His lordship, the next day, directed Captain Gould, of the Audacious, to
proceed with the French prisoners for the harbour of St. Paul, in the
Island of Malta; and, putting them on board any ship of war, or empty
transport, he might find there, to return to the westward of Goza, where
he was to cruize till farther orders.
Though Lord Nelson was much gratified by this capture, which reduced the
number of French ships that had escaped at the battle off the Nile to
the single one of Le Guillaume Tell, then blocked up at Malta, his
health appeared daily on the decline. Still, however, his spirits seem
to have remained lively; for, in writing on the occasion, to Palermo, he
desires Prince Leopold will tell his august father, that he is, he
believes, the first Duke of Bronte who ever took a French seventy-four.
Besides the French prisoners sent to Malta for the sake of compelling
their countrymen to maintain them, and consequently to assist in the
consumption of the provisions of the garrison, and thus accelerate it's
surrender; there were a number of Moorish prisoners on board Le
Genereux, subjects of the Bashaw of Tripoli. These Lord Nelson sent back
to their own country; with letters to the bashaw, as well as to the
British consul: the former of whom he assures, that he is happy in the
opportunity of saving so many of his subjects from a French prison; and
the latter, he requests, will not fail to impress on the bashaw's mind,
that Nelson is never unmindful of his friends. "The bashaw," he adds,
"was very good in supplying the El Corso with some rope, which was duly
reported to me; and, for which, I beg, you will thank his excellency in
my name."
On the 24th of February, off Malta, where his lordship found his health
much affected, he wrote to Lord Keith, that it was impossible he could
remain much longer there. "Without some rest," says his lordship, "I am
gone. I must, therefore, whenever I find the service will admit of it,
request your permission to go to my friends at Palermo, for a few weeks,
and leave the command here to Commodore Troubridge. Nothing but
necessity obliges me to write this letter." Finding, however, on the
28th, from the report of his friend Captain Ball, that the French ships
were perfectly ready for sea, and would probably attempt to escape the
first fair wind, he writes thus to Lord Keith--"My state of health is
very precarious. Two days ago, I dropped with a pain in my heart, and I
am always in a fever; but the hopes of these gentry coming out, shall
support me a few days longer. I really desire to see this Malta business
finished." The following passage, which occurs in another part of this
letter, is highly characteristic--"The intended movements of their
ships, is a convincing proof, to me, that the garrison has lost all
hopes of a successful resistance, and I wish General Graham would make
false attacks. I am no soldier; therefore, ought not to hazard an
opinion: but, if I commanded, I would torment the scoundrels night and
day."
Having waited till the 8th of March, with the vain expectation that the
French ships would venture out, his lordship wrote to Lord Keith, that
his health continued so bad, he was obliged, in justice to himself, to
retire to Palermo for a few weeks, directing Commodore Troubridge to
carry on the service during his necessary absence: and, in a day or two
after, sailed for Palermo; where he did not arrive, having had a
tedious passage, till the 16th.
On the 20th, his lordship writes to Lord Keith--"It is too soon to form
any judgment of what effect it may have on my health; but, on the 18th,
I had near died, with the swelling of some of the vessels of the heart.
I know, the anxiety of my mind, on coming back to Syracuse in 1798, was
the first cause; and more people, perhaps, die of broken hearts, than we
are aware of." To Commodore Troubridge he writes, also, on this day,
much in the same strain--"It is too soon to form an opinion whether I
can ever be cured of my complaint. At present, I see but glimmering
hopes; and, probably, my career of service is at an end: unless the
French fleet should come into the Mediterranean, when nothing shall
prevent my dying at my post. I hope, my dear friend, that your
complaints are better. Pray, do not fret at any thing; I wish I never
had: but my return to Syracuse, in 1798, broke my heart; which, on any
extraordinary anxiety, now shews itself, be that feeling _pain_ or
_pleasure_." His lordship remarks, however, that he is an infidel about
the Brest fleet again trusting themselves in the Mediterranean. The
Russians, he observes, are certainly going to Malta; under commanders,
both at sea and land, with whom all will be harmony. "You will have
heard," continues his lordship, "that Mr. Arthur Paget is daily
expected, to replace, for the present, Sir William; Comte Pouskin is
also superseded by Italinskoy. In short, great changes are going on; and
none, that I can see, for the better. I have not yet seen General Acton;
but I am led to believe, that the king's not returning to Naples, _has_
been entirely owing to the general. At present, perhaps, he has so much
frightened him, that the act appears his own. _We, of the Nile_, are not
equal to Lord Keith, in his estimation; and ought to think it an honour
to serve under such a _clever man_." In concluding this letter, his
lordship says--"Acton has, I am almost convinced, played us _false_."
