h.

On the following day, the 9th, an opportunity occurs to exhibit our
incomparable hero in a new and most amiable light; the irresistible
Christian advocate of humanity, pleading for the emancipation of
Mahometan captives from slavery.

The ambassador, and his suite, from the Grand Signior, who had arrived
at Naples, and were now at Palermo, were about to take their departure;
having long since fulfilled, as was formerly described, the object of
their mission, by investing our hero with the Ottoman dignities. Their
return appears to have been delayed by the affairs of Naples, which
would not sooner admit of a ship's being spared for their conveyance to
Constantinople. The Bonne Citoyenne, however, commanded by Captain
Nisbet, his lordship's son-in-law, had now the honour of that service.
Accordingly, as Kelim Effendi, the Turkish ambassador, was passing, in a
boat, to go on board the Bonne Citoyenne, near the Portuguese man of
war, the Principe Real, then laying in the mole, several Moors and Turks
called to him, from that ship, where they were confined as slaves. The
ambassador immediately sent to Lord Nelson, requesting his interference
in procuring their liberty; and his lordship, with all that amiable
humanity which so highly distinguished his character, immediately wrote
as follows to the Marquis De Niza.

"Palermo, Jan. 9th, 1799.

"MY DEAR MARQUIS,

"You have some Turkish slaves on board. I beg, as a friend--as an
English admiral--as a favour to me, as a favour to my country--that
you will give me the slaves. In doing this, you will oblige your
faithful friend,

"Nelson."

The marquis very handsomely gave up, instantly, all the Moors and Turks
he had oh board, twenty-five in number; and they were sent, by his
lordship, to the Turkish ambassador, Secretary Kelim, who took them with
him to Constantinople, blessing their noble benefactor.

On the 11th, intelligence was received at Palermo, that Commodore
Campbell had prematurely burned all the Neapolitan ships of war; though
the French were not then at Naples, or near it: "for," says his
lordship, "while an army was covering Naples, the enemy could not be
considered as near taking it." Of this conduct, Lord Nelson expressed
his entire disapprobation; and his Sicilian majesty was, as he had just
reason to be, greatly displeased on the occasion. The commodore,
however, who had evidently acted too precipitately, yet wi