individual honour might be affected. A just sense of Lord Nelson's
services, in this respect, has probably contributed, in no slight
degree, to the extreme popularity of that most laudable institution for
the relief of suffering seamen and marines, and their distressed
families, so happily commenced and continued by the Committee at
Lloyd's. Nor is, perhaps, the idea very chimerical, when we reflect on
the magnitude of the contributions, which looks forward to a possible
permanent establishment, at no distant day, on this very basis; in which
the voluntary subscriptions of benevolent and opulent individuals shall
almost vie, in the extent of it's charity to this meritorious class of
society, whose services can alone preserve the united kingdom and it's
extended commerce in full security, with the grand and munificent public
endowment which so nobly adorns our country at Greenwich: to which,
also, some national augmentation might, with much propriety, be at the
same time made; not only to keep pace with the increase of our navy, but
to afford an equally needful asylum for those deserving and greatly
exposed auxiliaries, the unfortunate and superannuated Royal Marines. A
sight of such noble institutions, with suitable pictures and statues of
naval heroes and their glorious atchievements, in which Lord Nelson and
his transcendent actions must for ever stand pre-eminently conspicuous,
would far surpass, in genuine grandeur, perhaps, and certainly in
rational and philosophical contemplation, the loftiest and most
stupendous pillar or pyramid ever raised by human art and industry, for
little other purpose than to attract the gaze of profitless admiration,
with the vain attempt of mocking the powers of tempests and of time, by
which the proudest of these trophied monuments must necessarily be bowed
to subjection, and finally crumbled into dust. The solitary hermitage,
which shelters a single hoary head, is more interesting to the feeling
heart than the proudest display of barren pomp that neither rises over
the tomb of departed worth nor affords any living mortal a comfortable
habitation. The grand naval pillar, to commemorate the battle off the
Nile, for which a large sum was some years since subscribed, without any
previously decided plan, and which is said to be still undisposed of, if
employed in erecting a respectable edifice for the residence of those
brave veterans by whom that battle was fought, and such of their
successors, for ever, as should live to find such a residence desirable,
might be so constructed and endowed, with the money contributed, as to
afford a higher satisfaction to the subscribers; a superior, and
perpetually renewable, memorial of the event; and a far more gratifying
object of contemplation, even for such of the brave heroes who may never
need such a sanctuary; than the loftiest and most embellished obelisk
that human ingenuity can ever devise, or human industry execute. This is
a subject on which the author could with pleasure dilate; and the
promotion of which he would gladly assist, in every way, with all his
slender abilities: but, at present, it is an agreeable reverie, in which
he feels that he must no longer indulge.
He will, however, transcribe one of Lord Nelson's letters written on the
subject which led to this digression, as a satisfactory proof of his
lordship's attention to the mercantile interests of his country in that
respect, 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 a
desire to sail, he granted them the convoy; repeating, in another
letter, "but still with the reservation for the underwriters and myself,
as I think the case requires." He also wrote to Mr. Windham, informing
that gentleman of the necessity which he had felt himself under to
comply with their desire; and requesting him to acquaint Captain Derby,
whom he sent on that service, in the Bellerophon, whether he might with
safety leave them at Leghorn. If not, his lordship observed, the signal
should be made for convoy; and those who chose to quit a place of danger
might be brought back, with the comfort of having lost the present
convoy for England. However, he adds, it is his duty, and it is his
inclination too, to do every thing for the protection of our commerce
consistently with the other important duties required of him. Captain
Derby was directed, should circumstances require, to wait a reasonable
time for such of the merchant ships as might have perishable cargoes on
board, to enable them to dispose of them.
In the letter to Mr. Windham above quoted, his lordship says, alluding
to the cruelties of the French, who were then over-running Italy--"Your
excellency's account of the treatment of his Royal Highness the Grand
Duke, of the King of Sardinia, and of the poor old Pope, makes my heart
bleed; and I curse, in the bitterness of my grief, all those who might
have prevented such cruelties!"
