as constrained to order the Foudroyant on that important
service. This letter also solicited the kind and powerful interference
of our hero, to obtain, from the Bey of Tunis, some modification of the
very severe terms to which his Sardinian Majesty had been under the
necessity of agreeing, but found it impossible immediately to raise the
sum stipulated from his distressed people for the ransom of their
fellow-subjects. Though his lordship could not but feel almost hopeless
of success in any requisition of pecuniary forbearance from a Barbary
State, he did not hesitate a single moment in making the attempt, by
writing both to Mr. Magra and the Bey of Tunis, with his customary
diplomatic dexterity and address. Having done this, his lordship thus
answered the letter of his Sardinian Majesty's minister, Count
Chilembert.

"Palermo, 16th August 1799.

"SIR

"I was yesterday honoured with your excellency's letter of August
11th. The situation of the poor people taken by the Bey of Tunis is
shocking to humanity, and must sensibly touch the royal heart: but
I will not attempt to cherish a hope, that the bey will abate one
zequin of the sum fixed in the convention of June the 21st; and I
very much doubt, if a longer time than that fixed by the
convention, and witnessed by six friendly consuls, will be granted.
However, I have, I can assure your excellency, no difficulty in
sending a letter to Mr. Magra, his Britannic Majesty's consul,
covering one to the bey; to say, that I am confident such a mark
of his goodness will be highly acceptable to the great king, my
master.

The Chevalier Marechal is gone towards Malta, after the Foudroyant;
and, I hope, she will be at Cagliari in three days after this
letter: I have, therefore, only to intreat, that every thing for
the service of his majesty may be ready to put on board the moment
she anchors. I send the Foudroyant, as she is my own flag-ship, and
the first two-decked ship in the world. I would send more ships,
but the service of the civilized world requires every exertion;
therefore, I have not the power to send another ship of war. A very
fine brig I have directed from Naples, to assist in carrying his
majesty's attendants; and, as a much less ship has carried a much
more numerous royal family, I trust, their majesties will not be
pressed for roo