Malta. He was using the bombs, by the last account; and intended,
about this time, storming the Bormola, the left side of the
harbour: by which all the shipping must fall, and the French be
close kept up in the town of La Vilette. I wish to send you two
sail of the line, and to request your look-out upon Toulon: I am
sure, it cannot be in better hands. But, our situation respecting
Italy every day alters from bad to worse, so that I cannot answer
for my present intentions. I have, under my command, four
Portuguese ships of the line; you are most heartily welcome to them
all, if you think they will be useful. I own, I consider them as
nothing; except trouble in writing orders, which are intolerably
executed. However, you may be assured of my ardent desire to do
every thing which can render your command pleasant; and, for the
security of the valuable acquisition of Minorca.

"Ever believe me, dear Sir, your faithful and obliged.


"Nelson."

In the letter to General Stuart is a recapitulation of the affairs of
Naples; with the observation that such things are, if he is not
dreaming! "The conduct of the Emperor," he writes, "is to me
extraordinary; the loss, at least, of his new Italian dominions, will be
the natural consequence. Tuscany must drop from his family; and, whether
a month sooner or later, is of little importance. You have seen the
movements of Austrian armies, so have I; and found, unhappily, all their
generals traders, making the most of their command, by oppressing the
poor soldiers. I feel, very much, my dear general, for your situation,
in the invaluable possession which your excellent judgment placed under