idered as coming from me. Captain
Troubridge is my honoured acquaintance of twenty-five years, and
the very best sea-officer in his majesty's service. I hope, pilots
will be with us in a few hours; for I will not lose one moment
after the brig's return, to wait for any thing."

In the mean time, knowing the anxiety of his country, at this period, he
wrote to Earl Spencer, informing him of his belief that, if the French
fleet passed Sicily, towards which they had been seen steering, he
should imagine they were going on their scheme of possessing Alexandria,
and getting troops to India, on a plan concerted with Tippoo Saib.

"But," adds the hero, "be they bound to the Antipodes, your
lordship may rely that I will not lose a moment in bringing them to
action, and endeavour to destroy their transports. I have sent
Captain Troubridge on shore, to talk to General Acton, and hope the
King of Naples will send me some frigates; for mine parted company
on the 20th of May, and have not joined me since. The whole
squadron is remarkably healthy, and perfectly equal to meet the
French fleet." After observing, that he shall make sail the moment
Captain Troubridge returns, he concludes thus--"Highly honoured as
I feel with this very important command, I beg you will believe
that I shall endeavour to approve myself worthy of it; and that I
am, with the highest respect, your lordship's most obedient
servant,

"Horatio Nelson."

On the 17th, in answer to a letter sent by a boat from Sir William
Hamilton, he writes--"Captain Troubridge will say every thing I could
put in a ream of paper. I have only to observe, in my present state, if
I meet the enemy at sea, the convoy will get off, for want of frigates.
I submit this to you, to urge General Acton upon. The King of Naples may
now have part of the glory in destroying these pests of the human race;
and the opportunity, once lost, may never be regained. God bless you!
Depend on my exertions."

This day, too, he wrote the following very laconic, but truly
characteristic letter, for the Earl of St. Vincent; to be forwarded, by
Sir William Hamilton, from Naples.

"Vanguard,
off Naples,
17th June 1798.

"MY LORD,

"I have only to assure you, I will bring the French fleet to action
the moment I can lay my hands on them. Till then, adieu.

"Horatio Nelson.