'The Grand Duke of Tuscany having quitted Sienna for the Port of San
Stefano, and a Provisional Government established itself at Florence,
'The Roman States having also declared themselves a Republic and apprehensions being likewise entertained that some change of Government is contemplated in the Kingdom of Sardinia—it is desirable that British subjects and their property in those quarters should be duly protected.
'It is therefore my direction that your Lordship proceeds in H.M. ship Vengeance under your command, to Leghorn where you may expect to find the Bellerophon, and will learn from Captain Baynes the state of affairs in that vicinity, and the latest intelligence from Genoa.
'If you find that fears are entertained of any disturbance threatening the safety of the persons or property of Her Majesty's subjects at Leghorn, you may prolong the stay of the Vengeance there for a few days, to give them additional confidence and security, unless you have reason to apprehend that commotions are also expected at Genoa, in which case, you should lose no time, weather permitting, in repairing off that Port, where you may place the Vengeance within the Mole provided you deem her presence necessary for the protection of the English and that the position is secure for Her Majesty's ship.
'You will apprise his Excellency Mr. Abercromby, H.M. Minister at Turin, of your arrival off Genoa, and the nature of your orders, acquainting his Excellency that it is not desirable you should remain longer than may be absolutely necessary for affording due protection to British subjects. And you will throughout carefully abstain from any interference with the political affairs of the Kingdom of Sardinia or any other foreign Power.
'Her Majesty's Consul, Mr. Yeates Brown, will, of course, visit your
Lordship on your arrival.
'If you consider the Mole at Genoa an objectionable position for Her
Majesty's ship you will make the best arrangement in your power for the
safety of the English, and then repair to Leghorn or the port of
Spezzia, as I hope it may be in my power shortly to send a steamer to
Genoa.
'If you find the services of the Vengeance are not required at Leghorn or Genoa, you are to rejoin my flag at this anchorage, unless any increase of the smallpox in the Bellerophon should render it desirable for the latter to proceed to Malta to land the patients, in which case you will relieve Captain Baynes in the duties at Leghorn and direct him to join my flag as he passes to the southward.
'Your Lordship is to keep me informed of your proceedings and of the passing events in your vicinity, by any opportunities that offer during your absence, sending the state and condition of the Vengeance monthly, and on returning to the south you will supply any of the ships which may remain at Leghorn with such provisions as you can spare.
'(Signed) W. PARKER.'