cessary, that her ladyship,
having packed up a few articles of the first necessity, proceeded in the
barge, with Sir William and his lordship, on board the Foudroyant, which
instantly sailed for the Bay of Naples.

Lord Nelson, it may be supposed, had received very full powers from
their Sicilian Majesties; with the advice of their equally brave, wise,
and skilful privy-counsellor, General Sir John Acton: but, such was the
delicacy of his lordship in the exercise of his almost limitless
authority, that no single instance can be with truth adduced, where he
ever interfered with the criminal jurisprudence of the country; except,
indeed, on the side of mercy, to which his excellent heart, it is well
known, constantly inclined.

On the 24th, they arrived in the Bay of Naples; where Lord Nelson saw a
flag of truce flying on board the Seahorse, Captain Foote, and also on
the Castles of Ovo and Nuovo. Having, on the passage, received
information, that an infamous armistice was entered into with the rebels
of those castles, to which Captain Foote had put his name, his lordship
instantly made the signal to annul the truce; being determined, as he
said, never to give his approbation to any terms, with rebels, but
unconditional submission. The fleet was now anchored in close line of
battle, north-west by north, and south-east by south, from the mole
head, one mile and a half distant; flanked by twenty-two gun and mortar
boats, which he had recalled from Procida.

His lordship sent, instantly, Captains Troubridge and Ball to the
Cardinal Vicar-General Ruffo; to represent to his eminence, the opinion
which he entertained of the infamous truce entered into with the rebels.
They were also charged with two papers to his eminence, expressive of
these sentiments; one of which was intended for their perusal,
previously to the agreed surrender. The cardinal, however, declared that
he would send no papers; and that, if his lordship pleased, he might
break the armistice, for he was himself tired of his situation. Captain
Troubridge then asked this plain question--"If Lord Nelson breaks the
armistice, will your eminence assist him in the attack of the castles?"
His answer was decisive--"I will neither assist him with men nor guns."

After much talking, to very little purpose, his eminence expressed a
wish to see his lordship on board, that he might converse with him
respecting this situation of affairs; and they, accordingly, accompanied