: a fatality to which every commander in chief is exposed. I flatter myself, from your lordship's well-known candour and indulgence, that you will not think it presuming in me, or contrary to the respect I feel for your lordship, if I take the liberty of offering you some few observations in vindication of the conduct of Commodore Fischer. But, first, let me have the honour to assure your lordship, that I have not communicated to that officer your letter of the 22d of April; and that, what I take the liberty of offering your lordship, is absolutely my private and individual opinion. 

 "Your lordship thinks, that Commodore Fischer has over-rated the forces by which he was attacked, and under-rated his own; or, that he wrongly asserts the superiority of numbers on the part of the British. I must confess, that I am now, as I have always been, of opinion, that the squadron with which your lordship attacked our southern line of defence, say all those ships and vessels lying to the southward of the Crown Battery, was stronger then than that line. I will say nothing about our not having time sufficient to man our ships in the manner it was intended: they being badly manned, both as to number and as to quality of their crews, the greatest part of which were landmen; people that had been pressed, and who never before had been on board a ship or used to the exercise of guns. I will not mention our ships being old and rotten, and not having one-third of our usual complement of officers; I will confine myself to the number of guns, and from the ships named in your lordship's official report: and there I find, that your squadron carried one thousand and fifty-eight guns, of much greater calibre than our's; exclusive of carronnades, which did our ships so much injury; also, exclusive of your gun-brigs and bomb-vessels. 

 "Now, I can assure your lordship, upon my honour, that to my certain knowledge the number of guns on board of those eighteen ships and vessels of our's which were engaged (including the small ship the Elbe, which came into the harbour towards the end of the action) amount to six hundred and thirty-four, I have not included our eleven gun-boats, carrying each two guns, as a couple of them only had an opportunity of firing a few shot. Nor need I to mention the Crown Battery, on which sixty-six guns were mounted, as that battery did not fairly get into action, and only fired a few random shot. 

 "When Commodore Fischer left the Dannebrog, that ship was on fire, had many killed, several of it's officers wounded, and otherwise suffered much. It was, I conceive, the duty of the commander, to remove his broad pendant to another ship; and he went on board the Holstein, from whence he commanded the line of defence; and where he remained two hours, his broad pendant flying on board the said ship. When this ship was mostly disabled, the Commodore went to the Crown Battery, which also was under his command. He would, in my humble opinion, have been justified, from the wound he received on his head, to quit the command altogether, when he left the Dannebrog; and no blame could ever have attached, for it, to his character as a soldier. I have given myself every possible pain, to be informed whether Commodore Fischer's pendant has been removed before or after the ship struck; and the officers all agree, in declaring, that the broad pendant has been replaced by a captain's pendant, both on board the Dannebrog and the Holstein, previous to those ships hauling down their ensign. It is even remarkable that, on board the Dannebrog, the man who had taken down the broad pendant, and hoisted the captain's pendant, was killed when coming down the shrouds, and fell upon deck with the commodore's pendant in his hand. 

 "I do not conceive that Commodore Fischer had the least idea of claiming as a victory what to every intent and purpose was a defeat: he has only thought, that this defeat was not an inglorious one; and, that our officers and men displayed much bravery and firmness, against force so superior in every respect. Your lordship's report, and your letter to me, proves it. I confess, that your lordship took all the vessels opposed to you; except five, carrying together eighty-six guns. I am of opinion, with your lordship, that three ships of seventy-four guns each would have been a hard match for the Three Crowns Battery; but, they certainly would have been forced to go away. 

 "As to your lordship's motive for sending a flag of truce to our government, it can never be misconstrued; and your subsequent conduct has sufficiently shewn, that humanity is always the companion of true valour. You have done more; you have shewn yourself a friend of the re-establishment of peace, and good harmony, between this country and Great Britain. It is, therefore, with the sincerest esteem, I shall always feel myself attached to your lordship; and it is with the greatest respect I have the honour to subscribe myself, my lord, your lordship's most obedient and most humble servant, "H. Lindholm. "

On these respective letters, the judicious part of mankind will judgefor themselves. We need not have blushed for a Lindholm, but we havereason to glory in our Nelson. Olfert Fischer, notwithstanding thearguments of his able apologist, must always be considered as havingbeen superabundantly solicitous for the safety of his own person: inleaving two different ships, by his own confession, while the respectivecrews continued fighting; and finally retiring, to continue his command, under cover of a powerful battery on shore. His roundly asserting, thatwe had two ships for one, and that he was told two English ships hadstruck; his ungenerous and distorted application of Lord Nelson's nobleacknowledgment of the general bravery of the Danes; and the low sourceof solace that he finds in disingenuously limiting the advantage gainedby the victory to the possession of a few wretched wrecks, without atall appreciating the grand political consequences which it so fullyaccomplished; exhibit, in the whole, a disposition meanly selfish, conspicuously sordid, and deplorably deficient in all the most loftyqualities of mind. What a contrast to our immortal Nelson! whose singlesentence, in his letter of rebuke for this man--"_God forbid that Ishould destroy an unresisting Dane!_ When they became my prisoners, I became their protector!"--deserves to be charactered with lettersof diamonds on the shrine destined to cover the hero's hallowed remains. 

Lord Nelson did not think it necessary to differ with his friendLindholm, an undoubted man of honour, about punctilious particulars. Tohis own mind, however, or that of an enemy, he would not abate aparticle of what he had asserted. The following statement is copied froma private memorandum of his lordship's, in which he acutely turns thescale of superior force against the Danes. 

 "Lindholm ought to have omitted the guns of the Russell, Bellona, Agamemnon, Amazon, Alcmene, Blanche, Dart, and Arrow; as the two first were aground; and, although within random shot, yet unable to do that service expected from seventy-four gun ships. The Agamemnon was not within three miles; the others, frigates and sloops, were exposed to a part of the Crown Battery and the ships in the other channel, but not fired upon by the eighteen sail drawn up to the southward of the Crown Islands. Therefore, sixty-six guns are to be taken from the British, and a hundred and sixty-six guns added to the Danes: viz. Sixty-six, Crown Batteries--(I think, there were eighty-eight)--and a hundred for the batteries on Amack; besides random shot from the ships in the other channel, citadel, &c. Therefore, the account ought to stand thus--

 Guns, by Lindholm's account 1058 Deduct, as above 366 ---- British force in action 692 ----

 Danish force, by Lindholm's account 634 Add, I say, at least 166

 Danish force 800 British force 692

 Superiority of the Danes 108"

Though Lord Nelson could not have rested without satisfying himself ofthe precise fact, he saw no necessity for entering into any altercation, on so trivial a topic, with General-Adjutant Lindholm. He contentedhimself, therefore, with immediately closing the subject, by thefollowing very liberal reply. 

 St. George, May 3d, 1801. 

 "MY DEAR LORD, "I was yesterday evening favoured with your reply to my letter of the 22d of April; and I have no scruple in assuring you, that if Commodore Fischer's letter had been couched in the same manly and honourable manner, I should have been the last man to have noticed any little inaccuracies which might get into a commander in chief's public letter; and if the commodore had not called upon his royal highness for the truth of his assertions, I never should have noticed his letter. You have stated, truly, the force which would have been brought into action, but for the accidents of their getting aground; and, except the Desirée frigate, no other frigate or sloop fired a gun to the southward of the Crown Islands. I have done ample justice to the bravery of nearly all your officers and men; and, as it is not my intention to hurt your feelings, or those of his royal highness--but, on the contrary, to try and merit your esteem--I will only say, that I am confident you would not have wrote such a letter. Nothing, I flatter myself, in my conduct, ought to have drawn ridicule on my character from the commodore's pen; and you have borne the handsomest testimony of it, in contradiction to his. I thought then, as I did before the action, and do now, that it is not the interest of our countries to injure each other. I am sorry that I was forced to write you so unpleasant a letter; but, for the future, I trust that none but pleasant ones will pass between us: for, I assure you, that I hope to merit the continuation of your esteem, and of having frequent opportunities of assuring you how I feel interested in being your sincere and faithful friend, "Nelson and Bronte. "

 "Adjutant-General Lindholm. "

After a correspondence between Vice-Admiral Cronstadt, Adjutant-Generalfor the Swedish Fleet and Commander in Chief at Carlscrona, with SirHyde Parker, which terminated in assurances of a pacific tendency, Russia remained the only object now worthy of any serious regard. TheBaltic fleet wintering in two divisions, at the two great naval arsenalsof Revel and Cronstadt, and the ships in the former station being lockedin by the ice several weeks longer than at the latter, it was thenabout the time when it might be possible to get into Revel. For thatport, therefore, the British fleet immediately steered: but was met by adispatch-boat, on the 22d of April, from the Russian Ambassador atCopenhagen, announcing the death of the Emperor Paul; and bearingconciliatory propositions from Alexander the First, who had succeeded tothe imperial dignities of all the Russian empire. Sir Hyde Parker, onreceiving this intelligence, immediately returned into anchorage nearCopenhagen: a measure which by no means met the approbation of LordNelson; who well knew that, in order to negociate with effect, atcritical periods, force should always be at hand, and in a situation toact. The British fleets, he conceived, ought to have held a positionbetween the two Russian squadrons; so as to have prevented thepossibility of their effecting a junction, should their pacificdispositions prove otherwise than sincere. 

On the 5th of May, Sir Hyde Parker having been recalled, Lord Nelson wasappointed to be commander in chief; but his health was now so greatlyimpaired, and his spirits were so much depressed, that he received itwith little hope of being able long to enjoy it's advantages. However, not another moment was lost: for, after requiring an explicitdeclaration that the British trade should not be molested by Sweden, inhis absence, nine sail of the line immediately weighed anchor; andproceeded, with his lordship, towards Revel. He wished for farthersatisfaction respecting the friendly disposition of the Russians; andthought the best method of putting it to proof, was that of trying howhe should be received in one of their ports. On the passage, everypossible opportunity was embraced for arranging, with the differentcommanders, plans of conduct to be adopted in the event of eitherfinding the Russians friendly or hostile. There was a sincere desire forpeace, but not the smallest dread of war. His lordship, however, nosooner approached the port of Revel, which he had determined to enter, than he learned, to his extreme mortification, that the state of the icehad permitted the escape of the Russian fleet to Cronstadt, on the 10thof May, being three days prior to his arrival. Lord Nelson wasdisappointed, but not disconcerted. An amicable correspondence wascommenced; the governor and forts were saluted; he was permitted toanchor in the outer port; and, an invitation from shore being readilyaccepted by our hero, he was entertained with the greatest respect andattention by the governor, admiral, and all the Russian officers, atRevel. It appears, however, that the suspicions of some less honourableminds had been excited, on the occasion, to a height of considerablealarm; and, a letter having been received, on the 16th, from the Comtede Pahlen, censuring his lordship for thus visiting the Gulph ofFinland, he was resolved immediately to prevent the effect of allmalevolent misrepresentations, by returning to join the squadron offBornholm, where he had left Captain Murray with seven sail of the line. 

In a letter to his Excellency Earl Carysfort, dated on board the St. George, off Gothland, May 19th, 1801, in which his lordship incloses acopy of his correspondence with the Comte de Pahlen, he says--"You willhave your opinion, as I have mine, that he never would have wrote such aletter, if the fleet had been at Revel in April. Mine was a desire tomark a particular civility; which, as it was not treated in the way Ithink handsome, I left Revel on Sunday the 17th, and here I am. From allthe Russian officers at Revel, I received the most attentive behaviour;and, I believe, they are as much surprised at the answer as I was. SirHyde Parker's letter on the release of the British merchant ships hasnot been answered. I hope, all is right: but seamen are but badnegociators; for, we put to issue in five minutes, what diplomatic formswould be five months doing. " He observes that, though he feels sensibleall which he sends in this letter is of no consequence; still he knows, from experience, that to be informed there is nothing particularpassing, is comfortable. "Our fleet, " he adds, "is twenty-two sail ofthe line, and forty-six frigates, bombs, fire-ships, and gun-vessels;and, in the fleet, not one man in the hospital-ship. A finer fleet, " hislordship exultingly concludes, "never graced the ocean!" Such, however, was his lordship's ill state of health, that he had, on the day ofquitting Revel, written home for permission to relinquish the command, that he might try and re-establish it, by immediately returning toEngland; being unable, at present, as his lordship stated, to executethe high trust reposed in him, with either comfort to himself, orbenefit to the state. 

Captain Murray, having been relieved from his station, by a squadronunder Rear-Admiral Totty, met Lord Nelson, with four sail of the line, off the north end of Gothland; and, on the 23d, at three in the morning, his lordship joined the rear-admiral off Gothland. He left him, however, the same evening; and, having sent the Ganges, Defence, and Veteran, towater in Kioge Bay, anchored next day off Rostock. His lordship had nownot only received letters from the Russian government of an indisputablyamicable tendency, but his Imperial Majesty, Alexander the First, with awisdom and candour which do him the highest honour, absolutely sentAdmiral Tchitchagoff for the purpose of holding a confidentialcommunication with the British commander in chief. His lordship, accordingly, in a conference with this brave and worthy Russian admiral, soon became satisfied that the emperor, like his own most gracioussovereign, was sincerely disposed to enter into an amicable arrangement, and they respectively exchanged written documents to that effect; thusproving, that two honest and wise seamen are by no means such badpacific negociators as might be imagined. Nor was this all; for, on the26th, Lord Nelson received an invitation to visit the EmperorAlexander, in a letter from the Comte de Pahlen, which also apprised hislordship that the British merchant ships, unjustly detained by hisimperial majesty's late predecessor, were now ordered to be liberated. To this pleasing communication, his lordship instantly returned thefollowing answer, by the Russian lugger which brought his letter fromthe count. 

 "St. George, Rostock Bay, 10 o'clock at night, 26th May 1801. 

 "SIR, "I am this moment honoured with your excellency's flattering letter of May 6, O. S. And I assure you, that his imperial majesty's justice has filled the idea I had formed of his excellent heart and head; and, I am sure, the handsome manner in which the embargo has been taken off the British shipping, will give the greatest pleasure to my good and gracious sovereign. I am truly sensible of the great honour done me, by the invitation of his imperial majesty; and, at a future time, I hope to have the pleasure of presenting my humble duty. I have now only to pray that a permanent (which must be honourable) peace, may be re-established between our gracious sovereigns; and, that our august masters reigns may be blessed with every happiness which this world can afford: and I beg that your excellency will believe, that I am, with the highest respect, your most obedient and very humble servant, Nelson and Bronte. 

 His Excellency the Comte de Pahlen. "

There could now be no sort of doubt, that a peace with the northernpowers must soon be concluded on terms honourable to all parties. TheDanes, however, though so liberally treated, appear to have beensomewhat sore from the wounds which their temerity had invited. Sweden, through the whole business, sagaciously kept as much as possible aloof:ready to meet the evils of war, if necessary; but prudently prefering toavoid them, while this might be effected without dishonour. Such, happily, was also the disposition of Russia, from the moment of thefrantic Paul's demise; as well as that of the British government, whichhad been forced into a state of hostility with those whom they were everdesirous of considering only as friends. Nations sincerely so disposed, have only thoroughly to understand each other, and the sword need seldomquit it's scabbard. With respect to Denmark, however, though a positivepeace was every hour expected by his lordship, he found it necessary, atthe beginning of June, to remind some of her governors of the conditionsof the armistice. In a letter of June 11th, to Rear-Admiral Totty, hislordship writes--"A week, from this date, all must be settled, one wayor the other. Reports say, that victuallers are laying at Yarmouth, ready to sail; probably, they are waiting the issue of Lord St. Helen'snegociation at St. Petersburgh. In Denmark, we shall no longer find anenemy; they have too much to lose, by the renewal of hostilities. 

At this moment, generally speaking, they hate us; but they aredetermined not to give up their colonies, ships, &c. In this nation, weshall not be forgiven our having the upper hand of them. I only thankGod we have, or they would try and humble us to the dust. " In thisletter, his lordship says, to the worthy rear-admiral--"I feel muchflattered at your kind wishes for my remaining with the fleet: but, although my health is perfectly re-established; yet, as the Admiraltycannot know it, I trust that they have had consideration to mysituation, and directed another admiral to supersede me. Sir ThomasGraves is represented to be getting better; but, as yet, is unable toget out of his cabin. " In a preceding letter to Admiral Totty, speakingof the indisposition of his worthy friend, is the following interestingpassage, admirably illustrative of the characteristically affectionateregards of these most brave and excellent men. "Sir Thomas Graves isstill very ill: so much so, that he begged _I would not_ go and see him;as the pleasure he had in seeing me, did him harm when he was left. " Thepain, too, which he knew could not fail to be felt by hissympathetically susceptible friend, doubtless formed an equally strongreason for dreading those visits, in the breast of the rear-admiral, though he had the kind precaution to conceal that cause. Can we wonder, that such men should be invincible!

On the 13th of June, Lord Nelson received permission for his return toEngland; and immediately thanked the Lords of the Admiralty, in ananswer addressed to Mr. Nepean, for the very flattering and handsomemanner in which their lordships had expressed their acquiescence withhis request of the 17th of May. Having received, at the same time, acommission from his majesty, to invest his friend Rear-Admiral Graveswith the military order of the Bath, his lordship performed thatceremony, on board the St George, next day, in the following manner. 

 "His Majesty's Ship St. George, Kioge Bay, June 14, 1801. 

 "A chair was placed on the gratings of the skylight, on the quarter-deck, with the royal standard suspended over it, shewing the king's arms. The chair was covered with the union flag; a guard was ranged on each side the quarter-deck, consisting of the marines, and a detachment of the rifle corps; and the captains of the fleet attended in their full-dress uniforms. The royal standard was hoisted the moment of the procession's beginning, which took place in the following order--Lord Nelson came up the ladder in the forepart of the quarter-deck, and made three reverences to the throne; he then placed himself on the right-hand side of it. Captain Parker, bearing the sword of state, being that which was presented to Lord Nelson by the captains of his majesty's fleet who fought under his command at the battle of the Nile, followed Lord Nelson, and placed himself on his right side, a little in advance; making three reverences to the throne, and one to Lord Nelson. His lordship's secretary, Mr. Wallis, then followed, bearing in his hand, on a sattin cushion, the ensigns of the order, and making similar reverences to the throne and to Lord Nelson. Captain Parker then read the Duke of Portland's order to Lord Nelson; which being ended, Rear-Admiral Graves was introduced between Captains Hardy and Retalick, making three reverences to the throne, and one to Lord Nelson. The rear-admiral then kneeled down; and Lord Nelson, in the name of his majesty, laid the sword on the shoulders of the rear-admiral. The knight-elect then arose; and, bending his body a little forward, Lord Nelson, with the assistance of Captains Hardy and Retalick, put the ribbon over the new knight's right shoulder, and placed the star on his left breast. His lordship then pronounced the following speech on the occasion--

 "Sir Thomas Graves! Having fulfilled the commands of his majesty, by investing you with the ensigns of the most honourable and military order of the Bath, I cannot but express how much I feel gratified that it should have fallen to my lot to be directed to confer this justly merited honour and special mark of royal favour upon you; for I cannot but reflect, that I was an eye-witness of your high merit, and distinguished gallantry, on the memorable 2d of April, and for which you are now so honourably rewarded. I hope that these honours conferred upon you, will prove to the officers in the service, that a strict perseverance in the pursuit of glorious actions, and the imitation of your brave and laudable conduct, will ever ensure them the favours and rewards of our most gracious sovereign, and the thanks and gratitude of our country. "

 "At the conclusion of this speech, the procession retired in the same manner as it came; except that the new knight went first, making one reverence to Lord Nelson, and three to the throne. 

 "The moment the ribbon had been placed over Sir Thomas Graves's shoulder, the signal being made preparative, the whole fleet fired a salute of twenty-one guns; when the ceremony was finished, the standard was hauled down. The troops and marines, on hoisting it, had presented their arms, and the drums beat a march. The troops kept their arms presented during the ceremony; and, on the standard's being hauled down, a march was likewise beat. "

A few days after, having concluded his epistolary correspondences, andarranged other requisites, both with the fleet and on shore, hislordship resigned the command to Admiral Sir Charles Morice Pole, whohad been sent out to relieve him, and immediately sailed for England. On the day preceding his departure, however, Lord Nelson took leave ofthe fleet, by issuing the following public orders--

 "St. George, in Kioge Bay, 18th June 1801. 

 "Lord Nelson has been obliged, from the late very bad state of his health, to apply to the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty for leave to return to England, which their lordships have been pleased to comply with. But Lord Nelson cannot allow himself to leave the fleet, without expressing to the admirals, captains, officers, and men, how sensibly he has felt, and does feel, all their kindnesses to him: and, also, how nobly and honourably they have supported him in the hour of battle, and the readiness which they have shewn to maintain the honour of their king and country on many occasions which have offered; and, had more opportunities presented themselves, Lord Nelson is firmly persuaded they would have added more glory to their country. Lord Nelson cannot but observe, with the highest satisfaction which can fill the breast of a British admiral, that--with the exception of the glaring misconduct of the officers of the Tygress and Cracker gun-brigs, and the charges alledged against the lieutenant of the Terror bomb---out of eighteen thousand men, of which the fleet is composed, not a complaint has been made of any officer or man in it; and he cannot but remark, that the extraordinary health of this fleet, under the blessing of Almighty God, is to be attributed to the great regularity, exact discipline, and chearful obedience, of every individual in the fleet. The vice-admiral assures them, that he will not fail to represent to the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty their highly praise-worthy conduct; and, if it please God that the vice-admiral recovers his health, he will feel proud, on some future day, to go with them in pursuit of farther glory; and to assist in making the name of our king and country beloved and respected by all the world. "

On the 1st of July, his lordship landed at Yarmouth, where he wasreceived with universal joy. He had no sooner arrived, than his humaneheart led him to visit the hospitals which contained such of his bravefellows as had been wounded in the late battle. He enquired, withparental solicitude, into the state of their health, tenderly soothedtheir sufferings, generously relieved their necessities, and kindlyencouraged their hopes. On his leaving the town, the volunteer cavalryassembled; and escorted his lordship to Lowestoffe, a distance of elevenmiles. 

Lord Nelson being much indisposed when he reached Sir William Hamilton'shouse in Piccadilly, where his friends had assembled to meet him, aparty was formed, consisting of Sir William and Lady Hamilton, thepresent Earl and Countess Nelson, with their son and daughter, now LordMerton and Lady Charlotte, and Captain Parker, to go with his lordship, for change of air, and variety of scene, as far as Box Hill, nearDorking, in Surry, where they remained a few days; and then accompaniedhim to the Bush Inn, at Staines, in Middlesex. Here they continued abouta week; and afterwards visited Mrs. Maurice Nelson, at Laleham, only twomiles distant from Staines. This unfortunate lady, relict of hislordship's then recently deceased elder brother, has for many years beenafflicted with total blindness. Lord Nelson now kindly condoled withher; and generously made up the small pittance left by his brother, whomhe most tenderly loved, a regular annuity of two hundred pounds, besidesproviding for immediate exigences. It is greatly to be regretted, thathis lordship's repeated solicitations for Mr. Maurice Nelson'sadvancement had been so little regarded, that this worthy gentleman, though almost his whole life in the Navy Office, was only elevated tothe situation of a principal clerk about four months prior to hisdecease. 

With his health considerably improved by this rural excursion, LordNelson returned to London; and, on dining with Mr. Addington, thenChancellor of the Exchequer, was informed, by the minister, that nothingcould satisfy the people, who were in a state of continual alarm atBonaparte's immense preparations for the threatened invasion of ourcountry, but his lordship's immediately taking the home command. Thoughthe nature of the French armament, which consisted chiefly ofinnumerable gun-boats, rendered the attack of their flotilla a speciesof petty warfare apparently too trivial for the attention of our heroicadmiral, it was sufficient for him to be assured that his services wererequisite for the safety or welfare of his country, to obtain animmediate acquiescence; however humble, hazardous, or unprofitable, thenature of the proposed employ. His friends, however, were desirous thathe should receive, on the occasion, some positive benefit. His lordshipalledged, with great truth, that he was one of the worst negociators onearth for himself, and seemed disinclined to tender any conditions; butLady Hamilton urging him to obtain, at least, an entailment of histitles on the family, which would take nothing out of the nationalpurse, and yet preserve his merited honours to the most remoteposterity, he ventured, at length, to solicit that small favour, whichwas very readily granted. 

In consequence of this arrangement, Lord Nelson was appointed commanderin chief of a powerful squadron, employed between Orfordness andBeachy-Head: together with the entire flotilla of gun-brigs, fire-ships, bomb-ketches, and vessels of every other description; and all thesea-fencibles embodied within the same district, with all the boats, vessels, and other floating defences, on board of which they might berequired to act. His lordship, accordingly, hastened to Sheerness, andhoisted his flag on board L'Unité frigate of thirty-two guns. Having, with his accustomed activity, directed the respective stations of theseveral ships there under his command; he sailed, in a very few days, for the Downs: and it is remarkable that, on his passage from the Nore, instead of pursuing the usual course, and proceeding through the King'sChannel, he resolved on attempting a passage hitherto deemedimpracticable for ships of war--an experiment which he judiciouslyconsidered, at this particular period, as well worthy of trial--and, having compleatly succeeded, it has ever since been properly calledNelson's Channel. 

On the 29th of July, at night, Lord Nelson arrived in the Downs, andimmediately hoisted his flag on board the Leyden of sixty-four guns; butshifted it, two days after, to the Medusa frigate of thirty-two. Not amoment was now lost in making every preparation for a formidable attackon the French flotilla, by the assistance of which we were menaced withthe invasion of the myriads of troops that lined the shore of the enemyfrom Brest to the Texel. Fearful, however, of our approach, they hadbeen particularly careful to fortify their coast swarming with soldiers, by the erection of innumerable strong batteries, having furnaces forpreparing red-hot shot, and adapting every other contrivance to annoytheir dreaded assailants and protect themselves. From the moment it wasknown that Lord Nelson had undertaken the home command, everyapprehension of a French invasion was changed into the wish that such anattempt might instantly be made, and there was, perhaps, scarcely a man, woman, or child, in the united kingdom, who now longer felt the smallestfear of an event which had lately excited so much general alarm. With apromptness inconceivable, his lordship planned every species ofprecautionary defence, while engaged in executing his offensiveoperations: and it is anxiously hoped, that his excellent defensivearrangements, made on this occasion, though happily not then needed, will be carefully treasured in the archives of the Admiralty, forimmediate adoption, should any attempt ever be made, by a rash andpowerful enemy, to approach the British shores; who may thus bevanquished, by our immortal hero, in a future and even distant age. 

The French flotilla prepared at Boulogne had of late been considerablyincreased by reinforcements from Calais; and it was found difficult forthe British cruizers to prevent, with certainty, or even safety, suchsmall vessels as these gun-boats from stealing along the shore. Theywere, therefore, become extremely numerous, and it was judged prudent toattempt lessening their number by capture or demolition. Every thingbeing prepared with these intentions, his lordship, on the 1st of August1801, being the third anniversary of his glorious victory off the Nile, sailed from the Downs, and stood over to the coast of France. 

On the 2d, having arrived off Boulogne, twenty four armed vessels wereperceived at anchor outside the port; the boasted gun-boats seemed, tohis lordship, incapable of being rowed, in the smoothest water, morethan a mile and a half an hour. The enemy, alarmed at the approach ofthe British armament, were labouring hard to erect new batteries; butthe wind being too far to the northward for our bombs to go on thelee-shore, this attack, by way of experiment, did not commence till the4th. The following official account of it's success was immediatelytransmitted to England, by his lordship. 

 "Medusa, off Boulogne, 4th August 1801. 