It will be recollected, that the venerable Pope Pius VI, who had been
seized and carried off by the French, and whose fate Lord Nelson thus
feelingly commiserates, as if anticipatory of the event, was at the
period of being thus forced from Rome in his eighty-second year; and
that his holiness expired, at Valence, on the 19th of August following,
after a captivity of six months: his body being consumed, by unslacked
lime thrown into the grave, to prevent it's receiving, at any future
period, the honours which might be esteemed due to a modern martyr; who,
perhaps, possessed equal piety and resignation, with many holy sufferers
of 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 to
his friend Captain Ball, at Malta, to preside over the meetings of the
Maltese people: their deputies having represented to Sir William
Hamilton and his lordship, that he had, by his address, frequently
united the jarring interests of the different chiefs, at their
distracted councils, and that they were therefore desirous of his future
assistance; which was, also, the wish of his Sicilian Majesty. Captain
Ball, therefore, was vested with full power to leave his ship in charge
of the first-lieutenant, directing him how to proceed, and to be on
shore whenever he should deem it necessary, either to attend such
meetings, or assist the Maltese army; his lordship observing that,
though neither Sir William Hamilton nor himself had power to grant any
salary for the extraordinary expences he must thus necessarily incur, it
would be proper to keep an account of them, that it might be represented
to 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 the
attachment of the English hero to the royal family. This, with other
information, is more particularly mentioned in the following letter to
Earl Spencer, which appears to have been written immediately on Captain
Nisbet's return from Constantinople with La Bonne Citoyenne, bringing
several 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 into
British pay; those of the Turkish and Russian admirals, from Corfu, were
highly satisfactory, giving assurances of all possible assistance; and
that from the Emperor Paul of Russia, congratulatory of the glorious
victory of the Nile, was in the highest degree flattering, and
accompanied by the emperor's picture, in a box magnificently set with
diamonds. His lordship, however, learned that Corfu, though daily
expected to fall, had not yet surrendered; and that Le Genereux
unfortunately escaped the vigilance of the blockading squadrons, on the
5th of February. From Constantinople, he received the agreeable
information that the Grand Signior had ordered ten thousand Albanese
troops to Sicily; but Sir Sidney Smith's letters, luckily blending his
naval and ministerial characters, so outraged Lord Nelson's nice sense
of propriety, that it renewed all those keen sensations of inquietude
which 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 the
occasion, was not altogether unjust in requiring better future
discrimination.
"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 the
preceding day, for Sir William Sidney Smith, captain of his majesty's
ship Le Tigre, to put himself under Lord Nelson's command may certainly
be considered as sufficiently severe; and, it is probable, his lordship
was of that opinion: but he judged it necessary, for his own comfort
thus plainly to deliver his sentiments, however painful the task, that
he might escape any repetitions of what must continue to excite
unpleasant feelings.
On this day, too, Lord Nelson wrote to Captain Ball, from whom he had
received letters which gave hopes of a speedy termination to his long
and arduous labours. The deputies lately arrived from Malta had
solicited supplies of arms, ammunition, and money, from his Sicilian
Majesty; and their application, it will appear, had not proved in vain.
Money, cloathing, &c. Lord Nelson informs Captain Ball, are difficult to
be got; however, some will be sent. "You will," he adds, "receive seven
thousand ounces, which the king confides in you to dispose of to the
best advantage. Whenever the French are driven out, you are certainly
fitted for the station of chief, and I should suppose his Sicilian
Majesty could have no objection to give you the proper appointments. You
are sure, I shall do every thing that is in my power, for your honour
and benefit. Having said this, I will finish, for I am tired to death
with writing." His lordship, however, does not conclude without
observing that he trusts to nothing but his blockade for the reduction
of Malta; that there is yet no news of the emperor's movements, but move
he must; that all the lower order of the kingdom of Naples are ready to
take arms against the French; that ten thousand Albanese are near
Messina; 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 me
his picture, in a magnificent box; but, this shall not prevent my
keeping 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 deputies
themselves, were conveyed, in La Bonne Citoyenne, by Captain Nisbet, to
Malta, in his return to Constantinople; who was charged with dispatches
for Sir Sidney Smith, Spencer Smith, Esq. his brother, and his
Excellency Constantine Upsilanti, at the Ottoman court. The remainder of
the arms, ammunition, stores, and money, with the other three deputies,
were sent to Malta by Captain Gage in the Terpsichore: who was
afterwards to deliver a letter from Lord Nelson to his Sardinian
Majesty, at Cagliari in Sardinia; to call at Minorca, for any dispatches
which Commodore Duckworth might have for the Earl of St. Vincent; and,
finally, to join the commander in chief at Gibraltar, or wherever else
the 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 departed
for Messina. This, his lordship observes, in a letter to Mr. Windham, a
few days afterwards, would not only save that important place from all
danger, but had already acted like an electrical shock over the whole
island, and must extend it's influence to Naples.
With abundant address, at this period, Lord Nelson offered himself as a
mediator between the Bey of Tunis and Bashaw of Tripoli, and his
Sicilian Majesty and the Queen of Portugal: for which purpose, he wrote
to Perkin Magra, Esq. the British consul at Tunis, as well as to the bey
himself; 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, as
well as his lordship; for he says, writing to the consul, and mentioning
his 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 nothing
from me; but, whenever they think it right to go to Tunis, a ship of war
shall carry them."
