in which he was now engaged, will sufficiently account for any seeming
neglect of continued correspondence with old friends; whom, however, he
was not the man ever to forget. The truth of this observation more
particularly manifests itself in the following letter written to that
esteemed veteran, Captain Locker; who had sensibly felt the effect of
this difficulty, though not the last to congratulate his honoured pupil
on the success of his most splendid victory. This excellent letter has
been repeatedly published, but it well merits to be again printed.

"Palermo, 9th Feb. 1799.


"MY DEAR FRIEND,

"I well know, your own goodness of heart will make all due
allowances for my present situation; in which, truly, I have not
the time, or power, to answer all the letters I receive, at the
moment. But you, my old friend, after twenty-seven years
acquaintance, know that nothing can alter my attachment and
gratitude to you. I have been your scholar. It was you who taught
me to board a Frenchman, by your conduct when in the Experiment. It
is you who always hold--"Lay a Frenchman close, and you will beat
him!" And my only merit in my profession is, being a good scholar.
Our friendship will never end, but with my life: but, you have
always been too partial to me.

"Pray tell Kingsmill, that it was impossible I could attend to his
recommendation. Indeed, I had, not being a commander in chief, no
power to name an agent. Remember me kindly to him.