CHAPTER XIV.

Nelson temporarily commander-in-chief in the Mediterranean.—­Relieved by lord Keith.—­Applies to return to England on account of ill health.

August, 1799—­June, 1800.

Nelson left in temporary command
His disposition of the squadron
Made Duke of Bronte in Sicily
His hopes of remaining in command disappointed
His discontent
Energy and tact in exercising command
Affairs in Rome and Naples
Nelson visits Minorca
His anxiety about Malta
Portuguese squadron recalled to Lisbon.—­Nelson’s action
Characteristics of his intercourse with foreign officials
Urgency with army to support blockade of La Valetta
Partial success in this
Successes on the Continent of the Coalition against France
Subsequent blunders and disasters
Nelson’s mortification at Bonaparte’s escape to France
The French defeat the Turks at Aboukir
Nelson peremptorily forbids Sidney Smith to allow any French
to leave Egypt
Smith nevertheless countenances the Convention of El Arish
His action disallowed by Keith and Nelson
Nelson’s vivid expressions of disapproval
Nelson joins Keith at Leghorn
They visit Palermo and Malta together
Capture of “Le Genereux,” 74, by Nelson’s division
Nelson’s relations with Keith, and bearing towards him
Keith orders Nelson to take personal charge off Malta
Nelson’s annoyance and remonstrance
His restiveness under Keith’s command
He returns from Malta to Palermo
The “Guillaume Tell,” 80, captured in his absence
Displeasure of the Admiralty at his quitting his station
Letters of the First Lord
Nelson’s soreness under them
He applies for leave to return to England

CHAPTER XV.

Nelson leaves the Mediterranean.—­The journey Overland
through Germany.—­Arrival in England.—­Separation
from lady Nelson.—­Hoists his flag in the channel
fleet, under lord st. Vincent.

June, 1800—­January, 1801.

Nelson escorts the Queen of Naples to Leghorn with two British
ships-of-the-line
Keith’s displeasure
Nelson at Leghorn
Austrians defeated at Marengo
Nelson and the Hamiltons leave Leghorn for Ancona
Journey to Trieste and Vienna
Enthusiasm shown towards Nelson by the people
Mention of him and Lady Hamilton by eye-witnesses
Anecdotes of him
His meeting with the Archduke Charles at Prague
Mrs. St. George’s account of him at Dresden
Her disparaging mention of Lady Hamilton