Yet，withallthisreadinessofattention，andwithallthiszealincollectingthesentimentsofthewellinformed，neverwasamanmorecompletelyuninfluencedbyauthoritythanSirAlexanderBall，neveronewhosoughtlesstotranquillisehisowndoubtsbythemeresuffrageandcoincidenceofothers。Theablestsuggestionshadnoconclusiveweightwithhim，tillhehadabstractedtheopinionfromitsauthor，tillhehadreduceditintoapartofhisownmind。Thethoughtsofotherswerealwaysacceptable，asaffordinghimatleastachanceofaddingtohismaterialsforreflection；buttheyneverdirectedhisjudgment，muchlesssupersededit。Heevenmadeapointofguardingagainstadditionalconfidenceinthesuggestionsofhisownmind，fromfindingthatapersonoftalentshadformedthesameconviction；unlesstheperson，atthesametime，furnishedsomenewargument，orhadarrivedatthesameconclusionbyadifferentroad。
Onthelattercircumstancehesetanespecialvalue，and，Imayalmostsay，courtedthecompanyandconversationofthosewhosepursuitshadleastresembledhisown，ifhethoughtthemmenofclearandcomprehensivefaculties。Duringtheperiodofourintimacy，scarcelyaweekpassedinwhichhedidnotdesiremetothinkonsomeparticularsubject，andtogivehimtheresultinwriting。Mostfrequently，bythetimeIhadfulfilledhisrequesthewouldhavewrittendownhisownthoughts；andthen，withthetruesimplicityofagreatmind，asfreefromostentationasitwasabovejealousy，hewouldcollatethetwopapersinmypresence，andneverexpressedmorepleasurethaninthefewinstancesinwhichIhadhappenedtolightonalltheargumentsandpointsofviewwhichhadoccurredtohimself，withsomeadditionalreasonswhichhadescapedhim。A
singlenewargumentdelightedhimmorethanthemostperfectcoincidence，unless，asbeforestated，thetrainofthoughthadbeenverydifferentfromhisown，andyetjustandlogical。Hehadonequalityofmind，whichIhaveheardattributedtothelateMr。Fox，thatofderivingakeenpleasurefromclearandpowerfulreasoningforitsownsake——aqualityintheintellectwhichisnearlyconnectedwithveracityandaloveofjusticeinthemoralcharacter。
Valuinginothersmeritswhichhehimselfpossessed，SirAlexanderBallfeltnojealousapprehensionofgreattalent。Unlikethosevulgarfunctionaries，whoseplaceistoobigforthem，atruthwhichtheyattempttodisguisefromthemselves，andyetfeel，hewasundernonecessityofarminghimselfagainstthenaturalsuperiorityofgeniusbyfactitiouscontemptandanindustriousassociationofextravaganceandimpracticability，witheverydeviationfromtheordinaryroutine；asthegeographersinthemiddleagesusedtodesignateontheirmeagremapsthegreaterpartoftheworldasdesertsorwildernesses，inhabitedbygriffinsandchimaeras。
Competenttoweigheachsystemorprojectbyitsownarguments，hedidnotneedthesepreventivecharmsandcautionaryamuletsagainstdelusion。Heendeavouredtomaketalentinstrumentaltohispurposesinwhatevershapeitappeared，andwithwhateverimperfectionsitmightbeaccompanied；butwherevertalentwasblendedwithmoralworth，hesoughtitout，lovedandcherishedit。IfithadpleasedProvidencetopreservehislife，andtoplacehimonthesamecourseonwhichNelsonranhisraceofglory，therearetwopointsinwhichSirAlexanderBallwouldmostcloselyhaveresembledhisillustriousfriend。Thefirstis，thatinhisenterprisesandengagementshewouldhavethoughtnothingdone，tillallhadbeendonethatwaspossible：-
Nilactumreputans，siquidsuperessetagendum。
Thesecond，thathewouldhavecalledforthallthetalentandvirtuethatexistedwithinhissphereofinfluence，andcreatedabandofheroes，agradationofofficers，stronginheadandstronginheart，worthytohavebeenhiscompanionsandhissuccessorsinfameandpublicusefulness。
Neverwasgreaterdiscernmentshownintheselectionofafitagent，thanwhenSirAlexanderBallwasstationedoffthecoastofMaltatointerceptthesuppliesdestinedfortheFrenchgarrison，andtowatchthemovementsoftheFrenchcommanders，andthoseoftheinhabitantswhohadbeensobaselybetrayedintotheirpower。Encouragedbythewell-timedpromisesoftheEnglishcaptain，theMalteserosethroughalltheircasals（orcountrytowns）andthemselvescommencedtheworkoftheiremancipation，bystormingthecitadelatCivitaVecchia，theancientmetropolisofMalta，andthecentralheightoftheisland。
Withoutdiscipline，withoutamilitaryleader，andalmostwithoutarms，thesebravepeasantssucceeded，anddestroyedtheFrenchgarrisonbythrowingthemoverthebattlementsintothetrenchofthecitadel。Inthecourseofthisblockade，andofthetedioussiegeofValetta，SirAlexanderBalldisplayedallthatstrengthofcharacter，thatvarietyandversatilityoftalent，andthatsagacity，derivedinpartfromhabitualcircumspection，butwhich，whentheoccasiondemandedit，appearedintuitiveandlikeaninstinct；attheunionofwhich，inthesameman，oneofouroldestnavalcommandersoncetoldme，\"hecouldneverexhausthiswonder。\"ThecitizensofValettawerefondofrelatingtheirastonishment，andthatoftheFrench，atCaptainBall’sshipwinteringatanchoroutofthereachoftheguns，inadepthoffathomunexampled，ontheassuredimpracticabilityofwhichthegarrisonhadrestedtheirmainhopeofregularsupplies。
NorcanIforget，orrememberwithoutsomeportionofmyoriginalfeeling，thesolemnenthusiasmwithwhichavenerableoldman，belongingtooneofthedistantcasals，showedmetheseacoombe，wheretheirfatherBall（forsotheycommonlycalledhim）firstlanded，andafterwardspointedouttheveryplaceonwhichhefirststeppedontheirisland；whilethecountenancesofhistownsmen，whoaccompaniedhim，gavelivelyproofsthattheoldman’senthusiasmwastherepresentativeofthecommonfeeling。
ThereisnoreasontosupposethatSirAlexanderBallwasatanytimechargeablewiththatweaknesssofrequentinEnglishmen，andsoinjurioustoourinterestsabroad，ofdespisingtheinhabitantsofothercountries，oflosingalltheirgoodqualitiesintheirvices，ofmakingnoallowanceforthosevices，fromtheirreligiousorpoliticalimpediments，andstillmoreofmistakingforvicesameredifferenceofmannersandcustoms。Butifeverhehadanyofthiserroneousfeeling，hecompletelyfreedhimselffromitbylivingamongtheMalteseduringtheirarduoustrials，aslongastheFrenchcontinuedmastersoftheircapital。Hewitnessedtheirvirtues，andlearnttounderstandinwhatvariousshapesandevendisguisesthevaluablepartsofhumannaturemayexist。Inmanyindividuals，whoselittlenessandmeannessinthecommonintercourseoflifewouldhavestampedthematonceascontemptibleandworthless，withordinaryEnglishmen，hehadfoundsuchvirtuesofdisinterestedpatriotism，fortitude，andself-denial，aswouldhavedonehonourtoanancientRoman。
