y, exerted at land as well
as sea; and such was his dexterity in getting out guns, erecting
batteries, and assisting the reduction of fortresses, that much of our
success in gaining possession of that island was generally ascribed to
his ability.

On the 10th of February 1794, the tower and garrison of Mortella
surrendered; and the strong redoubt and batteries of the Convention were
taken by storm on the 17th, after a severe cannonading of two days. The
enemy abandoned, that same night, the tower of Forneli, and two
considerable sea-batteries dependent on it.

On the 19th, they retreated from St. Fiorenzo to Bastia; having
previously sunk one of their frigates, and burnt another in the gulph:
and the town, forts, and port of St. Fiorenzo, were taken possession of,
the same day, by his majesty's land and sea forces. The frigate which
had been sunk was afterwards weighed, and taken into our service under
the name of the St. Fiorenzo.

At the siege of Bastia, whither the enemy were followed, and which
commenced the beginning of April, Captain Nelson bore a most conspicuous
share; exerting himself with a vigour, alacrity, and judgment, which
obtained universal admiration. It has been said, and re-echoed, that
ample testimony was, on this occasion, given to his skill and
unremitting exertions; but, it may safely be asserted, he never thought
so.

Lord Hood, it is true, makes respectful mention of his services; it
would be extremely wonderful if he did not, when it is considered that
he was the principal naval officer actively employed there, and yet
served, with the most indefatigable perseverance, nearly two months on
land. What follows, however, is all that appears in his lordship's
dispatches relative to Captain Nelson, which few will think too
much--"Captain Nelson, of his majesty's ship Agamemnon, who had the
command and direction of the seamen, in landing the guns, mortars, and
stores, and Captain Hunt, who commanded at the batteries, very ably
assisted by Captain Buller and Captain Serecold, and the Lieutenants
Gore, Hotham, Stiles, Andrews, and Brisbane, have an equal claim to, my
gratitude; as the seamen, under their management, worked the guns with
great judgment and alacrity. Never was a higher spirit, or greater
perseverance exhibited; and I am happy to say, that no other contention
was at any time known, than who should be most forward and indefatigable
for promoting his majesty's service; for, although the