"MY DEAR SIR,
"I am just arrived off this place, where I found Captain Ball and the Marquis De Niza: from these officers, I do not find such an immediate prospect of getting possession of the town, as the minister at Naples seems to think. All the country, it is true, is in possession of the islanders; and, I believe, the French have not many luxuries in the town: but, as yet, their bullocks are not eat up. The marquis tells me, the islanders want arms, victuals, and mortars and cannon to annoy the town. When I get the elect of the people on board, I shall desire them to draw up a memorial for the King of Naples, stating their wants and desires, which I shall bring with me. The marquis sails for Naples to-morrow morning. Till he is gone, I shall not do any thing about the island; but I will be fully master of that subject, before I leave this place. God bless you! is the sincere prayer of your affectionate
Horatio Nelson."
The very next day, he sent into Malta, by Captain Ball, the following admirable and most spirited letter, addressed to the French General and Admiral commanding in the town of Valetta and fort of Malta. It breathes, throughout, that liberal and manly spirit which so highly distinguishes our hero, and which conveys to the heart such irresistible proofs of honour and veracity.
"His Britannic Majesty's Ship Vanguard, off Malta, 25th Oct. 1798.