 "SIR, The enemy's vessels, brigs, and flats (lugger-rigged) and a schooner, twenty-four in number, were this morning, at day-light, anchored in a line, in front of the town of Boulogne. The wind being favourable for the bombs to act, I made the signal for them to weigh; and throw shells at the vessels, but as little as possible to annoy the town. The captains placed their ships in the best possible position; and, in a few hours, three of the flats, and a brig, were sunk: and, in the course of the morning, six were on shore, evidently much damaged. At six this evening, being high water, five of the vessels which had been aground hauled with difficulty into the mole, the others remained under water. I believe, the whole of the vessels would have gone inside the pier, but for want of water. What damage the enemy may have sustained, beyond what we see, is impossible to tell. The whole of this affair is of no farther consequence, than to shew the enemy that they cannot, with impunity, come outside their ports. The officers of the artillery threw the shells with great skill: and I am sorry to say, that Captain Fyers, of the Royal Artillery, is slightly wounded in the thigh by the bursting of an enemy's shell; and that three seamen are also wounded. One more of the enemy's flats is this moment sunk. 

 I am, Sir, &c. "Nelson And Bronte. "

 "Evan Nepean, Esq. "

This attack seems to have been chiefly intended to ascertain what mightbe hereafter effected with a force particularly adapted to the nature ofthe service, founded on some degree of actual experience. His lordshipwas, therefore, far less disappointed by the event, than might generallybe imagined. To prevent the commanders of the bomb-vessels from beingdiscouraged, who had really deserved better success, his lordship thuscomplimented them on the occasion. 

 "Medusa, off Boulogne, Aug. 5th, 1801. 

 "Lord Nelson has reason to be very much satisfied with the captains of the bombs, for the placing of their vessels yesterday. It was impossible they could have been better situated; and the artillery officers have shewn great skill in entirely disabling ten of the armed vessels out of twenty-four opposed to them; and many others, Lord Nelson believes, are much damaged. The commander in chief cannot avoid noticing the great zeal and desire to attack the enemy in a closer combat, which manifested itself in all ranks of persons; and which Lord Nelson would gladly have given full scope to, had the attempt at this moment been proper; but the officers, and others, may rely that an early opportunity shall be given them for shewing their judgment, zeal, and bravery. The hired and revenue cutters kept under sail, and performed the duty entrusted to them with, a great deal of skill. 

 "Nelson and Bronte. "

On the day following, Lord Nelson quitted the French coast, and repairedto Margate Roads; leaving, however, a sufficient force off Boulogne towatch the motions of the enemy, and the gun-boats and smaller vessels ofhis fleet in the Downs. While every possible effort was making toprepare for a most vigorous attempt on the flotilla at Boulogne, hislordship, by visiting Harwich for a few days, endeavoured to divert theattention of the enemy, and induce them to suppose that he was now goingagainst Flushing, really meant to be the next object of attack. By thisstratagem, both services were actually, at the same time, in a state ofconstant preparation. Having arranged matters at Harwich, his lordshipreturned to the Downs; from whence, on the 15th, he again stood over toBoulogne, with a force now augmented to seventy sail, including vesselsof all descriptions. The French, however, had been equally alert inguarding against an expected second blow; and, to the total discomfitureof the enterprize, as well as the loss of many of our brave men, thoughto their own eternal ignominy, it was discovered, when too late, thatthese threatening invaders had literally chained down all the vessels ofthis boasted flotilla to the shore, in dread of their being carried offby the British assailants. Of this unfortunate affair, which failed froma cause that could scarcely have been suspected, by a brave man, in eventhe most pusillanimous enemy, the following copious dispatches from LordNelson to the Admiralty, including the reports of the several commandersof divisions as transmitted through Mr. Nepean, will afford a very fulland particular description. 

 "Medusa, off Boulogne, 16th Aug. 1801. 

 "SIR, "Having judged it proper to attempt bringing off all the enemy's flotilla moored in the front of Boulogne, I directed the attack to be made in four divisions of boats for boarding, under the command of Captains Somerville, Parker, Cotgrave, and Jones, and a division of howitzer-boats under the command of Captain Conor, of his majesty's ship Discovery. The boats put off from the Medusa, at half past eleven last night, in the best possible order; and, before one o'clock this morning, the firing began: and I had, from the judgment of the officers, and the zeal and gallantry of every man, the most perfect confidence of compleat success--and which I have no doubt would have been according to my expectations--but owing to the darkness of the night, with the tide and half tide, which must always make the attacks in the night, on the coasts of the channel, very uncertain, the divisions separated; and from all not arriving at the same happy moment with Captain Parker, is to be attributed the failure of success. But I beg to be perfectly understood, that not the smallest blame attaches itself any where; for, although the divisions did not arrive together, yet each (except the fourth, which could not be got up before day) made a successful attack on that part of the enemy they fell in with, and actually took possession of many brigs and flats--particularly, the commodore. _But the vessels being, as I am informed, chained to the, shore, but certainly hauled on shore_, as the commodore's brig had less under her bottom than could support her, the moment the battle ceased on board, such vollies upon vollies of musketry were fired, directed on their decks, the enemy being perfectly regardless of their own men, who must have suffered equally with us, that it was impossible even to remain on board to burn them. But allow me, who have seen much service this war, to say, that more determined, persevering courage, I never witnessed; and, that nothing but the impossibility of being successful, from the causes I have mentioned, could have prevented my having to congratulate their lordships on bringing off the enemy's flotilla: and, although, in value, the loss of such gallant and good men is incalculable; yet, in point of numbers, it has fell short of my expectations. I must also state, that greater zeal, and ardent desire, in the whole of the officers and crews, in the numerous vessels under my command, to distinguish themselves by an attack on the enemy, were never shewn: and the commanders and crews of the hired and revenue cutters vie with their brethren of the navy; the whole of whose boats were employed, and the commanders of the Hunter and Greyhound cutters volunteered their services. 

 "Among the many gallant men wounded, I have, with the deepest regret, to state the heavy loss I have sustained, by the grievous wounds of my gallant good friend, and able assistant, Captain Edward Thomas Parker, my aid-de-camp; also of Lieutenant Frederic Langford, my flag-lieutenant, who has served with me many years; and who were both wounded, in attempting to board the French commodore. To Captain Gore, of the Medusa, I feel the highest obligations; and, when their lordships look at the loss of the Medusa on this occasion, they will agree with me, that the honour of my flag, and the cause of their king and country, could never have been placed in more gallant hands. Captain Bedford, of the Leyden, with Captain Gore, very handsomely volunteered their services to serve under masters and commanders: but, it would not have been fair to the latter; and I only mention it, to mark the zeal of those officers. From the nature of the attack, only a few prisoners were made; a lieutenant, eight seamen, and eight soldiers, are all which were brought off. Herewith, I send you the report of the several commanders of divisions, and also a return of killed and wounded, &c. 

 I have the honour to be, &c. 

 "NELSON AND BRONTE. "

 "P. S. Captain Somerville was the senior master and commander employed. 

 "Evan Nepean, Esq. "

The letters received by his lordship from the several commanders ofdivisions, and transmitted by him to England, with his own publicletter, were as follow. 

 FIRST DIVISION. 

 "Eugenie, off Boulogne, 16th Aug. 1801. 

 "MY LORD, "In obedience to your lordship's directions to state the proceedings of the first division of boats which you did me the honour to place under my command, for the purpose of attacking the enemy's flotilla in the Bay of Boulogne, I beg leave to acquaint you that, after leaving the Medusa last night, I found myself, in getting ashore, carried considerably, by the rapidity of the tide, to the eastward of the abovementioned place; and, finding that I was not likely to reach it in the order prescribed, I gave directions to the boats to cast each other off. By so doing, I was enabled to get to the enemy's flotilla a little before the dawn of day: and, in the best order possible, attacked, close to the pier-head, a brig; which, after a short contest, I carried. Previous to so doing, her cables were cut; but I was prevented from towing her out, by her being secured with a chain: and, in consequence of a very heavy fire of musketry and grape-shot, that was directed at us from the shore, three luggers, and another brig, within half pistol shot, and not seeing the least prospect of being able to get her off, I was obliged to abandon her, and push out of the bay, as it was then compleatly day-light. The undaunted and resolute behaviour of the officers, seamen, and marines, was unparalleled; and I have to lament the loss of several of those brave men, a list of whom I inclose herewith. 

 I have the honour to be, &c. P. Somerville. "

 SECOND DIVISION. 

 "Medusa, off Boulogne, 16th Aug. 1801. 

 "MY LORD, "After the compleat arrangement which was made, the perfect good understanding and regularity with which the boats you did me the honour to put under my command left the Medusa, I have an anxious feeling to explain to your lordship the failure of our enterprize, that on it's outset promised every success. Agreeable to your lordship's instructions, I proceeded, with the second division of the boats under my direction, the half of which was under the direction of Lieutenant Williams, senior of the Medusa, to attack the part of the enemy's flotilla appointed for me: and, at half past twelve, had the good fortune to find myself close to them; when I ordered Lieutenant Williams, with his subdivision, to push on to attack the vessels to the northward of me; while I, with the others, run alongside a large brig off the mole head, wearing the commodore's pendant. It is at this moment, that I feel myself at a loss for words to do justice to the officers and crew of the Medusa, who were in the boat with me; and to Lieutenant Langford, the officers and crew of the same ship, who nobly seconded us in the barge until all her crew were killed or wounded: and to the Honourable William Cathcart, who commanded the Medusa's cutter, and sustained the attack with the greatest intrepidity, until the desperate situation I was left in obliged me to call him to the assistance of the sufferers in my boat. The boats were no sooner alongside, than we attempted to board: but a very strong netting, traced up to her lower yards, baffled all our endeavours; and an instantaneous discharge of her guns, and small arms from about two hundred soldiers on her gun-wale, knocked myself, Mr. Kirby the master of the Medusa, and Mr. Gore a midshipman, with two thirds of the crew, upon our backs, into the boat; all, either killed or desperately wounded. The barge, and cutter, being on the outside, sheered off with the tide: but the flat-boat, in which I was, hung alongside; and, as there was not an officer or man left to govern her, must have fallen into the hands of the enemy, had not Mr. Cathcart taken her in tow, and carried her off. 

 "Mr. Williams led his subdivision up to the enemy with the most intrepid gallantry, took one lugger, and attacked a brig; while his crew, I am concerned to say, suffered equally with ourselves: nearly the whole of his boat's crew were killed or wounded. Lieutenant Paley, who commanded the Medusa's launch, and the Honourable Mr. Maitland, midshipman, were severely wounded; and Mr. William Bristow, master's mate in the Medusa's cutter under Lieutenant Steward, was killed. 

 "I now feel it my duty to assure your lordship, that nothing could surpass the zeal, courage, and readiness, of every description of officers and men under my command; and I am sorry that my words fall short of their merit, though we could not accomplish the object we were ordered to. I have the honour to be, &c. 

 "Edward T. Parker. "

 THIRD DIVISION. 

 Gannet, 16th Aug. 1801. 

 "MY LORD, "On the night of the 15th inst. The third division of boats, which I had the honour to command, assembled on board his majesty's ship York, agreeable to your lordship's directions; and, at eleven, P. M. By signal from the Medusa, proceeded, without loss of time, to attack the enemy's flotilla off Boulogne, as directed by your lordship. As I thought it most advisable to endeavour to reduce the largest vessel first, I lost no time in making the attack; but, in consequence of my leading the division, and the enemy opening a heavy fire from several of the batteries, thought it advisable to give the enemy as little time as possible, cut the tow-rope, and did not wait for the other boats, so that it was some little time before the heavy boats could get up. I received so many shots through the boat's bottom, that I soon found her in a sinking state; and, as it was not possible to stop so many shot-holes, was obliged, with the men, to take to another boat; and have the pleasure to acquaint your lordship that I received particular support from the boats of his majesty's ship York, which soon came up with the rest of the division I had the honour to command. But, finding no prospect of success, and the number of men killed and wounded in the different boats, with the constant fire from the shore of grape and small-arms, thought it for the good of his majesty's service to withdraw the boats between two and three in the morning; as we could not board her, although every effort was made. 

 I have the honour to be, &c. Isaac Cotgrave. "

 FOURTH DIVISION. 

 "His Majesty's Ship Isis, 16th Aug. 1801. 

 "MY LORD, "In consequence of directions received from your lordship, I last night, on the signal being made on board the Medusa, left this ship, with the boats of the fourth division, formed with two close lines, and immediately joined the other divisions under the stern of the Medusa; and, from thence, proceeded to put your lordship's orders into execution, by attacking the westernmost part of the enemy's flotilla. But, notwithstanding every exertion made, owing to the rapidity of the tide, we could not, until near day-light, get to the westward of any part of the enemy's line; on approaching the eastern part of which, in order to assist the first division then engaged, we met them returning. Under these circumstances, and the day breaking apace, I judged it prudent to direct the officers commanding the different boats to return to their respective ships. 

 "I have the honour to be, &c. Robert Jones. 

 "P. S. None killed or wounded on board any of the fourth division. "

 DIVISION OF HOWITZER-BOATS. 

 Discovery, off Boulogne, Aug. 6, 1801. 

 "MY LORD, "I beg leave to make the report to your lordship of the four howitzer-boats that I had the honour to command in the attack of the enemy last night. Having led in, to support Captain Parker's division, keeping between his lines until the enemy opened their fire on him: we keeping on towards the pier, until I was aground in the headmost boat; then opened our fire, and threw about eight shells into it. But, from the strength of the tide coming out of the harbour, was not able to keep off the pier-head; but continued our fire on the camp until the enemy's fire had totally slackened, and Captain Parker's division had passed without me. I beg leave to mention to your lordship, that I was ably supported by the other boats. Captain Broome, and Lieutenant Beem, of the Royal Artillery, did every thing in their power to annoy the enemy. The other officers of artillery were detached in the other four howitzer-boats. 

 "I have the honour to be, &c. John Conn. "

 * * * * *

_Return of Killed and Wounded in the Boats of his Majesty's Ships andVessels, on the attack of the French Flotilla, moored before Boulogne, 16th of August 1801_. 

 KILLED 4 Officers. 33 Seamen. 7 Marines. 

 WOUNDED 14 84 30 ---- ---- ---- TOTAL 18 117 37 ---- ---- ----

 Total, Killed and Wounded, 172. 

The circumstances unfolded in the above letters very sufficientlyaccount for the failure of success, while they demonstrate how well ithad been merited. Lord Nelson was, doubtless, in some degreedisappointed, for he had hoped to destroy or bring off all their boastedflotilla. He consoled himself, however, with reflecting that, if littleadvantage had been gained, there was, on his part, no loss of honour;while the enemy owed their security to the disgraceful resource of beingconstrained to chain their vaunted vessels for invading our country tothe shores of their own. 

His lordship was scarcely returned to the Downs, from this expedition, when he had the honour of receiving, from the First Lord of theAdmiralty, his old friend the Earl of St. Vincent, a most kind andaffectionate letter, dated the 17th of August 1801, from which thefollowing is an extract--

 "It is not given us, to command success; your lordship, and the gallant men under your orders, certainly deserve it: and I cannot sufficiently express my admiration of the zeal and persevering courage with which this gallant enterprize was followed up; lamenting, most sincerely, the loss sustained in it. The manner in which the enemy's flotilla was fastened to the ground, could not have been foreseen. The highest praise is due to your lordship; and all, under your command, who were actors in this gallant attempt. "

Lord Nelson immediately issued the following general orders to all whohad fought under his command on this occasion. 

 "Medusa, Downs, 18th Aug. 1801. 

 "Vice-Admiral Lord Nelson has the greatest satisfaction in sending to the captains, officers, and men, under his command, that were employed in the late attempt on the enemy's flotilla off Boulogne, an extract of a letter which he has received from the First Lord of the Admiralty; not only approving of their zeal and persevering courage, but bestowing the highest praise on them. The vice-admiral begs to assure them, that the enemy will not have long reason to boast of their security; for he trusts, ere long, to assist them in person, in a way which will compleatly annihilate the whole of them. Lord Nelson is convinced that, if it had been possible for men to have brought the enemy's flotilla out, the men that were employed to do so would have accomplished it. The moment the enemy have the audacity to cast off the chains which fix their vessels to the ground, that moment, Lord Nelson is well persuaded, they will be conducted, by his brave followers, to a British port, or sent to the bottom. 

 "Nelson and Bronte. "

Such were the consolations of these great and congenial minds. They hadnothing with which to upbraid themselves; no cause of censure in any ofthe brave men employed on the occasion; nor the smallest doubt ofsuccess, with the same measures, and the same men, wherever successmight be possible. The chief source of sorrow which afflicted the breastof our hero, was commiseration for the sufferings of the many gallantmen who were now languishing, on the bed of anguish, with dreadful anddangerous wounds received in the action. At the hospital, his lordshipwas a constant attendant; this, indeed, had ever been his humanepractice. He tenderly enquired into the state of their wounds, andpoured the balm of sympathetic solace into their agonized minds. Onbeholding a brave fellow, whom he particularly recollected, and kindlyasking what injury he had received, his lordship was informed that hehad lost an arm. "Never mind that, " said the hero; "I have lost an arm, too; and, perhaps, shall shortly lose a leg: but, my good fellow, theycan never be lost in a better cause, than in the defence of ourcountry. " This had a wonderful effect, not only on the man particularlyaddressed, but all his fellow-sufferers around; several of whomexclaimed, that they should disregard their being wounded, if they werenot thus prevented from accompanying his lordship in another attack onthe enemy. 

While Lord Nelson was engaged in these services off Boulogne, the newconcessions of his majesty, with regard to the extensions of hislordship's titles and honours, had been published in the London Gazette, on the 4th and 12th of August 1801. The first, announcing his creationto the dignity of Baron of the United Kingdom of Great Britain andIreland, by the name, stile, and title, of Baron Nelson of the Nile, andof Hilborough in the county of Norfolk, with remainders: and the second, that Lord Viscount Nelson had been permitted, by his Majesty's warrant, dated 7th January 1801, to adopt, for himself and heirs, the title ofDuke of Bronte, with the fief of the Dutchy annexed thereto; and, also, to receive the Great Cross of the Order of St. Ferdinand and of Merit, all conferred on him by Ferdinand IV. King of the Two Sicilies. 

The original of the creation of Lord Viscount Nelson, before Baron ofBurnham Thorpe in the county of Norfolk, to the Barony of Hilborough inthe same county, is expressed in terms at once so highly honourable tothe sovereign from whom they proceeded, and to his lordship, in whosejust praise they are thus publicly addressed by his Majesty to the wholeworld as well as to posterity, that it is judged proper to give acomplete and correct copy of this curious and interesting document tothe reader, as obtained from the office of the royal signet. 

 CREATION OF VISCOUNT NELSON, BARON HILBOROUGH, WITH REMAINDERS. 

 "His Majesty is graciously pleased, _in consideration of the great and important services that renowned man, Horatio Viscount Nelson, hath rendered to his King and Country, and in order to perpetuate to the latest posterity the remembrance of his glorious actions, and to incite others to imitate his example_, to grant the dignity of a Baron of his united kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland to the said Horatio Viscount Nelson, Knight of the most Honourable Order of the Bath, and Vice-Admiral of the Blue Squadron of his Majesty's Fleet--Duke of Bronte in Sicily, Knight of the Grand Cross of the Order of St. Ferdinand and of Merit, and of the Imperial Order of the Crescent--by the name, stile, and title, of Baron Nelson of the Nile, and of Hilborough in his county of Norfolk: to hold, to him, and the heirs male of his body lawfully begotten; and, in default of such issue, to his trusty and well-beloved Edmund Nelson, Clerk, Rector of Burnham Thorpe in his county of Norfolk, father of the said Horatio Viscount Nelson, and the heirs male of his body lawfully begotten; and, in default of such issue, to the heirs male of the body of Susannah, the wife of Thomas Bolton, Esq. And sister of the said Horatio Viscount Nelson, lawfully begotten and to be begotten, severally and successively, one after another, as they shall be in seniority of age and priority of birth; and, in default of such issue, to the heirs male of the body of Catharine, the wife of George Matcham, Esq. Another sister of the said Horatio Viscount Nelson, lawfully begotten and to be begotten, severally and successively, one after another, as they shall be in seniority of age and priority of birth; with all rights, privileges, pre-eminences, immunities, and advantages, thereunto belonging. _And a clause is inserted, declaring it to be his Majesty's royal will and pleasure, that the persons who shall hereafter succeed to the said title and dignity of Baron Nelson of the Nile, and of Hilborough aforesaid, shall take and use the surname of Nelson only_. "

In a note accompanying the above copy of this creation with remainders, it is observed, that the words therein scored under with red, and whichare here printed in Italic characters, appear to be new, and are notinserted in common creations. 

Immediately on Lord Nelson's arrival in the Downs, from off Boulogne, hehad sent to request that Sir William and Lady Hamilton, with the presentEarl and Countess Nelson, would hasten to Deal, for the purpose ofattending on their esteemed friend Captain Parker, whose dreadful woundsafforded but little hope of his recovery, and tendering their kindoffices to the rest of the brave sufferers. 

In the mean time, his lordship had again sailed from the Downs, onSunday the 23d of August; and was joined off the North Foreland, by thesquadron from Margate, with a view of trying what might be effectedagainst Flushing. The whole of this fleet, when united off West Capel, consisted of thirty-four sail, from sixty-four guns to fourteen, including three bombs and three fire-vessels; and, after consultingpilots, "who made use, " his lordship observed, in his letter to Mr. Nepean, "of many _ifs_, " with regard to being able to approach theenemy, or even get the ships safely back again, he was determined tosatisfy his own mind, by going on board the King George hired cutter, Mr. Yawkins master, the 25th in the morning; who carried his lordship upthe Welling Channel four or five leagues from his ships, and withinabout three of the enemy. From this distant observation, by himself andCaptain Gore, joined to the local knowledge of Mr. Yawkins, he could notthink himself justifiable in proceeding farther with the business;though he liberally acknowledged the admiration which he felt of thezeal of Captain Owen, in the anxious desire of that able officer to getat the enemy. The hazard, it appeared, was far greater, and the object, from the few ships there, considerably less, than had been imagined. 

On the 27th, Lord Nelson returned to the Downs, in the Medusa; and, nextday, hoisted his flag on board the Amazon. His worthy old friend, Admiral Lutwidge, being port-admiral at Deal, and residing there withhis excellent and truly amiable lady, an indissoluble friendship wasformed between them and Sir William and Lady Hamilton. The gallant andgood Captain Parker, having been under the necessity of submitting to anamputation of his thigh, suffered the most excruciating tortures forabout a month; and then died, with the most magnanimous and piousresignation, surrounded by these estimable friends, who had contributedto afford him every solace of which his dreadful state was susceptible. As the French, now attacked on their own shores, seemed likely soon toaccept propositions of peace, Lord Nelson thought it advisable topurchase a pleasant rural retreat, where he might enjoy the benefit ofgood air, and yet be "within hail of the Admiralty. " Sir WilliamHamilton, therefore, was requested to search out a spot adapted to theirjoint establishment: and, shortly after his return to London, learningthat Merton Place, in Surry, about eight miles distant from WestminsterBridge, was to be disposed of, he immediately bought this estate; whichwas expeditiously prepared for their mutual reception, under theguidance of that classical and elegant taste for which Sir William andLady Hamilton were both so peculiarly distinguished. The site of thishouse and grounds is said to have been part of the ancient abbey landsof Merton, situated within about two hundred and fifty yards of thepresent remaining abbey wall; and, in digging to effect the variousimprovements, many old coins, and other antiquities, have beenoccasionally dug up. Though this place was familiarly denominated afarm, by our hero and his friends, it had been, for many years before, the respectable seat of Sir Richard Hotham. The ground, however, wascertainly very contracted on one side of the house, being there littlemore than sufficient to bound the moat by which it was unpleasantlysurrounded. Whatever could be effected, in such limits, was soonarranged; and, as the autumnal season's advancement probably remindedthem of the spoliage which must speedily be expected to ensue in thegeneral verdure of the scene, innumerable evergreens were mostjudiciously planted throughout the grounds; including a modest portionof those laurels, beneath the shade of which the transcendent merits ofthe heroic possessor so abundantly entitled him to repose. By pursuingthis excellent management, the charming gardens of Merton, in theirenlarged state, preserve a considerable degree of comfort and beautythroughout the rigours of the severest winter. 

Lord Nelson heard, daily, the progress which was making at the farm, andit afforded him a pleasure of which he stood greatly in need. His healthwas, at this time, very indifferent, and he suffered severely from thecold winds of the autumnal equinox. Though, however, the preliminariesof peace were now signed, he could not obtain leave of absence from theAdmiralty, to try the good effects of a little retirement at his newdwelling, till the 22d of October, and then only for ten days. As ifthis were not sufficient, he was agitated by the estrangement of hisfather's affections, in consequence of the recent separation from LadyNelson; and pestered with anonymous threatening letters, in a way verysimilar to those supposed to have been written by Mr. Barnard to thegreat Duke of Marlborough. Every means were tried, by the friends ofhis lordship, to detect the writer of these infamous incendiaryepistles, but without the desired effect. They, however, gave the herohimself very little anxiety: he considered them, probably, as nefariousattacks on his purse, through the medium of his character, and treatedevery menace they contained with the most sovereign contempt. Such, however, was our hero's filial reverence of parental authority, that hecould by no means regard his father's censure as a matter of lightimportance, though he felt conscious of his own innocence and integrity. This, indeed, was truly a source of sorrow; and he resolved fully tosatisfy his venerable parent's every scruple, and convince him howcruelly he had been wronged by false and scandalous reports. 

Early on the 22d of October, Lord Nelson quitted the Amazon, in theDowns; and, immediately landing at Deal, set off post for Merton. Onarriving at this small village, it is a singular fact that, being askedby the post-boy, which was the house; his lordship could only reply, that he knew no more than himself. It was, however, soon found; andnever was man more delighted, than our hero, at beholding his newresidence. Every glowing feature of his amiable friends spoke thewelcome which was felt by each heart, as the various beauties of thislittle spot were pointed out to his inquisitive eye. He viewed all withadmiration and astonishment, so greatly did it surpass every idea whichhe had formed. "Is this, too, mine?" he repeatedly asked, as he wasshewn the different parts of his estate; the house, the gardens, thedairy, &c. He was particularly charmed with the admirable contrivance ofa commodious subterranean passage, formed beneath the high road, andleading to the beautiful and extensive plantation walks with which thefields and kitchen gardens, on that side, are so agreeably environed;this estate, among others in that neighbourhood, having been formerlysevered, in consequence of an act of parliament for intersecting it by anew road to Epsom. "Oh, Sir William!" exclaimed his lordship, embracinghis most worthy friend, when he had seen the whole, "the longest livershall possess it all!" Lord Nelson was never a man of words; the memoryof this engagement, when he afterwards made his will, has conveyed thebeautiful villa of Merton Place to Lady Hamilton. 

The peace that at this period ensued, happily prevented any necessityfor his lordship's return to the fleet, which was soon after paid off. In the attainment of this peace, it will be the province of everyhistorian who duly considers the entire combination of causes andeffects, justly to appreciate the merits of our hero; who, however, was, by no means of opinion that it could prove of any very long duration, till the restless ambition of Bonaparte should be still moreefficaciously checked. 

His lordship was ever affectionately attached to his Royal Highness thePrince of Wales; as well as to the Duke of Clarence, and all the otherroyal brothers: he was fully sensible, too, of the brilliant politicalabilities of some of the chief members of the opposition, and feltsincerely desirous of seeing them fairly devoted to the service of thecountry. He regarded, however, what was universally deemed "the honestadministration of Mr. Addington, " the present Lord Sidmouth, as entitledto all the support which he could render men who not unworthily enjoyeda high degree of their sovereign's confidence and favour. Noconsiderations of private friendship could ever induce him to unite inany systematic opposition of his majesty's ministers. He was, he said, the King's servant; and would, in every way, defend him with his bestabilities. His lordship joined not in any condemnation of the peace;which he regarded, with many other intelligent persons, as an experimentworthy the trial. Of national honour, he conceived, nothing wassacrificed; and, except Malta, little was given up, which could be anyjust subject of regret. Even Malta itself, of which he so well knew allthe value, and which could probably never have been wrested from Francewithout his lordship's wonderful address and perseverance in obtainingaids for effecting it's reduction, he declared was, in his estimation, scarcely worth the trouble and expence of preserving, could we becertain that it might never fall into the hands of our enemies. Thespeeches of Lord Nelson, in parliament, on this and other populartopics, demonstrate great senatorial ability, with a profound knowledgeof our political and even commercial interests. Such a potent coadjutorwas well worth cherishing, and Mr. Addington appears to have been veryproperly of that opinion. 

