In another letter of the 2d of January 1800, his lordship, who is incessantly labouring, at all points, to obtain every requisite for the reduction of Malta, and for the relief of the distressed natives, writes thus—­“I cannot get the frigate out of the mole; therefore, I must learn to be a hard-hearted wretch, and fancy the cries of hunger in my ears.  I send you orders for the different governors:  you will see, they are for the supply of the army and navy; therefore, whatever Graham and you send for will, if possible, be granted.  I hope the Russians will sail, this north-east wind; and it is my intention to give you all a meeting, the moment the Foudroyant arrives.”

On this day, too, his lordship wrote letters to Portugal:  containing the kindest praises of the Marquis De Niza, and the several officers and men of the Portuguese squadron under his command; which were, at length, returning home, in obedience to orders, on being relieved by Sir Thomas Troubridge’s arrival at Malta.  One of these letters contained particular recommendations of promotion for Captains Thompson, Welch, and De Pinto.  “When,” says his lordship, “I mention my brother, and friend, Niza, I must say, that I never knew so indefatigable an officer.  During the whole time I have had the happiness of having him under my command, I have never expressed a wish that Niza did not fly to execute.”

On the 6th of January, his lordship learned that his prediction to Rear-Admiral Duckworth, of what had been intended respecting the command of the Mediterranean fleet, was completely verified, by the approach of Lord Keith; who now signified, in a letter to Lord Nelson, that he was coming to Sicily.  The effect which this event, though not unsuspected, must have produced on his lordship’s mind, is less difficult to be conceived, than expressed.  He had already met with sufficient impediments to the execution of his designs, most of which were just happily surmounted; but a paramount difficulty seemed now arising, against which he might be disarmed of all power to perform any thing efficient.  The general aspect of his public situation, at this period, is concentrated by his own skilful hand, in the following professional letter, which he immediately wrote to Lord Keith; but his exalted and superior mind disdained to discover, in such a communication, the state of his own private feelings.

     “Palermo, 7th Jan. 1800.

     “MY DEAR LORD,

Last night, I received your letters, and orders, to December 14th, from November 30th; all of which, I shall endeavour to obey:  and, with the greatest pleasure, to give you the state of the squadron, and of affairs on this side of Minorca.  I shall begin in the east.  My last accounts from thence were by the Phaeton, Captain Morris; and, as your lordship will probably see him, I shall only say, that I have not heard immediately from Sir Sidney Smith since September the 7th.  At Constantinople, they heard he