In the mean time, from parts of the floating wreck of L'Orient, the officers of the fleet vied with each other in causing numerous articles to be manufactured, as commemorations of this glorious victory, which they most affectionately presented to their respected commander. Captain Hallowell, in particular, with singular zeal and attachment, procured a coffin to be made, by his carpenter, on board the Swiftsure, entirely from the wreck of L'Orient, iron as well as wood, in the most elegant manner that the workman could effect with such limited materials, and so little skill in that particular branch of business; which was delivered to Admiral Nelson with the following letter.

Swiftsure, August 1798.

"SIR,

"I Have taken the liberty of presenting you a coffin made from the mainmast of L'Orient; that, when you have finished your military career in this world, you may be buried in one of your trophies: but, that that period may be far distant, is the earnest wish of your sincere friend,

"Benjamin Hallowell."

The present of this worthy and brave officer, however singular, was received with an affectionate regard equal to that felt by himself. So highly, indeed, did the hero prize this gift, that he had it immediately placed upright in his cabin; and, though he was at length prevailed on, by the intreaties of an old and favourite servant, to have the coffin carried below, nothing could possibly prevent his resolution to have it finally made use of for the purpose originally intended by the gallant and esteemed donor.

While the various dispatches were preparing to be sent by Captain Capel to England, as soon as La Mutine could be got ready for sailing, those of Bonaparte to France were fortunately intercepted; as appears in the continuation of the following letter from Admiral Nelson to Sir William Hamilton.

"Vanguard, Mouth of the Nile, 8th August 1798.

"MY DEAR SIR,

"Almighty God has made me the happy instrument of destroying the enemy's fleet; which, I hope, will be a blessing to Europe. You will have the goodness to communicate this happy event to all the courts in Italy; for my head is so indifferent, that I can scarcely scrawl this letter. Captain Capel, who is charged with my dispatches for England, will give you every information. Pray, put him in the quickest mode of getting home. You will not send, by post, any particulars of this action; as I should be sorry to have any accounts get home before my dispatches. I hope there will be no difficulty in our getting refitted at Naples. Culloden must be instantly hove down, and Vanguard have all new masts and bowsprit. Not more than four or five sail of the line will probably come to Naples: the rest will go with the prizes to Gibraltar. As this army never will return, I hope to hear the emperor has regained the whole of Italy. With every good wish, believe me, dear Sir, your most obliged, and affectionate,

"Horatio Nelson.

"9th August. I have intercepted all Bonaparte's dispatches going to France. The army is in a scrape, and will not get out of it."

These intercepted dispatches were transmitted to Earl Spencer, as First Lord of the Admiralty, with the following letter.

"Mouth of the Nile, 9th August 1798,

"MY LORD,

"Were I to die this moment, want of frigates would be found stamped on my heart. No words of mine, can express what I have suffered, and am suffering, for want of them. Having only La Mutine brig, I cannot yet send off Captain Capel, which I am very anxious to do: for, as an accident may happen to Captain Berry, it is of some importance, I think, for your lordship to be informed of our success as speedily as possible. If the King of Naples had joined us, nothing at this moment could prevent the destruction of the store ships, and all the transports, in the port of Alexandria; four bomb vessels would burn the whole in a few hours: but, as I have not the means, I can only regret the circumstance. I send you a pacquet of intercepted letters, some of them of great importance; in particular, one from Bonaparte to his brother. He writes such a scrawl, as no one not used to it can read: but, luckily, we have got a man who has wrote in his office to decypher it. Bonaparte has differed with his generals here: and he did want—and, if I understand his meaning, does want, and will strive to be, the Washington of France. "Ma mere," is evidently meant for "my country." But, I beg pardon: all this is, I have no doubt, well known to administration. I believe, our victory will, in it's consequences, destroy this army; at least, my endeavours shall not be wanting. I shall remain here for some time. I have thought it right to send an officer (by Alexandretta, Aleppo, and Bussorah) over land, to India, with an account of what I have gathered from these dispatches; which, I hope, will be approved. I have sent a copy of my letter to the Board of Controul, that they may give the necessary directions for paying the officers bills. If it should have gone to the East India Company, I hope that board will forward it. Ever believe me, your lordship's most obliged and obedient servant,

"Horatio Nelson."

The letter thus mentioned, as being addressed to the Board of Controul, was written to the Right Honourable Henry Dundas, then President of that Board, the present celebrated Lord Melville, in these words—

"Vanguard, Mouth of the Nile, 9th August 1798.

"SIR,

"As President of the Board of Controul for India, I have addressed this letter to you: if I ought to have addressed it to the India House, I request you will have the goodness to send it to the Chairman of the Company; and, that you will excuse the trouble I have given you. I have thought it right to send an officer, Lieutenant Duval, who very handsomely offered his services, by Alexandretta, Aleppo, and Bussorah, to Bombay, to give all the accounts I know of the movements of the French army, and their future intentions. Herewith, I send a copy of my letter; and of the orders I have given him, to draw for money on the East India Company, &c. If I have done wrong, I hope the bills will be paid, and I will repay the company; for, as an Englishman, I shall be proud that it has been in my power to be the means of putting our settlements on their guard. Mr. Baldwin not having been for some months at Alexandria, has been a great misfortune. I have the honour to be, Sir, with the greatest respect, your most obedient servant,

"Horatio Nelson."

With a hundred dollars, in cash, and letters of credit to his Britannic majesty's consuls, vice-consuls, and even British merchants, on his prescribed route, Lieutenant Duval was this day dispatched by Admiral Nelson, as bearer of the following letter to his Excellency the Governor of Bombay.

"Vanguard, off the Mouth of the Nile, 9th August 1798.

"SIR,

"Although, I hope, the consuls who are, or ought to be, in Egypt, have sent you an express of the situation of affairs here; yet, as I know Mr. Baldwin has, some months, left Alexandria; it is possible you may not be regularly informed. I shall therefore relate to you, briefly, that a French army of forty thousand men, in three hundred transports, with thirteen sail of the line, eleven frigates, bomb vessels, gun-boats, &c. arrived at Alexandria on the 1st of July. On the 7th they left it, for Cairo; where they arrived on the 22d. During their march, they had some actions with the Mamelukes, which the French call grand victories. As I have Bonaparte's dispatches before me, which I took yesterday, I speak positively. He says—"I am now going to send off, to take Suez and Damietta." He does not speak very favourable of either the country or people; but there is so much bombast in his letters, that it is difficult to get near the truth. He does not mention India, in these dispatches. He is what he calls organizing the country: but, you may be assured, is master only of what his army covers. From all the enquiries which I have been able to make, I cannot learn that any French vessels are at Suez, to carry any part of the army to India. Bombay, I know, if they can get there, is their first object. But, I trust, Almighty God will, in Egypt, overthrow these pests of the human race. It has been in my power to prevent twelve thousand men from leaving Genoa; and, also, to take eleven sail of the line, and two frigates: in short, only two sail of the line, and two frigates, have escaped us. This glorious battle was fought at the mouth of the Nile, at anchor. It begun at sun-set, August 1st, and was not finished at three the next morning. It has been severe, but God blessed our endeavours with a great victory. I am now at anchor between Alexandria and Rosetta, to prevent their communication by water; and nothing, under a regiment, can pass by land. But, I should have informed you that the French have four thousand men posted at Rosetta, to keep open the mouth of the Nile. Alexandria, both town and shipping, are so distressed for provisions, which they can only get from the Nile, by water, that I cannot guess the good success which may attend my holding our present position; for Bonaparte writes his distress for stores, artillery, things for their hospitals, &c. All useful communication is at an end, between Alexandria and Cairo. You may be assured, I shall remain here as long as possible. Bonaparte had never yet to contend with an English officer, and I shall endeavour to make him respect us. This is all I have to communicate. I am confident, every precaution will be taken to prevent, in future, any vessels going to Suez, which may be able to carry troops to India. If my letter is not so correct as might be expected, I trust for your excuse; when I tell you, that my brain is so shook with the wound in my head, that I am sensible I am not always so clear as could be wished: But, while a ray of reason remains, my heart and my hand shall ever be exerted for the benefit of our king and country. I have the honour to be, Sir, your most obedient humble servant,

"Horatio Nelson.

"The officer, Lieutenant Duval, who carries this dispatch voluntarily to you, will—I trust—be immediately sent to England, with such recommendations as his conduct will deserve."

The importance of thus sending this information to India, which few other naval commanders would have thought necessary, proved prodigiously great. Expensive preparations were at that moment making, by the East India Company, for a most powerful armament to oppose any force which the French might be enabled to send against their possessions, in conjunction with Tippoo Saib: and this timely intelligence, by instantly quieting every apprehension of that sort, suddenly arrested the progress of all extraordinary warlike operations, and consequently saved a vast sum of money to the company; which, without the wonderful circumspection of this great man, must necessarily have been expended.