Lord Nelson, on surveying his new domains, felt vastly desirous offilling up the moat, and extending the grounds on that side of the housewhere the space was so exceedingly contracted. He had, accordingly, applied by letter, dated the 25th of October 1801, to William Axe, Esq. Of Birchin Lane, London, who was proprietor of the small interveningfield which alone separated Merton Place from the narrow lane at the endof the abbey wall, to be favoured with the purchase of it, on equitableterms; and though that worthy gentleman, in the handsomest manner, forwhich Lord Nelson ever after highly respected him, paid all possibleattention to the wish of his lordship; a churlish farmer, who was Mr. Axe's tenant, on lease, of the whole adjoining estate, where he hadacquired a considerable fortune, opposed so many objections, and evincedso rude and unaccommodating a disposition, notwithstanding his lordshiphad condescendingly treated him with every courtesy, that the object wasnot accomplished till his lordship, about a year and half afterwards, purchased the whole farm, consisting of a hundred and fifteen acres;which Mr. Axe liberally consented to sell for the very moderate sum ofeight thousand pounds. 

In November, the Reverend Mr. Nelson came to Merton, on the pressinginvitation of his ever duteous son. The meeting was truly affecting; andterminated, as it ought, in a thorough conviction, that his lordship hadbeen most shamefully slandered. Indeed, on an entire eclaircissement, itbecame manifest that the grossest part of the slander which had beencruelly levelled against our hero was so self-evidently false, andreally impracticable, that a very small degree of consideration made theworthy and venerable father blush for the credulity which hadcontributed to criminate our hero; whose private life, all circumstancesduly considered, was to the full as unsullied as his public character. He saw the happy family with whom his heroic son was so agreeablydomesticated; and witnessed the pure felicity of those amiable friends, with a rapture which conveyed the highest satisfaction to his heart. Heperceived the kindest attentions to his son's happiness in every act ofall around him: and their success, in the joy now constantly diffusedover his countenance; beaming in every glance of his eye, and speakingin every accent of his tongue. He beheld his great and good son happy, and blessed and loved the friends who made him so. "Merton, " he said, "is the _Mansion of Peace_, and I must become one of the inhabitants. Sir William and myself are both old men, and we will witness the hero'sfelicity in retirement. " Such was the intention of this virtuous andpious parent; who had, however, been long so habituated to passing hiswinters at Bath, that he could not, at once, wean himself of thecustom: but he never resided with Lady Nelson, as has been falselyreported, from the moment he was convinced of his illustrious son'shaving been so egregiously misrepresented. Apartments, in the mean time, were actually prepared for him at Merton Place; and it was agreed that, after wintering at Bath, he should, in May, come to reside wholly withhis son and Sir William and Lady Hamilton: but, unfortunately, thesalubrity of Bath proved insufficient to prolong his valuable life eventill that period, for he died at his own apartments in that city, on the26th of April 1802, in the seventy-ninth year of his age: lamented byevery person who had ever known him, with the deepest veneration andregret, for the blameless sanctity of his amiable manners, the agreeablecheerfulness of his admirable disposition, and the warm benevolence ofhis excellent heart. 

The loss of such a father, though at an age when it was to be expected, could not but be sensibly felt by the amiable offspring whom he leftbehind. Lord Nelson, ever tender as an infant in all that regards thesoft affections, lamented his father's death with a grief so poignant, that its effect had nearly proved fatal to himself. 

About the middle of July, Sir William Hamilton being desirous that LordNelson should accompany him into Wales, for the purpose of viewingMilford Haven, and the improvements at Milford, which the HonourableMr. Greville had made on his uncle Sir William's estate, under thepowers of an act of parliament passed in 1790, a party was formed, consisting of his lordship, Sir William and Lady Hamilton, and Dr. Nelson, the present earl, with his lady and son. In compliment to hisheroic friend, Sir William had resolved to establish, at Milford, afair, or annual festival, on the 1st of August; and his nephew, theHonourable Mr. Greville, kindly undertook to make every requisitepreparation for receiving them on the joyous occasion. 

The party reached Oxford the first day, being Wednesday, the 21st ofJuly; where, by appointment, they were met by Mr. And Mrs. Matcham, withtheir eldest son, George Matcham, Jun. Esq. The Oxonians received hislordship with great joy; and, on Thursday, the freedom of thecorporation was presented to Lord Nelson in a gold box, by RichardWeston, Esq. Mayor of that city, who addressed his lordship, on theoccasion, in a very respectful speech; and Lord Nelson expressed, in thewarmest and strongest terms, his high sense of the honour, and hisearnest wishes for the happiness of the city, and the prosperity of thepublic service. On Friday morning, in full convocation, the universitynot only complimented Lord Nelson, and his friend Sir William Hamilton, with the honorary degree of LL. D. But liberally admitted his lordship'sbrother, the present earl, who had already taken his degree of D. D. AtCambridge, _ad eundem_--that is, to the same honour in Oxford. LordNelson, and Sir William Hamilton, were severally presented by Dr. Blackstone, Vinerian Professor of Law; and the Reverend William Nelson, of Christ's College, and Doctor of Divinity in the University ofCambridge, by Dr. Collinson, Lady Margaret's Professor of Divinity. Nothing, in short, could surpass the respect experienced by his lordshipand friends at Oxford; from whence, highly gratified, they the same dayproceeded to Woodstock, with an intention of viewing Blenheim. 

It might have been expected, that his Grace the Duke of Marlborough, himself descended from a British hero of the first class, and inhabitinga magnificent palace, the honourable boon of his country, would havejoyfully availed himself of the opportunity thus afforded by thepresence of a man certainly not inferior to his own heroic ancestor, sonear as even at Oxford, and politely requested the honour ofentertaining such a guest. This, however, had not been done; and LordNelson, with his friends, put up at an inn in Woodstock; from whencethey went to Blenheim, as strangers, for the purpose of viewing theinternal attractions of art, in that grand but ponderous national pile. The family never made their appearance; but sent a servant withrefreshments, which Lord Nelson proudly refused. As the duke was athome, his lordship thought, no doubt, that he ought, at least, to havecome forward. Sir William Hamilton said that, if the shade of the GreatMarlborough could arise, he would have done the honours to the victor ofAboukir, a greater victor than himself! Lady Hamilton finelyremarked--with a spirit and energy forcibly depicting the grandcharacter of that superlative mind which renders her, at once, the idoland idoliser of transcendent genius and valour--that "the splendidreward of Marlborough's services, was because a woman reigned, and womenhad great souls: and I, " says her ladyship, for these are her ownmatchless words, "told Nelson that, if I had been a queen, after thebattle of Aboukir, he should have had a principality, so that BlenheimPark should have been only as a kitchen garden to it! The tears cameinto his eyes, and he shook Sir William and me by the hand; saying, thathe was content to have done his duty by the country, and the people, that he loved, and he hoped we should ever approve his conduct; butthat, yet, he had not half done, for there were two or three beds oflaurels in the Mediterranean to be gathered. "

It was in this way, that these exalted friends of their country, and ofeach other, consoled themselves on all occasions, where they met withany of that incivility or ingratitude, which few persons of eminentworth fail to experience in the world. That the Duke of Marlboroughshould have come forward, and welcomed the hero to Blenheim, cannotwell be disputed; but his grace, who is said to be of a shy and retiringdisposition, could not, it seems probable, prevail on himself to foregothe ceremonials of introductory etiquette, and might thus giveconsiderable offence to his lordship and friends, without intending themthe smallest personal disrespect. 

The party, next morning, set off for Gloucester, where they werereceived with the usual demonstrations of joy, by all ranks of theinhabitants. The bells were immediately rung; and multitudes eagerlycrouded before the King's Head Inn, to view the hero who had atchievedso much for his country. During the party's short stay, they visited thecathedral, and the county prison, with both of which his lordshipexpressed himself highly pleased; particularly, with the extent andconvenience of the latter, and the described system of it's internalregulations. On Sunday morning, Mr. And Mrs. Matcham, with their son, returned to Bath; while his lordship, and the remainder of his party, proceeded to Ross. 

They entered this town amidst bell-ringing, and the acclamations of thepeople; and, after breakfasting at the Swan Inn, where horses had beenordered to convey them to Monmouth, finding they might be accommodatedwith boats, and preferring the excursion by water, for the sake ofviewing the beautiful scenery on the banks of the Wye, they walkedthrough the beautiful gardens belonging to Walter Hill, Esq. To thebanks of that river, attended by a vast number of people, who decoratedthe boat provided for his lordship and friends with laurels, andexhibited every other demonstration of respect and joy. 

It was no sooner known at Monmouth, that the party were making thisexcursion down the Wye, than its shores were lined with spectators, andthe river covered with boats; and, when those accompanying his lordshipappeared, shouts of joy burst forth, and the guns on the celebratedKymin were fired. At landing, they were received by the corporation, whohad come out to meet them, and by whom the hero was complimented in anappropriate address; for which, as well as for the recent honoursconferred on him, in making him a burgess of their ancient borough, together with his friend, Sir William Hamilton, and enrolling his nameamong the illustrious chiefs in the Kymin Naval Temple, he returned hismost heartfelt acknowledgments. They were preceded, on their way intotown, by the bands of the Monmouth and Brecon militia, playing "God savethe King!"--"Rule, Britannia!" and other popular tunes. After dinner, his lordship paid his respects to Thomas Hollings, Esq. The mayor; andthen walked out in the town, for the purpose of viewing whatever seemedworthy of notice, constantly surrounded by innumerable spectators, allanxious to behold the hero, and pay him their tributary acknowledgments. His lordship being engaged, for next day, at Crickhowell, with hisfriend Admiral Gell, was under the necessity of declining the kindinvitation of the mayor and corporation, to dine with them on Monday;but promised to pass a day at Monmouth on his return, of which theyshould have previous notice. 

After spending the day with Admiral Gell, they went on to Brecon, wherethe joy of the people surpassed all description. The deputation offarmers was affecting. They said, addressing the hero---"My lord, youhave saved us. While you was losing your limbs, and shedding your blood, for us, we slept soundly with our wives; and our lands, and children, were protected by your brave vigilance. Accept our thanks; these tearswill tell you that we feel!" and the men wept like children. The townwas illuminated; and one man exclaimed--"Now, I could die in peace; Ihave seen our saviour, and brave defender!"

Nothing particular occurred to the party, after leaving Brecon, tillthey arrived at Milford; where the hero of the Nile, and his friends, were received with enthusiastic rapture. Sir William Hamilton had not, for many years, visited his numerous tenants; and they were proud tobehold their paternal friend leagued in so strict an amity with thefirst hero in the world. Sir William was delighted to see his dearfriend at Milford, and to shew him off to every body; and every body wascharmed with the pleasing affability of the illustrious hero. LordNelson often mentioned his progress through South Wales to Milford, asan affecting contrast of the genuine enthusiasm of natural character, tothe cold expression of ministerial approbation by which his receptionhad been marked on his return from the Mediterranean, when Lord Keithwas sent to take the chief command of the fleet in those seas. Thecorporate towns, villages, nobility, and gentry, on the line throughwhich his route was directed, vied with each other to detain him, thattheir neighbours might participate in the joy they felt on the arrivalof the hero. In many places, it was not possible to avoid their generousimportunity; and these kind attentions, which so honourably testifiednational gratitude, were accepted, by his lordship, as the mostgratifying recompences of his public service. 

The 1st of August being made the great day at Milford, the HonourableMr. Greville had invited all the nobility and gentry of the county ofPembroke to welcome the hero and his friends at this intended annualfestival. A rowing match, fair day, and shew of cattle, were establishedfor ever at Milford, in honour of the victory off the Nile. All the mostrespectable families twenty miles round, with a prodigious concourse ofthe humbler classes, came to see their beloved hero. Mr. Bolton, hislordship's brother-in-law, too, determined to be present on theoccasion, arrived at Milford, that very morning, from Norfolk. Itproved, all together a most interesting scene. After dinner, LordNelson, with admirable address, gave "Captain Foley!" as his toast: afriend and brother officer, he said, than whom there was not a braver ora better man in his majesty's service. He had been with him in all hischief battles; deserved to participate in every honour; and was, hislordship had the pleasure to add, in that respectable company, not onlya Welshman, but a native of the county of Pembroke. It need scarcely beadded, that this toast, so honourable both to his lordship and CaptainFoley, and so gratifying to the principality and county, was received, and drank, with the most rapturous delight. At this public meeting, theyhad also the high satisfaction to hear, from his lordship's lips, theresult of his judicious observations on the matchless harbour which thatcounty embosoms. Lord Nelson had fully examined it's entrance, and itsqualities; and now declared, that he considered Milford Haven, andTrincomale in the East Indies, as the two finest harbours he had everbeheld. The obstacles which had hitherto impeded the employment of soimportant an appendage as this to the empire, appeared merelyartificial, and would speedily be removed when once fully known. Therapid results of individual exertion had already, in fact, proved this, by bringing the mails to the water-side, rendering the custom-houseshore accessible to ships of burden, and establishing daily packets toand from Ireland; so that nothing more was now wanting, to renderMilford Haven, projecting into and separating the St. George's and theBristol channels, the only safe sea-port on the west coast of GreatBritain for commerce, as well as a port of refuge and of call: but, whenviewed in relation to Ireland, it became the central port of the empire;particularly, as a bonding port. The American settlers, by theircharacter and ability, had been enabled to send eight ships to the SouthSeas, and thus established the whale fishery. He had, himself, heacknowledged, supposed that the danger and natural defects of this portjustified the official prejudice which, since the year 1757, has beenattached to Milford Haven; but, the fortifications being now properlyabandoned, as incapable of defending the harbour, the qualities of theport, stated in the petition of British merchants, and in the report ofthe Committee of the House of Commons, he had, on his own view, ascertained to be correct. He applauded the wise measure of EarlSpencer, to improve naval architecture at Milford; and was of opinionthat, to apply, with oeconomy, the supply of timber on the sides ofthe Severn, for the purpose of building ships on the draughts of Mr. Barralleer at Milford, would do honour to the earl's views, and benefitto the service. He had critically examined the ships on the slips; anddeclared, that they ought to be models, of their class, for the Britishnavy. Mr. Barralleer, an ingenious French ship-builder, who quittedToulon, on it's evacuation by our forces, was well known to LordNelson. He had been fourteen months on board Admiral Goodall's ship; andhis observations, during all that time, in British practice, hadperfected Mr. Barralleer's principles of construction. At his lordship'ssuggestion, this ingenious naval architect has since prepared draughtsfor the largest classes of ships, the usual defects of which had beenpointed out by Lord Nelson, and are there effectually remedied. The hightides of Milford Haven, it's vicinity to the forest of Dean, and thedock-yard being exempt from those interruptions by repairs to whichPortsmouth and Plymouth must ever be devoted during war, arecircumstances which, his lordship remarked, ought to render MilfordHaven of the greatest use. Earl Spencer, indeed, had established theutility of the situation; and Mr. Barralleer, aware of prejudices amongworkmen who are required to deviate from their accustomed methods, hadthe precaution to initiate young natives of South Wales in his own modesof construction, and thus contrived to raise a sufficient number of ableartificers. As to the practical use of Milford Haven, for the king'sservice, it was only requisite that it should be known; and for thecommander of the channel fleet to give notice, that he consideredMilford Haven as a port where he would detach some of his ships tovictual and water: for, as his lordship observed, before Earl Spencerordered ships to be built at Milford, not the smallest assistance couldbe obtained; and, indeed, what ship would go thither, while theagent-victualler resided in Bristol, and had no store for saltprovisions at Milford?--which was, then, actually the case. Suchobstacles, once noticed, must immediately vanish; and he would himselfrecommend the trial, if in command. It had been said, there were notsufficient pilots; but, his lordship observed, there soon would be, ifthe arrival of ships sufficient to maintain them might be reasonablyexpected. In short, the port of Milford was adapted to become of thegreatest importance to Great Britain, not only in a naval and commercialview, but as an excellent position for packets to the westward. It wouldbe particularly convenient, his lordship remarked, for single ships togo down channel, and rendezvous at Milford Haven, from whence they mightat any time put to sea; either for the purpose of going off Brest, orstretching for the West Indies, when it was impossible for whole fleetsto clear the channel, where they were now not unfrequently detained aslong a time as would be requisite to make the whole voyage. Adverting tothe example of his esteemed friend, Captain Foley, as a native ofPembrokeshire, his lordship remarked that, if government would onlycontinue a fair encouragement to the port, the officers, the seamen, andthe artificers, of the county of Pembroke, it could not fail to effectimportant services for the nation. His lordship concluded withobserving, that he felt so happy at beholding such public benefitscombined with the objects established on his friend Sir WilliamHamilton's estate, by prudence of plan, unremitted perseverance, andwith small means, under the judicious arrangements of the Honourable Mr. Greville, that he would, if not on service, promise to return, as oftenas it should be in his power, to join them in celebrating the annualfestivity thus established: and hoped that what he now publicly said, orhad previously stated in private to his friends while surveying theport, would be remembered, for they were genuine truths; and he hadalready actually written to the minister, that he was in perfectadmiration of this fine neglected port. Such is the substance of LordNelson's observations with regard to Milford Haven; the remembrance ofwhich will, no doubt, long be cherished in the grateful bosoms of allwho had the honour to hear him. 

Sir William Hamilton left a fine whole-length picture of Lord Nelson, which had been painted at Vienna, to be preserved, for the perpetualgratification of visitors, by the occupier of the New Hotel, where hislordship and friends resided while at Milford. 

After visiting Lord Cawdor, at Stackpoole Court; Lord Milford, at PictonCastle; Lord Kensington; Mr. Foley, brother of Captain Foley; and othernoblemen and gentlemen in that part of the country, by all of whom theywere sumptuously entertained; the party set out on their return fromthis highly satisfactory tour. At Haverfordwest, on going to visit Mr. Foley, the horses had been taken from Lord Nelson's carriage, and he wasdrawn through the streets by the populace; preceded by the Pembrokeshiremilitia, a troop of the Haverfordwest cavalry, and the flags of thedifferent companies and societies, &c. While they were at Mr. Foley's, the mayor and corporation waited on his lordship, and presented him withthe freedom of that ancient town. At Swansea, too, where he minutelyexamined the pier, pottery, and other places, while on a visit toGlasmont, the seat of John Morris, Esq. The carriage had been drawnthrough the town by a choice body of exulting tars; and, after beingregaled with his friends, by the portreeve, his lordship, and SirWilliam Hamilton, were both presented with the freedom of Swansea. 

On Wednesday evening, the 18th of August, after passing the day with Mr. Wells, owner of the celebrated Piersfield estate, the returning partyarrived at the Beaufort Arms, Monmouth; Lord Nelson, on his way toMilford, having promised the mayor and corporation that he would againvisit them. Next morning, amidst the ringing of bells, and preceded by aband of music, they set out, in a carriage with four horses, for thefamous Kymin Pavillion; where they were not only received withenthusiasm by the company, but saluted by a discharge of cannon; themilitia band playing--"God save the King!"--"Rule, Britannia!" &c. Aftertaking breakfast in the banqueting-room, they proceeded to the NavalTemple, which his lordship surveyed with great attention. They thenwalked through the Beaulieu Grove: and, when they had sufficientlysurveyed this delightful scene, in order to gratify the publiccuriosity, they walked back to Monmouth; receiving, as they passed, thegrateful applauses of all ranks of people. At four o'clock, they satdown to an elegant dinner, at the Beaufort Arms, with the mayor, corporation, and most of the principal inhabitants. On the healthof--"The Hero of the Nile!" being drank, his lordship arose; and, in anadmirable speech, expressed his gratitude for their kind attentions. Lady Hamilton sung two songs, with her usual scientific taste, andsuperior vocal excellence, which quite enraptured the whole company. "Words, indeed, " says a writer in one of the provincial journals, onthis occasion, would "but ill convey an idea of the life and spiritwhich this deservedly admired lady gave to the festive board! In short, the polite and engaging behaviour of Lord Nelson, as well as of SirWilliam and Lady Hamilton, impressed on the minds of the visitors themost unqualified respect and admiration of their characters. " Themeeting broke up at eight o'clock; his lordship and friends beingengaged to pass the evening at the Honourable Colonel Lindsay's. 

On Friday, after walking in the town, viewing the public buildings, &c. They set out for Ross; where a triumphal arch, ornamented with laureland oak, and bearing an appropriate inscription, had been erected forthe hero to pass through. From hence, they paid a visit to Rudhall, theseat of Thomas Westfaling, Esq. Where, in the evening, there was asplendid ball and supper, to which all the principal families, for somemiles round, were invited. A deputation from the mayor and corporationof Hereford, having waited on Lord Nelson, at Rudhall, requesting hewould honour that city with his presence, his lordship obliginglyconsented; and, on Monday morning, proceeded thither. Being met by thepopulace, near the city, about twelve o'clock, they took the horses fromhis carriage, and drew the hero and his friends to the hotel; where theywere received by his Grace the Duke of Norfolk, Recorder of Hereford. Shortly after, they proceeded to the town-hall; the militia bandplaying--"See, the conquering Hero comes!" Being introduced, by the Dukeof Norfolk, to the corporation, who were waiting to receive hislordship, he was immediately addressed, by Lacon Lambe, Esq. Town-clerk, in an appropriate speech, complimentary of the hero's splendidachievements during the war; and soliciting his acceptance of thefreedom of the city, presented in a box cut from the _apple-tree_--"thepride of the country; and of whose noble juice, " concluded Mr. Lambe, "many libations will not fail to be offered to the long health, prosperity, and happiness, of the great and glorious conqueror of theNile!" Lord Nelson, respectfully putting the box to his lips, returnedhis sincere thanks, for an honour which, he said, he should neverforget--that of having his name enrolled among the freemen of Hereford. It was true, he had stood forward in the defence of his king andcountry, in many engagements: yet the honour and renown, for thebrilliant victories which the fleets under him had obtained, were notattributable to himself, but must be ascribed, first, to the Deity; and, next, to the undaunted courage, skill, and discipline, of those officersand seamen whom it had been his good fortune to command--not one ofwhom, he was proud to say, had ever in the least swerved from his duty. "Should this nation, " concluded his lordship, "ever experience a statesimilar to that from which it has been recently extricated, I have notthe slightest doubt, from the result of my observations during thistour, that the native, the inbred spirit of Britons, whilst it continuesas firmly united as at present, is fully adequate successfully to repelany attack, either foreign or domestic, which our enemies may dare tomake. You have but to say, to your fleets and armies--Go ye forth, andfight our battles; whilst we, true to ourselves, protect and supportyour wives and little ones at home. " The impression made by this speechis inconceivable. The Reverend Mr. Morgan, canon-residentiary, alsoaddressed his lordship, on the part of the bishop and clergy of thediocese; and, being charged, by the venerable bishop, to express hisregret at being deprived, by extreme age and infirmity, of the honour ofpaying his personal respects to Lord Nelson in the town-hall, hislordship immediately replied that, as the son of a clergyman, and fromhaving been bred up in a sense of the highest veneration for the churchand it's able ministers, while he sincerely lamented the cause ofabsence, he conceived it a duty, which he would perform with the utmostwillingness, to wait on his lordship at the episcopal palace. This, onreturning from the hall, he accordingly did; and, soon after, the partyproceeded to Downton Castle, near Ludlow, the seat of Richard PayneKnight, Esq. 

On approaching near Ludlow, the populace took the horses from hislordship's carriage, and drew it into the town; and, at his departure, drew him out of town, in the same manner, on the road to Downton Castle. 

After passing a few days with Mr. Knight, at his beautiful seat, andreceiving the honorary freedom of the ancient borough of Ludlow, hislordship, on Sunday evening, the 29th of August, while on the road toWorcester, was met by a prodigious concourse of people, who hailed hisapproach with heart-felt acclamations; and, taking the horses from hiscarriage, drew it to the Hop-Pole Inn. The hero was greeted, as heentered the city, by lively peals from the different church bells, andmany discharges of cannon; and joyfully saluted by innumerablespectators, in the streets, at the windows, and on the tops of houses, where they crouded to see him pass. In the course of the evening, hislordship frequently appeared at a window; and courteously bowed to theexulting crowd, with the most grateful condescension. Next morning, theillustrious guest, and his friends, preceded by a band of music, visitedthe famous Worcester china manufactory of Messrs. Chamberlains; and theydemonstrated their approbation of it's beauty, by making considerablepurchases. His lordship, in particular, left a large order for china, tobe decorated in the most splendid stile, with his arms, insignia, &c. Onreturning to the inn, Lord Nelson was attended by the city officers, inall their formalities, for conducting his lordship and friends to thecouncil-room in the town-hall; where the mayor and corporation wereassembled, and had prepared an elegant collation. At the conclusion ofthis repast, the Right Honourable the Earl of Coventry, as Recorder ofWorcester, on presenting his lordship with the freedom of that city, inan elegant china vase from Messrs. Chamberlains manufactory, thusaddressed him--"My lord! As recorder of the ancient and loyal city ofWorcester, an office of the most pleasing nature to myself, andhonourable to your lordship, is now imposed upon me. I am requested, bythat respectable and patriotic body which I have the honour to representon this occasion, the corporation of this city, to solicit yourlordship's acceptance, as a testimony of their high and grateful senseof your distinguished services, in defence of the people, liberty, andconstitution, of this kingdom, and our most gracious sovereign, with thefreedom of the city of Worcester. " Lord Nelson, in a very masterlyspeech, complimented the corporate body, on the polite manner in whichthey had received him; and delicately expressed the pleasure which hefelt from the sentiments entertained of him by the civil power of soancient, so loyal, and so respectable a city, as that of Worcester. Forloyalty, his lordship remarked, they had always stood in the foremostrank; and, to that patriotic spirit, he conceived, was to be ascribedthe high estimation in which they held his public and personal services. He considered himself fortunate, that his exertions had been calledforth in such perilous and disastrous times; as, he flattered himself, he had contributed to the protection of the best of constitutions, andthe best of kings. At the same time, he was bound to acknowledge that, whatever honour might arise to himself, from his conduct in those tryingscenes in which he had been engaged, he had certainly been supported bythe most able, intrepid, and active officers, and by men of the mostundaunted and enterprising courage. The merit ascribed to him, was moreparticularly due to the brave men who had been put under his orders; itwas to them that the country was indebted, he only had the good fortuneto command the heroes who had obtained those important successes. Withsuch assistance, aided by that Providence who watches over righteouskings and states with paternal care, he did not hesitate to say, thatthis kingdom rested on a safe and solid basis; that nothing could shakeit's foundation, but internal discord and divisions; that, as those whomhe had now the honour of addressing, on to him so pleasing andflattering an occasion, had always, with such zeal and promptitude, expressed their attachment to their sovereign, they would, he hoped, persevere in that unanimity and order, which tend, as the best and mostsolid security, to the preservation of all kings and states. He had now, he said, the honour of being one of that body, as a publicacknowledgment of the approbation with which they regarded his formerservices; and, should the exigence of the times, at any future period, call them again into action, the remembrance of that attention for whichhe had to thank them on the present occasion, would act as a stimulus tothe exercise, if possible, of more ardent zeal and exertion, in the oldand favourite cause, the defence of his king, and the protection of theconstitution. His future conduct, his lordship concluded, would bestevince his gratitude for the distinguished honours which had beenconferred on him. The remainder of his life should be devoted to theservice of his king and country; and, while he had a limb left, thatlimb should, if necessary, be cheerfully sacrificed in their defence. 

