For eighteen hours his life was despaired of; and even when the disorder took a favourable turn, and he was so far recovered as again to appear on deck, he himself thought that his end was approaching--such was the weakness to which the fever and cough had reduced him.

Writing to Earl St.Vincent on the passage, he said to him, "I never expect, my dear lord, to see your face again.

It may please God that this will be the finish to that fever of anxiety which I have endured from the middle of June; but be that as it pleases his goodness.

I am resigned to his will." The kindest attentions of the warmest friendship were awaiting him at Naples.

"Come here," said Sir William Hamilton, "for God's sake, my dear friend, as soon as the service will permit you.