On the 17th, Captain Troubridge and Captain Hood arrived with the
squadron from Egypt, where every endeavour to destroy the transports at
Alexandria proved quite ineffectual. The French had, after the departure
of Lord Nelson, very strongly fortified all the points of the harbour;
and the transports could not be destroyed by shells, as all the mortars
burst, and six fireships were lost in a gale of wind. This was a
mortifying 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 of
the nicest points. The cause, and the effect, will at once be seen in
the 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 in
arranging for the recovery of Naples, with all the other objects of his
incessant care, could divert his attention from that grand object, the
entire destruction of the French armament sent to Egypt. He had just
received information of the, surrender of Corfu; and, about this time, a
very elegant and flattering letter had been written to his lordship by
the King of Sardinia, full of gratitude for the protection of the
British flag in conveying him from Leghorn. In writing to the Earl of
St. Vincent, after mentioning these subjects, with the return of Captain
Troubridge's squadron from Egypt, he observes that it is his intention
to 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 blockade
Naples. It must, also, have the effect of preventing the French from
detaching any troops from Naples to to the provinces, who are all loyal.
The court tells me, that twelve thousand Russians, and fifteen thousand
Turks, are ready to cross the Adriatic, to land in the kingdom of
Naples. If so, our squadron will create a powerful diversion." Having
stated the reasons which have been seen for Captain Troubridge's failure
at Alexandria, he adverts to Sir Sidney, who has now the blockade of
that place. "I send you," says his lordship, "copies of my letters to
him; for the victory of the Nile would, in my opinion, be useless, if
any ship, or Frenchman, is suffered to return to Europe. I hope you will
approve of my conduct; for, as a captain to an admiral, either Sir
Sidney Smith, or myself, must give way. Bonaparte is at Cairo, not more
than sixteen thousand strong. He must and will fall, sooner or later, if
Sir Sidney Smith does not allow him to retreat by sea. As to myself, I
am, at times, ill at my ease: but, it is my duty to submit; and, you may
be sure, I shall not quit my post, without absolute necessity. If the
emperor moves, I hope yet to return the royal family to Naples. At
present, 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 excuse
this jumble of a letter."
Neither of these letters, however, mention the very important
circumstance of Captain Troubridge's having intercepted Bonaparte's
dispatches, on his way to Constantinople; which is contained in the
following communication to his Excellency the Honourable William
Windham, for the purpose of having that satisfactory intelligence
transmitted to England. This letter, as well as other dispatches of the
21st, to Mr. Windham, was written on board the Culloden; into which ship
Lord Nelson had shifted his flag, having that day sent Captain Hardy to
Tripoli 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 to
the 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 La
Minerve; for I want Cockburne, for service of _head_. As soon as Captain
Barker's surveys, &c. are over, make one of the small craft bring him
here. I have sent Vanguard to Tripoli, to scold the bashaw. Tunis
behaves well. As Corfu has surrendered, I hope Malta will follow the
example 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 the
above letter with other dispatches to Captain Ball; and Captain Maling
took his passage in the Thalia, to supercede Captain Nisbet in La Bonne
Citoyenne. Captain Dunn went to supercede Captain Barker in the
Incendiary; on his appointment to the Barfleur; and he was required to
join Lord Nelson by the very first opportunity, being wanted to go down
the Mediterranean.
This day, too, his lordship wrote congratulatory letters to the Russian
and Turkish admirals, on the surrender of Corfu; and invited them,
respectively, to co-operate with him in placing the good King and Queen
of Naples again on their throne in the capital of that kingdom. To
Speridion Foresti, Esq. the consul at Corfu, Lord Nelson wrote, also,
the following very flattering encomiums, in a letter which contains some
additional reasons for his lordship's complaint with regard to Sir
Sidney 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 Captain
Troubridge, in concert with their Sicilian Majesties, for the recovery
of Naples from the domination of the French. Cardinal Ruffo, who
united, in himself, the three important characters of statesman,
prelate, and general, had raised a large army of loyalists in the
provinces, by the powerful operation of the Catholic cause, and headed
in person what was denominated the Christian Army. The French, with
their usual insatiable thirst of plunder, officers as well as men, had
attended to little else than their own individual gratifications, since
they entered Naples; and this did not fail to produce it's customary
concomitant, a speedy spirit of insubordination. The fiery population of
Naples, in the mean time, like the volcano in it's vicinity, though at
present apparently tranquil, might be expected suddenly to burst forth,
and overwhelm every obstacle to the progress of it's destructive
torrent. In this state of things, it was judiciously resolved that
Captain Troubridge should proceed to the Bay of Naples; for which
purpose, Lord Nelson--who had, by the general promotion of admirals, on
the 14th of February, been made Rear-Admiral of the Red---furnished that
brave 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 his
Sicilian Majesty, sailed on the 31st of March to the Bay of Naples, for
the purpose of carrying into effect these important orders. It is a
singular fact that, even at this very period, when Lord Nelson was thus
engaged in securing Sicily from the French, as well as labouring to
obtain the restoration of Naples, attempts were making, by the Governor
of Messina, then actually protected by British troops, to prevent the
condemnation of a French prize which had been taken near the entrance of
that port, as if it were still in a state of neutrality. It is difficult
to decide, whether this strange conduct originated in a pusillanimous
dread of French resentment, or a traitorous disaffection to his Sicilian
Majesty. Lord Nelson, however, soon satisfied the prize agents, Messrs.
