I will consent to do an unjust act. It is possible,
from my not reading Italian, that I may sign a very improper
paper--(which God forbid!)--if men in whom I place confidence lay
it before me for my signature. In his majesty's most gracious gift
of Bronte, has been omitted the word Fragile a farm belonging to
me. The reasons of this omission are, I fear, too clear; and, at a
future day, I may lose it, and his majesty not retain it. These
are, in brief, the letters of Mr. Graffer. I have, therefore, by
his desire, to request his majesty to grant me the following
favours--First, that the farm of Fragile may be inserted in the
patent; secondly, that a billet-royale may be granted, to annul the
present contract of the feuds of St. Andrea and Porticella. I send
your excellency copies and extracts of Mr. Graffer's letters, which
prove him an honest and upright man. In arranging these matters for
me, it will be an additional obligation conferred upon your
excellency's most obedient and obliged

"Bronte Nelson of the Nile."

These requests were readily granted by his Sicilian Majesty; who had,
this morning, transmitted his lordship the statutes of the order of St.
Ferdinando, accompanied by such expressions of kindness as made the most
sensible impression on his lordship's mind, and filled his heart--to use
his own phrase--with affection, pleasure, and gratitude. Under these
impressions, our hero was desirous of presenting a gold medal to the
king, as a small but sincere testimonial of his esteem and regard; he
sent one, therefore, accompanied by the following letter.

Palermo, 2d June 1800.

"SIRE,

"The Almighty, who granted to my legitimate sovereign's arms the
battle of the Nile, impressed your majesty with a favourable
opinion of me; which has led your royal heart to grant me the most
distinguished honours, and a fortune which I never had an idea of
expecting. I presume, therefore, to request that your majesty will
permit to lay on your table a gold medal, highly flattering to your
majesty's devoted and faithful

"Bronte Nelson of the Nile."

"His Sacred Majesty, the King of the Two Sicilies."

His lordship had intended to quit Palermo on the 4th of June; but, owing
to disagreeable news from Vienna, respecting the successes of the
French, the queen waited a few days longer. O