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 of
ammunition or provisions: of the former, besides abundance of shot,
shells, grenades, cartridges, &c. they had twenty-five thousand pounds
of powder; and, of the latter, with eighteen oxen, upwards of three
hundred barrels of salt beef and pork, nearly three thousand quintals of
wheat, a hundred and fifty-eight of biscuit, two thousand one hundred
and sixty-seven of flour, and numerous other articles of food in
proportion, they had fifty thousand pints of wine, and six thousand of
brandy.
Lord Nelson, immediately on receiving these dispatches from Captain
Troubridge, 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 other
letters to Lord Keith, and one to Earl Spencer; so indefatigable was his
lordship in the performance of every branch of his duty. Yet, at this
very 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 apparent
breach, for the sake of securely seizing the spirit and substance of
it's unquestionably intended effect. A truly great man, must sometimes
even venture to expose his character, as well as his person, in perilous
situations; though he will seldom be so presumptuous or rash as wantonly
to commit either, on trivial occasions.
The fact is, that his lordship had, at this very critical juncture, been
ordered, by Lord Keith, to detach a considerable part of his squadron
for the reinforcement of his lordship, then at Minorca; with this order,
however, having already parted with two ships for Malta, it was not
possible to comply, without again putting the safety of Naples to a most
imminent hazard. He ventured, therefore to remonstrate against the
measure, in the following apology to Lord Keith; describing his precise
situation, of which the commander in chief could not have any possible
knowledge 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 were
transmitted by Lord Nelson, to England, for public information, his
lordship wrote the following private letter to Earl Spencer; in which,
among other interesting particulars, descriptive of his then state, he
alludes 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 several
dispatches, Lord Nelson also recommends Lieutenant Parkinson, who is the
bearer, to the notice of the Lords of the Admiralty; observing, that
this officer is sent, by desire of his Sicilian Majesty, to mark that
monarch's approbation of his lordship's conduct. Then, apologising for
the brevity of his letter, when he has so much to communicate, his
lordship adds, that he is writing in a fever, and finds it barely
possible to keep out of bed; but, to the last, begs he will assure the
board, that every exertion shall be made for the honour of his king and
country.
By the surrender of St Elmo, the King of Naples had once more the
satisfaction to behold his own flag waving over the capital, and all the
forts by which it was defended. The only places now remaining in the
hands 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 landing
a thousand men from the squadron; which, uniting with four thousand
other troops, of various denominations, marched in a few days to effect
it's reduction.
On the 17th, Lord Nelson, by the desire of his Sicilian Majesty, sent a
letter to Captain Troubridge, directing him, when he sent in a summons
to the commander of the French troops in Capua, to state that, on
condition of immediately giving up Capua and Gaieta, both being under
his command, the French garrisons, after laying down their arms, should
be permitted to go to France without any restrictions; but, if this were
not complied with, they should be considered as prisoners of war, with
as degrading terms as it was in his power to give them: in short, the
allies must dictate the terms. To this letter, there was a remarkable
postscript; which serves to shew, with what marked contempt his lordship
regarded those whom he had reason to consider as traitors--"There is a
person," says his lordship, "who has been a _notorious rebel;_ but, now,
_pretends_ to serve his king faithfully. If he should attempt to come
even into your presence, I earnestly request, that you will never
voluntarily admit him to your sight, much less speak to him; for honour
and loyalty, which you possess, never ought to be contaminated with
infamy and rebellion. His name is said to be _Roccaromara_." There can
be no doubt, that Lord Nelson had good reasons for this positive
caution: the want of which might, perhaps, have been prejudicial to the
expedition; if not fatal to this his lordship's favourite commander, for
whose honour and welfare he was to the full as solicitous as for his
own.
Just as every thing was arranged, ready to march against Capua, the
event which his lordship had anticipated in his letter to Earl Spencer
actually occurred. A peremptory order arrived, on the 19th, from Lord
Keith, directing him to detach, immediately, from the Island of Sicily,
the whole of his squadron--or such part, at least, as might not be
necessary in that island--for the protection of Minorca. Lord Nelson,
however, well knowing, that Lord Keith, at the time of sending this
order, could not be informed of the change of affairs in the kingdom of
Naples, where all the marines, and a considerable body of seamen, were
now landed, in order to drive the French scoundrels out of the
kingdom--which was likely, he said, with God's blessing, to be very soon
effected, when a part of the squadron should be instantly sent--he
thought it right, till the French were all driven from Capua, not to
obey his lordship's order for sending down any part of the squadron
under his command. After stating these reasons, as his apology for thus
acting, his lordship thus concludes--"I am perfectly aware of the
consequences of disobeying the orders of the commander in chief; but, as
I believe the safety of the kingdom of Naples depends, at the present
moment, on my detaining the squadron, I have no scruple in deciding,
that it is better to save the kingdom of Naples, and risk Minorca, than
to risk the kingdom of Naples, and save Minorca. Your lordship will, I
hope, approve of my decision."
Though Lord Nelson's heroic bosom could by no means fail to be violently
agitated on this very alarming occasion, his resolution was not to be
shaken by any consideration of personal suffering: had the refusal been
attended with the certain loss of life, he would not have consented to
part with a single ship; such was the inflexible firmness of this
invincible man, when his determination was once fixed. He did not,
however, set danger at defiance; though he so little regarded it's
weight, when placed in the scale which opposed his own conscious sense
of duty. Desirous to be duly understood, and to obtain the indemnity of
which he could not but consider himself as worthy of receiving, he had
ventured to hope for Lord Keith's approbation of his conduct. He judged
it right, however, to be prepared against the worst that could happen,
by immediately addressing Earl Spencer, also, in a private letter on the
subject; as well as the Admiralty in general, through their secretary,
Mr. Nepean. These valuable documents, at once self-criminating and
exculpatory, 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 Board
of Admiralty, as well as to his commander in chief, Lord Nelson not only
escaped any public censure, but even obtained great private applause,
very much to the honour of all parties. It was, they well knew, no light
departure from duty, originating in presumption or ignorance; but a
necessary deviation, dictated by the most profound wisdom, and justified
by the truest discernment.
