13th August 1798
TO LIEUTENANT WILLIAM HOSTE.
Most Secret.
Vanguard, 13th August, 1798.
Sir,
Having at Naples procured such articles of provisions as the Mutine may stand in absolute want of, you will receive on board such Dispatches as Sir William Hamilton may send for me, and not hearing of me there, cruize for me eight or ten leagues from the land, between Syracuse and Cape Passaro, frequently sending a Boat into Syracuse. It is my present intention not to sail from hence till the first week in September, and to pass close by the Island of Gozo, and to send a Boat on shore to Syracuse; therefore you will be certain of meeting me.
I am, Sir, &c.
HORATIO NELSON.
TO THE HONOURABLE CAPTAIN CAPEL.
Vanguard, Mouth of the Nile, August 13, 1798.
Sir,
I desire you will proceed with all possible dispatch to some place on the Continent of Europe, in the Neapolitan territories, taking particular care to get pratique in some place in Sicily. You are at liberty (if you think you can get more expeditiously to Naples by land) to quit the Mutine, when you think it right, and resign the command of her to Lieutenant William Hoste, who I send with you, and who has secret orders to open the moment you leave him. Relying on your zeal and judgment, I have only to wish you a good voyage by sea and by land, and believe me, Sir, your most obedient Servant,
HORATIO NELSON.