ThereexistsinEnglandagentlemanlycharacter，agentlemanlyfeeling，verydifferentevenfromthatwhichisthemostlikeit，thecharacterofawell-bornSpaniard，andunexampledintherestofEurope。Thisfeelingprobablyoriginatedinthefortunatecircumstance，thatthetitlesofourEnglishnobilityfollowthelawoftheirproperty，andareinheritedbytheeldestsonsonly。Fromthissourceundertheinfluencesofourconstitution，andofourastonishingtrade，ithasdiffuseditselfindifferentmodificationsthroughthewholecountry。Theuniformityofourdressamongallclassesabovethatofthedaylabourer，whileithasauthorisedallclassestoassumetheappearanceofgentlemen，hasatthesametimeinspiredthewishtoconformtheirmanners，andstillmoretheirordinaryactionsinsocialintercourse，totheirnotionsofthegentlemanly，themostcommonlyreceivedattributeofwhichcharacterisacertaingenerosityintrifles。Ontheotherhand，theencroachmentsofthelowerclassesonthehigher，occasioned，andfavouredbythisresemblanceinexteriors，bythisabsenceofanycognisablemarksofdistinction，haverenderedeachclassmorereservedandjealousintheirgeneralcommunion，andfarmorethanourclimate，ornaturaltemper，havecausedthathaughtinessandreserveinouroutwarddemeanour，whichissogenerallycomplainedofamongforeigners。Farbeitfrommetodepreciatethevalueofthisgentlemanlyfeeling：Irespectitunderallitsformsandvarieties，fromtheHouseofCommonstothegentlemanintheshillinggallery。
Itisalwaystheornamentofvirtue，andoftentimesasupport；butitisawretchedsubstituteforit。Itsworth，asamoralgood，isbynomeansinproportiontoitsvalue，asasocialadvantage。Theseobservationsarenotirrelevant；fortothewantofreflection，thatthisdiffusionofgentlemanlyfeelingamongusisnotthegrowthofourmoralexcellence，buttheeffectofvariousaccidentaladvantagespeculiartoEngland；toournotconsideringthatitisunreasonableanduncharitabletoexpectthesameconsequences，wherethesamecauseshavenotexistedtoproducethem；and，lastly，toourpronenesstoregardtheabsenceofthischaracter（which，asIhavebeforesaid，does，forthegreaterpart，and，inthecommonapprehension，consistinacertainfranknessandgenerosityinthedetailofaction）asdecisiveagainstthesumtotalofpersonalornationalworth；wemust，Iamconvinced，attributealargeportionofthatconduct，whichinmanyinstanceshaslefttheinhabitantsofcountriesconqueredorappropriatedbyGreatBritain，doubtfulwhetherthevarioussolidadvantageswhichtheyderivedfromourprotectionandjustgovernment，werenotboughtdearlybythewoundsinflictedontheirfeelingsandprejudicesbythecontemptuousandinsolentdemeanouroftheEnglishasindividuals。Thereaderwhobearsthisremarkinmind，willmeet，inthecourseofthisnarration，morethanonepassagethatwillserveasitscommentandillustration。
Itwas，Iknow，ageneralopinionamongtheEnglishintheMediterranean，thatSirAlexanderBallthoughttoowelloftheMaltese，anddidnotshareintheenthusiasmofBritonsconcerningtheirownsuperiority。TotheformerpartofthechargeIshallonlyreplyatpresent，thatamorevenial，andalmostdesirablefault，canscarcelybeattributedtoagovernor，thanthatofastrongattachmenttothepeoplewhomhewassenttogovern。Thelatterpartofthechargeisfalse，ifwearetounderstandbyit，thathedidnotthinkhiscountrymensuperioronthewholetotheothernationsofEurope；butitistrue，asfarasrelatestohisbelief，thattheEnglishthoughtthemselvesstillbetterthantheyare；thattheydweltonandexaggeratedtheirnationalvirtues，andweighedthembytheoppositevicesofforeigners，insteadofthevirtueswhichthoseforeignerspossessedandtheythemselveswanted。Aboveall，asstatesmen，wemustconsiderqualitiesbytheirpracticaluses。Thus，heentertainednodoubtthattheEnglishweresuperiortoallothersinthekindandthedegreeoftheircourage，whichismarkedbyfargreaterenthusiasmthanthecourageoftheGermansandnorthernnations，andbyafargreatersteadinessandself-subsistencythanthatoftheFrench。Itismorecloselyconnectedwiththecharacteroftheindividual。ThecourageofanEnglisharmy（heusedtosay）
isthesumtotalofthecouragewhichtheindividualsoldiersbringwiththemtoit，ratherthanofthatwhichtheyderivefromit。ThisremarkofSirAlexander’swasforciblyrecalledtomymindwhenIwasatNaples。ARussianandanEnglishregimentweredrawnuptogetherinthesamesquare：\"See，\"saidaNeapolitantome，whohadmistakenmeforoneofhiscountrymen，\"thereisbutonefaceinthatwholeregiment，whileinthat\"（pointingtotheEnglish）\"everysoldierhasafaceofhisown。\"Ontheotherhand，therearequalitiesscarcelylessrequisitetothecompletionofthemilitarycharacter，inwhichSirA。didnothesitatetothinktheEnglishinferiortothecontinentalnations；asforinstance，bothinthepowerandthedispositiontoendureprivations；inthefriendlytempernecessary，whentroopsofdifferentnationsaretoactinconcert；intheirobediencetotheregulationsoftheircommandingofficers，respectingtheirtreatmentoftheinhabitantsofthecountriesthroughwhichtheyaremarching，aswellasinmanyotherpoints，notimmediatelyconnectedwiththeirconductinthefield：and，aboveall，insobrietyandtemperance。DuringthesiegeofValetta，especiallyduringthesoredistresstowhichthebesiegerswereforsometimeexposedfromthefailureofprovision，SirAlexanderBallhadanampleopportunityofobservingandweighingtheseparatemeritsanddemeritsofthenativeandoftheEnglishtroops；andsurelysincethepublicationofSirJohnMoore’scampaign，therecanbenojustoffencetaken，thoughIshouldsay，thatbeforethewallsofValetta，aswellasintheplainsofGalicia，anindignantcommandermight，withtoogreatpropriety，haveaddressedtheEnglishsoldieryinthewordsofanolddramatist-
Willyoustilloweyourvirtuestoyourbellies？
Andonlythenthinknoblywheny’arefull？
Dothfodderkeepyouhonest？AreyoubadWhenoutofflesh？Andthinkyou’tanexcuseOfvileandignominiousactions，thatY’areleanandoutofliking？
CARTWRIGHT’SLove’sConvert。
FromthefirstinsurrectionarymovementtothefinaldepartureoftheFrenchfromtheisland，thoughthecivilandmilitarypowersandthewholeoftheisland，saveValetta，wereinthehandsofthepeasantry，notasingleactofexcesscanbechargedagainsttheMaltese，ifweexcepttherazingofonehouseatCivitaVecchiabelongingtoanotoriousandabandonedtraitor，thecreatureandhirelingoftheFrench。Innoinstancedidtheyinjure，insult，orplunder，anyoneofthenativenobility，oremployeventheappearanceofforcetowardthem，exceptinthecollectionoftheleadandironfromtheirhousesandgardens，inordertosupplythemselveswithbullets；andthisveryappearancewasassumedfromthegenerouswishtoshelterthenoblesfromtheresentmentoftheFrench，shouldthepatrioticeffortsofthepeasantryproveunsuccessful。AtthedirecommandoffaminetheMaltesetroopsdidindeedonceforcetheirwaytotheovensinwhichthebreadfortheBritishsoldierywasbaked，andwereclamorousthatanequaldivisionshouldbemade。I
mentionthisunpleasantcircumstance，becauseitbroughtintoproofthefirmnessofSirAlexanderBall’scharacter，hispresenceofmind，andgenerousdisregardofdangerandpersonalresponsibility，wheretheslaveryoremancipation，themiseryorthehappiness，ofaninnocentandpatrioticpeoplewereinvolved；andbecausehisconductinthisexigencyevincedthathisgeneralhabitsofcircumspectionanddeliberationweretheresultsofwisdomandcompleteself-
