ied with this government, as to the
price of the lead, freight, &c.

I have the honour to be, my Lord, your Lordship's most obedient and
most humble servant,

Wm. HAMILTON.

III.

Palermo, Sunday Night late,
near winding-up-watch hour,
May 19th, 1799.

MY VERY DEAR LORD,

Ten thousand thanks for your kind attention in sending us Hallowell's
letter to Troubridge. It comforts us in one respect, as it flatters
us with Commodore Duckworth's four ships joining you soon. But, I
must own, from the junction of five Spanish ships and frigates, I now
think, something more than going into Toulon is intended, and that
your Lordship may have a brush with them.

God send you every success, that your unparalleled virtues and bravery
so well merit.

Adieu, my dear Lord! Your Lordship's truly affectionate, and eternally
attached,

Wm. HAMILTON.

IV.

Palermo, May 26th, 1799.

MY DEAR LORD,

Whilst Emma was writing to your Lordship, I have been with Acton, to
get a felucca, to send Ball's dispatch to you. It is of so old a date,
that I make no doubt of Ball's having joined you before his dispatch
reaches.

I send your Lordship an interesting letter I have just received from
our Consul at Trieste: and Acton's answer to my yesterday's letter
communicating your kind resolution of taking care of their Sicilian
Majesties and their kingdoms; and which, your Lordship will see, gives
them great satisfaction.

As to the fleet having been seen by the Towers near Messina, and to
the westward--I believe, it was your squadron.

I send you, likewise, a strange rhapsody from Lord Bristol: but
something may be collected from it; or, at least, it will amuse you,
and you have leisure enough on board, which I have not on shore. Be
so good as to send back that letter, and Graham's, by the first
opportunity.

Above all, take care of your health; that is the first of blessings.
May God ever protect you! We miss you heavily: but, a short time must
clear up the business; and, we hope, bring you back to those who love
and esteem you to the very bottom of their souls.

Ever your affectionate friend, and humble servant,

Wm. HAMILTON.

V.

Palermo, June 17th, 1799.

MY DEAR LORD,

I am happy to receive the packet from Major Magra, and which I shall
instantly send to General Acton.

Nothing has happened, worth telling you, since the few hours we have
been separated.

God bless you, my