nation, Captain
Foote, in the Sea-horse, with the Neapolitan frigates, and some small
vessels, under his command, was left to act with a land force consisting
of a few regular troops, of four different nations, and with the armed
rabble which Cardinal Ruffo called the Christian army. His directions
were to co-operate to the utmost of his power with the royalists, at
whose head Ruffo had been placed, and he had no other instructions
whatever. Ruffo advancing without any plan, but relying upon the enemy's
want of numbers, which prevented them from attempting to act upon the
offensive, and ready to take advantage of any accident which might
occur, approached Naples. Fort St. Elmo, which commands the town, was
wholly garrisoned by the French troops; the castles of Uovo and Nuovo,
which commanded the anchorage, were chiefly defended by Neapolitan
revolutionists, the powerful men among them having taken shelter there.
If these castles were taken, the reduction of Fort St. Elmo would be
greatly expedited. They were strong places, and there was reason to
apprehend that the French fleet might arrive to relieve them. Ruffo
proposed to the garrison to capitulate, on condition that their persons
and property should be guaranteed, and that they should, at their own
option, either be sent to Toulon or remain at Naples, without being
molested either in their persons or families. This capitulation was
accepted: it was signed by the cardinal, and the Russian and Turkish
commanders; and lastly, by Captain Foote, as commander of the British
force. About six-and-thirty hours afterwards Nelson arrived in the
bay with a force which had joined him during his cruise, consisting of
seventeen sail of the line, with 1700 troops on board, and the Prince
Royal of Naples in the admiral's ship. A flag of truce was flying on the
castles, and on board the SEAHORSE. Nelson made a signal to annul the
treaty; declaring that he would grant rebels no other terms than those
of unconditional submission. The cardinal objected to this: nor could
all the arguments of Nelson, Sir W. Hamilton, and Lady Hamilton, who
took an active part in the conference, convince him that a treaty of
such a nature, solemnly concluded, could honourably be set aside. He
retired at last, silenced by Nelson's authority, but not convinced.
Captain Foote was sent out of the bay; and the garrisons, taken out
of the castles under pretence of carrying the treaty into effect, were
delivered