"I fervently hope, that Niza has got hold of the French ships from
Toulon. As that business is over, I have only to hope the best:
This day, by his Sicilian Majesty's orders, a letter is wrote to
Messina, to request General Graham to get to Malta with five
hundred men. The Russian Admiral is wrote to, to go with at least
seven hundred. A corps of Russian grenadiers are also expected at
Leghorn, for Malta. If Niza has been successful, all will end well.
Ever your's, most faithfully,
"Nelson."
"I am not well; and left our dear friends, Sir William and Lady
Hamilton, very unwell."
"Captain Ball, Chief of the Maltese."
His lordship had, this day, fallen in with the Salamine brig; which
brought him a letter from Captain Darby at Minorca, stating that a fleet
of twenty vessels, among which were two sail of the line and several
frigates, had been seen steering to the south-east on the 29th of
September. These, his lordship was of opinion, could only be the two
Venetian ships from Toulon, with a convoy for Malta; and, as the Marquis
De Niza had seven sail of the line, one frigate, and three sloops, he
had hopes that the greatest part of them would be taken.
On the 12th, having arrived off Port Mahon; and left orders with Captain
Darby, who had come on board the Foudroyant, for Commodore Troubridge,
with some other ships to follow, his lordship proceeded on his voyage to
Gibraltar. Between Port Mahon and Majorca, however, Lord Nelson fell in
with the Bull-dog, ten days from Rear-Admiral Duckworth, at Gibraltar;
who, giving little or no credit to the report of the ships seen off Cape
Ortegal, and Sir Edward Berry, from Lisbon, assuring his lordship that
the information was entirely disbelieved there, the squadron returned to
Minorca.
On the 14th, his lordship wrote a long letter to Rear-Admiral
Duckworth; in which are some interesting passages, relative to Captain
Nisbet. "I send you down," says his lordship, "the Bellerophon; who,
Darby says, and I believe truly, is in good order, and fit to stand fair
winter's service. The Thalia also goes with him: I wish I could say any
thing in her praise, inside or out. You will receive an order for
holding a court-martial on the lieutenant of marines. Perhaps, you may
be able to make something of Captain Nisbet; he has, by his conduct,
almost broke my heart. The ship, I believe, wants some little matter
doing to her. If so, I wish Inglefield would bring her out of the mole
as soon as possible; and if, after all our pains, no good can be got out
of either ship or captain, send the Thalia to England with some of the
convoys; or send her any where out to try. I wished to have placed him
with my friend Cockburne; but, alas! he will not let me do for him what
my heart wishes." This letter mentions the propriety of getting a list
of all vessels taken since the 1st of August, Lord Keith having arrived
in Torbay on the 17th. Custom, his lordship observes, will point out,
whether they are to be considered as the only two flag-officers in the
Mediterranean; and freights of money, by the Earl of St. Vincent's
acting, belong to the commander in chief. "Whether that is so, or no,"
says his lordship, "we shall never differ about; my only wish is, to do
as I would be done by." After detailing the particulars of his
proceedings since leaving Palermo, and stating his future intentions,
particularly with regard to Malta, his lordship concludes with
observing--"Captain Buchanan has just told me, that you wish to put two
young men into the Port Mahon; and, that Lord St. Vincent had intended
you should name all the officers for her. Believe me, I would not, on
any consideration, do less than was intended by the earl; therefore, I
beg you will send up all officers you like, and I will leave acting
orders for them with Captain Buchanan."
In a letter to Mr. Nepean, dated Port Mahon, October 15, 1799, Lord
Nelson also details his late proceedings and intentions with regard to
Malta; which, if not speedily forced to surrender, will call for the
attention of more ships than he may have the power of placing there, and
necessarily cramp other requisite services. The Chichester storeship,
Captain Stevens, his lordship observes, is going with the officers of
the Leander to Corfu, having now the Russian admiral's order for that
ship's delivery; and he has no doubt that Captain Stevens, who appears
an excellent seaman, will very soon get her to Minorca. "This island,"
says his lordship, "is in such a state of security as to bid defiance to
any force Spain can send against it; and, if General Fox was not hourly
expected, Sir James would go with me to the attack of Malta, with
fifteen hundred good troops." In another letter, of the same date,
addressed to Earl Spencer, his lordship says, "I have considered the
security of his Sicilian Majesty's dominions as very near the heart of
the king: this makes the reduction of Malta of the very utmost
importance, and to accomplish which is now, in Italy, the dearest object
I have in view." Lord Nelson mentions that, Sir Edward Berry having
joined the Foudroyant, by the Bull-dog, he has put Captain Hardy into
the Princess Charlotte; and, mustering a few men, intends taking her
with him to sea. "My friend Hardy," says his lordship, "will make a man
of war of her very soon; and I make it my earnest request that, if
Captain Stephenson is not sent out to her, Captain Hardy may be allowed
to remain in her, and receive an Admiralty commission."
This letter, too, is remarkable for containing, a request in favour of
his worthy elder brother, Maurice Nelson, Esq. "I have given," says his
lordship, "my brother, belonging to the Navy Office, a strong letter of
recommendation to your lordship, that he may be appointed a Commissioner
of the Navy. I mention the circumstance, that you may be aware such a
letter is coming; and prepared, I most earnestly hope, to meet my
wishes."
On the 23d of October, Lord Nelson returned to Palermo, where he found
letters from Sir Sidney Smith; to which he, next day, returned the
following interesting answer.
"Palermo, 24th Oct. 1799.
"MY DEAR SIR,
"When I arrived here, yesterday, from Mahon--having been down the
Mediterranean to look out for a French and Spanish squadron, which
had been on the coast of Portugal, but returned to Ferrol---I
received all your letters by the Turkish corvette, which is arrived
at Messina. The details you have given me, although unsuccessful at
Aboukir, will by all military men ever reflect upon you, and your
brave companions, the highest honour; and I beg you will tell all
those whose conduct you have so highly approved, that their
merits--even of the lowest--will be duly appreciated by me: for
which reason, I have given all the promotion, and shall continue to
do it, if they deserve it, amongst them. All the arrangements for
your young men are filled up as you desired; and, my dear Sir, you
shall ever find that, although I am jealous of having a particle of
my honour abridged, yet that no commanding officer will be so ready
to do every thing you wish. We have but little, here, of stores;
but I have stripped the Foudroyant of every thing. At Mahon, there
is nothing. But, your demands, with a bare proportion for the
Theseus, goes to-morrow for Gibraltar; and, although I am pretty
sure you will not receive half what your ships want, I shall urge
Inglefield to send you every thing he can. You will have heard,
probably, that Lord St. Vincent still retains the Mediterranean
command; and that I am, by order, acting till his return:
therefore, I have not the power of giving commissions, or any thing
more than acting orders. As to getting Neapolitan gunboats to you,
there are many reasons against it. In the first place, they have
none fit for such a voyage. This is enough; but, was this not
sufficient, it would be a thing impossible. I believe, we are as
bad a set to deal with, for real service, as your Turks. Mr.
