Sidney Smith was sent out to command somewhere, in prejudice to me, and four or five captains now serving with me, in the Levant.  Having stated this fully to you, you will be equal to every explanation.  Whenever you favour me with your very interesting correspondence, I shall receive it with pleasure.  As Sir William Hamilton writes you, I shall not repeat, &c. &c.

     “Nelson.”

     Speridion Foresti, Esq.

Every exertion was at this time making, by Lord Nelson, and Captain Troubridge, in concert with their Sicilian Majesties, for the recovery of Naples from the domination of the French.  Cardinal Ruffo, who united, in himself, the three important characters of statesman, prelate, and general, had raised a large army of loyalists in the provinces, by the powerful operation of the Catholic cause, and headed in person what was denominated the Christian Army.  The French, with their usual insatiable thirst of plunder, officers as well as men, had attended to little else than their own individual gratifications, since they entered Naples; and this did not fail to produce it’s customary concomitant, a speedy spirit of insubordination.  The fiery population of Naples, in the mean time, like the volcano in it’s vicinity, though at present apparently tranquil, might be expected suddenly to burst forth, and overwhelm every obstacle to the progress of it’s destructive torrent.  In this state of things, it was judiciously resolved that Captain Troubridge should proceed to the Bay of Naples; for which purpose, Lord Nelson—­who had, by the general promotion of admirals, on the 14th of February, been made Rear-Admiral of the Red—–­furnished that brave officer with the following instructions.

     By Horatio Lord Nelson,
     K.B.  Rear-Admiral of the Red, &c.

“Whereas it is of the utmost importance, that the city and towns in the Bay of Naples should be immediately blockaded, to prevent the French forces in those places from getting any supplies of corn or other articles by sea; and it being expedient that an officer of your distinguished merit and abilities should command the blockade, in order to render it the more effectual—­

“You are hereby required and directed to take under your command, the ships named in the margin—­[Minotaur, Zealous, Swiftsure, Seahorse, Perseus bomb, and El Corso sloop]—­embarking on board them the Governor of Procida, and two hundred troops, as also such officers as are ordered by his Sicilian Majesty to embark with them, and proceed to the Bay of Naples.  And it being necessary that the squadron employed on this service should have some safe anchorage, the more effectually to carry on the said blockade, and the Island of Procida affording the anchorage desired, you will do your endeavours to seize and get possession of the said Island of Procida, if possible, and reinstate the governor in the command thereof, and using every means in your power to conciliate the affections