"I am sure I hope poor Miss Knight will get her husband, but I fear I made a mess of it in striving to be diplomatic, for I just wrote the news about the chimney-sweep, adding: 'Lady Hamilton and Sir William desire to be kindly remembered to all their good friends with you; and Lady Hamilton and Miss Knight are not indifferent to the welfare of those off Malta, particularly to an _Audacious_ and good friend of ours.' "Emma would have done better than this, but I tried to be diplomatic. "_Naples, Dec. 14th._--This kingdom is invaded by a formidable French army. Have sent word to Sir William, for the information of the English merchants and others residing at Naples, that the three English transports in this Bay have my directions to receive such effects of the English as they can stow, and that the whole squadron will be ready to receive their persons should such an event be found necessary for them to embark. Having had some experience of this kind of thing, I have dropped him a hint that I mean valuable effects, and not household furniture; and that anything sent on board ship should be done with as little bustle and as much secrecy as possible. "Must tell De Niza to lend the King a number of Portuguese seamen and officers to assist in fitting some of his ships for sea, or the French will have them. I think it has come to that. "_Naples, Dec. 15th._--The situation of this country is very critical--nearly all in it are traitors or cowards. Have sent for the _Goliath_, and ordered Foley to come through the Faro of Messina, that he may get information. Have cautioned him not to approach Naples but with great caution. More bad luck: the _Flora_ cutter is lost. Have asked Ball if he can spare the _Incendiary_. I cannot use the Neapolitan ships: they are traitors in the _marine_. In short, all is corrupt. "_15th Dec._ (_later_).--Have sent for Troubridge, leaving the _Terpsichore_ in Leghorn Roads to bring off the Great Duke should such a measure be necessary. I hope to God he will make haste and approach the place with caution. The King has returned here, and everything is as bad as possible. If he does not come quickly he will find me at Messina or even Palermo.