ry appearance, for the sake
of producing true lenity in it's fullest extent; are not to be
considered as by any means less inclined to mercy than those who,
without loving it more, do not conduce so much to it's genuine
interests. Often, however, the really merciful, for the openly avowed
and honest discharge of a severe duty, are condemned, by the
inconsiderate zeal of weak and vulgar minds; while those who are induced
artfully to draw dispositions of a malignant, treacherous, or sanguinary
nature, in the semblance of merciful habits, for the mere purpose of
acquiring the popularity of that applause to which this divine attribute
must ever entitle it's amiable possessors, are idolized by the
unreflecting crowd, as the sincerest friends of the very virtue to
which they are, in truth, the severest enemies.

The following letter to Captain Troubridge, who had communicated his
sentiments on this subject to Lord Nelson, fully demonstrates his
lordship's disdain of any improper interference with the criminal
jurisdiction of his Sicilian Majesty's government, however it might fail
to meet with his approbation. It speaks, his free sentiments both of the
judge and cardinal; but hastens to other topics, of better aspect, and
comprehends several points of interesting elucidation.

"Palermo, April 25,1799.

"MY DEAR TROUBRIDGE,

"I thank you, again and again, for your letters, and for the
ability and exertion you shew on all occasions. As to Mr. judge, he
must hang, or let it alone, as he pleases. It has been that
miserable system, which has caused much of the present misery in
Naples. In respect to the cardinal, he is a swelled up priest. If
his letter had been directed to you, his answer would, I am sure,
been proper. Such impertinence, in treating of the assistance of
England, deserves reprobation. He makes his army great or small, as
it suits his convenience. He is now frightened at a thousand men
going against him: which, at one time, is thirty thousand; at
another, not three thousand. In short, my dear friend, without
foreign troops, the stream will sometimes run different ways. Some
Russian ships are said to be at Otranto; but, we know less than
you. If the Austrian armies are beaten, Naples will be lost; if
victorious, our exertions, with the constant loyalty of the lower
order, will hasten the king's return. What are your ideas