In a very few days after this melancholy accident, Lord Nelson experienced one of the highest gratifications of his life, by the capture of Le Guillaume Tell.  The first information of that important event was conveyed in the following note from Sir Edward Berry.

     “Foudroyant, 30th March 1800.

     “MY DEAR LORD,

“I had but one wish, this morning; it was for you.  After a most gallant defence, Le Guillaume Tell surrendered, and she is compleatly dismasted.  The Foudroyant’s lower masts, and main topmast, are standing; but, every roll, I expect them to go over the side, they are so much shattered.  I was slightly hurt in the foot; and, I fear, about forty men are badly wounded, besides the killed, which you shall know hereafter.  All hands behaved as you would have wished.  How we prayed for you, God knows, and your sincere and faithful friend,

     “E.  Berry.”

On the 4th of April, his lordship having received farther particulars from Sir Thomas Troubridge, wrote thus to Mr. Nepean.

     “Palermo, 4th April 1800.

     “SIR,

“I have received no official reports, but I have letters from Commodore Troubridge, Captain Dixon, and Sir Edward Berry, telling me of the capture of the William Tell, on the morning of the 30th of March, after a gallant defence of three hours.  The Lion and Foudroyant lost each about forty killed and wounded.  The French ship is dismasted; the French Admiral, Decres, wounded; and the Foudroyant much shattered.  I send Sir Edward Berry’s hasty note.  Thus, owing to my brave friends, is the entire destruction of the French Mediterranean fleet to be attributed, and my orders from the great Earl of St. Vincent are fulfilled.  Captain Blackwood, of the Penelope, and Captain Long, of the Vincejo, have the greatest merit.  My task is done; my health is finished; and, probably, my retreat for ever fixed—­unless another French fleet should be placed for me to look after.  Ever your most obedient humble servant,

     “Bronte Nelson of the Nile.”

     “Evan Nepean, Esq.”

The letter of Commodore Troubridge, above mentioned, contains the following particulars.

     “Culloden, Marsa Scirocco,
     1st April 1800.

     “MY LORD,

“I most sincerely congratulate your lordship on the capture of Le Guillaume Tell, the thirteenth and last of the line of battle ships of the famous Egyptian squadron.  I would have given one thousand guineas your health had permitted your being in the Foudroyant.  I hear Le Guillaume Tell is dismasted, and Foudroyant little better.  I have sent three top-masts, spare-sails, lower and top-gallant caps, spars, &c. to refit, and make jury-masts.  As I do not feel authorized to send any of these prisoners away until I hear from your lordship, I have sent two transports to take them in.  The Maltese seamen I shall divide; the miserable wretches that