of the
event. This honest Irish pastor, though not regarded as a prophet by
Lord Nelson, was so well known to be a pious and faithful priest, that
his lordship, who was for ever studying how he could best serve all
persons of merit who came in his way, afterwards recommended him to the
present Pope, in a letter which was written, expressly for that purpose,
by Lady Hamilton.

So active was Lord Nelson in all his operations, that he no sooner
received information of the successes of Commodore Troubridge, than he
instantly drew his attention to other objects. In a letter of the 1st of
October, his lordship says--"If it is necessary to leave a few of your
and Louis's marines, do it, and one or two of the small craft for the
protection of the trade; but I want, certainly, all the line of battle
ships, and such of the small craft as are not absolutely wanted there.
My intention is, to go almost directly to Minorca, and arrange a proper
naval defence for that island; and to try and get troops to finish the
business of Malta, which the French intend to relieve. Five polacres,
and two Venetian ships, are loading provisions and stores; therefore, I
wish to fix our ships on the spot most likely to intercept them: at
Lampedosa and Cape Bon, and in the track from Toulon to Ajaccio. These
are my ideas; for, as to blockading Toulon for so few ships, they would
escape, the first north-west wind, if the whole fleet was there. I need
only say, to you, these are my objects, for you to support me; which it
is my pleasure always to acknowledge."

His lordship afterwards repeats the full confidence which he feels, that
the commodore, knowing what is necessary, will come as soon as he can;
"for," says his lordship, "our business is never done."

Lord Nelson had already sent information to the Marquis De Niza
respecting these supplies for Malta, which were preparing at Toulon,
with directions for intercepting them; but, by letters from Lisbon, just
received, the Portuguese squadron was now ordered to return home.
Anxious, therefore, to prevent the intended relief from reaching
Malta--over the people of which island he had, a few days before,
obtained the honour, for his friend Captain Ball, of being regularly
appointed Chief, by his Sicilian Majesty--he inclosed the particulars of
this information to General Acton, and urged the necessity of having
part of the English garrison at Messina, as well as of the Russian
squadron and troops, ord