he Theseus to Mahon; and I will endeavour to send
you either a good sloop, or a small frigate. The factory at Smyrna,
in my opinion, have written a very improper letter to you. I do not
like the general stile of Mr. Wherry's letters, they too much talk
of government affairs. It is our duty to take care of the Smyrna
trade, as well as all other, and it never has yet been neglected;
but Great Britain, extensive as her navy is, cannot afford to have
one ship lay idle. Be assured, my dear Sir Sidney, of my perfect
esteem and regard, and do not let any one persuade you to the
contrary: but my character is, that I will not suffer the smallest
tittle of my command to be taken from me. But, with pleasure, I
give way to my friends; among whom, I beg, you will allow me to
consider you: and, that I am, with the truest esteem and affection,
your, &c.

"Nelson.

"Sir Sidney Smith."

This excellent letter not only makes amends for all former asperities,
but forms a most noble eulogium on the merits of Sir Sidney Smith; who,
it must be confessed, had entitled himself, by his skill and valour,
even to this proudest of all possible panegyrics from the first of
heroes.

The Russian admiral not complying with Lord Nelson's request, as to the
restoration of the Leander, his lordship immediately addressed the
Chevalier Italinskoy, the Russian minister at the court of their
Sicilian Majesties, on the subject: informing him that, whenever the
admiral chose to send the Leander to Minorca, the ship would be
received. "But," says his lordship, "after even my word not being taken,
by his excellency, I cannot again subject myself to a refusal of giving
up the Leander, agreeable to the intention of the emperor; though the
form of order, on this occasion, was not arrived." His lordship also
sent Captain Drummond, with the particulars of this refusal, to Lord
Keith; observing, that he should now wait till the Russian admiral sent
the Leander to Mahon. Captain Drummond was desired, on failure of
meeting with Lord Keith, to proceed immediately to England, and deliver
his lordship's letter to the secretary of the Admiralty, acquainting him
with the cause of his arrival.

On the 28th, Lord Nelson transmitted to Captain Hope, at the request of
his Sicilian Majesty, a diamond ring of considerable value: for having,
as it was expressly stated, embarked his Majesty and the Pri