Harding has sent me word, he does not chuse to return to Egypt; for
which, he is a fool. Your brother will, of course, tell you all our
good news from Holland and Germany; and, I hope, the King of
Prussia has joined the coalition. May peace, with a monarchy in
France, be soon given to us! I have just got a report, which
appears to have some foundation, that Bonaparte has passed Corsica
in a bombard, steering for France. No crusado ever returned with
more humility. Contrast his going out in L'Orient, &c. Again, be
assured that I place the greatest confidence in all you do; and no
commanding officer shall ever have more attention to all your wants
and wishes, than will your, &c.
"Nelson."
"Sir William Sidney Smith, Knt."
Lord Nelson had, also, on his return to Palermo, received a letter from
his friend, Lord Minto; which, he observed in his answer, gave equal
pleasure to Sir William, Lady Hamilton, and himself. "Yesterday," says
his lordship, writing on the 24th, "your whole letter was read to the
queen. I am charged to say every thing which is grateful, and thankful,
on her majesty's behalf. But, I know, I need not say much; as she
intends, I believe, to write you herself. We all have the most
affectionate regard for your public and private character; and I should
do injustice to my friends, was I to attempt to say my regard exceeded
their's. My conduct, as your's, is to go straight and upright. Such is,
thank God, the present plan of Great Britain; at least, as far as I
know: for, if I thought otherwise, I should not be so faithful a servant
to my country, as I know I am at present. As I shall send you my letters
to Mr. Nepean and Lord Spencer, they will speak for themselves:
therefore, I will only say, believe I am the same Nelson as you knew
Captain of the Agamemnon; and, more than ever, your attached and
faithful friend."
The pleasurable sensations excited by Lord Minto's most kind and
friendly communications, were succeeded by the most racking anxieties
respecting Malta. Fresh orders had arrived for the recall of the
Portuguese squadron; and Captain Ball could with difficulty keep the
distressed islanders from joining the French. Lord Nelson, in a state of
distraction, wrote letters to the Marquis De Niza, deprecating his
departure; and consoled Captain Ball with hopes of assistance, which he
strained every nerve to obtain from all possible sources. The following
most urgent epistle to Sir James St. Clair Erskine, on this occasion,
will not only convey the state of his lordship's feelings to every
intelligent reader, but elucidate the genuine principles on which his
lordship ventures to advise a departure from the strictness of etiquette
in the discharge of military duties.
"Palermo, 26th Oct. 1799.
"MY DEAR SIR JAMES,
"I am in desperation about Malta. We shall lose it, I am afraid,
past redemption, I send you copies of Niza's and Ball's letters;
also, General Acton's: so that, you will see, I have not been idle.
If Ball can hardly keep the inhabitants, in hopes of relief by the
five hundred men landed from our ships; what must be expected, when
four hundred of them, and four sail of the line, will be withdrawn?
And, if the islanders are forced again to join the French, we may
not find even landing a very easy task; much less, to get again our
present advantageous position. I therefore intreat, for the honour
of our king, and for the advantage of the common cause, that
whether General Fox is arrived, or not, at least, the garrison of
Messina may be ordered to hold post in Malta, till a sufficient
force can be collected to attack it; which, I flatter myself, will
in time, be got together. But, while that is effecting, I fear our
being obliged to quit the island; therefore, I am forced to make
this representation. I know, well enough, of what officers in your
situation can do. The delicacy of your feelings, on the near
approach of General Fox, I can readily conceive; but, the time you
know nothing about. This is a great and important moment; and the
only thing to be considered--_Is his majesty's service to stand
still for an instant?_ I have no scruple in declaring what I should
do: that, knowing the importance of possessing Malta, to England
and her allies; that, if even two regiments were ordered from
Minorca, yet it must be considered--for which the officer must
certainly be responsible--was the call for these troops known at
home, would not they order them to proceed where the service near
at hand so loudly calls for them? _This is the only thing, in my
opinion, for consideration._ If we lose this opportunity, it will
be impossible to recal it. If possible, I wish to take all the
responsibility. I know, my dear Sir James, your zeal and ability;
and, that delicacy to General Fox, has been your sole motive for
not altering the disposition of the troops: but, I hope, General
Fox is with you; and, I am sure, from his character, he will
approve of my feelings on this subject. If he is not, I must again
earnestly entreat that, at least, you will give directions for
Colonel Graham to hold Malta till we can get troops to attack La
Valette. May God direct your councils, for the honour of our king
and his allies, and to the destruction of the French, is the
fervent prayer of, &c.
"Nelson."
At the same time, addressing a letter to Commodore Troubridge, who he
had reason to suppose was at Minorca, his lordship says--"My letter to
Sir James St. Clair, if this finds you at Mahon, will shew you what I
feel about Malta." After again describing apprehended consequences, and
expressing his hope that General Fox is arrived, and that Sir James will
lay all circumstances before him, his lordship continues--"I know Sir
James to be a most fair, honourable, and zealous officer; and I
earnestly hope, that you will have the carrying him and fifteen hundred
troops to Malta. If, alas! all my arguments are in vain, against
_orders--not knowing our situation here_--or the delicacy of the
approach of General Fox; then, it is only for me to grieve, and intreat
of you to come here, and bring the Northumberland--that, at least, I may
prevent supplies getting in: and, for this purpose, I shall be under the
distressing necessity of taking as many ships as possible from Minorca;
which, I assure you, would hurt me very much."
On the 28th, his lordship detached the Minotaur, and even the
Foudroyant, to join the Marquis De Niza off Malta; intreating him, not
to withdraw a man from the island, even on the arrival of the Russians.
"Again, and again," writes his lordship, "I desire--for which, you may
be certain, I hold myself responsible--that you will not, on any
consideration, withdraw a single man belonging to your squadron from the
island."
