EUROPEAN FAME 205 



together into Milford Haven, for the sea is undermining 

 that church very fast. ..." 



In the following November it was Banks's turn for long 

 letters. He had been receiving many applications from 

 foreign savants, begging his intercession on behalf of 

 D. Gratet de Dolomieu, then in prison at Naples. 

 Dolomieu, on his way homeward from Bonaparte's 

 Egyptian campaign, was taken prisoner in the dominions 

 of the King of Naples because of some former com- 

 promising circumstances with the Order of Malta. It 

 was said he was being treated with barbarity. The scien- 

 tific world of Europe made urgent demands for release. 

 Hence thirty applications, at least, to Sir Joseph Banks. 



Dolomieu was a harmless naturalist, a pioneer in 

 geology, and a famous mineralogist. The thing appealed 

 strongly to Banks, and he pressed the matter upon Sir 

 William's attention, at some length. He wrote also to 

 Lady Hamilton, probably judging that her intimacy with 

 Queen Caroline, of which he had heard so often, would not 

 fail to bear upon the fate of the prisoner. 



Sir Joseph Banks to Emma, Lady Hamilton. 



" November 8, 1799. 



" MY DEAR LADY HAMILTON, I have ever been con- 

 vinced of your friendly disposition toward me ; but the 

 readiness of my friend Sir William to anticipate on all 

 occasions my wishes has been so constant hitherto that 

 I have never before been under the necessity of putting 

 your ladyship's friendship to the trial. 



" Now, however, a business has occurred which cannot, 

 I am convinced, be effected unless both your influences 

 are united in soliciting it. If it is possible to engage the 

 gallant Admiral to join the Trio, which is in the power 

 of no one but yourself, what may I not hope in everything 

 from the warmth of your friendship ? 



