to receive their persons, should such a measure be found
necessary, in consequence of the kingdom's being invaded by a formidable
French army. The Marquis De Niza, at the same time, was desired, by his
lordship, to spare a number of Portuguese officers and seamen, for the
purpose of assisting to fit some of the Neapolitan ships for sea. He
wrote, also, to Captain Ball, at Malta, for the Goliath, Captain Foley,
to be sent immediately; and to Captain Troubridge, at Leghorn, whom he
desired to join him without one moment's loss of time; leaving the
Terpsichore in Leghorn Roads, to bring off the Grand Duke, should such
an event be necessary. "The King," writes he, "is returned home, and
every thing is as bad as possible. For God's sake, make haste. Approach
the place with caution. Messina, probably, I shall be found at; but you
can enquire, at the Lipari Islands, if we are at Palermo. Caution Gage
to act with secrecy; and desire him to write to Windham, and give him
those instructions which may be necessary, at this time, for his
guarded conduct and secrecy."

It had, at this time, been fully resolved, that the King, Queen, and
Royal Family, of Naples, should embark, with all their richest moveable
effects, on board Lord Nelson's ship, for Sicily. In the mean while, it
was necessary to conceal such an intention from the Neapolitans in
general; who would, probably, never have consented to their departure.
Most of the nobility, who were disaffected, and of the common people,
who were loyal, it was not doubted, would object, for different reasons,
to a measure which they must behold in different points of view, and
consequently both conspire to defeat: while, by the dangerous collision,
a spark might be struck on materials of so inflammable a nature as the
rude populace, and particularly of a populace so very rude as the
Lazzaroni of Naples; which, suddenly blazing forth into a devouring
flame, might fatally involve the whole royal family, and their most
faithful and friendly adherents, and render them the unfortunate victims
of the cruel and destructive conflagration.

It was, therefore, at the extreme hazard of their lives, that Lord
Nelson, with Sir William and Lady Hamilton, for several days preceding
the meditated departure, took in charge the various articles secretly
conveyed from the palace, and concerted the different operations
necessary for effecting the escape of the royal family without discovery
or suspicion. Ev