Republicans in Naples had invited the French to assist them in defending their city against royalists. The French were not popular and the strength of the Royalist forces grew. The Royal Navy gave support by attacking the forts into which the French had been driven. The Republicans finally surrendered to the senior British officer, Captain Foote. Nelson on his arrivel nine days later abbrogated the agreement, showing a merciless dark streak in his nature.

A large port and city on the western coast of central Italy. (Italy)