.ET. 44.]
LETTERS.
97
should be lost to secure Sicily . In a small degree we risk itevery day, in hopes of preserving the Kingdom of Naples ;but for the present moment I am, if Sir John Acton coin-cides with me, induced to participate in the risk. I shallinstantly send two Ships of War to cruise off Cape Spartavento,and towards the Gulf of Tarento, to give a check to the move-ments of Troops by sea. By land I cannot judge of the time,but a few Boats would very soon bring over from Reggiosome thousands of Troops; nor could all the Navy of Europe prevent the passage, the current running seven miles an hour.Therefore I shall only observe again, that to save for themoment Naples , we risk the two Kingdoms, and General Acton must join me in this heavy responsibility. Every de-fence against such a voyage by sea shall be taken. Withrespect to securing an asylum, and safe retreat to the RoyalFamily at this moment, I will leave a Frigate, and eithera Ship of the Line or Frigate shall always be at Naples .With respect to the other part of Sir John Acton ’s letter, wehave ever thought the same, in which most cordially has coin-cided Lord Minto , that not less than 10,000 men should bekept for the service of the Mediterranean.
The moment I get off Toulon, I shall send a Vessel toEngland, and something to Naples to replace the Phoebe, andeverything shall be stated most fully. Your Excellency willhave the goodness to assure their Majesties and Sir John,that as it is my orders, so it will ever be a most cheerful partof my duty, to do everything for the personal security of theRoyal Family, and for the security of their Kingdoms, and Iassure your Excellency that it will be my pride to co-operatewith you in this desirable work, for I am ever, with thegreatest respect, &c.
Nelson and Bronte.