arrival of the Russian troops; by nine or ten thousand of whom Naples
would be recovered in a week, and his imperial majesty have the glory of
replacing a good monarch and an amiable queen, again on their throne.
Captain Troubridge, in the mean time, was executing, with all possible
activity and success, the very important duties which he had been sent
to perform. The islands of Procida, Ischia, and Capri, immediately
surrendered; and the inhabitants in general, who had been greatly
oppressed by the usurpers, manifested such a spirit of loyalty, that
they gladly delivered up all the municipal officers for the disposal of
their lawful sovereign, and the principals were received, as prisoners,
on board the British squadron. The information of these auspicious
commencements diffused universal joy at Palermo; and greatly revived
the drooping spirits of their Sicilian Majesties, who readily sent the
distressed islanders all the relief which it was in their power to
bestow, both in provisions and money. The consideration of those
distresses, however, while they excited the compassion of their
majesties for the oppressed, necessarily called forth their indignation
against the oppressors: and, with the relief sent under convoy of La
Minerve, for the most distressed of the former; a judge was sent out by
his Sicilian Majesty, on board that vessel, charged with a special
commission for the trial and execution of the most criminal among the
latter.
In writing, on the 12th of April, to the Earl of St. Vincent, respecting
these events, his lordship says--"Captain Troubridge is in complete
possession of Procida, Ischia, and Capri; the inhabitants of which
islands have joyfully hoisted his Sicilian Majesty's colours, cut down
the Tree of Liberty, and delivered up all the municipality and the
detested Jacobins; all of whom are confined on board ship, and in the
chateau of Ischia. The French in Naples are not more than two thousand,
the civic guards about twenty thousand; but, as these last will not
remain fighting for the French if there is any risk, I am warranted in
|