other reasons which never transpired; for, as we proceed, we shall see the apparent act of disobedience placed in a much stronger light. I am, however, rather anticipating than following the course of events.

Sir.

To Sir William Hamilton.

September 25th, 1796.

I have the honour to forward two packets from Lord Grenville to your Excellency, and to inform you that I shall lose no time in making the disposition required for the evacuation of Corsica, and the retreat of the fleet from the Mediterranean. Captain Tyler will touch at Naples for a short period, to receive the commands of Prince Augustus, and will attend to your's.

I have the honour, &c.

J. J.

Sir,

To H.R.H. Prince Augustus Frederick.

25th September, 1796.

Ignorant of your Royal Highness's plans, on the retreat of his Majesty's fleet under my command from the Mediterranean, I have directed

Captain Tyler, who commands a small squadron of frigates in the Adriatic, to touch at Naples for twenty-four hours, on his passage to San Fiorenzo Bay, to receive your Royal Highness, in case you should prefer returning to England by sea to remaining in Italy.

I have the honour to be,

with the greatest respect, Sir,
Your Royal Highness's, &c.,

J. J.

CHAPTER IX.

Letters To Captain Fremantle-To Mr. Braame-To Vice-Admiral the Hon. William Waldegrave - To the Viceroy-To the same -Difficult and embarrassing situation of the Commander-in-ChiefTo Admiral Waldegrave To Captain Towry-To Mr. BraameTo Rear-Admiral Mann-The Commander-in-Chief's uneasiness occasioned by the conduct of that officer - To Captain Trowbridge— To the Dey of Algiers To Sir William Hamilton - To the Viceroy -To the King of the Two Sicilies-To the Viceroy-To Mr. Braame -To the Viceroy-To Captain Trowbridge-To the same-Collingwood's reflections on the critical position of the British fleet, under Sir John Jervis-Extraordinary conduct of Rear-Admiral Mann.

To Captain Fremantle, H. M. S. Inconstant. (MOST SECRET.)

Sir,

Victory, off Toulon, 25th Sept., 1796.

Having received orders for the evacuation of Corsica, and the retreat of his Majesty's fleet under my command from the Mediterranean, I apprise you thereof, that you may take the necessary measures for the safety of the trade under your convoy. It is probable I shall not be able to leave Corsica before the middle of next month, by which time I hope you will join

me; but, if you do not, it will be proper after that period to proceed with the utmost precaution, and to avoid the European side of the Mediterranean, and keep mid-channel between Sardinia and the coast of Africa, avoiding Sardinia, where the enemy is paramount. In truth, there will be no security or protection from the powers on either side.

I am, Sir, &c.

J. J.

Sir,

To Joseph Braame, Esq.

25th September, 1796.

I desire you will not lose a moment in demanding satisfaction of the Serene Republic of Genoa, for the outrage offered to the flag of the King, my royal master, in the fire of cannon and mortars which was opened upon his Majesty's ship, the Captain, carrying the distinguishing pendant of Commodore Nelson, from the different batteries on the mole-heads, on the 11th inst., and upon his Majesty's sloop La Sardine, on the 20th; and I also desire you will remonstrate, in the strongest terms, against the detention of the bullocks which were purchased on my account for his Majesty's service (and

VOL. I.

not the produce of the republic of Genoa), and to represent that I not only consider this as a violation of the neutrality subsisting between his Majesty and the most Serene Republic, but a flagrant breach of hospitality, and a very ill return for the recent kindness and regard shown, by my direction, to the subjects and property of the republic, during the blockade of Leghorn. You are to require a categorical answer, and to signify to the most Serene Republic that I will not suffer, with impunity, any insult to be offered to his Majesty's flag; but that, being extremely desirous to continue the friendly intercourse which has hitherto subsisted between the two countries, I shall forbear to retaliate until I have received an answer to these demands.

I am, Sir, &c.

J. J.

With reference to the following letter, it is very difficult to discover what object his Majesty's government could have had in view, when they sent orders to Sir John Jervis to proceed to England, after having completed the evacuation of Corsica. The admiral, however, appears to have had a better view of the state of affairs in that part of the world than his su