as a sea-officer will lead you to punctually execute. Not a ship
more than the service requires shall be kept on any particular
station; and that number must be left to my judgment, as an admiral
commanding the squadron detached by the commander in chief to the
extent of the Black Sea. I shall, of course, keep up a proper
communication with the Turkish and Russian admirals, which net
captain of a man of war under my orders must, interfere in. I am,
Sir, your very humble servant,
"Nelson."
"Sir William Sidney Smith."
The above epistle, which was accompanied by a regular order, dated the
preceding day, for Sir William Sidney Smith, captain of his majesty's
ship Le Tigre, to put himself under Lord Nelson's command may certainly
be considered as sufficiently severe; and, it is probable, his lordship
was of that opinion: but he judged it necessary, for his own comfort
thus plainly to deliver his sentiments, however painful the task, that
he might escape any repetitions of what must continue to excite
unpleasant feelings.
On this day, too, Lord Nelson wrote to Captain Ball, from whom he had
received letters which gave hopes of a speedy termination to his long
and arduous labours. The deputies lately arrived from Malta had
solicited supplies of arms, ammunition, and money, from his Sicilian
Majesty; and their application, it will appear, had not proved in vain.
Money, cloathing, &c. Lord Nelson informs Captain Ball, are difficult to
be got; however, some will be sent. "You will," he adds, "receive seven
thousand ounces, which the king confides in you to dispose of to the
best advantage. Whenever the French are driven out, you are certainly
fitted for the station of chief, and I should suppose his Sicilian
Majesty could have no objection to give you the proper appointments. You
are sure, I shall do every thing that is in my power, for your honour
and benefit. Having said this, I will finish, for I am tired to death
with writing." His lordship, however, does not conclude without
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