It had, at this time, been fully resolved, that the King, Queen, and Royal Family, of Naples, should embark, with all their richest moveable effects, on board Lord Nelson’s ship, for Sicily.  In the mean while, it was necessary to conceal such an intention from the Neapolitans in general; who would, probably, never have consented to their departure.  Most of the nobility, who were disaffected, and of the common people, who were loyal, it was not doubted, would object, for different reasons, to a measure which they must behold in different points of view, and consequently both conspire to defeat:  while, by the dangerous collision, a spark might be struck on materials of so inflammable a nature as the rude populace, and particularly of a populace so very rude as the Lazzaroni of Naples; which, suddenly blazing forth into a devouring flame, might fatally involve the whole royal family, and their most faithful and friendly adherents, and render them the unfortunate victims of the cruel and destructive conflagration.

It was, therefore, at the extreme hazard of their lives, that Lord Nelson, with Sir William and Lady Hamilton, for several days preceding the meditated departure, took in charge the various articles secretly conveyed from the palace, and concerted the different operations necessary for effecting the escape of the royal family without discovery or suspicion.  Every day, Lady Hamilton assisted and advised with the King and Queen of Naples, and their jewels, cloaths, &c. were conveyed in boxes, during the night.  Neither Sir William Hamilton, nor Lord Nelson, for several days, judged it safe to appear publicly at the palace; but his lordship secretly accompanied Lady Hamilton, one evening, for the purpose of exploring a subterraneous passage leading from the queen’s bedchamber to the sea, by which it was agreed that they should get off; and settled every preliminary preparation with the few loyal nobility in whom the royal family could confide.  Great anxiety was expressed for the cardinals, and other members of the Romish church, who had taken refuge, in Naples, from French persecution, and might now be expected to fall the first victims of their cruelty; but Lord Nelson desired they might be humanely informed that, on coming in boats alongside any of his ships, and displaying their red stockings, they should be instantly received on board.

In the midst of this important business, his lordship had written, on the 18th, the following very concise epistle to Earl Spencer.

     Naples, Dec. 18, 1798.

     “MY DEAR LORD,

“There is an old saying—­that, when things are at the worst, they must mend.”  Now, the mind of man cannot fancy things worse than they are here.  But, thank God, my health is better; my mind never firmer; and my heart in the right trim, to comfort, relieve, and protect, those who it is my duty to afford assistance to.  Pray, my lord, assure our gracious sovereign—­that, whilst I live, I will support his glory; and that, if I fall, it shall be in a manner worthy of your lordship’s faithful and obliged

     “Nelson.”