"Palermo, Jan. 7, 1799.


"MY DEAR LORD

"Our news from Naples has been daily from bad to worse. On the 4th,
the enemy was not at Naples. There are parties, in the capital, for
a republic; and another for making the Duke of Parma, who is at
Madrid, king: but, I believe, the fighting party is very small. The
events which have taken place in the kingdom of Naples have been so
rapid and extraordinary, that it appears a dream. The king, God
bless him, is a philosopher; but the great queen feels sensibly all
that has happened. She begs me not to quit Palermo; for that Sir
William and Lady Hamilton, and myself, are her only comforts. I
shall, as is my duty, do every thing in the best manner I am able,
for the honour of our country. General Stuart, from Minorca, calls
for me; Mr. Windham, from Florence, does the same; and the affairs
of Egypt and Malta are endeavouring to be brought to an issue.
Captain Ball has done wonders; and, I trust, will soon succeed. The
bombs, from Malta, go to Egypt, and are to make a vigorous attack
on the shipping at Alexandria. These two points successful, will
set us quite at our ease on the sea. With every sentiment of
respect, believe me, your lordship's most faithful servant,


"Nelson."

The letters to Spencer Smith, and Francis Wherry, Esqrs. contain little
more than a reference to Sir Sidney Smith, as the new defender, by sea,
of the Ottoman empire, and a polite termination of his lordship's public