Birch and Broadbent, at Messina, that such shameful conduct would not be
submitted to by a British admiral. He wrote, accordingly, the following
spirited letter to those gentlemen, which immediately produced it's
desired 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 positive
assurances that no provisions should be sent to Malta by any of his
subjects: but, his lordship observed, interest is, we know, their main
spring, and they are not to be greatly depended on. The bashaw of
Tripoli had, in fact, made a treaty with Bonaparte on the 24th of
February, when he received a present of a diamond; the pernicious
effects of which, to Great Britain and her allies, his lordship was thus
determined totally to counteract.
On the 5th of April, in a letter to his Excellency Sir Charles
Whitworth, the British minister at Petersburgh, Lord Nelson thus writes
respecting Malta--We certainly have, at an expence of fifteen thousand
pounds a month, so closely blockaded the port of La Valette, that the
appearance of the Russian troops on the island must insure it's fall in
a week, if famine does not force it's surrender before their arrival.
The garrison are mutinous, and in dreadful want of provisions. The
scurvy cannot be checked. His lordship then observes, that his anxiety
to get possession of Le Guillaume Tell, and two frigates, which escaped
after 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, the
Emperor of Russia. He has, he adds, given directions to Captain Ball to
co-operate in the most cordial manner with the Russian troops; who so
ably conducted himself, not only as a sea-officer, but as conciliating
the affections of the Maltese, that he was, unanimously, by the
islanders, and with the approbation of his Sicilian Majesty, elected
their general and chief. His lordship trusts that, should the order be
restored, Captain Ball would be a knight of it; "for a more gallant,
able officer, does not grace this world. I feel," continues he, "I have
said a great deal; but, with my honour, I pledge myself for the truth of
it." Then, with the most consummate address, Lord Nelson proceeds to
remark--"His imperial majesty will know, that the poor islanders have
often, in their distress, and as a mark of their gratitude, offered--as
far as they could--themselves for subjects of our king, and made their
request to his Sicilian Majesty; but both Sir William Hamilton and
myself, knowing that no views of individual aggrandizement actuate the
breast of our gracious sovereign, have invariably refused every offer of
that nature: but, in the present situation of his Sicilian Majesty, and
by his desire, his colours and the British flag fly together, to mark
that Great Britain protects the flag of his Sicilian Majesty. It is
proper in this place to mention, as the heart of the emperor overflows
with justice, that in many instances the islanders have been grievously
oppressed by the order; probably, more by their consummate pride, than
by a wish to oppress. I know, it is only necessary to mention this
matter, for the consideration of the present illustrious Grand Master,
to have it remedied; by which, a brave and industrious people will be
rendered happy." His lordship concludes this exquisite proof of
diplomatic dexterity, with observing, that he impatiently waits the
arrival of the Russian troops; by nine or ten thousand of whom Naples
would be recovered in a week, and his imperial majesty have the glory of
replacing a good monarch and an amiable queen, again on their throne.
Captain Troubridge, in the mean time, was executing, with all possible
activity and success, the very important duties which he had been sent
to perform. The islands of Procida, Ischia, and Capri, immediately
surrendered; and the inhabitants in general, who had been greatly
oppressed by the usurpers, manifested such a spirit of loyalty, that
they gladly delivered up all the municipal officers for the disposal of
their lawful sovereign, and the principals were received, as prisoners,
on board the British squadron. The information of these auspicious
commencements diffused universal joy at Palermo; and greatly revived
the drooping spirits of their Sicilian Majesties, who readily sent the
distressed islanders all the relief which it was in their power to
bestow, both in provisions and money. The consideration of those
distresses, however, while they excited the compassion of their
majesties for the oppressed, necessarily called forth their indignation
against the oppressors: and, with the relief sent under convoy of La
Minerve, for the most distressed of the former; a judge was sent out by
his Sicilian Majesty, on board that vessel, charged with a special
commission for the trial and execution of the most criminal among the
latter.
