g, and other
sloops of war. The gallantry and excellent management of Captain
Blackwood, of the Penelope frigate: who, by carrying away the
enemy's main and mizen topmasts, enabled the Lion to get up; when
Captain Dixon shewed the greatest courage, and officer-like
conduct, in placing his ship on the enemy's bow, as she had only
three hundred men on board, and the enemy one thousand two hundred
and twenty. The conduct of these excellent officers enabled Sir
Edward Berry to place the Foudroyant where she ought, and is the
fittest ship in the world, to be--close along-side the William
Tell; one of the largest and finest two-decked ships in the world:
where he shewed that matchless intrepidity, and able conduct, as a
seaman and officer, which I have often had the happiness to
experience, in many trying situations. I thank God, I was not
present; for it would finish me, could I have taken a sprig of
these brave men's laurels. They are, and I glory in them, my
darling children; served in my school; and all of us caught our
professional zeal and fire, from the great and good Earl of St.
Vincent!

"I am confident, your lordship will bestow the promotion in the
properest manner; therefore, I have done nothing in that respect:
and, on this occasion, I only beg leave to mention, that Governor
Ball would be much flattered by the command of the William Tell;
and Captain Ormsby, a volunteer in the Penelope, would be happy in
filling her for him, during his very necessary attendance at Malta;
and, in complying with their request, your lordship will highly
oblige your most obedient servant,

"Bronte Nelson of the Nile.

"Right Honourable Lord Keith, K.B. &c."

His lordship also wrote, this day, to Earl Spencer, the following very
feeling letter.

"Palermo, 8th April 1800.

"MY DEAR LORD,

"I send you Sir Edward Berry's letter, and am sure your lordship
will not be sparing of promotion to the deserving. My friends
wished me to be present. I have no such wish; for a something might
have been given me, which now cannot. Not for all the world, would
I rob any man of a sprig of laurel; much less, my children of the
Foudroyant! I love her, as a fond father a darling child, and glory
in her deeds. I am vain enough to feel the effects of my school.