“Bellerophon, Palermo, 1st Feb. 1799.

     “MY LORD,

“I have to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 16th of January, inclosing a copy of one from Sir Sidney Smith, off Malta, with your answer; as, also, your lordship’s order to take him under my command.  I consider myself highly honoured by your lordship’s letter, and flattered by your attention; and will order Sir Sidney Smith to put himself under my command the very first opportunity.  I am, with the highest respect, my lord, your most obedient and faithful servant,

     “Nelson.”

The Vanguard, and La Minerve, had just been sent to Malta; and the Bellerophon wanting a little repair, his lordship had now shifted his flag on board that ship till the Vanguard’s return.  He was not without hope, that Malta would soon fall; and chose rather to let Captain Ball have the credit of driving the French out, after having, as he observed, gone through “all the hard fag,” than permit the Portuguese squadron, now at Messina, to participate the glory, who had been unwilling to encounter the fatigue, which his lordship had originally wished them to partake.  In mentioning the Portuguese officers to the Earl of St. Vincent, he says—­“As for the great commodores, their rank is as much a plague to them as it is to me.  Niza is a good-tempered man.  We are, apparently, the very best friends; nor have I, nor will I do an unkind thing by him.”  But, he had torn himself away from Malta, at the commencement, and his lordship was determined not to send him at the close.

Three letters were this day written by Lord Nelson to the Earl of St. Vincent; one of them has a conclusion so forcibly interesting, on several accounts, that it must on no account be omitted.  What a picture it affords, of a contrariety of contending passions, struggling, at the same moment, in the bosom of this wonderful man; ever, as it should seem, feeling with too much energy, for the stability of it’s own prolonged peace!

“All in this house have been ill, and are still.  Our great queen, who truly admires you; our dear, invaluable Lady Hamilton; our good Sir William; and give me leave to add myself, to this excellent groupe; have but one opinion about you:  viz. that you are every thing which is great and good.  Let me say so, about Sir Sidney Smith!  I thank you, most truly.  My health is indeed, very indifferent; but, whilst I live, if the queen desire it, I remain for her security.  No consideration of my own health shall make me abandon my honourable post, in which you have placed me.  A parliament is called here:  the queen has her doubts about their temper; and I have promised, under my hand, not to leave her; unless by her desire.  Let me thank you, for your goodness to Captain Nisbet.  I wish he may deserve it; the thought half kills me!  My dear lord, there is no true happiness in this life; and, in my present state, I could quit it with a smile.  May God Almighty bless you with health, happiness, and long life! is the fervent prayer of your affectionate friend,

     “Nelson.”