Scarcely a day now passed, that Lord Nelson did not send some
information to Captain Ball, for the purpose of inspiriting his
depressed hopes in the conduct of this arduous undertaking; and,
certainly, the indefatigability of his lordship, in labouring to obtain
every requisite aid for the accomplishment of this important object, was
impossible to be surpassed, and has probably never been equalled. Every
risk, the purity of his heroic mind was prepared to encounter; every
honour, it's dignified humility was desirous of yielding to all who
should assist in the enterprize.
In one of these letters, he says--"I have begged, almost on my knees,
for money, for the present subsistence of the Maltese who bear arms." In
another, a day or two after--"The court have all the inclination; but,
to my knowledge, they have not cash enough for the common purposes of
the government!" In a third, the day following--"The King of Naples has
sent four thousand ounces, to assist the poor islanders who bear arms."
His lordship adds, that this will do for the present; and, that the
large sum required must come from the three allied courts. In a future
letter, Lord Nelson observes, that this sum of four thousand ounces, was
taken, for it was no where else to be had, from their Sicilian Majesties
children, with the hope of being replaced with the money which Lord
Grenville had so handsomely promised to the Marquis Circello. "The
enormous expences," writes his lordship to Earl Spencer, "incurred
within the last eight months, have drawn the king's chest very low; but,
his majesty has never failed giving every thing I could ask."
On the 31st of October, Lord Nelson, fully resolved that nothing should,
on his part, be neglected, for the attainment of Malta, or the advantage
of it's temporary chief, wrote a long epistle to the Emperor of Russia,
as Grand Master. In which, he details the principal operations of this
protracted siege; the various difficulties which had occurred, and those
which still existed: with the admirable address, fortitude, and
perseverance, of Captain Ball, in conciliating the inhabitants,
relieving their necessities, and animating their nearly extinguished
hopes; whose merits his lordship most earnestly recommended to the
notice of his Imperial Majesty. His lordship had before applied for the
order of Malta, for his friend Ball, in a letter to Sir Charles
Whitworth; but, not having received any answer, he says, in a letter to
Captain Ball, "I have now gone to the fountain head."
While Lord Nelson was thus earnestly solicitous to obtain honours for
his meritorious friend, he little imagined that he should, in two or
three days, be gratified by the acquisition of a new and most
distinguished one conferred on himself. This, however, actually and very
unexpectedly happened: for a Turkish corvette, which had probably
reached Messina about the time when his lordship was writing the above
letter in favour of his brave friend, brought from Constantinople Abdur
Amand, a special messenger, sent by the Grand Signior, who arrived at
Palermo on the 3d of November, and was charged with an additional
manifestation of the Sublime Porte's friendly esteem for our
incomparable hero. This gentleman, on that day, presented to Lord
Nelson, as an honourable gift from his imperial master, the Grand
Signior, a magnificent diamond star, or medallion; in the centre of
which, on blue enamel, were represented the Turkish crescent and a star.
This valuable present was accompanied by an elegant letter from the
Grand Vizier, dated the 9th of September: in which it was announced,
that the Grand Signior had been pleased to order Lord Nelson a
medallion, which his Imperial Majesty was desirous should be worn on his
lordship's breast, as a mark of esteem for his kindness to Osman
Hadgi--a noble Turk, who had accompanied Lord Nelson from Alexandria,
and to whom his lordship was much attached by the strongest ties of
friendship--as well as for the interest which his lordship on all
occasions took in the prosperity of the Sublime Porte. From the nature
of this rich gift, and the respectful manner in which it was delivered
by Abdur Amand, his lordship was induced to consider it as constituting
him, in conjunction with the former insignia, First Knight of the Order
of the Imperial Turkish or Ottoman Crescent. In a most respectful answer
to the Grand Vizier, Lord Nelson says--"I intreat that your excellency
will present, with the most profound gratitude, my thanks to the
emperor, for this new and distinguished honour conferred upon me. I have
placed it on my coat, on my left side, over my heart. I cannot say,
however flattering this mark of favour is to me, that I can in any
manner serve the Sublime Porte more than I have done; for, it has ever
been with all my soul. But this mark of favour shews, in the strongest
light, that the smallest services are watched, and most magnificently
rewarded, by his Imperial Majesty; whose life, may God prolong, with
health and every other earthly happiness: and may he give me
opportunities of shewing my gratitude, by risking my life for the
preservation of the smallest grain of sand belonging to the Ottoman
empire; and may the enemies of his Imperial Majesty fall into dust, by
the wise councils of your excellency!"
His lordship also wrote a similar letter to the Captain Pacha; in which
he did not forget the kindest recommendation of his friend Cadir Bey,
and general remembrances to all the admirals and captains serving under
that worthy commander. Earl Elgin, and Mr. Spencer Smith, both now at
Constantinople, were likewise most respectfully addressed by his
lordship. To the former, he modestly writes--"Having yesterday received
such a mark of the Grand Signior's favour, I have been puzzled how to
express myself properly. I must, therefore, trust to your excellency's
goodness for supplying my deficiency of language." To the latter, he
returns thanks for all his goodness to his lordship, both public and
private; sends him some sherry and sugar, but can neither get a drop of
Madeira nor claret in the island, or even in all Italy: and concludes
with desiring affectionate remembrances to his brother, Sir Sidney,
whenever he writes; for whom, his lordship observes, he has just sent "a
large cargo of good things."
The pleasure, however, of this unexpected honour from the Grand Signior,
was insufficient to preserve the susceptible heart which it covered,
from corroding cares, and painful anxieties, for his country and his
friends. He wanted not, indeed, for personal and private causes of
vexation and regret: but these, though they were perpetually preying on
his constitution, seldom called forth his complaint; and scarcely ever
were even mentioned, except to a very few of his most select friends.
One of the first disappointments, after this recent honour, was the
arrival of Captain Stephenson, to take the command of the Princess
Charlotte; by which, his lordship feelingly observes, in a letter of the
7th, to Captain Ball, "poor Hardy was consequently turned adrift." He
had, at this time, too, received a mortifying letter from General Sir
James St. Clair Erskine: mentioning, that the twenty-eighth regiment was
ordered to England; and that he was sure General Fox, who was every
moment expected, would not, on any consideration, break his orders, for
any object. With this disagreeable information, his lordship could not
bring his mind yet to acquaint Captain Ball. On the contrary, he affects
to anticipate, in the letter above mentioned, that he expects the answer
from Minorca will be unfavourable to both their wishes; and expresses
his intention of going to Naples, for assistance from the Russians and
his Sicilian Majesty. He then, with exquisite kindness and address,
introduces the extract of a letter from Earl Spencer; which liberally
states, that Captain Ball, by his unparalleled vigilance and exertion,
had indeed shewn himself worthy of the friendship with which Lord Nelson
had honoured him. "I only send this, my dear Ball," says his lordship,
"to shew that I do not forget my friends: as to honouring you, that is
not in my power; but to render you justice, is my duty."
