"Horatio Nelson."
Though this notice was not successful to the full extent of his wish, it seems to have accelerated the surrender of Goza. In the mean time, all possible aid was given to the Maltese; who, it appears, had been shockingly neglected by the Neapolitan government. In a letter of the 27th, addressed to Sir William Hamilton, the indignant hero enlarges on this topic with a feeling and energy incomparably expressive of his heroic and independent character.
"When I come to Naples, I can have nothing pleasant to say of the conduct of his Sicilian majesty's ministers towards the inhabitants of Malta, who wish to be under the dominion of their legitimate sovereign. The total neglect and indifference with which they have been treated, appears to me cruel in the extreme. Had not the English supplied fifteen hundred stand of arms, with bayonets, cartouch boxes, and ammunition, &c. and the marquis supplied some few, and kept the spirit of those brave islanders from falling off, they must long ago have bowed to the French yoke. Could you, my dear Sir William, have believed, after what General Acton and the Marquis De Gallo had said, in our various conversations relative to this island, that nothing had been sent by the governor of Syracuse—secretly, was the word used to us—or openly, to this island! and I am further assured, that the governor of Syracuse never had any orders sent him, to supply the smallest article. I beg your excellency will state this, in confidence, to General Acton. I shall most assuredly tell it the king. The justice I owe myself, now I feel employed in the service of their Sicilian majesties, demands it of me; and also the duty I owe our gracious king, in order to shew that I am doing my utmost to comply with his royal commands. As I have before stated, had it not been for the English, long, long ago, the Maltese must have been overpowered. Including the fifteen hundred stand of arms given by us, not more than three thousand are in the island. I wonder how they have kept on the defensive so long. At least, two thousand stand of small arms complete, ammunition, &c. should be sent by the Emerald. This is wanted, to defend themselves; for offence, two or three large mortars, fifteen hundred shells, with all necessaries; and, perhaps, a few artillery. The Bormola, and all the left side of the harbour, with this assistance, will fall. Ten thousand men are required to defend those works, the French can only spare twelve hundred; therefore, a vigorous assault being made in many parts, some one must succeed. But, who have the government of Naples sent, to lead or encourage these people? A very good, and I dare say brave, old man; enervated, and shaking with the palsy. This is the sort of man that they have sent; without any supply, without even a promise of protection, and without his bringing any answer to the repeated respectful memorials of these people to their sovereign. I know their majesties must feel hurt, when they hear these truths. I may be thought presuming; but, I trust, General Acton will forgive an honest seaman for telling plain truths. As for the other minister, I do not understand him. We are different men. He has been bred in a court; and I, in a rough element: but, I believe, my heart is as susceptible of the finer feelings as his, and as compassionate for the distress of those who look up to me for protection."
Having thus very justly and indignantly censured the Neapolitan government; particularly, the then first minister, the Marquis De Gallo; he proceeds most judiciously and forcibly to state, not only what ought to have been done, but what still should be attempted. In doing this, he has admirably sketched the characteristic outlines of a good commander.
"The officer sent here should have brought supplies, promises of protection, and an answer from the king to their memorials. He should have been a man of judgment, bravery, and activity. He should be the first to lead them to glory; and the last, when necessary, to retreat: the first to mount the wall of the Bormola, and never to quit it. This is the man to send. Such, many such, are to be found. If he succeeds, promise him rewards: my life for it, the business would soon be over.
"God bless you! I am anxious to get this matter finished. I have sent Ball, this day, to summon Goza; if it resists, I shall send on shore, and batter down the castle. Three vessels, loaded with bullocks, &c. for the garrison, were taken yesterday, from Tripoli: ten more are coming, but we shall have them. I had almost forgot to mention, that orders should be immediately given, that no quarantine be laid on boats going to the coast of Sicily for corn. At present, as a matter of favour, they have fourteen days only. Yesterday, there was only fourteen days bread in the island; luckily, we got hold of a vessel loaded with wheat, and sent her into St. Paul's. Once more, God bless you! and ever believe me, your obliged and affectionate
"Horatio Nelson.
"This day I have landed twenty barrels of gunpowder—two thousand eight hundred pounds—at Malta."
The Island of Goza, in consequence of the summons mentioned in this letter, surrendered to his majesty's arms: and Admiral Nelson, in the evening of the 30th, having received particulars of the capitulation from Captain Ball, sailed again for Naples; leaving that excellent officer, the present Sir John Alexander Ball, Governor of Malta, to continue the blockade, with the same ships as were before employed on that service.
These particulars were, on the 2d of November, forwarded to the commander in chief; with the following letter, by which they are here preceded.