"Palermo, 31st Dec. 1798.


"MY DEAR LORD

"I do _feel, for I am man_, that it is impossible for me to serve
in those seas, with a squadron under a junior officer. Could I have
thought it; and, from Earl Spencer? Never, never was I so
astonished, as your letter made me. As soon as I can get hold of
Troubridge, I shall send him to Egypt, to endeavour to destroy the
ships in Alexandria. If it can be done, Troubridge will do it. The
Swedish knight writes Sir William Hamilton, that he shall go to
Egypt, and take Captain Hood, and his squadron, under his command.
The knight forgets the respect due to his superior officer. He has
no orders from you, to take my ships away from my command: but, it
is all of a piece. Is it to be borne? Pray, grant me your
permission to retire; and, I hope, the Vanguard will be allowed to
convey me, and my friends Sir William and Lady Hamilton, to
England. God bless you, my dear lord! and believe me, your
affectionate friend,

"Nelson."

"Earl of St. Vincent."

His lordship now, certainly, had it in contemplation to retire, as
expressed in the above letter. He even went so far, as to request the
Earl of St. Vincent's permission, that he might leave the command to his
gallant and most excellent second, Captain Troubridge, or some other of