“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 wall 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.  I had almost forgot to mention, that orders should be immediately given, that no quarantine be laid on boats going to the coast of Sicily for corn.  At present, as a matter of favour, they have fourteen days only.  Yesterday, there was only fourteen days bread in the island; luckily, we got hold of a vessel loaded with wheat, and sent her into St. Paul’s.  Once more, God bless you! and ever believe me, your obliged and affectionate

     “Horatio Nelson.

     “This day I have landed twenty barrels of gunpowder—­two thousand
     eight hundred pounds—­at Malta.”

The Island of Goza, in consequence of the summons mentioned in this letter, surrendered to his majesty’s arms:  and Admiral Nelson, in the evening of the 30th, having received particulars of the capitulation from Captain Ball, sailed again for Naples; leaving that excellent officer, the present Sir John Alexander Ball, Governor of Malta, to continue the blockade, with the same ships as were before employed on that service.

These particulars were, on the 2d of November, forwarded to the commander in chief; with the following letter, by which they are here preceded.

     “Vanguard,
     at Sea,
     1st Nov. 1798.

     “MY LORD,

“I have the honour to transmit to you a letter received from Captain Ball, dated October 30th, together with the capitulation of the Castle of Goza, and a list of ordnance, &c. found in it.  The prisoners are embarked in the Vanguard and Minotaur, till I can get a vessel to send them to France.  Captain Ball, with three sail of the line, a frigate, and fire-ship, is entrusted with the blockade of Malta, in which are two sail of the line and three frigates ready for sea; and, from the experience I have had of Captain Ball’s zeal, activity, and ability, I have no doubt that, in due time, I shall have the honour of sending you a good account of the French in the town of Valetta.  I am, with the greatest respect, your lordship’s most obedient servant,

     “Horatio Nelson.”  “Earl of St. Vincent.”

     “Alexander,
     off Malta,
     30th Oct. 1798.