LETTERS.

327

.et. 46.]

to ‘ Keep io close Order.’ Spencer and Leviathan separatedfrom this Order, to be the readier to push at any detachedShips of the Enemy. [Noon, Mount Santo bore N.W., dis-tance six leagues.— Victory’s Log.~\ All night very hard galesfrom S.S.W. to S.W., which continued throughout the next day;during great part of the time we were under storm staysails.

TO CAPTAIN THOMAS, H.M. SHIP /ETNA.

[Autograph, in the possession of Rear-Admiral Thomas.

Sir, Victory, January 19tli, 1805.

The French Fleet put to sea yesterday, and were seen lastnight at twelve o’clock, steering South, or S. b W., thensupposed in the latitude of Ajaccio , going ten or elevenmiles per hour. They are therefore, from this account, boundround the South end of Sardinia . It is therefore my intentionto proceed to the Southward, and endeavour to interceptthem. If you do not hear of us in a few days, you must takethe Transports to Malta , and then endeavour to join me,wherever you may hear I may be. I am, Sir, &c.

Nelson and Bronte.

TO HIS EXCELLENCY SIR JOHN ACTON , BART., PALERMO.

[From a Copy, in the Elliot Papers.]

My dear Sir John , Victory, January 22nd, 1805.

The French Fleet sailed from Toulon on Friday last, the18th. Our Frigates saw part of them all day, and werechased by some of the Ships. At ten o’clock the same night,they were in the French Fleet, then nearly in the latitude ofAjaccio , steering South, or S. b W., the direct course for theIsland of Toro, South end of Sardinia , it blowing a stronggale at N.W., and a heavy sea. The French were then, byCaptain Moubray’s account, carrying a heavy press of sail.At three o’clock in the afternoon of the 19th, CaptainMoubray made his report to me at Madalena, and at sixthe whole Fleet was at sea, with a fresh breeze at W.N.W.,steering to the Southward along the Sardinian shore, intend-ing to push for the South end of Sardinia , where I couldhave little fear but that I should meet them; for, from all I