to steer, nor any positive account of the destination
of the enemy's fleet. Every thing was left to his own judgment. The
pleasure which he felt at being thought worthy of such a command, called
forth every power of his grateful and magnanimous mind.

He had soon the felicity to find, that the captains under his authority,
had no need of particular instructions to keep in constant readiness for
battle; the ardour of their zeal anticipated his utmost wishes. The
decks of all the ships were perfectly clear night and day, and every man
was ready to take his post at a moment's notice. He perceived them, with
unspeakable satisfaction, daily exercising their men at the great guns,
as well as with small arms; and, in short, placing every thing in the
best state of preparation for actual service.

Knowing that the enemy had sailed with a north-west wind, he naturally
concluded that their course was up the Mediterranean. He sent La Mutine
to Civita Vecchia, and along the Roman coast, for intelligence; and, in
the mean time, steered with the fleet to Corsica, which he reached on
the 12th of June, without obtaining any intelligence. The next day, he
continued his course between Corsica and Elba, and between Planosa and
Elba; through the latter of which passages large ships, or fleets, had
not been accustomed to pass. On making the Roman coast, they were
rejoined by La Mutine; but Captain Hardy, with all his exertions, had
been unable to acquire any information.

Admiral Nelson now resolved to steer towards Naples, with the hope of
proving more successful in his enquiries. It had been rumoured, that the
plundering of Algiers was the object of the French armament; but this
account he considered as much too vague to warrant implicit adoption.

On the 16th, they saw Mount Vesuvius; and Captain Troubridge was
detached, in La Mutine, with letters to Sir William Hamilton, making
earnest enquiries respecting the French fleet, as well as of the powers
and disposition of the court of Naples to accommodate the British
squadron. In one of these letters, he says--

"If their fleet is not moored in as strong a port as Toulon,
nothing shall hinder me from attacking them; and, with the
blessing of Almighty God, I hope for a most glorious victory. I
send Captain Troubridge to communicate with your excellency; and,
as Captain Troubridge is in full possession of my confidence, I beg
that whatever he says may be cons