possession，andnottheeasyvirtuesofaspiritconstitutionallytimorousandhesitating。HewassittingattablewiththeprincipalBritishofficers，whenacertaingeneraladdressedhiminstrongandviolenttermsconcerningthisoutrageoftheMaltese，remindinghimofthenecessityofexertinghiscommandinginfluenceinthepresentcase，ortheconsequencesmustbetaken。\"What，\"repliedSirAlexanderBall，\"wouldyouhaveusdo？Wouldyouhaveusthreatendeathtomendyingwithfamine？Canyousupposethatthehazardofbeingshotwillweighwithwholeregimentsactingunderacommonnecessity？Doesnottheextremityofhungertakeawayalldifferencebetweenmenandanimals？andisitnotasabsurdtoappealtotheprudenceofabodyofmenstarving，astoaherdoffamishedwolves？
No，general，Iwillnotdegrademyselforoutragehumanitybymenacingfaminewithmassacre！Moreeffectualmeansmustbetaken。\"
Withthesewordsheroseandlefttheroom，andhavingfirstconsultedwithSirThomasTroubridge，hedeterminedathisownriskonastep，whichtheextremenecessitywarranted，andwhichtheconductoftheNeapolitancourtamplyjustified。Forthiscourt，thoughterror-strickenbytheFrench，wasstillactuatedbyhatredtotheEnglish，andajealousyoftheirpowerintheMediterranean；andinthissostrangeandsenselessamanner，thatwemustjointheextremesofimbecilityandtreacheryinthesamecabinet，inordertofinditcomprehensible。ThoughtheveryexistenceofNaplesandSicily，asanation，dependedwhollyandexclusivelyonBritishsupport；thoughtheroyalfamilyowedtheirpersonalsafetytotheBritishfleet；thoughnotonlytheirdominionsandtheirrank，butthelibertyandeventhelivesofFerdinandandhisfamily，wereinterwovenwithoursuccess；yetwithaninfatuationscarcelycredible，themostaffectingrepresentationsofthedistressofthebesiegers，andoftheutterinsecurityofSicilyiftheFrenchremainedpossessorsofMalta，weretreatedwithneglect；andtheurgentremonstrancesforthepermissionofimportingcornfromMessina，wereansweredonlybysanguinaryedictsprecludingallsupply。SirAlexanderBallsentforhisseniorlieutenant，andgavehimorderstoproceedimmediatelytotheportofMessina，andtheretoseizeandbringwithhimtoMaltatheshipsladenwithcorn，ofthenumberofwhichSirAlexanderhadreceivedaccurateinformation。
Theseorderswereexecutedwithoutdelay，tothegreatdelightandprofitoftheshipownersandproprietors；thenecessityofraisingthesiegewasremoved；andtheauthorofthemeasurewaitedincalmnessfortheconsequencesthatmightresulttohimselfpersonally。Butnotacomplaint，notamurmur，proceededfromthecourtofNaples。Thesoleresultwas，thatthegovernorofMaltabecameanespecialobjectofitshatred，itsfear，anditsrespect。
Thewholeofthistedioussiege，fromitscommencementtothesigningofthecapitulation，calledforthintoconstantactivitytherarestandmostdifficultvirtuesofacommandingmind；virtuesofnoshoworsplendourinthevulgarapprehension，yetmoreinfalliblecharacteristicsoftruegreatnessthanthemostunequivocaldisplaysofenterpriseandactivedaring。ScarcelyadaypassedinwhichSirAlexanderBall’spatience，forbearance，andinflexibleconstancywerenotputtotheseveresttrial。HehadnotonlytoremovethemisunderstandingsthatarosebetweentheMalteseandtheirallies，tosettlethedifferencesamongtheMaltesethemselves，andtoorganisetheirefforts；hewaslikewiseengagedinthemoredifficultandunthankfultaskofcounteractingtheweariness，discontent，anddespondencyofhisowncountrymen——atask，however，whichheaccomplishedbymanagementandaddress，andanalternationofrealfirmnesswithapparentyielding。DuringmanymonthsheremainedtheonlyEnglishmanwhodidnotthinkthesiegehopeless，andtheobjectworthless。HeoftenspokeofthetimeinwhichheresidedatthecountryseatofthegrandmasteratSt。Antonio，fourmilesfromValetta，asperhapsthemosttryingperiodofhislife。ForsomeweeksCaptainVivianwashissoleEnglishcompanion，ofwhom，ashispartnerinanxiety，healwaysexpressedhimselfwithaffectionateesteem。SirAlexanderBall’spresencewasabsolutelynecessarytotheMaltese，who，accustomedtobegovernedbyhim，becameincapableofactinginconcertwithouthisimmediateinfluence。Intheoutburstofpopularemotion，theimpulsewhichproducesaninsurrection，isforabriefwhileitssufficientpilot：theattractionconstitutesthecohesion，andthecommonprovocation，supplyinganimmediateobject，notonlyunites，butdirectsthemultitude。Butthisfirstimpulsehadpassedaway，andSirAlexanderBallwastheoneindividualwhopossessedthegeneralconfidence。Onhimtheyreliedwithimplicitfaith；andevenaftertheyhadlongenjoyedtheblessingsofBritishgovernmentandprotection，itwasstillremarkablewithwhatchild-likehelplessnesstheywereinthehabitofapplyingtohim，evenintheirprivateconcerns。Itseemedasiftheythoughthimmadeonpurposetothinkforthemall。YethissituationatSt。Antoniowasoneofgreatperil；andheattributedhispreservationtothedejectionwhichhadnowbeguntopreyonthespiritsoftheFrenchgarrison，andwhichrenderedthemunenterprisingandalmostpassive，aidedbythedreadwhichthenatureofthecountryinspired。Forsubdividedasitwasintosmallfields，scarcelylargerthanacottagegarden，andeachoftheselittlesquaresoflandinclosedwithsubstantialstonewalls；thesetoofromthenecessityofhavingthefieldsperfectlylevel，risingintiersaboveeachother；thewholeoftheinhabitedpartoftheislandwasaneffectivefortificationforallthepurposesofannoyanceandoffensivewarfare。SirAlexanderBallexertedhimselfsuccessfullyinprocuringinformationrespectingthestateandtemperofthegarrison，and，bytheassistanceoftheclergyandthealmostuniversalfidelityoftheMaltese，contrivedthatthespiesinthepayoftheFrenchshouldbeintruthhisownconfidentialagents。Hehadalreadygivensplendidproofsthathecouldoutfightthem；buthere，andinhisafterdiplomaticintercourseprevioustotherecommencementofthewar，helikewiseoutwittedthem。Heoncetoldmewithasmile，aswewereconversingonthepracticeoflayingwagers，thathewassometimesinclinedtothinkthatthefinalperseveranceinthesiegewasnotalittleindebtedtoseveralvaluablebetsofhisown，hewellknowingatthetime，andfrominformationwhichhimselfalonepossessed，thatheshouldcertainlylosethem。Yetthisartificehadaconsiderableeffectinsuspendingtheimpatienceoftheofficers，andinsupplyingtopicsfordisputeandconversation。Atlength，however，thetwoFrenchfrigates，thesailingofwhichhadbeenthesubjectofthesewagers，leftthegreatharbouronthe24thofAugust，1800，withapartofthegarrison：
andoneofthemsoonbecameaprizetotheEnglish。SirAlexanderBallrelatedtomethecircumstanceswhichoccasionedtheescapeoftheother；butIdonotrecollectthemwithsufficientaccuracytodarerepeattheminthisplace。Onthe15thofSeptemberfollowing，thecapitulationwassigned，andafterablockadeoftwoyearstheEnglishobtainedpossessionofValetta，andremainedmastersofthewholeislandanditsdependencies。
