“There is a Russian squadron in the bay; but they are not, in the
     smallest degree, under my orders.”

     “His Excellency Compte Chilembert.”

The Russian squadron mentioned in the above postscript had arrived at Palermo the preceding day, as appears from the following letter to the celebrated Russian general, Field-Marshal Suwarrow.

     “Palermo, 16th Aug. 1799.

     “MY DEAR FIELD-MARSHAL,

“Yesterday, brought me your excellency’s letter of July 30th; and four galliots are ordered, by his Sicilian Majesty, to protect provisions, &c. for the use of your army, under the orders of my friend Captain Martin.  I have ordered another frigate and brig to join the squadron on the Riviere of Genoa.  I wish, I could come to you myself; I shall truly have a pleasure in embracing a person of your exalted character; but, as that cannot be at present, I only regret I cannot send you more ships.  Rear-Admiral Katzow is here, with three sail of the line and a frigate; but, they are not under my orders or influence.  May God bless you, my honoured friend! and believe me, for ever, your attached friend,

     “Bronte Nelson.”

In a long letter, of this day’s date, to Admiral Duckworth, Lord Nelson says—­“In Naples, every thing is quiet; but the cardinal appears to be working mischief against the king, and in support of the nobles:  sooner, or later, he must be removed, for his bad conduct.  We are dying with heat, and the feast of Santa Roselia begins this day; how shall we get through it!” Then, mentioning the honours and gifts from the King of Naples, his lordships says, respecting the dukedom of Bronte, “the title, of course, I cannot assume, without the approbation of our king; which, I now hear, has been some time desired.”  His lordship, it appears, had just received medals for his captains; for he says—­

“Darby and Hood, I hope, have long joined you.  Pray, be so good as to deliver to them the medals, with my best regards.  Our dear lady,” he adds, “has been very unwell:  and, if this fete, to-night, does not kill her, I dare say she will write to you to-morrow; for, there is none she respects more than yourself.  Good Sir William is much better for his trip.  Make my best regards to Sir James St. Clair.  I really have not the power of writing, and I am really blind; but, whilst I have life,” concludes this excellent, indefatigable, and friendly hero, “believe me, my dear admiral, your obliged and affectionate

     “Nelson.”

His lordship might well be weary, on this sultry day; the festivity of which he so little regarded, that he was actually employed, from morning till night, in writing and dictating letters and orders.  In the evening of this day, Lord Nelson received information that the Russian and Turkish squadrons, from Corfu, had arrived at Messina; and, on the 18th, sent the copy of a letter just received from Lord Keith, who