When Moore arrived at London, he made an exact report to Mr. Pitt, which, together with Admiral Cochrane's despatches, put an end to the projected attack on Ferrol, and probably averted a great calamity.

This evinces what extraordinary circumspection is requisite in a minister. For that expedition had been most strenuously recommended by three admirals of distinguished merit in their profession. Yet, when Moore sifted the business, it was detected, that their opinions and counsel were neither founded on observation, nor on proofs; but merely on their own vague conjectures, and those of others.

CHAPTER XIII.

TRANSACTIONS IN SICILY.

He

WHEN Mr. Pitt resumed the administration of the British empire his physical powers, but not his mental, were in the wane. quickly commenced a negotiation with Austria and Russia, to form a coalition to put a stop to the usurpations of France, and to restore order to Europe. Prussia did not join in this design. While it was proceeding Bonaparte persevered in his threats to conquer England, and in his progress to subdue Italy. Being above disguising these determinations, he caused himself to be proclaimed King of Italy, was crowned at Milan, and treacherously seized on Liguria and Lucca, deriding good faith and the law of nations. With him power was right, and arms his great charter.

In autumn he broke up his camp at Boulogne, postponing the conquest of England, and marched towards the Rhine. He discomfited the Austrian army, and took Vienna. A Russian army then joined the disheartened Austrians. Both were overthrown at Austerlitz, and the Emperor of Germany compelled to sign an ignominious peace at Presburg.

The failure of a measure does not demonstrate its imprudence; and the victories and successes of Bonaparte being unparalleled, vindicate Mr. Pitt's policy. He was in a dying state; but the intelligence of the disasters flew swifter than death, and struck with grief the departing spirit of this great and patriotic statesman.

Mr. Fox succeeded to the charge of the government, and strove to negotiate a peace with the man whose whole thoughts were bent on conquering the world. While Bonaparte was listening craftily to the overtures made him, he placed one of his brothers on the throne of Holland, and another on that of the two Sicilies, after chasing Ferdinand

IV. from Naples, who, with his Queen and courtiers, fled to Palermo.

In the extremity to which the Neapolitan government was reduced, energy, fortitude, and intelligence, were peculiarly requisite; qualities not to be found in that court. The King's intellects were feeble: he was goodhumoured and kind to his subjects, and only cruel in killing game. His sole passion was hunting; and provided there were fields left for him, upon which he could follow the chase, he cared little how his kingdom or the rest of the world went.

The sceptre was consequently seized by the Queen, who was unskilled to wield it, even in tranquil times; but in the present menacing state of affairs, the charge was far too weighty for her slender capacity. She possessed, indeed, much cunning and insinuation, but was devoted to pleasure. husband being devoid of jealousy, the indulgence of her passions was unrestrained; and latterly, by the obsequious adulation of her courtiers, her mind had become impotent,

Her

and unable to consider, or even to listen to any counsel discordant to her wishes. The venality of the Italian courts was well known to, and practised on by France, and this was the most corrupt of any. Every measure of government was betrayed as soon as formed; yet the traitors were never detected. For the Queen, though artful, was less so than her minions. Besides, every woman confides in her lover, and the Queen's paramour was a Frenchman.

To preserve Sicily, about to fall into the grasp of France, the British forces in that island had been augmented to twelve thousand men, under the command of a most distinguished officer, Sir John Stuart. General Fox was sent to supersede him, and also was appointed Minister. This double commission was very rare; and as General Fox had become infirm, it was a strong proof of fraternal affection. To assist him, however, Sir John Moore was nominated second in command; who sailed with a fleet of victuallers, and after a tedious voyage arrived