this island, that nothing had been sent by the governor of
Syracuse--_secretly_, was the word used to us--or openly, to this
island! and I am further assured, that the governor of Syracuse
never had any orders sent him, to supply the smallest article. I
beg your excellency will state this, in confidence, to General
Acton. I shall most assuredly tell it the king. The justice I owe
myself, now I feel employed in the service of their Sicilian
majesties, demands it of me; and also the duty I owe our gracious
king, in order to shew that I am doing my utmost to comply with his
royal commands. As I have before stated, had it not been for the
English, long, long ago, the Maltese must have been overpowered.
Including the fifteen hundred stand of arms given by us, not more
than three thousand are in the island. I wonder how they have kept
on the defensive so long. At least, two thousand stand of small
arms complete, ammunition, &c. should be sent by the Emerald. This
is wanted, to defend themselves; for offence, two or three large
mortars, fifteen hundred shells, with all necessaries; and,
perhaps, a few artillery. The Bormola, and all the left side of the
harbour, with this assistance, will fall. Ten thousand men are
required to defend those works, the French can only spare twelve
hundred; therefore, a vigorous assault being made in many parts,
some one must succeed. But, who have the government of Naples sent,
to lead or encourage these people? A very good, and I dare say
brave, old man; enervated, and shaking with the palsy. This is the
sort of man that they have sent; without any supply, without even a
promise of protection, and without his bringing any answer to the
repeated respectful memorials of these people to their sovereign. I
know their majesties must feel hurt, when they hear these truths. I
may be thought presuming; but, I trust, General Acton will forgive
an honest seaman for telling plain truths. _As for the other
minister, I do not understand him._ We are different men. He has
been bred in a court; and I, in a rough element: but, I believe, my
heart is as susceptible of the finer feelings as his, and as
compassionate for the distress of those who look up to me for
protection."

Having thus very justly and indignantly censured the Neapolitan