Accordingly, the following epistle, dated on board the
Vanguard at Sea, the 18th of June 1798, was sent to Sir William
Hamilton, apologizing for not having answered the letter of that worthy
and most esteemed gentleman previously to sailing.

"MY DEAR SIR,

"I would not lose one moment of the breeze, in answering your
letter. The best sight--as an Irishman would say--was, to see me
out of sight: especially, as I had not time to examine the Marquis
de Gallo's note to you. I send you an extract of the Admiralty
orders to the Earl of St. Vincent, by which it would appear as
determined by the cabinet, to keep a superior fleet to that of the
enemy in the Mediterranean; for the Admiralty, you know, can give
no such orders, but by an order from the secretary of state. As for
what depends on me, I beg, if you think it proper, to tell their
Sicilian majesties, and General Acton, they may rest assured that I
shall not withdraw the king's fleet, but by positive orders, or the
impossibility of _procuring supplies_. I wish them to depend upon
me, and they shall not be disappointed. God forbid it should so
happen, that the enemy escape me, and get into any port! You may
rely, if I am properly supplied, that there they shall remain, a
useless body, for this summer. But, if I have gun and mortar boats,
with fire-ships, it is most probable they may be got at: for,
although I hope the best, yet it is proper to be prepared for the
worst; which, I am sure, all this fleet would feel to be, the
escape of the enemy into port. My distress for frigates is extreme;
but I cannot help myself, and no one will help me. But, I thank
God, I am not apt to feel difficulties. Pray, present my best
respects to Lady Hamilton. Tell her, I hope to be presented to her
crowned with laurel or cypress. But, God is good; and, to him, do I
commit myself and our cause. Ever believe me, my dear Sir, your
obliged and faithful

"Horatio Nelson."

On the 20th of June, the British fleet passed through the Pharos of
Messina, with a fair wind. The joy with which the Sicilians hailed the
squadron, when they discovered it to be British, gave the most heartfelt
satisfaction to all on board. A vast number of boats came off, and rowed
round with the loudest congratulations, and the most sincere exultations
of delight; as they had bee