The pleasurable sensations excited by Lord Minto’s most kind and friendly communications, were succeeded by the most racking anxieties respecting Malta.  Fresh orders had arrived for the recall of the Portuguese squadron; and Captain Ball could with difficulty keep the distressed islanders from joining the French.  Lord Nelson, in a state of distraction, wrote letters to the Marquis De Niza, deprecating his departure; and consoled Captain Ball with hopes of assistance, which he strained every nerve to obtain from all possible sources.  The following most urgent epistle to Sir James St. Clair Erskine, on this occasion, will not only convey the state of his lordship’s feelings to every intelligent reader, but elucidate the genuine principles on which his lordship ventures to advise a departure from the strictness of etiquette in the discharge of military duties.

     “Palermo, 26th Oct. 1799.

     “MY DEAR SIR JAMES,

“I am in desperation about Malta.  We shall lose it, I am afraid, past redemption, I send you copies of Niza’s and Ball’s letters; also, General Acton’s:  so that, you will see, I have not been idle.  If Ball can hardly keep the inhabitants, in hopes of relief by the five hundred men landed from our ships; what must be expected, when four hundred of them, and four sail of the line, will be withdrawn?  And, if the islanders are forced again to join the French, we may not find even landing a very easy task; much less, to get again our present advantageous position.  I therefore intreat, for the honour of our king, and for the advantage of the common cause, that whether General Fox is arrived, or not, at least, the garrison of Messina may be ordered to hold post in Malta, till a sufficient force can be collected to attack it; which, I flatter myself, will in time, be got together.  But, while that is effecting, I fear our being obliged to quit the island; therefore, I am forced to make this representation.  I know, well enough, of what officers in your situation can do.  The delicacy of your feelings, on the near approach of General Fox, I can readily conceive; but, the time you know nothing about.  This is a great and important moment; and the only thing to be considered—­Is his majesty’s service to stand still for an instant? I have no scruple in declaring what I should do:  that, knowing the importance of possessing Malta, to England and her allies; that, if even two regiments were ordered from Minorca, yet it must be considered—­for which the officer must certainly be responsible—­was the call for these troops known at home, would not they order them to proceed where the service near at hand so loudly calls for them? This is the only thing, in my opinion, for consideration. If we lose this opportunity, it will be impossible to recal it.  If possible, I wish to take all the responsibility.  I know, my dear Sir James, your zeal and ability; and, that delicacy to General Fox, has been your sole motive for not