The dispatches to England, however, were unable to be forwarded, for several days. In the mean time, on the morning of the 11th, the Swiftsure brought into the fleet a captured French corvette of eighteen guns, and seventy men, called La Fortune. On the 12th, Sir James Saumarez, captain of the Orion, was directed to take the Bellerophon, Minotaur, Defence, Audacious, Theseus, and Majestic, under his command; and proceed with the prizes, Le Souverain Peuple, Conquerant, Spartiate, Aquilon, Franklin, and Tonnant, for Gibraltar: where, if he found no orders, he was to join the commander in chief off Cadiz, or go to Lisbon. Sir James sailed, accordingly, on the 15th; and Admiral Nelson having, on this very day, received secret orders and letters from the Earl of St. Vincent, found it requisite to destroy the other French prizes. The necessity of this measure is explained in the following letter of the succeeding day, addressed to Evan Nepean, Esq. for the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty.

"SIR,

"Six of the prizes sailed yesterday, under Sir James Saumarez. Three others, viz. Guerrier, Heureux, and Mercure, are in the act of repairing. In this state, I last evening received the Earl of St. Vincent's most secret orders, and most secret and confidential letters, relative to the important operations intended to be pursued in the Mediterranean. Thus situated, it became an important part of my duty, to do justice between my king and country, and the brave officers and men who captured those ships at the Battle of the Nile. It would have taken one month, at least, to have fitted those ships for a passage to Gibraltar; and not only at a great expence to government, but with the loss of the services of at least two sail of the line. I, therefore, confiding that the lords commissioners will, under the present circumstances, direct that a fair value shall be paid for these ships, ordered them to be burnt, after saving such stores as would not take too much time out of them: and, I have farther thought it my duty to tell the squadron the necessity I am under, for the benefit of the king's service, of directing their property to be destroyed; but, that I had no doubt government would make them a liberal allowance. All which, I hope, their lordships will approve.

"I have the honour to be, Sir, with great respect, your most obedient servant,

"Horatio Nelson."

La Mutine being at length ready, these letters were dispatched to England, by the way of Naples, on the 16th of August.

The sword of the captured French Admiral Blanquet was also sent, by Captain Capel, from Admiral Nelson to the city of London, with the following letter, which he had several days previously written for the lord-mayor.

"Vanguard, Mouth of the Nile, 8th August 1798.

"MY LORD,

"Having the honour of being a freeman of the city of London, I take the liberty of sending to your lordship the sword of the commanding French admiral, Monsieur Blanquet, who survived after the battle of the 1st, off the Nile; and request that the city of London will honour me by the acceptance of it, as a remembrance that Britannia still rules the waves: which, that she may for ever do, is the fervent prayer of your lordship's most obedient servant,

"Horatio Nelson."

"Right Honourable Lord Mayor of London."

On the 13th, the Alcmene, Emerald, and Bonne Citoyenne frigates, at length, joined the squadron; and, on the 17th, the Seahorse.

Admiral Nelson now arranged every thing necessary with Captain Samuel Hood, who was to remain with his own ship, the Zealous; the Swiftsure, Captain Hallowell; the Goliah, Captain Foley; the Alcmene, Captain Hope; the Seahorse, Captain Edward James Foote; and the Emerald, Captain Waller: for the purpose of cruising off Alexandria, or continuing at anchor, as he might judge most proper, more effectually to prevent any supplies being thrown into that port for the French fleet; and, also, to intercept an expected French convoy with provisions, as well as to prevent, if possible, all communication between the French army at Rosetta, and their fleet at Alexandria. This business being settled, he sailed, on the 18th, from Alexandria; and having, on that day, received a letter from the Honourable William Windham, the British minister at the court of Florence, he wrote the following answer, dated on board the Vanguard, 21st August 1798, which presents some additional information respecting the glorious victory off the Nile, and it's beneficial effects.

"My Dear Sir,

"I received, three days ago, your letter of June 20th, and I beg leave to thank you for it. I send you a paper, which will inform you of the extent of our victory. My health, from my wound, is become so indifferent, that I think of going down the Mediterranean as soon as I arrive at Naples; unless I should find any thing very extraordinary to detain me, when my health is of no consequence. The command, in my absence, will devolve on Captain Troubridge; than whom, the king has not a better sea-officer. Sir James Saumarez is on his way to Gibraltar, with six of our prizes: the others I burnt, that the Mediterranean might not be left without ships; for each prize takes a ship of the line to man her, and attend to her wants. This you will believe, when I tell you that only two masts are standing, out of nine sail of the line. L'Orient certainly struck her colours, and did not fire a shot, for a quarter of an hour before, unfortunately for us, she took fire: but, though we suffer, our country is equally benefitted. She had on board nearly six hundred thousand pounds sterling: so says the adjutant-general of the fleet, who was saved out of her; and, although he does not say she struck her colours, yet he allows that all resistance on her part was in vain. Admiral Brueys was killed early in the battle; and, from the commencement of the fight, declared all was lost. They were moored in a strong position, in a line of battle, with gun-boats, bomb-vessels, frigates, and a gun and mortar battery on an island in their van; but, my band of friends was irresistible. The French army is in possession of Alexandria, Aboukir, Rosetta, Damietta, and Cairo; and Bonaparte writes, that he is sending a detachment to take possession of Suez and Fayume. By the intercepted letters from the army, for we took the vessel with Bonaparte's courier, they are grievously disappointed, the country between their posts being completely hostile. I have little doubt but that army will be destroyed, by plague, pestilence, and famine, and battle and murder; which, that it may soon be, God grant. The Turks will soon send an army into Syria; and as, for the present, we block them up by sea, they must soon experience great distress. I hope to find, on my arrival at Naples, that the emperor, and many other powers, are at war with the French; for, till they are reduced, there can be no peace in this world."

This letter appears to have remained unfinished, for want, probably, of an opportunity of sending it away, about three weeks. It then received the following conclusion.

"September 7th. I feel myself so much recovered, that it is probable I shall not go home at present. The Turks have seized all French ships in the Levant, in consequence of their taking a Turkish sixty-gun ship at Alexandria, and seizing all Turkish property. This was done on the 14th of August. I shall always receive pleasure in hearing from you, both as a public and private man; and believe me, dear Sir, with the greatest respect, your most obedient servant,

"Horatio Nelson."

In the mean time, Admiral Nelson had written the following letter to Francis J. Jackson, Esq. his Britannic majesty's minister to the Ottoman Porte, dated on board the Vanguard, off the Isle of Rhodes, 27th August 1798.

"Sir,

"I have the honour to acquaint you, that I attacked the French fleet off the Mouth of the Nile, on the 1st inst. the result of which you will see by the inclosed paper; and that, on the 14th, the French took possession of the Turkish admiral's ship at Alexandria, hauled down her colours, and hoisted French colours, and seized on all the Turkish property on shore. The French are in possession of Alexandria, Aboukir, Rosetta, and Damietta, on the coast, and of Grand Cairo: but all communication is cut off between their army and their transports at Alexandria, by sea, by an English squadron of three ships of the line and four frigates, which I have left cruising there; and, by land, by the Bedouins. So that, if the Grand Signior will but send a few ships of the line, and some bombs, he may destroy all their transports in Alexandria; and an army of ten thousand men may retake Alexandria immediately, as the French have only four thousand men in it, and the whole French army are very sickly.

"I have been informed, that the French have put to death two hundred Turks at Alexandria, for rejoicing at our victory; and that General Bonaparte only wants a communication opened by sea, to march into Syria, that the transports with stores, &c. for the army may go along shore with him.

"I have the honour to be, Sir, your most obedient servant,

"Horatio Nelson."

The inclosed papers, mentioned in this and the preceding letter, were lists of the forces of the English and French fleets at the battle off the Nile shewing which were taken, burnt, &c. and copies of this last letter were sent to the Earl of St. Vincent and Earl Spencer.

On the 8th of September, at sea, he addressed a letter to the Marquis De Niza, commander of the Portuguese squadron; regretting that they had not joined him prior to the 1st of August, when not a single French ship could have escaped: but, as he observes, that being without remedy, it is necessary to look forward to the next important service for the common cause; which, in his opinion, is that of preventing the French from getting any supplies of stores, by water, from Alexandria. He concludes with observing, that the Grand Signior will, he hopes, not only send an army into Syria; but also send ships of war, with bomb-vessels, gallies, &c. in order to destroy all the vessels in Alexandria: and concludes with inviting his excellency to be a partaker in these joyful events.

In a very few days, however, he learned that the Marquis De Niza had returned from Alexandria; and he now, with equal address, sent him to Malta.

On the 14th, by La Mutine, he dispatched letters to the Earl of St. Vincent, in which he expresses his fear that it will be thought wrong, not to have returned any of the "numerous frigates, brigs, cutters, &c. which had been sent to Egypt "It was," says he, "only on the 13th of August, that the Alcmene, Emerald, and Bonne Citoyenne, joined me. On the 17th, the Seahorse joined; and, till September 7, I neither saw nor heard of any. The Earl of St. Vincent cutter then joined me, forty leagues from Messina; where I was informed that the Portuguese squadron, with the Lion and Terpsichore, had passed the Pharos, the 28th of August, on their way to Egypt. I therefore sent the cutter with a letter to the Marquis De Niza, and to Captain Hood." He then proceeds to state, that the Thalia had just brought him accounts from Captain Hood, which he sends; and considers the exertions of the officers as great, and highly to be approved. He thinks that the two men who saved the dispatches ought to have a pecuniary reward. "You will see," he adds, "by my second letter to the Marquis De Niza, that I have requested him to go off Malta, which may be the means of driving the French out of that island." After expressing his confidence that, with a little exertion, the French army in Egypt will fall a prey to plague, pestilence, famine, and Mamelukes, he concludes with praying that the earl will give him credit for his earnest endeavours to do what is right.

