ave conversed on
the subject, has been decidedly of opinion that the name of Saumarez
ought to have been honourably mentioned; and that, as second in
command, some mark of distinction should have been conferred upon him.
We dwell on this subject particularly, because we know, that when a
brave and meritorious officer does not obtain the reward due to his
merit, it is extremely injurious to the service, as it damps that
ardour after fame, and weakens that emulation, which lead to valour
and enterprise. May every succeeding Nelson regard, and be able to
look up to, that motto which was conferred on the hero of the
Nile,--_Palmam qui meruit, ferat!_

On Sir James's arrival at Gibraltar he received the following letters
from Sir Horatio Nelson, approving of his proceedings:--

Vanguard, Naples, 29th Sept. 1798.

SIR,

I have received your letter of the 17th from Augusta, as well as
your despatch of the 27th, by Captain Gage.

I very much approve of your putting into Augusta to get water,
and very highly so of your officer-like behaviour and conduct
relative to Malta, as also of your supplying the Maltese with
arms and ammunition.

I am, sir,
Your most obedient servant,
HORATIO NELSON.

To Sir James Saumarez.

September 29th, 1798.

MY DEAR SIR JAMES,

Captain Gage is just arrived with your letters and papers
relative to Malta. I can say with truth there is no action of
your life, as far as relates to me, but what must be entirely to
my approbation: your summons to Malta is highly proper; and you
have done as I wished in sending the arms, &c. The wind here is
strong at S.E. I hope you have it, and that it will carry you
through the Straits. This is a sad place for refitting, the
swell sets in so heavy; never again do we come to Naples:
besides the rest, we are killed with kindness. Wishing you, my
dear Sir James, every felicity in this world, believe me ever,

Your obliged and affectionate,
HORATIO NELSON.

Sir James Saumarez.

At Gibraltar Sir James also received a letter from his gallant friend
and brother-in-arms, Captain Ball, which gives so vivid a description
of some of the events of this most eventful period of the war, that we
are persuaded the reader will thank us for inserting it.

Alexander, at sea, 11th Oct. 1798.

MY DEAR SIR JAMES,

I have the satisfaction of sending you, by the Colossus, a case