and my
only wish is, that the Turks and Russians would take care of all
the French to the east of Malta. Our situation here is quiet; but
who can say, if the French get into our neighbourhood, that we
shall remain so? In Calabria, the people have cut down the Tree of
Liberty; but I shall never consider any part of the kingdom of
Naples safe, or even Sicily, till I hear of the emperor's entering
Italy: when all my ships shall go into the Bay of Naples, and I
think we can make a revolution against the French; at least, my
endeavours shall not be wanting. I hope to go on the service
myself, but I have my doubts if the King and Queen will consent to
my leaving them for a moment. A few days past, I was presented, in
due form, with the freedom of the city of Palermo in a gold box,
and brought upon a silver salver. I have endeavoured so to conduct
myself, as to meet the approbation of all classes in this country,
and I hope to be equally fortunate in meeting your lordship's. A
ship is in sight, from Malta. I shall keep this letter open till
her arrival; but I do not expect any thing particularly good. The
blockade must continue, to the end of the chapter; for neither
Maltese, nor Italians, will fight by themselves. Ever your
lordship's faithful, and obedient,

"Nelson.

"P.S. I send your lordship copies of Captain Ball's letters from
Malta. It is not for me to judge the propriety of Captain Ball's
plans; but, I can assure you, he is a man of great judgment and
abilities, and ought to have a recompence for all his expence and
trouble."

The letters of Captain Ball principally related to taking men into
British pay; those of the Turkish and Russian admirals, from Corfu, were
highly satisfactory, giving assurances of all possible assistance; and
that from the Emperor Paul of Russia, congratulatory of the glorious
victory of the Nile, was in the highest degree flattering, and
accompanied by the emperor's picture, in a box magnificently set with
diamonds. His lordship, however, learned that Corfu, though daily
expected to fall, had not yet surrendered; and that Le Genereux
unfortunately escaped the vigilance of the blockading squadrons, on the
5th of February. From Constantinople, he received the agreeable
information that the Grand Signior had ordered ten thousand Albanese
troops to Sicily; but Si