Lord Nelson appears to have been of opinion, about this time, that the
French fleet, which had effected a junction with the Spanish, making
together forty-three sail of the line, and were reported to have sailed
from Carthagena on the 29th of June, had hostile designs against the
kingdom of Portugal. This he mentions to Sir Sidney Smith, in a
congratulatory epistle on the first successes of that able officer in
Egypt. "Yesterday," his lordship says, writing on the 24th of July,
"brought me letters from your worthy brother; and we had the great
pleasure of hearing that your truly meritorious and wonderful exertions
were in a fair train for the extirpation of that horde of thieves, who
went to Egypt with that arch-thief Bonaparte. I beg you will express, to
Captain Miller, and to all the brave officers and men who have fought so
nobly under your orders, the sense I entertain of your and their great
merit." To Sir Sidney's brother, his lordship writes with still
stronger praise of that spirited and enterprising officer--"I thank you,
truly," says his lordship, "for your letter of June 9th, containing an
extract of one from your brother, who has done so much at Acre. It is
like his former conduct; and, I can assure you, no one admires his
gallantry and judgment more than myself. But, if I know myself, as I
never have encroached on the command of others, so I will not suffer
even my friend Sir Sidney to encroach upon mine. I dare say, he thought
he 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 of
his lordship's, that he had pushed his severity against his friend Sir
Sidney sufficiently far.
Lord Nelson also received, from Constantinople, among other dispatches,
the approbation of the Grand Signior for his conduct at Tripoli and
Tunis: to whom he had constantly sent copies of his correspondence with
the bashaw and the bey; and now, in a letter to his Excellency the Grand
Vizir, observed that he had no other object in view, than to fulfil the
orders of the great king, his master, by proving him a most faithful
ally.
On the 28th, the garrison of Capua surrendered to Captain Troubridge,
and the commanders of the other allied troops; of which event he
informed 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, which
it in all other respects resembled. The ordnance was one hundred and
eighteen pieces of cannon; and there were twelve thousand muskets, four
hundred and fourteen thousand musket-cartridges filled, and sixty-seven
thousand eight hundred and forty-eight pounds of powder. The French
garrison consisted of a hundred and ninety-nine officers, and two
thousand six hundred and eighteen non-commissioned officers and
privates.
The town and garrison of Gaieta, being under the same commander in chief
as Capua, Monsieur Girardon, General of Brigade, was immediately after
agreed to be surrendered without a siege, and an order to that effect
was sent, on the 30th, to the Governor: on which account, the place
having only been blockaded, all the French troops, consisting of
eighty-three officers, and fourteen hundred and fifteen privates, were
allowed to march out with their firelocks, bayonets, swords, and
cartouch-boxes, without being deemed prisoners of war on their arrival
in France. In other respects, the articles of the capitulation, which
was signed by General Acton, Lord Nelson, and Monsieur Girardon, on
board the Foudroyant, were very similar to those of Capua. There were
sixty pieces of brass cannon, twelve iron, and thirteen mortars, with an
immense quantity of powder and other garrison stores.
On the 1st day of August 1799, the first anniversary of Lord Nelson's
glorious victory off the Nile, his lordship had the inexpressible
happiness of announcing to his king and country, the entire liberation
of the kingdom of Naples from French anarchy; the restoration of it's
worthy sovereign to his hereditary throne; and of his numerous oppressed
subjects, to the felicity of that benign and paternal protection which
they had ever experienced under his Sicilian Majesty's mild and gentle
sway.
This agreeable intelligence was communicated in the two following
letters: one, to the commander in chief, Lord Keith; the other, to Evan
Nepean, 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 expresses
himself--"I certainly, from having only a left hand, cannot enter into
details which may explain the motives that actuate my conduct, and
which may be necessary for a commanding officer who may wish to have
every 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 in
restoring peace and happiness to mankind. I feel, that I am fitter to do
the action, than to describe it; therefore, briefly, all the French
being forced to quit this kingdom, and some order restored, two more
ships of the line are to sail this evening for Minorca, which I will
take care of." Having thus demonstrated that he was embracing the
earliest opportunity to comply with Lord Keith's former orders, his
lordship proceeds to state that he is going to send five hundred
marines, with six hundred excellent Swiss, for the attack of Civita
Vecchia, and to assist the insurrection in the Roman state: the sea part
of this business to be under the direction of Captain Louis of the
Minotaur, and the land part under Captain Hallowell of the Swiftsure;
assisted by an excellent officer, Captain Cresswell of the marines, whom
it has been necessary to give the temporary rank of major, which he
wishes the board to confirm. His lordship also trusts to the earl's
goodness, for the promotion of Lieutenant Compton. At the time of
writing this letter, Lord Nelson had not heard that the French and
Spanish fleets were returning to Brest; for he congratulates the earl on
the happy arrival of the combined fleets at Cadiz; having, he says, been
fearful that, as they had escaped the vigilance of Lord Keith, they
would get to Brest. On the state of affairs at Naples, his lordship
remarks that, his Sicilian Majesty, having settled a certain degree of
order, will return to Palermo on the 7th. "I send you," adds his
lordship, "a letter of Sir John Acton to me, which gives reasons for
continuing the cardinal at the head of affairs in this country. My
opinion of him has never altered. He is now only lieutenant-general of
the kingdom; with a council of eight, without whose consent no act is
valid: 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, so
corrupt, that there is nothing which may not be bought. Acton, and
Belmonte, seem to me the only uncorrupted men in the kingdom."