After this noble and impressive speech, which was much and mostdeservedly admired, his lordship and friends quitted the hall, and wentto see the cathedral; where they were received, and congratulated, bythe Reverend Dr. Arthur Onslow, the dean, and clergy. Lord Nelson viewedthe choir, monuments, &c. Of this elegant structure, with evident marksof satisfaction; and expressed himself much flattered by the politeattentions which he had experienced at Worcester. Having received anexpress invitation from the High and Low Bailiffs of Birmingham, hislordship and friends, soon after one o'clock, departed for thatcelebrated place, in two post-coaches and four, with the drivers inbluejackets, and wearing ribbons of the same colour in their hats. Apprehensive of accidents, from the curiosity of so crouded a populationas that of Birmingham, his lordship contrived to reach this town twohours sooner than expected. Accordingly, he was met with by but fewpeople on the road; and arrived, without any tumult, at Styles's hotel. The intelligence, however, soon became general; the bells merrily rung;and a prodigious concourse of people assembled, all desirous ofbeholding the hero who had, they exclaimed, saved them and their littleones from destruction. His lordship kindly gratified them as much aspossible, with a sight of his person, by repeatedly presenting himselfat the window; and was as repeatedly greeted by the grateful andapplausive shouts of the surrounding multitude, invoking Heaven's bestblessings on the noble champion of his country. His lordship wasimmediately waited on, at the hotel, by James Woolley, Esq. The highbailiff; and Timothy Smith, Esq. The low bailiff: who politely thankedhim, for the honour of accepting their invitation to "the toy-shop ofEurope. " His lordship, and friends, in the evening, went to the theatre, drawn by the shouting populace; and the house was so crouded, that manyhundred persons were unable to obtain admission. On their entrance, "Rule, Britannia!" was played in full orchestra; and the whole audience, respectfully standing up, instantly testified, by their unanimously loudand long continued plaudits, the happiness which they experienced atthus seeing among them the renowned Hero of the Nile. On returning, atmidnight, his lordship and friends were drawn back, by the people, through New Street, High Street, and Bull Street, to Styles's hotel, amidst a blaze of several hundred lighted torches. Next morning, hislordship and friends, accompanied by the high and low bailiffs, walkedto view the manufactory of Mr. Clay, japanner in ordinary to his Majestyand his Royal Highness the Prince of Wales; the sword manufactory ofMessrs. Woolley and Deakin; the button manufactory of Messrs. W. And R. Smith; the buckle and ring manufactory of Messrs. Simcox and Timmins;and the patent-sash manufactory of Messrs. Timmins and Jordan. They thenwent, drawn in their carriage by the populace, a prodigious multitudeconstantly attending, to Mr. Egerton's stained-glass manufactory, atHandsworth, where they were received by a party of beautiful youngladies, dressed in white, and who literally strewed the hero's ways withflowers. Here his lordship particularly admired a large window intendedfor Lady Masterman Sykes, and some works for Fonthill and Arundel. Theparty then proceeded to Mr. Boulton's matchless manufactory at Soho; andvisited that ingenious gentleman, who was slowly recovering from adangerous illness, in his bed-chamber. They then viewed the extensivecoining apparatus; and were presented with several appropriate medalsstruck in their presence. On returning to the hotel, they found anelegant dinner, consisting of every delicacy the season could afford, provided by the high and low bailiffs: at which they were met by HeneageLegge, Esq. The high-sheriff; Dugdale Stratford Dugdale, Esq. One of themembers for the county of Stafford; his lordship's esteemed friendCaptain Digby, who had the honour of being selected to bringintelligence of his lordship's glorious victory off the Nile; with othernaval and military officers, clergy, magistrates, &c. Lady Hamilton verycondescendingly gratified the company with some charming songs. Thebells rung most of the day: and, in the evening, his lordship andfriends again visited the theatre; which was crouded with all the beautyand fashion of the neighbourhood, who gave them the most rapturouswelcome. A respectable song, written for the occasion by Mr. Collins, was sung to the good old tune of "Hearts of Oak;" and his lordship andparty were conveyed to and from the theatre, by the populace, in thesame stile as they had been the preceding night. On Wednesday morning, again attended by the high and low bailiff, they proceeded, on foot, toinspect Mr. Radenhurst's whip manufactory, the extensive toy warehouseof Messrs. Richards, Mr. Phipson's pin manufactory, and Mr. Bissett'sMuseum. They concluded, by visiting the famous Blue-Coat Charity School, and were much pleased with the appearance of the children; they thenreturned to their hotel, and set out for Warwick, where they arrived thesame evening. 

The inhabitants of Warwick received his lordship and friends with everypossible demonstration of joy. They were waited on by the mayor andcorporation; and, after remaining till Friday morning, chiefly occupiedin viewing Warwick Castle, the county-hall, churches, and other publicbuildings, went on to Coventry. 

On arriving in the city of Coventry, where they were greeted with theusual public rejoicings, they were immediately attended by the mayor andcorporation: and, after taking some refreshment, his lordship proceededto pay his respects to Earl Spencer, at Althorpe Park, near Northampton;from whence, on Sunday, the 5th of September, the party returned toMerton. 

This journey to Milford proved eminently beneficial to Lord Nelson. Ithad not only established his health; but exhilarated his feeling mind, and freed it from every depression. The affectionate sentiments of agrateful and virtuous people, spontaneously bursting from their hearts, communicated a glow to his heroic bosom, which inspired him withrenovated vigour, and fortified him against all the lurking malignancyof mean envy and disappointed ambition. 

When Lord Nelson came to town, from Merton, which he did almost dailyduring the sittings of parliament, Sir William Hamilton usuallyaccompanied his noble friend for the transaction of his own privatebusiness, and they always returned together in the evening. Theseinseparable friends would visit no where without each other; and theyoften declared, that nothing but death should ever divide them. Hislordship, fond of retirement, visited very few of his opulentneighbours: but there was scarcely a poor inhabitant of Merton, whosehouse he did not occasionally enter; where he would converse familiarlywith the humble tenants, take the kindest notices of their little ones, and bountifully relieve their necessities. Among his select wealthyneighbours, the celebrated Abraham Goldsmid, Esq. Of Morden, and hisamiable family, ranked high in his lordship's estimation, as well as inthat of Sir William and Lady Hamilton, and their reciprocal visits werefrequent. A most liberal and unsolicited tender of pecuniaryaccommodation to Lord Nelson, by that worthy and disinterestedgentleman, in the very origin of their acquaintance, bound his generousheart for ever to Mr. Goldsmid; whose mutually ardent amity, shiningwith undiminished lustre, still survives for all who were dear to hislordship. 

On the 21st of December, when the famous bill of his noble friend, theEarl of St. Vincent, then First Lord of the Admiralty, for a commissionof Naval Enquiry, which brought on such a train of important butunexpected consequences, and was pregnant with so many beneficialeffects to the service, underwent a discussion in the House of Lords, atit's second reading, Lord Nelson made the following exquisite speech, insupport of it's proposed objects--

 "MY LORDS!

 "In the absence of my noble friend, who is at the head of the Admiralty, I think it my duty to say a few words to your lordships, in regard to a bill of which the objects have an express reference to the interests of my profession as a seaman. It undoubtedly originates in the feelings of the Admiralty; that they have not the power to remedy certain abuses, which they perceive to be most injurious to the public service. Every man knows, that there are such abuses; and, I hope, there is none among us who would not gladly do all that could be constitutionally effected to correct them. 

 Yet, if I had heard of any objection, of weight, urged against the measures in the present bill, I should certainly have hesitated to do any thing to promote it's progress through the forms of this house. But, I can recollect only one thing with which I have been struck as possibly exceptionable in it's tenor. It authorizes the commissioners to call for, and inspect, the books of merchants, who may have had transactions of business with any of the boards, or prize agents, into whose conduct they are to enquire. But, the credit of the British merchant is the support of the commerce of the world; his books are not, lightly, nor for any ordinary purpose, to be taken out of his own hands. The secrets of his business are not to be too curiously pryed into. The books of a single merchant may betray the secrets, not only of his own affairs, but of those with whom he is principally connected in business; and the reciprocal confidence of the whole commercial world may, by the authoritative enquiry of these commissioners, be shaken. All this, at least, I should have feared, as liable to happen, if the persons who are named in the bill had not been men whose characters are above all suspicion of indiscretion or malice. I may presume it to be the common conviction of the merchants, that in such hands they will be safe: since they have made no opposition to the bill, in it's progress; and since they have offered no appearance against it, by counsel at your lordships bar. And, truly, my lords, if the bill be, thus, superior to all objection; I can affirm, that the necessities, the wrongs, of those who are employed in the naval service of their country, most loudly call for the redress which it proposes! From the highest admiral in the service, to the poorest cabin-boy that walks the street, there is not a man but may be in distress, with large sums of wages due to him, of which he shall, by no diligence of request be able to obtain payment; not a man, whose intreaties will be readily answered, with aught but insult, at the proper places for his application, if he come not with particular recommendations to a preference. From the highest admiral, to the meanest seaman, whatever may be the sums of prize-money due to him, no man can tell when he may securely call any part of it his own. A man may have forty thousand pounds due to him, in prize-money; and yet may be dismissed, without a shilling, if he ask for it at the proper office without particular recommendation. Are these things to be tolerated? Is it for the interest, is it for the honour, of the country, that they should not as speedily as possible be redressed? I should be as unwilling as any man, to give an overweening preference to the interests of my own profession; but I cannot help thinking that, under all the circumstances of the business, your lordships will be strongly disposed to advance this bill into a law, as speedily as may be consistent with the order of your proceedings, and with due preference of deliberation!"

Next day, in a committee of the whole house, on the third reading ofthis celebrated bill, the Duke of Clarence having suggested thepropriety of instituting a distinct enquiry, under a particular act, into the abuses of prize-money, Lord Nelson expressed himself to be ofthe same opinion; but, though severely animadverting on the flagrantenormities of prize-agents, his lordship, nevertheless, candidlyacknowledged, that there might be instances where the delays of thepayment of prize-money resulted, not from the villainy of the agents, but from accidents by no means easily avoidable in the common course ofhuman affairs. In regarding the naval interests of his country, LordNelson was not unmindful of it's commercial prosperity; in censuringcriminal abuses, he was careful not to involve innocence with guilt. 

Lord Nelson's love of humanity led him, in February 1805, on the trialof Colonel Marcus Despard, for high-treason, to bear the most honourabletestimony to that officer's character: they had, his lordship said, formerly served together on the Spanish main; together been in theenemy's trenches, and slept in the same tent; and he had every reason tobelieve him a loyal man, and a brave officer. His lordship, however, wasfully satisfied, in the end, that Colonel Despard had been guilty of thecrime for which he was executed in Horsemonger Lane, Southwark, on the21st of the same month. Lord Ellenborough, the learned judge before whomColonel Despard was tried and convicted, on noticing, in his address tothe jury, the circumstances of Lord Nelson's testimony, from the seat ofjustice which he so worthily fills, delivered this fine panegyric on ourillustrious hero--"You have heard, " said that manly, wise, and virtuousjudge, "the high character given of the prisoner, by a man _on whom topronounce an eulogy were to waste words!_ But, you are to considerwhether a change has not taken place, since the period of which hespeaks. Happy, indeed, would it have been for him, if he had preservedthat character down to this moment of peril!" Had there been a gleam ofdoubt, as to the guilt of the culprit, the jury would certainly haveacquitted him in consequence of our hero's testimony as to hischaracter; and such was, after all, it's influence on their minds, thatwhen, in the usual form, they were asked whether he was "Guilty, or notguilty?" the foreman, though he replied--"Guilty;" immediatelyadded--"but we earnestly recommend him to mercy, on account of hisformer good character, and the services he has rendered his country. " Norecommendation, however, the crime being so atrocious, and the guilt somanifest, could reasonably be expected to avail. It is said, though suchdisabolism can scarcely be credited, that attempts were made, on thisoccasion, by secret enemies of his lordship in very high rank, toprejudice characters still more elevated against him; and thus, as insome other respects, vilely insinuating that his most honourable andvirtuous heart was tainted with the very vice which he ever held in thegreatest abhorrence. Among the various gross imputations against hislordship, which the future historian may find registered in some of thepreserved licentious public journals of blended facts and falshoods, andinconsiderately adopt, is that of the Hero of the Nile's having been soaddicted to gaming, that he lost, at a single sitting, the whole he hadgained, both pay and prize-money, during the year of that memorablevictory: whereas, in truth, his lordship was so extremely adverse tothis vice, that he had scarcely ever, in his life, entered any one ofthe fashionable gaming-houses; nor ever, as he repeatedly assured hisfriends, whom these base reports induced particularly to ask thequestion, won or lost even the trifling sum of twenty guineas!Notwithstanding this undoubted verity; there will, probably, always befound weak heads firmly believing, and vicious hearts basely pretendingto believe, that this exalted man was actually of a gambling spirit. Sodifficult is it entirely to eradicate the rank but fertile growth ofonce disseminated calumny; which, sown in darkness, by the arch-enemy ofmankind, springs up, and spreads it's pernicious influence, to check thefairer growth, and defeat the just hopes of the meritorious husbandman. 

It has been already observed that, owing to the unaccommodatingdisposition of a neighbouring farmer, Lord Nelson had been unable toenlarge the grounds of his retirement at Merton, till he agreed topurchase the whole of Mr. Axe's estate. This, however, had been so fareffected, at the latter end of the year 1802, that there wanted nothing, but certain legal formalities, for the conclusion of that business. Hislordship and friends had already rendered Merton Place a littleparadise, by their tasteful arrangements. They jointly directed thedisposition of the most beautiful shrubs; and not unfrequently placedthem in the earth, Sir William or Lady Hamilton assisting his lordshipto plant them with his single hand. A small mulberry-tree, now only afew feet high, and standing in front of the house, not far distant fromthe canal, where it was fixed by Lord Nelson's own hand, may hereafterrival the celebrated mulberry-tree at Stratford upon Avon, planted bythe immortal Shakspeare; the first dramatic bard, and naval hero, "takethem for all in all, " the world is ever likely to know. The prospect ofimmediately executing the desirable additional improvements in hislordship's estate, the plan of which had already been long contrived, was a source of considerable satisfaction to their anticipatory minds, as the spring season advanced. The purchase, indeed, was compleated thebeginning of May 1803; but, events were now destined to occur, in thefew intervening days, which rendered the possession of what had been soeagerly sought, of little value to either of the persons by whom it hadbeen regarded as so sure a source of increased enjoyments. 

Towards the latter end of March, Sir William Hamilton, then in hisseventy-fourth year, suddenly felt himself more than usually indisposed. He was a gentleman of the most exalted understanding; and knew, perfectly well, from the nature of his sensations, that the period hadarrived, when his corporeal dissolution must hourly be expected. Thiscircumstance conveyed, to his excellent heart, no uncommon alarm: theserious contemplation of death, had not been deferred to the last momentof his existence; and he therefore beheld, without dismay, every step ofit's awful approach. With a calmness which he was unable to communicateto his lady, he announced the solemn certainty; and declared hisresolution immediately to leave Merton Place, lest he should, by dyingthere, render it an insupportable future abode to the feelings of histender and illustrious friend. Sir William, on arriving at his house inPiccadilly, the 29th of March, instantly annexed the followingremarkable codicil to his will--

 "March 29, 1803. 

 "The copy of Madame Le Brun's picture of Emma, in enamel, by Bone, I give to my dearest friend, Lord Nelson, Duke of Bronte: a small token of the great regard I have for his lordship; the most virtuous, loyal, and truly brave character, I have ever met with. God bless him! and shame fall on those who do not say--_Amen_. "

The moment his lordship learned that Sir William Hamilton's physiciansdeclared him to be in danger, he never once quitted him: but, during sixnights, constantly sat up with his friend; who died, in the arms of LadyHamilton, and with Lord Nelson's hand in his, on the 6th of April 1803. A few moments before Sir William's decease, he said to hislordship--"Brave and great Nelson, our friendship has been long, and Iglory in my friend. I hope you will see justice done to Emma, byministers; for you know how great her services have been, and what shehas done for her country. Protect my dear wife; and may God bless you, and give you victory, and protect you in battle!" Then, turning to hislady--"My incomparable Emma, " said he, "you have never, in thought, word, or deed, offended me; and let me thank you, again and again, foryour affectionate kindness to me, all the time of our ten years happyunion. " Lord Nelson could scarcely be torn from the body of his friend. He requested Mrs. Nelson, now the Countess Nelson, immediately to takeapartments for him: and begged her to tell Lady Hamilton, that it wouldnot be right, now his friend was dead, to be an inmate of her ladyship'shouse; for it was a bad world, and her grief for the loss of her husbandmight not let her think of the impropriety of his continuing there. Hislordship, accordingly, removed that evening to lodgings in Piccadilly. 

It is remarkable that, the very day of Sir William's death, CaptainMacnamara, Lord Nelson's old fellow-traveller when he visited France thelatter end of the year 1783, killed Colonel Montgomery, and was himselfshot through the left side by his antagonist, in a duel near PrimroseHill, Hampstead. They had been riding in Hyde Park, that morning, witheach a Newfoundland dog; in whose first quarrelling and fighting, originated the dispute which so fatally terminated in the evening. Captain Macnamara was tried at the Old Bailey, on the 22d of the samemonth; but Lord Nelson, as well as his friends Lord Minto, Lord Hood, and Lord Hotham, giving him a most excellent character, though JudgeHeath directed the jury to find a verdict of manslaughter, both from theevidence and the captain's own admission, they resolutely pronouncedhim--"Not guilty!"

Lord Nelson had not, now, been quite eighteen months at home; and, within less than the twelve last, his ardent hopes of a tranquilretirement with the friends he loved, had been twice cruelly chilled bythe hand of death. Having lost the best of fathers, and the best offriends, with whom he was solicitous to have enjoyed his enlargeddomains at Merton, before the incivility of a rude rustic, and theprocrastinating formalities of legal conveyance, would permit him topossess the requisite additions for it's improvement. Indeed, withoutthe aid of Sir William's income, the establishment at Merton Place, wasalready too great for Lord Nelson's slender fortune. It suited wellenough their joint means, but was not adapted, individually, for either. However, even the possession of the whole had scarcely been obtained, and not at all occupied, when it was rendered useless to the hero; for, a renewal of the war being now inevitable, his transcendent abilitieswere instantly called for by the united voice of the nation. 

On the 16th of May, little more than five weeks after the decease of hisrevered and regretted friend Sir William Hamilton, a message from hismajesty announced to both houses of parliament the necessity forimmediate war with France: and, the very next day, Lord Nelson, who hadaccepted the command of the Mediterranean fleet, departed forPortsmouth; from whence he sailed for Gibraltar, the day following, inthe Amphion frigate, accompanied by the Victory of a hundred and tenguns, his lordship's flag-ship. 

Previous to his departure, however, Lord Nelson, not unmindful of hisdying friend's last request, had both written to, and waited on, Mr. Addington, respecting Lady Hamilton's pension; and this most honourableminister, as he has ever been generally esteemed, frankly told hislordship, that it certainly ought to be granted. Indeed, when it is dulyconsidered, that Sir William Hamilton was the foster-brother of hispresent majesty, who always entertained for him the most affectionateregard; that he had, for thirty-six years, filled the character ofBritish minister at the court of Naples, with a zeal and ability not tobe surpassed, and with a munificent and splendid hospitality very rarelyexercised; that his surviving lady, who constituted the chief felicityof his latter years, so contributed to promote all the best interests ofher country, and all the dignity of a beloved husband who there held thehonour of representing his sovereign, that the Queen of Naples, in aletter to his British majesty, dictated by the grateful feelings of herheart, expressly stated Lady Hamilton to have been--"her best friend andpreserver! to whom she was indebted, certainly, for her life; and, probably, for the crown!" and that the pension of twelve hundred poundsa year, conferred on Sir William for his long diplomatic services, ceased at his death; added to the solicitations of such a man as LordNelson, and the avowal of so upright a minister as Mr. Addington: itmust, certainly, appear evident that, if there had not been some veryunaccountable neglect, or some most scandalous impediment, the justexpectations of so many great and estimable characters, would long sincehave been satisfied by the grant of a liberal pension to Lady Hamilton;not only as the relict of such an honourable envoy, but for herladyship's own individual public services to the country. What LordNelson thought on this subject, to the last hour of his most invaluablelife, will necessarily be hereafter more particularly noticed. 

Soon after his lordship's arrival at Gibraltar, while he was going upto Malta, in the month of June, for the purpose of collecting his ships, he wrote to Lady Hamilton that, when he was in sight of Vesuvius, histhoughts of his dear friend, Sir William, were so severe, that he hadnearly fainted. Thus delicately tender were all the virtuous affections, in the bosom of this truly heroic man. 

Though Lord Nelson was, now, established commander in chief, in somesense for the first time, the dread with which his name inspired theenemy rendered the service far too inactive for his lordship's taste. Towatch the motions of a timid enemy, and wait the tedious periods oftheir venturing out, was to him a most irksome task. He disdained, however, any strict blockade of Toulon: but encouraged the boastfulfleet, ignominiously skulking there, to come fairly forward; by alwaysleaving them sufficient sea room; though he endeavoured to preserve overall their motions a constantly watchful eye. Month, after month, seemedsluggishly to pass away, in wearisome succession; though his lordship, whose mind was ever too alert for a state of actual supineness, keptcontinually cruizing about. He hoped that, at least, they might thus beencouraged secretly to detach a small squadron, which he had littledoubt some of his brave fellows would soon contrive to pick up. In thesecruizes, too, his lordship, at least, was certain of securing oneobject, ever the first regard of his heart, that of preserving thehealth of the men, without which no victory could be expected. His care, in this respect, was most unremittingly employed; and the followingletter, written by Lord Nelson, at that period, to his friend andphysician, the celebrated Dr. Moseley, of Chelsea Hospital, who haspurposely favoured the biographer with a correct copy, will not onlyevince his lordship's indefatigable attention, and his very great skilland success, but prove otherwise considerably interesting. 

 "Victory, 11th of March 1804. 

 "MY DEAR DR. MOSELEY, Yesterday, I received the favour of the 4th edition of your invaluable work on Tropical Diseases, &c. And, with it, your most kind letter: and, though I know myself not equal to your praises, yet I feel that my honest intentions for the good of the service have ever been the same; and, as I rise in rank, so do my exertions. The great thing, in all military service, is health; and you will agree with me, that it is easier for an officer to keep men healthy, than for a physician to cure them. Situated as this fleet has been, without a friendly port, where we could get all the things so necessary for us; yet I have, by changing the cruizing ground, not allowed the sameness of prospect to satiate the mind. Sometimes, by looking at Toulon, Ville Tranche, Barcelona, and Roses; then running round Minorca, Majorca, Sardinia, and Corsica; and, two or three times, anchoring for a few days, and sending a ship to the last place for _onions_--which I find the best thing that can be given to seamen: having, always, good mutton for the sick; cattle, when we can get them; and plenty of fresh water. In the winter, it is the best plan to give half the allowance of grog instead of all wine. 

 "These things are for the commander in chief to look to; but, shut very nearly out from Spain, and only getting refreshments by stealth from other places, my command has been an arduous one. 

 "Cornwallis has great merit for his persevering cruize; but he has every thing sent him, we have nothing. We seem forgotten, by the great folks at home. Our men's minds, however, are always kept up, with the daily hopes of meeting the enemy. I send you, as a curiosity, an account of our deaths, and sent to the hospital, out of 6000 men. The fleet put to sea on the 18th of May 1803, and is still at sea; not a ship has been refitted, or recruited, excepting what has been done at sea, You will readily believe, that all this must have shaken me. My sight is getting very bad; but _I_ must not be sick, until after the French fleet is taken, Then, I shall soon hope to take you by the hand, and have farther recourse to your skill for my eye. 

 "I am always glad to hear good accounts of our dear Lady Hamilton. That she is beloved, wherever she is known, does not surprise me; the contrary would, very much. I am sure, she feels most sincerely all your kindness. 

 "Believe me, for ever, my dear doctor, your much obliged friend, Nelson and Bronte

 Dr. Moseley, Chelsea Hospital. "

The account of the very few persons who had died, or been on the sicklist, transmitted as a curiosity in the above letter, having beenunfortunately lost by Dr. Moseley, their exact number cannot beascertained. 

Notwithstanding the opportunities given by Lord Nelson for the Frenchfleet to depart from Toulon, either in the aggregate, by detachedsquadrons, or even single ships, more than a year elapsed without any ofthem daring to quit the port. A solitary frigate, indeed, hadoccasionally appeared, but was soon chased back, and no stratagem seemedcapable of inducing them to move. Among other contrivances to put themin motion, was that of sending two or three ships of the line, with asingle frigate, off the harbour, while the main body of the fleetremained at a considerable distance out of sight. 

On the 23d of May 1804, Admiral Campbell in the Canopus, accompanied bySir Richard Strachan in the Donegal, and the Amazon frigate, weredetached by Lord Nelson thus to reconnoitre the enemy; and, after beingsome hours as near the mouth of the harbour as their batteries wouldallow, had the pleasure to behold three line of battle ships, and threefrigates, come out. Our ships immediately tacked, in order to draw themfrom the land; but only went under an easy sail, so that they soon camewithin random-shot. When the enemy began to fire, the people of theCanopus were just sat down to dinner; which they quietly took, and thenreturned their fire: meaning, now, to bring them to close action, thoughso far superior. At this moment, however, two more ships of the line, with another frigate, were perceived coming up fast to their assistance. This was too great odds, so near their own batteries, and our smallsquadron were obliged to sheer off, under a press of sail. The Frenchpursued them, for some time, still keeping the advantage of sailing;but, fearful of following too far, by the time they were five leaguesfrom Toulon, they were recalled, about three quarters of an hour pastthree, by their signal-post from the hill, and all stood in again. Atsix, the rear-admiral saw our fleet to leeward, and joined them athalf-past nine. They had heard, indistinctly, the firing: and theLeviathan was, in consequence, detached toward Toulon; but had notproceeded far, before our ships were perceived on their return. Thistrivial affair was magnified, by the French admiral, Latouche Treville, who had so manfully ventured to pursue, a little way, with twoeighty-fours, three seventy-fours, three forty-four frigates, and acorvette, our two eighty-fours and a single frigate, into a compleatdiscomfiture of the whole British fleet!

In the mean time, though Lord Nelson could in no way contriveeffectually to decoy out the wary Gallic boasters, their commerce wasnot only distressed, but nearly annihilated; their privateers weretaken; and the British flag waved, with proud defiance, throughout theMediterranean, and was unopposed even on the coast of France. The cityof London, sensible of what the experienced security of the Britishcommerce owed to his lordship's services, though uninformed as to theprecise mode in which the hero's operations were conducted, nowtransmitted to him, through the lord-mayor, their public thanks, votedon the 9th of April 1804, for his skill and perseverance in blockadingthe port of Toulon, so as to prevent the enemy's fleet in that quarterfrom putting to sea. This panegyric, however intended, was not at allrelished by his lordship, who had never approved of the blockadingsystem. "Praise undeserved, " the hero probably thought, as well as thepoet, "is censure most severe. " Under some such impression, therefore, instantly on receiving the lord-mayor's letter, which unfortunatelyarrived the famous 1st of August, he wrote the following animatedanswer; spiritedly declining any acceptance of thanks from hisfellow-citizens, in which his own services seemed so imperfectlyrecognized, and from which his brave coadjutors were unjustly excluded. 

 "Victory, August 1, 1804. 

