course, did not act, but it carried the appearance of numbers: on
the other hand, the Lion was nothing to her, only three hundred
men; but that, the French admiral did not know. In short, it seems
as if he considered us his only _match_; and the happiness I have
experienced, in proving it, on this occasion, is a circumstance
that you, my friend, can participate in. They are feelings that are
familiar to you; I, happily, caught them from your lordship: and
let me beg of you, on this occasion, to accept my tribute of
gratitude. It is to you, I owe my success; and, by a strict
observance of your order, I arrived exactly in time. I sent
Lieutenant Bolton to take possession of the prize; but, as I had
great difficulty in floating one boat, Captain Blackwood's officer
got there before him. The admiral, of course, he carried to the
Lion, being the commodore; but, I hope, our officers will get
promoted for it. You will see, the letter I have written you on the
subject, is with a view of your inclosing it to Lord Spencer, if
you approve of it. You know how to distribute my best wishes and
regards to all your party; and that I am, my very dear lord, your
affectionate, and faithful,

"E. Berry.

"No accident by powder, but one bad cartridge, which did not
communicate with any other. Performed divine service, at two, and
returned thanks to Almighty God for the victory. I only write about
this ship; having nothing to say officially, from our idea it would
be wrong."

On the 8th, Lord Nelson wrote, officially, to Lord Keith, the following
letter, relative to this happy event.

"Palermo, 8th April 1800.

"MY LORD,

"I have the happiness to send you a copy of Captain Dixon's letter
to Commodore Sir Thomas Troubridge, informing him of the capture of
the William Tell. The circumstances attending this glorious finish
to the whole French Mediterranean fleet, are such as must ever
reflect the highest honour to all concerned in it. The attention of
the commodore, in placing officers and men to attend the movements
of the French ships, and the exactness with which his orders were
executed, are a proof that the same vigour of mind remains,
although the body, I am truly sorry to say, is almost worn away.
Then come the alacrity of the Vincejo, Captain Lon