Mr.Udney, our consul at Leghorn, was the first person who procured certain intelligence of the enemy's design against Malta; and, from his own sagacity, foresaw that Egypt must be their after object.

Nelson sailed from Gibraltar on the 9th of May, with the VANGUARD, ORION, and ALEXANDER, seventy-fours; the CAROLINE, FLORA, EMERALD, and TERPSICHORE, frigates; and the BONNE CITOYENNE, sloop of war, to watch this formidable armament.

On the 19th, when they were in the Gulf of Lyons, a gale came on from the N.W.It moderated so much on the 20th as to enable them to get their top-gallant masts and yards aloft.

After dark it again began to blow strong, but the ships had been prepared for a gale, and therefore Nelson's mind was easy.

Shortly after midnight, however, his main-topmast went over the side, and the mizentopmast soon afterward.