jesty's dominions as very near the heart of
the king: this makes the reduction of Malta of the very utmost
importance, and to accomplish which is now, in Italy, the dearest object
I have in view." Lord Nelson mentions that, Sir Edward Berry having
joined the Foudroyant, by the Bull-dog, he has put Captain Hardy into
the Princess Charlotte; and, mustering a few men, intends taking her
with him to sea. "My friend Hardy," says his lordship, "will make a man
of war of her very soon; and I make it my earnest request that, if
Captain Stephenson is not sent out to her, Captain Hardy may be allowed
to remain in her, and receive an Admiralty commission."

This letter, too, is remarkable for containing, a request in favour of
his worthy elder brother, Maurice Nelson, Esq. "I have given," says his
lordship, "my brother, belonging to the Navy Office, a strong letter of
recommendation to your lordship, that he may be appointed a Commissioner
of the Navy. I mention the circumstance, that you may be aware such a
letter is coming; and prepared, I most earnestly hope, to meet my
wishes."

On the 23d of October, Lord Nelson returned to Palermo, where he found
letters from Sir Sidney Smith; to which he, next day, returned the
following interesting answer.

"Palermo, 24th Oct. 1799.

"MY DEAR SIR,

"When I arrived here, yesterday, from Mahon--having been down the
Mediterranean to look out for a French and Spanish squadron, which
had been on the coast of Portugal, but returned to Ferrol---I
received all your letters by the Turkish corvette, which is arrived
at Messina. The details you have given me, although unsuccessful at
Aboukir, will by all military men ever reflect upon you, and your
brave companions, the highest honour; and I beg you will tell all
those whose conduct you have so highly approved, that their
merits--even of the lowest--will be duly appreciated by me: for
which reason, I have given all the promotion, and shall continue to
do it, if they deserve it, amongst them. All the arrangements for
your young men are filled up as you desired; and, my dear Sir, you
shall ever find that, although I am jealous of having a particle of
my honour abridged, yet that no commanding officer will be so ready
to do every thing you wish. We have but little, here, of stores;
but I have stripped the Foudroyant of every thing. At Mahon, there
is n