To the Reverend Mr. Nelson, Hilborough.
Agamemnon, Livorno, December 27, 1793.

My Dear Brother,

When I wrote a few words to Maurice by the last post, the evacuation of Toulon was already known; the news must probably have reached you. The fact that England has got rid of such a place is a most fortunate event. Our money would have disappeared very quickly. The Etat-Major alone, appointed from England, was sufficient for Ireland and other places; posts were filled as quickly as horses could drive the incumbents across the continent or ships could be found to take them to Toulon. Here's how it all happened.
On the 13th, a very large army covered the surrounding hills; Lord Hood had warned the inhabitants that the place would probably be evacuated. On the 17th, at eight o'clock in the evening, a general attack took place against our outposts, lasting all night; the foreign troops gave way much sooner than they should have done, and the others, the following morning, were forced to abandon their posts, destroying the works and pinning down the cannons as best they could. Lord Hood tried in vain to rally the fugitives, and our army withdrew to the town and Fort La Malgue. On the 18th, the Neapolitan troops were ordered to embark, along with the Royalists, on any ships they could find. Then began a scene of horror that is conceivable, but impossible to describe. The populace rose up; death summoned all its myrmidons, who destroyed the unfortunate inhabitants with sword, pistol, fire and water. Thousands are said to have died. In the midst of this appalling scene, and to complete the calamities already at their height, Lord Hood was obliged to set fire to the French fleet, twenty vessels of the line and twenty other warships, as well as to the arsenal, gunpowder stores, etc. Half the town burned down with them, it seems. Only three ships were saved from the French fleet, including one of the first rank, one of 80 and one of 74, and two frigates; all the forts were blown up, and we have been told that Lord Hood has set sail for Hyères Bay. Fathers are here without families and families without fathers, a scene of horror and despair. The Agamemnon is in this port for supplies, but is stationed with a squadron in sight of Corsica.
Josias is well and wishes to be remembered. Please do not forget to tell about me to Mrs. Nelson and my aunt. I hope to see them soon, for this war cannot last long.
Hoste is really a very good boy, and so is Bolton. Compliments to Swaffham and believe me your affectionate brother.

HORATIO NELSON.