Anxiousnottogiveoffence，butmoreanxioustocommunicatethetruth，itisnotwithoutpainthatIfindmyselfunderthemoralobligationofremonstratingagainstthesilenceconcerningSirAlexanderBall’sservicesorthetransferofthemtoothers。MorethanoncehasthelatterarousedmyindignationinthereportedspeechesoftheHouseofCommons：andastotheformer，IneedonlystatethatinRees’sEncyclopaediathereisanhistoricalarticleofconsiderablelengthunderthewordMalta，inwhichSirAlexander’snamedoesnotonceoccur！Duringaresidenceofeighteenmonthsinthatisland，Ipossessedandavailedmyselfofthebestpossiblemeansofinformation，notonlyfromeye-witnesses，butlikewisefromtheprincipalagentsthemselves。AndInowthuspubliclyandunequivocallyassert，thattoSirA。Ballpre-eminently——andifIhadsaid，toSirA。Ballalone，theordinaryuseofthewordundersuchcircumstanceswouldbearmeout——thecaptureandthepreservationofMaltawereowing，witheveryblessingthatapowerfulmindandawiseheartcouldconferonitsdocileandgratefulinhabitants。WithasimilarpainIproceedtoavowmysentimentsonthiscapitulation，bywhichMaltawasdelivereduptohisBritannicMajestyandhisallies，withouttheleastmentionmadeoftheMaltese。Withawarmthhonourablebothtohisheadandhisheart，SirAlexanderBallpleaded，asnotlessapointofsoundpolicythanofplainjustice，thattheMaltese，bysomerepresentative，shouldbemadeapartyinthecapitulation，andajointsubscriberinthesignature。TheyhadneverbeentheslavesorthepropertyoftheKnightsofSt。John，butfreemenandthetruelandedproprietorsofthecountry，thecivilandmilitarygovernmentofwhich，undercertainrestrictions，hadbeenvestedinthatOrder；yetcheckedbytherightsandinfluencesoftheclergyandthenativenobility，andbythecustomsandancientlawsoftheisland。ThistrusttheKnightshad，withtheblackesttreasonandthemostprofligateperjury，betrayedandabandoned。Therightofgovernmentofcourserevertedtothelandedproprietorsandtheclergy。Animatedbyajustsenseofthisright，theMaltesehadrisenoftheirownaccord，hadcontendedforitindefianceofdeathanddanger，hadfoughtbravely，andenduredpatiently。WithoutundervaluingthemilitaryassistanceafterwardsfurnishedbyGreatBritain（thoughhowscantythiswasbeforethearrivalofGeneralPigotiswellknown），itremainsundeniable，thattheMaltesehadtakenthegreatestsharebothinthefatiguesandintheprivationsconsequentonthesiege；andthathadnotthegreatestvirtuesandthemostexemplaryfidelitybeenuniformlydisplayedbythem，theEnglishtroops（theynotbeingmorenumerousthantheyhadbeenforthegreaterpartofthetwoyears）couldnotpossiblyhaveremainedbeforethefortificationsofValetta，defendedasthatcitywasbyaFrenchgarrisonthatgreatlyoutnumberedtheBritishbesiegers。
Stilllesscouldtherehavebeentheleasthopeofultimatesuccess；
asifanypartoftheMaltesepeasantryhadbeenfriendlytotheFrench，orevenindifferent，iftheyhadnotallindeedbeenmostzealousandperseveringintheirhostilitytowardsthem，itwouldhavebeenimpracticablesotoblockadethatislandastohaveprecludedthearrivalofsupplies。Ifthesiegehadprovedunsuccessful，theMaltesewerewellawarethattheyshouldbeexposedtoallthehorrorswhichrevengeandwoundedpridecoulddictatetoanunprincipled，rapacious，andsanguinarysoldiery；andnowthatsuccesshascrownedtheirefforts，isthistobetheirreward，thattheirownalliesaretobargainforthemwiththeFrenchasforaherdofslaves，whomtheFrenchhadbeforepurchasedfromaformerproprietor？Ifitbeurged，thatthereisnoestablishedgovernmentinMalta，isitnotequallytruethatthroughthewholepopulationoftheislandthereisnotasingledissentient？andthusthatthechiefinconveniencewhichanestablishedauthorityistoobviateisvirtuallyremovedbytheadmittedfactoftheirunanimity？Andhavetheynotabishop，andadignifiedclergy，theirjudgesandmunicipalmagistrates，whowereatalltimessharersinthepowerofthegovernment，andnow，supportedbytheunanimoussuffrageoftheinhabitants，havearightfulclaimtobeconsideredasitsrepresentatives？Willitnotbeoftenersaidthananswered，thatthemaindifferencebetweenFrenchandEnglishinjusticerestsinthispointalone，thattheFrenchseizedontheMaltesewithoutanypreviouspretencesoffriendship，whiletheEnglishprocuredpossessionoftheislandbymeansoftheirfriendlypromises，andbytheco-operationofthenativesaffordedinconfidentrelianceonthesepromises？TheimpolicyofrefusingthesignatureonthepartoftheMaltesewasequallyevident；sincesuchrefusalcouldanswernoonepurposebutthatofalienatingtheiraffectionsbyawantoninsulttotheirfeelings。FortheMaltesewerenotonlyreadybutdesirousandeagertoplacethemselvesatthesametimeunderBritishprotection，totaketheoathsofloyaltyassubjectsoftheBritishCrown，andtoacknowledgetheirislandtobelongtoit。Theserepresentations，however，wereoverruled；andIdareaffirmfrommyownexperienceintheMediterranean，thatourconductinthisinstance，addedtotheimpressionwhichhadbeenmadeatCorsica，Minorca，andelsewhere，andwasoftenreferredtobymenofreflectioninSicily，whohavemorethanoncesaidtome，\"A
connectionwithGreatBritain，withtheconsequentextensionandsecurityofourcommerce，areindeedgreatblessings：butwhocanrelyontheirpermanence？orthatweshallnotbemadetopaybitterlyforourzealaspartisansofEngland，wheneveritshallsuititsplanstodeliverusbacktoouroldoppressors？\"
ESSAYVI。
\"Thewayofancientordinance，thoughitwinds，Isyetnodeviousway。StraightforwardgoesThelightning’spath；andstraightthefearfulpathOfthecannon-ball。Directitfliesandrapid，Shatteringthatitmayreach，andshatteringwhatitreaches。
Myson！theroadthehumanbeingtravels，That，onwhichblessingcomesandgoes，dothfollowTheriver’scourse，thevalley’splayfulwindings，Curvesroundthecorn-fieldandthehillofvines，Honouringtheholyboundsofproperty！
ThereexistsAhigherthanthewarrior’sexcellence。\"
WALLENSTEIN。
CaptainBall’sservicesinMaltawerehonouredwithhissovereign’sapprobation，transmittedinaletterfromtheSecretaryDundas，andwithabaronetcy。AthousandpoundswereatthesametimedirectedtobepaidhimfromtheMaltesetreasury。Thebestandmostappropriateadditiontotheapplauseofhiskingandhiscountry，SirAlexanderBallfoundinthefeelingsandfaithfulaffectionoftheMaltese。Theenthusiasmmanifestedinreverentialgesturesandshoutsoftriumphwhenevertheirfriendanddelivererappearedinpublic，wastheutteranceofadeepfeeling，andinnowisethemereebullitionofanimalsensibility；whichisnotindeedapartoftheMaltesecharacter。Thetruthofthisobservationwillnotbedoubtedbyanypersonwhohaswitnessedthereligiousprocessionsinhonourofthefavouritesaints，bothatValettaandatMessinaorPalermo，andwhomusthavebeenstruckwiththecontrastbetweentheapparentapathy，oratleasttheperfectsobrietyoftheMaltese，andthefanaticalagitationsoftheSicilianpopulace。Amongthelattereachman’ssoulseemshardlycontainableinhisbody，likeaprisonerwhosegaolisonfire，flyingmadlyfromonebarredoutlettoanother；whiletheformermightsuggestthesuspicionthattheirbodieswereonthepointofsinkingintothesameslumberwiththeirunderstandings。Buttheirpoliticaldeliverancewasathingthatcamehometotheirhearts，andintertwinedwiththeirmostimpassionedrecollections，personalandpatriotic。ToSirAlexanderBallexclusivelytheMaltesethemselvesattributedtheiremancipation；onhimtootheyrestedtheirhopesofthefuture。
WheneverheappearedinValetta，thepassengersoneachside，throughthewholelengthofthestreet，stopped，andremaineduncoveredtillhehadpassed；theveryclamoursofthemarket-placewerehushedathisentrance，andthenexchangedforshoutsofjoyandwelcome。Evenafterthelapseofyearsheneverappearedinanyoneoftheircasals，whichdidnotlieinthedirectroadbetweenValettaandSt。
