cer, does not grace this world. I feel," continues he, "I have
said a great deal; but, with my honour, I pledge myself for the truth of
it." Then, with the most consummate address, Lord Nelson proceeds to
remark--"His imperial majesty will know, that the poor islanders have
often, in their distress, and as a mark of their gratitude, offered--as
far as they could--themselves for subjects of our king, and made their
request to his Sicilian Majesty; but both Sir William Hamilton and
myself, knowing that no views of individual aggrandizement actuate the
breast of our gracious sovereign, have invariably refused every offer of
that nature: but, in the present situation of his Sicilian Majesty, and
by his desire, his colours and the British flag fly together, to mark
that Great Britain protects the flag of his Sicilian Majesty. It is
proper in this place to mention, as the heart of the emperor overflows
with justice, that in many instances the islanders have been grievously
oppressed by the order; probably, more by their consummate pride, than
by a wish to oppress. I know, it is only necessary to mention this
matter, for the consideration of the present illustrious Grand Master,
to have it remedied; by which, a brave and industrious people will be
rendered happy." His lordship concludes this exquisite proof of
diplomatic dexterity, with observing, that he impatiently waits the
arrival of the Russian troops; by nine or ten thousand of whom Naples
would be recovered in a week, and his imperial majesty have the glory of
replacing a good monarch and an amiable queen, again on their throne.

Captain Troubridge, in the mean time, was executing, with all possible
activity and success, the very important duties which he had been sent
to perform. The islands of Procida, Ischia, and Capri, immediately
surrendered; and the inhabitants in general, who had been greatly
oppressed by the usurpers, manifested such a spirit of loyalty, that
they gladly delivered up all the municipal officers for the disposal of
their lawful sovereign, and the principals were received, as prisoners,
on board the British squadron. The information of these auspicious
commencements diffused universal joy at Palermo; and greatly revived
the drooping spirits of their Sicilian Majesties, who readily sent the
distressed islanders all the relief which it was in their power to
bestow, both in provisions and money. The consideration of those
distresses, however, while the