I have the honour to be, my Lord, your Lordship’s most obedient and most humble servant,

  Wm. HAMILTON.

III.

  Palermo, Sunday Night late,
  near winding-up-watch hour,
  May 19th, 1799.

MY VERY DEAR LORD,

Ten thousand thanks for your kind attention in sending us Hallowell’s letter to Troubridge.  It comforts us in one respect, as it flatters us with Commodore Duckworth’s four ships joining you soon.  But, I must own, from the junction of five Spanish ships and frigates, I now think, something more than going into Toulon is intended, and that your Lordship may have a brush with them.

God send you every success, that your unparalleled virtues and bravery so well merit.

Adieu, my dear Lord!  Your Lordship’s truly affectionate, and eternally attached,

  Wm. HAMILTON.

IV.

  Palermo, May 26th, 1799.

MY DEAR LORD,

Whilst Emma was writing to your Lordship, I have been with Acton, to get a felucca, to send Ball’s dispatch to you.  It is of so old a date, that I make no doubt of Ball’s having joined you before his dispatch reaches.

I send your Lordship an interesting letter I have just received from our Consul at Trieste:  and Acton’s answer to my yesterday’s letter communicating your kind resolution of taking care of their Sicilian Majesties and their kingdoms; and which, your Lordship will see, gives them great satisfaction.

As to the fleet having been seen by the Towers near Messina, and to the westward—­I believe, it was your squadron.

I send you, likewise, a strange rhapsody from Lord Bristol:  but something may be collected from it; or, at least, it will amuse you, and you have leisure enough on board, which I have not on shore.  Be so good as to send back that letter, and Graham’s, by the first opportunity.

Above all, take care of your health; that is the first of blessings.  May God ever protect you!  We miss you heavily:  but, a short time must clear up the business; and, we hope, bring you back to those who love and esteem you to the very bottom of their souls.

Ever your affectionate friend, and humble servant,

  Wm. HAMILTON.

V.

  Palermo, June 17th, 1799.

MY DEAR LORD,

I am happy to receive the packet from Major Magra, and which I shall instantly send to General Acton.

Nothing has happened, worth telling you, since the few hours we have been separated.

God bless you, my very dear friend; and my mind tells me, that you will soon have reason, either by good news, or by a proper reinforcement sent to you, to be in a much happier state of mind than you could possibly be when you left us this morning.  All looks melancholy without you.