The conditions which had mainly prompted his visit were changed, and the Russian Government was in a position to take a high tone, without fear of consequences.

"After such an answer," he wrote indignantly to St.Vincent, "I had no business here.

Time will show; but I do not believe he would have written such a letter, if the Russian fleet had been in Revel." "Lord Nelson received the letter a few minutes before dinner-time," wrote Stewart.

"He appeared to be a good deal agitated by it, but said little, and did not return an immediate reply.

During dinner, however, he left the table, and in less than a quarter of an hour sent for his secretary to peruse a letter which, in that short absence, he had composed.