In writing, on the 12th of April, to the Earl of St. Vincent, respecting
these events, his lordship says--"Captain Troubridge is in complete
possession of Procida, Ischia, and Capri; the inhabitants of which
islands have joyfully hoisted his Sicilian Majesty's colours, cut down
the Tree of Liberty, and delivered up all the municipality and the
detested Jacobins; all of whom are confined on board ship, and in the
chateau of Ischia. The French in Naples are not more than two thousand,
the civic guards about twenty thousand; but, as these last will not
remain fighting for the French if there is any risk, I am warranted in
saying that ten thousand troops would place the king again on his
throne." The health of his lordship appears to have been, at this
period, very indifferent. Indeed, the air of Sicily seems by no means
to have ever agreed with him. He says, in this letter, speaking of Sir
William and Lady Hamilton--"We, of this house, are all anxious to get
home; yet, in the present moment, cannot move. Indeed, we have been the
main-spring, joined with you, that have kept, and are keeping, this so
much out of repair machine from breaking to pieces." The difficulties,
indeed, of supporting a government every way so feeble in what
constitutes the true strength of a state, perplexed our hero in no small
degree. He saw, every where, that inactivity and indecision which so
little accorded with his own prompt and active mind; and he languished
for the busy scenes of action, from which he was detained by the alarms
of their Sicilian Majesties, and the constant claims on the wisdom of
his councils, which they could not always find the means, or even the
firmness, completely to carry into execution.
Captain Ball had transmitted a painful picture of the wretched state of
the inhabitants of Malta, but their Sicilian Majesties were incapable of
affording them relief; Captain Troubridge had been obliged to part with
all his flour, to preserve the recovered islands from starving. "I
have," says his lordship, in another letter to the Earl of St. Vincent,
dated the 17th of April, "eternally been pressing for supplies; and
represented that a hundred thousand pounds, given away in provisions,
just now, might purchase a kingdom. In short, my dear lord, my desire
to serve, as is my duty, faithfully their Sicilian Majesties, has been
such, that I am almost blind, and worn out; and cannot, in my present
state, hold out much longer. I would, indeed, lay down my life for such
good and gracious monarchs; but I am useless, when I am unable to do
what, God knows, my heart leads me to."
Happily, this sombre state was a little relieved a few days after, by
the arrival of a cutter from England; which brought considerable
supplies, both of consolation and money, for his Sicilian Majesty. On
the 21st of April, his lordship now writes to Captain Ball, that his
efforts to obtain a small sum of money for the unhappy Maltese had been
useless, till the arrival of this vessel from England; "which," says he,
"brought the court such accounts of goodness, that Sir William and
myself again touched the point about Malta, when the queen gave up seven
thousand ounces; for, although the island has granted two millions of
money, yet not one sixpence is collected; therefore, they are in
distress enough. If any person can keep the Maltese in good humour, it
is, my dear friend, you and you only; therefore, for all our sakes, try
hard till the arrival of the Russians, who cannot now be long before
they make their appearance." Then, adverting to Naples, his lordship
adds--"All goes on as it should, on the other side. The lower order only
want a little support from the regular troops, and the business is
over."
Captain Troubridge, indeed, was proceeding with great vigour; but the
Sicilian judge, it appears, did not accord with our naval heroes in his
notions of criminal justice. Cardinal Ruffo, too, seems to have
entertained what they considered as erroneous ideas of lenity. If the
judge and the cardinal really meant to be merciful; whatever might be
the effect of such good intentions, the motive is not possible to be
condemned: they might be weak, but they would not be criminal. On the
other hand, the possessors of that wisdom which perceives when it is
necessary to make examples of the incorrigibly guilty, for the
preservation of the menaced innocent, as well as of those who are yet
unconfirmed in crimes; and of that firmness and fortitude which then
induce them to risk all the obloquy of contrary appearance, for the sake
of producing true lenity in it's fullest extent; are not to be
considered as by any means less inclined to mercy than those who,
without loving it more, do not conduce so much to it's genuine
interests. Often, however, the really merciful, for the openly avowed
and honest discharge of a severe duty, are condemned, by the
inconsiderate zeal of weak and vulgar minds; while those who are induced
artfully to draw dispositions of a malignant, treacherous, or sanguinary
nature, in the semblance of merciful habits, for the mere purpose of
acquiring the popularity of that applause to which this divine attribute
must ever entitle it's amiable possessors, are idolized by the
unreflecting crowd, as the sincerest friends of the very virtue to
which they are, in truth, the severest enemies.
