, throughout my command in the Levant seas, you
have done yourself the highest honour; and rendered, as far as was
possible, the greatest services to your country. This public
testimony, from a stranger to every thing except your good conduct,
will, I trust, be not unacceptable. I observe what you tell me of
Lord Grenville's orders to obey Sir William Sidney Smith. You
will, of course, follow Lord Grenville's orders, as Sir William
Sidney Smith is considered as a minister at Constantinople. I,
also, know him in that capacity, jointly with his worthy brother;
but, Captain of the Tigre, and in all matters relative to naval
operations, he is under my orders: and this I would have you
perfectly understand; and explain, when it may be necessary. For an
idea seems gone abroad, very injurious to my credit in the world;
that, although I was entrusted with the command of the detached
squadron, even into the Black Sea, should the French have got
there--that, although I had the happiness of commanding the
squadron who obtained the glorious victory off the Nile--Captain
Sir William Sidney Smith was sent out to command somewhere, in
prejudice to me, and four or five captains now serving with me, in
the Levant. Having stated this fully to you, you will be equal to
every explanation. Whenever you favour me with your very
interesting correspondence, I shall receive it with pleasure. As
Sir William Hamilton writes you, I shall not repeat, &c. &c.

"Nelson."

Speridion Foresti, Esq.

Every exertion was at this time making, by Lord Nelson, and Captain
Troubridge, in concert with their Sicilian Majesties, for the recovery
of Naples from the domination of the French. Cardinal Ruffo, who
united, in himself, the three important characters of statesman,
prelate, and general, had raised a large army of loyalists in the
provinces, by the powerful operation of the Catholic cause, and headed
in person what was denominated the Christian Army. The French, with
their usual insatiable thirst of plunder, officers as well as men, had
attended to little else than their own individual gratifications, since
they entered Naples; and this did not fail to produce it's customary
concomitant, a speedy spirit of insubordination. The fiery population of
Naples, in the mean time, like the volcano in it's vicinity, though at
present apparentl