observes, the court being
poor, and having no revenue, made things slower than they would
otherwise be: "however," he adds, "we make the best of the slender means
we possess. I own, my dear lord, myself much fitter for the actor than
the counsellor, of proper measures to be pursued in this very critical
situation of public affairs; but, at least, their Sicilian Majesties are
satisfied that my poor opinion is an honest one. Their majesties are
ready to cross the water, whenever Naples is entirely cleansed; when
that happy event arrives, and not till then, a desire will be expressed
for the British troops to be removed from Messina into Naples, to guard
the persons of their majesties. Whenever your name is mentioned, I can
assure you, their expressions are the very handsomest that tongue can
utter; and, as is my duty, both as my commander in chief, and my friend,
I do not fail ever to speak of you in the only way, if truth is spoken,
that you can be represented, as the very ablest sea-officer his majesty
has, and as the best and truest friend that can be in this world. My
dear Lady Hamilton is always my faithful interpreter, on all occasions;
and, never with so much pleasure. My dear lord, you will forgive my
short sketches of what is going on here; for neither my head, nor my
hand, is equal to what is absolutely necessary for me to write:
therefore, all private correspondence is given up; for, I cannot answer
a letter. Three of Sir William Sidney Smith's ships, with sick
Frenchmen, are stopped by Troubridge; the poor devils are sent to
Corsica. I am very much displeased with this Levant commodore with a
broad pendant. I send one of his passports. We are not forced to
understand French! Malta is as usual, the moment a land force arrives it
will fall. God bless you, my dear lord."

In a letter written the preceding day to Earl Spencer, Lord Nelson says,
speaking of the affairs of Naples--"I think it very probable that, in
ten days, their Sicilian Majesties will be again in Naples. These happy
prospects have been brought about, first, by the war of the emperor;
secondly, by the wonderful loyalty of the lower order of the people;
and, lastly, I flatter myself, I may say, by the conduct of the English.
Captain Troubridge has given a portion of that spirit he possesses to
all who communicate with him. On the 25th, Macdonald left the town, for
Capua; with all the troops, except five hundred in the Castle of St.
Elmo. Orders hav