In the mean time, his lordship had, on the preceding day, thus expressed
himself to Earl Spencer, on the subject of attention to orders, in
consequence of this refusal of troops from Minorca--"Much, my dear
lord, as I approve of strict obedience to orders--even to a
court-martial, to enquire whether the object justified the measure--yet,
to say that an officer is never, for any object, to alter his orders, is
what I cannot comprehend. The circumstances of this war so often vary,
that an officer has almost every moment to consider--What would my
superiors direct, did they know what is passing under my nose? The great
object of the war is--_Down, down, with the French!_ To accomplish
this, every nerve, and by both services, ought to be strained. My heart
is," says this excellent man and true hero, "I assure you, almost broke,
with that and other things." Then, speaking of the state of the
blockade, he says--"If the enemy get supplies in, we may bid adieu to
Malta. This would compleat my misery; for, I am afraid, I take all
services too much to heart. The accomplishing of them is my study, night
and day."
It is a singular circumstance, and merits high consideration, that while
Lord Nelson thus strongly urges the necessity for both services to be
equally strained; Sir Sidney Smith was most feelingly complaining, in
letters dated off Rhodes, 29th September 1799, of the want of a cordial
co-operation in General Koehler: who seems to have regarded Sir Sidney's
gallant exploits on land as an improper interference with the military
department; and to have made the subject of a long and formal complaint,
what all the world has agreed to consider as fairly entitling him to
immortal honour. On the receipt of these letters, which are written with
a noble confidence in the kind and generous sanction of his lordship,
Lord Nelson immediately wrote the following excellent letter to the Duke
of Clarence. It certainly has, being addressed to a brother sailor, some
strong professionalism; but it delicately claims, nevertheless, for Sir
Sidney's conduct, the most decided approbation and applause, from a
very competent judge of the duties of the profession.
"Palermo, 9th Nov. 1799.
"SIR,
"I beg leave to present to your royal highness, Captain Hardy, late
of the Foudroyant: an officer of the most distinguished merit; and,
therefore, highly worthy of your notice. He will tell you of all my
arduous work in this country; and, that all my anxiety is, at
present, taken up with the desire of possessing Malta. But, I fear,
notwithstanding all my exertions, that I shall not get any British
troops from Minorca: without which, the business will be prolonged,
perhaps, till it is relieved; when all the force which we could
collect would be of little use, against the strongest place in
Europe. I am anxiously waiting the arrival of General Fox; and hope
he will not consider the order for the removal of one or two
regiments, of such great consequence as the reduction of Malta, by
keeping them for two months longer in the Mediterranean. On the one
hand, they must, in England, or on the continent, be like a drop of
water in the ocean. By staying here, and employed, they would
liberate us from our enemy close to our door; gratify the Emperor
of Russia; protect our Levant trade; and relieve a squadron of our
ships from the service: besides giving us one eighty-gun ship, two
forty-gun frigates, a Maltese new ship of the line ready for sea,
and two frigates. With these in the scale, I cannot comprehend
that a moment can be lost in deciding. But, Sir, I find, few think,
as I do--that, to obey orders, all perfection. To serve my king,
and to destroy the French, I consider as the great order of all,
from which little ones spring; and, if one of these little ones
militates against it--(for, who can tell exactly, at a
distance?)--I go back to obey the great order, and object; to
_down_, _down_, with the damned French villains! Excuse my warmth;
but my blood boils at the name of a Frenchman. I hate them _all_;
royalists and republicans.
"My late letters from Egypt are, that Sir Sidney Smith is hurt at
the notorious cowardice and want of discipline in the Turkish army;
and I find, that General Koehler does _not approve_ of such
irregular proceedings, as naval officers attacking and defending
fortifications. We have but one idea; to get close along-side. None
but a sailor, would have placed a battery only a hundred and eighty
yards from the Castle of St. Elmo: a soldier must have gone
according to art, and the zig-zag way; my brave Sir Thomas
Troubridge went straight, for we had no time to spare. Your royal
highness will not believe, that I mean to lessen the conduct of the
army. I have the highest respect for them all. But General Koehler
should not have wrote such a paragraph in his letter. It conveyed a
jealousy which, I dare say, is not in his disposition.
"May health and every blessing, attend your royal highness, is the
constant prayer of your attached and obliged servant,
"Bronte Nelson."
Lord Nelson had, as it may be seen, signed his letters to foreigners as
Duke of Bronte, from the time of obtaining that honour; but this epistle
to the Duke of Clarence was one of the first in which he ever prefixed
the word Bronte to his name when addressing any British subject. It is
probable, therefore, that he had, about this time, received his
sovereign's recognition of that Sicilian title.
Though his lordship had hitherto been unsuccessful in his repeated
applications for troops at Minorca, he continued still to offer new
reasons why they ought to be sent. With the most unwearied exertions,
did this great man constantly labour for the promotion of whatever
related to the honour or advantage of his king, his country, and his
friends; and his assiduities never relaxed, till he had secured the
accomplishment of his object. He tried, in particular, on this occasion,
for the possession of Malta, all the arts of that powerful eloquence
which flowed so naturally from his pen; and he might well say, as he
did, in a letter of the 10th of November, to Mr. Nepean, "it has been no
fault of the navy, that Malta has not been attacked by land; but we have
neither the means ourselves, nor influence with those who have the
power." In short, the history of this protracted siege, including all
the military and political perplexities with which our hero's naval
operations were entangled, would alone form a volume of no
inconsiderable magnitude.
It appears that, about this time, suspicions were entertained, by Sir
John Acton, respecting our intentions with regard to Malta; which first
manifested themselves in a remark addressed to Lord Nelson, that the
flag of the order was to be hoisted, instead of the three flags, when
that island should be taken. This observation, he remarks, in a letter
immediately written to Sir John, dated at Palermo, 18th November 1799,
seems to convey, that his sentiments of respect for his Sicilian
Majesty's flag were lessened. "I send you," says his lordship, with that
noble frankness, and prompt decision, for which he was ever remarkable,
"two papers, on which my order to good Captain Ball was founded. If I
have erred, it is not too late to call back my order; and, if you think
so, I shall be happy to meet your excellency, and the minister of
England and Russia, on this subject. There is not, I can assure you,
that man on earth, who would so strongly unite the two monarchs whom we
serve as myself; and may perdition seize the wretch who would do the
least thing towards lessening that harmony! And could it ever happen,
that any English minister wanted to make me an instrument of hurting the
feelings of his Sicilian Majesty, I would give up my commission sooner
than do it. I am open to your excellency; and, I think, you are so to
me. The interests of our sovereigns require it; and, I am sure, that we
both only think of uniting the courts of London and Naples still closer
together. I am placed in such a situation--a subject of one king, by
birth; and, as far as is consistent with my allegiance to that king, a
voluntary subject of his Sicilian Majesty--that, if any man attempted to
separate my two kings, by all that is sacred, I should consider even
putting that man to death as a meritorious act! Therefore, my dear Sir
John, never, never, for a moment, think that I am capable of doing any
thing but endeavouring to exalt the glory of their Sicilian Majesties."