 "MY LORD, "This day, I am honoured with your lordship's letter of April 9th; transmitting me the resolutions of the corporation of London, thanking me as commanding the fleet blockading Toulon. I do assure your lordship, that there is not that man breathing, who sets a higher value upon the thanks of his fellow-citizens of London than myself; but I should feel as much ashamed to receive them, for a particular service marked in the resolution, if I felt that I did not come within that line of service, as I should feel hurt at having a great victory passed over without notice. 

 "I beg to inform your lordship, that the port of Toulon has never been blockaded by me; quite the reverse. Every opportunity has been offered the enemy to put to sea: for, it is there that we hope to realize the hopes and expectations of our country; and, I trust that they will not be disappointed. 

 "Your lordship will judge of my feelings, upon seeing that all the junior flag-officers of other fleets, and even some of the captains, have received the thanks of the corporation of London, whilst the junior flag-officers of the Mediterranean fleet are entirely omitted. I own, that it has struck me very forcibly; for, where the information of the junior flag-officers and captains of other fleets was obtained, the same information could have been given of the flag-officers of this fleet and the captains; and it was my duty to state, that more able and zealous flag-officers and captains do not grace the British navy, than those I have the honour and happiness to command. It likewise appears, my lord, a most extraordinary circumstance, that Rear-Admiral Sir Richard Bickerton should have been, as second in command in the Mediterranean fleet, twice passed over by the corporation of London: once, after the Egyptian expedition, when the first and third in command were thanked; and, now, again. Consciousness of high desert, instead of neglect, made the rear-admiral resolve to let the matter rest, until he could have an opportunity personally to call upon the lord-mayor to account for such an extraordinary omission; but, from this second omission, I owe it to that excellent officer, not to pass it by: and I do assure your lordship, that the constant, zealous, and cordial support, I have had, in my command, from both Rear-Admiral Sir Richard Bickerton and Rear-Admiral Campbell, has been such as calls forth all my thanks and admiration. We have shared together the constant attention of being more than fourteen months at sea, and are ready to share the dangers and glory of a day of battle; therefore, it is impossible that I can ever allow myself to be separated, in thanks, from such supporters. 

 "I have the honour to remain, with the very highest respect, your lordship's most faithful and obedient servant, "Nelson and Bronte. "

 "To the Right Honourable the Lord Mayor. "

During the remainder of the year, though there was scarcely a day whichhis lordship did not employ in endeavours to improve the naturalsupineness of his situation, very little occurred that calls forparticular notice. A tedious detail of so many days of languidexpectation, would be comparatively as oppressive to the reader, as thetime thus passed proved to the hero himself and the many brave men underhis command. The destruction, however, of a number of vessels at LaVandour, in Hieres Bay, was performed with such a display of hardihoodand address, that it should, at least, receive honourable mention. Thiscan be in no way so well effected, as by transcribing Lord Nelson's ownwords on the occasion--"The importance of the service, " says hislordship, "may be but little; but, the determined bravery of LieutenantsThompson, Parker, Lumley, and Moore, and the petty officers, seamen, andmarines, employed under them, could not be exceeded. " Nor must a smallanecdote, highly honourable to our hero himself, fail also to berecorded. A seaman of his lordship's flag-ship, the Victory, on the 11thof September, fell from the forecastle into the sea; when Mr. EdwardFlin, a volunteer, hearing the cry of a man overboard, instantly leapedfrom the quarter-deck, and had the good fortune to save him, notwithstanding the extreme darkness of the night, and the ship's beingunder sail. Next morning, Lord Nelson sent for Mr. Flin; and, presentinghim with a lieutenant's commission, appointed him to the Bittern sloopof war, and afterwards procured the Admiralty's confirmation of hisappointment. 

The year 1805, rendered for ever too fatally memorable, commenced withpresages of sufficiently active employ. The vast exertions of France forthe augmentation of her navy, seemed to inspire a hope of being able, with the assistance of Spain, now forced into a war which thatunfortunate court had so much reason to dread, at length, in theconfidence of superior numbers, to hazard an encounter with the Britishfleet. This, however, was by no means to be rashly ventured: it would benecessary, they well knew, first to effect a junction of their unitedforce; which was not easily accomplishable, while they were watched withsuch diligent circumspection by our indefatigable hero. The firstoperation, by which they sought to elude his vigilance, was that ofrisking a small squadron from Rochfort, under Rear-Admiral Missiessi;which, having got out unobserved by our cruisers, arrived safely in theWest Indies, with the double view of pillaging our colonies, andassisting to relieve St. Domingo. In the mean time, another, but farmore powerful squadron, was ready to seize the first convenientopportunity of slipping out from Toulon. 

On the 15th of January, while Lord Nelson, who had no desire to restrainthe enemy from putting to sea, was busily engaged in observing the wholeline of the Italian, French, and Spanish coasts, from Palermo, Leghorn, Toulon, and Barcelona, to the Straits of Gibraltar, and picking up allthe French and Spanish vessels which his cruisers could meet with inthat wide extent of ocean, Admiral Villeneuve, with a formidablesquadron, consisting of eleven sail of the line and two frigates, suddenly pushed out of Toulon harbour. The Seahorse, Lord Nelson'slook-out frigate, accordingly, narrowly escaped being taken: and theVenus sloop of ten guns, with his lordship's dispatches, was actuallycaptured; having, however, previously thrown the dispatches overboard. The Seahorse, instead of watching, at a safe distance, the course of theenemy's fleet, till their destination should have been in some degreeascertained, hastened to acquaint his lordship that they had sailed, without being able to afford the smallest additional information. This, indeed, was sufficient to call forth our hero's energies; but he was, atthe same time, checked by the dread of proceeding in a wrong direction. Strong circumstances induced his lordship to suppose, that anotherattack on Egypt might possibly be intended by this armament; which, indeed, was the current report. He deemed it likely, however, that theymight first, as they formerly did at Malta, make an insiduous attempt onSicily, in their way to the grand scene of their perfidious operations. Actuated by the force of these reflections, Lord Nelson sent to apprizethe Ottoman Porte, as well as the Commandant of Coron, that the Toulonfleet had sailed, having a considerable number of troops on board, withthe probable intention of making a descent either on the Morea or onEgypt. He also dispatched, on the 25th, the Seahorse to Naples, and LeTigre to Palermo, with similar intimations. Next day, the Phoebe joinedthe fleet; who had, on the l9th, seen a French eighty-gun ship get intoAjaccio, in Corsica, having lost all her topmasts, and being otherwisemuch crippled. This, it should seem, was the effect of that storm which, as it was afterwards found, had almost immediately occasioned the Frencharmament's return to Toulon. His lordship, however, unaware of any suchconsequence, and deceived by the artful promulgation of false reports, kept running for Sicily; and, when in sight of Maritimo, sent Le Tigre, Captain Hallowell, to communicate with Sir John Acton at Palermo. LeTigre joined next day, without any news whatever of the French. In theevening, the fleet passed round Strombolo, which burnt very strongly allnight; and, having left the Sophia to cruize three days off Strombolofor information, and sent the Bittern to Tunis, proceeded for the Faroof Messina. On the 30th, off the Faro, his lordship was joined by theSeahorse from Naples; where, also, nothing had been heard of the French. At noon, on the 31st, having sent the Seahorse off Toulon, round CapeCorse, and Morgiana, to look into Elba, St. Fiorenzo, and Ajaccio, thefleet got through the Faro of Messina without any accident. On the 2d ofFebruary, they passed Candia; being unable, from the state of the windand weather, to make that island: and, on the 5th, sent forward theAnson, with letters to the Governor of Alexandria; to the Britishresident, Major Bissett; and to the pro-consul, Mr. Briggs. Next day, his lordship saw the Arab's Tower; and, on the 7th, at seven in themorning, came within sight of Alexandria, but there were no ships in theport. His lordship immediately sent Captain Hallowell ashore, withduplicates of his letters, the Anson being unable to get up. At threeo'clock, Captain Hallowell returned. The Turks, who were very muchalarmed at the appearance of the fleet, had heard nothing of the French;and were in no condition to defend this most important place from anattack, by surprise, of even five hundred men. Such is the shockingsupineness of these people! The Turks and Mamelukes were, however, atwar; the former being in possession of Grand Cairo, and the latter ofUpper Egypt. Immediately on the receipt of this intelligence, by CaptainHallowell, the fleet bore up, and made sail for Malta. 

On the 11th, the Phoebe having joined off Candia, was dispatched toMalta with orders. At daylight, on the 19th, his lordship saw Malta;and, at eight in the morning, communicated with Vallette. The Phoebemade the signal for no information; and, at nine, the fleet bore awayfor Maritimo. The Superb picked up a boat, and made the signal forintelligence from Malta: but his lordship would not stop; for he wanted, he said, no intelligence, but where to find the French fleet. Hisanxiety, therefore, may be easily imagined. It was little less, infact, than what he had formerly suffered, on his first vain pursuit toAlexandria. By a vessel met with, in the afternoon, eight days fromBarcelona, his lordship now learned that the French fleet had returnedto Toulon; wanting, however, at that time, three sail of the line and afrigate. On the 28th, while employed in watering the fleet, at Palla, inSardinia, a letter arrived from Captain Munday of the Hydra, datedFebruary 17th, who had reconnoitred the French fleet in Toulon on the12th, when it consisted of seventeen sail. 

On Thursday, the 7th of March, a cartel ship came into the fleet, thenat anchor under Tolaro in the Isle of Rouse, with Captain Layman, theofficers, and crew, of the Raven brig, which was wrecked off Cadiz, onthe night of January the 29th. The Captain General of Andalusia, LordNelson was told, had treated them with the greatest kindness--"Which, "generously exclaimed his lordship, "I will return, whenever fortune mayput it in my power!" Having weighed, in the morning of the 8th, thefleet, at six in the evening, anchored in the Gulph of Palma; where acourt-martial was held on the officers and crew of the late Raven brig, which passed a slight censure on the captain for not having approachedthe shore with greater caution. In the evening, the fleet beat out ofPalma, and steered between Vache and the reef off Antioch. On the 12th, in the Gulph of Lyons, they were joined by the Active, Seahorse, andJuno; who had, the day before, seen the French fleet perfectly ready forsea. The Renown also joined that evening; on board of which, invalids, &c. Were next day sent. It was a calm, all day; but, in the evening, light breezes springing up, the fleet stood out for St. Sebastian's. Onthe 16th, the Renown was dispatched for Gibraltar and England; on the17th, the fleet was beating to the eastward, off Tarragona; and, on the20th, in the afternoon, passed Minorca, standing for Sardinia, whichthey saw on the 23d in the evening, when his lordship sent the Juno withorders for the transports to join him. At sunset, on the 26th, the fleetanchored in the Gulph of Palma; where Lord Nelson found his old friend, Admiral Louis, in the Ambuscade, who had sailed from England the 16th ofFebruary. The whole of this night, and the three following days, wereemployed in clearing transports. On the 29th, the Seahorse broughtintelligence that the French fleet were safe in port on Sunday the 24th. The day following, the signal was made to prepare for sea; and, ourfleet having sailed from Palma, anchored at Palla, on the 31st in theevening. Next morning, April 1, at day-light, they commenced watering;and, at sun-set, every ship was compleat, and the fleet moved fartheroff shore. Their activity, his lordship remarked, was never exceeded. Onthe 3d, at day-light, they sailed from Palla; and, next morning, werejoined by the Phoebe, with the signal that the enemy's fleet was atsea. At nine, Captain Capel went on board the Victory; and reported tohis lordship, that he had seen the French fleet on Sunday morning ateight o'clock, and kept with them till sun-set, but lost sight of themduring the night. Lord Nelson immediately sent the Ambuscade to Gaieta, and the Active to the coast of Africa, for intelligence respecting them. Next day, the Amazon and transports joined from Malta; and a Turkishcorvette also arrived from Constantinople, with letters of gratitudefrom the Grand Vizier and the Capitan Pacha, to which his lordshipimmediately returned respectful answers. The Moucheron brig, too, havingthis day joined, from Malta, was sent to cruize seven days betweenGaieta and Africa, and to call at Tunis for information. After clearingtransports next day, and sending the Bittern to Gibraltar withdispatches, his lordship stood to the northward in the evening: and, thefollowing morning, sent the Active to Cagliari, the Amazon to Naples, the Seahorse to Maritimo, and Le Tigre to Palermo, for information. TheActive brought no news from the coast of Africa; but the Seahorse, returned from Maritimo with intelligence from the officer at the port, that fourteen ships of war had passed the island on the 28th of March, steering to the southward; and that two frigates had, on the 4th ofApril, also passed, steering to the northward: neither of which reportshis lordship believed; and, in fact, they appear to have been totallyfalse. In the evening, steering for Palermo, they were joined by theAmbuscade and Astrea, neither of whom had obtained any information ofthe enemy's fleet, though they had seen many vessels. On the 9th, havingcleared transports, which arrived the preceding evening, they compleatedthe fleet to four months provisions and sixty days wine and spirits. LeTigre joined next day, from Palermo: where they knew nothing of theFrench fleet's having sailed; but sent information that an expeditionhad left England, and that a Russian squadron was expected in theMediterranean. This information led his lordship to suppose that theFrench fleet might, probably, with a view of intercepting them, besomewhere about Minorca; he stood, therefore, to the westward ofSardinia, in the hope of falling in with the enemy. The Hydra andChilders joined, this day, from Magdalena, but brought no intelligence. At sunset, seven leagues south of Maritimo, the Active also joined, fromCagliari; and informed his lordship, that the Ragusan consul hadreceived a letter from St. Pierre's, giving him an account, brought by aRagusan brig, which had arrived there from Marseilles, that the Frenchfleet sailed from Toulon the 30th of March, having a great number oftroops on board. 

This intelligence turned out to be the fact. Admiral Villeneuve havingsucceeded in leading his dreaded antagonist to a safe distance, andcompleated all his preparations for the grand design, which was that offorming a junction with the Spanish fleets, and then proceeding to theWest Indies, had in truth left Toulon, on the 30th, with eleven sail ofthe line, a frigate, and two corvettes, in which were embarked tenthousand select troops under the command of General Lauriston. Thisarmament first sailed to Carthagena; where the six ships expected to beready, under Admiral Salcedo, not being quite prepared to join, andfearful of losing a moment's time, during the absence of Lord Nelson, Admiral Villeneuve pursued his course to Cadiz. There he had, for sometime, been expected by Admiral Gravina, who was waiting his arrival withsix Spanish sail of the line, and two thousand two hundred and eightytroops. On the approach of the French fleet off Cadiz, the 9th of April, Sir John Orde, who was blockading that port with five ships of the line, incapable of preventing their junction with the Spaniards, retired fromhis station; unpursued by the French fleet, which might easily haveforced him into action. L'Aigle, a French ship of the line, which hadbeen some time at Cadiz, immediately came out of the harbour; and wassoon after followed by six Spanish sail of the line, and five frigates, under Admiral Gravina: when, having compleatly effected their junction, a strong easterly wind expeditiously carried them out of sight. 

At this period, it has been seen, Lord Nelson had, from circumstances, supposed the Toulon fleet likely to be met with in the Sicilian seas. Having sent frigates, in all directions, to gain intelligence of theenemy, the moment it was ascertained that they had actually sailed, hewas beating to windward, off the coast of Sardinia, on the 16th ofApril, when he was informed, by an Austrian vessel from Lisbon, thatsixteen ships of war had been seen, the 7th inst. Standing to thewestward. His lordship, now, justly apprehensive that this must havebeen the French fleet, felt extremely uneasy, that they had thus eludedall his vigilance. His agony is not to be described; and he was onlyconsoled, at length, by reflections that, in assuring himself of thesafety of Naples, Sicily, the Morea, Egypt, and Sardinia, before heproceeded to the westward, he had certainly done what was perfectlyright. "I must ever regret, however, " writes his lordship, "my want offrigates which I could have sent to the westward; and I must alsoregret, that Captain Mowbray did not cruize until he heard something ofthe French fleet. I am unlucky, but I cannot exert myself more than Ihave done for the public service!"

In fact, the exertions of Lord Nelson, during the whole of this arduousand perplexing service, were inconceivably great. He had, besides theusual cares of a commander in chief, the very difficult task ofconciliating a variety of discordant states, from whom he was under thenecessity of drawing constant supplies of fresh provisions and otherrequisites, which they were deterred from affording by the dread of apowerful and unprincipled enemy, perpetually menacing them withdestruction, whatever degrees of amity they might either possess, orprofess, for this country. The address of our hero, in counteracting theenemy's designs, with what may be denominated diplomatic combat, andthus obtaining needful supplies as well as useful intelligence, hasscarcely ever been equalled. In corresponding with the various powerswith whom it was necessary thus to communicate, the abilities of theReverend Mr. Alexander Scott, now Dr. Scott, from his acquaintance withmost of the modern languages, proved eminently favourable to hislordship's views. This gentleman was not only chaplain of the Victory, but private and foreign secretary to Lord Nelson, who also oftenemployed him in confidential communications on shore. They had knowneach other ever since the year 1793; when Mr. Scott was chaplain to SirJohn Collins in the Mediterranean, and Lord Nelson captain of theAgamemnon. On the death of Sir John Collins, Captain Nelson asked Mr. Scott to go with him as his chaplain; which he was under the necessityof declining, having previously engaged to go with Sir Hyde Parker inthe St. George. During the expedition to Copenhagen, Lord Nelson, nothaving his chaplain, Mr. Comyns, with him, borrowed Mr. Scott, then SirHyde Parker's chaplain and foreign secretary, to read prayers in hisship; and, on his lordship's going ashore, he chose Mr. Scott toaccompany him, as secretary to the commission for arranging theconvention: the articles of which were, in fact, penned by thisgentleman. Lord Nelson kindly advised Mr. Scott to subscribe theConvention with his name, as secretary; but he diffidently declined thehonour: for which Lord Nelson greatly blamed him; and he has since oftenblamed himself, as his lordship predicted would one day be the case. From this period, Lord Nelson was always greatly attached to Mr. Scott, and constantly kept up a correspondence with him. He had then firstasked this gentleman if he would attend him as his confidential foreignsecretary, in case of his ever getting the Mediterranean command; whichMr. Scott readily promised to do, should his old friend, Sir HydeParker, "be laid on the shelf. " Had the then war continued, thatarrangement would have taken place. On the peace, Mr. Scott went to theWest Indies: from whence he returned, just before the present war brokeout, in a very deplorable state of health; having been struck bylightning, and severely wounded. He had, however, no sooner arrived inLondon, than Lord Nelson was at his bed-side: where the generouslyhumane hero continually visited him, during his confinement; and, soonafter, took him, in the Amphion, to the Mediterranean, on thisexpedition. It is somewhat remarkable, that his lordship's regularsecretary, though no relation of this gentleman, should also be a Scott:the former, the Rev. Mr. Alexander Scott; and the latter, John Scott, Esq. So numerous were his lordship's correspondences, that bothsecretaries were often fully employed: his lordship, from the time ofhis having engaged Dr. Scott, constantly accompanying his originalletters to foreign courts, by translations into the respectivelanguages; a point of etiquette always highly gratifying to the poweraddressed, and frequently attended with other beneficial consequences. There was, in short, no point of probable advantage to his country, however minute it might appear, which Lord Nelson ever thought unworthyof his strict regard. 

On the 17th of April, in the evening, the Amazon brought a confirmationof the intelligence respecting the French fleet, from a vessel which hadseen, on the 8th at noon, eleven sail of the line, four frigates, andthree brigs, pass Gibraltar with their colours flying. To add to themortification, westerly winds, and a heavy sea, prevented the Britishfleet's gaining any ground, either this or the following day. A vesselfive days from Cadiz, still to augment his lordship's distress, now alsoinformed the Amazon, that the Spanish squadron had joined the French, and were gone with them to the westward. Having appointed the generalrendezvous at Gibraltar, his lordship sent every where to procureadditional frigates. He also dispatched the Active to Ireland, theChannel fleet, and England, with an account of his intended pursuit ofthe enemy. His passage to Gibraltar was prodigiously impeded bycontinual foul winds, and heavy swells. "Nothing, " writes his lordship, at this anxious period, "can be more unfortunate, than we are in ourwinds; but, God's will be done! I submit. Human exertions are absolutelyunavailing. What man could do, I have done. I hope that the wind willcome to the eastward. What ill fortune! but, I cannot help myself. " Thusdid the hero complain, and thus did he console himself. 

On the 1st of May, near the coast of Barbary, he was joined by theMartin sloop, which sailed from Plymouth the 17th of April; and broughthis lordship a letter from the Admiralty, dated the 15th, which informedhim that five thousand troops were coming to the Mediterranean. On the30th, at ten in the morning, the fleet anchored in Tetuan Bay; or, rather, in the little bay to the eastward of Tetuan, where there is avery fine river of fresh water. The day was chiefly employed in wateringthe fleet; and clearing a transport with wine, which had been broughtout from Gibraltar. No information of the combined fleet was, however, obtained from thence, nor in letters dated at Lisbon the 27th; but itseemed generally credited, that they were gone to the West Indies. "Surely, " exclaimed his lordship, "I shall hear something of them fromSir John Orde's cruizers; which he must, naturally, have sent afterthem!" Sir John, however, very unaccountably, had not taken any measuresfor ascertaining their course. On Sunday, the 5th, at eight in themorning, light easterly breezes springing up, the fleet weighed at ten;but, in the evening, the wind, having first shifted northerly, unfortunately came again fresh from the westward. At two in theafternoon, next day, the fleet anchored in Gibraltar Bay. At fouro'clock, a Levanter came on: at six, the fleet again weighed; and, bymidnight, they were abreast of Cape Spartel, where nothing had beenheard of the enemy. In the evening of the 7th, having steered for CapeSt. Vincent, Le Tigre was sent to call the transports left by Sir JohnOrde, who had sailed for England, out of Lagos Bay. On the 9th, Le Tigrereturned with the transports; and the Amazon, arriving from Lisbon, brought intelligence, communicated by Admiral Knight, that Sir John Ordehad joined the channel fleet. At nine, in the evening, the fleetanchored between Cape St. Vincent and Lagos Bay. The next day, andsucceeding night, were busily occupied in clearing the transports, andcompleating the fleet to five months. Early on the 11th, his lordshipsent the Wasp, and the Doris transport, to England, with dispatches: atten o'clock, the fleet weighed; at noon, were off Cape St. Vincent; and, at one, saw the convoy under Admiral Knight. They joined at four; and atsix, parted company: Lord Nelson having given Admiral Knight the RoyalSovereign; which, he observed, would make him superior in force to anything ready, either in Carthagena or at Cadiz. At seven o'clock, theMartin sloop was dispatched to Barbadoes; and, at the same time, hislordship likewise made all sail to the westward with his comparativelysmall fleet. The French had twelve ships of the line, a frigate, and twocorvettes; the Spaniards, six sail of the line and five frigates; to saynothing of the Rochfort squadron: while the whole fleet under LordNelson consisted only of ten ships of the line and three frigates. TheFrench had, also, upwards of ten thousand troops, and the Spaniards morethan two. Notwithstanding this inferior strength, which would havedeterred many a brave man from risking the responsibility of sohazardous an undertaking, Lord Nelson had resolved that he would followthem, as he emphatically expressed himself, "even to the Antipodes. " Theships he had were well equipped, and his confidence in all the officersand men was precisely the same as they themselves felt in their adoredcommander--he believed them to be absolutely invincible. The ships whichaccompanied his lordship in this memorable pursuit, were--the Victory ofa hundred and ten guns, Vice-Admiral Lord Viscount Nelson, Rear-AdmiralMurray, and Captain Hardy; the Canopus of eighty, Rear-Admiral Louis, and Captain Austin; Le Tigre of eighty, Captain Hallowell; the Donegalof eighty, Captain Malcolm; the Spencer of seventy-four, the HonourableCaptain Stopford; the Conqueror of seventy-four, Captain Pellew; theSuperb of seventy-four, Captain Keates; the Belleisle of seventy-four, Captain Hargood; the Leviathan of seventy-four, Captain Bayntun; theSwiftsure of seventy-four, Captain Rutherford; the Decade frigate ofthirty-six, Captain Stuart; the Amazon of thirty-eight, Captain Parker;and the Amphion of thirty-two, Captain Sutton. 

His lordship, now in high spirits, since the destination of the enemyseemed evident, and the wind had shifted in his favour, jocoselyremarked to his assembled captains--"There is just a Frenchman apiecefor each English ship, leaving me out of the question to fight theSpaniards: and, when I haul down my colours, I expect every captain ofthe fleet to do the same; but, not till then. "

Having got fairly into the trade winds, they run, on the 21st of May, inthe last twenty-four hours, a hundred and ninety miles. The next day, they passed the tropic, vulgarly called crossing the line; when Neptuneperformed the usual ceremony, to the no small diversion of the fleet. There were, in the Victory alone, his lordship remarks, who highlyenjoyed the scene, no less than five hundred persons by whom the tropichad never before been crossed. 

On the 31st, at six in the evening, being within two hundred leagues ofBarbadoes, the Amazon was sent forward for information. 

On the 3d of June, at day-light, two Guinea ships, bound from Surinam toAmerica, were seen to the westward; from whom intelligence was obtained, that they were told, the day before, by the Beaulieu frigate, that theFrench and Spanish squadrons had arrived at Martinico, but the Africanships did not know the time of their arrival there. In the evening, asloop of war was perceived, with the signal of intelligence tocommunicate; but, missing the Victory, his lordship would not shortensail, as he knew nothing more could be communicated, than when theenemy's fleet had arrived at Martinico. Next morning, at day-light, Barbadoes was seen by the fleet, distant about ten leagues to the west;and, at eleven in the forenoon, his lordship received the salutes ofRear-Admiral Cochrane, and Charles Fort. The enemy's fleet, Lord Nelsonwas now informed, had arrived at Martinico on the 14th of May, withtheir men sickly: and, on the 28th, were seen to the windward of St. Lucia, standing to the southward; with the view, as was supposed, ofattacking Tobago and Trinidada. General Sir William Myers, at Barbadoes, having very handsomely offered his lordship to embark with two thousandtroops for the relief of those islands, the fleet anchored in CarlisleBay; and, though very rainy, with squalls of wind, the embarkmentimmediately commenced, and was continued all night. In the morning, LeCurieux brig was sent forward, to look into Tobago; and Sir WilliamMyers dispatched another vessel to General Prevost, at Dominica, toacquaint him with Lord Nelson's arrival. 

The happy tidings of his lordship's approach expeditiously spreadthrough all the West India islands. The enemy were not the last whoheard this intelligence, which acted with double force against thesemarauders: it armed with resolution the defenceless inhabitants of eventhe least tenable situations, by inspiring them with hopes of a speedyand effectual aid to their own manly exertions; and filled with dreadand horror those pusillanimous pillagers who had alone confided in theirvast superiority of numbers, for the success of their plunderingexploits, and now feared the avenging hand of our pursuing hero. Villeneuve, the Gallic fugitive from the Nile, no sooner gainedintelligence that the victor on that occasion was likely soon to be oncemore at his heels, than he again made the most expeditious use of themin returning back from the scene of his paltry depredations; and, withhis former good fortune, escaped the chastising hand of our hero, whocontinued every where seeking him in vain. His lordship, indeed, howeveraware of the dastardly disposition of the enemy, could scarcely think itpossible for such a very superior force as the combined fleet thustimidly to fly before him. 

