them, and of my earnest endeavours to merit their Lordships' approbation. Last night I received from the inhabitants of the Island of Zante a letter of which I enclose a copy, and also a very massy and elegant gold-hilted Sword, and a beautiful Cane, enriched with diamonds; these flattering marks of approbation from all Religions cannot but afford me the greatest pleasure, and be a stimulus for the greatest exertions, not only from myself, but also to the Officers in our Service growing up to the superior ranks. I have the honour to be, &c., BRONTE NELSON. I send a letter from Mr. Spiridion Foresti, and I must beg leave earnestly to recommend him to their Lordships' notice, and I also desire to do the same to Major Magra, the Consul at Tunis. These two gentlemen are the only ones I have found who really and truly do their duty, and merit every encouragement and protection. B. N. TO THE RIGHT HONOURABLE EARL SPENCER, K.G.3 [Letter-Book.] My dear Lord, Palermo, 28th November, 1799. I am writing a letter to you on the subject of our situation with the Barbary States, but I shall not keep the Perseus, by detaining her a moment with this fine levanter. I hope Ball It must have been about this time that Lord Nelson received the following letter from Earl Spencer, the importance of which has been pointed out. Vide vol. iii. p. 509. "My dear Lord, "Admiralty, 7th October, 1799. "In answer to your Letter of the 23rd of July, which did not reach me till the 26th of last month, I can only now repeat what I believe I have before said on the subject-namely, that the intentions and motives by which all your measures have been governed, have been as pure and good as their success has been complete. The arrival of the Squadron detached under Admiral Duckworth to Minorca, was a very satisfactory event to us, as it put that Island in a more perfect state of security, though I do not apprehend that in the present state of things there is much danger of its being attacked, and we are now looking forward in the expectation of hearing will be able to hold fast a little longer. All the Marines from the Foudroyant are on shore at Malta, and nothing has been wanting on my part to second his truly meritorious exertions. The Marquis de Niza has the greatest merit in obeying my orders, in direct disobedience to those of his Court, but by his letter of the 19th-I fear by the advice of some of his English Commodores-he may be induced to quit Malta, which would be ruin to us in that Island. He has quoted Sir James St. Clair Erskine and Colonel Graham as a justification of his obedience of orders; for they would not, he says, disobey their orders, to save Malta-therefore, why should he? But as he would, about that time, receive from me, a stronger order and requisition if possible, than ever, holding out the certain displeasure instead of approbation of his Royal Highness the Prince of Brazil, should he obey, in this critical moment, the order to proceed to Lisbon, I trust he will remain. Commodore Sir Thomas Troubridge will relieve him, and all will then be well. In General Fox's orders to Colonel Graham, he says, 'you will not incur any expense for stores, or any article but provisions.' 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, I shall sell Bronté and the Emperor of Russia's box; for I feel myself above every consideration but either from you or from Captain Ball, of the surrender of Malta, which, I hope, cannot hold out much longer, as the approach of the bad weather may much increase the difficulty of the blockade. You will receive a copy of a communication on the subject of this Island from the Secretary of State, which was left with Lord Keith by Lord St. Vincent, and from the circumstances under which the former quitted the Mediterranean, had not been transmitted to your Lordship. I have only to add to what you will collect from that paper, that the utmost importance is attached by his Majesty's Government to the object of carefully avoiding to do anything which may raise any jealousies in the mind of the Emperor of Russia, who is particularly bent on the point of restoring, under some new regulations, the Order of Malta, and whose conduct ever on this subject, though one on which he may perhaps have been sus pected by the world of entertaining more ambitious views, has been, as far as we are enabled to judge of it, of the most disinterested and honourable kind. "I trust this letter will find you in good health and spirits, and shall conclude with assuring you, that I am, very faithfully, your obedient humble servant, SPENCER."