Nor was this the only prejudice which malevolence seems now to have been
secretly exciting against our hero. Though it has been sufficiently
seen, that his lordship's indefatigable endeavours for the possession of
Malta, which were never surpassed, either in activity or address, had
constantly in view the merited aggrandizement of his persevering, brave,
and conciliating friend, Captain Ball--for whom he had implored both
emoluments and honours, which no consideration on earth could ever have
induced him to solicit for himself--some apprehensions of our hero's
diminished regard had been malignantly insinuated into the bosom of that
worthy commander: as appears from the following expressions, which occur
in a letter written to him by Lord Nelson on the 24th of November 1799.
"My dear Ball, I love, honour, and respect you; and no persons ever
have, nor could they, were they so disposed, lessen you in my esteem,
both as a public officer and a private man: therefore, never let such a
thought come into your head; which was never more wanted to be clear
from embroils, than at this moment." Then, fortifying his perseverance
with assurances that Commodore Troubridge is immediately coming with
ships, and Colonel Graham with troops, he thus affectionately proceeds--
"But, my dear friend, your holding your post so long as you have,
is matter of the greatest credit to you;" and, with unexampled
kindness, concludes with thus arming his friend against the
worst--"If you are forced to quit the island, it cannot lessen your
exertion or abilities; and do not let such an event, should it
unfortunately happen, depress your spirits for a moment: and
believe me, as ever, your obliged and affectionate friend,
"Bronte Nelson."
These unpleasant events did not fail momentarily to affect his
lordship's sensibility, and with more permanency his health. In every
excess of anxiety, or even of joy, his heart continued to suffer a
renewal of that agony which it had first experienced during his search
after the French fleet destined for Egypt; and such were the
ever-shifting scenes of his active life, that he was seldom, for many
days together, exempted from the effects of it's influence, by the
occurrence of one or other of these causes.
As if it were not enough, that his mind was perpetually harrassed with
professional cares, he had private and domestic sources of inquietude
The former, he could freely impart to his numerous friends and in some
degree fellow-sufferers; but the latter was scarcely communicable to
any, and no one could be implicated in the same identical cause of
distress. Even the very quality in which he surpassed, perhaps, every
commander, even by sea or land, that of keeping up a punctual and
widely-extended correspondence, did not, at this oppressive period,
entirely preserve him from censure. He received, what he calls, in a
familiar letter to his friend Rear-Admiral Duckworth, of the 27th
November 1799, "a severe set-down from the Admiralty, for not having
written, by the Charon, attached to a convoy; although," adds his
lordship, "I wrote, both by a courier and cutter, the same day. But I
see, clearly, that they wish to shew I am unfit for the command. I will
readily acknowledge it; and, therefore, they need have no scruples about
sending out a commander in chief." In this letter, his lordship tells
Rear-Admiral Duckworth, that he approves very much of his calling at
Algiers. "I am aware," says he, "that the first moment any insult is
offered to the British flag, is to get as large a force as possible off
Algiers, and seize all his cruizers; but if, in such a contest, any
English vessel is taken, I know what will be said against me, and how
little support I shall experience. But, my dear admiral, where the
object of the actor is only to serve faithfully, I feel superior to the
smiles or frowns of any board." His lordship afterwards concludes--"Sir
William and Lady Hamilton desire their kindest regards. I am nearly
blind; but things go so contrary to my mind, _out_ of our profession,
that truly I care not how soon I am off the stage." In a postscript, his
lordship does not forget to add--"Pray, do not let the Admiralty want
for letters of every occurrence."
His lordship wrote, on the same day, a serious and respectable
justification of his conduct, to Mr. Nepean; in which he observes, how
perfectly conscious he is, that want of communicating where and when it
is necessary, cannot be laid to his charge. After stating, that he
actually wrote to Mr. Nepean, as well as to Earl Spencer, by a
Neapolitan courier, who left Palermo on the very day the Charon sailed,
he spiritedly says--"I own, I do not feel that, if cutters and couriers
go off the same day, that it is necessary to write by a convoy. I know
the absolute necessity of the board's being exactly acquainted with
every thing which passes; and they, I beg, will give me credit for
attention to my duty. As a junior flag-officer," he observes, "of
course, without those about me--secretaries, interpreters, &c.--I have
been thrown into a more extensive correspondence than ever, perhaps,
fell to the lot of any admiral; and into a political situation, I own,
out of my sphere. It is a fact, which it would not become me to boast
of, but on the present occasion--I have never, but three times, put my
feet on the ground, since December 1798; and, except to the court, that
till after eight o'clock at night I never relax from business. I have
had, hitherto," concludes his lordship, "the board knows, no one
emolument, no one advantage, of a commander in chief."
In a letter written to Earl Spencer next day, the 28th, this exalted
man, after observing that General Fox orders Colonel Graham not to incur
any expence for stores, or any other articles but provisions,
asks--"What can this mean? But I have told Troubridge, that the cause
cannot stand still for want of a little money. This would be, what we
call--penny wise, and pound foolish. If nobody will pay it," nobly adds
our hero, "I shall sell Bronte, and the Emperor of Russia's box; for I
feel myself above every consideration, but that of serving faithfully.
Do not, my dear lord," he most pathetically concludes, "let the
Admiralty write harshly to me; my generous soul cannot bear it, being
conscious it is entirely unmerited!" The reader of sensibility will not
fail to feel this very affecting deprecation; and to lament, that it
should ever have been necessary.
