settled; in answer to which, he thus
expresses himslef--"i was sorry that you had entered into any
altercation with the scoundrel. The capitulation once signed, there
could be no room for dispute. There is no way of dealing with a
Frenchman, but to knock him down. To be civil to them, is only to be
laughed at, when they are enemies."

We tremble, in this age of refinement, for the fate of so rough a
sentiment; but, perhaps, we ought rather to tremble for that of the age
which is become so refined. It will, at least, not be disputed, by
posterity, that no man ever knew better than Lord Nelson, how to deal
properly with Frenchmen.

Besides assisting the councils of his Sicilian Majesty, with regard to
the necessary arrangements for Naples, Lord Nelson was actively engaged
in making a proper distribution of the squadron under his command, and
directing the various operations already commenced, or in immediate
contemplation. He had already ordered the Bellerophon, Captain Darby,
and the Zealous, Captain Hood, to Minorca: and Captain Martin, in the
Northumberland, was now detached, with the San Leon, Captain Harward,
with orders to proceed off Civita Vecchia; looking out for Captain
Nisbet of the Thalia, who had been seen cruizing off that place, and was
to join them. From thence, Captain Martin had instructions to proceed
into Leghorn Roads, and send a boat on shore for intelligence respecting
the affairs of the north of Italy, and the situation of the allied
armies: and, should he fall in with Captain Foote, of the Seahorse, to
take that officer under his orders; and, proceeding to the Gulph of
Genoa, co-operate with Field-Marshal Suwarrow, for the annoyance of the
enemy, and the good of the common cause.

The following kind letter, which was written by Lord Nelson to Captain
Nisbet, at this period, will evince the truly paternal anxiety which his
lordship felt for the welfare of his son-in-law,

"Foudroyant, Naples Bay,
3d August 1799.

"MY DEAR SIR,

"I herewith inclose you a letter received some days ago: and, on
the receipt of this, you will keep a good look out for the
Northumberland, who is coming your way; and join her as soon as you
can, Captain Martin having letters for you. I am sorry to find, you
have been cruizing off Civita Vecchia; I was in hopes of your being
on the north coast of Italy: but, I am persuaded, it was done for
the best. I here inclose