Vaubois was sending away as lumber, I mean to return to him, in his own way—­put them on the glacis, and fire on them if they attempt to come away.  I really think, the officers should not be permitted to go to France for some time.  Their business was, to have returned with men and provisions.  Suppose we could get them to Mahon, with orders to carry them to England in the convoy.  As I shall see your lordship here soon, you can settle that then.  The French wounded, I have ordered to be landed at Syracuse.  If the Foudroyant is not ready, or in a state to fetch your lordship, what are your wishes?  The other three ships are preparing to sail from Valette the first wind.  Northumberland goes out, with my men, to-day.  If the Foudroyant had not come as she did, Le Guillaume Tell would have beat all we had.  The Penelope is the only effective ship; if she goes, we shall be badly off.  Much credit is due to Captains Blackwood and Long; the latter, I beg your lordship to recommend to the commander in chief.  Every thing shall be done, in my power.  If the ships were here, I could soon refit them.  My people begin to droop, from hard work; the prize still sticks to us.  I long to get Diana and Justice to compleat the gang.  In my former letter, I acquainted your lordship, that I every night placed a lieutenant, and three trusty men, with a night-glass, in a house close to the enemy’s works, to watch the ships.  The signals from them apprized the ships she was moving; and answered, fully, my expectations.  Rely on all and every exertion in my power.  I am so busy, I have not time to write you more at present.  I have the honour to be, my lord, your lordship’s most obedient humble servant,

     “T.  Troubridge.”

     “Right Hon. Lord Nelson, K.B. &c.”

The following is Captain Dixon’s official account of the action, transmitted to Sir Thomas Troubridge; and, as it contains much fuller particulars than his hasty private letter, which had been inclosed to Lord Nelson, it is here inserted instead of that communication.

     “Lion, at Sea, off Cape Passaro,
     31st March 1800.

     “SIR,

“I have the honour to inform you that, yesterday morning, at nine o’clock, Cape Passaro bearing north half east, distant seven leagues, the French ship of war Le Guillaume Tell, of eighty-six guns, and one thousand men, bearing the flag of Contre-Admiral Decres, surrendered, after a most gallant and obstinate defence of three hours and a half, to his majesty’s ships Foudroyant, Lion, and Penelope.  To declare the particulars of this very important capture, I have to inform you, that the signal rockets and cannonading from our batteries at Malta, the midnight preceding, with the favourable strong southerly gale, together with the darkness which succeeded the setting of the moon, convinced me the enemy’s ships of war were attempting to effect an escape:  and which was immediately ascertained, by that judicious