4th or 5th of August, Solano went out of Cadiz, then Langara, then Mons. Richery, but could not be said to belong to the Fleet, which was twenty Sail of the Line. By Mr. Duff's letter of August 18th, it appears that the Spanish Fleet had returned to Cadiz, the Marines landed, and the Seamen who had served two years, have leave of absence, and the Ships going slowly up to the Caraccas. I give you my information exactly as I have it, without comment. Admiral Man returns instantly to Gibraltar, and carries down the 100th Regiment, the best and strongest Regiment in Corsica. I am perfectly aware that Boats get out from the environs of Leghorn every night or day, and carry small numbers of men, as you observe, nor can our Ships or Boats prevent it. If we watch off the Lazaretto, the Boats go off a few miles further. I have wrote fully to the Vice-Roy, that the landing of Boats can only be prevented by Boats of a similar kind; but I take for granted his Excellency knows of every additional scoundrel that sets foot in that Island. If the inhabitants wish us to remain, it does not matter what Mr. Cervoni, Gentili, &c. send; and if the Islanders are unanimously against us, we must retire to the Ports, and go off when it best suits our convenience. I hope your information from France and Germany is true, and also that Wurmser will once more meet these French in the field, which may give us room to hope that this horde of Goths may yet repent their Italian campaign. It will always give me pleasure to pay attention to your passports, but Sir John Jervis refused permission to Mr. Lundi, a Tuscan, who had been at Martinico, and gave great satisfaction to Sir Charles Grey and himself, for coming out with two Ships, loaded, one for the Cape of Good Hope, and one for Martinico, as he considered it would be a dangerous precedent. But I am assured you will consider this matter before you grant any pass. I have given permission to Vessels without cargoes to quit the Port of Leghorn. The ruin that must fall on that miserable Town can only be attributed to the conduct of the Ministers of the Great Duke: the people are ready to rise, but the Government will not allow them. I am glad Harryman has so good a berth. He is a very civil good man, and I, among many others, feel much obliged to him. Pray, if you write, present my compliments. I omitted to mention that Richery has been seen to the Northward of Cape St. Vincent, steering to the Northward, I suppose bound to Brest or Rochefort. Our Fleet is re markably healthy, and the Admiral, having only been at sea twenty-two weeks, has no thought of returning to port. The Admiral has shut the door of Toulon, and put the key in his pocket. I hope yet Naples and Rome will rouse themselves into action.-Ever believe me, &c., HORATIO NELSON. TO [MR. BRAME?] [Letter Book. "4th September, anchored at Genoa. 11th.-At a quarter past 12 deserted from the Ship, with a small boat, 2 seamen and 1 soldier. At half past 3 A.M. got under weigh, and stood out of the Mole-L'Eclair in company. Sent the barge and pinnace, with Lieutenants Berry and Noble, to endeavour to find the deserters, who, after searching the Mole, proceeded towards St. Pierre d'Arena, at which place French colours were hoisted, and a battery of two guns opened their fire upon the boats and people. Our boats in shore then brought out a French Bombard laden with shot and shells, and 2 brass 24-pounders: the Genoese batteries opened their fire upon us at half-past 5, and continued till 1 P.M. Sent the jolly-boat, with Lieutenant Compton, on shore, who was detained with the boat and crew. At noon the light-house N.W. b. W. § W., about 2 miles. P.M.— Light airs. The guns of Genoa continued firing over us, and on all sides, till 1 P.M. None struck the Ship. Sent the pinnace, with Lieutenant Pierson of the 69th Regiment, on shore with a Flag of Truce, who returned at 5. Hoisted in the boats, and made sail-the prize in company-heard several guns fired in the E.N.E. quarter.”—Captain's Log.] My dear Sir, Captain, off Genoa, September 11th, 1796. I send you facts which you will lay before the Government, and make them known to all the world: not a tittle can be contradicted. If you wish for further information, if Mr. Bird, and any Genoese Officer with him, will come on board, I am ready, if necessary, to answer any question. Ever truly, HORATIO NELSON. P.S.-You will of course exert yourself to have the declaration of the inhabitants of St. Pierre d'Arena, and of the soldiers at the Batteries, taken on oath. All will prove that the French are the aggressors, and, I am sorry to say, supported by the Genoese, who, I fully expected, would have fired on the French for their conduct. H. N. At 11 o'clock the Fortresses of Genoa renewed their fire on His Majesty's Ships, having, on my standing in, fired a gun without shot, which I answered in the same way. TO ADMIRAL SIR JOHN JERVIS, K.B. [Autograph in the possession of Vice-Admiral Sir William Parker, Bart., G.C.B.] September 11th, 1796. Dear Sir, Should the Genoese seize the property of the English, or allow the French, which Mr. Drake seems to think very likely, I believe it is perfectly consonant to the laws of Nations to make reprisals for the value of the property, and also to detain persons till the English may be liberated. You will, I hope, forgive this private letter on an occasion of such importance: and ever believe me, your most faithful HORATIO NELSON. What a sad thing that our Minister is not at Genoa. I send you a packet which a Spanish Vessel brought to me in Genoa; and one from Mrs. Caffarena. I find Mr. Wilson, purser of the Meleager, is her very old friend. He has been eighteen years in a Frigate, and she wishes he had a larger Ship. I have made particular inquiries into the circumstances of the report to you of Mr. Brame, or some one about him, making the people rise the price of provisions, which was to go into their pocket. One Poulterer near the Palace, which I deal with, told me they did rise the price, because there was a great demand. I am satisfied Mr. Brame was in a state of inability for