If Nelson had not had a blind eye at Copenhagen the history of our country might have been different. If Lord Hardwicke had been in closer communication with Sir William Parker, Genoa might have been destroyed. Lord Hardwicke had no sooner joined his ship in the Mediterranean than difficulties arose in Italy, and it fell to the duty of the fleet to protect the interests of Her Majesty's subjects living in the different ports. In February 1849, owing to the unrest in Tuscany and the Roman States, he was ordered to proceed in the _Vengeance_ to Leghorn. The following were his instructions from Admiral Sir William Parker: * * * * * 'The Grand Duke of Tuscany having quitted Sienna for the Port of San Stefano, and a Provisional Government established itself at Florence, 'The Roman States having also declared themselves a Republic and apprehensions being likewise entertained that some change of Government is contemplated in the Kingdom of Sardinia--it is desirable that British subjects and their property in those quarters should be duly protected. 'It is therefore my direction that your Lordship proceeds in H.M. ship _Vengeance_ under your command, to Leghorn where you may expect to find the _Bellerophon_, and will learn from Captain Baynes the state of affairs in that vicinity, and the latest intelligence from Genoa. 'If you find that fears are entertained of any disturbance threatening the safety of the persons or property of Her Majesty's subjects at Leghorn, you may prolong the stay of the _Vengeance_ there for a few days, to give them additional confidence and security, unless you have reason to apprehend that commotions are also expected at Genoa, in which case, you should lose no time, weather permitting, in repairing off that Port, where you may place the _Vengeance_ within the Mole provided you deem her presence necessary for the protection of the English and that the position is secure for Her Majesty's ship. 'You will apprise his Excellency Mr. Abercromby, H.M. Minister at Turin, of your arrival off Genoa, and the nature of your orders, acquainting his Excellency that _it is not desirable you should remain longer than may be absolutely necessary for affording due protection to British subjects._ And you will throughout carefully abstain from any interference with the political affairs of the Kingdom of Sardinia or any other foreign Power. 'Her Majesty's Consul, Mr. Yeates Brown, will, of course, visit your Lordship on your arrival. 'If you consider the Mole at Genoa an objectionable position for Her Majesty's ship you will make the best arrangement in your power for the safety of the English, and then repair to Leghorn or the port of Spezzia, as I hope it may be in my power shortly to send a steamer to Genoa.