The following letter to Captain Troubridge, who had communicated his
sentiments on this subject to Lord Nelson, fully demonstrates his
lordship's disdain of any improper interference with the criminal
jurisdiction of his Sicilian Majesty's government, however it might fail
to meet with his approbation. It speaks, his free sentiments both of the
judge and cardinal; but hastens to other topics, of better aspect, and
comprehends 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 commit
the country, with too much precipitation, though resolved to act with
all requisite energy at the moment, his lordship employed a Portuguese
ship in the business, and selected that of Commodore Campbell for this
confidential service. His knowledge of mankind taught him, that this
officer would not fail to feel gratified by the honour of such a
mission; consequently, be induced to execute it with his best ability.
Simon Lucas, Esq. his Britannic Majesty's consul at Tripoli, had found
it expedient to quit that court for Palermo: but he consented to return
with Commodore Campbell, in order to assist the negociation; and, should
it appear advisable, to resume there his ministerial functions. The
letter which Lord Nelson sent by Commodore Campbell is much too curious
to 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, if
possible, to bring the bashaw to a proper way of thinking, by forcibly
representing the numerous evils which bad counsellors would be sure to
bring on him, should he persist in his present disloyal conduct. The
dismissal of the captain of the port, though a very desirable thing, was
not to be persisted in, so as to occasion the hostilities of Commodore
Campbell against his highness; for, Lord Nelson observed, "every master
has a right to chuse his own servants." The other articles were not in
any manner to be given up. It was, however, directed to be carefully
pressed on the bashaw, that his Britannic Majesty was not at war with
him; and that his lordship would be happy still to interest himself in
preventing depredations on his highness's coast, provided he should
immediately return to a proper way of thinking and acting.
On the 30th, Lord Nelson writes to the Earl of St. Vincent, that his
friends are doing wonders on the continent: Hood had taken Salerno,
twenty-eight miles from Naples, and garrisoned the small castle with his
marines and loyalists; and had caused Sorento, &c. to Castello a Mare to
rise and massacre the Jacobins. The Swiftsure was anchored at the latter
place, which is opposite Naples, though twelve miles distant by the
round of the bay. These events, so near the capital, with the successes
of the Austrian army both on the Rhine and in Italy, had induced the
French to call in all their out-posts, leave five hundred men in the
castle of St. Elmo, and retire from Naples to Capua; taking with them
all their sick, as well as every description of plunder. The Jacobins,
too, with the traitor Carraccioli among them, were retired to the castle
of St. Elmo. Lord Nelson was preparing to send eight hundred troops,
with three hundred cavalry, but, his lordship observes, the court being
poor, and having no revenue, made things slower than they would
otherwise be: "however," he adds, "we make the best of the slender means
we possess. I own, my dear lord, myself much fitter for the actor than
the counsellor, of proper measures to be pursued in this very critical
situation of public affairs; but, at least, their Sicilian Majesties are
satisfied that my poor opinion is an honest one. Their majesties are
ready to cross the water, whenever Naples is entirely cleansed; when
that happy event arrives, and not till then, a desire will be expressed
for the British troops to be removed from Messina into Naples, to guard
the persons of their majesties. Whenever your name is mentioned, I can
assure you, their expressions are the very handsomest that tongue can
utter; 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 majesty
has, and as the best and truest friend that can be in this world. My
dear Lady Hamilton is always my faithful interpreter, on all occasions;
and, never with so much pleasure. My dear lord, you will forgive my
short sketches of what is going on here; for neither my head, nor my
hand, is equal to what is absolutely necessary for me to write:
therefore, all private correspondence is given up; for, I cannot answer
a letter. Three of Sir William Sidney Smith's ships, with sick
Frenchmen, are stopped by Troubridge; the poor devils are sent to
Corsica. I am very much displeased with this Levant commodore with a
broad pendant. I send one of his passports. We are not forced to
understand French! Malta is as usual, the moment a land force arrives it
will 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, in
ten days, their Sicilian Majesties will be again in Naples. These happy
prospects 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 to
all who communicate with him. On the 25th, Macdonald left the town, for
Capua; with all the troops, except five hundred in the Castle of St.