Antonio，hissummerresidence，butthewomenandchildren，withsuchofthemenwhowerenotatlabourintheirfields，fellintoranksandfollowedorprecededhim，singingtheMaltesesongwhichhadbeenmadeinhishonour，andwhichwasscarcelylessfamiliartotheinhabitantsofMaltaandGozothan\"GodsavetheKing\"toBritons。
Whenhewenttothegatethroughthecity，theyoungmenrefrainedtalking，andtheagedaroseandstoodup。Whentheearheardthenitblessedhim，andwhentheeyesawhimitgavewitnesstohim，becausehedeliveredthepoorthatcried，andthefatherless，andthosethathadnonetohelpthem。Theblessingofthemthatwerereadytoperishcameuponhim，andhecausedthewidow’shearttosingforjoy。
Thesefeelingswereafterwardsamplyjustifiedbyhisadministrationofthegovernment；andtheveryexcessesoftheirgratitudeontheirfirstdeliveranceproved，intheend，onlytobeacknowledgmentsantedated。ForsometimeafterthedepartureoftheFrench，thedistresswassogeneralandsosevere，thatalargeproportionofthelowerclassesbecamemendicants，andoneofthegreatestthoroughfaresofValettastillretainsthenameofthe\"Nixmangiarestairs，\"fromthecrowdwhousedtheretoassailtheearsofthepassengerswithcriesof\"nixmangiare，\"or\"nothingtoeat，\"theformerwordnixbeingthelowGermanpronunciationofnichts，nothing。BywhatmeansitwasintroducedintoMalta，Iknownot；butitbecamethecommonvehiclebothofsolicitationandrefusal，theMaltesethinkingitanEnglishword，andtheEnglishsupposingittobeMaltese。Ioftenfeltitasapleasingremembranceroftheevildaygoneby，whenatribeoflittlechildren，quitenaked，asisthecustomofthatclimate，andeachwithapairofgoldearringsinitsears，andallfatandbeautifullyproportioned，wouldsuddenlyleavetheirplay，and，lookingroundtoseethattheirparentswerenotinsight，changetheirshoutsofmerrimentfor\"nixmangiare，\"awkwardlyimitatingtheplaintivetonesofmendicancy；whilethewhiteteethintheirlittleswarthyfacesgaveasplendourtothehappyandconfessinglaughwithwhichtheyreceivedthegood-humouredrebukeorrefusal，andranbacktotheirformersport。
IntheinterimbetweenthecapitulationoftheFrenchgarrisonandSirAlexanderBall’sappointmentasHisMajesty’scivilcommissionerforMalta，hiszealfortheMaltesewasneithersuspendednorunproductiveofimportantbenefits。Hewasenabledtoremovemanyprejudicesandmisunderstandings，andtopersonsofnoinconsiderableinfluencegavejusternotionsofthetrueimportanceoftheislandtoGreatBritain。HedisplayedthemagnitudeofthetradeoftheMediterraneaninitsexistingstate；showedtheimmenseextenttowhichitmightbecarried，andthehollownessoftheopinionthatthistradewasattachedtothesouthofFrancebyanynaturalorindissolublebondofconnection。IhavesomereasonforlikewisebelievingthathiswiseandpatrioticrepresentationspreventedMaltafrombeingmadetheseatofandpretextforanumerouscivilestablishment，inhaplessimitationofCorsica，Ceylon，andtheCapeofGoodHope。ItwasatleastgenerallyrumouredthatithadbeeninthecontemplationoftheMinistrytoappointSirRalphAbercrombieasgovernor，withasalaryof10，000poundsayear，andtoresideinEngland，whileoneofhiscountrymenwastobethelieutenant-
governorat5，000poundsayear，towhichweretobeaddedalongetceteraofotherofficesandplacesofproportionalemolument。ThisthreatenedappendixtotheStateCalendarmayhaveexistedonlyintheimaginationsofthereporters，yetinspiredsomeuneasyapprehensionsinthemindsofmanywell-wisherstotheMaltese，whoknewthat——foraforeignsettlementatleast，andone，too，possessinginalltheranksandfunctionsofsocietyanamplepopulationofitsown——suchastatelyandwide-branchingtreeofpatronage，thoughdelightfultotheindividualswhoaretopluckitsgoldenapples，sheds，likethemanchineel，unwholesomeandcorrosivedewsonthemultitudewhoaretorestbeneathitsshade。Itneednot，however，bedoubted，thatSirAlexanderBallwouldexerthimselftoprecludeanysuchintention，bystatingandevincingtheextremeimpolicyandinjusticeoftheplan，aswellasitsutterinutilityinthecaseofMalta。Withtheexceptionofthegovernorandofthepublicsecretary，bothofwhomundoubtedlyshouldbenativesofGreatBritainandappointedbytheBritishGovernment，therewasnocivilofficethatcouldbeoftheremotestadvantagetotheislandwhichwasnotalreadyfilledbythenatives，andthefunctionsofwhichnonecouldperformsowellasthey。Thenumberofinhabitants（hewouldstate）wasprodigiouscomparedwiththeextentoftheisland，thoughfromthefearoftheMoorsone-fourthofitssurfaceremainedunpeopledanduncultivated。Todeprive，therefore，themiddleandlowerclassesofsuchplacesastheyhadbeenaccustomedtohold，wouldbecruel；whiletheplacesheldbythenobilitywere，forthegreaterpartsuchasnonebutnativescouldperformthedutiesof。
Byanyinnovationweshouldaffrontthehigherclassesandalienatetheaffectionsofall，notonlywithoutanyimaginableadvantagebutwiththecertaintyofgreatloss。WereEnglishmentobeemployed，thesalariesmustbeincreasedfourfold，andwouldyetbescarcelyworthacceptance；andinhigheroffices，suchasthoseofthecivilandcriminaljudges，thesalariesmustbeaugmentedmorethantenfold。For，greatlytothecreditoftheirpatriotismandmoralcharacter，theMaltesegentrysoughttheseplacesashonourabledistinctions，whichendearedthemtotheirfellow-countrymen，andatthesametimerenderedtheyokeoftheOrdersomewhatlessgrievousandgalling。WiththeexceptionoftheMaltesesecretary，whosesituationwasoneofincessantlabour，andwhoatthesametimeperformedthedutiesoflawcounsellortotheGovernment，thehighestsalariesscarcelyexceeded100poundsayear，andwerebarelysufficienttodefraytheincreasedexpensesofthefunctionariesforanadditionalequipage，oroneofmoreimposingappearance。Besides，itwasofimportancethatthepersonplacedattheheadofthatGovernmentshouldbelookeduptobythenatives，andpossessthemeansofdistinguishingandrewardingthosewhohadbeenmostfaithfulandzealousintheirattachmenttoGreatBritain，andhostiletotheirformertyrants。ThenumberoftheemploymentstobeconferredwouldgiveconsiderableinfluencetoHisMajesty’scivilrepresentative，whilethetriflingamountoftheemolumentattachedtoeachprecludedalltemptationofabusingit。
SirAlexanderBallwouldlikewise，itisprobable，urge，thatthecommercialadvantagesofMalta，whichweremostintelligibletotheEnglishpublic，andbestfittedtorenderourretentionoftheislandpopular，mustnecessarilybeofveryslowgrowth，thoughfinallytheywouldbecomegreat，andofanextentnottobecalculated。Forthisreason，therefore，itwashighlydesirablethatthepossessionshouldbe，andappeartobe，atleastinexpensive。AftertheBritishGovernmenthadmadeoneadvanceforastockofcornsufficienttoplacetheislandayearbeforehand，thesumtotaldrawnfromGreatBritainneednotexceed25，000pounds，oratmost30，000poundsannually：excludingofcoursetheexpenditureconnectedwithourownmilitaryandnavy，andtherepairofthefortifications，whichlatterexpenseoughttobemuchlessthanatGibraltar，fromthemultitudeandlowwagesofthelabourersinMalta，andfromthesoftnessandadmirablequalityofthestone。Indeedmuchmoremightsafelybepromisedontheassumptionthatawiseandgeneroussystemofpolicywereadoptedandperseveredin。ThemonopolyoftheMaltesecorn-