Lord Nelson's opinion of Cardinal Ruffo has been already seen, in his
letter to Captain Troubridge: his lordship used facetiously to
denominate him, the Great Devil who commanded the Christian Army; and,
though he did not seriously think him a traitor, he probably considered
him as not altogether incorruptible. To an ambitious cardinal, the tiara
might have proved a dangerous temptation.
Captain Louis, who had been sent to the French governor of the fortress
of Gaieta, with the terms of capitulation entered into between Lord
Nelson and the commandant of Capua for the surrender of Gaieta, was to
have immediate possession of the gates; and, within twenty-four hours,
to embark the garrison. Some objections, however, being raised by the
governor, which he expressed in writing, Captain Louis was induced to
send them to his lordship; who instantly returned, for answer, that he
was hurt, and surprised, the capitulation had not been complied with.
"It shall be," said his lordship, "and the commander has agreed to it. I
have not read your paper inclosed. You will execute my orders, or attack
it. The Fellow ought to be kicked, for his impudence."
This French governor, it seems, with true Gallic insolence, had the
audacity to require, among other unreasonable conditions, that they
should embark horses for France, as well as carry away all the pillaged
property; but Lord Nelson was not thus to be trifled with. "The greatest
care," said his lordship, in a letter of the 3d of August, to Captain
Darby, "is to be taken that no property, which they did not bring with
them 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 they
dictate. As to horses, it is nonsense; as well might they say--_We will
carry a house_! If the fellow is a scoundrel, he must be threshed."
A letter of this date, however, from Captain Louis, informed his
lordship that the matter was settled; in answer to which, he thus
expresses himslef--"i was sorry that you had entered into any
altercation with the scoundrel. The capitulation once signed, there
could be no room for dispute. There is no way of dealing with a
Frenchman, but to knock him down. To be civil to them, is only to be
laughed at, when they are enemies."
We tremble, in this age of refinement, for the fate of so rough a
sentiment; but, perhaps, we ought rather to tremble for that of the age
which is become so refined. It will, at least, not be disputed, by
posterity, that no man ever knew better than Lord Nelson, how to deal
properly with Frenchmen.
Besides assisting the councils of his Sicilian Majesty, with regard to
the necessary arrangements for Naples, Lord Nelson was actively engaged
in making a proper distribution of the squadron under his command, and
directing the various operations already commenced, or in immediate
contemplation. He had already ordered the Bellerophon, Captain Darby,
and the Zealous, Captain Hood, to Minorca: and Captain Martin, in the
Northumberland, was now detached, with the San Leon, Captain Harward,
with orders to proceed off Civita Vecchia; looking out for Captain
Nisbet of the Thalia, who had been seen cruizing off that place, and was
to join them. From thence, Captain Martin had instructions to proceed
into Leghorn Roads, and send a boat on shore for intelligence respecting
the affairs of the north of Italy, and the situation of the allied
armies: and, should he fall in with Captain Foote, of the Seahorse, to
take that officer under his orders; and, proceeding to the Gulph of
Genoa, co-operate with Field-Marshal Suwarrow, for the annoyance of the
enemy, and the good of the common cause.
The following kind letter, which was written by Lord Nelson to Captain
Nisbet, at this period, will evince the truly paternal anxiety which his
lordship 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 decisive
convictions in the mind of every intelligent reader, respecting the true
characteristics of both parties. It forms, indeed, a genuine picture of
paternal solicitude.
On the 5th of August, Lord Nelson wrote to inform Lord Keith, as well as
Earl Spencer and the Board of Admiralty, that being then about to
proceed, in the Foudroyant, with his Sicilian Majesty on board, for
Palermo; and, finding it necessary the command of the squadron in Naples
Bay, and along the coast, should be left with an officer above the rank
of post-captain--especially, as the Russian and Turkish squadrons were
soon expected in the bay--he had thought it right to give Captain
Troubridge an order to wear a broad red pendant at the main top-gallant
mast-head of the Culloden, which he hoped their lordships would,
respectively, approve and confirm.
Having thus generously promoted his friend Troubridge, he left under the
command of the new commodore, besides the Culloden, the Audacious,
Goliath, and Swiftsure, British line of battle ships, with two
Portuguese, and smaller vessels of war: directing him to co-operate with
Cardinal Ruffo, the lieutenant-general of the kingdom of Naples, in all
things necessary for it's safety, and the peace and quiet of the
capital; with liberty, should he find it necessary, to detach a part of
the 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 the
peace and security of his Sicilian Majesty's Neapolitan dominions, and
the due distribution of the British squadron under Lord Nelson's
command, his lordship immediately sailed for Palermo, with the king and
his principal ministers, and his friends Sir William and Lady Hamilton;
all impatient personally to acquaint the queen with the particulars of
those joyful events which had filled every bosom with sensations of the
purest delight. Her majesty, indeed, had been regularly apprised of the
various transactions, immediately as they occurred: but, in an affair of
such variety and importance as the recovery of a wrested kingdom from
foreign and domestic enemies, ten thousand little occurrences, often
most powerfully interesting to souls of genuine grandeur, and forming
the chief charm for minds of a delicate and tender susceptibility, may
be supposed to have attracted those who were present amidst these
impressive scenes, absolutely incommunicable by the most practised and
facile pen, and only to be successfully detailed with the many
adventitious aids of personal elocution. The feelings of the king, as he
benignantly eyed his noble benefactors; of the illustrious hero, and his
two estimable friends, who were the honoured objects of his majesty's
just regards; must be left to the conception of the reader: it would be
difficult to decide, which enjoyed, on this occasion, the greatest
portion of substantial felicity; the grateful monarch thus happily
restored to his rightful throne, or the generous friends who had so
disinterestedly and successfully accomplished the arduous task of
replacing him.