On the day following, however, Lord Nelson had the satisfaction of
receiving eight thousand ounces from his Sicilian Majesty, for the
relief of the poor Maltese; which his lordship immediately sent to
Captain Ball, by the Perseus bomb; and, determined that nothing in his
power should be wanted, he not only took on himself, from the
discouraging circumstance of General Fox's orders to Colonel Graham, to
augment his numerous other occupations, by becoming a commissary for
these troops, but actually pledged Bronte for twelve thousand
ounces--six thousand six hundred pounds--should any difficulty arise in
the payments.
On the 19th, Lord Nelson having been informed, by his friend Sir William
Hamilton, that the principal inhabitants of Rome, and other professors
and admirers of the fine arts, were about to erect, in that city, a
grand monumental testimony of their gratitude to his lordship, for
having delivered the country, as well as those valuable treasures of art
and antiquity which had for ages formed it's proudest boast, from the
tyranny and rapacity of French cruelty and barbarism, he immediately
addressed the following letter to Mr. Fagan, an ingenious artist at
Rome, who had so handsomely made the communication of this pleasing
intelligence, through Sir William, and with whom the design of that
honourable intention appears to have chiefly originated.
Palermo, 19th Dec. 1799.
"DEAR SIR,
"Sir William Hamilton has been so kind as to communicate to me the
distinguished honour intended me by the inhabitants, by you, and
other professors and admirers of the fine arts at Rome, to erect a
monument. I have not words sufficient to express my feelings, on
hearing that my actions have contributed to preserve the works
which form the school of fine arts in Italy, which the modern Goths
wanted to carry off and destroy. That they may always remain in the
only place worthy of them, Rome, are and will be my fervent wishes;
together with the esteem of, dear Sir, your most obliged servant,
"Bronte Nelson."
Had the several powers of the continent taken the constant advice of his
lordship, cordially to unite, in resolutely opposing the French
pillagers of principle as well as property, these rare productions of
the Greek and Roman schools of art would not since have found their way
to Paris, nor the projected grand rostral column have finally failed
equally to honour Rome and our immortal hero.
On the 17th of December, the Phaeton, Captain Morris, arrived from
Constantinople; having, by desire of the Ottoman ministry, brought two
Turkish ministers, one for Tunis, and the other for Algiers, to be
landed by Captain Morris, in his way down the Mediterranean. These
Turkish gentlemen brought Lord Nelson a very elegant letter from the
Grand Signior; accompanied by a drawing of the Battle of the Nile, and
another of the hero himself: "a curious present," pointedly says his
lordship, in writing next day to Earl Spencer; "but highly flattering to
me, as it marks that I am not in the least forgotten."
At this time, too, Lord Nelson received, from the inhabitants of Zante,
through the hands of Mr. Speridion Forresti, the very elegant and
flattering presents of a sword and cane; accompanied by a most kind and
respectful letter, in which they express their grateful acknowledgments
to his lordship, for having been the first cause of their liberation
from French tyranny. This, though true, his lordship observed, in a very
affectionate answer, was such an example of gratitude as must for ever
do them the highest honour; and begs that Mr. Speridion Forresti, by
whom he transmits it to them, will have the goodness to express, in
fuller terms than any words which his lordship can find, his sense of
their kindness, and of the wish to prove himself farther useful to them.
The cane was mounted in gold, with a single circle of diamonds; the
value of which was rendered incalculable, by the circumstance of the
inhabitants having declared that it was their wish to have added another
circle, but that they had no more diamonds in the island.
His lordship's letter to the Grand Vizier, in return for the presents
and epistle from the Grand Signior, was as follows.
"Palermo, 22d Dec 1799.
"SIR
Were I to attempt, by words, to express what I felt on receiving
the imperial present of the drawing of the Battle of Aboukir, and
the highly flattering letter wrote by your excellency in obedience
to the imperial command, I should feel myself unequal to the task.
Therefore, I can only beg your excellency to express, in words most
adapted to convey my gratitude to his imperial majesty, my sense of
the extraordinary high honour conferred upon me, by a present more
valuable than gold or jewels; as they may come only from the hand
of a great monarch, while this can only flow from the benevolent
heart of a good man. That the Almighty may pour down his choicest
blessings on the imperial head, and ever give his arms victory over
all his enemies, is the fervent prayer, and shall ever be, as far
as my abilities will allow me, the constant exertion, of your
excellency's obliged servant,
"Bronte Nelson."
In a letter to Earl Elgin, then ambassador at Constantinople, his
lordship thus expresses his grateful attachment to the Turks. "They,"
says he, "do me but justice, in believing that I am always alert to do
them every kindness; for, as no man ever received greater favours from
the Sublime Porte, so no one shall be more grateful." His lordship
sincerely regrets the escape of Bonaparte; and remarks, that those ships
which he had destined for the two places where Bonaparte would certainly
have been intercepted, were--from the Admiralty's thinking, doubtless,
that the Russians would do something at sea--obliged to be at Malta and
on other services, in which he also thought the Russian admiral would
have assisted: "therefore," he adds, "no blame lays at my door." The
Vincejo sloop, however, his lordship says, had a few days before taken a
vessel from Egypt, with General Voix, and seventy-five officers; and
that Captain Long was happy enough to save the dispatches, which had
been thrown overboard with a weight insufficient to instantly sink them.
These dispatches represented the extreme distress of the French army in
Egypt; and he expresses his hope, that the Sublime Porte will never
permit a single Frenchman to quit Egypt. "I own myself," says his
lordship, in that severe spirit of Antigallicanism for which he was ever
so remarkable, "wicked enough, to wish them all to die in that country
they chose to invade. We have scoundrels of French enough in Europe,
without them." It is contrary to his opinion, he repeats, to allow a
single Frenchman, from Egypt, to return to France, during the war; nor
would he subscribe any paper giving such permission. "But," concludes
his lordship, "I submit to the better judgment of men."
To Spencer Smith, Esq. now secretary of the embassy, his lordship writes
in a similar strain--"I have read, with pleasure, all that has passed in
Egypt, between Bonaparte, Kleber, and the Grand Vizier; and I send Lord
Elgin some very important papers, which will shew their very deplorable
situation: but I cannot bring myself to believe they would entirely quit
Egypt; and, if they would, I never would consent to one of them
returning to the continent of Europe during the war. I wish them to
perish in Egypt; and give a great lesson to the world, of the justice of
the Almighty."
On the 23d of December, his lordship received information from Sir
Thomas Troubridge, that the Culloden, in going into the Bay of Marsa
Scirocco, in the Island of Malta, to land cannon, ammunition, &c. from
Messina, for the siege, had struck on a rock, and was greatly damaged.
