in Troubridge to
wait his arrival, with the transports which he had at first intended to
take to Syracuse, he concludes with remarking that he had not a sick man
in the squadron.

On the 24th, Lord Nelson arrived off Malta; when he immediately wrote
the following letter to Sir William Hamilton.

"Vanguard,
off Malta,
24th Oct. 1798.

"MY DEAR SIR,

"I am just arrived off this place, where I found Captain Ball and
the Marquis De Niza: from these officers, I do not find such an
immediate prospect of getting possession of the town, as the
minister at Naples seems to think. All the country, it is true, is
in possession of the islanders; and, I believe, the French have not
many luxuries in the town: but, as yet, their bullocks are not eat
up. The marquis tells me, the islanders want arms, victuals, and
mortars and cannon to annoy the town. When I get the elect of the
people on board, I shall desire them to draw up a memorial for the
King of Naples, stating their wants and desires, which I shall
bring with me. The marquis sails for Naples to-morrow morning. Till
he is gone, I shall not do any thing about the island; but I will
be fully master of that subject, before I leave this place. God
bless you! is the sincere prayer of your affectionate

Horatio Nelson."

The very next day, he sent into Malta, by Captain Ball, the following
admirable and most spirited letter, addressed to the French General and
Admiral commanding in the town of Valetta and fort of Malta. It
breathes, throughout, that liberal and manly spirit which so highly
distinguishes our hero, and which conveys to the heart such irresistible
proofs of honour and veracity.

"His Britannic Majesty's Ship Vanguard,
off Malta,
25th Oct. 1798.

"GENTLEMEN,

"In addressing to you this letter, containing my determination
respecting the French now in Malta, I feel confident that you will
not attribute it either to insolence or impertinent curiosity, but
a wish of my sentiments clearly understood. The present situation
of Malta is this: the inhabitants are in possession of all the
island; except the town of Valetta, which is in your
possession--that the islanders are in arms against you--and, that
the port is blockaded by a squadron belonging to his Britannic
majesty. My objects are, to assist the