-Autograph, lately in the possession of Mr. Evans, of Maddox Street, Hanover Square. that of serving faithfully. Do not, my dear Lord, let the Admiralty write harshly to me-my generous soul cannot bear it, being conscious it is entirely unmerited; and ever believe me your obliged, BRONTE NELSON. TO THE RIGHT HONOURABLE LORD GRENVILLE, SECRETARY OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS. [Autograph, in the State Paper Office.] My Lord, Palermo, November 28th, 1799. I send you a letter sent me by Mr. Spiridion Foresti from Corfu, addressed to your Lordship, also one I received a few days ago, which Mr. Foresti thinks of some consequence. I cannot let this opportunity slip of recommending this gentleman to your Lordship's notice; and as I am on this subject, give me leave to recommend another Consul to the notice of Government, Major Magra, residing at Tunis. It is strict justice only in me to say that these two Consuls are the ONLY ones I have found in the Mediterranean who have really attended to their duty. I have the honour to be your Lordship's most obedient servant, BRONTE NELSON. TO CAPTAIN BALL, CHIEF OF THE ISLAND OF MALTA. [Autograph, in the possession of Sir William Keith Ball, Bart.] My dear Ball, Palermo, November 28th, 1799. This will be delivered to you by the Chevalier Italinsky, who I beg leave strongly to recommend to your kind notice; he is fully sensible of your merits, and will I trust do full justice to them at Petersburg. He knows of my application for the Cross for you, I have opened fully to him on all the points which I think can occur about Malta, and in particular of your situation there. I trust, and indeed have no doubt, but that all will be harmony with the Russian Commander, which is most strongly recommended to me by my letters of October. I have only to wish you, which I do from my heart, a speedy termination of your labours, and a proper reward for them, to obtain which nothing shall be wanting on the part of your faithful and obliged friend, BRONTE NELSON. TO COMMISSIONER INGLEFIELD. My dear Inglefield, [Letter-Book.] November 28th, 1799. Many thanks for your letter of the 9th, and I shall only say, and desire you will bear it in mind, that I shall always be glad of opportunities of proving my sincere regard and esteem for you. But you must make allowances for a worn-out, blind, left-handed man; therefore, to business. If the Hulk is to be commanded by a Boatswain, I hope it will be given to my old and valuable friend, King; and request your influence that no other should stand in his way. The Perseus wants re-fitting. Pray do it as expeditiously as you can, that she may return to me. I am glad stores are going in the Gorgon to Minorca; for our Ships off Malta, when that long and tedious business is brought to a finish, will want a complete equipping. Troubridge, who brought me General Fox's permission for the garrison of Messina to go to Malta, did not anchor the Foudroyant, and joined him, for I keep her always ready to weigh, without any notice. If we are not turned out of Malta before Colonel Graham arrives there, we shall do well; but I have very great fears the garrison will make a sortie, and drive us to the Devil. But I hope our usual good fortune will attend us through this enterprise. Ball's perseverance has been wonderful. Sir William and Lady Hamilton desire their kindest wishes. I am, &c., 4 Vide vol. i. p. 257. BRONTE NELSON. TO COMMODORE SIR THOMAS TROUBRIDGE, BART. [Letter-Book.] My dear Troubridge, Palermo, November 28th, 1799. This will be delivered to you by the Chevalier Italinsky, to whom I have communicated my sentiments fully on all the points about Malta; and in all your communication of any consequence with Admiral Ouschakoff, I would strongly recommend to have Italinsky present, and not trust to any other representation at Petersburg. You will find this gentleman one of the best Foreigners you ever dealt with; and he sees the absolute necessity of the Allies drawing together as strongly as we do. There is nothing in reason I would not give into rather than a shade of difference should arise. I need only say, be kind and civil to the Chevalier, and I know that your goodness will do all that is necessary. Should any particular stores be wanting, I desire you will send to Minorca, and ask them of General Fox in my name.. The Perseus is arrived, and if the Corvette does not sail very early this morning, the Artillerymen shall be put on board her. No appearance of Martin' or the Transport. For the present, adieu; but ever believe me your affectionate friend, BRONTE NELSON. TO THE RIGHT HONOURABLE EARL SPENCER, K.G. [Letter-Book.] My dear Lord, Palermo, November 29th, 1799. The situation of our affairs with the Barbary States calls for serious attention; for, from the circumstances of the war, it has been impossible to make them fear us as they ought, particu 'Captain Martin, of the Northumberland, so often mentioned. Mr. Lucas, the English Consul at Tripoli, informed Lord Nelson, in a letter dated on the 14th October, 1799, that "The Bashaw is not averse to the peace with his Sicilian Majesty, but wishes to know what sum he is to receive for it, particularly as he has Neapolitan slaves; and should he make peace with Naples, he must declare war with some other nation, or lay up his cruizers." On the envelope of that letter Lord Nelson wrote-" Very good reasons for being at war-well said, Bashaw!" |