culties to struggle with, in every way,
which the state of the capital will easily bring to your idea, that
has raised his great character even higher than it was before: and
it is my earnest request, that your lordship will mention him, in
that way, to the board of Admiralty, that his majesty may be
graciously pleased to bestow some mark of his royal favour on
Captain Troubridge; which will give real happiness to your
lordship's most obedient and faithful servant,

"Nelson."

"Right Honourable Lord Keith."

Besides the above letter, Lord Nelson this day wrote three other
letters to Lord Keith, and one to Earl Spencer; so indefatigable was his
lordship in the performance of every branch of his duty. Yet, at this
very moment, he was hazarding the imputation of too little regarding it,
by those who have not his ability to discern in what it truly consists,
or the magnanimity to hazard the consequences of a nominal and apparent
breach, for the sake of securely seizing the spirit and substance of
it's unquestionably intended effect. A truly great man, must sometimes
even venture to expose his character, as well as his person, in perilous
situations; though he will seldom be so presumptuous or rash as wantonly
to commit either, on trivial occasions.

The fact is, that his lordship had, at this very critical juncture, been
ordered, by Lord Keith, to detach a considerable part of his squadron
for the reinforcement of his lordship, then at Minorca; with this order,
however, having already parted with two ships for Malta, it was not
possible to comply, without again putting the safety of Naples to a most
imminent hazard. He ventured, therefore to remonstrate against the
measure, in the following apology to Lord Keith; describing his precise
situation, of which the commander in chief could not have any possible
knowledge at the time of sending such orders.

"Foudroyant, Naples Bay,
13th July, 1799.

"MY LORD,

"I have to acknowledge the receipt of your lordship's orders of
27th June; and, as soon as the safety of his Sicilian Majesty's
kingdoms is secured, I shall not lose one moment in making the
detachment you are pleased to order. At present, under God's
providence, the safety of his Sicilian Majesty, and his speedy
restoration to his kingdoms, depends on this fleet; and the
confidence inspired, even by the appearance of