at us, when a gun would bear.  I threw out the Penelope’s pendants, who had just raked the enemy, and got her within hail; and begged that Blackwood would take me in tow, and get me once more close along-side the William Tell:  which he was in the act of performing—­for, when I watched a favourable moment to call the people from the main-deck guns, and filled the main-sail, and secured the mizen-mast; and, with a few rugs forward (the sprit-sail yard, jib-boom, &c. being all shot away) got her before the wind, and had the happiness to get once more close along-side of her, the action then began again, with more obstinacy than before.  Our guns were admirably well served, and well directed, crashing through and through her.  At eight, I began to think they were determined to sink, rather than surrender; as she began to settle in the water, till her fore-mast went over the side:  when, in a few minutes after, the gallant Decres struck, having four hundred killed and wounded—­so the prisoners report.  I felt my heart expand, when I took this brave man by the hand; happy to find, he had survived so much honour.  When you consider the superiority of three ships—­the Lion, Foudroyant, Penelope, and the two brigs in company with the Strombolo; though the latter, of course, did not act, but it carried the appearance of numbers:  on the other hand, the Lion was nothing to her, only three hundred men; but that, the French admiral did not know.  In short, it seems as if he considered us his only match; and the happiness I have experienced, in proving it, on this occasion, is a circumstance that you, my friend, can participate in.  They are feelings that are familiar to you; I, happily, caught them from your lordship:  and let me beg of you, on this occasion, to accept my tribute of gratitude.  It is to you, I owe my success; and, by a strict observance of your order, I arrived exactly in time.  I sent Lieutenant Bolton to take possession of the prize; but, as I had great difficulty in floating one boat, Captain Blackwood’s officer got there before him.  The admiral, of course, he carried to the Lion, being the commodore; but, I hope, our officers will get promoted for it.  You will see, the letter I have written you on the subject, is with a view of your inclosing it to Lord Spencer, if you approve of it.  You know how to distribute my best wishes and regards to all your party; and that I am, my very dear lord, your affectionate, and faithful,

     “E.  Berry.

“No accident by powder, but one bad cartridge, which did not communicate with any other.  Performed divine service, at two, and returned thanks to Almighty God for the victory.  I only write about this ship; having nothing to say officially, from our idea it would be wrong.”

On the 8th, Lord Nelson wrote, officially, to Lord Keith, the following letter, relative to this happy event.

     “Palermo, 8th April 1800.

     “MY LORD,