cellency Prince Di Luzzi."

Immediately after, his lordship penned also the following admirable
letter for the sovereign by whom he had been thus bountifully honoured,
which was instantly transmitted to that generous monarch.

"Palermo, 13th August 1799.

"SIRE,

The bounty of your majesty has so overwhelmed me, that I am unable
to find words adequate to express my gratitude: but it shall be my
study to continue in the same line of conduct which your majesty
has been pleased to approve, and to mark with such very
extraordinary proofs of your royal favour; and which has also
gained me the approbation of my own most gracious sovereign, your
majesty's most faithful ally. That the Almighty may pour down his
choicest blessings on your sacred person, and on those of the queen
and the whole royal family, and preserve your kingdoms in peace and
happiness, shall ever be the fervent prayer of your majesty's
faithful servant,

Bronte Nelson.

On the morning of this day, while Lady Hamilton was at the palace with
the queen, who had purposely invited that lady early, two coach loads
of the most magnificent and costly dresses, were secretly sent to her
house, with a richly jewelled picture of the king, worth a thousand
guineas, for her ladyship; and another picture of his majesty, of the
same value, for Sir William Hamilton. The whole of the presents on this
occasion received by Sir William and his lady, from their Sicilian
Majesties, were estimated at full six thousand guineas.

Lord Nelson had, in these few days, so completely detached the squadron
under his command to the several destinations, that his own flag was now
flying on board the Samuel and Jane transport; yet, even thus situated,
so confident were their majesties, and their Sicilian subjects, that
there could be nothing to fear while they possessed even the person of
our invincible hero, not the smallest alarm was either felt or expressed
on the occasion.

The Foudroyant, indeed, which had accompanied two Portuguese ships of
the line to Captain Ball at Malta, was only intended to remain there a
few days, with some hope of quickening the surrender of that island by
the appearance of such a force; and, on the 14th, his Sardinian Majesty
having requested a ship to carry him and his family to the continent, in
a letter received from his minister by our grand protector of kings, his
lordship w