"MY DEAR SIR,
"On my arrival here, yesterday, I found Lieutenant Gregory, who had been charged with your letters to me; but which were, unluckily, sent after me to Leghorn: and, as Lieutenant Gregory is very anxious to return to you, it is out of my power to answer such part of your public letter as might require. However, I most heartily congratulate you on the conquest of Minorca; an acquisition invaluable to Great Britain, and which completely, in future, prevents any movements from Toulon to the westward. My situation in this country has had, doubtless, one rose; but, it has been plucked from a bed of thorns. Nor is my present state that of ease; and my health, at best but indifferent, has not mended lately. Naples is just embarked in a new war: the event, God only knows; but, without the assistance of the emperor, which is not yet given, this country cannot resist the power of France. Leghorn is in possession of the King of Naples's troops, as is Civita Vecchia. I have Troubridge, with Minotaur, Terpsichore, and Bonne Citoyenne, &c. on the north coast of Italy. Three sail of the line, under Ball, are off Malta: and Hood, with three sail of the line, and two frigates, is in Egypt; but I expect his return every moment, and that the Turks and Russian ships and flotilla have relieved him. I am here, solus; for, I reckon the Portuguese as nothing. They are all flag-officers, and cannot serve under any of my brave friends.
"With every good wish, believe me your most obedient servant,
"Nelson."
From the following congratulatory letter which Lord Nelson wrote, at the same time, to his old "brother brigadier," the Honourable Lieutenant-General Stuart, commander in chief of the forces at the reduction of Minorca, may be learned the very unpromising state of military affairs with the Neapolitan army at this important period. It also clearly developes the secret cause of his lordship's sudden recall from Egypt.
Naples, 6th Dec. 1798.