The Paget Papers.

Letter from Lord Keith to the Hon. Arthur Paget (Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary to the King of the two Sicilies).

Source: Paget, Right Hon. Sir Augustus B. Paget, G.C.B. The Paget Papers, Diplomatic and other Correspondence of the Right Hon Sir A. Paget. G.C.B., 1794-1807, 2 Vols. Longmans, Green and Co. New York 1896. Vol 1.  Page 289.

Malta, Decr, 18th, 1800.

Dear Paget,—. . . . . . Of the affairs of Malta I know nothing they are in the Hands of the Genl and I am glad of it He had instructions of which I was Ignorant until after the Capitulation, I am glad we have the Island Naples could not have kept it and the other* is quite Mad.
Of Wilott I know little He is one of your Diplomatic Generals and who has an immense sum of British money His conduct has appeared to me to want explaination and I would not entrust Elbe to Him unless I was sure the Garrison were all Neapolitan and to be depended upon, there is a Chevlr Imbert of the party who I know, Elbe and Longana are Strong, those are some Piedmontese who could be trusted and the inhabitants hate the french, if Wilott goes let the King send some of His Ships.
I feel much obliged by Actons attention in giving leave for our Supplies to come off the Island of yourself I say not a word because I know your Zeal and Love for the Nation.
We had three ships with troops in 21 days from Plymouth Parliament met, I have letters frorn Elgin and one from the Kimichan Pacha, we must get the french out of Egypt or the Turks will make Peace with them the Russians are in the Bosphorus it is reported the Admiral dare not go home because he did not take Malta . . . . I am, &c.

(Signed) Keith.

* The Czar.

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