received from
Captain Ball, dated October 30th, together with the capitulation of
the Castle of Goza, and a list of ordnance, &c. found in it. The
prisoners are embarked in the Vanguard and Minotaur, till I can get
a vessel to send them to France. Captain Ball, with three sail of
the line, a frigate, and fire-ship, is entrusted with the blockade
of Malta, in which are two sail of the line and three frigates
ready for sea; and, from the experience I have had of Captain
Ball's zeal, activity, and ability, I have no doubt that, in due
time, I shall have the honour of sending you a good account of the
French in the town of Valetta. I am, with the greatest respect,
your lordship's most obedient servant,

"Horatio Nelson." "Earl of St. Vincent."

"Alexander,
off Malta,
30th Oct. 1798.

"SIR,

"I have the honour to acquaint you, that the commandant of the
French troops in the Castle of Goza signed the capitulation on the
28th inst. which you had approved. I ordered Captain Cresswell of
the Marines to take possession of it in the name of his Britannic
Majesty, and his majesty's colours were hoisted. The next day, the
place was delivered up, in form, to the deputies of the island, his
Sicilian Majesty's colours hoisted, and he acknowledged their
lawful sovereign.

"I embarked, yesterday, all the French officers and men who were on
the Island of Goza, amounting to two hundred and seventeen. I
inclose the Articles of Capitulation, and an Inventory of the Arms
and Ammunition found in the Castle; part of which, I directed to be
sent to the assistance of the Maltese who are in arms against the
French. There were three thousand two hundred sacks of corn in the
castle; which will be a great relief to the inhabitants, who are
much in want of that article. I have the honour to be, &c.

"Alex. John Ball."

"Rear-Admiral Sir H. Nelson, K.B."

"_Articles of Capitulation, between Alexander John Ball, Esq.
Captain of his Majesty's Ship the Alexander, appointed to conduct
the Blockade of Malta, under Rear-Admiral Sir Horatio Nelson, K.B.
on the Part of Great Britain; and Lieutenant-Colonel Lockey, Aju.
de Battailon, Commander of the French Troops in the Castle of
Goza_.

"1.

"The French troops shall march out of t