sending down any part of the squadron under his command.  After stating these reasons, as his apology for thus acting, his lordship thus concludes—­“I am perfectly aware of the consequences of disobeying the orders of the commander in chief; but, as I believe the safety of the kingdom of Naples depends, at the present moment, on my detaining the squadron, I have no scruple in deciding, that it is better to save the kingdom of Naples, and risk Minorca, than to risk the kingdom of Naples, and save Minorca.  Your lordship will, I hope, approve of my decision.”

Though Lord Nelson’s heroic bosom could by no means fail to be violently agitated on this very alarming occasion, his resolution was not to be shaken by any consideration of personal suffering:  had the refusal been attended with the certain loss of life, he would not have consented to part with a single ship; such was the inflexible firmness of this invincible man, when his determination was once fixed.  He did not, however, set danger at defiance; though he so little regarded it’s weight, when placed in the scale which opposed his own conscious sense of duty.  Desirous to be duly understood, and to obtain the indemnity of which he could not but consider himself as worthy of receiving, he had ventured to hope for Lord Keith’s approbation of his conduct.  He judged it right, however, to be prepared against the worst that could happen, by immediately addressing Earl Spencer, also, in a private letter on the subject; as well as the Admiralty in general, through their secretary, Mr. Nepean.  These valuable documents, at once self-criminating and exculpatory, are finely characteristic of his lordship’s firmness, sensibility, and honour.

     “Foudroyant, Naples Bay,
     19th July 1799.

     “MY DEAR LORD,

“You will easily conceive my feelings, at the order this day received here from Lord Keith; but my mind, your lordship will know, by my letter sent by Mr. Lieutenant Parkinson and Mr. Silvester, was perfectly prepared for this order:  and, more than ever, is my mind made up.  At this moment, I will not part with a single ship; as I cannot do that, without drawing a hundred and twenty men from each ship now at the siege of Capua, where an army is gone this day.  I am fully aware of the act I have committed; but, sensible of my loyal intentions, I am prepared for any fate which may await my disobedience.  Capua and Gaieta will soon fall; and, the moment the scoundrels of French are out of this kingdom, I shall send eight or nine ships of the line to Minorca.  I have done what I thought right:  others may think differently; but it will be my consolation, that I have gained a kingdom, seated a faithful ally of his majesty firmly on his throne, and restored happiness to millions.  Do not think, my dear lord, that my opinion is formed from the arrangements of any one. No; be it good, or be it bad, it is all my own.  It is natural I should wish the decision of the Admiralty, and my commander in chief, as speedily as possible.  To obtain the former, I beg your lordship’s interest with the board; and, in all events, I shall consider myself your lordship’s, &c. &c.

     “Nelson.”