Lord Nelson, in the mean time, having weighed; at eight in the evening, the fleet stood to the southward: and, at eight in the morning of the6th of June, they saw Tobago. At two in the afternoon, abreast of Man ofWar Bay, Le Curieux joined; with information that an American hadarrived at Scarborough the preceding day, the master of which said thathe had been boarded, three days prior to his arrival, by the Frenchfleet, then standing to the southward, and that they would, he supposed, pass Tobago as last night. This account, his lordship considered as amere fabrication of the American: but, gaining no intelligence on whichhe could rely, he bore away to Trinidada; and, at midnight, bringing tooff that island, sent the Pheasant to Toko for information. At four, next morning, his lordship bore up for the Bogasses; and, at sunset, anchored in the Gulf of Paria, but found that the enemy had not beenheard of in the island. At day-light, an advice-boat brought lettersfrom Captain Morrice at Barbadoes, giving an account of the capture ofthe Diamond Rock, with the little garrison by which it was defended: andstating, also, that the French and Spanish squadrons had not sailed fromMartinico; but that, as the French commodore told him, the Ferrolsquadron, of six sail of French, and eight of Spanish, arrived in FortRoyal on the 4th of June. This intelligence determined his lordship:who, at seven o'clock, sailed from Trinidada; and was at noon well out, clear of the Bogasses. 

While his lordship was off Trinidad, with his usual gaiety and goodnessof heart, he wrote to the governor, that he would rather he sent him ahogshead of _limes_, than a hogshead of _Joes_. With him, the health ofhis people was always the first object; his own individual wealth, everthe last. 

At six in the morning of the 9th, he got within sight of Grenada; and, at noon, arrived off St. George's Bay in that island. A letter fromGeneral Prevost now informed his lordship, that the combined squadronhad passed Dominica on the 6th of June; and, having gone to Guadaloupe, for the purpose of landing the troops and stores taken from thence, hadbeen seen standing to the northward. Lord Nelson, on receiving thisintelligence, having dispatched the Nelly to Antigua, and the Jason toMontserrat, for farther information, immediately stood to the northward, under a press of sail. The next day, at noon, between St. Lucia andMartinique, he sent a schooner to General Prevost: and, at eight thefollowing morning, Tuesday, June 11, saw Guadaloupe; and spoke anAmerican, from Boston, who gave no intelligence. At noon, the fleet gotwithin sight of Montserrat; and, at two o'clock, saw the Jason, atanchor. The news from Montserrat was, that they had, on Saturdaymorning, the 8th, being only three days before, seen sixteen sail underGuadaloupe, beating to windward. His lordship, now, also beating up towindward, all night and the following day, anchored in St. John's Bay, Antigua, at sunset; which island, he learned, had been passed, on the8th, by the French fleet standing to the north. Having, in the evening, sent Le Curieux, with dispatches, to England, his lordship, nextmorning, at day-light, landed the troops for the protection of theislands; got ready for sea; and sailed, at noon, with eleven ships ofthe line, three frigates, and a sloop of war: when the Kitty schoonerjoined, with the unpleasing information, that the French fleet had, onthe 8th instant, captured it's whole convoy, consisting of fourteensail. From four in the afternoon, till sunset, his lordship was withinsight of Barbuda, still standing to the northward. "If, " writes hislordship, this day, "I should ask an opinion where the enemy's fleet aregone, I should have as many opinions as there were persons. Porto-Rico, Barbadoes, Newfoundland, Europe. My opinion, from all the circumstancesdrawn into one point of view, with the best judgment I can form, isthis--I think, that the whole or part of the Spaniards will go to theHavannah; and the rest of the fleet, to Cadiz and Toulon: and, upon thisopinion, I am going to the Straits Mouth; unless I should alter it, frominformation gained. "

Thus determined, every exertion was used, though with little hope, toovertake them, if possible, on their return; and, on the 14th, at noon, the fleet had run a hundred and thirteen miles from the Island ofBarbuda, and a hundred and thirty from St. John's Bay, Antigua. 

On the 18th, the Amazon communicated with a schooner; which had, on the15th, at sunset, seen a fleet of twenty-two ships of war steering to thenorthward. On a computation formed from an examination of the schooner'sthen latitude and longitude, it appeared that the French fleet were, thenight before, about eighty-seven leagues distant. His lordship, nextday, forwarded the Martin to Gibraltar, and the Decade to Lisbon, withinformation of the enemy's return to Europe. At midnight, on the 21st, Lord Nelson saw three planks floating; which, he thought, came from theFrench ships: and, on the 23d, at dusk, a piece of a large ship'stopmast had also passed by the Victory, but was not observed till toolate to be picked up. Sir John Laforey, next morning, informed hislordship that, three days after they left Antigua, he had passed closeby a bucket; which he supposed, by the make and wooden handle, to beFrench: also, a large chest, painted red. 

From this period, till the 5th of June, the wind proved tolerablyfavourable; but they now, to use his lordship's expression, barely"crawled" about thirty miles every twenty-four hours. "My only hope is, "writes the hero, "that the enemy's fleet are near us, and in the samesituation. " By a Spanish log and chart, taken out of a small bark fromLa Guira to Cadiz, his lordship found that the combined fleets went insight of Cape Blanco, and passed over to the Salvages. 

On the 9th, light breezes springing up, the fleet run eighty-eightmiles; in the succeeding twenty-four hours, a hundred; and, the dayafter, a hundred and nineteen. The wind, however, now coming foul, hislordship expressed himself dreadfully apprehensive that the enemy wouldhave too greatly the start of him. The Amazon, on the 13th, was detachedto Gibraltar; and, the fleet having got into the Portuguese trade-winds, they run, next day, a hundred and forty-six miles. 

On Wednesday, the 17th of July, at ten o'clock in the forenoon, theysaw Cape St. Vincent, distant about nine leagues. By a friendly vesselfrom Rochfort, his lordship learned that the French squadron, of fivesail of the line and four frigates, which had sailed from thence the18th of January, returned from the West Indies on the 21st of May:having left Martinico about the middle of April; after taking severalships, and levying contributions at Dominica, St. Kitt's, Nevis, andMontserrat. The last twenty-four hours, the fleet went a hundred andtwenty miles; making the whole run, from Barbuda, three thousand fourhundred and fifty-nine miles. The run from Cape St. Vincent toBarbadoes, was three thousand two hundred and twenty-seven; making therun back only two hundred and thirty-two miles more than the run out:allowance to be made, however, for the difference of latitude andlongitude between Barbadoes and Bermuda. The average of way daily made, on this almost unparalleled pursuit, was thirty-four leagues; wantingnine miles, only, in the whole. 

At noon, the 18th, steering for the Straits Mouth, Admiral Collingwoodpassed to the northward, with three sail of the line and two or threefrigates. Cape Spartel was then in sight; but no French fleet, or anyinformation about them. "How sorrowful this makes me!" writes hislordship; "but, I cannot help myself. " Next morning, at day-light, thefleet bore up for Gibraltar Bay; where, at eight o'clock, they securelyanchored, but could gain no information of the enemy. 

On Saturday, July the 20th, 1805, while the fleet were employed incompleating provisions and stores--"I went on shore, " writes hislordship, "for the first time, since June 16, 1803; and, from having myfoot out of the Victory, two years wanting ten days. "

Having sent dispatches to England, and finished getting ready for sea, next day, Lord Nelson, on the following morning, ordered the Amphion toSir Richard Bickerton, off Carthagena, and proceeded with the fleet toTetuan; or, rather, to Mazin Bay, about eight miles to the south-east ofTetuan customhouse, where the river is very fine, and the situationpeculiarly convenient for watering. Many of the ships got two hundredtons on board in a single day. Several bullocks were here purchased, anda considerable quantity of onions. At noon, on the 24th, having gainedno intelligence, the fleet again weighed, and stood for Ceuta; butvariable winds, and a thick fog, kept them all night in Gibraltar Gut. About four o'clock, next morning, the Termagant joined, with an accountof the combined fleet's having been seen, the 19th of June, by theCurieux brig, standing to the northward. At eight, the Spaniards fired afew shot, from Tariffa, at the Victory; which, however, took no effect. At noon, they saw Admiral Collingwood's squadron; and Lord Nelson sentletters to the admiral, with arrangements for preventing the combinedfleet from entering Cadiz, while his lordship proceeded to seek themnearer home. On the 26th, the Spartiate got on board the Victory; but, fortunately, neither ship suffered any material damage. Having traversedthe Bay of Biscay, without discovering any thing of the enemy, hislordship, on the 28th, at day-light, came abreast of Cape St. Vincent;from whence, with faint hopes of finding them, he pursued his northerlycourse toward the north-west of Ireland, By foul winds, and veryunfavourable weather, this proved a most tediously vexatious voyage. Unable, after all, to fetch Ireland, on account of the northerly winds, his lordship, in the afternoon of August 12, was informed by the Niobe, Captain Scott, three weeks from the channel fleet, that there had not, at that time, been the smallest intelligence of the enemy's arrival inany of the ports. He also learned, that they had not been heard of onthe Irish coast. Having exhausted every rational conjecture with regardto their situation, he resolved on reinforcing Admiral Cornwallis withhis squadron; lest the combined fleet of France and Spain should, byapproaching Brest, either facilitate the escape of the squadron so longconfined by this commander's blockade of that port, or place himaukwardly between two fires. 

Accordingly, on the 15th, at six in the morning, Lord Nelson got withineighteen leagues of Ushant; and, at half past eleven, saw a fleet. Attwo in the afternoon, they exchanged private signals with the channelfleet; and, in the evening, his lordship, having detached the rest ofhis fleet, received orders from Admiral Cornwallis, as commander inchief, to proceed with the Victory and Superb to Portsmouth. Hislordship now first gained information of Sir Robert Calder's havingdefeated the combined fleet from the West Indies, on the 22d of July, sixty leagues west of Cape Finisterre; which, at length, relieved himfrom the anxiety of suspence, though the action had been too indecisivecompleatly to satisfy his lordship's mind. He regretted, exceedingly, that it had not been his own good fortune to encounter them; and feltless comforted, than he ought to have done, by the consideration, thatthis squadron, under Sir Robert Calder, had been sent out to intercepttheir return, in consequence of his, lordship's suggestions, judiciouslytransmitted to the Admiralty for that purpose, the moment he wassatisfied that the combined French and Spanish fleet were on theirreturn from the West Indies. 

On the 17th, at day-light, his lordship was abreast of Portland; atnoon, saw the Isle of Wight; and, at eleven at night, anchored off thePrincesses Shoal. Having weighed next morning at day-light, they workedup to Spithead; and, at nine o'clock, anchored: just two years and threemonths from his lordship's arrival at Portsmouth. A contagious feverhaving recently made dreadful havoc at Gibraltar, where the shipstouched, his lordship became subject to the quarantine regulations. However, after communicating, by signal, with the port-admiral, headdressed the following satisfactory declaration to the collector ofthe customs--

 "Victory, Spithead, August 18, 1805. 

 "The Victory, with the fleet under my command, left Gibraltar twenty-seven days ago: at which time, there was not a fever in the garrison; nor, as Dr. Fellows told me, any apprehension of one. The fleet lately under my command, I left with Admiral Cornwallis on the 15th of August; at which time, they were in the most perfect health. Neither the Victory, nor the Superb, have on board even an object for the hospital; to the truth of which, I pledge my word of honour. 

 "Nelson and Bronte. "

 "To the Collector of the Customs, or those whom it may concern. "

In consequence of these positive assurances, Lord Nelson was, at length, permitted to land; and, during the approach of his barge, a vastconcourse of people, who had been assembling on the rampart from themoment his flag was first discovered, hailed the hero's approach withtheir loudest acclamations. 

Intelligence of Lord Nelson's arrival in England had no sooner beenreceived by Lady Hamilton and his nearest relatives, who were thenpassing a few weeks together at South End, than they hastened to MertonPlace, where his lordship appointed to meet them. The delay in landing, made it late that afternoon before he could proceed thither: but, bytravelling all night, he got to Merton at six o'clock in the morning ofthe 19th; where his friends had already assembled, in anxiousexpectation of beholding the beloved hero whose presence gladdened everyvirtuous heart. 

His lordship, on undertaking this command, had quitted England so veryexpeditiously, that he could not be present at the Grand Installation ofthe Knights of the Bath, which took place in Westminster Abbey, on the19th of May 1803, the day after his arrival at Portsmouth; and, consequently, was obliged to be installed by proxy. On this occasion, Lord Nelson had been represented by Captain Sir William Bolton, son ofthe Reverend William Bolton, brother of Thomas Bolton, Esq. The husbandof his lordship's eldest sister; to whose amiable daughter, now LadyBolton, Sir William had the preceding evening been married, by speciallicence, at Lady Hamilton's house in Piccadilly. 

The happy party now assembled at Merton Place, where the hero everdelighted to see his family around him, consisted of the present Earland Countess Nelson, with Lord Merton and Lady Charlotte Nelson, theirson and daughter; Mr. And Mrs. Bolton, with Thomas Bolton, Junior, Esq. And Miss Ann and Miss Eliza Bolton, their son and daughters; and Mr. AndMrs. Matcham, with their son George Matcham, Junior, Esq. 

On the 20th, in the morning, Lord Nelson came to London; where he hadthe happiness to obtain that general approbation of his conduct, frompersons of all ranks, which those who have not been eminently successfulcan rarely hope to experience. Indeed, the country seemed generally toparticipate in his lordship's disappointments, with a sympathy ashonourable to the national character as to the hero so worthilyapplauded. It was felt, that he had exerted himself to the utmost; andthat, notwithstanding he had been unable to meet with the enemy, hispursuit had relieved every anxiety from the consequences of theirdepredations, by forcing to fly before him a combined fleet of forcenearly doubling his own. All apprehensions for our colonial settlementswere quieted; and, though the small advantage gained by Sir RobertCalder had not much diminished their naval strength, or greatlyaugmented our own, this was no fault of his lordship, whose superiorworth ever became more abundantly manifest on the intrusion of suchcomparisons. What his lordship would have done, with the same force, similarly situated, according to the general opinion, every where freelyexpresed, made the nation at large, as well as our hero himself, sincerely regret that he had not been fortunate enough to encounterthem. In justice to Sir Robert Calder, however, it must be admitted, there are few naval actions so brilliant, that they might not have beenrendered still more so by the presence of such a commander as LordNelson. 

Immediately after his lordship's arrival in town, a meeting of the WestIndia merchants was convened at the London Tavern; who, having met onthe 23d, Sir Richard Neave, Bart, in the chair, unanimously andexpressly agreed--"That the prompt determination of Lord Nelson to quitthe Mediterranean, in search of the French fleet; his sagacity injudging of, and ascertaining, their course; and his bold and unweariedpursuit of the combined French and Spanish squadrons to the West Indies, and back again to Europe; have been very instrumental to the safety ofthe West India islands in general, and well deserve the gratefulacknowledgments of every individual connected with those colonies: and, that a deputation from the Committee of Merchants of London trading tothe West Indies, be appointed to wait upon Vice-Admiral Lord ViscountNelson, to express these their sentiments, and to offer him theirunfeigned thanks. "

The deputation, accordingly, having waited on Lord Nelson, at Gordon'sHotel, Albemarle Street, where his lordship had taken up his temporarytown-residence, with a copy of the above resolutions, he immediatelyreturned the following answer. 

 "London, August 28, 1805. 

 "SIR

 "I beg leave to express, to you and the Committee of West India Merchants, the great satisfaction which I feel in their approbation of my conduct. It was, I conceived, perfectly clear, that the combined squadrons were gone to the West Indies, and therefore it became my duty to follow them. But, I assure you, from the state of defence in which our large islands are placed, with the number of regular troops, and numerous well-disciplined and zealous militia, I was confident, not any troops which their combined squadron could carry, would make an impression upon any of our large islands, before a very superior force would arrive, for their relief. 

 "I have the honour to remain, Sir, and Gentlemen, your most obliged and obedient servant, "Nelson and Bronte. 

 "Sir Richard Neave, Bart. And the Committee of West India Merchants. "

Lord Nelson had, at this period, no intention of again going speedily tosea. All his stores had been brought up from the Victory; and he was, hesaid, resolved to enjoy a little leisure, with his family and friends, in the delightful shades of Merton. The Honourable Captain Blackwood, afew days afterward, brought intelligence that the combined fleets, reinforced by two more Spanish squadrons, and now amounting tothirty-four sail of the line, had left Ferrol, and got safely intoCadiz. All this, however, was nothing to him; "Let the man trudge it, who has lost his budget!" gaily repeated his lordship. But, amid allthis _allegro_ of the tongue, to his friends at Merton Place, LadyHamilton observed that his countenance, from that moment, woreoccasional marks of the _penseroso_ in his bosom. In this state of mind, he was pacing one of the walks of Merton garden, which he always calledthe quarter-deck, when Lady Hamilton told him, that she perceived he waslow and uneasy. He smiled, and said--"No! I am as happy as possible. "Adding, that he saw himself surrounded by his family; that he found hishealth better since he had been at Merton; and, that he would not give asixpence to call the king his uncle. Her ladyship replied, that she didnot believe what he said; and, that she would tell him what was thematter with him. That he was longing to get at these French and Spanishfleets; that he considered them as his own property, and would bemiserable if any other man but himself did the business; that he musthave them, as the price and reward of his long watching, and two yearsuncomfortable situation in the Mediterranean: and finished, bysaying--"Nelson, however we may lament your absence, and your sospeedily leaving us, offer your services, immediately, to go off Cadiz;they will be accepted, and you will gain a quiet heart by it. You willhave a glorious victory; and, then, you may come here, have your _otiumcum dignitate_, and be happy. " He looked at her ladyship for somemoments; and, with tears in his eyes, exclaimed--"Brave Emma! good Emma!if there were more Emmas, there would be more Nelsons. You havepenetrated my thoughts. I wish all you say, but was afraid to trust evenmyself with reflecting on the subject. However, I will go to town. " Hewent, accordingly, next morning, accompanied by her ladyship and hissisters. They left him at the Admiralty, on the way to Lady Hamilton'shouse in Clarges Street; and, soon after, received a note, informingthem that the Victory was telegraphed not to go into port, and beggingthey would prepare every thing for his departure. This is the truehistory of that affecting affair. Her ladyship feels, most severely, that she was the cause of his going; but, as she loved his glory, shecould not resist giving him such advice. It is, however, the generalopinion of those who best knew his lordship, that he would, in allprobability, have fretted himself to death had he not undertaken thisexpedition. His lordship's services were "not only accepted at theAdmiralty, but he was vested with powers less limited than had, perhaps, ever before been confided to any naval commander. He was to send homeSir Robert Calder, who had joined Admiral Collingwood in blocking up theenemy off Cadiz harbour with twenty-six sail of the line, and to take onhimself the chief command of all his majesty's ships and vesselsthroughout the whole extent of the Mediterranean Sea; having fullliberty to use his own discretion in following the enemy wherever heshould think proper, without the slightest degree of censure orcontroul. 

During the few days which he continued in England after being appointedto this important command, he so devoted the little leisure which hisprofessional preparations allowed, to his beloved family and friends, that he refused all public visits, and dined only twice from MertonPlace: once, with his Grace the Duke of Queensberry, who is a nearrelation of the late Sir William Hamilton; and once with his esteemedfriend Abraham Goldsmid, Esq. And family, at Morden. On both theseoccasions, too, he was accompanied by Lady Hamilton and some of his ownrelations. The Duke of Clarence, previously to Lord Nelson's departure, took a dinner with him at Merton; when his lordship, pointing to hisnephews, nieces, &c. Who were seated at a separate table, observed: tohis royal highness, that the sight of these young persons associatedunder his roof constituted the chief bliss of his life. 

Among this amiable and interesting group, was Miss Horatia NelsonThompson, Lord Nelson's adopted daughter, then an infant about fiveyears of age. What real affinity, if any, that charming child may bearto his lordship, is a secret at present known by few; and, as it shouldseem, by none who feel at liberty to divulge it. She was, certainly, anobject of his constant and most tender regard; and, though the family ingeneral appear disinclined to believe her his daughter, it seems highlyprobable that she is so. Should this prove to be the fact, it cannotgreatly affect his lordship's reputation; who, it is not to bedissembled, though by no means ever an unprincipled seducer of thewives and daughters of his friends, was always well known to entertainrather more partiality for the fair-sex than is quite consistent withthe highest degree of Christian purity. Such improper indulgences, withsome slight addiction to that other vicious habit of British seamen, theoccasional use of a few thoughtlessly profane expletives in speech, formthe only dark specks ever yet discovered in the bright blaze of hismoral character. Truth must not be denied, nor vice advocated; but, surely, the candid admission of these disagreeable verities, can neverinduce a single virtuous mind unjustly to criminate the hero in anyhigher degree. Could the biographer believe, that Lord Nelson had everindulged even an idea of dishonouring the wife of his bosom friend, which no one worthy and intelligent person intimately acquainted withall the parties ever yet did believe, he would that moment indignantlythrow up his brief. With respect to the mysterious child, whoseunfortunate mother may, most probably, now be no more, it is onlycertain that Lady Hamilton was induced to receive her, at a very tenderage, as his lordship's adopted daughter. They had been godfather, andgodmother, in the baptismal ceremony; and her ladyship, at Lord Nelsonsrequest, kindly undertook the care of Miss Horatia's education: as shehad already done, for some years, that of the present highlyaccomplished Lady Charlotte Nelson; and, since, of the amiable Miss AnnBolton. Those who have had the pleasure of beholding with whatincomparable skill, indefatigable zeal, and ardent affection, LadyHamilton discharges the difficult and important duty of cultivating suchcomprehensive minds to the full extent of their faculties, will agreethat Lord Nelson could not possibly have confided the guardianship ofhis adopted daughter to any person so well qualified, in all respects, for the due performance of such a task. When his lordship, on the 10thof May 1803, immediately after compleating his purchase of Mr. Axe'sestate at Merton, executed his last will and testament, it does notappear that he made any sort of provision for this infant; nor is shementioned in the first codicil thereto annexed, the 13th of the samemonth: yet, on this last day, it seems somewhat remarkable, the childwas baptized in the parish of St. Marylebone, though then more than twoyears of age; and, a very few days after, his lordship first sailed totake the Mediterranean command. On the 6th day of the Septemberfollowing, however, Lord Nelson added a second and secret codicil to hiswill, in which he gives and bequeaths to his adopted daughter, MissHoratia, the sum of four thousand pounds; appointing Lady Hamilton hersole guardian, until she shall have arrived at the age of eighteenyears: the interest of the said four thousand pounds to be paid to LadyHamilton for her education and maintenance. "This request ofguardianship, " his lordship expressly says, "I earnestly make of LadyHamilton; knowing that she will educate my adopted child in the pathsof religion and virtue, and give her those accomplishments which sotouch adorn herself: and, I hope, make her a fit wife for my dearnephew, Horatio Nelson; who I wish to marry her, if he proves worthy, inLady Hamilton's estimation, of such a treasure as I am sure she willbe. "

In another codicil, dated on board the Victory, at sea, the 19th ofFebruary 1804, his lordship gives and bequeaths to Lady Hamilton fivehundred pounds a year, charged on the Bronte estate; and, the 7th ofApril following, leaves an annuity of one hundred pounds, payablequarterly, to poor blind Mrs. Nelson, the relict of his late brotherMaurice: without noticing, in either of these codicils, his adopteddaughter, Miss Horatia. On the 19th of December, however, in the sameyear, by a fifth codicil, executed on board the Victory, in the Gulph ofPalma, Sardinia, his lordship confirms anew his legacy to Lady Hamilton, and to his adopted daughter: and farther gives to her ladyship twothousand pounds; to his secretary, John Scott, Esq. One hundred pounds, to buy a ring, or some token of his remembrance; and two hundred poundsto his friend, the Reverend Alexander Scott, then commonly called Dr. Scott, by way of distinction from John Scott, Esq. His lordship'ssecretary, and who has since taken his doctor's degree in the universityof Cambridge. This distinguished legacy, and the still moredistinguished words in which it is bequeathed--not my foreign secretary, chaplain, &c. But "my friend, the Reverend Alexander Scott, "--must everbear ample testimony of a regard, even at that period, which does Dr. Scott so much substantial honour. The foundation of this amity, like allLord Nelson's strongest attachments, was not merely private friendship, and personal regard, but esteem and affection arising from the abilityand zeal of the party to assist the grand object ever uppermost in hismind, that of accomplishing, in every possible way, by artifice opposedto artifice, as well as arms to arms, the happiness and glory of hisking and country. Dr. Scott's secret services, though very properlyconcealed from the public, are well known to, and liberally acknowledgedby, several of the ablest and bravest commanders in the navy; and it wasthus, still more than by his unaffected and agreeable manners in privatelife, that he endeared himself to our incomparable hero, who constantlypossessed the most exalted degree of genuine patriotism combined withthe truest and most unbounded loyalty. This sentiment must not beoverlooked in the contemplation of Lord Nelson's character. Therecannot, perhaps, be a single proof adduced of the hero's violentlystrong attachment to any individual whatever, though he was a friend tothe whole human race, and to every description of worth, if he did not, at the period of expressing his admiration and esteem, sincerely believethe person a valuable coadjutor in some way assisting the prosperity ofhis king and country. To this noble and virtuous source may be tracedthe origin of all the friendships which he greatly cherished out of hisfamily; and even his family would have possessed less of his love, hadany of them ever been found deficient in loyalty. This was the greatbond of affectionate union which bound together so many brave hearts, and rendered the whole fleet one uniformly compact and invincible body. There was scarcely, perhaps, any single individual, among eitherofficers or men, of a truly valorous and loyal spirit, who would notfreely have yielded his own life, if necessary, to save that of theadored commander. 

Few were the hours which this exalted man was permitted to enjoy thesociety of his beloved family and friends in his retreat at Merton. Theimprovement of his house and grounds, though the latter had beenrendered delightful since the enlargement, were by no means even yetcompleated; and his lordship, who was ever generous to the full extentof his ability, found it necessary, before he quitted England, todispose of many jewels, and other valuable presents, which werepurchased by Messrs. Rundell, Bridge, and Rundell, on Ludgate Hill, forthe purpose of paying debts, and providing the various requisites of hispresent equipment. Even this was a state to which such a man should nothave been subjected. His income had been rendered considerable, it istrue: but the grandeur of his character had rendered him too great forhis income; it ought, therefore, to have been sufficiently enlarged. Thenation will never be ruined by rewarding such men! Numerous publicservices, it is well known, were in a great degree assisted by theinfluence of his own private purse; which was never closed against anyclaims of conceived duty, either professional or moral. Ever bountifulto indigent merit, his private benevolences were by no means small; andhe was liberal and hospitable, both at sea and on shore, to a veryunusual excess. After all, he had not been able conveniently to repayMr. Matcham, his worthy and esteemed brother-in-law, four thousandpounds borrowed towards the purchase of Merton Place. Who, then, shallsay, on a just consideration of these indisputable facts, that thisgreat man was amply rewarded by his country? The truth is, that he couldscarcely effect any thing which he wished, for the due support of thatdignity and rank which he had himself acquired; or obtain, for hismeritorious family and friends, the proportionate advancements which hewas solicitous to see them possess. Mr. Matcham, it is true, was a manof fortune; but he had a very large family, with abilities which wouldnot have discredited rank. Mr. Bolton, his other sister's husband, though a gentleman of great abilities also, and with a considerablefamily, had a very inadequate fortune; and his lordship was particularlydesirous to have beheld him, at least, a Commissioner of the Excise orCustoms. This, in fact, was what had been repeatedly promised; but hislordship experienced not the happiness of seeing it performed. Thepresent Earl Nelson, indeed, his lordship's only surviving brother, hadbeen presented to a prebendal stall at Canterbury; but, with this notover splendid exception, nothing had been given by government to hislordship's relatives, and very little to any of his chief friends. Theclaim of Lady Hamilton's pension, too, which he had so earnestlysolicited, though it had been candidly acknowledged, remained stillunnoticed: and, during the few days he continued in England, it does notappear to have been revived; probably, on account of the changes inadministration which had taken place while his lordship was abroad, aswell as the necessity of now confining himself to the requisitearrangements for undertaking his newly extended command. 

