“I have much to say; but am unable to write, or speak, half so much as my duty would make it right:  therefore, I must be brief.  On my fortunate arrival here, I found a most infamous treaty entered into with the rebels, in direct disobedience of his Sicilian Majesty’s orders.  I had the happiness of saving his majesty’s honour; rejecting, with disdain, any terms but unconditional submission to rebels.  Your lordship will observe my note and opinion to the cardinal.  The rebels came out of the castle with this knowledge, without any honours; and the principal rebels were seized, and conducted on board the ships of the squadron.  The others, embarked in fourteen polacres, were anchored under the care of our ships.  His majesty has entirely approved of my conduct in this matter.  I presume to recommend Captain Troubridge for some mark of his majesty’s favour:  it would be supposing you, my dear lord, were ignorant of his merits, was I to say more than that he is a first-rate general.  The king holds his levees on the quarter-deck of the Foudroyant, at the same hour as he did when in his palace.  His Majesty’s health is perfect, and he is in the highest spirits and good humour.  May I offer my kindest respects to Lady Spencer; and, believe me, I am sensible of her goodness.  Lieutenant Parkinson will, I am sure, meet with your kind protection; he is an officer of great merit.  Lord Keith writes me, if certain events take place, it may be necessary to draw down this squadron for the protection of Minorca.  Should such an order come, at this moment, it would be a cause for some consideration, whether Minorca is to be risked, or the two kingdoms of Naples and Sicily.  I rather think, my decision would be, to risk the former.  I am told, the alteration of the government is began in this capital, by the abolition of the feudal system, and that it is meant to be continued through the country.  Sir John Acton is with his majesty:  I need not say more, than that he has the wisest and most honest head in this kingdom.  Sir William and Lady Hamilton are, to my great comfort, with me; for, without them, it would have been impossible I could have rendered half the service to his majesty which I have now done:  their heads, and their hearts, are equally great and good.  With every sentiment of respect and attachment, believe me, my dear lord, your obliged and faithful

     “Nelson.”

     “Earl Spencer.”

In the public letter to Evan Nepean, Esq. which inclosed the several dispatches, Lord Nelson also recommends Lieutenant Parkinson, who is the bearer, to the notice of the Lords of the Admiralty; observing, that this officer is sent, by desire of his Sicilian Majesty, to mark that monarch’s approbation of his lordship’s conduct.  Then, apologising for the brevity of his letter, when he has so much to communicate, his lordship adds, that he is writing in a fever, and finds it barely possible to keep out of bed; but, to the last, begs he will assure the board, that every exertion shall be made for the honour of his king and country.