h against my inclination, to put into either Syracuse or
Messina: we are at present off the former place. By a boat that has
joined one of the ships, I find they only heard of the battle four
days ago. They are disposed to give us a hearty welcome, but I hope we
shall have no occasion for their well-meant intentions.

"Friday.--We last night fell in with the Marquis de Niza's squadron,
on their return from the mouth of the Nile. The Marquis hailed me that
he was _very sorry_ he had not arrived a few days sooner. We were much
better without him."

Sir James sent, by the Thalia, the following letters to Sir Horatio:

Orion, Port of Augusta, 16th September 1798.

MY DEAR ADMIRAL,

I fear you will be disappointed at finding that we are no
further on our voyage than this place. We were three days in
sight of Sicily, endeavouring to beat round Cape Pesaro; and,
Friday afternoon, the wind set in so strong to the westward,
that I was obliged to endeavour to get into Syracuse, but I
found the wind directly out of the harbour, and stood again to
the southward. It blew a gale all night; and in the morning,
seeing no possibility of getting into Syracuse, I bore up for
this place, where the squadron anchored yesterday afternoon. We
are completing the water with all expedition, but I am
disappointed that there is no wine to be had but at a very high
price. We are supplied with bullocks and other articles the same
as at Syracuse; and, as at that place, the people are exorbitant
in their demands. Every possible attention has been shown by the
governor. I paid him a visit of ceremony this morning with the
other captains of the squadron. He appears a man of the first
respectability.

I thought it proper to mention to him that I had seen Mr.
Acton's letter, which stated that his Majesty's ships were to be
received in the ports of this island; and I should do him great
injustice, did I not observe to you, sir, his earnest endeavours
that we should be supplied with everything we require on the
most reasonable terms.

A vessel, which left Malta six days ago, reports that the
inhabitants have revolted against the French, who are driven to
the greatest stress by the want of provisions. They seem very
anxious for the appearance of an English squadron off that
island.

I hope to have the squadron completed in water by Wednesday
next, and t