tradebytheGovernmentformedanexceptiontoageneralrule，andbyastrange，yetvalidanomalyintheoperationsofpoliticaleconomy，wasnotmorenecessarythanadvantageoustotheinhabitants。Thechiefreasonis，thattheproduceoftheislanditselfbarelysufficesforone-fourthofitsinhabitants，althoughfruitsandvegetablesformsolargeapartoftheirnourishment。MeantimetheharboursofMalta，anditsequidistancefromEurope，Asia，andAfrica，gaveitavastandunnaturalimportanceinthepresentrelationsofthegreatEuropeanpowers，andimposedonitsgovernment，whethernativeordependent，thenecessityofconsideringthewholeislandasasinglegarrison，theprovisioningofwhichcouldnotbetrustedtothecasualtiesofordinarycommerce。Whatisactuallynecessaryisseldominjurious。ThusinMaltabreadisbetterandcheaperonanaveragethaninItalyorthecoastofBarbary；whileasimilarinterferencewiththecorn-tradeinSicilyimpoverishestheinhabitants，andkeepstheagricultureinastateofbarbarism。ButthepointinquestionistheexpensetoGreatBritain。Whetherthemonopolybegoodorevilinitself，itremainstrue，thatinthisestablishedusage，andinthegradualenclosureoftheuncultivateddistrict，suchresourcesexistaswithouttheleastoppressionmightrenderthecivilgovernmentinValettaindependentoftheTreasuryathome，finallytakinguponitselfeventherepairofthefortifications，andthusrealiseoneinstanceofanimportantpossessionthatcostthecountrynothing。
ButnowthetimearrivedwhichthreatenedtofrustratethepatriotismoftheMaltesethemselves，andallthezealouseffortsoftheirdisinterestedfriend。Soonafterthewarhadforthefirsttimebecomeindisputablyjustandnecessary，thepeopleatlargeandamajorityofindependentsenators，incapable，asitmightseem，oftranslatingtheirfanaticalanti-Jacobinismintoawell-grounded，yetequallyimpassioned，anti-Gallicanism，grewimpatientforpeace，orratherforaname，underwhichthemostterrificofallwarswouldbeincessantlywagedagainstus。Ourconductwasnotmuchwiserthanthatofthewearytraveller，whohavingproceededhalfwayonhisjourney，procuredashortrestforhimselfbygettingupbehindachaisewhichwasgoingthecontraryroad。InthestrangetreatyofAmiens，inwhichweneitherrecognisedourformerrelationswithFrancenorwiththeotherEuropeanpowers，norformedanynewones，thecompromiseconcerningMaltaformedtheprominentfeature；anditsnominalre-deliverytotheOrderofSt。Johnwasauthorised，inthemindsofthepeople，byLordNelson’sopinionofitsworthlessnesstoGreatBritaininapoliticalornavalview。Itisamelancholyfact，andonethatmustoftensaddenareflectiveandphilanthropicmind，howlittlemoralconsiderationsweighevenwiththenoblestnations，howvainarethestrongestappealstojustice，humanity，andnationalhonour，unlesswhenthepublicmindisundertheimmediateinfluenceofthecheerfulorvehementpassions，indignationoravaricioushope。
Inthewholeclassofhumaninfirmitiesthereisnonethatmakesuchloudappealstoprudence，andyetsofrequentlyoutragesitsplainestdictates，asthespiritoffear。Theworstcauseconductedinhopeisanovermatchforthenoblestmanagedbydespondency；inbothcases，anunnaturalconjunctionthatrecallstheoldfableofLoveandDeath，takingeachthearrowsoftheotherbymistake。WhenislandsthathadcourtedBritishprotectioninrelianceuponBritishhonour，arewiththeirinhabitantsandproprietorsabandonedtotheresentmentwhichwehadtemptedthemtoprovoke，whatwonder，iftheopinionbecomesgeneral，thataliketoEnglandastoFrance，thefatesandfortunesofothernationsarebutthecounters，withwhichthebloodygameofwarisplayed；andthatnotwithstandingthegreatandacknowledgeddifferencebetweenthetwoGovernmentsduringpossession，yettheprotectionofFranceismoredesirablebecauseitismorelikelytoendure？forwhattheFrenchtake，theykeep。OftenbothinSicilyandMaltahaveIheardthecaseofMinorcareferredto，whereaconsiderableportionofthemostrespectablegentryandmerchants（noprovisionhavingbeenmadefortheirprotectiononthere-deliveryofthatislandtoSpain）expiatedindungeonsthewarmthandforwardnessoftheirpredilectionforGreatBritain。
Ithasbeenbysomepersonsimagined，thatLordNelsonwasconsiderablyinfluenced，inhispublicdeclarationconcerningthevalueofMalta，byministerialflattery，andhisownsenseofthegreatserviceablenessofthatopiniontothepersonsinoffice。Thissuppositionis，however，whollyfalseandgroundless。Hislordship’sopinionwasindeedgreatlyshakenafterwards，ifnotchanged；butatthattimehespokeinstrictestcorrespondencewithhisexistingconvictions。Hesaidnomorethanhehadoftenpreviouslydeclaredtohisprivatefriends：itwasthepointonwhich，aftersomeamicablecontroversy，hislordshipandSirAlexanderBallhad\"agreedtodiffer。\"Thoughtheopinionitselfmayhavelostthegreatestpartofitsinterest，andexceptforthehistorianis，asitwere，superannuated；yetthegroundsandcausesofit，asfarastheyaroseoutofLordNelson’sparticularcharacter，andmayperhapstendtore-enlivenourrecollectionofaherosodeeplyandjustlybeloved，willforeverpossessaninterestoftheirown。Inanessay，too，whichpurportstobenomorethanaseriesofsketchesandfragments，thereader，itishoped，willreadilyexcuseanoccasionaldigression，andamoredesultorystyleofnarrationthancouldbetoleratedinaworkofregularbiography。
LordNelsonwasanadmiraleveryinchofhim。Helookedateverything，notmerelyinitspossiblerelationstothenavalserviceingeneral，butinitsimmediatebearingsonhisownsquadron；tohisofficers，hismen，totheparticularshipsthemselves，hisaffectionswereasstrongandardentasthoseofalover。Hence，thoughhistemperwasconstitutionallyirritableanduneven，yetneverwasacommandersoenthusiasticallylovedbymenofallranks，fromthecaptainofthefleettotheyoungestship-boy。Hence，too，theunexampledharmonywhichreignedinhisfleet，yearafteryear，undercircumstancesthatmightwellhaveunderminedthepatienceofthebest-balanceddispositions，muchmoreofmenwiththeimpetuouscharacterofBritishsailors。Yearafteryear，thesamedulldutiesofawearisomeblockade，ofdoubtfulpolicy——little，ifany，opportunityofmakingprizes；andthefewprizes，whichaccidentmightthrowintheway，oflittleornovalue；andwhenatlasttheoccasionpresenteditselfwhichwouldhavecompensatedforall，thenadisappointmentassuddenandunexpectedasitwasunjustandcruel，andthecupdashedfromtheirlips！Addtothesetrialsthesenseofenterprisescheckedbyfeeblenessandtimidityelsewhere，notomittingthetiresomenessoftheMediterraneansea，sky，andclimate；