In another letter to Sir Thomas Troubridge, dated on the 28th, his
lordship says, that if the ships get away, he is certain the garrison
will not hold out; and expresses his intention again to visit Malta,
before he retires from the station. A courier, from Constantinople, he
says, is just arrived: bringing intelligence, that the French treaty for
quitting Egypt is ratified by the Porte; and, that the ministers of
England and Russia have acquainted the Porte of the determination of the
allies not to suffer the French army to return to Europe. His lordship
then directs him to repeat the orders already given, for making the
French from Egypt, under whatever protection they may be, come into some
of the ports of the allies; for, on no consideration, must they be
allowed to return to France. "I now," adds his lordship, "come to the
most painful part of my letter, the loss of the Queen Charlotte, by
fire. Lord Keith is safe; and, I hope, most of the officers and crew.
She sailed from Leghorn at daylight of the 17th, with a strong land
wind. She was, when five miles distant, discovered to be on fire; and,
at noon, she blew up, about twelve miles from the light-house. This is
the whole we know. Vessels were fearful, till after some time, to
approach her; therefore, many poor fellows must be gone!"
In a very few days after this melancholy accident, Lord Nelson
experienced one of the highest gratifications of his life, by the
capture of Le Guillaume Tell. The first information of that important
event was conveyed in the following note from Sir Edward Berry.
"Foudroyant, 30th March 1800.
"MY DEAR LORD,
"I had but one wish, this morning; it was for you. After a most
gallant defence, Le Guillaume Tell surrendered, and she is
compleatly dismasted. The Foudroyant's lower masts, and main
topmast, are standing; but, every roll, I expect them to go over
the side, they are so much shattered. I was slightly hurt in the
foot; and, I fear, about forty men are badly wounded, besides the
killed, which you shall know hereafter. All hands behaved as you
would have wished. How we prayed for you, God knows, and your
sincere and faithful friend,
"E. Berry."
On the 4th of April, his lordship having received farther particulars
from Sir Thomas Troubridge, wrote thus to Mr. Nepean.
"Palermo, 4th April 1800.
"SIR,
"I have received no official reports, but I have letters from
Commodore Troubridge, Captain Dixon, and Sir Edward Berry, telling
me of the capture of the William Tell, on the morning of the 30th
of March, after a gallant defence of three hours. The Lion and
Foudroyant lost each about forty killed and wounded. The French
ship is dismasted; the French Admiral, Decres, wounded; and the
Foudroyant much shattered. I send Sir Edward Berry's hasty note.
Thus, owing to my brave friends, is the entire destruction of the
French Mediterranean fleet to be attributed, and my orders from the
great Earl of St. Vincent are fulfilled. Captain Blackwood, of the
Penelope, and Captain Long, of the Vincejo, have the greatest
merit. My task is done; my health is finished; and, probably, my
retreat for ever fixed--unless another French fleet should be
placed for me to look after. Ever your most obedient humble
servant,
"Bronte Nelson of the Nile."
"Evan Nepean, Esq."
The letter of Commodore Troubridge, above mentioned, contains the
following particulars.
"Culloden, Marsa Scirocco,
1st April 1800.
"MY LORD,
"I most sincerely congratulate your lordship on the capture of Le
Guillaume Tell, the thirteenth and last of the line of battle ships
of the famous Egyptian squadron. I would have given one thousand
guineas your health had permitted your being in the Foudroyant. I
hear Le Guillaume Tell is dismasted, and Foudroyant little better.
I have sent three top-masts, spare-sails, lower and top-gallant
caps, spars, &c. to refit, and make jury-masts. As I do not feel
authorized to send any of these prisoners away until I hear from
your lordship, I have sent two transports to take them in. The
Maltese seamen I shall divide; the miserable wretches that Vaubois
was sending away as lumber, I mean to _return to him_, in his own
way--put them on the glacis, and fire on them if they attempt to
come away. I really think, the officers should not be permitted to
go to France for some time. Their business was, to have returned
with men and provisions. Suppose we could get them to Mahon, with
orders to carry them to England in the convoy. As I shall see your
lordship here soon, you can settle that then. The French wounded, I
have ordered to be landed at Syracuse. If the Foudroyant is not
ready, or in a state to fetch your lordship, what are your wishes?
The other three ships are preparing to sail from Valette the first
wind. Northumberland goes out, with my men, to-day. If the
Foudroyant had not come as she did, Le Guillaume Tell would have
beat all we had. The Penelope is the only effective ship; if she
goes, we shall be badly off. Much credit is due to Captains
Blackwood and Long; the latter, I beg your lordship to recommend to
the commander in chief. Every thing shall be done, in my power. If
the ships were here, I could soon refit them. My people begin to
droop, from hard work; the prize still sticks to us. I long to get
Diana and Justice to compleat the gang. In my former letter, I
acquainted your lordship, that I every night placed a lieutenant,
and three trusty men, with a night-glass, in a house close to the
enemy's works, to watch the ships. The signals from them apprized
the ships she was moving; and answered, fully, my expectations.
Rely on all and every exertion in my power. I am so busy, I have
not time to write you more at present. I have the honour to be, my
lord, your lordship's most obedient humble servant,
"T. Troubridge."
