“I have the happiness to send you a copy of Captain Dixon’s letter to Commodore Sir Thomas Troubridge, informing him of the capture of the William Tell.  The circumstances attending this glorious finish to the whole French Mediterranean fleet, are such as must ever reflect the highest honour to all concerned in it.  The attention of the commodore, in placing officers and men to attend the movements of the French ships, and the exactness with which his orders were executed, are a proof that the same vigour of mind remains, although the body, I am truly sorry to say, is almost worn away.  Then come the alacrity of the Vincejo, Captain Long, and other sloops of war.  The gallantry and excellent management of Captain Blackwood, of the Penelope frigate:  who, by carrying away the enemy’s main and mizen topmasts, enabled the Lion to get up; when Captain Dixon shewed the greatest courage, and officer-like conduct, in placing his ship on the enemy’s bow, as she had only three hundred men on board, and the enemy one thousand two hundred and twenty.  The conduct of these excellent officers enabled Sir Edward Berry to place the Foudroyant where she ought, and is the fittest ship in the world, to be—­close along-side the William Tell; one of the largest and finest two-decked ships in the world:  where he shewed that matchless intrepidity, and able conduct, as a seaman and officer, which I have often had the happiness to experience, in many trying situations.  I thank God, I was not present; for it would finish me, could I have taken a sprig of these brave men’s laurels.  They are, and I glory in them, my darling children; served in my school; and all of us caught our professional zeal and fire, from the great and good Earl of St. Vincent!

“I am confident, your lordship will bestow the promotion in the properest manner; therefore, I have done nothing in that respect:  and, on this occasion, I only beg leave to mention, that Governor Ball would be much flattered by the command of the William Tell; and Captain Ormsby, a volunteer in the Penelope, would be happy in filling her for him, during his very necessary attendance at Malta; and, in complying with their request, your lordship will highly oblige your most obedient servant,

     “Bronte Nelson of the Nile.

     “Right Honourable Lord Keith, K.B. &c.”

His lordship also wrote, this day, to Earl Spencer, the following very feeling letter.

     “Palermo, 8th April 1800.

     “MY DEAR LORD,

“I send you Sir Edward Berry’s letter, and am sure your lordship will not be sparing of promotion to the deserving.  My friends wished me to be present.  I have no such wish; for a something might have been given me, which now cannot.  Not for all the world, would I rob any man of a sprig of laurel; much less, my children of the Foudroyant!  I love her, as a fond father a darling child, and glory in her deeds.