Fraught with these dignified sentiments, they no sooner arrived off
Palermo, on the 8th inst. than the queen, and royal offspring,
sympathetically replete with equally exalted sensations, and who had
impatiently awaited the happy return of his majesty, came out, in the
royal barge; attended by innumerable pleasure-boats filled with loyal
Sicilians of all ranks, who hailed their beloved sovereign with
acclamations of the sincerest joy. Her majesty, overwhelmed with
delight, no sooner got on board the Foudroyant, than she embraced Lady
Hamilton, who had respectfully hastened to receive the queen; and, at
the same instant, hung round her ladyship's neck a rich chain of gold,
to which was suspended a beautiful portrait of herself, superbly set in
diamonds, with the motto--"_Eterna Gratitudine!_"--"Eternal
Gratitude!"--inscribed at the back of the picture. To Lord Nelson, her
majesty also united with the king in the highest degree of grateful
regard which it is possible for language to convey. He was addressed as
their preserver, their deliverer, their restorer; and it was easy to
perceive that, even when they were silent, their great minds meditated
some noble reward. Nor were the substantial services of Sir William
Hamilton, though of a less brilliant nature than those of his heroic
friend, passed over without the most grateful acknowledgments of their
Sicilian Majesties; whose interests that wise and worthy minister had
uniformly promoted, for a long series of years, with a zeal little less
ardent than that which he is well known to have constantly exerted for
the honour and advantage of his own sovereigns, whom himself and lady so
splendidly and munificently represented at the Neapolitan court.
A few days after their arrival at Palermo, Lord Nelson received the
royal remuneration of his transcendent services, in a stile far
surpassing any expectation which his lordship could possibly have formed
on 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, first
announced to his lordship, on the second day after their arrival, that
it was the determination of his Sicilian Majesty to create him Duke of
Bronte, and to confer on him all the valuable estate and princely
privileges attached to that most distinguished and appropriate title;
such were his lordship's nice notions of honour, that he positively
protested against receiving any reward from that sovereign, for what he
considered as a mere faithful discharge of the duty which he owed to his
own. It was not the formal "_Nolo episcopari!_"--"I am unwilling to
become a bishop, or to take on myself the episcopal character!"--of
every new bishop; who is injudiciously constrained, by a singular
perversion of propriety, to prepare for the exercise of the most sacred
of all functions, by making a declaration which, though it ought, in a
spiritual sense, to be strictly correct, is extremely subject, at best,
to be considered as not altogether sincere: but, in truth, the
spontaneous and felt sense of that dignified delicacy of honourable
conduct, by which his lordship was ever directed; and of which persons
of vulgar intellect, who are by no means fitted to form any just
estimate of the actions of so exalted a character, will probably be weak
enough still to doubt the actual existence. It is certain, nevertheless,
that Lord Nelson resolutely held out against the acceptance of these
elevated dignities, and their annexed emoluments, for two or three days,
at least, notwithstanding all the intreaties of Sir William and Lady
Hamilton: nor did this incomparable man finally agree to receive
them--maintaining, to the last, that he could not do so without
subjecting the purity of his motives, in what he had happily effected,
to the opprobrium of unjust suspicion--till Lady Hamilton, at the
express instance of the queen, solicited the inflexible hero, even on
her knees, to consent to the wishes of these truly amiable and most
munificent sovereigns; as requisite to demonstrate that, amidst the too
rigid sense which he evidently entertained of what might seem to him
proper for the maintenance of his own honour, he was not altogether
unregardful of what the world, as well as themselves, must ever consider
as absolutely necessary for the preservation of their's. The exquisite
address of this argument, as suggested by her Sicilian Majesty, and
pressed by the unaffected eloquence of her ladyship, was too powerful to
be opposed. His lordship could offer nothing sufficiently substantial
against such persuasive wisdom; and, being unable longer to reason, he
could no longer continue to resist. Should the scornful insolence, that
is ever awakened, in low and vicious minds, by even the slightest
mention of virtuous deeds, endeavour to interpose the mean malignity of
it's cold suspicions on hearing this recital; let the humbler bosom,
that cherishes more generous sentiments, reflect but for a moment, that
his lordship had recently risked even a disobedience of orders from his
temporary commander in chief, while promoting the interests of their
Neapolitan Majesties, and it will feel sufficient reasons for our hero's
delicate repugnance to the ready acceptance of any undesired
aggrandizement, however highly merited, on this particular occasion.
On the 13th, therefore, in consequence of this acquiescence, the King
of Naples sent his lordship a superb diamond-hilted sword, with a most
affectionate letter; thanking him for having reconquered his majesty's
kingdom, and again placed him on the throne of his ancestors. The value
of this present, estimated at four thousand guineas, was incalculably
enhanced by the very appropriate circumstance of it's being the
identical sword which had been given to the King of Naples, by Charles
the Third, on that monarch's memorable departure to Spain, accompanied
by the following most remarkable declaration--"With this sword, I
conquered 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 shall
restore it to thee, in case it should ever be lost." At the same time,
Lord Nelson received an official letter from his Excellency the Prince
Di Luzzi, informing him that his Sicilian Majesty had that day been
graciously pleased to create his lordship Duke of Bronte, in Sicily, and
to confer on him all the valuable estate and privileges attached to that
most honourable title.
When it is considered, that the word _Bronte_ signifies, in the Greek
language, _Thunder_; that the fabulous forger of the thunder of Jupiter
was said to be one of the Cyclops, named _Bronte_, who resided at Etna
in the Island of Sicily, where the Dukedom of Bronte is situated; and
that the military guard of honour, appertaining to the Dukes of Bronte,
still actually wear, in allusion to the fabled Cyclops, sons of Neptune
and Amphitrite, who had one large eye in the middle of their foreheads,
the representation of an eye on the front of their caps; there could
not, every person must admit, have been a more appropriate dignity
bestowed on our incomparable hero, by his Sicilian Majesty, than that
which he had thus liberally and judiciously been induced to confer.