The rudder, and great part of the false keel, were carried away; and the
rudder would have been lost, but for Sir Thomas's timely exertion in
getting a hawser reeved through it. The pintles were all broken; and the
ship was steered to the anchorage, with the sails, in a safe but leaky
state. In answer to his friend Troubridge, respecting this unfortunate
accident, Lord Nelson says--"Your resources never fail; and you would
contrive something, I dare say, if the ship's bottom was knocked out."
In another letter of the 2d of January 1800, his lordship, who is
incessantly labouring, at all points, to obtain every requisite for the
reduction of Malta, and for the relief of the distressed natives, writes
thus--"I cannot get the frigate out of the mole; therefore, I must learn
to be a hard-hearted wretch, and fancy the cries of hunger in my ears. I
send you orders for the different governors: you will see, they are for
the supply of the army and navy; therefore, whatever Graham and you send
for will, if possible, be granted. I hope the Russians will sail, this
north-east wind; and it is my intention to give you all a meeting, the
moment the Foudroyant arrives."
On this day, too, his lordship wrote letters to Portugal: containing the
kindest praises of the Marquis De Niza, and the several officers and men
of the Portuguese squadron under his command; which were, at length,
returning home, in obedience to orders, on being relieved by Sir Thomas
Troubridge's arrival at Malta. One of these letters contained particular
recommendations of promotion for Captains Thompson, Welch, and De Pinto.
"When," says his lordship, "I mention my brother, and friend, Niza, I
must say, that I never knew so indefatigable an officer. During the
whole time I have had the happiness of having him under my command, I
have never expressed a wish that Niza did not fly to execute."
On the 6th of January, his lordship learned that his prediction to
Rear-Admiral Duckworth, of what had been intended respecting the command
of the Mediterranean fleet, was completely verified, by the approach of
Lord Keith; who now signified, in a letter to Lord Nelson, that he was
coming to Sicily. The effect which this event, though not unsuspected,
must have produced on his lordship's mind, is less difficult to be
conceived, than expressed. He had already met with sufficient
impediments to the execution of his designs, most of which were just
happily surmounted; but a paramount difficulty seemed now arising,
against which he might be disarmed of all power to perform any thing
efficient. The general aspect of his public situation, at this period,
is concentrated by his own skilful hand, in the following professional
letter, which he immediately wrote to Lord Keith; but his exalted and
superior mind disdained to discover, in such a communication, the state
of his own private feelings.
"Palermo, 7th Jan. 1800.
"MY DEAR LORD,
Last night, I received your letters, and orders, to December 14th,
from November 30th; all of which, I shall endeavour to obey: and,
with the greatest pleasure, to give you the state of the squadron,
and of affairs on this side of Minorca. I shall begin in the east.
My last accounts from thence were by the Phaeton, Captain Morris;
and, as your lordship will probably see him, I shall only say, that
I have not heard immediately from Sir Sidney Smith since September
the 7th. At Constantinople, they heard he was communicating with
the Grand Vizier, at Gaza, respecting the French army. The ships
with him are, Theseus and Cameleon; but the Bulldog is directed to
go to him, till the Smyrna convoy is ready to return. I have lately
sent provisions, and some few stores, all we had, for those ships;
and I have written to Duckworth, and Inglefield, to send
particularly for those ships. What Turkish ships of war Sir Sidney
Smith has under him, I know not; but, I am told, there are several.
The Turkish admiral, Captain Morris tells me, who served under him,
had his head taken off, for leaving the port of Alexandria open,
and permitting the escape of Bonaparte. I would have kept up a
more constant communication with Egypt; but, I have never had the
benefit of small vessels. At Corfu, General Villete is arrived, and
raising two regiments of Albanians. Our consul there, Mr. Speridion
Forresti, is a very able man; and, from thence, the passage of an
express, by land, to Constantinople, is twelve days. To get to
Malta--which has kept, for sixteen months, every ship I could lay
my hands on fully employed; and has, in truth, broke my spirits for
ever--I have been begging, of his Sicilian Majesty, small supplies
of money and corn, to keep the Maltese in arms, and barely to keep
from starving the poor inhabitants. Sicily has, this year, a very
bad crop, and the exportation of corn is prohibited. Both Graham
and Troubridge are in desperation, at the prospect of a famine.
Vessels are here, loading with corn for Malta; but I can neither
get the Neapolitan men of war, nor merchant vessels, to move. You
will see, by the report of the disposition of the ships, what a
wretched state we are in. In truth, only the Foudroyant and
Northumberland are fit to keep the sea. The Russians are, on the
4th, arrived at Messina; six sail of the line, frigates, &c. with
two thousand five hundred troops. It is not to be expected, that
any one Russian man of war can, or will, keep the sea; therefore,
the blockade by sea can only be kept up by our ships: and it is my
intention, if the Foudroyant, or even a frigate, comes soon, to go
for two days to Malta, to give the Russian admiral and general,
Graham, Troubridge, and Governor Ball, a meeting; not only, on the
most probable means of getting the French out, but also, of
arranging various matters, if it should fall to our exertions. The
Maltese have, Graham says, two thousand excellent troops; we have,
soldiers and sailors, fifteen hundred; the Russians will land full
three thousand. I hope, the Ricasoli may be carried; and, if it is,
I think the French general will no longer hold out. What a relief
this would be to us! If I cannot get to Malta very soon, I shall,
from your letter, remain here, to give you a meeting and receive
your orders. It is impossible to send, from Mahon, too many
supplies of stores to Malta; sails, rope, plank, nails, &c. You can
form no idea of our deplorable state, for the last year. In Sicily,
we are all quiet. I have been trying, with Sir William Hamilton, in
which the queen joins, to induce the king to return to Naples; but,
hitherto, without effect. I must suppose, his majesty has reasons
which I am unacquainted with. It has long been my wish, to send a
small squadron on the coast of Genoa; for the Russian ships are of
no use, to co-operate with the Germans: but, I have not them to
send. La Mutine, I have directed to protect our trade about
Leghorn; and to assist, as far as she is able, in giving convoy to
vessels carrying provisions to the Austrian army. The report of the
combined fleets being ready for sea, induced me to direct the
Phaeton and Penelope to cruize between Cape Spartel and Cape St.
Vincent; that I may have timely notice of their approach, if bound
this way--_which I believe_.
I have run over our present state; perhaps, too hastily: but, I am
anxious not to keep the brig one moment longer than my writing this
letter. With every sentiment of respect, believe me, my dear lord,
your most obedient servant,
"Bronte Nelson."
