itself in the following letter written to that
esteemed veteran, Captain Locker; who had sensibly felt the effect of
this difficulty, though not the last to congratulate his honoured pupil
on the success of his most splendid victory. This excellent letter has
been repeatedly published, but it well merits to be again printed.

"Palermo, 9th Feb. 1799.

"MY DEAR FRIEND,

"I well know, your own goodness of heart will make all due
allowances for my present situation; in which, truly, I have not
the time, or power, to answer all the letters I receive, at the
moment. But you, my old friend, after twenty-seven years
acquaintance, know that nothing can alter my attachment and
gratitude to you. I have been your scholar. It was you who taught
me to board a Frenchman, by your conduct when in the Experiment. It
is you who always hold--"Lay a Frenchman close, and you will beat
him!" And my only merit in my profession is, being a good scholar.
Our friendship will never end, but with my life: but, you have
always been too partial to me.

"Pray tell Kingsmill, that it was impossible I could attend to his
recommendation. Indeed, I had, not being a commander in chief, no
power to name an agent. Remember me kindly to him.

"The Vesuvian republic being fixed, I have now to look out for
Sicily: but revolutionary principles are so prevalent in the world,
that no monarchical government is safe, or sure of lasting ten
years.

"I beg you will make my kindest remembrances to Miss Locker, and
all your good sons; and believe me, ever, your faithful and
affectionate friend,

"Nelson."

"Lieutenant-Governor Locker,
Royal Hospital, Greenwich."

As the Vesuvian republic had been now formed on the ruins of the
Neapolitan monarchy, under the protection of the French, and was
consequently at war with Great Britain, Lord Nelson gave directions for
the property of all persons who had not left this new state to be seized
as lawful prize. Application was again made to the emperor; a survey
taken of the island, for the purpose of ascertaining it's strength and
security; and every endeavour used to obtain, during the war, a truce
with Tunis and Tripoli. The opinion of Lord Nelson, with regard to the
safety of Sicily, is conveyed in the following letter to Sir John Acton,
Bart, expressly on that subject.

"Pale