Lord Nelson, penetrated with unutterable gratitude, by his majesty's
most generous munificence, instantly wrote the following letter to the
minister 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 admirable
letter 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 with
the queen, who had purposely invited that lady early, two coach loads
of the most magnificent and costly dresses, were secretly sent to her
house, with a richly jewelled picture of the king, worth a thousand
guineas, for her ladyship; and another picture of his majesty, of the
same value, for Sir William Hamilton. The whole of the presents on this
occasion received by Sir William and his lady, from their Sicilian
Majesties, were estimated at full six thousand guineas.
Lord Nelson had, in these few days, so completely detached the squadron
under his command to the several destinations, that his own flag was now
flying on board the Samuel and Jane transport; yet, even thus situated,
so confident were their majesties, and their Sicilian subjects, that
there could be nothing to fear while they possessed even the person of
our invincible hero, not the smallest alarm was either felt or expressed
on the occasion.
The Foudroyant, indeed, which had accompanied two Portuguese ships of
the line to Captain Ball at Malta, was only intended to remain there a
few days, with some hope of quickening the surrender of that island by
the appearance of such a force; and, on the 14th, his Sardinian Majesty
having requested a ship to carry him and his family to the continent, in
a letter received from his minister by our grand protector of kings, his
lordship was constrained to order the Foudroyant on that important
service. This letter also solicited the kind and powerful interference
of our hero, to obtain, from the Bey of Tunis, some modification of the
very severe terms to which his Sardinian Majesty had been under the
necessity of agreeing, but found it impossible immediately to raise the
sum stipulated from his distressed people for the ransom of their
fellow-subjects. Though his lordship could not but feel almost hopeless
of success in any requisition of pecuniary forbearance from a Barbary
State, he did not hesitate a single moment in making the attempt, by
writing both to Mr. Magra and the Bey of Tunis, with his customary
diplomatic dexterity and address. Having done this, his lordship thus
answered the letter of his Sardinian Majesty's minister, Count
Chilembert.
"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 at
Palermo the preceding day, as appears from the following letter to the
celebrated 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 Nelson
says--"In Naples, every thing is quiet; but the cardinal appears to be
working mischief against the king, and in support of the nobles: sooner,
or later, he must be removed, for his bad conduct. We are dying with
heat, and the feast of Santa Roselia begins this day; how shall we get
through it!" Then, mentioning the honours and gifts from the King of
Naples, his lordships says, respecting the dukedom of Bronte, "the
title, of course, I cannot assume, without the approbation of our king;
which, I now hear, has been some time desired." His lordship, it
appears, 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 of
which he so little regarded, that he was actually employed, from morning
till night, in writing and dictating letters and orders. In the evening
of this day, Lord Nelson received information that the Russian and
Turkish squadrons, from Corfu, had arrived at Messina; and, on the
18th, sent the copy of a letter just received from Lord Keith, who had
quitted the Mediterranean in pursuit of the combined fleets, to Admiral
Uschakoff, commander in chief of the Russian squadron, who had retaken
the Leander at Corfu, mentioning an order from the British Admiralty for
the restoration of that ship. His lordship, however, not having received
this order, apologized for being unable to send it: and stated, very
properly, that it was to be presumed the courts of Petersburgh and
London had decided on the restoration of the Leander; as the Admiralty
would not, otherwise, have sent such orders to the commander in chief,
and appointed officers to that ship. Captain Drummond, his lordship
observed, who would wait on his excellency with these letters, was
appointed to the temporary command of the Leander; and requested that he
might be favoured with directions to the officer commanding at Corfu,
for assistance in fitting out and manning the said ship, so as to enable
him to proceed with it to Minorca.
On the 19th, his lordship wrote to Commodore Troubridge, acquainting him
that Lord Keith was in pursuit of the combined fleets, which had been
seen off Cape St. Vincent's the 24th of July; that the British fleet
passed the Straits on the 30th; and that the Earl of St. Vincent sailed
for England, in the Argo, on the 31st. His lordship also mentions, that
he has just received great news from Egypt. The siege of Acre was
raised on the 21st of May; and Bonaparte, leaving all his cannon and
sick behind, had got again to Cairo. The La Forte French frigate had
been taken by the English La Sybille, but that poor Captain Coote had
been killed; "and here," says his lordship, "we must shed a tear for
dear Miller! By an explosion of shells, which he was preparing on board
the Theseus, him and twenty-five others were killed; nine drowned, by
jumping overboard; and forty-three wounded." After observing that, if
Commodore Troubridge cannot immediately proceed against Civita Vecchia,
he is to collect all his ships; and, the moment the Russians appear, to
join his lordship, for the purpose of proceeding to Gibraltar, by the
way of Palermo, where the necessary provisions may be obtained--"Your
letter of the 13th," he concludes, "is just arrived. The Neapolitans
must manage their own Jacobins; we have, thank God, done with them."
Sir Sidney Smith having transmitted to Lord Nelson, as his superior in
command, the account of his splendid atchievements in the defence of
Acre, and the total defeat and discomfiture of Bonaparte on that
memorable occasion, his lordship immediately wrote the following
congratulatory epistle to Sir Sidney; whose important dispatches he
afterwards forwarded to England, accompanied by a public letter to Mr.
Nepean, as they were afterwards published in the London Gazette.
"Palermo, 20th Aug. 1799.
