in the work. On the 6th, I added four more mortars: and, on the
11th, by incessant labour, we opened another battery of six
thirty-six pounders, within a hundred and eighty yards of the wall
of the garrison; and had another, of one eighteen pounder, and two
howitzers, at the same distance, nearly completed. After a few
hours cannonading from the last battery, the enemy displayed a flag
of truce, when our firing ceased; and, their guns being mostly
dismounted, and their works nearly destroyed, the inclosed terms of
capitulation were agreed to and signed.
"In performing this service, I feel much satisfaction in informing
your lordship, that I received every possible assistance from
Captain Ball, for the first seven days: when your lordship ordered
him on other service, and did me the honour to place Captain
Hallowell under my orders in his room; whose exertions and
abilities your lordship is acquainted with, and merit every
attention.
"Lieutenant-Colonel Strickland, Major Cresswell, and all the
officers of marines, and men, merit every praise I can bestow: as
does Antonio Saldineo de Gama, and the officers and men belonging
to her most faithful majesty the Queen of Portugal; their
readiness, on all occasions, does them great honour. The very
commanding situation of St. Elmo, rendered our approaches
difficult; or, I trust, it would have been reduced much sooner. The
ready acquiescence to all our demands, and the assistance received
from the Duc di Salandra, I beg, may be made known, by your
lordship, to his Sicilian Majesty.
"I feel myself also much indebted to Colonel Tschudy, for his great
zeal and exertions on all occasions.
I have the honour to be, &c. T. Troubridge,
The Right Honourable Lord Nelson, K.B."
_Articles of Capitulation agreed upon between the Garrison of
Fort St. Elmo and the Troops of his Sicilian Majesty and his
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