"I have received no official reports, but I have letters from Commodore Troubridge, Captain Dixon, and Sir Edward Berry, telling me of the capture of the William Tell, on the morning of the 30th of March, after a gallant defence of three hours. The Lion and Foudroyant lost each about forty killed and wounded. The French ship is dismasted; the French Admiral, Decres, wounded; and the Foudroyant much shattered. I send Sir Edward Berry's hasty note. Thus, owing to my brave friends, is the entire destruction of the French Mediterranean fleet to be attributed, and my orders from the great Earl of St. Vincent are fulfilled. Captain Blackwood, of the Penelope, and Captain Long, of the Vincejo, have the greatest merit. My task is done; my health is finished; and, probably, my retreat for ever fixed--unless another French fleet should be placed for me to look after. Ever your most obedient humble servant, "Bronte Nelson of the Nile." "Evan Nepean, Esq." The letter of Commodore Troubridge, above mentioned, contains the following particulars. "Culloden, Marsa Scirocco, 1st April 1800. "MY LORD, "I most sincerely congratulate your lordship on the capture of Le Guillaume Tell, the thirteenth and last of the line of battle ships of the famous Egyptian squadron. I would have given one thousand guineas your health had permitted your being in the Foudroyant. I hear Le Guillaume Tell is dismasted, and Foudroyant little better. I have sent three top-masts, spare-sails, lower and top-gallant caps, spars, &c. to refit, and make jury-masts. As I do not feel authorized to send any of these prisoners away until I hear from your lordship, I have sent two transports to take them in. The Maltese seamen I shall divide; the miserable wretches that Vaubois was sending away as lumber, I mean to _return to him_, in his own way--put them on the glacis, and fire on them if they attempt to come away. I really think, the officers should not be permitted to go to France for some time. Their business was, to have returned with men and provisions. Suppose we could get them to Mahon, with orders to carry them to England in the convoy. As I shall see your lordship here soon, you can settle that then. The French wounded, I have ordered to be landed at Syracuse. If the Foudroyant is not ready, or in a state to fetch your lordship, what are your wishes? The other three ships are preparing to sail from Valette the first wind. Northumberland goes out, with my men, to-day. If the Foudroyant had not come as she did, Le Guillaume Tell would have beat all we had. The Penelope is the only effective ship; if she goes, we shall be badly off. Much credit is due to Captains Blackwood and Long; the latter, I beg your lordship to recommend to the commander in chief.