"MY DEAR SIR,
"I have received, with the truest satisfaction, all your very
interesting letters to July 16th. The immense fatigue you have had,
in defending Acre against such a chosen army of French villains,
headed by that arch-villain Bonaparte, has never been exceeded; and
the bravery shewn by you, and your brave companions, is such as to
merit every encomium which all the civilized world can bestow. As
an individual, and as an admiral, will you accept of my feeble
tribute of praise and admiration, and make them acceptable to all
those under your command? I have returned the Cameleon, that your
lieutenant might have a good sloop; which, I hope, Lord Keith will
approve: and, in every thing in my junior situation in the fleet,
you may be assured of my readiness to do what you can wish me. I
hope, Alexandria is long before this in your possession, and the
final blow given to Bonaparte; but, I hope, no terms will ever be
granted for his individual return to Europe. Captain Stiles will
tell you all our news here; and good Sir William Hamilton tells me,
he thinks that he has told you the heads of all. In short, all is
well, if Lord Keith falls in with the combined fleet. I think, you
had better order the Theseus to Mahon; and I will endeavour to send
you either a good sloop, or a small frigate. The factory at Smyrna,
in my opinion, have written a very improper letter to you. I do not
like the general stile of Mr. Wherry's letters, they too much talk
of government affairs. It is our duty to take care of the Smyrna
trade, as well as all other, and it never has yet been neglected;
but Great Britain, extensive as her navy is, cannot afford to have
one ship lay idle. Be assured, my dear Sir Sidney, of my perfect
esteem and regard, and do not let any one persuade you to the
contrary: but my character is, that I will not suffer the smallest
tittle of my command to be taken from me. But, with pleasure, I
give way to my friends; among whom, I beg, you will allow me to
consider you: and, that I am, with the truest esteem and affection,
your, &c.
"Nelson.
"Sir Sidney Smith."
This excellent letter not only makes amends for all former asperities,
but forms a most noble eulogium on the merits of Sir Sidney Smith; who,
it must be confessed, had entitled himself, by his skill and valour,
even to this proudest of all possible panegyrics from the first of
heroes.
The Russian admiral not complying with Lord Nelson's request, as to the
restoration of the Leander, his lordship immediately addressed the
Chevalier Italinskoy, the Russian minister at the court of their
Sicilian Majesties, on the subject: informing him that, whenever the
admiral chose to send the Leander to Minorca, the ship would be
received. "But," says his lordship, "after even my word not being taken,
by his excellency, I cannot again subject myself to a refusal of giving
up the Leander, agreeable to the intention of the emperor; though the
form of order, on this occasion, was not arrived." His lordship also
sent Captain Drummond, with the particulars of this refusal, to Lord
Keith; observing, that he should now wait till the Russian admiral sent
the Leander to Mahon. Captain Drummond was desired, on failure of
meeting with Lord Keith, to proceed immediately to England, and deliver
his lordship's letter to the secretary of the Admiralty, acquainting him
with the cause of his arrival.
On the 28th, Lord Nelson transmitted to Captain Hope, at the request of
his Sicilian Majesty, a diamond ring of considerable value: for having,
as it was expressly stated, embarked his Majesty and the Prince Royal in
his barge, on the night of December 21, 1798; and which his majesty
desired might be accepted, by Captain Hope, as a mark of his royal
gratitude. This, and other similar presents of rings and gold boxes,
were sent by Sir John Acton, to Sir William Hamilton, from his Sicilian
Majesty; with a request that his excellency would have the goodness to
present them to the Duke of Bronte, that he might distribute them
according to the note enclosed, and in the name of his Sicilian Majesty,
as a small mark of his royal gratitude to the several English
commanders. The pleasure which this agreeable task afforded Lord
Nelson's excellent heart, may be judged of by the following effusion of
it's feelings, addressed to Captain Hood on the occasion. "My dear
Hood, I never had greater pleasure, than in executing his Sicilian
Majesty's orders, for sending you a box from his majesty; and, as the
dispatch expresses it--To Captain Hood, for services in the Gulph of
Naples, and at Salerno; for his operations on shore, and his care of the
castles of Naples." In afterwards describing these presents from his
Sicilian Majesty, on writing to England, his lordship informs Mr.
Nepean, that each of the captains had a very valuable gold box, set
round with diamonds. In the centre of that given to Commodore
Troubridge, was his majesty's portrait; and, to him, he also gave an
elegant ring. In the centre of the others, were his majesty's cypher of
f.r. neatly set in diamonds. His majesty, he adds, has also
presented Captain Thomas Masterman Hardy, his lordship's captain in the
Foudroyant, with an elegant box, set round with a double row of
diamonds, and his portrait in the centre, and an elegant diamond ring;
and, to Mr. Tyson, his lordship's secretary, a diamond ring of great
value.
Transient, however, seem to have been all the felicities of his
lordship's most eventful life. The happiness which he enjoyed, in seeing
the companions of his cares and successes thus rewarded with truly royal
munificence; while he felt himself remunerated, beyond his proudest hope
or expectation; the pleasing sensations which he must necessarily have
experienced on beholding the vast and magnificent preparations to
celebrate their united atchievments on the anniversary of receiving, at
Naples, the first intelligence of the glorious victory off the Nile,
which had arrived on the 3d of the preceding September; were not
permitted to remain undisturbed in his ever anxious bosom, even for a
few days.
On the 31st, his lordship received letters from Malta, which gave birth
to most extraordinary suspicions. The agonized feelings of his heroic
mind are not to be described; but, nothing could for a moment divert him
from the painful discharge of it's duty. In a state of inconceivable
agitation, he wrote the following letter to Sir John Acton.
"Palermo, 31st Aug. 1799.
"MY DEAR SIR,
"I send your excellency a letter from Captain Ball, of his
majesty's ship Alexander, with two papers enclosed. I cannot bear
the thought of what the papers convey; but it is my duty, as a
British admiral, to ask of your excellency an explanation of this
very extraordinary business--which, I trust in God, is entirely
false, as far as relates to his Sicilian Majesty and Prince Luzzi!
If this man is an unauthorized person, his majesty will have no
difficulty in approving of my condemning him as a spy; and, as
such, ordering him to be hanged. But, what shall I say, if Prince
Luzzi has authorized this man to enter La Vilette, and to
communicate with the enemy? I must say, that the minister has
betrayed his trust; for I never will believe, that their Sicilian
Majesties could treat in such a manner his Britannic Majesty, my
royal master. On your excellency's communication of his Sicilian
Majesty's pleasure, depends the line of conduct which my duty will
call upon me to perform. I have the honour to be, with the greatest
respect, your excellency's obedient servant,
"Bronte Nelson."