Elmo. Orders have been given, by the Jacobin government, for the
batteries not to fire on the English ships. In short, the communication
with Naples is so open, that a general took a boat from the city, and
came on board Troubridge, to consult about surprising St. Elmo. The
civic guards have individually declared, that they assembled to keep
peace in the city, and not to fight. Many of the principal Jacobins have
fled, and Carraccioli has resigned his situation as head of the marine.
This man was fool enough to quit his master, when he thought his case
desperate; yet, in his heart, I believe, he is no Jacobin. The
fishermen, a few days ago, told him, publicly--"We believe you are
loyal, and sent by the king; but, much as we love you, if we find you
disloyal, you shall be among the first to fall. I am not, in person, in
these busy scenes; more calculated for me, than remaining here, giving
advice. But their majesties think the advice of my incompetent judgment
valuable, at this moment; therefore, I submit: and can only say, that I
give it as an honest man, one without hopes or fears; therefore, they
get 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 give
in; and the royalists remained inactive, probably waiting for the
departure of the French out of the kingdom before they ventured to
commence their operations. The band of brothers, in the mean time, who
had so nobly fought off the Nile, were fast gathering fresh laurels on
the Neapolitan coast; and inspiring, by their example, other naval
heroes of merited celebrity. To these brave men, Lord Nelson paid the
just and honoured tribute of applause which their conduct merited, in
the 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 many
corvettes, had escaped from Alexandria. Sir Sidney Smith left that place
on the 7th of March, and these ships got away between the 5th and 18th
of April. Captain Dixon finding these ships gone, came away; without
hearing 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 Neapolitan
dominions was daily to be expected; when the fall of Malta was judged
scarcely possible to be long delayed; and Lord Nelson was anxiously
looking forward to a temporary cessation of his toils, and a speedy
return to his native country; intelligence suddenly arrived, that the
French fleet from Brest, having escaped Lord Keith's vigilance, had been
seen off Oporto, and was expected to effect a junction with that of
Spain at Cadiz. On the 12th of May, at six o'clock in the evening, this
information was brought to Palermo, by L'Espoir brig; which, at
midnight, 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 Troubridge
his lordship writes, that he must immediately send the Minotaur,
Swiftsure, and St. Sebastian, with either the Culloden or Zealous; and
either himself, or Captain Hood, remain with the Seahorse, La Minerve,
&c. at Procida, and get the Lion from Leghorn, in exchange for one of
the small craft--To Admiral Duckworth, that he is sending him eight,
nine, or ten, sail of the line, with all expedition, that they may be
ready to form a junction with their great and excellent commander in
chief; for which purpose his lordship ventures to offer an opinion, that
it 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 not
permitted to come--And, to the earl of St. Vincent, that these several
ships will be ready to obey the earl's orders off Mahon; and that,
hoping the Russians are off Malta, he has requested some of that
admiral'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 Russian
squadron were before Malta, to proceed with all the line of battle
ships, and the Thalia frigate, off Port Mahon, under the orders of
Admiral Duckworth; laying his lordship's letter before Vice-Admiral
Uschakoff, as well as the Ottoman admiral, should he be there, and
procuring such ships as they could both spare for Minorca: but, if they
were not with him, to send the Audacious and Goliath to Mahon.
At nine o'clock in the evening of the 13th, the lieutenant of the
Petterel arrived, by land, at Palermo. The sloop not being able to get
up, owing to strong east winds, Captain Austin very properly sent the
lieutenant on shore. He brought intelligence, that the French fleet had
actually passed the Straits Mouth: and this news induced his lordship to
alter his intended plan of sending such ships as he could collect off
Mahon; instead of which, he now resolved to rendezvous with the whole of
them off the Island of Maritimo. Of this change he instantly sent to
apprize the commander in chief, as well as Admiral Duckworth; trusting
that the latter would send his squadron there, which might enable him to
look the enemy in the face. He hoped, indeed, that if the Russians and
Turks were off Malta, he should get a force, of different nations, equal
to the enemy; when it was his determination, that not a moment should be
lost in bringing them to battle.
