he orders of the commander in chief; but, as
I believe the safety of the kingdom of Naples depends, at the present
moment, on my detaining the squadron, I have no scruple in deciding,
that it is better to save the kingdom of Naples, and risk Minorca, than
to risk the kingdom of Naples, and save Minorca. Your lordship will, I
hope, approve of my decision."

Though Lord Nelson's heroic bosom could by no means fail to be violently
agitated on this very alarming occasion, his resolution was not to be
shaken by any consideration of personal suffering: had the refusal been
attended with the certain loss of life, he would not have consented to
part with a single ship; such was the inflexible firmness of this
invincible man, when his determination was once fixed. He did not,
however, set danger at defiance; though he so little regarded it's
weight, when placed in the scale which opposed his own conscious sense
of duty. Desirous to be duly understood, and to obtain the indemnity of
which he could not but consider himself as worthy of receiving, he had
ventured to hope for Lord Keith's approbation of his conduct. He judged
it right, however, to be prepared against the worst that could happen,
by immediately addressing Earl Spencer, also, in a private letter on the
subject; as well as the Admiralty in general, through their secretary,
Mr. Nepean. These valuable documents, at once self-criminating and
exculpatory, are finely characteristic of his lordship's firmness,
sensibility, and honour.

"Foudroyant, Naples Bay,
19th July 1799.

"MY DEAR LORD,

"You will easily conceive my feelings, at the order this day
received here from Lord Keith; but my mind, your lordship will
know, by my letter sent by Mr. Lieutenant Parkinson and Mr.
Silvester, was perfectly prepared for this order: and, more than
ever, is my mind made up. At this moment, I will not part with a
single ship; as I cannot do that, without drawing a hundred and
twenty men from each ship now at the siege of Capua, where an army
is gone this day. I am fully aware of the act I have committed;
but, sensible of my loyal intentions, I am prepared for any fate
which may await my disobedience. Capua and Gaieta will soon fall;
and, the moment the scoundrels of French are out of this kingdom,
I shall send eight or nine ships of the line to Minorca. I have
done what I thought right: others may thin