To his Excellency, the Honourable Lieutenant-General Fox, at Minorca,
his lordship on the same day wrote, that he would not suffer General
Graham to want, if he could "beg, borrow, or steal, to supply him. Lord
Keith," he adds, "is, I dare say, with you, at this moment; and, I am
sure, all matters will be much better arranged with him than I have
ability of doing. I have only the disposition to do what is right, and
the desire of meriting your esteem." To Colonel Graham, at Malta, he
also wrote, this day, as follows--"I hope to soon pay you a visit, and I
only wish that I could always do all you ask me. It is certain, that you
cannot go on at Malta, without money; therefore, I declare, sooner than
you should want, I would sell Bronte. But, I trust, from General Fox's
letter to me, that you will have his consent for ordering what money may
be necessary. I send you all the Egyptian papers, for you, Ball, and
Troubridge; and, if you like, in confidence, Italinskoy. Suwarrow is at
Prague, with his whole army: ready to act with the Austrians, if they
come to their senses; or, perhaps, against them. _Moreau_ is at Vienna,
treating for peace. What a state the allies bring us into! But, it is in
vain to cry out; John Bull was always ill-treated. May a speedy success
attend you!"
On the 14th, a new mortification occurred to his lordship. The Russian
admiral, who had so long lingered at Naples, and recently arrived at
Messina, with the intent, as was supposed, of at length going to Malta,
sent notice that he was proceeding with his ships and troops to Corfu,
and could not go to Malta. Lord Keith was, at this time, gone to station
a squadron for the blockade of the port and coast of Genoa; and Lord
Nelson, after arranging, with General Acton, a plan for sending two
thousand six hundred troops, and encouraging his respective friends at
Malta to persevere in their labours, under these and other comforting
assurances, sailed in the Foudroyant, on the 16th, to concert measures
for future operations with the commander in chief.
On the 23d, his lordship writes to Earl Spencer, from Leghorn, that he
came thither to meet Lord Keith; and that they are going, together, to
Palermo and Malta. "If," says his lordship, "Sir James St. Clair, or
General Fox, had felt themselves authorized to have given us two
thousand troops, I think that Malta, by this time, would have fallen;
and our poor ships been released from the hardest service I have ever
seen. The going away of the Russians, has almost done me up; but the
King of Naples has ordered two thousand six hundred troops from Sicily,
to assist Graham, and they are to be under our command. It is true, they
are not good soldiers; but, they will ease our's in the fatigues of
duty. The feeding the inhabitants of Malta, and paying two thousand of
the people who bear arms, has been a continual source of uneasiness to
my mind. His Sicilian Majesty has done more than it was possible to
expect he had the ability of performing; for the resources of his
kingdom are hardly yet come round, and his demands are excessive from
all quarters of his dominions. Lord Keith will now be able to judge,
with his own eyes and ears, and your lordship will see his report. The
loyalty and attachment of their Sicilian Majesties to our king and
country is such, that I would venture to lay down my head to be cut off,
if they would not rather lose their kingdom of Naples, than hold it on
terms from Austria and the French, by a separation from their alliance
with England. There is not a thing which his majesty can desire, that
their majesties of the two Sicilies will not have the greatest pleasure
in complying with. I have, before, ventured on the character of their
Sicilian majesties. The king is a real good man, but inclined to be
positive in his opinion; the queen is certainly a great monarch, and a
true daughter of Maria Theresa. I am just favoured with your letter of
December 12th; which, although so entirely contrary to my expectations,
cannot alter my respect for all your kindness. I am in debt, from my
situation; but, time and care will get me out of it. Since May 1798, I
have had all the expence of a commander in chief, without even the
smallest advantage. Lord Keith," concludes his lordship, "shall find, in
me, an officer ever ready to anticipate his wishes, so long as my health
permits."
Though Lord Nelson does not absolutely complain of his then ill health,
he was certainly much indisposed; and, but a few weeks before, had
undergone a painful course of electricity, at Palermo, from which he
entertained hopes of recovering the sight of his left eye.
On the 26th, his lordship sailed from Leghorn, and arrived safely at
Palermo; from whence, in a few days, he proceeded to Malta, for the
purpose of arranging the business of that important siege.
On the 12th of February, at sea, his lordship received the report of a
survey held on the warrant-officers stores found onboard the Leander at
the time, of it's being delivered up, with an account of those said to
be supplied by the Russians while this ship was in their possession,
which he inclosed to Lord Keith, as commander in chief; and, only six
days after, being in company with the Northumberland, Audacious, and El
Corso brig, fortunately captured Le Genereux, by which the Leander had
been originally taken. The particulars of this pleasing event will be
best described in his lordship's own words.
"Foudroyant, at Sea, 10th Feb. 1800.
Off Cape di Corso,
Eight Leagues West of Cape Passaro;
off Shore, Four Miles.
"MY LORD,
This morning, at day-light, being in company with the ships named
in the margin, I saw the Alexander in chase of a line of battle
ship, three frigates, and a corvette: and, about eight o'clock, she
fired several shot at one of the enemy's frigates, which struck her
colours; and, leaving her to be secured by the ships astern,
continued the chase. I directed Captain Gould of the Audacious, and
the El Corso brig, to take charge of this prize. At half past one
P.M. the frigates and corvette tacked to the westward; but the line
of battle ship, not being able to tack without coming to action
with the Alexander, bore up. The Success being to leeward, Captain
Peard, with great judgment and gallantry, lay across his hawser,
and raked him with several broadsides. In passing the French ship's
broadside, several shot struck the Success; by which, one man was
killed, and the master and seven men wounded. At half past four,
the Foudroyant and Northumberland coming up, the former fired two
shot; when the French ship fired her broadside, and struck her
colours. She proved to be Le Genereux, of seventy-four guns,
bearing the flag of Rear-Admiral Perrée, commander in chief of the
French naval force in the Mediterranean; having a number of troops
on board, from Toulon, bound for the relief of Malta. I attribute
our success, this day, to be principally owing to the extreme good
management of Lieutenant William Harrington, who commands the
Alexander in the absence of Captain Ball: and I am much pleased
with the gallant behaviour of Captain Peard, of the Success; as,
also, with the alacrity and good conduct of Captain Martin, and Sir
Edward Berry. I have sent Lieutenant Andrew Thomson, First
Lieutenant of the Foudroyant, to take charge of Le Genereux; whom I
beg leave to recommend to your lordship, for promotion: and send
her, under care of the Northumberland, and Alexander, to Syracuse,
to wait your lordship's orders. I have the honour to be, my lord,
your lordship's most obedient and most humble servant,