“SIR,

“I have the honour to acquaint you, that the commandant of the French troops in the Castle of Goza signed the capitulation on the 28th inst. which you had approved.  I ordered Captain Cresswell of the Marines to take possession of it in the name of his Britannic Majesty, and his majesty’s colours were hoisted.  The next day, the place was delivered up, in form, to the deputies of the island, his Sicilian Majesty’s colours hoisted, and he acknowledged their lawful sovereign.

“I embarked, yesterday, all the French officers and men who were on the Island of Goza, amounting to two hundred and seventeen.  I inclose the Articles of Capitulation, and an Inventory of the Arms and Ammunition found in the Castle; part of which, I directed to be sent to the assistance of the Maltese who are in arms against the French.  There were three thousand two hundred sacks of corn in the castle; which will be a great relief to the inhabitants, who are much in want of that article.  I have the honour to be, &c.

     “Alex.  John Ball.”

     “Rear-Admiral Sir H. Nelson, K.B.”

“Articles of Capitulation, between Alexander John Ball, Esq.  Captain of his Majesty’s Ship the Alexander, appointed to conduct the Blockade of Malta, under Rear-Admiral Sir Horatio Nelson, K.B. on the Part of Great Britain; and Lieutenant-Colonel Lockey, Aju. de Battailon, Commander of the French Troops in the Castle of Goza.

     “1.

     “The French troops shall march out of the Castle of Goza with the
     honours of war, and shall lay down their arms as they get out of
     the gate.

     “2.

     “The Castle of Goza, with all the military implements and stores,
     shall be delivered up to the British officer appointed to take
     charge of them.

     “3

“The French officers and troops shall be protected in their persons and effects, and the officers allowed to retain their side-arms.  They shall be embarked, immediately, on board his Britannic majesty’s ships; and sent to France, in transports, at the expence of the French government They are not to serve against his Britannic majesty, or his allies, during the war, till regularly exchanged.

“Rear-Admiral Sir Horatio Nelson, K.B. has entered into articles with the inhabitants of Goza, that if the French surrender to the British, they shall be considered as under their protection, and they will not offer them the smallest insult or molestation.

    “Signed, 28th Oct.
    1798.

    “Alexander John Ball,
    Captain of his Britannic Majesty’s
    Ship Alexander.

    “Approved,

    “Lockey, Aju. de Battailon. 
    Horatio Nelson.”

     “Extract of Articles found in the Castle of Goza, the 28th of
     October 1798.