l of the Culloden and Alexander, on the
16th, immediately went out to meet him; with bands of music in most of
them, and joy depicted on every countenance. Sir William and Lady
Hamilton, in their state-barge, accompanied by several of the Neapolitan
nobility, led the way, and were consequently his first visitors. The
transports of Sir William, and his amiable lady, at seeing their friend
return covered with laurels, and of the thus honoured hero, at once more
beholding his estimable friends, can only be conceived by minds of equal
susceptibility. The interview, indeed, was exquisitely impressive, and
even affecting, to all by whom it was witnessed. While the company were
partaking of some refreshment in his cabin, a small bird familiarly
perched on his shoulder. On the circumstance being remarked--"It is,"
said he, "a very singular thing; this bird came on board the day before
the battle off the Nile: and I have had other instances of a bird's
coming into my cabin previously to former engagements." This is the more
remarkable, as the same thing is said to have afterwards happened prior
to the battle of Copenhagen. In superstitious times, some inference
would probably have been made from such facts; but philosophy will not
warrant any other deduction, than that, as birds of passage frequently
seek shelter in ships, these visits were merely accidental. The
coincidence, however, is certainly somewhat curious.

In a short time, the King of Naples, and his suite, who had also come
out full three leagues, in the royal barge, to greet the victorious
British admiral, went on board the Vanguard; where the king
affectionately embraced the Hero of the Nile; and, taking him by the
hand, expressed the effusions of his gratitude in terms of the most
flattering regard for our king, our country, and the immortal Nelson:
whom the sovereign of the two Sicilies, his ministers, and all classes
of his subjects, hailed with the appellation of "_Nostro
Liberatore!_"--"Our Deliverer!"

The King of Naples, who prides himself on being a seaman, went all over
the ship, and examined every thing with apparent delight and
satisfaction. His Neapolitan majesty sailed with Admiral Nelson, for
about three hours, on board the Vanguard; which was saluted, as they
passed, by all the forts. As soon as the Vanguard anchored in the bay,
the King of Naples returned on board his own barge, and Admiral Nelson
accompanied Sir William and Lady Hamilton.

Immedi