“I must not write more.  Every word may be a text for a long
     letter.”

In spite of every precaution, however, an idea of what was going forward, seems to have prevailed among the people; and, on the 20th, riotous proceedings began to take place, and some murders were committed, which filled the royal family, and their loyal adherents, with new alarms.  This was a most critical period for our hero, and Sir William and Lady Hamilton, who would certainly have been sacrificed to the fury of the populace, had a full discovery been then made of the important parts they were acting.  Nothing, however, could deter these firm friends from continuing to assist the royal family in escaping from the perils by which they were so cruelly surrounded:  and, at night, they were got off, by his lordship, through the subterraneous passage; and conveyed, in barges, amidst a most tremendous sea, on board the Vanguard, where they safely arrived about ten o’clock.  Among this unfortunate royal family, thus constrained to quit their kingdom, under protection of the British flag, was the amiable Princess Royal, and with her infant of only a month old.  They sailed, on the 23d, at night; and, in addition to their misfortunes, a more furious tempest the next day arose than Lord Nelson had ever before witnessed.  It was borne, however, by the royal sufferers, with all the magnanimity which can distinguish minds worthy of majesty.  Scarcely had the storm subsided, when their estimable hearts were subjected to a still more severe trial:  for, next morning, being Christmas-day, their third son, Prince Albert, seven years of age, was suddenly taken ill; and, at six o’clock in the evening, died in Lady Hamilton’s arms.  This was an affliction too poignant for nature to be defeated of her tribute; and the unhappy pair were overwhelmed, on the melancholy occasion, with a grief which adorned their illustrious character, and communicated even to the most heroic of their friends.  At ten o’clock, they entered the Bay of Palermo; and, at midnight, the viceroy and nobility arrived on board, and informed the royal mourners that all their Sicilian subjects were ready to receive their majesties with joy.

The following most interesting letter, written by Lord Nelson to the Earl of St. Vincent, the third day after their arrival, contains a valuable narrative of the various proceedings by which this important business was preceded, and at length thus successfully accomplished.

     “Palermo, Dec. 28, 1798.

     “MY LORD,

“On the 22d, I wrote a line to Commodore Duckworth, telling him that the Royal Family of the Two Sicilies were safely embarked on board the Vanguard; and requested him to take the first opportunity of acquainting your lordship of this event.  For many days previous to the embarkation, it was not difficult to foresee that such a thing might happen.  I, therefore, sent for the Goliath, from off Malta; and for