This day, the hero of the Nile received a letter from General Sir John Acton, transmitting the congratulations of the King and Queen of Naples; to which he returned the following most elegant epistolary acknowledgment, by the Culloden.

"Vanguard, at Sea, 15th September 1798.

"SIR,

I was yesterday honoured with your excellency's very handsome and flattering letter of the 9th, conveying to me their Sicilian Majesties congratulations on the victory obtained by my royal master's fleet over the enemy. I have to request, that your excellency will have the goodness to assure their majesties, that I am penetrated with their condescension in noticing this battle; which, I most fervently pray, may add security to their majesties throne, and peace and happiness to all mankind. The hand of God was visibly pressed upon the French; and, I hope, there is not a person in the British fleet, who does not attribute this great victory to the blessing of the Almighty on our exertions in a just cause. With every sentiment of respect, believe, me, your excellency's most obedient,

"Horatio Nelson." "Sir John Acton, Bart."

On the 16th, being off Strombolo, he inclosed General Acton's letter, which contained some state secrets of importance, in a private letter to Earl Spencer. The Portuguese, he observes, having been got, with no small difficulty, from Naples, went to Egypt; where, however, they would neither stay, nor give our ships water, which was all Captain Hood requested. Having watched for them off Messina, he had now sent them to Malta; but hoped that his lordship would not build hope on their exertions. "The moment," says he, "I can get ships, all aid shall be given the Maltese. What would I give for four bomb-ships! all the French armament would long since have been destroyed. Pray, if the service will admit of it, let me have them: I will only say, I shall endeavour to make a proper use of them."

He complains, also, in this letter, of the uncertainty of our situation with regard to Genoa; which, he says, has been at war with us during the two past years. Even at this period of our hero's glory, he seems to have been suffering under what he considered as legal persecution; and animadverts, with much severity, on the conduct of the Judge of the Admiralty.

"He has cited me to appear before him," complains the indignant hero, "and shew cause why I seized a Genoese ship; the accounts of which I long ago sent to the board of Admiralty, for the sale of her cargo, and which I have long wanted to be taken out of my hands. The ship was liberated, when our troops evacuated Porto Ferrajio. The seas are covered with Genoese ships; but the Judge of the Admiralty's conduct has, to me, so repeatedly militated against my duty in the service of my king and country, that I dare not do my duty. I have already been half ruined by him; and condemned, without knowing I was before him. The treasury, it is true, paid part of the expence, but that does not make the judge's conduct less grievous." In all this, there is much to regret; but the judge could scarcely entertain the smallest personal prejudice against our hero, though he might appear too favourable to the frauds of neutral powers from even a laudable anxiety to prevent any national embroilment. Nelson, on the spot, could better penetrate their artifices, than the judge on his distant bench of justice; and, fearing nothing, he spurned at every law subtlety which he perceived sanctioning fraud, to the present injury of his king, his country, and their brave defenders. It was, ever, far less for himself, than for others, that he was solicitous. In this very letter to Earl Spencer, he thus concludes—"I am looking, anxiously, for the Foudroyant; and, also, for your lordship's goodness to my son-in-law: I, of course, wish he had a good frigate."

Three days after, in another letter to Earl Spencer, the benignity of his excellent heart pleads powerfully for a son of the late Captain Faddy. It's perusal cannot fail to gratify every feeling reader.

"Vanguard, at Sea, 19th Sept. 1798.

"MY LORD,

"Captain Faddy, of the marines, who was killed on board the Vanguard, has a family of small children: his eldest son is now on board this ship, only fourteen years of age. I beg to solicit your lordship for a commission in the marines for him. I understand, it has been done; and the youth permitted to remain at school, till of a proper age to join the corps. If, however, this should, in the present instance, be thought wrong, may I request that his name may stand as an eleve of the Admiralty, and Mrs. Faddy acquainted of it; which must give her some relief, under her present misfortune.

"Ever your lordship's most obedient servant,

"Horatio Nelson."

With his mind thus humanely and diligently employed, amidst the toil and bustle inseparable from an active naval commander, on the 22d, early in the morning, the hero approached within view of Naples. No sooner was the Vanguard perceived, at the distance of several leagues, than upwards of five hundred boats and pleasure-barges, having been apprised of his coming, by the previous arrival of the Culloden and Alexander, on the 16th, immediately went out to meet him; with bands of music in most of them, and joy depicted on every countenance. Sir William and Lady Hamilton, in their state-barge, accompanied by several of the Neapolitan nobility, led the way, and were consequently his first visitors. The transports of Sir William, and his amiable lady, at seeing their friend return covered with laurels, and of the thus honoured hero, at once more beholding his estimable friends, can only be conceived by minds of equal susceptibility. The interview, indeed, was exquisitely impressive, and even affecting, to all by whom it was witnessed. While the company were partaking of some refreshment in his cabin, a small bird familiarly perched on his shoulder. On the circumstance being remarked—"It is," said he, "a very singular thing; this bird came on board the day before the battle off the Nile: and I have had other instances of a bird's coming into my cabin previously to former engagements." This is the more remarkable, as the same thing is said to have afterwards happened prior to the battle of Copenhagen. In superstitious times, some inference would probably have been made from such facts; but philosophy will not warrant any other deduction, than that, as birds of passage frequently seek shelter in ships, these visits were merely accidental. The coincidence, however, is certainly somewhat curious.

In a short time, the King of Naples, and his suite, who had also come out full three leagues, in the royal barge, to greet the victorious British admiral, went on board the Vanguard; where the king affectionately embraced the Hero of the Nile; and, taking him by the hand, expressed the effusions of his gratitude in terms of the most flattering regard for our king, our country, and the immortal Nelson: whom the sovereign of the two Sicilies, his ministers, and all classes of his subjects, hailed with the appellation of "Nostro Liberatore!"—"Our Deliverer!"

The King of Naples, who prides himself on being a seaman, went all over the ship, and examined every thing with apparent delight and satisfaction. His Neapolitan majesty sailed with Admiral Nelson, for about three hours, on board the Vanguard; which was saluted, as they passed, by all the forts. As soon as the Vanguard anchored in the bay, the King of Naples returned on board his own barge, and Admiral Nelson accompanied Sir William and Lady Hamilton.

Immediately on landing, Sir William's open carriage conveyed the hero, in triumph, to the house of his esteemed friends, surrounded by the enraptured Neapolitans; who gave every possible proof of their joy, admiration, and gratitude. The Lazzaroni, in particular, crowded round him in multitudes: vast numbers of them bearing birds of different species, in curious wicker baskets; which they displayed to the hero as he passed, and then giving them their liberty, watched their flight with all the anxiety and assumed importance of the ancient Roman augury.

The Queen of Naples had also gone out, with her numerous family, in another barge; but had, unfortunately, been too late to greet the hero on board his victorious vessel, from which he had taken his departure previously to her arrival. Her majesty, however, after being rowed round the Vanguard, no sooner returned on shore, than she immediately addressed a letter to Lady Hamilton; requesting to see, as soon as possible, the Hero of the Nile. Sir William and Lady Hamilton, accordingly, accompanied him to the palace, in the afternoon, where he experienced a most gracious and flattering reception. On this visit, Lady Hamilton acted as interpreter between the queen and Admiral Nelson, neither of them understanding each other's language sufficiently to converse together. The queen constantly addressed him by the appellation of "Our virtuous and brave admiral."

Such, in short, was the universal transport at Naples, on this occasion, that general illuminations, with apt and ingenious devices, and one grand scene of unbounded festivity and rejoicing, were continued for three successive days.

The Queen of Naples, immediately after her interview with Admiral Nelson, addressed a letter to the Marquis De Circello, the Neapolitan Ambassador at the court of London, from which the following is said to be a correctly translated extract—

"I write to you with joy inexpressible! The brave and enterprising British Admiral Nelson has obtained a most signal and decisive victory. My heart would fain give wings to the courier who is the bearer of these propitious tidings, to facilitate the earliest acknowledgments of our gratitude. So extensive is this victory in all it's relative circumstances, that were it not that the world has been accustomed to see prodigies of glory atchieved by the English on the seas, I should almost question the reality of the event. It has produced, among us, a general spirit of enthusiasm. It would have moved you much, to have seen my infant boys and girls hanging round my neck in tears, expressing their joy at the happy tidings, made doubly dear to us by the critical period at which they arrived. This news of the defeat of Bonaparte's Egyptian fleet has made many disaffected persons less daring, and improved the prospect of the general good. Make my highest respects acceptable to their majesties of England. Recommend the gallant hero, Nelson, to his royal master. He has raised, in the Italians, an enthusiastic reverence for the English nation. Great expectations were naturally founded on his enterprising talents, but no one could look for so total an overthrow of the enemy. All here are frantic with excess of joy!"

