ard of but "Viva Nelson!" The
English nation never stood so high in the estimation of the
Italians as at this present moment: and I believe the French
were never so universally execrated and despised as they now
are. The Emperor and King of Naples will make an effort to drive
them out of Italy. General Mack was daily expected at Naples to
arrange the plans.

We have to regret the capture of the Leander by the Genereux.
She is carried into Corfu. Of course all our letters by her are
destroyed, and our friends will suffer much anxiety until the
arrival of Capel, who could not get there before the 20th of
last month. The grand Seignior declared war against the French
the 1st of last month. He did not receive the Admiral's official
account of the action until the 6th ult. He has ordered a
costly diamond to be presented to him for the important victory.

Buonaparte's career is nearly finished. He will soon be
surrounded by sixty thousand men. One of his colonels, whom
Foley took very lately, says that the whole army will soon
perish. He sent to Alexandria for all the troops in garrison to
join him without loss of time, which they refused doing. The
seamen marched to retrieve their character, but I do not think
many will return to tell of their exploits. A Turkish fleet is
gone for Alexandria. Our Envoy at Constantinople, Sir Sidney
Smith's brother, has gained great credit by his ability and
judicious conduct. I had great satisfaction in reading some of
his correspondence. We expect very soon to be in possession of
Malta, Corfu, Zante, and Cerigo. I shall then hope to go to
England, Sir H. Nelson having given me reason to expect the
pleasure of carrying home Sir William and Lady Hamilton.

I am now in company with the Colossus, going off Malta, which we
are in sight of. Captain Murray talks of staying to ascertain
the state of the island. He is then to proceed to join Lord St.
Vincent. He has this moment made the signal for Gibraltar; I
must therefore refer you to him for the state of Malta. The
French must surrender in a few days. Their ships mean to slip
out and trust to their sailing. Believe me,

With true esteem and regard,
My dear Sir James, very sincerely yours,
ALEX. M. BALL.

Sir James Saumarez, &c. &c.

To return to Sir James's journal:

"19th October.--Your valued letters of the 21st July