any business, and I cannot see any just grounds for charging the Vice-Consul with the fact. He says that he has lost money; for one gentleman about some hay that was sent, put him off. I am not to pay it, by which he lost 12 livres, and has had much trouble. TO ADMIRAL SIR JOHN JERVIS, K.B. [Autograph in the possession of Vice-Admiral Sir William Parker, Bart., G.C.B. Captain, between Cape Corse and Bastia, Dear Sir, Having many letters for the Vice-Roy, and wishing much to see him, I am on my way to Bastia. I send you my letter to Mr. Drake, which I shall endeavour to send off express. It is, perhaps, more full than my letter to you. I assure you, Sir, on the most mature reflection, I feel nothing in this affair to reproach myself with; and it will much rejoice me to find you think the same. Some steps must necessarily be taken. You have formerly said you would pardon my writing opinions to you; therefore, should not a Squadron demand of the Government of Genoa the free admission into their Ports? (the insult and cruelty in firing on our Boats, I suppose, is more a Ministerial affair;) and in case of refusal, then comes the consideration, what is next to be done? Are the French to be attacked at St. Pierre d'Arena? is the trade of Genoa to be stopped? I mean, are all Genoese vessels to be sent into St. Fiorenzo, and there ordered to remain with the masters and crews on board, in full possession of their Vessels, till the Government of Genoa open their Ports and give satisfaction for what has happened? This last, to be sure, may be easily got over: I have in some measure taken on myself to chastise the French, although supported by Genoa. I shall close this letter with the conversation I may have with the Vice-Roy. September 15th. It is no small degree of pleasure for me to tell you, that the Vice-Roy most fully approves of every measure I have taken; and his Excellency is on every occasion so full of his praise of my conduct, that it would almost lead one to believe it is more partiality than strict justice. The Vice-Roy also fully wishes the mode of taking and securing Genoese Ships to be adopted, as a pledge for the safety of the English property at Genoa in the first place, and as a measure of reprisal for the conduct of the Government of Genoa, in the second place. As the Vice-Roy will write you fully, I shall not touch on our intended Expedition. I shall only assure you that I am, with the most perfect respect, your most faithful HORATIO NELSON. TO ADMIRAL SIR JOHN JERVIS, K.B. [Autograph in the possession of Vice-Admiral Sir William Parker, Bart., G.C.B. "September 15. P.M. Weighed; the Gorgon and Vanneau in company with troops on board. 17th.-P.M. Standing off and on Capraja. At 2 P.M. made the signal to prepare to land the troops (under the command of Major Logan)-out boats and embarked the troops with their ammunition, &c., to land. At 6 the Major returned to the Ship, having met with some opposition in landing. At 7 the Commodore left the Ship, who returned at 11, having landed the troops, artillery, &c. 18th.-At half-past 4 A.M. the Commodore went on shore with a party of seamen and some troops-at 8 saw two privateers burning in the harbour. At noon the town of Capraja west one mile. P.M. Moderate breezes and fair. At half-past 4 saw the Genoese colours hauled down and the English colours hoisted at the citadel-the Commodore made the signal (from the shore) for the Ship to stand in and anchor. At half-past 5 came-to in 20 fathoms water."Captain's Log.] September 19th, 1796. My dear Sir, Captain Cockburn, on his joining me the other day, gave me the papers I now send you. How melancholy! Indignation and sorrow are so mixed in my mind, that I know not which predominates. You will form a judgment of what is proper to be done. The Officers are in arrest; the Captain" 3 Vide vol. ii. p. 281, note 4. very unfit to command: something must be done, and speedily. Ever yours most faithfully, HORATIO NELSON. Pray, Sir, send your orders as soon as possible. TO JOHN UDNEY, ESQ., HIS MAJESTY'S CONSUL-GENERAL FOR TUSCANY. guns. [Copy in the possession of Vice-Admiral Sir William Parker, Bart., G.C.B.] "September 20th.-Weighed. At 9 saw a Spanish Frigate-beat to quarters. Sent a boat on board. Elba S.S.W. 3 leagues. P.M. Wore Ship-secured the Parted from the Spanish Frigate La Vengeance. 23rd.-P.M. Anchored under Cape Teagi. Boarded several Neapolitan Vessels in shore, who informed us that the French took possession of Castiglione on Wednesday last. 24th.Weighed. Noon.-Hoisted the barge out-the Commodore went on shore at Porto Ferraio-the Ship standing off and on."-Captain's Log. Captain, at Sea, September 21st, 1796. In the present situation of affairs with the Republic of Genoa, I have thought it necessary, in concert with his Excellency the Vice-Roy of Corsica, to detain all Genoese Vessels until satisfaction be given for the insults offered His Majesty's Flag by firing on it, and also for the seizure of the British shipping and property in Genoa, and shall, therefore, send them into the Mole of Porto Ferrajo, there to wait the directions of Admiral Sir John Jervis, K.B., Commander-inChief of His Majesty's Fleet in the Mediterranean. You will take care that the Master remains on board, and in charge of the cargo, with which the Petty-Officer put on board has nothing to do, except preventing any part of the cargo being carried on shore. I have directed the sails to be unbent, and the Vessel safe moored in the Mole, and Colonel Montresor will give directions that her departure may be prevented, unless by proper authority. And, Sir, as the detention of these Vessels is a great National concern, you will use every endeavour for the good and humane treatment of the crews, who are in no way to be pillaged, or evil entreated. Should the corn be liable to damage before you can hear from the Vice-Roy, Admiral, or myself, it must, if wanted, be taken by Government, the Commissioner or Vice-Roy giving proper bills, or other security; or other proper ways disposed of. The hatches to be sealed down. I am, &c., HORATIO NELSON. VOL, VII. h |