rench minister with the Tuscans, I cannot, being intrusted by the
Admiral with the command of the small squadron in the Gulph of Genoa,
but think it right for me to beg that your Excellency will apply
for such vessels of war belonging to his Sicilian Majesty, as may be
judged proper to cruize in the Gulph of Genoa, and particularly off
the point of the Gulph of Especia. Xebecs, corvettes, and frigates,
are the fittest to cruize; and the first have the great advantage of
rowing, as well as sailing, I am told, very fast.

General [Acton] knows, full as well as myself, the vessels proper to
prevent the disembarkation of troops on this coast; therefore, I shall
not particularly point them out.

Last campaign, the word _flotilla_ was misunderstood. I can only say,
that all vessels which can sail and row must be useful; and, for small
craft, Port Especia is a secure harbour.

Whatever is to be done, should be done speedily; for, by Mr. Wyndham's
account, we have no time to lose.

If we have the proper vessels, I am confident, the French will not be
able to bring their ten thousand men by sea; and; should they attempt
to pass through the Genoese territories, I hope the Austrians will
prevent them: but, however, should all our precautions not be able to
prevent the enemy's possessing themselves of Leghorn, yet we are not
to despair. Fourteen days from their entry, if the allied powers
unite heartily, I am confident, we shall take them all prisoners. I am
confident, it can--and, therefore, should such an unlucky event take
place, as their possessing themselves of Leghorn, I hope, will--be
done. I have sent to the Admiral.

I am, very lately, from off Toulon; where thirteen sail of the line,
and five frigates, are ready for sea, and others fitting.

With my best respects to Lady Hamilton, believe me, dear Sir, your
Excellency's most obedient servant,

HORATIO NELSON.

III.

Vanguard, Syracuse, July 20th, 1798.

MY DEAR SIR,

It is an old saying, "The devil's children have the devil's luck." I
cannot find--or, to this moment learn, beyond vague conjecture--where
the French fleet are gone to. All my ill fortune, hitherto, has
proceeded from want of frigates.

Off Cape Passaro, on the twenty-second of June, at day-light, I saw
two frigates, which were supposed to be French; and it has been said,
since, that a line-of-battle ship was to leeward of them, with the
riches of Malta on board. But it was the des