"SIR,
I cannot take my departure from this island, without returning your excellency my sincerest thanks for your attention towards me, by your humanity in favour of our wounded men in your power, or under your care, and for your generosity towards all our people who were disembarked, which I shall not fail to represent to my sovereign; hoping, also, at a proper time, to assure your excellency, in person, how truly I am, Sir, your most obedient humble servant,
"Horatio Nelson.
P.S. I request your excellency will do me the honour to admit of a
cask of English beer, and a cheese."
"His Excellency, Don Antonio Gutierrez, Commandant General of the
Canary Islands."
To this friendly epistle, the Spanish governor immediately returned the following liberal answer—
"Santa Cruz de Teneriffe,
26th July 1797.