mo, 1st Feb. 1799.

"MY LORD,

"I have to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 16th of
January, inclosing a copy of one from Sir Sidney Smith, off Malta,
with your answer; as, also, your lordship's order to take him under
my command. I consider myself highly honoured by your lordship's
letter, and flattered by your attention; and will order Sir Sidney
Smith to put himself under my command the very first opportunity. I
am, with the highest respect, my lord, your most obedient and
faithful servant,

"Nelson."

The Vanguard, and La Minerve, had just been sent to Malta; and the
Bellerophon wanting a little repair, his lordship had now shifted his
flag on board that ship till the Vanguard's return. He was not without
hope, that Malta would soon fall; and chose rather to let Captain Ball
have the credit of driving the French out, after having, as he observed,
gone through "all the hard fag," than permit the Portuguese squadron,
now at Messina, to participate the glory, who had been unwilling to
encounter the fatigue, which his lordship had originally wished them to
partake. In mentioning the Portuguese officers to the Earl of St.
Vincent, he says--"As for the great commodores, their rank is as much a
plague to them as it is to me. Niza is a good-tempered man. We are,
apparently, the very best friends; nor have I, nor will I do an unkind
thing by him." But, he had torn himself away from Malta, at the
commencement, and his lordship was determined not to send him at the
close.

Three letters were this day written by Lord Nelson to the Earl of St.
Vincent; one of them has a conclusion so forcibly interesting, on
several accounts, that it must on no account be omitted. What a picture
it affords, of a contrariety of contending passions, struggling, at the
same moment, in the bosom of this wonderful man; ever, as it should
seem, feeling with too much energy, for the stability of it's own
prolonged peace!

"All in this house have been ill, and are still. Our great queen,
who truly admires you; our dear, invaluable Lady Hamilton; our good
Sir William; and give me leave to add myself, to this excellent
groupe; have but one opinion about you: viz. that you are every
thing which is great and good. Let me say so, about Sir Sidney
Smith! I thank you, most truly. My health is indeed, very
indifferent; but, whilst I live, if the queen de