t. The pintles were all broken; and the
ship was steered to the anchorage, with the sails, in a safe but leaky
state. In answer to his friend Troubridge, respecting this unfortunate
accident, Lord Nelson says--"Your resources never fail; and you would
contrive something, I dare say, if the ship's bottom was knocked out."

In another letter of the 2d of January 1800, his lordship, who is
incessantly labouring, at all points, to obtain every requisite for the
reduction of Malta, and for the relief of the distressed natives, writes
thus--"I cannot get the frigate out of the mole; therefore, I must learn
to be a hard-hearted wretch, and fancy the cries of hunger in my ears. I
send you orders for the different governors: you will see, they are for
the supply of the army and navy; therefore, whatever Graham and you send
for will, if possible, be granted. I hope the Russians will sail, this
north-east wind; and it is my intention to give you all a meeting, the
moment the Foudroyant arrives."

On this day, too, his lordship wrote letters to Portugal: containing the
kindest praises of the Marquis De Niza, and the several officers and men
of the Portuguese squadron under his command; which were, at length,
returning home, in obedience to orders, on being relieved by Sir Thomas
Troubridge's arrival at Malta. One of these letters contained particular
recommendations of promotion for Captains Thompson, Welch, and De Pinto.
"When," says his lordship, "I mention my brother, and friend, Niza, I
must say, that I never knew so indefatigable an officer. During the
whole time I have had the happiness of having him under my command, I
have never expressed a wish that Niza did not fly to execute."

On the 6th of January, his lordship learned that his prediction to
Rear-Admiral Duckworth, of what had been intended respecting the command
of the Mediterranean fleet, was completely verified, by the approach of
Lord Keith; who now signified, in a letter to Lord Nelson, that he was
coming to Sicily. The effect which this event, though not unsuspected,
must have produced on his lordship's mind, is less difficult to be
conceived, than expressed. He had already met with sufficient
impediments to the execution of his designs, most of which were just
happily surmounted; but a paramount difficulty seemed now arising,
against which he might be disarmed of all power to perform any thing
efficient. The general aspect of his public situation, at this perio