CHAP. X

Summary

Ever intent on his country's greatness, and sensitively jealous of French influence over neutral powers, the mind of Lord Nelson did not allow the important business, of watering and victualling his fleet at the Madelena islands, to absorb the whole of his attention, but wrote to Mr. Drummond, our ambassador at Constantinople, as follows.—“The particular situation of our country at this moment, prevents the Admiralty from furnishing me with frigates and smaller vessels; therefore I must equally regret with your excellency the not being able to send any directly to Constantinople. I feel very happy that my conduct is still satisfactory to the Sublime Porte, my zeal and activity they may fully rely upon; but it may be possible, that, notwithstanding all my care and attention, the French fleet will escape me, and get to Egypt or the Morea before I can come up with them: I would therefore strongly recommend the Turkish government to be upon its guard; being at peace with so treacherous a people as the French, is no security against an attack. The last report was, 26th of October, eight sail of the line ready for sea, six frigates, and five or six corvettes: they had been pressing in every part to get men, and 5000 troops are ready for embarkation. Every hour I expect to hear of their sailing.”