"His Excellency, Sir John Acton, Bart."
Happily, this alarm turned out to be unfounded; but the circumstance
serves, nevertheless, to assist in demonstrating the jealous attention
of his lordship to whatever might be supposed capable of affecting
either the national honour or his own. In a few days, having fully
investigated the affair, he wrote thus to Captain Ball--"My dear Ball,
Mr. Alos is, doubtless, a scoundrel. He had persuaded some here, that he
had an interview with Vaubois; which, I believe, is a lie: and, as to
his conduct with the Maltese, it was, probably, to shew his consequence.
I am sure, the good queen never had a thought of any under-hand work
against us; therefore, I would recommend sending him here with a kick in
the breech, and let all the matter drop."
In a letter of this date, August 31, Lord Nelson thus laments, to
Commodore Troubridge, the situation in which he finds himself. "Our
joint exertions," he says, "have been used, to get the king to go to
Naples; but, of no avail; the Austrians will be there before him. I do
not expect any of the Russian troops this some time to come. I am,
indeed, sick and tired of this want of energy; and, when I find the
impossibility of being longer useful, I will retire from this inactive
service." He complains, also, to Lord Spencer, in a letter written about
this time, of the uncomfortableness of his situation: for, he says,
plain common sense points out that the king should return to Naples;
but, nothing can move him. "Believe me," his lordship adds, "I shall do
my best, in all circumstances. But, I am almost blind; and, truly, very
unwell; and, which does not mend matters, I see no king in Europe really
assisting these good monarchs, but our gracious sovereign."
In this unenviable state of mental anxiety, and corporeal lassitude, was
our justly renowned hero, at the period of those preparations being
completed, which were calculated to display him, in the view of an
enraptured people, as the greatest and most felicitous of mortals; nor
did his admirable heart, amidst all it's oppressions, reject a temporary
participation in the bliss which was so amply provided for his
enjoyment,
On the 3d of September, their Sicilian Majesties gave their splendid
Fête Champêtre in the royal gardens at Palermo, to celebrate the
recovery of the kingdom of Naples under the auspices of Lord Nelson. A
grand temple of Fame was erected, on this occasion; in which were three
figures, the size and exact resemblance of life, beautifully modelled
in wax. The centre figure represented Admiral Lord Nelson, Duke of
Bronte, dressed in a full British uniform; as conducted, by a figure of
Sir William Hamilton, to receive from the hand of a third, resembling
Lady Hamilton in the character of Victory, the laurel wreath of triumph
which adorned the hero's brow. Before the steps of this temple, their
Sicilian Majesties, with all the royal family, stood ready to receive
the three illustrious characters thus represented; and, on their
approach, after publicly embracing them, the king, with his own hand,
took the laurel wreath from the wax figure, and placed it on the head of
the real hero, who wore it during the whole of the entertainment. Sir
William, and his lady, were also presented with similar investments; the
queen thus honouring her ladyship, and his majesty Sir William. On the
robe of the figure of Victory were embroidered the names of all those
heroes, in particular, who had fought at the battle of the Nile; and, on
various Egyptian pyramids, placed around the several temples of the
garden, were inscribed the names of the most distinguished English,
Neapolitan, Russian, and Turkish, heroes of the war, with appropriate
verses to each. Their majesties received the company; which consisted of
some of the principal nobility of Naples as well as of Palermo, with all
the British, Russian, and Turkish, officers of the respective squadrons.
Prince Leopold, their majesties youngest surviving son, then nine years
of age, who was educating for the navy, did the honours of the evening,
in his midshipman's uniform: and all the three princesses, as well as
the consort of the hereditary prince, and most other ladies, wore some
ornament allusive to Lord Nelson and his victories round their necks.
The entertainment commenced with a most brilliant and magnificent
fire-work: representing the English and French fleets at Aboukir, the
ever-memorable battle off the Nile, and the total defeat of the French;
terminating with the explosion of L'Orient, and the blowing up of the
tri-coloured flag. The queen, at this representation, said to Cadir Bey,
the Turkish admiral--"On this day, last year, we received from Lady
Hamilton intelligence of this great man's victory; which not only saved
your country, and our's, but all Europe!" After the fire-works, a
cantata was performed, entitled the Happy Concord. This piece, which was
written purposely on the occasion, expressed the general joy for the
deliverance of the two Sicilies; loyal wishes for the prosperity of
their sovereigns, and the royal family, as well as for those of their
worthy allies; and particular acknowledgments to the British hero. The
music was most excellent; and all the opera band, with Senesino at their
head, sung--"Rule Britannia!" and "God save the King!" in which they
were joined by the whole assembly, who had been previously drilled to
the English pronunciation.
About the time of this grand festival, an unfortunate affray between
the Turkish seamen and some of the Sicilians, occurred at a tavern, in
Palermo; and was carried to such an excess, that many men of both
countries lost their lives on the occasion. The quarrel originated in
the superstition of the Sicilians; who, like all the vulgar Italians,
when they address the Turks, rudely tell them, that they are not
Christians, but beasts. The Turks, after getting on board their ships,
continued to wrangle among themselves; and were, at length, in such a
state of mutiny, that Cadir Bey, their commander in chief, became
greatly terrified. Lord Nelson, however, being made acquainted with the
affair, and having a great friendship for this Turkish admiral,
immediately offered him his services; and, the next day, very calmly
going on board, accompanied by Sir William and Lady Hamilton, speedily
quelled the mutiny. It appears, however, to have soon again broken out:
having been excited, it is said, by Patrona Bey, who was desirous of
supplanting Cadir Bey; but who, not very long afterwards, had rendered
himself so obnoxious to the men whom he thus endeavoured to delude, that
they suddenly rose on him, and literally cut him to pieces. It was well,
therefore, that the generous friendship of Lord Nelson had impelled him
to pen a letter to the Grand Signior, previously to Cadir Bey's
departure, that he might protect this worthy man from any
misrepresentation respecting the fatal affray with the Sicilians; as,
without such a powerful advocate, it is highly probable that Cadir Bey
would have lost his situation, if not his life: instead of which, he
obtained the merited approbation of the Grand Signior, by this epistle;
which was inclosed in a letter to the Captain Pacha--and a copy of it
also sent to Spencer Smith, Esq. the minister at Constantinople--of the
same date. The letter to the Grand Signior was expressed in the
following terms.
