of the loyal part of the inhabitants; and, also, of those of the islands of Ischia and Capri; and, if possible, bring them to their former allegiance:  and, also, to communicate with the loyal inhabitants of Naples, as much as in your power, and by every opportunity; but, by no means, to fire upon the city, without farther orders from me, or circumstances render it necessary to fire on some parts of it, in case of the loyal taking arms against the French.  And you will use every effort to prevent all supplies of corn, or other articles, from entering the city and ports in the Bay of Naples; and also of Gaietta and it’s vicinity, and along the Roman coast to Civita Vecchia:  and, as it is said, the Ponzo Islands continue in their allegiance to his Sicilian Majesty, you will direct that all protection and assistance may be given to them, should they stand in need.  And you will consider that every means is to be used, not only by yourself, but by all those under your command, to communicate with the inhabitants on all the northern coast of the kingdom of Naples, and the islands before mentioned; and, as much as in your power, to cultivate a good understanding with them, and conciliate their affections, in order to induce them to return to their allegiance to his Sicilian Majesty, and to take arms to liberate their country from French tyranny and oppressive contributions.

     Palermo, 28th March 1799.

     To Captain Troubridge,
     his Majesty’s ship Culloden.

Captain Troubridge, who was also armed with additional powers by his Sicilian Majesty, sailed on the 31st of March to the Bay of Naples, for the purpose of carrying into effect these important orders.  It is a singular fact that, even at this very period, when Lord Nelson was thus engaged in securing Sicily from the French, as well as labouring to obtain the restoration of Naples, attempts were making, by the Governor of Messina, then actually protected by British troops, to prevent the condemnation of a French prize which had been taken near the entrance of that port, as if it were still in a state of neutrality.  It is difficult to decide, whether this strange conduct originated in a pusillanimous dread of French resentment, or a traitorous disaffection to his Sicilian Majesty.  Lord Nelson, however, soon satisfied the prize agents, Messrs. Birch and Broadbent, at Messina, that such shameful conduct would not be submitted to by a British admiral.  He wrote, accordingly, the following spirited letter to those gentlemen, which immediately produced it’s desired effect.

     “Palermo, 2d April 1799.

     “GENTLEMEN,