CONTENTS NELSON returns to Naples.-State of that Court and Kingdom.-Gen. Mack.-The French ap- proach Naples.-Flight of the Royal Family.— Successes of the Allies in Italy.—Transactions in the Bay of Naples.—Expulsion of the French from the Neapolitan and Roman states.—Nelson Page Nelson separates himself from his wife.-Northern Sir Hyde Parker is recalled, and Nelson appointed Commander. He goes to Revel.—Settlement of Affairs in the Baltic-Unsuccessful attempt upon the Flotilla at Boulogne.-Peace of Amiens.— Nelson takes the Command in the Mediterranean on the Renewal of the War.-Escape of the Toulon Fleet.-Nelson chases them to the West Nelson returns to Naples.-State of that court and kingdom.-General Mack.-The French approach Naples.-Flight of the Royal Family.-Successes of the Allies in Italy.-Transactions in the Bay of Naples. Expulsion of the French from the Neapo- litan and Roman States.-Nelson is made Duke of NELSON's health had suffered greatly while B serve longer than the ensuing summer, unless it should be absolutely necessary: for, in his own strong language, he had then been four years and nine months without one moment's repose for body or mind. A few months' intermission of labour he had obtained-not of rest, for it was purchased with the loss of a limb; and the greater part of the time had been a season of constant pain. As soon as his shattered frame had sufficiently recovered for him to resume his duties, he was called to services of greater importance than any on which he had hitherto been employed, and they brought with them commensurate fatigue and care. The anxiety which he endured during his long pursuit of the enemy, was rather changed in its direction, than abated by their defeat: and this constant wakefulness of thought, added to the effect of his wound, and the exertions from which it was not possible for one of so ardent and widereaching a mind to spare himself, nearly proved fatal. On his way back to Italy he was seized with fever. For eighteen hours his life was despaired of; and even when the disorder took a favourable turn, and he was so far recovered as again to appear on deck, he himself thought that his end was approaching, such was the weakness to which the fever and cough had reduced him. Writing to Earl St. Vincent, on the passage, he said to him, "I never expect, my dear lord, to see your face again. It 66 66 may please God that this will be the "finish to that fever of anxiety which I "have endured from the middle of June: "but be that as it pleases his goodness. I 66 am resigned to his will." The kindest attentions of the warmest friendship were awaiting him at Naples. "Come here," said Sir William Hamilton, "for God's sake, my dear friend, as soon as "the service will permit you. A pleasant "apartment is ready for you in my house, "and Emma is looking out for the softest "pillows, to repose the few wearied limbs you have left." Happy would it have been for Nelson if warm and careful friendship had been all that awaited him there! |