The Foudroyant, indeed, which had accompanied two Portuguese ships of the line to Captain Ball at Malta, was only intended to remain there a few days, with some hope of quickening the surrender of that island by the appearance of such a force; and, on the 14th, his Sardinian Majesty having requested a ship to carry him and his family to the continent, in a letter received from his minister by our grand protector of kings, his lordship was constrained to order the Foudroyant on that important service.  This letter also solicited the kind and powerful interference of our hero, to obtain, from the Bey of Tunis, some modification of the very severe terms to which his Sardinian Majesty had been under the necessity of agreeing, but found it impossible immediately to raise the sum stipulated from his distressed people for the ransom of their fellow-subjects.  Though his lordship could not but feel almost hopeless of success in any requisition of pecuniary forbearance from a Barbary State, he did not hesitate a single moment in making the attempt, by writing both to Mr. Magra and the Bey of Tunis, with his customary diplomatic dexterity and address.  Having done this, his lordship thus answered the letter of his Sardinian Majesty’s minister, Count Chilembert.

     “Palermo, 16th August 1799.

     “SIR

“I was yesterday honoured with your excellency’s letter of August 11th.  The situation of the poor people taken by the Bey of Tunis is shocking to humanity, and must sensibly touch the royal heart:  but I will not attempt to cherish a hope, that the bey will abate one zequin of the sum fixed in the convention of June the 21st; and I very much doubt, if a longer time than that fixed by the convention, and witnessed by six friendly consuls, will be granted.  However, I have, I can assure your excellency, no difficulty in sending a letter to Mr. Magra, his Britannic Majesty’s consul, covering one to the bey; to say, that I am confident such a mark of his goodness will be highly acceptable to the great king, my master.

The Chevalier Marechal is gone towards Malta, after the Foudroyant; and, I hope, she will be at Cagliari in three days after this letter:  I have, therefore, only to intreat, that every thing for the service of his majesty may be ready to put on board the moment she anchors.  I send the Foudroyant, as she is my own flag-ship, and the first two-decked ship in the world.  I would send more ships, but the service of the civilized world requires every exertion; therefore, I have not the power to send another ship of war.  A very fine brig I have directed from Naples, to assist in carrying his majesty’s attendants; and, as a much less ship has carried a much more numerous royal family, I trust, their majesties will not be pressed for room.  I beg that your excellency will lay me at their majesties feet, and assure them of my sincere desire to be useful for their service; and believe me, with the greatest respect, your excellency’s most obedient servant,

     “Bronte Nelson.