As the day approached when Lord Nelson must take his departure fromMerton Place, Lady Hamilton began severely to suffer for having advisedthe tender of his services. Her mind, no doubt, anticipated all theterrible consequences to be dreaded from his excess of valour, and hisheroic disdain of death; nor is it at all improbable, that she now mostsincerely regretted her enthusiastic zeal for the hero's glory. Theconsideration of that other impelling principle, the fearfulapprehension of seeing him fall a prey to disappointment, should thedesired victory be atchieved by any other hand, brought no solace to herbosom, for it scarcely entered her mind. Even the spirit and magnanimityof his lordship, were unable entirely to preserve his feeling breastfrom painful intrusions. Though commonly gay, he was sometimesthoughtful. He could not be insensible, that his post was that ofdanger; and, though he scorned all personal apprehension, he well knewwhat must ever be expected by a commander resolved never to yield. Before Lord Nelson quitted London, he called at Mr. Peddieson's, hisupholsterer, in Brewer Street, where the coffin presented him by CaptainHallowell had been sent; and, with his usual gaiety and good-humour, desired him to get the attestation of it's identity engraved on thelid--"For, " added his lordship, "I think it highly probable, that I maywant it on my return. "

That he wished to live, however, is as certain, as that he feared not todie. Of a social, tender, and affectionate heart, amid all the corporealagonies he had suffered, and was doomed during life to suffer, inconsequence of his various wounds, added to the still severer and morenumerous inflictions on his mental tranquillity, he preserved achearfulness of disposition which commonly diffused joy and gladness toall around him. If he saw, or suspected, any difficulty or distress, hismind was that moment occupied in endeavouring to afford some adequateremedy. "What will be of service! How shall I obtain it!" he wouldfrequently exclaim to his friends, when he beheld any one unprovidedfor, of whom he had a good opinion, however slight the acquaintance: andthese exclamations were generally followed up by naming some situationsuitable for the party, and immediately using all his interest toobtain it. Innumerable are the persons whom he thus comfortably fixed, with their families, for life. Where he could not succeed, he felt morethan the party disappointed; and, on such occasions only, lamented hislimited powers. Never did man live less for himself. To his king and hiscountry, his family and his friends, his life was entirely devoted; thepromotion of their felicity and glory, was the chief source of his own. For himself, he had wealth more than sufficient; but he was too poor, satisfactorily to assist those who were most dear to him. Had hisremunerations, and his honours, been as largely proportioned to those ofthe Great Duke of Marlborough, as his merits, and his services, he wouldnot only have aggrandized his own family and friends, but proved a mostmunificent patron of genius, and a bountiful dispenser of relief toevery species of human misery. Posterity will say, and it cannot bedenied, that our first naval hero was rewarded with too parsimonious ahand. Should we ever see his equal, in all respects--which seems no morelikely than that we shall behold another Shakspeare--it will probably bethought, that he is not unworthy of a dukedom. The King of Naples, asthe ally of his British majesty, restored to his throne by Lord Nelson, deemed our hero entitled to the honour of a ducal coronet, with theprincely revenue of a dutchy; and it can never be enough lamented, thatany official etiquette, in his own country, should have prevented thegracious sovereign who so sincerely loved him, and who was so sincerelybeloved by the hero, from bestowing on him, at least, an equal degree ofdignity, with the correspondent domains and emoluments for it's duesupport. How many naval commanders have enriched themselves, byfortunate captures of unopposing treasure-ships, or on long preservedsnug stations, without the smallest personal hazard, to a degree farbeyond what his lordship ever acquired, who was continually engaged inscenes of the utmost fatigue and peril! All the prize-money he got, wasby hard fighting; and it was, in general, only derived from the captureof those ships which his tremendous valour had frequently renderedwrecks of little value. Even then, but a small portion fell to hisshare; as he had, both at the Nile and Copenhagen, two of the greatestvictories ever gained, a commander in chief who was regularly entitledto prodigiously more than himself. It is by no means pretended, that thecaptors of rich prizes, the possessors of advantageous stations, andcommanders in chief, are not all of them justly and most honourablyentitled to the vast wealth they have often the good fortune to acquire;it is only lamented, that our hero was, in these respects, constantly sopeculiarly unfortunate. After the Earl of St. Vincent left theMediterranean command, Lord Nelson was soon superceded by the arrival ofLord Keith; and, when Sir Hyde Parker returned home, after the battle ofCopenhagen, his lordship almost immediately followed. On neither ofthese occasions, nor in the subsequent affair of Boulogne, so soonsucceeded by peace, could he derive much advantage as a commander inchief: and, though he had now held the Mediterranean command more thantwo years, the terror of his name, by confining the enemy to theirports, prevented it's being very profitable; while the peculiar natureof his situation, with regard to the difficulties of obtainingintelligence, as well as requisite supplies and refreshments, occasionedprivate expences which considerably abridged his emoluments. It is truethat, as far as related to himself, he might have contrived to live inretirement on his pension and half-pay; but he could by no means makeany suitable provision for those whom he conceived to have claims on hisprotection. This expedition, he trusted, would enable him, at length, toaccomplish the wish of his heart, by placing all who were most dear tohim in situations of easy independence. If he should survive, thebrilliance of the glorious victory which he anticipated, might probablyqualify himself sufficiently to exalt them; if he should fall, he wouldnot permit himself to doubt, that the generous nation which he loved, and in whose just cause his last blood would be so freely shed, couldever hesitate a moment amply to provide for every beloved object of hisanxious regard, with this confident hope bequeathed to the benignprotection of his king and country. 

On Friday, the 13th of September, the Victory having been compleatlyprepared, dropped down to St. Helen's, ready for the hero's reception. To his lordship and friends, this was a terrible day. Some of hisrelatives had previously left Merton, that they might escape the dreadedagonies of so painful a separation. Mr. And Mrs. Matcham continued tothe last; and sustained, with their best fortitude, the severe shock ofsuch a parting. His lordship, kindly affectionate to all, had repeatedlydeclared that, from the first prize-money which he should be fortunateenough to obtain, amounting to thirty thousand pounds, he would make apresent of five thousand to his brother, and the same sum to each of histwo sisters: and, on Mr. Matcham's expressing a wish that his lordshipmight retain Mrs. Matcham's share, he replied--"No; she has an equalclaim with her other sister and my brother. " So equally did they allparticipate in his fraternal regards. 

Lord Nelson had not, yet, been quite a month in England, and much ofeven that short period was occupied in preparations for his departure;yet he had, now, lived longer in the society of Lady Hamilton and hisfriends, than at any time since the death of Sir William. The affectionLord Nelson and Lady Hamilton entertained for each other, is not to bedoubted; but it was a pure and virtuous attachment, founded entirely onmental esteem. Their loves were mutually the result of a mostenthusiastic admiration of each other's heroic and magnanimousqualities. Those know little of the human heart, who require to be toldwhat this sentiment is capable of effecting; and how little it has to dowith the more gross and less durable tie of mere sexual or personalregard. That they would have been united, if his lordship had survivedLady Nelson, is a fact sufficiently known. In the mean time, never didthe most chivalrous knight of antiquity cherish in his heart a moreextravagant degree of adoration for the peerless princess of hisaffections, than that which our hero manifested for this accomplishedlady. It was with her image continually before him, that he combated theenemies of his country. Her portrait was always placed in his cabin, which he familiarly denominated his guardian genius; and he constantlywore a fine miniature representation of her ladyship's charmingfeatures, suspended in his bosom. In short, he always thought, andfreely said, that there was not her equal in the universe. The agoniesof this parting are not to be described. His lordship, about ten atnight, after visiting the chamber of his adopted daughter, and prayingover the sleeping innocent, tore himself from her agonized ladyship, surrounded by his remaining relatives, and entered the chaise whichconveyed him, by six o'clock next morning, to Portsmouth. 

As a proof of Lord Nelson's ceaselessly ardent desire for theadvancement of his beloved relatives, when his esteemed brother-in-law, George Matcham, Esq. Attended him to the chaise door, his lordshipfeelingly lamented that it was not yet in his power substantially toserve Mr. Matcham; who immediately said--"My dear lord, I have no otherwish than to see you return home in safety; as for myself, I am not inwant of any thing. "--"With your large family, my dear Mr. Matcham, "affectionately replied his lordship, "you certainly require a veryconsiderable addition to your fortune!" Can any thing compensate, to hisfamily, the loss of such a brother?

"Friday night, " writes his lordship, "at half past ten, I drove fromdear, dear Merton; where I left all which I hold dear in this world, togo to serve my king and country. May the great God whom I adore, enableme to fulfil the expectations of my country; and, if it is his goodpleasure that I should return, my thanks will never cease being offeredup to the throne of his mercy! If it is his good providence, to cutshort my days upon earth, I bow with the greatest submission; relying, that he will protect those so dear to me, that I may leave behind! Hiswill be done. 

 "Amen! Amen! Amen!"

In this, which is extracted from his lordship's own private journal, written at the moment, warm from the heart, as well as in almost everyother action of his life, is manifested that exalted desire to promotethe glory of his king and country, and that earnest wish to secure everycomfort for his family and friends, which animated his heroic soul toperform any exploit, where there was a possibility of attaining eitherof those desirable objects. 

Lord Nelson, on arriving at Portsmouth, immediately arranged all hisbusiness: and, having embarked at the bathing-machines, got on board theVictory, about two o'clock; accompanied by his esteemed friends, theRight Honourable, George Rose, and the Right Honourable George Canning, who dined with the hero while he was preparing for sea. 

The next morning, Sunday, September 15, at daylight, the Victoryweighed, with light airs, and immediately sailed. Though five ships ofthe line, and a frigate, were then at Portsmouth, almost ready for sea, and under orders to join his lordship, he was resolved not to lose amoment in waiting for them. He had sailed, therefore, from St. Helen's, accompanied only by the Honourable Captain Blackwood in the Euryalusfrigate: but, on the 17th, being off Plymouth, they were joined by theAjax of seventy-four guns, Captain Brown; and the Thunderer of the sameforce, Captain Lechmere. 

Lord Nelson, on the 26th of September, got round Cape St. Vincent; butit was late in the evening of the 28th, before he arrived off Cadiz, andjoined Admiral Collingwood. His lordship was received, by the wholefleet, with every demonstration of the most enthusiastic joy. Beingfully prepared to impart the particulars of the incomparable mode ofattack which he had projected for the occasion, in all that force andvigour of genius which flashes irresistible conviction on the heart, and fills it, at once, with admiration, esteem, and astonishment, hislordship communicated, next morning, with the different commanders; whomhe ordered on board the Victory, to be made acquainted with theparticulars of his intended plan. "I believe, " writes his lordship, "myarrival was most welcome; not only to the commanders of the fleet, butalso to every individual in it; and, when I came to explain to them the_Nelson touch_, it was like an electric shock. Some shed tears, allapproved. It was new, it was singular, it was simple; and, from admiralsdownwards, it was repeated--"It must succeed, if ever they will allow usto get at them! You are, my lord, surrounded by friends whom you inspirewith confidence. "--"Some, " adds his lordship, "may be Judas's, but themajority are certainly much pleased with my commanding them. " The letterfrom which this is extracted, was dated the 1st of October; on whichmorning, about four o'clock, our hero had been suddenly seized with aviolent fit of those dreadful spasms which often so alarmingly afflictedhim, "It is, " says his lordship, "very odd! I was hardly ever better, than yesterday. Freemantle staid with me till eight o'clock; and I sleptuncommonly well, but was awoke by this disorder. My opinion of it'seffect, some one day, has never altered! However, it is entirely goneoff, and I am only quite weak. The good people of England will notbelieve, that rest of body and mind is necessary for me! But, perhaps, this spasm may not come again these six months. I had been writing sevenhours yesterday; perhaps, that had some hand in bringing it upon me. "Thus lightly does he speak of his own sufferings, thus good-humouredlynotice the little consideration of the country for his individual ease. 

The Euryalus had been immediately stationed close off the harbour ofCadiz, for the purpose of watching every motion of the enemy, andinstantly communicating whatever intelligence might be obtained; aservice for which, Lord Nelson was persuaded, there could not possiblybe a better officer than his friend the Honourable Captain Blackwood. Ata more remote distance, but still within sight of the port, a detachmentof a few ships of the line was placed in constant readiness to actagainst any single ships, or small squadrons, which might attempt topush out for sea; between which, and the main body of the fleet, remaining off Cape St. Mary's, was posted a line of frigates, sufficiently close for the whole to communicate by signal: so that hislordship could always, in a few minutes, be informed of every movementof the enemy. There were now thirty-six sail of the line visible inCadiz, and they bore every appearance of being nearly ready for sea. 

The following excellent letter, developing the intended arrangements ofhis lordship; his full confidence of success; and the characteristicchearfulness of his friendly attachment to the Honourable Captain Blackwood, originally founded on admiration of that active able officer'sprofessional abilities in assisting the capture of Le Guillaume Tell atMalta; cannot fail to gratify every intelligent reader. 

 Victory, Oct. 4, 1805. 

 "MY DEAR SIR, I have received, from Rear-Admiral Louis, your information respecting the intended movements of the enemy. I am momentarily expecting the Phoebe, Sirius, Naiad, and Niger, from Gibraltar; two of them shall be with you, directly as I can get hold of them: and, if you meet them, and there is any way of sending information, and their dispatches from Gibraltar, keep Naiad and Phoebe. Juno is a fixture between Capes Trafalgar and Spartel. Mars, Colossus, and Defence, will be stationed four leagues east from the fleet; and one of them advanced to the east, towards Cadiz, and as near as possible in the latitude. The fleet will be from sixteen to eighteen leagues west of Cadiz; therefore, if you throw a frigate west from you, most probably, in fine weather, we shall daily communicate. In fresh breezes easterly, I shall work up for Cadiz, never getting to the northward of it; and, in the event of hearing they are standing out of Cadiz, carry a press of sail to the southward, towards Cape Spartel and Arache. I am writing out regular instructions for the guidance of the frigates: but, I am confident, these gentry will not slip through our fingers; and, that we shall give a good account of them, although they may be superior in numbers. The Royal Sovereign and Defiance were to sail after the 24th. Belleisle is ordered here. I send you two papers, _I have stole them for you_. Ever, my dear Blackwood, most faithfully your's, "Nelson and Bronte. "

 "The Honourable Captain Blackwood. "

On the 8th, his lordship sent the Naiad to the Honourable CaptainBlackwood; with a promise of the Phoebe and Weazle, as soon as he couldlay hands on them: informing him, also, that the Defiance had joined, and the Royal Sovereign was then in sight. The next morning, at eighto'clock, his lordship, after thanking the honourable captain forintelligence respecting a livelihood of the enemy's sailing, andobserving that he should wish never to be more than forty-eight hourswithout hearing from him, observes that--

 "Agamemnon, Belleisle, and Superb, and very probably the London, are at this moment on their passage: therefore, " he jocosely says, "if Mr. Decreés means to come forth, (if he would take my advice, which I dare say he will not) he had better come out directly. Those, " he adds, "who know more of Cadiz than you or I do, say that, after these Levanters, come several days of fine weather; westerly winds for sea-breezes, and a land wind at night: and that, if the enemy are bound into the Mediterranean, they would come out in the night, which they have always done; placing lights on the Porpoises and the Diamond, and the shoal off Cadiz; run to the southward, and catch the sea breeze off the mouth of the Gut, and push through, whilst we might have little winds in the offing. In short, watch all points, and all winds and weathers. Remember me to Capel, Parker, Mundy, and Captain Prowse; and, be assured, I ever am your's most faithfully, Nelson and Bronte. 

The following short letter, written the following day, is too peculiarlycharacteristic, and impressive, to admit of any curtailment. 

 Oct. 10, 1805. Victory. 

 "MY DEAR BLACKWOOD, Keep your five frigates, Weazle and Pickle, and let me know every movement. I rely, we cannot miss getting hold of them, and I will give them such a shaking as they never yet experienced; at least, _I will lay down my life in the attempt!_ We are a very powerful fleet, and not to be held cheap. I have told Parker, and do you direct, that ships bringing information of their coming out, are to fire guns every three minutes by the watch; and, in the night, to fire rockets, if they have them, from the mast-head. I have nothing more to say; they will, I hope, sail to-night. Ever your's, faithfully, Nelson and Bronte. 

 Cadiz East Thirteen Leagues, 6 A. M. 

 "The Honourable Captain Blackwood. "

It was on this day, that Lord Nelson issued his celebrated instructionsfor attacking the combined fleet, of which the following is a correctcopy. 

 Victory, off Cadiz, Oct. 10, 1805. 

 Thinking it almost impossible to bring a fleet of forty sail of the line into battle, in variable winds, thick weather, and other circumstances which must occur, without such a loss of time that the opportunity would probably be lost of bringing the enemy to battle in such a manner as to make the business decisive; I have, therefore, made up my mind, to keep the fleet in that position of sailing, with the exception of the first and second in command, that the order of sailing is to be the order of the battle: placing the fleet in two lines, of sixteen ships each, with an advanced squadron of eight of the fastest sailing two-decked ships; which will always make, if wanted, a line of twenty-four sail on which ever line the commander in chief may direct. The second in command will, after my intentions are made known to him, have the entire direction of his line, to make the attack upon the enemy, and to follow up the blow, until they are captured or destroyed. If the enemy's fleet are seen to windward in line of battle, and that the two lines and advanced squadron could fetch them, they will probably be so extended that their van could not succour their rear. I should therefore, probably, make the second in command's signal to lead through about the twelfth ship from their rear; or wherever he could fetch, if not able to get so far advanced: my line would lead through about their centre, and the advanced squadron two, three, or four, ships a-head of their centre, so as to ensure getting at their commander in chief, whom every effort must be made to capture. The whole impression of the British fleet must be, to overpower from two or three ships a-head of their commander in chief, supposed to be their centre, to the rear of their fleet. I will suppose twenty sail of the line to be untouched; it must be some time before, they could perform a manoeuvre to bring their force compact to attack any part of the British fleet, or succour their own ships: which, indeed, would be impossible, without mixing with the ships engaged. The enemy's fleet is supposed to consist of forty-six sail of the line, British forty: if either is less, only a proportion of the enemy to be cut off. British to to be one-fourth superior to the enemy cut off. Something must be left to chance. Nothing is sure in a sea-fight, beyond all others; shots will carry away masts and yards of friends as well as foes. But I look with confidence to a victory, before the van of the enemy could succour the rear: and, then, that the British fleet would be ready to receive the twenty sail of the line; or to pursue them, should they endeavour to make off. If the van of the enemy tacks, the captured ships must run to leeward of the British fleet. If the enemy wear, the British fleet must place themselves between the enemy and the captured, and the disabled British ships; and, should the enemy close, I have no fear as to the result. The second in command will, in all possible things, direct the movements of his line, by keeping them as compact as the nature of the circumstances will admit. Captains are to look to their particular line as their rallying point; but, in case signals cannot be seen, or clearly understood, _no captain can do wrong, if he places his ship alongside that of an enemy_. 

 /Advanced Squadron 8\ British Divisions { Weather Line . .. 16 } 40. \Lee Line . .. 16/

 Enemy . .. 46. 

 The Divisions of the British fleet will be brought nearly within gunshot of the enemy's centre. The signal will, most probably, then be made for the lee line to bear up together; to set all their sails, even the steering sails, in order to get as quickly as possible to the enemy's line; and to cut through, begining at the twelfth ship from the enemy's rear. Some ships may not get through their expected place, but they will always be at hand to assist their friends. If any are thrown in the rear of the enemy, they will compleat the business of twelve sail of the enemy. Should the enemy wear together, or bear up and sail large, still the twelve ships composing in the first position the enemy's rear, are to be the object of attack of the lee line, unless otherwise directed by the commander in chief; which is scarcely to be expected, as the entire management of the lee line, after the intentions of the commander in chief are signified, is intended to be left to the admiral commanding that line. The remainder of the enemy's fleet, thirty-five, sail of the line, are to be left to the management of the commander in chief, who will endeavour to take care that the movements of the second in command are as little interrupted as possible. 

 "Nelson and Bronte. "

About this period, the following admired extract of a letter toAlexander Davison, Esq. His lordship's most confidential friend, appearsalso to have been written; which, though published in most of thenewspapers, and other periodical journals, cannot be too oftenreprinted. 

 "Day by day, my dear friend, I am expecting the fleet to put to sea; every day, hour, and moment: and you may rely that, if it is in the power of man to get at them, it shall be done; and, I am sure, that all my brethren look to that day, as the finish of our laborious cruise. The event, no man can say exactly; but I must think, --or render great injustice to those under me, that let the battle be when it may, it will never have been surpassed! My shattered frame, if I survive that day, will require rest, and that is all I shall ask for. If I fall on such a glorious occasion, it shall be my pride to take care that my friends shall not blush for me. These things are in the hands of a good and wise Providence; and, his will be done! I have got some trifle, thank God, to leave to those I hold most dear, and I have taken care not to neglect it. Do not think I am low-spirited on this account, or fancy any thing is to happen to me; quite the contrary: my mind is calm, and I have only to think of destroying our inveterate foe. I have two frigates gone for more information, and we all hope for a meeting with the enemy. Nothing can be finer than the fleet under my command. Whatever be the event, believe me ever, my dear Davison, your much obliged and sincere friend, "Nelson and Bronte. "

As, however, the combined fleet did not immediately come out, hislordship soon grew apprehensive that they were very little disposedspeedily to venture from port; and, therefore, began to consider how hemight annoy them even there. 

"If they do not come forth soon, " writes his lordship, on the 14th, tothe Honourable Captain Blackwood, "I shall then rather incline to thinkthey will detach squadrons: but, I hope, either in the whole, or inpart, we shall get at them. I am confident in your look out upon them. Iexpect three stout fire-ships from England; then, with a good breeze, sothat the gun-boats cannot move, and yet not so much but that a gig canwith ease row out, I should hope that, at least, the gentry might bedisturbed: and I should not be surprised if Mr. Francis and hiscatamarans were sent, and Colonel Congreve and his rockets. But, allthis keep to yourself; for officers will talk, and there is no occasionto put the enemy upon their guard. When those things arrive, we willconsult how to manage them, and I shall have the two bombs ready by thattime. "

On Lord Nelson's arrival in the Mediterranean, he had felt it his mostdifficult task to send home Sir Robert Calder. "I had never, " said hislordship, speaking on this subject to his confidential friends, "but twoenemies in the profession, that I know of, Sir Robert Calder, and SirJohn Orde; nor do I feel conscious of having ever given either of themany just cause of offence. However, " added this excellent and exaltedman, "I will, at least, endeavour to make Sir Robert love me. "Accordingly, on communicating his orders to this unfortunate commander, he earnestly advised him not to return home immediately; but to servewith himself on the expected glorious occasion, after which, there couldbe nothing to apprehend from any trivial enquiry respecting what mightpreviously have happened. Sir Robert, however, though he could not butfeel sensible of his lordship's kindness, was resolved by no means toprotract his justification; and Lord Nelson, finding him determined togo home, as a last proof of tenderness and respectful consideration fora brother officer thus disagreeably situated, insisted that, instead ofSir Robert's departing in a frigate, as directed, he should at leasthave the honour of returning in his own ninety-gun ship, ill as itcould at this eventful crisis be spared from that station. Thus did thehero willingly hazard a degree of censure from his country, throughexcess of feeling for Sir Robert Calder; nor is it altogether anextravagant impossibility that, to this generous action, he owed evenhis own death, which the addition of a ship of such force might perhapshave prevented. In writing to the Honourable Captain Blackwood a secondletter, dated the, 14th, soon after Sir Robert Calder's departure, hislordship feelingly says--"Sir Robert is gone. Poor fellow! I hope hewill get well over the enquiry. " What a lesson is here of Christianvirtue, left by our incomparable hero for the contemplation andadmiration of mankind. It is asserted, on no light authority, that Sir. Robert Calder had formerly, rather rashly, advised a court-martial onour hero, for his departure from his commander in chief's orders on thememorable 14th of February; when the great Earl of St. Vincent, with agenerous, noble, and dignified disdain, instantly replied--"You would, then, try a man for knowing better how to act than yourself. "

Lord Nelson, in the foregoing letter to the Honourable CaptainBlackwood, thanks him for some observations on the Salvages, which hewill get inserted in the charts; and tells him, that the Defence andAgamemnon will be this day placed seven to ten leagues distant fromCadiz, and two or three ships between the fleet and them: "therefore, "says his lordship, "you will be speedily supported, in case of anattempt to drive you off. " Characteristically adding--"_I should like, most amazingly, to see them try it_!"

It has been said, that Lord Nelson, who was in hourly expectation ofbeing reinforced by seven ships of the line from England, and impatientto encounter the enemy, purposely detached Rear-Admiral Louis, with thatnumber of ships, in the most public manner, by way of encouraging themto risk an action with his apparently so diminished force; and, thatthis stratagem actually induced Admiral Villeneuve immediately to sailfrom Cadiz. That the expected reinforcement had arrived, and AdmiralLouis had been thus detached to Tetuan, for fresh provisions and water, is most certain; and it is equally certain that the combined fleet, greatly to our hero's wish, however it might be to his expectation, hehad the pleasure to learn, next morning; Sunday, October the 20th, oncommunicating with the Phoebe, Defence, and Colossus, were the eveningbefore seen by them outside of Cadiz; but, the wind being southerly, theenemy, consisting of nearly forty sail, could not get to the mouth ofthe Straits. "We were, " writes his lordship, for this is transcribedfrom his own private memorandum of that day, "between Trafalgar and CapeSpartel. The frigates made the signal, that they saw nine sail outsidethe harbour. I gave the frigates instructions for their guidance; andplaced Defenced Colossus, and Mars, between me and the frigates. Atnoon, fresh gales, and heavy rain. Cadiz north-east nine leagues. In theafternoon, Captain Blackwood telegraphed, that the enemy seemeddetermined to go to the westward--_and that they shall not do, if in thepower of Nelson and Bronte to prevent them_! At five, telegraphedCaptain Blackwood, that I relied on his keeping sight of the enemy. Atfive o'clock, Naiad made the signal for thirty-one sail of the enemynorth north-east. The frigates and look-out ships kept sight of theenemy most admirably, all night; and told me, by signals, which tackthey were upon. At eight, we wore, and stood to the south-west; and, atfour A. M. Wore, and stood to the north-east. "

To what an eventful period is the reader now conducted, by the hand ofour immortal hero himself, in the forcible and unaffected language ofhis own manly and matchless heart; of that heart, which was, at thisaweful moment, glowing with all the heroism of patriotic ardour for hisking and country, and anxiously waiting the first dawn of light by whichhe might be enabled to discover the enemy! It came; and, with it, brought the welcome sight of those whom his whole soul burned to behold. Few, and simple, are the words which immediately follow in hislordship's memorandum. 

"Monday, October 21, 1805. At day-light, saw the enemy's combined fleet, from east to east south-east. Bore away; made the signal for order ofsailing, and to prepare for battle: the enemy with their heads to thesouthward. "

But now, at the very crisis when he is hastening into a battle for hisking and country, which he feels confident must end in a gloriousvictory, though he might not himself survive it, with that potentpatriotism and never-ceasing loyalty to his king and country, and thatconstantly tender regard for those who were nearest to his heart in thebonds of private affection, he thus piously invokes Heaven's protectionfor his king and country; and the protection of his king and country, should he fall in their service, for those most dear to his heart whowould thus be deprived of his own. To add to the solemnity, though thusintroduced in his lordship's private journal, it has the form, and insome respects the substance, of a codicil of his last will andtestament; and is, accordingly, thereto annexed, having been duly provedin Doctors Commons. 

"At seven, " continues, and unfortunately concludes, his lordship--forthese seem to have been the last words written by his own hand, which noman who deserves the name of a Briton will ever cease to remember and toregard--"the enemy wearing in succession--

 "_May the great God whom I worship, grant to my country, and for the benefit of Europe in general, a great and glorious victory! and may no misconduct in any one tarnish it! and may humanity, after victory, be the predominant feature in the British fleet! For myself, individually, I Commend my life to Him who made me; and may his blessing light upon my endeavours for serving my country faithfully! To him I resign myself, and the just cause which is entrusted to me to defend. _

 Amen! Amen! Amen!

