The King is very much retired. He would not see the French General,
St. Cyr; who came to Naples, _to settle the contribution for the
payment of the French army_.

The Queen was ordered to give him and the French minister a dinner,
but the King staid at Belvidere.

I think, he will give it up soon; and retire to Sicily, if the French
will allow him.

Acton has never dared give Mr. Elliot, or one Englishman, a dinner.

The fleet are ready to come forth; but, they will not come for the
sake of fighting me.

I have this day made George Elliot, post; Lieutenant Pettit, a master
and commander; and Mr. Hindmarsh, gunner's son, of the Bellerophon,
who behaved so well this day five year, a Lieutenant.

I reckon to have lost two French seventy-fours, by my not coming out
in the Victory; but I hope they will come soon, with interest.

This goes to Gibraltar, by Sutton, in the Amphion.

I shall write the Doctor in a day or two. I see, by the French papers,
that he has kissed hands.

With kindest regards to your good mother, and all at Merton, &c. &c.
&c. ever your's, most faithfully and affectionately,