andtheunjarringandcheerfulspiritofaffectionatebrotherhood，whichlinkedtogethertheheartsofthatwholesquadron，willappearnotlesswonderfultousthanadmirableandaffecting。WhentheresolutionwastakenofcommencinghostilitiesagainstSpain，beforeanyintelligencewassenttoLordNelson，anotheradmiral，withtwoorthreeshipsoftheline，wassentintotheMediterranean，andstationedbeforeCadiz，fortheexpresspurposeofinterceptingtheSpanishprizes。TheadmiraldespatchedonthislucrativeservicegavenoinformationtoLordNelsonofhisarrivalinthesamesea，andfiveweekselapsedbeforehislordshipbecameacquaintedwiththecircumstance。Theprizesthustakenwereimmense。Amonthortwosufficedtoenrichthecommanderandofficersofthissmallandhighly-favouredsquadron；whiletoNelsonandhisfleetthesenseofhavingdonetheirduty，andtheconsciousnessofthegloriousserviceswhichtheyhadperformed，wereconsidered，itmustbepresumed，asanabundantremunerationforalltheirtoilsandlongsuffering！Itwas，indeed，anunexampledcircumstance，thatasmallsquadronshouldbesenttothestationwhichhadbeenlongoccupiedbyalargefleet，commandedbythedarlingofthenavy，andthegloryoftheBritishempire，tothestationwherethisfleethadforyearsbeenwearingawayinthemostbarren，repulsive，andspirit-tryingservice，inwhichthenavycanbeemployed！andthatthisminorsquadronshouldbesentindependentlyof，andwithoutanycommunicationwiththecommanderoftheformerfleet，fortheexpressandsolitarypurposeofsteppingbetweenitandtheSpanishprizes，andassoonasthisshortandpleasantservicewasperformed，ofbringinghometheunsharedbootywithallpossiblecautionanddespatch。Thesubstantialadvantagesofnavalservicewere，perhaps，deemedoftoogrossanatureformenalreadyrewardedwiththegratefulaffectionsoftheirowncountrymen，andtheadmirationofthewholeworld！Theyweretobeawarded，therefore，onaprincipleofcompensationtoacommanderlessrichinfame，andwhoselaurels，thoughnotscanty，werenotyetsufficientlyluxurianttohidethegoldencrownwhichistheappropriateornamentofvictoryinthebloodlesswarofcommercialcapture！OfallthewoundswhichwereeverinflictedonNelson’sfeelings（andtherewerenotafew），thiswasthedeepest——thisrankledmost！\"Ihadthought\"（saidthegallantman，inaletterwrittenonthefirstfeelingsoftheaffront），\"Ifancied——butnay，itmusthavebeenadream，anidledream——yet，Iconfessit，Ididfancy，thatIhaddonemycountryservice——andthustheyuseme。ItwasnotenoughtohaverobbedmeoncebeforeofmyWestIndiaharvest——nowtheyhavetakenawaytheSpanish——andunderwhatcircumstances，andwithwhatpointedaggravations？Yet，ifIknowmyownthoughts，itisnotformyself，oronmyownaccountchiefly，thatIfeelthesting，andthedisappointment；no！itisformybraveofficers；formynoble-mindedfriendsandcomrades——suchagallantsetoffellows！suchahandofbrothers！Myheartswellsatthethoughtofthem！\"
Thisstrongattachmentoftheheroicadmiraltohisfleet，faithfullyrepaidbyanequalattachmentontheirparttotheiradmiral，hadnolittleinfluenceinattuningtheirheartstoeachother；andwhenhedied，itseemedasifnomanwasastrangertoanother；forallweremadeacquaintancesbytherightsofacommonanguish。Inthefleetitself，manyaprivatequarrelwasforgotten，nomoretoberemembered；many，whohadbeenalienated，becameoncemoregoodfriends；yea，manyaonewasreconciledtohisveryenemy，andlovedand（asitwere）thankedhimforthebitternessofhisgrief，asifithadbeenanactofconsolationtohimselfinanintercourseofprivatesympathy。ThetidingsarrivedatNaplesonthedaythatI
returnedtothatcityfromCalabria；andnevercanIforgetthesorrowandconsternationthatlayoneverycountenance。EventothisdaytherearetimeswhenIseemtosee，asinavision，separategroupsandindividualfacesofthepicture。Numbersstoppedandshookhandswithmebecausetheyhadseenthetearsonmycheek，andconjecturedthatIwasanEnglishman；andseveral，astheyheldmyhand，burstthemselvesintotears。Andthoughitmayawakeasmile，yetitpleasedandaffectedme，asaproofofthegoodnessofthehumanheartstrugglingtoexerciseitskindnessinspiteofprejudicesthemostobstinate，andeagertocarryonitsloveandhonourintothelifebeyondlife，thatitwaswhisperedaboutNaples，thatLordNelsonhadbecomeagoodCatholicbeforehisdeath。Theabsurdityofthefictionisasortofmeasurementofthefondandaffectionateesteemwhichhadripenedthepiouswishofsomekindindividual，throughallthegradationsofpossibilityandprobability，intoaconfidentassertion，believedandaffirmedbyhundreds。ThefeelingsofGreatBritainonthisawfuleventhavebeendescribedwellandworthilybyalivingpoet，whohashappilyblendedthepassionandwildtransitionsoflyricsongwiththeswellandsolemnityofepicnarration。
\"——Thouartfall’n！fall’n，inthelapOfvictory。Tothycountrythoucam’stback，Thou，conqueror，totriumphalAlbioncam’stAcorse！IsawbeforethyhearsepassonThecomradesofthyperilsandrenown。
ThefrequenttearupontheirdauntlessbreastsFell。IbeheldthepompthickgatheredroundThetrophiedcarthatborethygracedremainsThrougharmedranks，andanationgazingon。
Brightglowedthesun，andnotaclouddistainedHeaven’sarchofgold，butallwasgloombeneath。
AholyandunutterablepangThrilledonthesoul。AweandmuteanguishfellOnall。——YethighthepublicbosomthrobbedWithtriumph。Andifone，’midthatvastpomp，IfbutthevoiceofonehadshoutedforthThenameofNELSON，thouhadstpastalong，Thouinthyhearsetoburialpast，asoftBeforethevanofbattle，proudlyrodeThyprow，downBritain’sline，shoutaftershoutRendingtheairwithtriumph，erethyhandHadlancedtheboltofvictory。\"
SOTHEBY（Saul，p。80）。
Iintroducedthisdigressionwithanapology，yethaveextendeditsomuchfurtherthanIhaddesigned，thatImustoncemorerequestmyreadertoexcuseme。Itwastobeexpected（Ihavesaid）thatLordNelsonwouldappreciatetheisleofMaltafromitsrelationstotheBritishfleetontheMediterraneanstation。ItwasthefashionofthedaytostyleEgyptthekeyofIndia，andMaltathekeyofEgypt。
Nelsonsawthehollownessofthismetaphor；orifheonlydoubteditsapplicabilityintheformerinstance，hewassurethatitwasfalseinthelatter。EgyptmightormightnotbethekeyofIndia，butMaltawascertainlynotthekeyofEgypt。Itwasnotintendedtokeepconstantlytwodistinctfleetsinthatsea；andthelargestnavalforceatMaltawouldnotsupersedethenecessityofasquadronoffToulon。MaltadoesnotlieinthedirectcoursefromToulontoAlexandria；andfromthenatureofthewinds（takingonetimewithanother）thecomparativelengthofthevoyagetothelatterportwillbefoundfarlessthanaviewofthemapwouldsuggest，andintruthoflittlepracticalimportance。IfitweretheobjectoftheFrenchfleettoavoidMaltainitspassagetoEgypt，theport-admiralatValettawouldinallprobabilityreceivehisfirstintelligenceofitscoursefromMinorcaorthesquadronoffToulon，insteadofcommunicatingit。Inwhatregardstherefittingandprovisioningofthefleet，eitheronordinaryorextraordinaryoccasions，MaltawasasinconvenientasMinorcawasadvantageous，notonlyfromitsdistance（whichyetwassufficienttorenderitalmostuselessincasesofthemostpressingnecessity，asafterasevereactionorinjuriesoftempest），butlikewisefromtheextremedifficulty，ifnotimpracticabilityofleavingtheharbourofValettawithaNW。
