In a letter to Mr. Nepean, dated Port Mahon, October 15, 1799, Lord Nelson also details his late proceedings and intentions with regard to Malta; which, if not speedily forced to surrender, will call for the attention of more ships than he may have the power of placing there, and necessarily cramp other requisite services.  The Chichester storeship, Captain Stevens, his lordship observes, is going with the officers of the Leander to Corfu, having now the Russian admiral’s order for that ship’s delivery; and he has no doubt that Captain Stevens, who appears an excellent seaman, will very soon get her to Minorca.  “This island,” says his lordship, “is in such a state of security as to bid defiance to any force Spain can send against it; and, if General Fox was not hourly expected, Sir James would go with me to the attack of Malta, with fifteen hundred good troops.”  In another letter, of the same date, addressed to Earl Spencer, his lordship says, “I have considered the security of his Sicilian Majesty’s dominions as very near the heart of the king:  this makes the reduction of Malta of the very utmost importance, and to accomplish which is now, in Italy, the dearest object I have in view.”  Lord Nelson mentions that, Sir Edward Berry having joined the Foudroyant, by the Bull-dog, he has put Captain Hardy into the Princess Charlotte; and, mustering a few men, intends taking her with him to sea.  “My friend Hardy,” says his lordship, “will make a man of war of her very soon; and I make it my earnest request that, if Captain Stephenson is not sent out to her, Captain Hardy may be allowed to remain in her, and receive an Admiralty commission.”

This letter, too, is remarkable for containing, a request in favour of his worthy elder brother, Maurice Nelson, Esq.  “I have given,” says his lordship, “my brother, belonging to the Navy Office, a strong letter of recommendation to your lordship, that he may be appointed a Commissioner of the Navy.  I mention the circumstance, that you may be aware such a letter is coming; and prepared, I most earnestly hope, to meet my wishes.”

On the 23d of October, Lord Nelson returned to Palermo, where he found letters from Sir Sidney Smith; to which he, next day, returned the following interesting answer.

     “Palermo, 24th Oct. 1799.

     “MY DEAR SIR,

“When I arrived here, yesterday, from Mahon—­having been down the Mediterranean to look out for a French and Spanish squadron, which had been on the coast of Portugal, but returned to Ferrol—–­I received all your letters by the Turkish corvette, which is arrived at Messina.  The details you have given me, although unsuccessful at Aboukir, will by all military men ever reflect upon you, and your brave companions, the highest honour; and I beg you will tell all those whose conduct you have so highly approved, that their merits—­even of the lowest—­will be duly appreciated by me:  for which reason, I have given all the promotion,