and my health, at best but indifferent, has not mended lately.  Naples is just embarked in a new war:  the event, God only knows; but, without the assistance of the emperor, which is not yet given, this country cannot resist the power of France.  Leghorn is in possession of the King of Naples’s troops, as is Civita Vecchia.  I have Troubridge, with Minotaur, Terpsichore, and Bonne Citoyenne, &c. on the north coast of Italy.  Three sail of the line, under Ball, are off Malta:  and Hood, with three sail of the line, and two frigates, is in Egypt; but I expect his return every moment, and that the Turks and Russian ships and flotilla have relieved him.  I am here, solus; for, I reckon the Portuguese as nothing.  They are all flag-officers, and cannot serve under any of my brave friends.

     “With every good wish, believe me your most obedient servant,

     “Nelson.”

From the following congratulatory letter which Lord Nelson wrote, at the same time, to his old “brother brigadier,” the Honourable Lieutenant-General Stuart, commander in chief of the forces at the reduction of Minorca, may be learned the very unpromising state of military affairs with the Neapolitan army at this important period.  It also clearly developes the secret cause of his lordship’s sudden recall from Egypt.

     Naples, 6th Dec. 1798.

     “MY DEAR SIR,

“Allow me to congratulate you on the conquest of Minorca; an acquisition, as a sea-port, invaluable to our country.  I hurried from Egypt, early in August; as, by the Earl of St. Vincent’s orders, I was in expectation of being summoned to attend you.  However, I am sure, my place was much better filled by Commodore Duckworth.  The new war commenced here, it is yet impossible to say how it may turn:  whether it will really hasten the ruin, or save the monarchy.  At all events, if the king had not began the war, he would have soon been kicked out of his kingdom.  The king is at Rome; but five hundred French still hold possession of St. Angelo.  General Mack is gone to Civita Castellana, where thirteen thousand French have taken post.  Mack’s force, with him, is twenty thousand fine young men; but, with some few exceptions, wretchedly officered.  If the French are not soon driven from their post, which is very strong by nature, Mack must fall back to the frontier on the side of Ancona.  The French have drove back, to say no more, the right wing of the king’s army, and taken all their baggage and artillery.  The emperor has not yet moved, and his minister, Thugut, is not very anxious to begin a new war; but, if he does not, Naples and Tuscany will fall in two months.  I shall be happy if you will honour me, at any time, with your commands, here or elsewhere; being, with the highest respect, your most obedient servant,

     “Nelson.”

A letter from Earl Spencer had likewise reached Naples, at this period, with the official intelligence of Admiral Nelson’s elevation to the peerage; an elevation which, it is certain, the Hero of the Nile by no means considered as excessive, any more than his particular friends, and even the country in general.  In the following answer to Earl Spencer, it will appear, however, that his zeal kindles with far more ardour for his friend Troubridge, than for himself.