lordship's attention to the mercantile interests of his country in that
respect, and at this particular period.
"Palermo, 25th Feb. 1799.
"GENTLEMEN,
"I have received your letter of the 23d. I can assure you, I have
always the greatest pleasure in paying attention to the
representations of the masters of merchant ships; who, at this
distance, act for their owners in Great Britain. I can have no
difficulty in granting you a convoy to Leghorn; but it is my duty
to again point out to you the expressions of Mr. Windham's several
letters, and the request of the English factory at Leghorn to
Captain Louis: and, at the same time, you must be sensible that an
English man of war cannot always lay in the neutral port; and I
expect, that the Minotaur is now on her passage to join me. If,
under all these circumstances, you still persist in going to
Leghorn, I will grant a convoy to that port as soon as possible.
You cannot, of course, expect that, when all the knowledge you
have, here, of the situation of Tuscany, is known in London, that
the underwriters, or myself, can in the smallest degree be
answerable for what may happen to your ships or cargoes. I can only
again assure you of my readiness to afford you all the protection
possible, compatible with the other important duties entrusted to
me; and that I am, with great respect, your most obedient servant,
"Nelson."
"To the Masters of the English Ships in the Port of Palermo."
To this it may be sufficient to add that, on their persisting in a
desire to sail, he granted them the convoy; repeating, in another
letter, "but still with the reservation for the underwriters and myself,
as I think the case requires." He also wrote to Mr. Windham, informing
that gentleman of the necessity which he had felt himself under to
comply with their desire; and requesting him to acquaint Captain Derby,
whom he sent on that service, in the Bellerophon, whether he might with
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