In a letter, of the 25th of September, written to Earl Spencer, by Admiral Nelson, after slightly mentioning the reception with which he had thus been honoured, particularly by their Sicilian majesties, he makes use of these modest and pious expressions—"You will not, my lord, I trust, think that one spark of vanity induces me to mention the most distinguished reception that ever, I believe, fell to the lot of a human being; but, that it is a measure of justice due to his Sicilian majesty and the nation. God knows, my heart is amongst the most humble of the creation, full of thankfulness and gratitude."

Even before Admiral Nelson's arrival at Naples, Lachavardiere, the French consul for Palermo, who had just escaped from Egypt, thus laments the decline of French influence, and announces the triumph of the English. "The French name," says he, "is heard here with horror. The king is arming eighty thousand men. The cabinet either refuses to answer, or answers with insolence, the notes presented by our Charge des Affaires, La Chaise, who is an excellent republican. The French are forbade to enter the country, and the most extravagant predilection prevails in favour of the English. The people of Sicily are still more incensed against us. Our vessels are driven out of their ports; and, wherever the French appear, the populace pelt them with stones, and sometimes fire on them. Not one French cockade is suffered. In a word, there only wants Frenchmen, in order to celebrate again Sicilian vespers. The day before yesterday"—(this letter is dated the 20th of September)—"two English vessels arrived; and Nelson himself is expected to-morrow, in a third. To give you some idea of the favour in which the enemies of our country are held here, you must know that, with my own eyes, I saw the King of Naples go more than two leagues to sea, to meet the English, to applaud and congratulate them. The two vessels which are arrived have brought two French officers with them, one of them is Vice-Admiral Blanquet." Lachavardiere also gives an account of the battle; which, however, contains nothing of peculiar importance. One circumstance, indeed, is sufficiently singular—"Admiral Brueys," he says, "was wounded in the head and the hand: but continued to command, till a cannon-ball cut him in two; and," adds this Frenchman, "he lived a quarter of an hour afterwards!"

The integrity of our heroic Nelson seems to have revolted at the characteristic falsehood and deceit so generally experienced in the French. He could not be prevailed on, by his friends at Naples, to visit Admiral Blanquet, who had his nose shot off, and was otherwise dreadfully wounded in the face. On this occasion, he seems to have adopted all the rough bluntness of a British tar. He had beaten him, he said, and would not insult him. "Seeing me," added the hero, "will only put him in mind of his misfortune. I have an antipathy to Frenchmen; which is so powerful, that I must, I think, have received it from my mother, at my birth."

He was, himself, at this period, though in excellent spirits, so corporeally weak and reduced, that he was obliged to be kept chiefly on ass's milk for some time after his arrival. Indeed, though excess of joy, at the first meeting of such friends as Admiral Nelson, and Sir William and Lady Hamilton, absorbed every other consideration, a most essential personal difference was manifest in the hero from that which had appeared on his former visit to Naples. It is to be recollected, that neither Sir William nor his lady had ever beheld him, prior to this period, except for a very few days, while the Neapolitan subsidiary troops were embarking for Toulon, when he was without any wound or disfigurement whatever, though always of a plain but pleasingly expressive countenance: he was now returned, in the short space of about four years, having atchieved victories which might have graced an age of absence; but, at what a price were they purchased! The vision of an eye had been completely extinguished, at Calvi; an arm totally lost, at Teneriffe; and a hideous wound, leaving it's indelible scar on his manly forehead, had recently been inflicted on their heroic friend, at the battle of the Nile. To say nothing of various slighter casualties; of the effect of climate; and of those incessant excessive cares, anxieties, and disappointments, which so soon and so deeply wrinkle the smoothest brow, and so cruelly furrow the comeliest countenance. If they were shocked, at reflecting what their incomparable but mutilated friend must have suffered, in the severe and disastrous fortune of war; they were enraptured to perceive him by no means impaired in any of those higher qualities which had given birth to their reciprocal attachments. Admiral Sir Horatio Nelson, returning from his glorious victory off the Nile, was the same kind, affable, intelligent, and virtuous friend, as Captain Nelson had formerly been, when departing for Toulon. An amity thus founded on a union of superior intellect in the respective parties, could only be destroyed, however it might be envied, by the decay of that celestial principle which had served to cement it's origin.

The hero's birth-day occurring on the 29th, when he completed his fortieth year, a most splendid fete, with a ball and supper, were given by Sir William and Lady Hamilton, to the nobility and gentry of Naples, at which upwards of eighteen hundred persons are said to have been entertained. On this occasion, a grand rostral column was erected in the principal saloon, with the celebrated old Roman motto—

"VENI; VIDI; VICI!"

which was never more appropriately applied, since it's original adoption by Julius Caesar.

It is to be regretted, that the harmony of this festival, which cost Sir William Hamilton two thousand ducats, was considerably deranged, towards it's conclusion, by the hero's son-in-law; who, it seems, so far forgot himself, as grossly to offend the very man whom every other person was delighting to honour. To such a height, indeed, was this young gentleman's intemperance unfortunately carried, that Captain Troubridge and another officer felt themselves under the absolute necessity of conducting him out of the room. This disagreeable occurrence, naturally agitating the breast of the worthy admiral, who was at that very period soliciting the indiscreet young man's preferment, in a letter then on it's way to England, occasioned a violent return of those internal spasms to which all excesses of the passions had constantly subjected him since the time when this grievance first commenced, while his anxious mind was occupied in vainly pursuing the French fleet: indeed, he always said, and it seems highly probable, that the disappointment, had it much longer continued, and his expectation of encountering them been finally frustrated, would certainly have "broke his heart." It is from no disrespect to Captain Nisbet that this affair is mentioned: nor is it for the sake of observing, what that gentleman must be sensible is the undoubted fact, that he was indebted for a reconciliation with his father-in-law, shortly after, to the kind interference of Sir William and Lady Hamilton; who, very properly representing it as solely the effect of a young man's pardonable inebriety on so joyous an occasion, again introduced him to favour at their rural villa in the vicinity of Naples. The fact, in itself, is trivial; but, on subjects of domestic or family delicacy, the minutest thread of verity may chance to have it's use in conducting through the intricate labyrinth by which the temple of truth is generally found to be environed.

It was not till after Admiral Nelson's arrival at Naples, that he heard of the capture of the Leander, with his dispatches for the Earl of St. Vincent respecting the battle of the Nile; an event for which, as has been seen, he had judiciously and almost prophetically prepared, by transmitting copies to England. By letters from Corfu, he now learned that, on the 16th of August, the Leander of fifty guns, Captain Thompson, having Captain Berry on board, with the dispatches for the Earl of St. Vincent, fell in with Le Genereux of seventy-four guns, Captain Lejoille, Jun. one of the French ships which had escaped after the battle of the Nile. The Leander, with eighty men short of it's complement, and a number of wounded on board, being off the island of Candia, was chased by Le Genereux under Neapolitan colours; which, on approaching nearly within gun-shot, about eight in the morning, were changed to French. Captain Thompson had not been deceived by this artifice, but the Leander's inferiority of sailing rendered it impossible to escape. At nine, being within half gun-shot of the Leander's weather-quarter, Captain Thompson hauled up sufficiently to bring his broadside to bear, and immediately commenced a vigorous cannonade, which was powerfully returned. The ships continued nearing each other till half past ten, under a constant and heavy fire; when the enemy, taking advantage of the disabled condition of the Leander, endeavoured to enter on the larboard bow: but the small party of marines, on the poop and quarter-deck, by a most spirited and well-directed fire, aided by a furious cannonade, repulsed them with great slaughter. A light breeze now springing up, enabled Captain Thompson to disentangle himself; and, soon after, he had the satisfaction to luff under Le Genereux's stern, and discharge every gun into that ship, at the distance of only ten yards. The action continued, within pistol-shot, till half past three in the afternoon; when Le Genereux, with a light breeze, passed the Leander's bows, and brought itself on the starboard side, where the guns had been all nearly disabled by the wreck of the spar, which had fallen on that side. This necessarily producing a cessation of the Leander's fire, the enemy hailed, to know if the ship had surrendered. Being now a complete wreck; the decks covered with killed and wounded; and Captain Thompson himself badly wounded, without the most distant hope of success; that brave officer asked Captain Berry, if it appeared that more could be done: who, agreeing that farther resistance would be in vain, they consented to submit. Le Genereux had on board nine hundred men; one hundred of whom were killed, and a hundred and eighty-eight wounded, in the action; the Leander had thirty-five killed, and fifty-eight wounded. The captain of Le Genereux, in an official letter of true French gasconade, describes the Leander as carrying "seventy-four guns, twenty-four, and thirty pounders on the lower deck, and twelve pounders on the upper!"

