MY LORD,
Having received an application from this government, that they might be supplied with lead from on board the British merchants ships in this harbour, that have that article on board—and that, without the help of about a hundred cantarra of lead, this country, and the common cause, would be much distressed—I am to beg of your Lordship to use your kind endeavours that this urgent want may be supplied as soon as possible: well understood, that the proprietors of this article should be perfectly satisfied with this government, as to the price of the lead, freight, &c.
I have the honour to be, my Lord, your Lordship's most obedient and most humble servant,
Wm. HAMILTON.
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,