January 14th 1805

TO CAPTAIN FRANK SOTHERON, H. M. SHIP EXCELLENT.

Victory, Madalena Islands, Sardinia, 14th January, 1805.

Most secret and confidential.

You are hereby required and directed, on this order being delivered to you, to receive, or to convoy them, if they embark on board their own Ships, the King, Queen, and Royal Family of Naples, to Palermo, or such other place as the King may choose to proceed to; and you will afford every protection and assistance to all those who may wish to follow their Majesties, and that the approve of; and you will also receive his Majesty’s Minister and suite, and afford such other protection as in your power to all British Subjects, and their property, as the urgency of the case may require.

NELSON AND BRONTE.

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