Sir James was, however, still able to take the command of the detachment sent to escort six of the prizes, with which he sailed for Gibraltar on the 15th, and while passing Malta fell in with a Portugueze squadron, under the Marquis de Niza. Being detained off the island by light airs and calms, our officer was waited upon by a deputation of the principal inhabitants, to solicit for a supply of arms and ammunition. The Maltese, at the same time, informed Sir James, that the French garrison at Valetta were driven to great distress, and that there was good reason for believing that the appearance of the British squadron would induce the enemy to surrender, if they were formally summoned. Accordingly, having ob-
Bianca, Thévenard, and Du Petit-Thouars, were also slain; and 6 other principal officers were dangerously wounded. About 350 of the Timoléon’s crew, that escaped to the shore, were murdered by the Bedouin Arabs, thousands of whom and Egyptians lined the coast, and covered the house tops during the action, rejoicing in the destruction which had overtaken their invaders. The loss sustained by the Guerrier alone was estimated, in killed and wounded, at about 500 men, or two thirds of her whole complement. This victory produced an astonishing effect all over Europe, in enhancing the idea of British valour, and strengthening the Anti-gallican cause. At home, the news was received with unbounded transport, and honours of every kind were heaped upon the gallant commander, among which was the apposite title of Baron Nelson of the Nile, with a pension of 2,000l. per annum. The King of Naples, on the Rear-Admiral’s return to the Sicilian coast, went on board his flag-ship to congratulate him; and subsequently conferred on him the Dukedom of Bronte. The present sent him by the Grand Seignior was a pelisse of sables, with broad sleeves, valued at 5,000 dollars; and a diamond aigrette, valued at 18,000, the most honourable badge among the Turks; and in this instance more especially so, because it was taken from one of the imperial turbans. The Sultan also sent, in a spirit worthy of imitation, a purse of 2,000 sequins, to be distributed among the wounded. The mother of the same ruler sent Nelson a box set with diamonds, valued at 1000l. sterling; the Czar Paul presented him with his portrait, set in diamonds, in a gold box, accompanied with a letter of congratulation, written by his own hand; and the King of Sardinia also wrote to him, and sent a gold box, set with diamonds. A grant of 10.000l. was voted to him by the East India Company; the Turkish Company presented him with a piece of plate; the City of London gave a sword to him, and to each of his Captains; gold medals were distributed to the Captains; the first Lieutenants of all the ships were promoted, as had been done after Lord Howe’s victory; and the thanks of Parliament were voted to all who had shared in this memorable achievement.