Captain Thompson and his officers no sooner arrived on board Le Genereux, than they were plundered of every article they had possessed, except the apparel which covered them. On this harsh treatment, they vainly expostulated with the captain, and reminded him of the different situation of the French officers made prisoners by Admiral Nelson. He coolly answered—"I am sorry for it; but, the truth is, that the French are good at plundering." Captain Berry expressed his wish to have a pair of pistols returned, and pointed out the man who had stolen them. Captain Lejoille, Jun. by immediately securing them for himself, proved the truth, in his own person, of what he had just observed respecting French expertness at pillage: for, though he told Captain Berry that he would give him, in return, a pair of French pistols, to protect him on his journey home, this mean French officer never performed his promise. To such a pitch, indeed, did these miscreants carry their cruelty and theft, that they purloined the English surgeon's instruments, while he was performing operations on the wounded; and nearly rendered mortal the wound of Captain Thompson, by forcibly obstructing his attendance. In short, the miseries suffered by this unfortunate crew, both before and after their arrival at Corfu, were greater than, it is to be hoped, for the honour of humanity, often occurs on such occasions; bad as the usage of the French is generally described to be—not, indeed, by English speculative writers; but by brave men, speaking from their own melancholy and repeated experience!

On the 2d of October, the Honourable Captain Capel arrived in England, with the joyful intelligence of Admiral Nelson's glorious victory off the Nile: a victory which, from the peculiar period at which it occurred, the extent of it's beneficial effects, and it's splendid and complete success, excited in every British bosom such rapturous sensations as had never, in the memory of any living person, been before felt by the nation. General illuminations, both in town and country, were continued for three days; and every other species of public rejoicing, demonstrative of universal admiration, affection, and gratitude, to the Hero of the Nile, and his brave associates in arms, prevailed for several weeks. Even infants were instructed to articulate the name of Nelson; and to clap their little hands, with transport, in rapturous applauses of the preserver and protector of innocence, from their threatened invaders, the corrupters and destroyers of the human race.

Subscriptions were immediately opened, for the relief of the widows and children of all those brave men who had lost their lives on this glorious occasion; and a large fund was soon established, by a committee at Lloyd's coffee-house, Cornhill, the beneficial effects of which have since been prodigiously extended.

On the 3d of October, at a court of common-council, the Lord-Mayor of London read the letter addressed to him by Admiral Nelson; and, when the tumult of applause had subsided, the sword of Vice-Admiral Blanquet was ordered, on the motion of Mr. Deputy Leeky, to be placed among the city regalia. The thanks of the court were then unanimously voted to Admiral Nelson, and to the officers and seamen under his command. The next day, having again assembled, the French admiral's sword was ordered to be placed in an elegant glass-case, in the most conspicuous part of the council-room, with an inscription expressive of the gift on a marble tablet. It was then resolved, that a sword of two hundred guineas value should be presented to Admiral Nelson from the city of London; and the freedom of the city, in a gold box worth one hundred guineas, to Captain Edward Berry: and the lord-mayor, Sir William Anderson, Bart, was requested to provide and present the said sword to the Hero of the Nile.

On the 6th of October, his majesty created Admiral Nelson a peer of Great Britain, by the title of Baron Nelson of the Nile, and of Burnham-Thorpe in the county of Norfolk; and, at the meeting of parliament, in November, a message from the king was presented by Mr. Pitt, preparatory to the motion which he immediately afterwards made for a pension of two thousand pounds per annum, commencing on the 1st of August 1798, to be granted Admiral Lord Nelson of the Nile, and his two next successors in the title. General Walpole, who seconded the motion, having expressed an opinion, that Lord Nelson should also have a higher degree of rank; Mr. Pitt observed that, entertaining the highest sense of the transcendent merits of Admiral Nelson, he thought it needless to enter at any length into the question of rank. His fame, he added, must be coeval with the British name; and it would be remembered that he had obtained the greatest naval victory on record, when no man would think it worth his while to ask, whether he had been created a baron, a viscount, or an earl. Such a motion was not likely to be opposed; and the annuity recommended by his majesty was unanimously granted. It may be remarked, however, that General Walpole's opinion respecting higher rank, was certainly that of the public.

The thanks of both Houses of Parliament were voted, and ordered to be transmitted by the respective speakers, to the brave admiral, the captains, officers, seamen, and marines, for their resolute and intrepid conduct displayed on this glorious occasion.

A gold medal, of peculiar elegance and beauty, emblematical of the victory, executed by the inimitable Louis Pingo, Esq. principal engraver of the Royal Mint in the Tower of London, was struck on the occasion, by command of his majesty; who ordered one to be given, and in future worn by, each of the captains, all of whom afterwards received the honour of knighthood. The obverse of this medal displays a fine figure of Victory placing a laurel wreath on the head of Britannia, in a stile of the most chaste simplicity. The reverse incloses each respective name, which is engraved in the centre, with two branches, one of oak and the other of laurel. The motto—"In memory of the defeat of the French fleet on the coast of Egypt."

Various other medals were struck on this memorable occasion; and one, in particular, most liberally distributed at the expence of Alexander Davison, Esq. the valuable friend of Lord Nelson, has peculiar claim to attention. The obverse side of Mr. Davison's medal, to commemorate his friend's great victory, has the figure of Hope, crowned with laurel, standing on a rugged rock, with an olive-branch in her right hand; and supporting, with her left arm, the profile of Lord Nelson on a medallion, to which her fore-finger is evidently pointing. The motto to the medallion—"Europe's hope, and Britain's glory." The legend—"Rear-Admiral Lord Viscount Nelson of the Nile." The reverse represents the French fleet at anchor in Aboukir Bay, with the British fleet advancing to the attack; the fortified islands in the enemy's van; the four frigates moored within their line, to cover their flank; the gun-boats near the islands; the setting-sun; the coast of Egypt; the mouth of the Nile; and, the castle of Aboukir. The legend—"Almighty God has blessed his majesty's arms." Beneath the view—"Victory of the Nile, August 1, 1798."

This handsome and valuable medal was presented, by Mr. Davison, struck in gold, to Admiral Lord Nelson, and every captain of the British squadron; in silver, to every other warrant officer; in gilt metal, to every petty officer; and, in copper, to every individual seaman and marine serving on board during the action. The whole, as it is said, at the expence of little less than two thousand pounds: an instance of private and patriotic munificence, as well as generous friendship, which has, perhaps, seldom been surpassed.

The government of Ireland, immediately on receiving the joyful intelligence of this glorious victory, passed a vote of thanks similar to that of the British parliament, and granted the hero an additional annuity of one thousand pounds during the same term.

The Honourable United East India Company, which felt so immediately benefitted on the occasion, unanimously voted him a gift of ten thousand pounds; the London Turkey Company, plate of very considerable value; and several other corporate bodies, as well in the metropolis as in our first provincial cities, the freedom of their respective corporations, in elegant gold boxes.

To these tributes of esteem from a grateful country, must be added, as by no means the least acceptable, the proof of affectionate regard prepared for their beloved commander, by those most honourable and brave associates in arms, the captains of his own squadron, whom he so emphatically denominates, "the band of brothers." By these worthy and valorous officers, was their revered chief, the Hero of the Nile, presented with a magnificent sword; the hilt of which most appropriately represented a crocodile, very finely executed in gold.

To enumerate the various epistolary plaudits and congratulations, and other demonstrations of admiration and applause, expressed by individuals, in England, of all ranks, to the hero and his friends, on account of this most splendid victory, is quite impracticable. The following extract of a letter, however, written by the worthy and venerable father of the immortal hero, to his friend the Reverend Mr. B. Allot, in answer to a very kind congratulatory epistle from that gentleman, is so exquisitely and amiably characteristic both of father and son, that it cannot, under any consideration, be omitted. It is, indeed, a charming picture of parental and filial affection.

"My great and good son," says this excellent and intelligent parent, "went into the world without fortune; but, with a heart replete with every moral and religious virtue. These have been his compass to steer by; and it has pleased God to be his shield in the day of battle, and to give success to his wishes to be of service to his country. His country seems sensible of his services: but, should he ever meet with ingratitude, his scars will cry out, and plead his cause—for, at the siege of Calvi, he lost an eye; at Teneriffe, an arm; on the memorable 14th of February, he received a severe blow on his body, which he still feels; and, now, a wound on the head! After all this, you will believe, his bloom of countenance must be faded; but the spirit beareth up, yet, as vigorously as ever. On the 29th of September, he completed his fortieth year: cheerful, generous, and good. Fearing no evil, because he has done none: an honour to my grey hairs; which, with every mark of old age, creep fast upon me."

While these various honours and gifts were preparing for the hero, in his native country, foreign nations, not less sensible of his worth, and in some instances scarcely less benefitted by his exertions and valour, were emulously pouring, with a laudable profusion, their richest presents before him, and investing him with their most distinguished dignities.

On the 8th of September, immediately after receiving information of the battle off the Nile, the Grand Signior directed a most superb diamond aigrette—called, by the Turks, a chelengk, or plume of triumph—taken from one of the imperial turbans, to be sent for our victorious admiral, with a rich pelisse of the choicest sable fur; and a purse of two thousand sequins, in cash, to be distributed among the wounded British seamen. A note, at the same time, was delivered to Mr. Spencer Smith, his majesty's minister at Constantinople, of which the following is given as a correct translation.

