"If the enemy gets supplies in, we may bid adieu to Malta.
This would complete my misery; for I am afraid I take all services too much to heart.

The accomplishing of them is my study, night and day." "My dear Sir James," he writes to Erskine after returning to Palermo, "I am in desperation about Malta--we shall lose it, I am afraid, past redemption.

I send you copies of Niza's and Ball's letters, also General Acton's, so you will see I have not been idle." As it is, Ball can hardly keep the inhabitants in hope of relief; what then will it be if the Portuguese withdraw?
"If the islanders are forced again to join the French, we may not find even landing a very easy task, much less to get again our present advantageous position.

I therefore entreat for the honour of our King, that whether General Fox is arrived or not, at least the garrison of Messina may be ordered to hold post in Malta until a sufficient force can be collected to attack it....

I know well enough of what officers in your situation can do; the delicacy of your feelings on the near approach of General Fox I can readily conceive; but the time you know nothing about; this is a great and important moment, and the only thing to be considered, _is his Majesty's service to stand still for an instant ?_ ...