"Nelson."

"Thomas Leyland, Esq. Mayor of Liverpool."

The transactions of this busy day were of a nature which could not fail
highly to gratify the feelings of our hero. He also received, either on
this day or the following, a most kind, friendly, and highly
satisfactory epistle, from the Earl of St. Vincent; the purport of which
is sufficiently obvious from this answer, dated on board the
Bellerophon, to which he had now shifted his flag.

"Bellerophon, Palermo, 1st Feb. 1799.


"MY LORD,

"I have to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 16th of
January, inclosing a copy of one from Sir Sidney Smith, off Malta,
with your answer; as, also, your lordship's order to take him under
my command. I consider myself highly honoured by your lordship's
letter, and flattered by your attention; and will order Sir Sidney
Smith to put himself under my command the very first opportunity. I
am, with the highest respect, my lord, your most obedient and
faithful servant,


"Nelson."

The Vanguard, and La Minerve, had just been sent to Malta; and the