"It is but lately that, by a written communication, it has already been made known, how much the Sublime Porte rejoiced at the first advice received of the English squadron's having defeated that of the French, off Alexandria, in Egypt. By recent accounts, however, comprehending a specific detail of the action, it appears now more positive, that his Britannic majesty's fleet has actually destroyed, by that action, the best ships the French had in their possession. This joyful event, therefore, laying this empire under an obligation, and the service rendered by our much-esteemed friend, Admiral Nelson, on this occasion, being of a nature to call for public acknowledgment, his imperial majesty, the powerful, formidable, and most magnificent Grand Signior, has destined as a present, in his imperial name, to the said admiral, a diamond aigrette, and a sable fur with broad sleeves; besides two thousand sequins, to be distributed among the wounded of his crew: and, as the English minister is constantly zealous to contribute, by his endeavours, to the increase of friendship between the two courts, it is hoped that he will not fail to make known this circumstance to his court; and to solicit the permission of the most powerful and august King of England, for the said admiral to put on, and wear, the said aigrette and pelisse."

These presents were conveyed, under the care of Mahomet Kelim, an Effendi, or secretary of state, in a Turkish frigate, to Alexandria; from whence, on finding the hero had departed for Naples, the Effendi, and his suite, immediately followed, in the Alcmene frigate. The Turkish secretary, and his twelve associates, on their arrival, performed their parts with suitable solemnity and address. They put on their state robes in the hero's anti-chamber; and presented the aigrette, seated on cushions, after the oriental method. The pelisse was composed of the finest scarlet cloth, lined and enriched with the most beautiful sable fur imaginable. The aigrette, which is a sort of artificial plume, or feather, represents a hand with thirteen fingers, covered with diamonds; allusive to the thirteen ships taken and destroyed by the hero: and it's size is that of a child's hand, at the age of five or six years, when open. The centre diamond, and the four by which it is surrounded, are estimated at a thousand pounds each, and there are said to be at least three hundred diamonds of smaller sizes. This immensely rich and beautiful jewel is more particularly described in the following extract of a letter, said to have been written by the Grand Signior himself. In this letter, it it called, a chelengk, or plume of triumph: such as has been, on every famous and memorable success of the Ottoman arms, conferred on victorious Mussulmen, Seraskiers—"never, before, I believe," says the imperial writer, "on any disbeliever—as the ne plus ultra of personal honour, separate from official dignity. The present is esteemed rich in it's kind; being a blaze of brilliants, crowned with a vibrating plumage, and a radiant star in the middle, turning on it's centre, by means of watch-work which winds up behind. This badge, actually taken from one of the imperial turbans, can hardly, according to the idea of such insignia here"—(the letter was dated, at Constantinople, October 3, 1798)—"be considered as less than equivalent to the first order of chivalry in Christendom: such, at least," concludes the imperial donor, "was my view in the indication."

By these remarks, added to the verbal communications of Mahomet Kelim, at the time of investiture, Lord Nelson was led to consider this honour as the Ottoman Order of Merit. It could, certainly, be nothing less; and the civilized world has to felicitate itself on the brilliance of our immortal hero's glory, which could, at length, dissipate the cloud of prejudice, that had so long obscured, from the sincerest followers of Mahomet, the lustre of every Christian virtue.

Even the Dowager Sultana, mother of the Grand Signior, caught the enthusiastic admiration of our hero from her generous and illustrious son, and sent his lordship the superb and flattering present of a very rich diamond ornament, in the form of a rose.

No sooner were the honours conferred on our hero by the Grand Signior, and his wish respecting the wearing them, made known to his majesty, than the imperial desire was immediately complied with, and the following royal grants and concessions were also published in the London Gazette—

"The king has been graciously pleased to give, and grant, to the Right Honourable Horatio Baron Nelson of the Nile, and of Burnham-Thorpe in the county of Norfolk, Rear-Admiral of the Blue Squadron of his Majesty's Fleet, and K.B. in consideration of the great zeal, courage, and perseverance, manifested by him on divers occasions, and particularly of his able and gallant conduct in the glorious and decisive victory obtained over the French fleet, at the mouth of the Nile, on the 1st of August last, his royal licence and authority, that he, and his issue, may bear the following honourable augmentations to his armorial ensign: viz. "A chief, undulated, argent—thereon, waves of the sea; from which, a palm-tree issuant, between a disabled ship on the dexter, and a ruinous battery on the sinister; all proper." And, for his crest, "On a naval crown, or; the chelengk, or plume of triumph, presented to him by the Grand Signior, as a mark of his high esteem, and of his sense of the gallant conduct of the said Horatio Baron Nelson in the said glorious and decisive victory; with the motto—Palmam qui meruit ferat:" and, to his supporters, being a sailor on the dexter, and a lion on the sinister, the honourable augmentation following; viz. "In the hand of the sailor, a palm branch, and another in the paw of the lion, both proper, with the addition of a tri-coloured flag and staff in the mouth of the latter;" which augmentations to the supporters are to be borne by the said Horatio Nelson, and by those to whom the said dignity shall descend in virtue of his majesty's letters patent of creation; and, that the same may be first duly exemplified, according to the laws of arms, and recorded in the Herald's Office: and, also, to order that his majesty's said concession, and especial mark of his royal favour, be registered in his College at Arms."

The above most appropriate motto was adopted by the express desire of his majesty: who, also, with the utmost possible propriety, fixed the honourable plume of triumph on the hero's crest; a circumstance which could not fail to afford the Grand Signior a pleasing proof, that his present had been duly appreciated both by the hero and his sovereign.

The Emperor Paul, of Russia, wrote Lord Nelson a congratulatory epistle, with his own hand, and accompanied it by a valuable portrait of himself, superbly surrounded with brilliants, and a gold box set with diamonds, estimated at two thousand five hundred pounds. The King of Sardinia also sent him a letter, and a gold box richly ornamented with diamonds; the King and Queen of Naples made him many valuable presents; from Palermo, he received a gold box and chain, brought on a silver waiter, containing the freedom of that city, which also conferred on him the honour of being a grandee of Spain; and even the island of Zante, in grateful remembrance that they had happily been liberated from French cruelty by the good effects of the battle of the Nile, sent the illustrious hero their epistolary acknowledgments, with a valuable gold-headed sword and cane.

Numerous other presents were received by, and honours conferred on, the immortal hero of the Nile, as well at Naples, as elsewhere, for a considerable time after this splendid victory; which, from it's brilliant success, and important consequences, had powerfully attracted the attention and admiration of all mankind, in every quarter of the globe not contaminated by French principles.

During the period while these honours were universally soliciting the acceptance of this exalted man, his great and active mind, amid every corporeal lassitude and fatigue, was unceasingly engaged in pursuits calculated to merit additional renown, and consequently to augment their acquisition.

With an eye to the recapture of Malta, which the Neapolitans seemed rather to expect from our hero's prowess than their own exertions, he had, immediately on his arrival at Naples, detached the Terpsichore to that island, for the purpose of gaining such intelligence as might enable him to form the best plan for effectually accomplishing this purpose; and, a few days afterwards, sent Captain Ball, in the Alexander, with a frigate and sloop, to cruise off Malta, which was then under the blockade of the Portuguese squadron.

On the 9th of October, writing to Lord Spencer, he says—"Three weeks, I admit, is a long time to refit a fleet after a battle; but, when it is considered that nearly every mast in the fleet has taken much more time than if they had been new; that Naples Bay is subject to a heavy swell, of which we have felt the inconvenience; and that we go to sea victualled for six months, and in the highest health and discipline; I trust, some allowance will be made for me." He adds, with an almost prophetic foresight—"Naples sees this squadron no more—except the king calls for our help; and, if they go on, and lose the glorious moments, we may be called for to save the persons of their majesties." Of General Mack, who was then at Naples, for the purpose of taking under his command the Neapolitan army, which had been recently raised to oppose the French, he thus expresses his predictive apprehensions—"General Mack cannot move without five carriages. I have formed my opinion—I heartily pray, I may be mistaken."

On the Tuesday following the date of this letter, General Mack arrived at Caserta; and Lord Nelson, the next Thursday, accompanied by Sir William and Lady Hamilton, went to meet him at dinner with the King and Queen of Naples. Their majesties introduced them to each other, with every expression of esteem and regard. The queen, however, could not help saying—"General, be to us, by land, what my hero Nelson has been at sea!" The emperor, it seems, had desired the King of Naples to begin, and promised that he would support him. At this interview, Mack said he would march in ten days; and, by his conversation and address, seems to have temporarily withdrawn our hero from the contemplation of his actions, that unerring criterion of character. The judgment which Lord Nelson had first formed of General Mack, on this principle, has since appeared to be just. With such a general as Mack, and such a minister as our hero describes the Marquis De Gallo to have been, in a letter to Earl Spencer, we can scarcely wonder at any misfortunes which might befal the amiable sovereigns with whose welfare they were fatally entrusted.

"This Marquis De Gallo," says our hero, "I "detest. He is ignorant of common civility. Sir William Hamilton has just found out, that a messenger sets out for London within an hour; yet, I was with this minister for an hour last night. He admires his ribbon, ring, and snuff-box, so much, that an excellent petit-maitre was spoiled, when he was made a minister. The sentiments of my heart have flown from my pen, and I cannot retract them."

After observing, that he has not, owing to the above circumstance, time to write what he wished, he concludes, with the most perfect good-humour—"Pray excuse this short letter, and abuse of the Marquis De Gallo."

