The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1809-07-19

cmsornenss instead Of reaxstons, the king Of Naples
trembled when he saw ruin impending over the 9TH
er branches Of Ills family, and stalking with rapid
strides towards his devoted realm. Unaccustomed
to any warfare, except against the beasts OF the ed
or the birds of the air, he shrunk under the appre
hension Of a more honorable contest; and though
he possessed numerous, well appointed, and be-
heyc If properly conmanded,a brave army, he deser-
ted the defence of bis capital, and basely fed to
Sicily and placed himself under the safeguard of the
British squadron, then protecting those seas.
That the retreat was unnecessary was fully proved
by the sequel The cardinal Rufio, ecclesiastick,
man of bravery and virtue, went into Calabria and
by his spirited exhortations and anathemas against
those infdels the French, reused the hardy noun
taineers, inspired them witha zeal for their Liberties
and religion, aud marching at their head in his &C.
clesiastic babilments, entered Naptes at the head
Of 10000 men, forced the garrison TO capulaSe and
drove the French troops out of the Kingdom. Soon
after which the king of Naples appeared oft the city
with British feet, commanded by lord Nelson, and
q scene took place, which has stamped the charac-
ter of the king of Naples (or his queen) and OF al
others, who were accessary to 1t, with inoeioie
nfamy. Lord Nelson himself does not wholly escape
in this country, and wish that an impartial
biographer may undertake to support, and nouish In
verdure the larirels which many wel-earned VIC
tories had wreathed around his brow. The anccdote
is interesting ss II affects royal and elevated charac
ters The authenticity of the tacts shall state, is
unquestionable. II is very possible they may admit
lord Nelson. When man has acquired so great
name, one ought to admit censures with distrust.
first heard the story from Roman gentleman OF
honour and reputation, but repelled the attack on
lord Nelson's fame with indgnity. On my arrival
here, MIR. -, who is warmly Antigallican, and who
on the spot through the hoe revoiutios, confirm
ed the story had heaid at Rome and one OF our
own distinguished officers assured me, that the brit
ish officers at Malta, spoke with regret OF the part
which the British commander had taken in the affair
a., tav,H
not revolutionary. When the king deserted them,
they were obliged to submit to the French, who, as
usual, instituted revolutionary machine, which they
called Ncapolitan refrsbGck Many, and indeed
most of the FIRST families in Naples, took part in this
new system, considering fhe crown abdicated by the
ignominious fight of the king. In the turn of affairs
Rufo retnok the city, signed captulation with the
officers OF the new government, by which it was a
greed that their estates should be at liberty to re-
in safety. On these conditions they submitted
to Ru6, who was the authorised officer of the king
They accordingly put on board the ships to be
transported to France. Lord Nelson and the king
arrived at first they did not object against the con-
vcntion, but prepared TO execute it.
Suddenly change, owing, as is alleged, to the
queen, took place several days after the signing Of
the convention and the arrival Of the king. The
bilitv and gentry, concerned in what all parties,
whom have seen, agree rebellion, were sez-
ed sent board Nelson's fleet, tried summarily for
high treason, and executed Their estates wore con.
nsCated, and their fannlles dlSlfherltcu. Even
young Of II and 90 years of age perishedo the
scafiod
Twas slow to believe, because I kno% how app
people to misrepresent acts of just severity; but
/ am obliged to say that think there is evidence
that this was an impolitick violation Of faith.
Eternal curses will, in this country, rest on the
heads of the advisers Of this measure, should they be
certainly known. 1t is attributed to the queen and
lady Hamilton by the influence c. the last Of whom
the Neapoltians pretend that lord Nelson was in
duced to come into the project wait for stronger
proof before give credit to the charge.
The result Of this infamous breach of good faith
and of policy, has been render the royal family OBJ
noxous, and of course cowardly
Perhaps it has had, and will continue to have
deeper effect the destnies Of Europe, than may
be apparent at first blush. We know that the dread
of revenge, of punishment for all past Offences Of
oyersettng all titles acquired under the revolution,
the most powerful obstacles TO the return Of the
Bourbons to France. What sad lesson in support
of these fears is the example Of Naples If loyal
people, who were deserted by their sovereign, were
punished for submitting only TO conquerour what,
must those dread whose hands stained with roy.
al blood, and whose poniards still reeking from
the bosoms of slaughtered nobility.
Yours, &c.