kest mode of
getting home.

You will not send, by post, any particulars of this action, as I
should be sorry to have any accounts get home before my dispatches.

I hope there will be no difficulty in our getting refitted at Naples.
Culloden must be instantly hove down, and Vanguard all new masts and
bowsprit. Not more than four or five sail of the line will probably
come to Naples; the rest will go with the prizes to Gibraltar.

As this army never will return, I hope to hear the Emperor has
regained the whole of Italy.

With every good wish, believe me, dear Sir, your most obliged and
affectionate

HORATIO NELSON.

9th August.

I have intercepted all Buonaparte's dispatches going to France. This
army is in a scrape, and will not get out of it.

VI.

August 12th, 1798.

MY DEAR SIR,

As the greater part of this squadron is going down the Mediterranean,
we shall not want the quantity of wine or bread ordered; therefore,
what is not already prepared had better be put a stop to. I will
settle all the matter, if ever I live to see Naples.

I have the satisfaction to tell you, the French army have got
a complaint amongst them--caused by the heat, and nothing but
water--which will make Egypt the grave of the greatest part.

Ever your's, faithfully,

HORATIO NELSON.

VII.

Vanguard, off Malta;
October 24th, 1798.

MY DEAR SIR,

I am just arrived off this place; where I found Captain Ball, and the
Marquis de Niza. From those officers, I do not find such an immediate
prospect of getting possession of the town as the ministers at Naples
seem to think. All the country, it is true, is in possession of the
islanders; and, I believe, the French have not many luxuries in the
town; but, as yet, their bullocks are not eat up.

The Marquis tells me, the islanders want arms, victuals, mortars,
and cannon, to annoy the town. When I get the elect of the people
on board, I shall desire them to draw up a memorial for the King of
Naples, stating their wants and desires, which I shall bring with me.

The Marquis sails for Naples to-morrow morning. Till he is gone, I
shall not do any thing about the island; but I will be fully master of
that subject before I leave this place.

God bless you! is the sincere prayer of

HORATIO NELSON.

VIII.

Vanguard, off Malta,
October 27th, 1798.

MY DEAR SIR WILLIAM,

Although I believe I shall be at Naples before the cutter, yet