s by which they were so cruelly surrounded: and, at night, they
were got off, by his lordship, through the subterraneous passage; and
conveyed, in barges, amidst a most tremendous sea, on board the
Vanguard, where they safely arrived about ten o'clock. Among this
unfortunate royal family, thus constrained to quit their kingdom, under
protection of the British flag, was the amiable Princess Royal, and
with her infant of only a month old. They sailed, on the 23d, at night;
and, in addition to their misfortunes, a more furious tempest the next
day arose than Lord Nelson had ever before witnessed. It was borne,
however, by the royal sufferers, with all the magnanimity which can
distinguish minds worthy of majesty. Scarcely had the storm subsided,
when their estimable hearts were subjected to a still more severe trial:
for, next morning, being Christmas-day, their third son, Prince Albert,
seven years of age, was suddenly taken ill; and, at six o'clock in the
evening, died in Lady Hamilton's arms. This was an affliction too
poignant for nature to be defeated of her tribute; and the unhappy pair
were overwhelmed, on the melancholy occasion, with a grief which adorned
their illustrious character, and communicated even to the most heroic of
their friends. At ten o'clock, they entered the Bay of Palermo; and, at
midnight, the viceroy and nobility arrived on board, and informed the
royal mourners that all their Sicilian subjects were ready to receive
their majesties with joy.

The following most interesting letter, written by Lord Nelson to the
Earl of St. Vincent, the third day after their arrival, contains a
valuable narrative of the various proceedings by which this important
business was preceded, and at length thus successfully accomplished.

"Palermo, Dec. 28, 1798.

"MY LORD,

"On the 22d, I wrote a line to Commodore Duckworth, telling him
that the Royal Family of the Two Sicilies were safely embarked on
board the Vanguard; and requested him to take the first opportunity
of acquainting your lordship of this event. For many days previous
to the embarkation, it was not difficult to foresee that such a
thing might happen. I, therefore, sent for the Goliath, from off
Malta; and for Captain Troubridge in the Culloden, and his squadron
from the north and west coast of Italy: the Vanguard being the only
ship in Naples Bay. On the 14th, the Marquis De Niza, with three of