 "October the 21st, 1805, then in sight of the combined Fleets of France and Spain, distant about ten miles. 

 "Whereas the eminent services of Emma Hamilton, widow of the Right Honourable Sir William Hamilton, have been of the very greatest service to our King and Country, to my knowledge, without her receiving any reward from either our King or Country--

 "First, that she obtained the King of Spain's letter, in 1796, to his brother the King of Naples, acquainting him of his intention to declare war against England; from which letter the ministry sent out orders to the then Sir John Jervis, to strike a stroke, if opportunity offered, against either the arsenals of Spain or her fleets: that neither of these was done, is not the fault of Lady Hamilton; the opportunity might have been offered. 

 "Secondly, The British fleet under my command could never have returned the second time to Egypt, had not Lady Hamilton's influence with the Queen of Naples caused letters to be wrote to the Governor of Syracuse, that he was to encourage the fleet being supplied with every thing, should they put into any port in Sicily. We put into Syracuse, and received every supply; went to Egypt, and destroyed the French fleet. 

 "Could I have rewarded these services, I would not now call upon my country! But, as that has not been in my power, I leave Emma Hamilton, therefore, a legacy to my King and Country; that they will give her an ample provision, to maintain her rank in life. 

 "I also leave to the beneficence of my country, my adopted daughter, Horatia Nelson Thompson; and I desire she will use, in future, the name of Nelson only. 

 "These are the only favours I ask of my King and Country, at this moment, when I am going to fight their battle. 

 "May God bless my King and Country, and all those I hold dear! My relations it is needless to mention; they will, of course, be amply provided for. 

 "Nelson and Bronte. " "Witness, Henry Blackwood, T. M. Hardy. "

This solemn call on his country can require no comment. Woe to thenation, which could dare to neglect such strong claims on it's justiceand beneficence! The proverbial generosity of Britons will, no doubt, indue time, bountifully display it's accustomed munificence in favour ofthe parties. 

The Honourable Captain Blackwood, who is a subscribing witness to theabove codicil, after watching the enemy all night, had got on board theVictory about seven in the morning: and, with Captain, Capel, of thePhoebe; and Captain Prowse, of the Sirius; remained several hours inconsultation with Lord Nelson. When his lordship became convinced, thatthe enemy could not possibly avoid an engagement, he displayed thehighest degree of animation. Confident of victory, he said to CaptainHardy, and the other officers by whom he was surrounded--"They cannotnow escape us! I think, we shall, at least, make sure of twenty of them. I may, probably, lose a leg; but that will be cheaply purchasing avictory. " However, it is an undoubted fact, that when the HonourableCaptain Blackwood, in taking leave of his lordship, previous to theaction, observed that, he hoped they should, in a few hours, meet again;the hero replied, in a firm tone--"My dear Blackwood, I shall neveragain speak to you!" This was no sentiment of despondency, but a strongsense of the danger to be apprehended from so unequal a contest. Theenemy's line consisting of thirty-three ships, eighteen of which wereFrench, and fifteen Spanish; and the British fleet only twenty-seven:and, by the advantage of size, as well as numbers, they had asuperiority of about three hundred and fifty guns. Ten thousand of theirchoicest troops were also distributed throughout the fleet, to ensuresuccess by boarding; and their ships were furnished with fire-balls andcombustibles of every description, in the hope of setting our's onfire. The French were commanded, in chief, by Admiral Villeneuve; andnot by Admiral Decrées, as Lord Nelson had lately supposed would be thecase; with Rear-Admirals Dumanoir and Magon: The Spaniards, by AdmiralGravina, commander in chief; with Admirals Don Ignacio Morea D'Alva, DonDomingo Guadalharas, and Commodore Don Baltazar. The structure of theenemy's line was somewhat new, as well as the intended mode of attackingthem. It formed a crescent, convexing to leeward: every alternate shipbeing about a cable's length to windward of it's second a-head anda-stern, so as to seem a kind of double-line; leaving between them, whenon their beam, a very small interval, and this without crouding theirships. Admiral Villeneuve, in the Bucentaure, occupied the centre; andAdmiral Gravina's flag was borne by the Prince of Asturias, in the rear:but the French and Spanish ships appear to have been mixed, without anyregard to national arrangement. 

The mode of attack having been long determined on by Lord Nelson, andrecently communicated, as has been seen, on the 10th instant, to theflag officers and captains, few signals were necessary. On firstdiscovering the combined fleet, his lordship had immediately made thesignal to bear up in two columns, as formed in the order of sailing, toavoid the inconvenience and delay of forming a line of battle in theusual manner. Lord Nelson, as commander in chief, led the weathercolumn, in the Victory; and Vice-Admiral Collingwood, as second incommand, that of the lee, in the Royal Sovereign. The following are therespective ships of which the two British lines were composed--

 BRITISH VAN, OR WEATHER COLUMN. 

 Ships. Guns. Commanders. 

 1. Victory 110 Admiral Lord Nelson, and Capt Hardy. 2. Temeraire 98 Capt. Harvey. 3. Neptune 98 Capt. Freemantle. 4. Conqueror 74 Capt. Pellew. 5. Leviathan 74 Capt. Bayntun. 6. Ajax 74 Lieut. Pilfold. 7. Orion 74 Capt. Codrington. 8. Agamemnon 64 Capt. Sir Edward Berry. 9. Minotaur 74 Capt. Mansfield. 10. Spartiate 74 Capt. Sir Francis Laforey. 11. Britannia 100 Rear-Admiral Northesk, and Capt. Bullen. 12. Africa 64 Capt. Digby. 

 REAR, OR LEE COLUMN. 

 13. Royal Sovereign 100 Admiral Collingwood, and Capt. Rotheran. 14. Mars 74 Capt. Duff. 15. Belleisle 74 Capt. Hargood. 16. Tonnant 80 Capt. Tyler. 17. Bellerophon 74 Capt. Cooke. 18. Colossus 74 Capt. Morris. 19. Achille 74 Capt. King. 20. Polyphemus 64 Capt. Redmill. 21. Revenge 74 Capt. Moorson. 22. Swiftsure 74 Capt. Rutherford. 23. Defence 74 Capt. Hope. 24. Thunderer 74 Lieut. Stockham. 25. Defiance 74 Capt. Durham. 26. Prince 74 Capt. Grindall. 27. Dreadnought 98 Capt. Conn. 

 Senior Lieutenants Pilfold and Stockham commanded for Captains Brown and Lechmere, who were called home to give evidence on the enquiry into the conduct of Sir Robert Calder. 

 FRIGATES, &c. Ships. Guns. Commanders. 1. Euryalus 36 The Honourable Capt. Blackwood. 2. Sirius 36 Capt. Prowse. 3. Phoebe 36 Capt. Capel. 4. Naiad 36 Capt. Parker. 5. Pickle schooner 10 Lieut. Lapenotiere. 6. Entreprenante cutter 10 Lieut. Puyer. 

While they were approaching the enemy's line, Lord Nelson repeatedlydeclared, that it was the happiest day of his life; and that, from theplan of his intended attack, he entertained not the smallest doubt that, before night, he should gain possession of at least twenty of theirships. The last signal which preceded the battle, was an emanation fromhis great mind which will long be remembered; this was a private signalto the fleet, communicating by telegraph the following most emphaticsentiment--

"England expects every man to do his duty. "

This took place exactly at twelve o'clock, and the battle instantlycommenced by the leading ships of the columns attempting to breakthrough the enemy's line: Lord Nelson, in the Victory, about the tenthship from the van; Vice-Admiral Collingwood, in the Royal Sovereign, about the twelfth from the rear. When Vice-Admiral Collingwood, at thehead of the division under his orders, began the attack, and brokethrough the enemy's line, Lord Nelson, turning round to his officers, with the highest exultation, said--"Look at that noble fellow! Observethe stile in which he carries his ship into action!" The Victory, atfour minutes past twelve, opened it's fire on the enemy's van, whilepassing down their line; in about a quarter of an hour after which, finding it impossible to penetrate through, the Victory fell on boardthe eleventh and twelfth ships. The Temeraire, Captain Harvey, by whichthe Victory was seconded, in consequence of the closeness of this partof the enemy's line, fell also on board one of them. These four shipswere thus, for a considerable time, engaged together as in a singlemass; so that the flash of almost every gun fired from the Victory setfire to the Redoutable, it's more immediate opponent. In this state, amidst the hottest fire of the enemy, was beheld a very singularspectacle; that of numerous British seamen employed, at intervals, invery coolly throwing buckets of water to extinguish the flames on boardtheir enemy's ship, that both might not be involved in one commondestruction. His lordship had been particularly desirous to have beganthe action, by passing a-head of the Bucentaure, Admiral Villeneuve'sship, that the Victory might be a-head of the French commander in chief, and a-stern of the Spanish Santissima Trinidada of a hundred andthirty-six guns, the largest ship in the world. The Bucentaure, however, shooting a-head, his lordship, who was thus obliged to go under thatship's stern, immediately raked it, and luffed up on the starboard side. The Bucentaure fired four broadsides at the Victory, before our heroordered his ports to be opened; when the whole broadside, which wasdouble shotted, being poured in, the discharge made such a tremendouscrash, that the ship was instantly seen to heel. Lord Nelson now shota-head to the Santissima Trinidada. In contending with this ship, on thecelebrated 14th of February 1797, our hero had already acquiredconsiderable renown. Having got alongside his tremendous opponent, whichhe familiarly called his old acquaintance, he ordered the ships to belashed together. The battle was now raging with a fury not to bedescribed; and the enemy's ships being full of men, and many of themengaged muzzle to muzzle of the guns with our's, the carnage was mosthorrible. The crash, too, of the falling masts, yards, &c. Incessantlymowed down, by the respective shots on both sides, with the almostgeneral blaze, and incessantly tremendous roar, had an aweful grandeurwhich no verbal or graphic description or delineation can everfaithfully convey to the eye and ear. Our hero, amidst this mostterrific scene, appeared to be literally in his glory. He was quiteenraptured with the bravery and skill of all under his command: he wasnot displeased to find, that the enemy, in general, fought like menworthy of being conquered; of being themselves conquerors, in a bettercause. In a dress richly covered with the honours which he had acquiredby his prowess in former battles, he stood a conspicuous object ofemulative worth to all the heroic men who surrounded him in this. Neverhad his aspiring and enraptured heart beheld a victory more brilliantlyglorious awaiting their noble exertions. Ineffable delight, blended witha divine benignity, beamed over the hero's countenance. He feltconscious of being engaged in contending for all that is dear to man;and, consequently, struggling in a cause which could by no means bedispleasing to Heaven. He doubted little the success of his country, forhe knew in what he confided; but he was not presumptuous, for he hadearly been instructed, that "the battle is not always to the strong. "His own personal fate was ever humbly resigned to the will of the GreatDisposer; live, or die, he was alone solicitous that he should live ordie in glory. While victory, however, from all observation, appearedwithin his grasp, he could not but be conscious that individual dangerevery where hovered around. The Santissima Trinidada carried fullsixteen hundred men; including a corps of troops, among whom wereseveral sharp-shooters. Many other ships had, also, Tyrolese riflemen onboard. Amidst the conflict of cannon, fired muzzle to muzzle, showers ofbullets were directed on the quarter-deck; where the distinguished herostood, fearlessly giving his orders, and chearfully abiding every peril. His heart was animated, and his spirits were gay. The stump of his rightarm, which he always pleasantly denominated his fin, moved the shoulderof his sleeve up and down with the utmost rapidity, as was customarywhen he felt greatly pleased. Captain Hardy, apprehensive that LordNelson's peculiar attire pointed him out as too obvious a mark, advisedthe hero to change his dress, or cover himself with a great-coat; but heno otherwise regarded the precautionary advice, than by observing thathe had not yet time to do so. It probably struck his great mind, thatsuch an act might evince too much personal attention for a commander inchief to possess. In the mean while, the murderous desire of the enemyto single out the officers, continued growing more and more manifest. Ofa hundred and ten marines stationed on the poop and quarter-deck, upwards of eighty were either killed or wounded. Mr. Pascoe, first-lieutenant of the Victory, received a very severe wound, whileconversing with his lordship; and John Scott, Esq. His lordship'ssecretary, was shot through the head, by a musket-ball, at his side, Captain Adair of the marines, almost at the same instant, experienced asimilar fate. This was about a quarter of an hour past one o'clock; and, a few minutes afterward, Captain Hardy, who was standing near hislordship, observed a marksman in the mizen-top of the Bucentaure, whichthen lay on the Victory's quarter, in the very act of taking adeliberate aim at his beloved commander. Scarcely had he time toexclaim--"Change your position, my lord! I see a rascal taking aim atyou!" when the fatal bullet unhappily smote the hero; and, havingentered near the top of his left shoulder, penetrated through his lungs, carrying with it part of the adhering epaulette, and lodged in thespinal marrow of his back. A shout of horrid joy, from the enemy, seemed to announce their sense of the cruel success. His lordship wasprevented from falling, by Captain Hardy; to whom he said, with asmile--"They have done for me, at last!"

As the officers were conducting him below, his lordship deliberatelyremarked that the tiller-rope was too slack, and requested that CaptainHardy might be told to get it tightened. In the mean time, Mr. Pollard, a young midshipman of the Victory, not more than sixteen years of age, having levelled a musket at the man who shot his lordship, the fellowwas seen instantly to fall. All the surgeons being busily engaged withthe wounded, our hero, as usual, insisted on waiting till his turn. Thesurgeon who examined the wound soon clearly discovered what must be it'sfatal effect. Lord Nelson had attentively regarded his countenance; and, on beholding him turn pale, calmly said--"It is, I perceive, mortal!"

The Reverend Dr. Scott, who was looking for his wounded friend, Lieutenant Pascoe, in the cockpit, to his utter astonishment and horror, discovered that his lordship had that moment been brought down. Heimmediately seated himself on the floor, and supported his pillow duringthe whole time of the surgeon's operations; indeed, except for a fewmoments, when he was sent to call Captain Hardy, he never left him. After enquiring about the state of the battle, which the dying hero farmore regarded than that of his wound, his lordship, who was muchagitated, and evidently suffering the most extreme agony, suddenlyexclaimed, in a hurried manner--"Doctor, remember me to Lady Hamilton, remember me to Horatia! Remember me to Lady Hamilton, remember me toHoratia! Tell her, I have made a will, and left her a legacy to mycountry. " This was afterward repeated, in a calmer tone, to Dr. Scott;with whom he conversed, at intervals, in a low voice, but perfectlycollected. At times, the pain seizing him more violently, he suddenlyand loudly expressed a wish to die. Then, again, he would grow calm andcollected, and address himself to Dr. Scott; speaking in low, thoughbroken and unconnected, sentences. At first, he expressed an eagerdesire for drink; saying--"Drink! drink! drink, doctor!" and continuallyhad lemonade given him. After each time of drinking, he was a short timecalm and collected, and spoke a few sentences to Dr. Scott; then, thepain again seizing him, he would hastily call out--"Drink! drink!" Hislower extremities soon grew cold and insensible, and the copiouseffusion of blood from his lungs frequently threatened suffocation. Hiseyes, however, appeared to brighten, and his spirits to revive, onhearing the cheers given by the crew of the Victory as the differentships of the enemy surrendered. He frequently expressed much desire tohave his face wiped; repeating, to Dr. Scott--"Wipe my face, doctor!Doctor, wipe my face!" This being done, for a considerable time, heseemed to receive some comfort; but soon grew prodigiously anxious tosee Captain Hardy. His lordship had several times sent for him; and, notfinding him come, began to imagine that he was no more. It was founddifficult to efface this idea; and Dr. Scott felt it necessary himselfto call Captain Hardy, who had been unwilling to quit his post at suchan interesting period. About half past four, however, Captain Hardyattended on his lordship; who eagerly enquired, how many ships werecaptured. On being informed, by the captain, that twelve, which he couldsee, had certainly struck; and that, probably, more might havesurrendered, as the victory seemed nearly compleat: the dying herohastily exclaimed--"What, only twelve! there should have been, at least, fifteen or sixteen, by my calculation! However, " added he, after, ashort pause, "twelve are pretty well!" He requested that Captain Hardywould bear his kindest remembrances to Lady Hamilton, and to Horatia;and inform them that he had left them as a legacy to his king andcountry, in whose service he willingly yielded up his life. "Will you, my dear Hardy?" anxiously demanded his lordship. "Kiss me, then!"Captain Hardy immediately kneeling, respectfully kissed the wan cheek ofhis adored commander. The dying hero now desired that his affectionateregards might be presented to his brave officers and men: and said, thathe could have wished once more to have beheld his beloved relatives andfriends, or even to have survived till he had seen the fleet in safety;but, as neither was possible, he felt resigned, and thanked God forhaving enabled him to do his duty to his king and country. His lordshiphad, latterly, most vehemently directed Dr. Scott to rub his breast andpit of the stomach; where, it seems probable, he now felt the bloodbeginning more painfully to flow, in a state of commencingcongelation--"Rub me, rub me, doctor!" he often and loudly repeated. This melancholy office was continued to be almost incessantly performedby Dr. Scott, till his lordship expired; and, indeed, for some time, afterward. The last words the immortal hero uttered, were--

 "Thank God, I have done my duty!"

He had, before, pronounced them in a lower tone of voice:saying--"Doctor, I have not been a great sinner; and, thank God, I havedone my duty!" Then, as if asking the question, he repeated--"Doctor, Ihave not been a great sinner?" Doctor Scott was too much affectedimmediately to answer. "Have I?" he again eagerly interrogated. Aparoxysm of pain now suddenly seizing him, he exclaimed, in a loud andmost solemnly impressive tone--"_Thank God, I have done my duty! ThankGod, _ _I have done my duty!_" After pronouncing these words, he had, apparently, suffered no pain; but gradually went off, as if asleep. Indeed, every person who surrounded him, except Dr. Scott, who had longfelt the current of life sensibly chilling beneath his hand, actuallythought, for some time, that he was only in a state of somnolency. Itwas, however, the sleep of death, the blood having entirely choaked uphis incomparable heart. 

Thus died the greatest naval hero, "take him for all in all, " that everlived. This will probably be said, as long as the world endures. It isnot likely that he can ever be equalled, it is impossible that he shouldbe surpassed. 

The victory of this day, off Trafalgar, was one of the most compleatlyglorious ever atchieved by Britons. About three o'clock, many of theenemy's ships having struck their colours, their line had every wheregiven way, and as many as possible endeavoured to effect their escape. Eighteen men of war were taken; and three flag-officers, with a general, made prisoners of war. Among the ships captured, were the SantissimaTrinidada of a hundred and thirty-six guns, the Santa Anna of a hundredand twenty, and the Bucentaure of seventy-four: the last having AdmiralVilleneuve, the French commander in chief, on board; as well as GeneralContamin, who had four thousand select troops embarked under hiscommand; and the two former, the Spanish Vice-Admiral Don Ignatio MoreaD'Alva, who died of his wounds, with Rear-Admiral Don Baltazar Hidalgode Cisneros. The Santissima Trinidada, soon after the action, sunk; andL'Achille, a French seventy-four, by some mismanagement of the crew, almost immediately on striking, took fire, and blew up. The number ofkilled, wounded, and taken prisoners, was most prodigious. The FrenchAdmiral Dumanoir, with three French ships, which had no share in theaction, iniquitously fired, for some time, while making theirignominious retreat, on the Santissima Trinidada and other Spanishprizes which had struck their colours to our fleet; thus wantonlymassacreing their defenceless friends and allies. Many of the shipstaken or destroyed had upwards of four hundred men killed and wounded onboard; and more than three thousand Spanish prisoners were liberallysent back to their own country, by the generous conquerors. TheBucentaure, it is said, had three hundred and sixty-five killed, and twohundred and nineteen wounded. Our loss, too, in killed and wounded, wasfar from inconsiderable; and many of our ships were materially damaged. The Royal Sovereign, in particular, was so cut up, that Vice-AdmiralCollingwood, after the action, shifted his flag to the Euryalus, theHonourable Captain Blackwood, and towed his own ship out seaward. Besides Lord Nelson, two other brave and estimable commanders lost theirlives on this most memorably fatal day: Captain Duff, of the Mars; andCaptain Cooke, of the Bellerophon. Captain Duff had two sons on boardhis own ship; one only twelve years of age, the other about fifteen:early in the engagement, a shot carried away both legs of the youngest;the elder soon afterwards fell; and, finally, their unfortunate father. Not even these distressing circumstances were capable of exciting anygreat degree of generous commiseration for those worthy and gallantvictims, so entirely was each heart occupied by agonizing reflections onthe loss of him who had, in himself, ever been considered as alone ahost. It was a victory the most compleatly brilliant, but never had avictory been gained which conveyed so little gladness to the hearts ofthe conquerors. Every bosom felt oppressed with sorrow, on a day of suchtriumph to their country; and not an eye closed, in the whole fleet, onthe sad night by which it was succeeded, without pouring an affectionatetribute of manly tears to the memory of the godlike hero by whose meritsit had been so certainly obtained, and by whose death it had been sodearly purchased. "He will never again lead us to conquest!" sobbed manya bursting heart. "Our commander, our master, our father, our friend, our companion, is no more, and when shall we behold his equal? Never, never, never!" Such was their love of the adored hero, that everyvirtuous individual in the fleet would gladly have lost his own life tohave saved him. It is, indeed, stated as a positive fact, that a seamanof the Victory, who was, a little before the fatal catastrophe, suffering the amputation of an arm, actually said to the surgeon--"Well, this might, by some men, be considered as a sad misfortune; but I shallbe proud of the accident, as it will make me the more resemble our bravecommander in chief. " Before the operation was finished, the sad tidingsarrived below, that Lord Nelson was wounded. The seaman, who had neveronce shrunk, amidst all the pain he endured, now suddenly started fromhis seat; and vehemently exclaimed--"Good God! I would rather the shothad taken off my head, and spared his precious life!"

Vice-Admiral Collingwood, in his letter to the Admiralty, describingthis great victory, says--"I have not only to lament, in common with theBritish navy, and the British nation, in the fall of the commander inchief, the loss of a hero, whose name will be immortal, and his memoryever dear to his country; but my heart is rent with the most poignantgrief for the death of a friend, to whom, by many years intimacy, and aperfect knowledge of the virtues of his mind, which inspired ideassuperior to the common race of men, I was bound by the strongest ties ofaffection: a grief, to which even the glorious occasion on which hefell, does not bring the consolation which, perhaps, it ought!"

When the dispatches, containing an account of the glorious victory offCape Trafalgar, with the death of our chief hero, arrived in England, and were perused by his majesty, the king was greatly affected. Tearsflowed from the royal eyes; and his majesty pathetically exclaimed--"Wehave lost more than we have gained!" They were read, at Windsor, by thequeen, to the assembled princesses, and the whole royal group mostaffectionately wept the fall of the hero. His Royal Highness the Princeof Wales, with a dignified excess of grief, most acutely felt the lossof the heroic supporter of his father's house; and a private letter ofcondolence, which his royal highness wrote to Alexander Davison, Esq. Onthe death of their inestimable friend, is replete with sentiments whichaugur highly for the probably future sovereign's adding new lustre tothe brilliant throne of his most renowned ancestors. The Duke ofClarence, too, long united in friendship to the hero, whom he veneratedwith an almost paternal regard, lamented him with little less than thetruest filial sorrow. In short, from the entire royal family, throughevery subordinate degree of rank and virtue, to the humblest class ofexistence, wherever the tidings came, tears overflowed every eye, andgrief took entire possession of every heart. The glorious victory, though one of the greatest ever obtained by mortal, and though the last, as well as the most splendid, of the hero so beloved; was scarcelyconsidered, by the nation, as an object worthy of those publicrejoicings with which very inferior triumphs are constantly attended. Cannon, indeed, as usual, announced the intelligence, but their soundconveyed a deep melancholy to the heart; the bells were rung, but theirpeals inspired no hilarity, and seemed little less than the mournfulknells of death; nocturnal illuminations were displayed, but thetransparencies which they discovered, amidst the gloom, presented onlyso many sad memorials of the universal loss, expressed by ingeniousdevices to the hero's memory, which the spectators beheld withsensations of augmented grief, and one general aspect of expressive butunutterable woe. If such was the state of the public feeling, what musthave been that of the hero's dearest relatives and friends; of thosewho had to sustain all the superadded pangs of a loss so difficult to besupplied for the service of the country, so impossible for thefelicities of themselves! Several months elapsed, before Lady Hamiltonquitted her bed; and Mrs. Bolton and Mrs. Matcham, for a long time, suffered similar anguish and affliction. Indeed, even all the youngerbranches of this amiable and interesting family, as well as theirrespective parents, evinced the highest possible degree of sensibilityand sorrow for their irretrievable calamity; a calamity which, to them, all the honours and emoluments a grateful nation may bestow, extendingto his remotest kindred, at present as well as in future, can scarcelybe considered as affording any adequate recompence. 

The great council of the country failed not to express solemnly theirstrong sense of the irreparable loss, by unanimously voting all thegrand ceremonials of a public interment beneath the centre of the domein St. Paul's cathedral, and a monumental erection of commensurategrandeur to rise immediately above the hero's honoured remains. 

His majesty, on the 9th of November, was also graciously pleased toelevate his lordship's brother and heir, the Reverend Dr. WilliamNelson, to the dignity of a Viscount and Earl of the United Kingdom ofGreat Britain and Ireland, by the names, stiles, and titles, of ViscountMerton and Earl Nelson, of Trafalgar, and of Merton in the county ofSurrey; the same to descend to his heirs male; and, in their default, tothe heirs male, successively, of Susannah, wife of Thomas Bolton, Esq. , and Catharine, wife of George Matcham, Esq. Sisters of the late LordViscount Nelson. 

The city of London, the Committee of Merchants at Lloyd's Coffee-House, and the respective corporations of several cities and chief towns indifferent parts of the united kingdom, publicly expressed their sense ofthe national loss, by the death of it's principal hero; and proposedvarious plans for perpetuating the remembrance of his transcendentservices, by monumental erections, &c. 

The body of the hero, which had been preserved in spirits, was broughtto England in the Victory; the crew having positively refused to partwith the corpse of their adored commander, till it should be safelylanded in their native country. They were resolved, they said, one andall, to accompany him, as it should please Heaven, either to the bottomof the ocean, or see his sacred remains deposited in the honoured tombwhich would, doubtless, be proudly prepared for them by a gratefulnation; and could not suffer the corpse to be sent home in any shipsubject to capture by the enemy. 

After laying in state, a few days, at Greenwich Hospital, the body wasconveyed, with all possible aquatic grandeur and solemnity, to theAdmiralty; from whence, the next day, Thursday, January 9, 1806, borneon a grand funeral car, and with a pomp of procession scarcely everequalled the illustrious hero's hallowed remains were finally depositedbeneath the dome of St. Paul's cathedral. 

Never, perhaps, were the mournful obsequies of any hero so numerouslyand so respectably attended; never was any human being deposited in theearth more universally and sincerely wept by every eye which beheld anypart of the solemn ceremony. The tears of millions, on that melancholyday, bore testimony to his matchless worth; to the truth of thatsentiment which he had piously pronounced, in his last moments--"ThankGod, I have been enabled to do my duty to my King and Country!"

May the same Almighty Power inspire the hearts of his King and Country, to fulfil, in their utmost extent, every wish and expectation of theDying Hero! And may each virtuous individual, in whom the blood of theNelsons shall flow, to the last drop which can be traced, for ever findfriendly patronage among the rulers of a nation, which has certainly, atan eventful crisis, been powerfully exalted, and perhaps preserved, bythe example and influence of the immortal hero, who so freely andfatally shed his own last drop in the faithful service of his King andCountry!

THE END. 

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