174
LETTERS.
[1800.
pleases; but I never will ask his Sicilian Majesty for anotherounce till our part is fulfilled. May a speedy finish be put toyour labours by the surrender of La Valetta ; and ever believeme, your obliged and faithful servant,
Bronte Nelson.
TO JAMES TOUGH, ESQ., CONSUL-GENERAL, PALERMO.
[Letter-Book.]
9tli January, 1800.
Sir,
In consequence of the loss of his Majesty’s hired TransportSusannah, at Melazzo , in this Island, through the obstinacyof the Health Office, in not permitting assistance to go onboard her in time, and preventing her having pratique,although she went from this Port under my orders, I desireyou will give directions to all your Vice-Consuls throughoutthis Island to inform the Officers of the Health Offices, inthe different places in which they reside, that those Transportsshall be considered as King’s Ships, and that they arc not,nor shall not be, subject to the Doganas, by clearances, orBills of health, and that my signature, or the signature of anyCaptain under my command, shall be a sufficient Bill ofhealth, and respected as such by all the Officers of Health inthis Island. I am, &c.,
Bronte Nelson.
TO VICE-ADMIRAL LORD KEITH, K.B.
[Letter-Book.]
Palermo , lOtli January, 1800.
My Lord,
I beg leave to acquaint your Lordship that the PortugueseSquadron, under the command of the Marquis de Niza, hasnot been considered as under my orders since the 18th ofDecember. Three Ships of the Line are at this place, fittingfor their return to Lisbon , and one is at Syracuse for the