The Editor is happy in being allowed to add from the recently published Nelson Dispatches, a letter from Lord Nelson, as characteristic of that great and gallant man as it is honourable to the subject of this memoir. PALERMO, DECEMBER, 7TH, 1799. “SIR, “Captain Brenton, of Her Majesty’s sloop the Speedy, having on the 6th of November, with a convoy from the coast of Portugal, when attacked in the Straits by twelve Spanish gun boats, displayed uncommon skill and gallantry, in saving the sloop under his command, and all his convoy; I beg leave to recommend him to their lordship’s notice; and if the merits of a Brother may be allowed to have any weight, I have the sorrow to tell you, that he (the brother James Wallace Brenton) lost his life, when Lieutenant of the Peterel, attempting, with great bravery, to bring off a vessel which the sloop had run ashore. He died of his wounds a few days ago at Minorca Hospital. “I have the honour to be, Sir, “Your most obedient servant, “BRONTE NELSON.” The Speedy again returned to Gibraltar, and was immediately sent off again with dispatches to the Commander in chief, then supposed to be off Malta; but on her arrival at St. Paul’s bay, Captain Brenton found Nelson with his flag in the Foudroyant, and a squadron, co-operating with the land forces employed in the siege of Valetta. His lordship had recently had the satisfaction of seeing another of the French fleet, which he had so nearly annihilated in Aboukir bay, captured by the Northumberland and Success frigate. This was the Genereux. She had been sent to Minorca; and Lord Nelson, after warmly applauding Captain Brenton for his conduct, in his late encounter with the gun boats at Gibraltar, congratulated him upon his being made Post, from information which he had received from Lord Keith. The arrangement, by which this promotion took place, was that Captain Dixon, of the Lion, (the late Admiral Sir Manley Dixon) should be removed to the Genereux; that Lord William Stuart commanding the Souverein (the Sheer hulk at Gibraltar, which ship at the time was commanded by a Post Captain, and had charge of the general duties of the port of Gibraltar) should succeed to the Lion, and Captain Brenton to take command of the Souverein, to be succeeded in the Speedy by Lord Cochrane, who was made Commander.