ne to Syria; and, at Cyprus, I hope to
hear of them.

If they were gone to the westward, I rely that every place in Sicily
would have information for me; for it is too important news to leave
me in one moment's doubt about.

I have no frigate, or a sign of one. The masts, yards, &c. for the
Vanguard, will I hope be prepared directly: for, should the French
be so strongly secured in port that I cannot get at them, I shall
immediately shift my flag into some other ship, and send the Vanguard
to Naples to be refitted; for hardly any person but myself would have
continued on service so long in such a wretched state.

I want to send a great number of papers to Lord St. Vincent; but I
durst not trust any person here to carry them, even to Naples.

Pray, send a copy of my letter to Lord Spencer; he must be very
anxious to hear of this fleet.

I have taken the liberty of troubling your Excellency with a letter
for Lady Nelson. Pray, forward it for me; and believe me, with the
greatest respect, your most obedient servant,

HORATIO NELSON.

Sent on shore, to the charge of the Governor of Syracuse.

IV.

Vanguard, Syracuse, July 22d, 1798.

MY DEAR SIR,

I have had so much said about the King of Naples's orders only to
admit three or four of the ships of our fleet into his ports, that I
am astonished! I understood, that private orders, at least, would have
been given for our free admission. If we are to be refused supplies,
pray send me, by many vessels, an account, that I may in good time
take the King's fleet to Gibraltar. Our treatment is scandalous, for a
great nation to put up with; and the King's flag is insulted at every
friendly port we look at.

I am, with the greatest respect, your most obedient servant,

HORATIO NELSON.

_P.S._ I do not complain of the want of attention in individuals, for
all classes of people are remarkably attentive to us.

Sent on shore, to the charge of the Governor of Syracuse.

V.

Vanguard, Mouth of the Nile,
August 8th, 1798.

MY DEAR SIR,

Almighty God has made me the happy instrument in destroying the
enemy's fleet; which, I hope, will be a blessing to Europe.

You will have the goodness to communicate this happy event to all the
courts in Italy; for my head is so indifferent, that I can scarcely
scrawl this letter.

Captain Capel, who is charged with my dispatches for England, will
give you every information. Pray, put him in the quic