wind，whichoftenlastsforweekstogether。Inallthesepointshislordship’sobservationswereperfectlyjust；anditmustbeconcededbyallpersonsacquaintedwiththesituationandcircumstancesofMalta，thatitsimportance，asaBritishpossession，ifnotexaggeratedonthewhole，wasundulymagnifiedinseveralimportantparticulars。ThusLordMinto，inaspeechdeliveredatacountymeeting，andafterwardspublished，affirms，thatsupposing（whatnoonecouldconsiderasunlikelytotakeplace）thatthecourtofNaplesshouldbecompelledtoactundertheinfluenceofFrance，andthattheBarbarypowerswereunfriendlytous，eitherinconsequenceofFrenchintriguesorfromtheirowncapriceandinsolence，therewouldnotbeasingleport，harbour，bay，creek，orroadsteadinthewholeMediterranean，fromwhichourmen-of-warcouldobtainasingleoxorahogsheadoffreshwater，unlessGreatBritainretainedpossessionofMalta。Thenoblespeakerseemsnottohavebeenaware，thatunderthecircumstancessupposedbyhim，OdessatoobeingclosedagainstusbyaRussianwar，theislandofMaltaitselfwouldbenobetterthanavastalmshouseof75，000persons，exclusiveoftheBritishsoldiery，allofwhommustberegularlysuppliedwithcornandsaltmeatfromGreatBritainorIreland。ThepopulationofMaltaandGozoexceeds100，000，whilethefoodofallkindsproducedonthetwoislandswouldbarelysufficeforone-fourthofthatnumber。Thedeficitisprocuredbythegrowthandspinningofcotton，forwhichcorncouldnotbesubstitutedfromthenatureofthesoil，or，wereitattempted，wouldproducebutasmallproportionofthequantitywhichthecottonraisedonthesamefieldsandspunintothread，enablestheMaltesetopurchase，nottomentionthatthesubstitutionofgrainforcottonwouldleavehalfoftheinhabitantswithoutemployment。Astolivestock，itisquiteoutofthequestion，ifweexceptthepigsandgoats，whichperformtheofficeofscavengersinthestreetsofValettaandthetownsontheothersideofthePortoGrande。
AgainsttheseargumentsSirA。Ballplacedthefollowingconsiderations。IthadbeenlonghisconvictionthattheMediterraneansquadronshouldbesuppliedbyregularstore-ships，thesolebusinessofwhichshouldbethatofcarriersforthefleet。
Thisherecommendedasbyfarthemosteconomicplaninthefirstinstance。Secondly，beyondanyotheritwouldsecureasystemandregularityinthearrivalofsupplies。And，lastly，itwouldconducetothedisciplineofthenavy，andpreventbothshipsandofficersfrombeingoutofthewayonanysuddenemergency。Ifthissystemwereintroduced，theobjectionstoMalta，fromitsgreatdistance，&c。，wouldhavelittleforce。Ontheotherhand，theobjectionstoMinorcahedeemedirremovable。ThesamedisadvantageswhichattendedthegettingoutoftheharbourofValetta，appliedtovesselsgettingintoPortMahon；butwhilefifteenhundredortwothousandBritishtroopsmightbesafelyentrustedwiththepreservationofMalta，thetroopsforthedefenceofMinorcamusteverbeinproportiontothosewhichtheenemymaybesupposedlikelytosendagainstit。Itissolittlefavouredbynatureorbyart，thatthepossessorsstoodmerelyonthelevelwiththeinvaders。Caeterisparibus，ifthere12，000oftheenemylanded，theremustbeanequalnumbertorepelthem；norcouldthegarrison，oranypartofit，besparedforanysuddenemergencywithoutriskoflosingtheisland。PreviouslytothebattleofMarengo，themostearnestrepresentationsweremadetothegovernorandcommanderatMinorcabytheBritishadmiral，whoofferedtotakeonhimselfthewholeresponsibilityofthemeasure，ifhewouldpermitthetroopsatMinorcatojoinourallies。Thegovernorfelthimselfcompelledtorefusehisassent。Doubtless，heactedwisely，forresponsibilityisnottransferable。ThefactisintroducedinproofofthedefencelessstateofMinorca，anditsconstantliabilitytoattack。IftheAustrianarmyhadstoodinthesamerelationtoeightorninethousandBritishsoldiersatMalta，asingleregimentwouldhaveprecludedallalarmsastotheislanditself，andtheremainderhaveperhapschangedthedestinyofEurope。
Whatmightnot，almostIwouldsay，whatmustnoteightthousandBritonshaveaccomplishedatthebattleofMarengo，nicelypoisedasthefortunesofthetwoarmiesarenowknowntohavebeen？Minorca，too，isaloneusefulordesirableduringawar，andonthesuppositionofafleetoffToulon。TheadvantagesofMaltaarepermanentandnational。AsasecondGibraltaritmusttendtosecureGibraltaritself；forifbythelossofthatoneplacewecouldbeexcludedfromtheMediterranean，itisdifficulttosaywhatsacrificesofbloodandtreasuretheenemywoulddeemtoohighapriceforitsconquest。WhateverMaltamayormaynotberespectingEgypt，itshighimportancetotheindependenceofSicilycannotbedoubted，oritsadvantagesasacentralstation，foranyportionofourdisposableforce。NeitheristheinfluencewhichitwillenableustoexertontheBarbarypowerstobewhollyneglected。Ishallonlyadd，thatduringtheplagueatGibraltar，LordNelsonhimselfacknowledgedthathebegantoseethepossessionofMaltainadifferentlight。
SirAlexanderBalllookedforwardtofuturecontingenciesaslikelytoincreasethevalueofMaltatoGreatBritain。HeforesawthatthewholeofItalywouldbecomeaFrenchprovince，andheknewthattheFrenchGovernmenthadbeenlongintriguingonthecoastofBarbary。
TheDeyofAlgierswasbelievedtohaveaccumulatedatreasureoffifteenmillionssterling，andBuonapartehadactuallydupedhimintoatreaty，bywhichtheFrenchweretobepermittedtoerectafortontheveryspotwheretheancientHippostood，thechoicebetweenwhichandtheHellespont，asthesiteofNewRome，issaidtohaveperplexedthejudgmentofConstantine。TothisheaddedanadditionalpointofconnectionwithRussia，bymeansofOdessa，andonthesuppositionofawarintheBaltic，astillmoreinterestingrelationtoTurkey，andtheMores，andtheGreekislands。IthadbeenrepeatedlysignifiedtotheBritishGovernment，thatfromtheMoreaandthecountriesadjacent，aconsiderablesupplyofshiptimberandnavalstoresmightbeobtained，suchaswouldatleastgreatlylessenthepressureofaRussianwar。TheagentsofFrancewereinfullactivityintheMoreaandtheGreekislands，thepossessionofwhich，bythatGovernment，wouldaugmentthenavalresourcesoftheFrenchtoadegreeofwhichfewareawarewhohavenotmadethepresentstateofcommerceoftheGreeksanobjectofparticularattention。Inshort，ifthepossessionofMaltawereadvantageoustoEnglandsolelyasaconvenientwatch-tower，asacentreofintelligence，itsimportancewouldbeundeniable。
AlthoughthesesuggestionsdidnotpreventthesigningawayofMaltaatthepeaceofAmiens，theydoubtlesswerenotwithouteffect，whentheambitionofBuonapartehadgivenafullandfinalanswertothegrandquestion：canweremainatpeacewithFrance？IhavelikewisereasontobelievethatSirAlexanderBall，baffled，byexposinganinsidiousproposaloftheFrenchGovernment，duringthenegotiationsthatprecededtherecommencementofthewar——thatthefortificationsofMaltashouldbeentirelydismantled，andtheislandlefttoitsinhabitants。WithoutdwellingontheobviousinhumanityandflagitiousinjusticeofexposingtheMaltesetocertainpillageandslaveryfromtheiroldandinveterateenemies，theMoors，heshowedthattheplanwouldpromotetheinterestsofBuonaparteevenmorethanhisactualpossessionoftheisland，whichFrancehadnopossibleinterestindesiring，exceptasthemeansofkeepingitoutofthehandsofGreatBritain。
ButSirAlexanderBallisnomore。Thewriterstillclingstothehopethathemayyetbeabletorecordhisgooddeedsmorefullyandregularly；thatthen，withasenseofcomfort，notwithoutasubduedexultation，hemayraiseheavenwardfromhishonouredtombtheglisteningeyeofanhumble，butevergratefulFriend。