Though the French fleet consisted of nineteen sail of the line, and that
of the Spaniards with which it was about to form a junction no less than
twenty-five, his lordship determined to sail, with all possible
expedition, 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, that
the ships were obliged to strike yards and top-masts. This gale
continued 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 lordship
observes that, not having been yet joined by Captain Ball or Admiral
Duckworth, he has only to remain on the north side of Maritimo, to keep
covering Palermo, which shall be protected to the last, and to wait the
earl's orders for regulating his future proceedings. "Your lordship," he
adds, "may depend, that the squadron under my command shall never fall
into the hands of the enemy; and, before one is destroyed, I have little
doubt but the enemy will have their wings so completely clipped, that
they may be easily overtaken." Yet, at this period, it is to be
observed, his lordship had only five British ships of the line, with
three Portuguese, La Minerve Neapolitan frigate, L'Entreprennante
cutter, and the Incendiary fireship. In a postscript, his lordship
concludes--"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 on
the 28th been informed, off Trappano, by the Earl of St. Vincent, that
he might, from the then state of the French and Spanish fleets, act as
he thought best, in the situation of affairs; his lordship determined on
returning to Palermo, for the purpose of completing the provisions of
his squadron to six months, with as much wine as they could stow, that
they might be in momentary readiness to act as circumstances should
require. In the mean time, by continuing on the coast of Sicily, to
cover the blockade of Naples, he was certain of preserving the former
from any attack; to which it would not only be more exposed, were the
ships withdrawn, but the spirits of the people receive such a damp that
they would make little or no resistance.
On the 30th, Lord Nelson arrived at Palermo; and, having learned that
the Bey of Tunis had stopped several vessels with his lordship's
passports, he immediately wrote a very spirited letter to Mr. Magra, the
consul, 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 again
offers his services, as the mediator of a truce, or peace, with his
Sicilian Majesty, as well as with the Portuguese; and observes, that the
Marquis De Niza is ready to send a ship for this latter purpose. His
lordship assures the Bey of Tunis, that he has granted no passports to
any vessel which his highness, and every good man, will not highly
approve of; and, that those who would, or dare, counsel his highness to
prevent food from being given to those who are fighting in the cause of
God against those vile infidels the French, are no better than
Frenchmen. "I will," says his lordship to the consul, "have my passports
respected, given only to serve the cause in which his highness ought to
be as much interested as I am. This you will state clearly and forcibly
to the bey--that, as I will do no wrong; so, I will suffer none: this is
the 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 of
Tunis, "I hope to bring this gentleman to reason." He adds--"My time has
been so taken up, that I have not been able to pay that attention to the
Barbary States I could have wished, but I know these people must be
talked to with honesty and firmness."
His lordship had, indeed, just received, from Tripoli, a tolerable good
proof of the efficacy of his mode of dealing with the Barbary States, in
the success of Commodore Campbell, of which his lordship thus writes to
the earl--"We are better friends with the Bashaw of Tripoli than ever.
Commodore Campbell, whom I selected for that purpose, in the first
place, because he was fit for the business; and, secondly, to mark that,
although I could _censure_ when wrong, yet that I have no resentment for
the past; having done, on that occasion, what I thought right. The
commodore has, on this occasion, conducted himself with proper spirit
and judgment; and he has, by it, made a very advantageous peace for
Portugal."
So completely did Commodore Campbell act up to the spirit of Lord
Nelson's orders, that the bashaw actually delivered to him all the
French who were at Tripoli, nearly forty in number. These, his lordship
sent in the Susannah cartel, carrying French prisoners to Genoa, which
sailed on the 6th of June; honourably stating, that they were not to be
considered as prisoners of war, having been sent from Tripoli, in
Barbary, for political reasons.
On the 7th of June, in consequence of his lordship's recent information
of being promoted to be Rear-Admiral of the Red, he quitted the
Vanguard; and, on the 8th, hoisted it on board the Foudroyant.
While Lord Nelson was engaged in provisioning his squadron, without
losing sight of the blockade of Naples; and anxiously expecting to hear
that the Earl of St. Vincent had fallen in with the French fleet, and
obtained another brilliant victory; he had the mortification to be again
suddenly impeded in the prosecution of his plan for replacing their
Sicilian Majesties on the throne of their Neapolitan dominions, by a
letter from Lord Keith, dated the 6th of June, who appears to have been
alarmed for the supposed fate of Minorca.
At the receipt of this letter, the 13th of June, Lord Nelson was
actually on his way to Naples, with troops, &c. in order to finish
matters in that kingdom: but, considering the force of the French fleet
on the coast of Italy, then said to be twenty-two sail of the line, four
of them first-rates; and that, probably, the ships at Toulon would have
joined them by the time he was reading the letter; the force with his
lordship being only sixteen sail of the line, not one of which was of
three decks; three being Portuguese, and one of the English a sixty-four
very short of men; his lordship considered himself as having had no
choice left, but to return to Palermo, and land the troops, ammunition,
&c. which he accordingly did. He then proceeded off Maritimo, hoping to
be joined by such reinforcements from Captain Ball, &c, as might enable
him to seek the enemy's fleet; when, his lordship said, there should not
be 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,