_October, 1811._--Sudden return of Ld. Wm. Bentinck[385] from Sicily for further instructions, after an absence of only a few weeks, has surprised people, and convinced them of his want of capacity and timidity of character. It is understood that his instructions were merely an echo of those given to his predecessor, Lord Amherst, the substance of which was to induce the Court by moderate means to admit the native Sicilians into the Governt., and to diminish the burthens upon the people, and various other points of importance. Ld. Wm. is accused of having very unskilfully in his first paper to Circello betrayed the whole context of his secret instructions; whereupon its not appearing that Ld. Wm. had the power of withholding the subsidy Circello made a most able diplomatic reply, deprecating the interference of any foreign power, however allied, with the internal Governt., and giving it plainly to be understood that _allies_ who acted thus might withdraw their forces. Upon the receipt of this, Ld. Wm., without further discussion, got on board the first vessel, which happened to be Capt. Clifford, of the _Cephalus_, gun brig, and came home. It is said Ministers were astonished, but declared everywhere that they were highly pleased at his conduct. As that is _impossible_, the glossing it over must be out of compliment to the D. of Portland. The report is that the Cabinet have resolved upon vigorous measures, and those who know the Queen believe she will not resist, but in case of her being so disposed, she is to be made to submit, and a retreat into Austria suggested as her best resource. The unfortunate Barons who were imprisoned in consequence of their appeal,[386] are left in severe confinement, and Prince Belmonte, who is in a precarious state of health, will certainly not survive the confinement in one of the worst dungeons, and in the most unwholesome spot in the Island. The idle English, by their silly language in the coffee houses have contributed much towards irritating the Queen. Fredk. Lamb[387] is at last to accompany Ld. Wm. [Sidenote: COMMISSION TO MEXICO]