he whole we know. Vessels were fearful, till after some time, to
approach her; therefore, many poor fellows must be gone!"

In a very few days after this melancholy accident, Lord Nelson
experienced one of the highest gratifications of his life, by the
capture of Le Guillaume Tell. The first information of that important
event was conveyed in the following note from Sir Edward Berry.

"Foudroyant, 30th March 1800.

"MY DEAR LORD,

"I had but one wish, this morning; it was for you. After a most
gallant defence, Le Guillaume Tell surrendered, and she is
compleatly dismasted. The Foudroyant's lower masts, and main
topmast, are standing; but, every roll, I expect them to go over
the side, they are so much shattered. I was slightly hurt in the
foot; and, I fear, about forty men are badly wounded, besides the
killed, which you shall know hereafter. All hands behaved as you
would have wished. How we prayed for you, God knows, and your
sincere and faithful friend,

"E. Berry."

On the 4th of April, his lordship having received farther particulars
from Sir Thomas Troubridge, wrote thus to Mr. Nepean.

"Palermo, 4th April 1800.

"SIR,

"I have received no official reports, but I have letters from
Commodore Troubridge, Captain Dixon, and Sir Edward Berry, telling
me of the capture of the William Tell, on the morning of the 30th
of March, after a gallant defence of three hours. The Lion and
Foudroyant lost each about forty killed and wounded. The French
ship is dismasted; the French Admiral, Decres, wounded; and the
Foudroyant much shattered. I send Sir Edward Berry's hasty note.
Thus, owing to my brave friends, is the entire destruction of the
French Mediterranean fleet to be attributed, and my orders from the
great Earl of St. Vincent are fulfilled. Captain Blackwood, of the
Penelope, and Captain Long, of the Vincejo, have the greatest
merit. My task is done; my health is finished; and, probably, my
retreat for ever fixed--unless another French fleet should be
placed for me to look after. Ever your most obedient humble
servant,

"Bronte Nelson of the Nile."

"Evan Nepean, Esq."

The letter of Commodore Troubridge, above mentioned, contains the
following particulars.

"Culloden, Marsa Scirocco,
1st April 1800.

"MY LORD,

"I mo