The King of Sardinia, finding it impossible longer to endure the exactions of France and the insults of the French commissary, went to Leghorn, embarked on board a Danish frigate, and sailed, under British protection, to Sardinia--that part of his dominions which the maritime supremacy of England rendered a secure asylum.

On his arrival he published a protest against the conduct of France, declaring, upon the faith and word of a king, that he had never infringed, even in the slightest degree, the treaties which he had made with the French republic.

Tuscany was soon occupied by French troops--a fate which bolder policy might, perhaps, have failed to avert, but which its weak and timid neutrality rendered inevitable.

Nelson began to fear even for Sicily.

"Oh, my dear sir," said he, writing to Commodore Duckworth, "one thousand English troops would save Messina; and I fear General Stuart cannot give me men to save this most important island!" But his representations were not lost upon Sir Charles Stuart.