On Monday, the 15th of October, being ready to sail from Naples, at eight o'clock in the morning, the King and Prince Leopold, as well as Sir William and Lady Hamilton, went on board the Vanguard, to breakfast with Lord Nelson. At ten, the British squadron, consisting of the Vanguard, Minotaur, Audacious, Goliath, and La Mutine brig, weighed anchor; and, at eleven, the royal and illustrious visitors quitted the ship, taking an affectionate leave of their heroic protector and friend—"The king expressed himself," says Lord Nelson, in a letter to the Earl of St. Vincent, dated off Marsala, the West End of Sicily, October 22, 1798, "in the most flattering manner towards me. His majesty had all the respect paid him, by the squadron, which our situation would admit of, and which it was not only our duty, but so much our inclination, to pay him. The king," he observes, "having desired my return to Naples in the first week in November, I shall, after having arranged the blockade of Malta, return to Naples, and endeavour to be useful in the movements of their army. In thus acquiescing in the desire of the King of Naples, I give up my plan; which was, to have gone to Egypt, and attended to the destruction of the French shipping in that quarter: but, I hope, before Captain Hood quits his station, both the Turks and Russian squadron will be on that coast; when all will be right, I hope: although I own myself not willing to trust any of our allies to do that which we could do ourselves. I have reason for thinking, that a strong wish for our squadron's being on the coast of Naples is, that in case of any mishap, their majesties think their persons much safer under the protection of the British flag, than under any other." After observing, that the Culloden would be ready for sea about the time mentioned, and that he had directed Captain Troubridge to wait his arrival, with the transports which he had at first intended to take to Syracuse, he concludes with remarking that he had not a sick man in the squadron.

On the 24th, Lord Nelson arrived off Malta; when he immediately wrote the following letter to Sir William Hamilton.

"Vanguard, off Malta, 24th Oct. 1798.

"MY DEAR SIR,

"I am just arrived off this place, where I found Captain Ball and the Marquis De Niza: from these officers, I do not find such an immediate prospect of getting possession of the town, as the minister at Naples seems to think. All the country, it is true, is in possession of the islanders; and, I believe, the French have not many luxuries in the town: but, as yet, their bullocks are not eat up. The marquis tells me, the islanders want arms, victuals, and mortars and cannon to annoy the town. When I get the elect of the people on board, I shall desire them to draw up a memorial for the King of Naples, stating their wants and desires, which I shall bring with me. The marquis sails for Naples to-morrow morning. Till he is gone, I shall not do any thing about the island; but I will be fully master of that subject, before I leave this place. God bless you! is the sincere prayer of your affectionate

Horatio Nelson."

The very next day, he sent into Malta, by Captain Ball, the following admirable and most spirited letter, addressed to the French General and Admiral commanding in the town of Valetta and fort of Malta. It breathes, throughout, that liberal and manly spirit which so highly distinguishes our hero, and which conveys to the heart such irresistible proofs of honour and veracity.

"His Britannic Majesty's Ship Vanguard, off Malta, 25th Oct. 1798.

"GENTLEMEN,

"In addressing to you this letter, containing my determination respecting the French now in Malta, I feel confident that you will not attribute it either to insolence or impertinent curiosity, but a wish of my sentiments clearly understood. The present situation of Malta is this: the inhabitants are in possession of all the island; except the town of Valetta, which is in your possession—that the islanders are in arms against you—and, that the port is blockaded by a squadron belonging to his Britannic majesty. My objects are, to assist the people of Malta in forcing you to abandon the island, that it may be delivered into the hands of it's lawful sovereign; and, to get possession of Le Guillaume Tell, La Diane, and La Justice. To accomplish these objects as speedily as possible, I offer that, on the delivery of the French ships to me, all the troops and seamen, now in Malta and Goza, shall be landed in France, without the condition of their being prisoners of war; that I will take care that the lives of all those Maltese who have joined you shall be spared, and I offer my mediation with their sovereign for the restoration of their property. Should these offers be rejected; or the French ships make their escape, notwithstanding my vigilance; I declare, that I will not enter, or join, any capitulation, which the general may hereafter be forced to enter into, with the inhabitants of Malta; much less will I intercede for the forgiveness of those who have betrayed their duty to their country. I beg leave to assure you, this is the determination of a British admiral; and I have the honour to be, gentlemen, your most obedient humble servant,

"Horatio Nelson."

Though this notice was not successful to the full extent of his wish, it seems to have accelerated the surrender of Goza. In the mean time, all possible aid was given to the Maltese; who, it appears, had been shockingly neglected by the Neapolitan government. In a letter of the 27th, addressed to Sir William Hamilton, the indignant hero enlarges on this topic with a feeling and energy incomparably expressive of his heroic and independent character.

"When I come to Naples, I can have nothing pleasant to say of the conduct of his Sicilian majesty's ministers towards the inhabitants of Malta, who wish to be under the dominion of their legitimate sovereign. The total neglect and indifference with which they have been treated, appears to me cruel in the extreme. Had not the English supplied fifteen hundred stand of arms, with bayonets, cartouch boxes, and ammunition, &c. and the marquis supplied some few, and kept the spirit of those brave islanders from falling off, they must long ago have bowed to the French yoke. Could you, my dear Sir William, have believed, after what General Acton and the Marquis De Gallo had said, in our various conversations relative to this island, that nothing had been sent by the governor of Syracuse—secretly, was the word used to us—or openly, to this island! and I am further assured, that the governor of Syracuse never had any orders sent him, to supply the smallest article. I beg your excellency will state this, in confidence, to General Acton. I shall most assuredly tell it the king. The justice I owe myself, now I feel employed in the service of their Sicilian majesties, demands it of me; and also the duty I owe our gracious king, in order to shew that I am doing my utmost to comply with his royal commands. As I have before stated, had it not been for the English, long, long ago, the Maltese must have been overpowered. Including the fifteen hundred stand of arms given by us, not more than three thousand are in the island. I wonder how they have kept on the defensive so long. At least, two thousand stand of small arms complete, ammunition, &c. should be sent by the Emerald. This is wanted, to defend themselves; for offence, two or three large mortars, fifteen hundred shells, with all necessaries; and, perhaps, a few artillery. The Bormola, and all the left side of the harbour, with this assistance, will fall. Ten thousand men are required to defend those works, the French can only spare twelve hundred; therefore, a vigorous assault being made in many parts, some one must succeed. But, who have the government of Naples sent, to lead or encourage these people? A very good, and I dare say brave, old man; enervated, and shaking with the palsy. This is the sort of man that they have sent; without any supply, without even a promise of protection, and without his bringing any answer to the repeated respectful memorials of these people to their sovereign. I know their majesties must feel hurt, when they hear these truths. I may be thought presuming; but, I trust, General Acton will forgive an honest seaman for telling plain truths. As for the other minister, I do not understand him. We are different men. He has been bred in a court; and I, in a rough element: but, I believe, my heart is as susceptible of the finer feelings as his, and as compassionate for the distress of those who look up to me for protection."

Having thus very justly and indignantly censured the Neapolitan government; particularly, the then first minister, the Marquis De Gallo; he proceeds most judiciously and forcibly to state, not only what ought to have been done, but what still should be attempted. In doing this, he has admirably sketched the characteristic outlines of a good commander.

"The officer sent here should have brought supplies, promises of protection, and an answer from the king to their memorials. He should have been a man of judgment, bravery, and activity. He should be the first to lead them to glory; and the last, when necessary, to retreat: the first to mount the wall of the Bormola, and never to quit it. This is the man to send. Such, many such, are to be found. If he succeeds, promise him rewards: my life for it, the business would soon be over.

"God bless you! I am anxious to get this matter finished. I have sent Ball, this day, to summon Goza; if it resists, I shall send on shore, and batter down the castle. Three vessels, loaded with bullocks, &c. for the garrison, were taken yesterday, from Tripoli: ten more are coming, but we shall have them. I had almost forgot to mention, that orders should be immediately given, that no quarantine be laid on boats going to the coast of Sicily for corn. At present, as a matter of favour, they have fourteen days only. Yesterday, there was only fourteen days bread in the island; luckily, we got hold of a vessel loaded with wheat, and sent her into St. Paul's. Once more, God bless you! and ever believe me, your obliged and affectionate

"Horatio Nelson.

"This day I have landed twenty barrels of gunpowder—two thousand eight hundred pounds—at Malta."

The Island of Goza, in consequence of the summons mentioned in this letter, surrendered to his majesty's arms: and Admiral Nelson, in the evening of the 30th, having received particulars of the capitulation from Captain Ball, sailed again for Naples; leaving that excellent officer, the present Sir John Alexander Ball, Governor of Malta, to continue the blockade, with the same ships as were before employed on that service.

These particulars were, on the 2d of November, forwarded to the commander in chief; with the following letter, by which they are here preceded.

"Vanguard, at Sea, 1st Nov. 1798.

