les, at this period,
with the official intelligence of Admiral Nelson's elevation to the
peerage; an elevation which, it is certain, the Hero of the Nile by no
means considered as excessive, any more than his particular friends, and
even the country in general. In the following answer to Earl Spencer, it
will appear, however, that his zeal kindles with far more ardour for his
friend Troubridge, than for himself.

Naples, 7th Dec. 1798

"MY DEAR LORD,

"On my arrival here, from Leghorn, I received your lordship's
letter of October 7, communicating to me the title his majesty had
been graciously pleased to confer upon me; an honour, your lordship
is pleased to say, the highest that has ever been conferred on an
officer of my standing, who was not a commander in chief.

"I receive, as I ought, what the goodness of our sovereign, and not
my deserts, is pleased to bestow: but, great and unexampled as this
honour may be, to one of my standing--yet, I own, I feel a higher
one, in the unbounded confidence of the king, your lordship, and
the whole world, in my exertions. Even at the bitter moment of my
return to Syracuse, your lordship is not insensible of the great
difficulties I had to encounter, in not being a commander in chief.
The only happy moment I felt, was in the view of the French; then,
I knew, that all my sufferings would soon be at an end!

"I observe what your lordship is pleased to say, relative to the
presenting myself, and the captains who served under me, with
medals; and, also, that the first lieutenants of the ships engaged
will be distinguished by promotions, as well as the senior marine
officers. I hope, and believe, the word "engaged" is not intended
to exclude the Culloden; the merit of that ship, and her gallant
captain, are too well known to benefit by any thing I could say.
Her misfortune was great, in getting aground, while her more
fortunate companions were in the full tide of happiness. No; I am
confident, that my good Lord Spencer will never add misery to
misfortune. Captain Troubridge, on shore, is superior to captains
afloat. In the midst of his great misfortunes, he made those
signals which prevented, certainly, the Alexander and Swiftsure
from running on the shoals. I beg your pardon for writing on a
subject which, I verily believe, h