officers, seamen, and marines, of the detached squadron under his
command at the battle off the Nile, and immediately returned a
respectful answer by the same channel. He also wrote the following true
sailor's letter to the earl, respecting Malta.

"Palermo, Feb. 3, 1799.


"MY DEAR LORD,

"The Incendiary is just come from
Ball, off Malta; and has brought me information,
that the attempt to storm the city of Valette had
failed, from--(I am afraid, I must call it)--cowardice.
They were over the first ditch, and retired,
_damn them_! But, I trust, the zeal, judgment, and
bravery, of my friend Ball, and his gallant party,
will overcome all difficulty. The cutter just going
off prevents my being more particular. Ever your
most faithful,


"Nelson."

"Naples is declared a republic, and the French
flag flying. We are low in spirits, but all in
this house love you."

His lordship should have considered, before he pronounced the above
naval anathema against the Maltese, for pusillanimity, the wretched