Eleven days after her arrival at Sicily, the Swiftsure sailed for Naples, in company with three other ships of the line and some smaller vessels, the whole under the command of Captain Troubridge, of the Culloden. On the 2d April they stood into the Bay; and as it was known that many of the inhabitants were desirous of returning to their allegiance, Captain Hallo well, accompanied by the Hon. Mr. Rushout, now Lord Northwick, whose acquaintance with the country as well as with the Italian language proved of great service on many occasions, landed on the isle of Procida. They were received with enthusiastic joy, and ascended to the castle amidst the acclamations of the people; the French tree of liberty was cut down, the tri-coloured flag struck, and the royal Neapolitan ensign hoisted in its stead. In the mean time the squadron anchored between Procida and the main; a party of marines were sent to Ischia to take possession of that island, and the fort was given up to them without opposition.
The squadron continued in the vicinity of Naples until the 15th May, when it returned to Palermo, and from thence proceeded on a cruize off Maritimo. On the 23d of the same month, Captain Hallowell presented Lord Nelson with a coffin made from the wreck of l’Orient, accompanied by the following letter;
“My Lord.– I have taken the liberty of presenting you a coffin made from the main-mast of l’Orient, that when you have finished your military career in this world, you may be buried in one of your trophies – but that that period may be far distant, is the earnest wish of your sincere friend,
rounded them, he contented himself with ordering’ them to evacuate his own territories and those of the Holy Pontiff. The French retreated till they reached Rome; where, fortifying themselves in the castle of St. Angelo, they resolved to defend themselves, and retire no farther. From some unknown cause, the King suddenly retreated with much expedition to Naples, and his late numerous army as suddenly disappeared. His Majesty having embraced a plan of setting up the military commissions to sale, and many persons having bought their rank, though they were known to possess no property, it is believed that the French lost not the opportunity to furnish them with the money. The consequence is obvious. Of course they took good care not to act against their benefactors.