"Right Hon. Lord Nelson, K.B. &c."
The following is Captain Dixon's official account of the action,
transmitted to Sir Thomas Troubridge; and, as it contains much fuller
particulars than his hasty private letter, which had been inclosed to
Lord Nelson, it is here inserted instead of that communication.
"Lion, at Sea, off Cape Passaro,
31st March 1800.
"SIR,
"I have the honour to inform you that, yesterday morning, at nine
o'clock, Cape Passaro bearing north half east, distant seven
leagues, the French ship of war Le Guillaume Tell, of eighty-six
guns, and one thousand men, bearing the flag of Contre-Admiral
Decres, surrendered, after a most gallant and obstinate defence of
three hours and a half, to his majesty's ships Foudroyant, Lion,
and Penelope. To declare the particulars of this very important
capture, I have to inform you, that the signal rockets and
cannonading from our batteries at Malta, the midnight preceding,
with the favourable strong southerly gale, together with the
darkness which succeeded the setting of the moon, convinced me the
enemy's ships of war were attempting to effect an escape: and which
was immediately ascertained, by that judicious and truly valuable
officer, Captain Blackwood of the Penelope; who had been stationed,
a few hours before, between the Lion and Valette, for the purpose
of observing closely the motions of the enemy. Nearly at midnight,
an enemy's ship was descried by him; when the Minorca was sent to
inform me of it, giving chase himself, and apprizing me, by signal,
that the strange ships seen were hauled to the wind on the
starboard tack. I lost not one moment, in making the signal for the
squadron to cut, or slip; and directed Captain Miller of the
Minorca, to run down to the Foudroyant and Alexander with the
intelligence, and to repeat the signal. Under a press of canvass, I
chased until five in the morning, solely guided by the cannonading
of the Penelope; and, as a direction to the squadron, a rocket and
blue light were shewn every half hour from the Lion. As the day
broke, I found myself in gun-shot of the chase; and the Penelope,
within musket-shot, raking her; the effects of whose well-directed
fire, during the night, had shot away the main and mizen top-masts
and main-yard. The enemy appeared in great confusion, being reduced
to his head-sails, going with the wind on the quarter. The Lion was
run close along-side, the yard-arms of both ships being just clear,
when a destructive broadside, of three round shot in each gun, was
poured in, luffing up across the bow, when the enemy's jib-boom
passed between the main and mizen shrouds. After a short interval,
I had the pleasure to see the boom carried away, and the ships
disentangled; maintaining a position across the bow, and firing to
great advantage. I was not the least solicitous, either to board or
to be boarded: as the enemy appeared of immense bulk, and full of
men, keeping up a prodigious fire of musketry; which, with the
bow-chasers, she could, for a long time, only use. I found it
absolutely necessary, if possible, to keep from the broadside of
this ship. After being engaged about forty minutes, the Foudroyant
was seen under a press of canvass; and soon passed, hailing the
enemy to strike: which being declined, a very heavy fire, from both
ships, broadside to broadside, was most gallantly maintained, the
Lion and Penelope being frequently in situations to do great
execution. In short, Sir, after an action, the hottest that
probably was ever maintained by an enemy's; ship, opposed to those
of his majesty, and being totally dismasted, the French admiral's
flag and colours were struck. I have not language to express the
high sense of obligation which I feel myself under to Captain
Blackwood, for his prompt and able conduct, in leading the line of
battle ships to the enemy, for the gallantry and spirit so highly
conspicuous in him, and for his admirable management of the
frigate. To your discriminating judgment, it is unnecessary to
remark, of what real value and importance such an officer must ever
be considered to his majesty's service. The termination of the
battle must be attributed to the spirited fire of the Foudroyant;
whose Captain, Sir Edward Berry, has justly added another laurel to
the many he has gathered during the war. Captain Blackwood speaks
in very high terms of the active and gallant conduct of Captain
Long of the Vincejo, during the night; and I beg to mention the
services of Captains Broughton and Miller. The crippled condition
of the Lion and Foudroyant, made it necessary for me to direct
Captain Blackwood to take possession of the enemy, take him in tow,
and proceed to Syracuse. I received the greatest possible
assistance from Lieutenant Joseph Paty, senior officer of the
Lion; and from Mr. Spence, the master: who, together with the other
officers, and ship's company, shewed the most determined gallantry.
Captains Sir Edward Berry and Blackwood have reported to me the
same gallant and animated behaviour in the officers and crews of
their respective ships. I am sorry to say, that the three ships
have suffered much in killed and wounded; and the loss of the enemy
is prodigious, being upwards of two hundred. I refer you to the
inclosed reports for farther particulars as to the state of his
majesty's ships, and have the honour to remain, Sir, your's most
truly,
Manly Dixon.
P.S. The Guillaume Tell is of the largest dimensions, and carries
thirty-six pounders on the lower gun-deck, twenty-four pounders on
the main-deck, twelve pounders on the quarter-deck, and thirty-two
carronades on the poop."