"MY LORD,

"I have the honour to transmit to you a letter received from Captain Ball, dated October 30th, together with the capitulation of the Castle of Goza, and a list of ordnance, &c. found in it. The prisoners are embarked in the Vanguard and Minotaur, till I can get a vessel to send them to France. Captain Ball, with three sail of the line, a frigate, and fire-ship, is entrusted with the blockade of Malta, in which are two sail of the line and three frigates ready for sea; and, from the experience I have had of Captain Ball's zeal, activity, and ability, I have no doubt that, in due time, I shall have the honour of sending you a good account of the French in the town of Valetta. I am, with the greatest respect, your lordship's most obedient servant,

"Horatio Nelson." "Earl of St. Vincent."

"Alexander, off Malta, 30th Oct. 1798.

"SIR,

"I have the honour to acquaint you, that the commandant of the French troops in the Castle of Goza signed the capitulation on the 28th inst. which you had approved. I ordered Captain Cresswell of the Marines to take possession of it in the name of his Britannic Majesty, and his majesty's colours were hoisted. The next day, the place was delivered up, in form, to the deputies of the island, his Sicilian Majesty's colours hoisted, and he acknowledged their lawful sovereign.

"I embarked, yesterday, all the French officers and men who were on the Island of Goza, amounting to two hundred and seventeen. I inclose the Articles of Capitulation, and an Inventory of the Arms and Ammunition found in the Castle; part of which, I directed to be sent to the assistance of the Maltese who are in arms against the French. There were three thousand two hundred sacks of corn in the castle; which will be a great relief to the inhabitants, who are much in want of that article. I have the honour to be, &c.

"Alex. John Ball."

"Rear-Admiral Sir H. Nelson, K.B."

"Articles of Capitulation, between Alexander John Ball, Esq. Captain of his Majesty's Ship the Alexander, appointed to conduct the Blockade of Malta, under Rear-Admiral Sir Horatio Nelson, K.B. on the Part of Great Britain; and Lieutenant-Colonel Lockey, Aju. de Battailon, Commander of the French Troops in the Castle of Goza.

"1.

"The French troops shall march out of the Castle of Goza with the honours of war, and shall lay down their arms as they get out of the gate.

"2.

"The Castle of Goza, with all the military implements and stores, shall be delivered up to the British officer appointed to take charge of them.

"3

"The French officers and troops shall be protected in their persons and effects, and the officers allowed to retain their side-arms. They shall be embarked, immediately, on board his Britannic majesty's ships; and sent to France, in transports, at the expence of the French government They are not to serve against his Britannic majesty, or his allies, during the war, till regularly exchanged.

"Rear-Admiral Sir Horatio Nelson, K.B. has entered into articles with the inhabitants of Goza, that if the French surrender to the British, they shall be considered as under their protection, and they will not offer them the smallest insult or molestation.

"Signed, 28th Oct. 1798.

"Alexander John Ball, Captain of his Britannic Majesty's Ship Alexander.

"Approved,

"Lockey, Aju. de Battailon. Horatio Nelson."

"Extract of Articles found in the Castle of Goza, the 28th of October 1798.

"Fifty barrels of powder, nine thousand ball-cartridges, one thousand musket-cartridges without ball, one thousand flints, thirty-eight eighteen-pound cartridges filled, one hundred and forty twelve-pound ditto, four hundred and fifty six-pound ditto, two hundred and sixty-eight four-pound ditto, twenty-five three-pound ditto, eighty-eight two-pound ditto, eighteen good eighteen-pounder guns and two hundred shot, two good twelve-pounder guns and nine hundred shot, four good six-pounders and two thousand nine hundred and eighty-five shot, four hundred hand-grenades filled, ninety-nine pikes, ninety halberts, and three thousand two hundred sacks of corn.

"N.B. No small-arms, except those laid down by the French troops."

On the 12th of November, Admiral Nelson, having a few days before arrived safely at Naples, went to the camp at St. Germaine's, in consequence of a request from his Sicilian Majesty, to meet General Mack and General Acton, at a grand review of the whole Neapolitan army; and Sir William and Lady Hamilton, with all the English nobility and gentry then at Naples, accompanied our hero, where they joined the king, queen, and royal family. The account of this meeting, and it's results, including an intended attack of Leghorn, are sufficiently explained in the following very interesting letter to Earl Spencer: which is farther remarkable for being the first epistle that our hero appears to have ever signed with the omission of his Christian name, in consequence of being advanced to the peerage; of which honour he had, even yet, it should seem, by what will be seen hereafter, no official information from the noble earl to whom he was writing, though he must certainly have received some regular previous information on the subject.

"Camp, St. Germaine's, 13th Nov. 1798.

"MY LORD,

"A desire from his majesty called me here yesterday, to concert with General Mack and General Acton the commencement of the war. Thirty thousand of—Mack says—"La plus belle d'armie d'Europe," was drawn out, for me to see; and, as far as my judgment goes in these matters, I agree, that a finer army cannot be. In the evening, we had a council; and it was settled, that four thousand infantry, and six hundred cavalry, should take possession of Leghorn. The infantry—(having stopped Captain Troubridge's squadron for Corfu)—I shall embark in the Vanguard, Culloden, Minotaur, two Portuguese ships, (if I can get them ready, not that I see they have any wants) and the Alliance storeship. A Neapolitan ship brings the cavalry, in a convoy, after us. The king's order for the destination was to be given to me; and, when at sea, I was to give it to the general commanding the troops: who was to be totally ignorant, that Leghorn was the object, and not Malta; which, as a secret, was communicated to him. His majesty approved of this plan, and Mack was to march—I repeat it with pleasure—"with thirty thousand of the finest troops in Europe," on Saturday, the 17th, to Rome; and keep advancing, trusting to the support of the emperor. Every hour, the French are increasing their Italian army, and two new generals are arrived at Rome. Thus I went to bed last night; and, at six this morning, came to take leave of their majesties. I found them in great distress. The courier who left London on the 4th, has not brought any assurance of support from the emperor. M. Turget is evasive; and wishes, he says, the French to be the aggressors. It is aggression, if this court knows—all the world knows—that the French are collecting an army to over-run Naples; in a week, destroy the monarchy; plunder, and make it a republic. As this is fully known; surely, it is an aggression of the most serious nature. The emperor's troops have not yet been in the habits of retaking kingdoms; and it is easier to destroy, than restore. I ventured to tell their majesties, directly, that one of the following things must happen to the King, and he had his choice—"Either advance, trusting to God for his blessing on a just cause, to die with l'epee a la main; or remain quiet, and be kicked out of your kingdom." The king replied, that he would go on, and trust in God; and desired me to stay till noon, to consult with Mack on this new face of affairs.

"November 15. I came from the king after dinner; and their majesties both told me, that things stood precisely as they did before the receipt of the dispatches from London and Vienna. There was, evidently, a great disappointment at not getting money from England. That they want, is certain; nor do the ministers, I believe, know how to get it. Their paper money is at forty per cent. discount. I long ago told the queen, I did not think Mr. Pitt would go to parliament, and ask money of the country, in the present moment; that, if England saw every exertion made, in this country, to save themselves, John Bull was never backward in supporting his friends in distress. Good God, my lord, can the emperor submit to this!

"November 18. Last evening, Lady Hamilton received a letter from the queen, full of the idea that money was indispensable: and desired her ladyship to shew it to me; and, that I would say what I saw. That I can do, very soon. I see the finest country in the world, full of resources; yet, without enough to supply the public wants: all are plundering, who can get at public money or stores. In my own line, I can speak. A Neapolitan ship of the line would cost more than ten English ships fitting out. Five sail of the line must ruin the country. Every thing else is, I have no doubt, going on in the same system of thieving: I could give your lordship so many instances of the greatest mal-conduct of persons in office, and of those very people being rewarded. If money could be placed in the public chest at this moment, I believe it would be well used: for the sad thing in this country is, that although much is raised, yet very little reaches the public chest. I will give you a fact—When the order of Jesuits was suppressed in this country and Sicily, they possessed very large estates: although these, with every other part of their property, were seized by the crown; yet, to this moment, not one farthing has reached the public chest. On the contrary, some years, the pretended expence of management was more than the produce. Taxes have been sold for sums of money; which, now, are five times more than when sold. This, it is true, was done by viceroys, to please their distant masters. But, I am tiring your patience. In short, their majesties look to us for every succour; and, without it, they are undone.

"I have wrote to the Turkish and Russian admirals, and shall take care to keep on the very best footing with all the allied powers.

"Believe me, your lordship's most obedient and obliged servant,

"Nelson."

At this Neapolitan review, a curious circumstance is said to have occurred. By some mistake of General Mack's, in directing the operations of a feigned fight, it so happened that his own troops were completely surrounded by those of the enemy; when Lord Nelson, vexed at the unfortunate and inauspicious blunder, immediately exclaimed, to his surrounding friends—"This fellow does not understand his business!"

It having been agreed, in a council held at the camp of St. Germaine's, as suggested in the foregoing letter, to take possession of Leghorn, not a moment was lost, by Lord Nelson, in preparing for that expedition. The King and Queen of Naples, affected by the very indifferent state of his lordship's health, and fearing that the exertion might prove too much for their chief protector, wished him to remain at Naples. When the queen, accordingly, through the medium of Lady Hamilton, advised him to send the troops; he instantly directed her to inform her majesty, that it was his custom, in order to succeed, not to say—"Go!" but—"Let us go!"