196

LETTERS.

[ 1800 .

TO MRS. SUCKLING.

[From “ The Atlienteuin."]

February 27tli [1800], off Malta .

My dear Madam,

I am only this day favoured with your letter of November,and have immediately signed the powers of attorney, which,I trust, will satisfy all parties; nothing, believe me, will evergive me greater pleasure than fulfilling the will of my dearUncle. I can say little good of myself: I am far from well;hut ever believe me, your most affectionate friend,

Bronte Nelson.

TO VICE-ADMIRAL LORD KEITH, K.B.

[Letter-Book.]

28th February, 1800.

My dear Lord,

The Entreprenant is this moment arrived from Corfu , and Isend her directly to your Lordship, only directing her to callat Marsa Sirocco, to carry seventy Maltese to the Genereux.The French Ships arc perfectly ready to put to sea: sixhundred Maltese have been raised to complete their comple-ments, and Ball thinks they will assuredly attempt it the firstfair wind. With the Alexander, who is just arrived, I shallanchor off La Valetta , and prevent their escape, if possible.The intended movements of their Ships is a convincing proofto me that the Garrison has lost all hopes of a successfulresistance, and I wish that General Graham would make falseattacks; hut I am no soldier, therefore ought not to hazard

reducing this idace, and that William Tell , Diane, and Justice, are the only threeships left from the Nile Fleet. I beseech you hear the entreaties of a sincere friend,and do not go to Sicily for the present. Cruizing may be nnpleasout. Leave theFondroyant out, and hoist your Flag in the Culloden, to carry on the operationswith the General. Everything shall be done to make it comfortable and pleasing toyon : a month will do all. If you comply with my request, I shall be happy, as Ishall then be convinced I have not forfeited yonr friendship. The strong fever Jlabour under at present must plead my excuse for this jumble : I am unable nt pre-sent to correct it; I therefore conclude, praying your Lordship not to harbour thesmallest idea that I am not the same Tronbridge you have known me."— Autograph,ill the Nelson Papers.