I beg your Excellency will state this, in confidence, to General Acton.  I shall, most assuredly, tell it to the King!  The justice I owe myself, now I feel employed in the service of their Sicilian Majesties, demands it of me; and, also, the duty I owe our gracious King, in order to shew that I am doing my utmost to comply with his royal commands.

As I have before stated, had it not been for the English, long, long ago, the Maltese must have been overpowered.  Including the fifteen hundred stand of arms given by us, not more than three thousand are in the island.  I wonder how they have kept on the defensive so long.

The Emerald will sail—­in twenty-four hours after my arrival—­for Malta; at least, two thousand stand of small arms complete, ammunition, &c. &c. should be sent by her.  This is wanted, to defend themselves:  for offence, two or three large mortars; fifteen hundred shells, with all necessaries; and, perhaps, a few artillery—­two ten-inch howitzers, with a thousand shells.  The Bormola, and all the left side of the harbour, with this assistance, will fall.  Ten thousand men are required to defend those works, the French can only spare twelve hundred; therefore, a vigorous assault in many parts, some one must succeed.

But, who have the government of Naples sent to lead or encourage these people?  A very good—­and, I dare say, brave—­old man; enervated, and shaking with the palsy.  This is the sort of man that they have sent; without any supply, without even a promise of protection, and without his bringing any answer to the repeated respectful memorials of these people to their Sovereign.

I know, their Majesties must feel hurt, when they hear these truths.  I may be thought presuming; but, I trust, General Acton will forgive an honest seaman for telling plain truths. As for the other minister, I do not understand him; we are different men!  He has been bred in a court, and I in a rough element.  But, I believe, my heart is as susceptible of the finer feelings as his, and as compassionate for the distress of those who look up to me for protection.

The officer sent here should have brought supplies, promises of protection, and an answer from the King to their memorials:  he should have been a man of judgment, bravery, and activity.  He should be the first to lead them to glory; and the last, when necessary, to retreat:  the first to mount the walls of the Bormola, and never to quit it.  This is the man to send.  Such, many such, are to be found.  If he succeeds, promise him rewards; my life for it, the business would soon be over.

God bless you!  I am anxious to get this matter finished.  I have sent Ball, this day, to summon Goza; if it resists, I shall send on shore, and batter down the castle.

Three vessels, loaded with bullocks, &c. for the garrison, were taken yesterday; from Tripoli ten more are coming, but we shall have them.