"Palermo, 10th Sept. 1799.
"SIRE,
"I trust, that your Imperial Majesty will permit the servant of
your most faithful ally to bear his testimony to the good conduct
of your Admiral Cadir Bey.
"I can assure your majesty, that ships in higher order cannot be,
than those under his command; and the little disturbance which has
arose in this place has not been owing to any want of attention
from your majesty's admiral.
"Cadir Bey is with me every day; and a better man does not live in
the world, or a better officer. He is my brother; and I am, in the
truest sense of the words, your majesty's attached and faithful
servant,
"Bronte Nelson."
"To his Imperial Majesty, the Grand Signior."
His lordship, in writing to Earl Spencer, a few days before, thus states
the difference between the Russian and Turkish commanders in chief. "The
Russian admiral," says he, "has a polished outside, but the bear is
close to the skin: he is jealous of our influence; and thinks, whatever
is proposed, that we are at the bottom. The Turk, who is by no means a
fool, on the contrary, has more natural sense than the other; is our
brother; and, I am sure, there is not a thing that we could desire him
to do, which he would not instantly comply with. I make use of the word
_we_," adds his lordship; "because Sir William and Lady Hamilton have
more merit in gaining the affection and implicit confidence of Cadir
Bey, and his officers, than I have."
On the 12th, Lord Nelson writes to Rear-Admiral Duckworth--"The Russian
admiral has told me, his ships _cannot_ keep the sea in winter; and I
see no _desire_ to go to sea in summer." Then, mentioning the state of
some of the ships at Minorca, reported to be unfit for active service,
his lordship says--"To keep them lying at Mahon, appears to me to be a
waste of public money. My mind," proceeds this great and most
considerate commander, "is fixed, that I will not keep one ship in the
Mediterranean, that is not fit for _any_ service during the winter;
those half fit, drain us of all the stores, and render us all useless:
you have acted on this principle, in sending the Aurora and Dolphin; and
it is my _particular_ desire, that you continue it. I beg you will write
to the Admiralty, of my intentions to keep no ships but what are fit
for service in the Mediterranean; and, I am sure, the king will save by
the measure being adopted on stations so near England. I am aware of the
argument, which may be used against my plan; viz. our seamen get no good
by going to England: to which, I perfectly agree. But, the ships left
here with me are beyond all common refit; nor can they be furnished with
stores, not having any foundation to be kept up: and what would be an
ample supply to keep up a squadron, is really nothing in our situation."
To Sir James St. Clair Erskine, also at Minorca, in a letter of the
13th, his lordship writes--"I see, with pleasure, that you do not envy
me my good fortune. The field of glory is a large one, and was never
more open to any one, than at this moment to you. Rome would throw open
her gates, and receive you as her deliverer; and the pope would owe his
restoration to the papal chair to a _heretic_. This is the first great
object; as it would not only be the compleat deliverance of Italy, but
restore peace and tranquillity to the torn to pieces kingdom of Naples:
for such an occasion, a part of the garrison of Messina might be taken.
The next great object, is the reduction of Malta; and, in any other
moment than the present, it would be a most important one. Vaubois only
wants a pretence, to give up: his sole hope is that, in the next month,
he may escape with the ships." General Fox, however, being hourly
expected at Minorca, Sir James did not judge it proper to lessen the
garrison; and, says his lordship, in a letter to Sir Thomas Troubridge,
"enters upon the difficulty of the undertaking in a true soldier way."
These difficulties, however, were in a very few days completely
surmounted by Sir Thomas Troubridge: for, on the 20th of September, a
capitulation was entered into by that commander, who was then blockading
Civita Vecchia, on the part of Great Britain and her allies, with the
General of Division Gamier, commander in chief of the French troops, and
those of Italy and other allies then in the Roman Republic in a state of
siege; which terminated in the surrender of the fort and town of Civita
Vecchia on the 29th in the afternoon, and of Rome and St. Angelo two
hours after midnight. Civita Vecchia, Corneto, and Tolfa, containing
five thousand troops, were taken into possession by two hundred marines
and seamen of the Culloden and Minotaur; and General Bouchard, with the
troops of his Sicilian Majesty, took possession of Rome: but the French
general refused to treat with any other than a British commander.
It was the wish of Lord Nelson, that Commodore Troubridge should himself
have every advantage of transmitting to England the dispatches on this
occasion: being generously desirous of giving all the glory to this
favourite officer; who, accordingly, wrote the following letter to Mr.
Nepean.
"Civita Vecchia, 5th Oct. 1799.
"SIR,
"In obedience to orders from Lord Nelson, I have the honour to send
you, for their lordships information, a copy of the articles of
capitulation I have made with the French General Garnier, to clear
the Roman state. As I knew the French had all the valuables of the
Roman state packed up ready for embarking, and the coast of Civita
Vecchia forming a deep bay, with hard west south-west gales and a
heavy sea, which prevented the blockade from being so close as was
necessary to prevent the enemy from carrying off those truly
valuable articles; I, therefore, thought it best to grant the
liberal terms I have, to get them out of this country, where they
have committed every excess possible. I trust, what I have done,
may meet their lordships approbation. I beg you to represent to
their lordships, that I received every assistance from Captain
Louis; who went to Rome, and arranged the evacuation and taking
possession of that place, with General Bouchard, with great ability
and exertion, and much to my satisfaction.