assured of my lively and sincere acknowledgments. In more happy times, I may recompence the obligation at Florence, where, in appreciating the works of art which you have preserved, you will be sensible of the importance of your services, and the weight of my obligations. In this hope I remain, with perfect esteem, respect, and gratitude, your friend and servant,
The following letters subsequently passed between the British representative and another of the Grand Duke’s Ministers:
“The assiduous attention with which Captain Downman, of the English frigate Santa Dorothea, has conveyed from Leghorn to Palermo various valuable effects belonging to H.R.H. the Grand Duke of Tuscany, my Sovereign, which were accompanied by Signor Tommaso Puccini, has been stated to his Royal Highness.
“H.R.H., understanding that orders to this effect were given by Admiral Lord Keith, desires me to request you will convey to the same his royal thanks. It will also be gratifying to H.R.H., if you will condescend to forward to Captain Downman a diamond ring, which will be conveyed to you by Signor Brigadier Giovanr.o del Bava, as a testimony of the high sense which H.R.H. has of the delicate attention with which Captain Downman executed this commission. * * * *
“Mr. Wyndham.(Signed)“G. Rainoldi."
“Most Illustrious Signor. I have received the honor of your note, accompanied by a diamond ring, which H.R.H. the Grand Duke of Tuscany condescends to present to Captain Downman, of his Britannic Majesty’s frigate Santa Dorothea, for the care with which he conveyed various effects belonging to H.R.H. from Leghorn to Palermo; and I feel myself happy in being deputed to testify to my brave and worthy friend so honorable a testimony of H.R.H.’s approbation. I shall not fail to send it to him, with a copy of your Excellency’s letter, by the first courier that sets out for London, being very uncertain where the Santa Dorothea may be met with at sea.
“I shall do myself the honor of writing to Admiral Lord Keith, announ. cing to him those professions of acknowledgment from the Grand Duke, which cannot fail to be highly gratifying to him, and to impress him with sentiments of respect and gratitude. * * * *
“Signor G. Rainoldi.(Signed)“W. Wyndham.”
At the same time that Captain Downman took the Florence gallery on board his ship, he also received the Duke of Savoy, (afterwards King of Sardinia) his family, and suite, and landed them at Naples. For his very sedulous and obliging attentions during the passage, that Prince sent him the following letter, and the Duchess a diamond ring:
