not only saved your country, and our’s, but all Europe!” After the fire-works, a cantata was performed, entitled the Happy Concord.  This piece, which was written purposely on the occasion, expressed the general joy for the deliverance of the two Sicilies; loyal wishes for the prosperity of their sovereigns, and the royal family, as well as for those of their worthy allies; and particular acknowledgments to the British hero.  The music was most excellent; and all the opera band, with Senesino at their head, sung—­“Rule Britannia!” and “God save the King!” in which they were joined by the whole assembly, who had been previously drilled to the English pronunciation.

About the time of this grand festival, an unfortunate affray between the Turkish seamen and some of the Sicilians, occurred at a tavern, in Palermo; and was carried to such an excess, that many men of both countries lost their lives on the occasion.  The quarrel originated in the superstition of the Sicilians; who, like all the vulgar Italians, when they address the Turks, rudely tell them, that they are not Christians, but beasts.  The Turks, after getting on board their ships, continued to wrangle among themselves; and were, at length, in such a state of mutiny, that Cadir Bey, their commander in chief, became greatly terrified.  Lord Nelson, however, being made acquainted with the affair, and having a great friendship for this Turkish admiral, immediately offered him his services; and, the next day, very calmly going on board, accompanied by Sir William and Lady Hamilton, speedily quelled the mutiny.  It appears, however, to have soon again broken out:  having been excited, it is said, by Patrona Bey, who was desirous of supplanting Cadir Bey; but who, not very long afterwards, had rendered himself so obnoxious to the men whom he thus endeavoured to delude, that they suddenly rose on him, and literally cut him to pieces.  It was well, therefore, that the generous friendship of Lord Nelson had impelled him to pen a letter to the Grand Signior, previously to Cadir Bey’s departure, that he might protect this worthy man from any misrepresentation respecting the fatal affray with the Sicilians; as, without such a powerful advocate, it is highly probable that Cadir Bey would have lost his situation, if not his life:  instead of which, he obtained the merited approbation of the Grand Signior, by this epistle; which was inclosed in a letter to the Captain Pacha—­and a copy of it also sent to Spencer Smith, Esq. the minister at Constantinople—­of the same date.  The letter to the Grand Signior was expressed in the following terms.

     “Palermo, 10th Sept. 1799.

     “SIRE,

     “I trust, that your Imperial Majesty will permit the servant of
     your most faithful ally to bear his testimony to the good conduct
     of your Admiral Cadir Bey.