III.
Palermo, Sunday Night late, near winding-up-watch hour, May 19th, 1799.
MY VERY DEAR LORD,
Ten thousand thanks for your kind attention in sending us Hallowell's letter to Troubridge. It comforts us in one respect, as it flatters us with Commodore Duckworth's four ships joining you soon. But, I must own, from the junction of five Spanish ships and frigates, I now think, something more than going into Toulon is intended, and that your Lordship may have a brush with them.
God send you every success, that your unparalleled virtues and bravery so well merit.
Adieu, my dear Lord! Your Lordship's truly affectionate, and eternally attached,
Wm. HAMILTON.