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THE
Letters
OF
LORD NELSON
TO
LADY HAMILTON;
WITH A
SUPPLEMENT
OF
INTERESTING LETTERS,
BY
Distinguished Characters.
IN TWO VOLUMES.
VOL. I.
* * * * *
London:
Printed by Macdonald and Son, Smithfield,
FOR THOMAS LOVEWELL & CO. STAINES HOUSE,
BARBICAN;
AND SOLD BY ALL THE BOOKSELLERS.
1814.
ADVERTISEMENT.
In presenting to the Public the Letters of LORD NELSON to LADY
HAMILTON, something may justly be expected elucidatory of them.
Their mutual attachment is so generally known, that for the Editors to have given notes, however desirable and explanatory, might not, perhaps, have been deemed perfectly decorous.
They now stand on their own real merits. Some parts (though not very numerous) have been suppressed, from the most honourable feelings to individuals, as they would certainly have given pain.
That portion of Letters now offered to the BRITISH NATION, written by the first of her Naval Commanders, will shew his most private sentiments of men and measures, of countries and their rulers.
It is the duty of the Editors to state, that every letter has been most accurately transcribed, and faithfully compared with the originals in their possession.
Should our IMMORTAL HERO have expressed an erroneous opinion of some individuals and of things, let us ever remember, they were written (often under the feelings of sickness and of disappointment) by him who so repeatedly fought, and almost as frequently bled, for our country—for his "DEAR ENGLAND;" and let us never forget, that to him we owe more than to any man for our existence as a great and powerful Nation.
His country has truly honoured him; and it is not presumptuous in the Editors to affirm, that his deeds will be remembered, not only in name, but in their consequences, by our remotest posterity.
Were we to dedicate them, unto whom should we?—To the BRITISH NAVY; as the genuine sentiments of a true seaman—the first even of their own Heroes; for NELSON could forego all private feelings, all selfish motives, for that which will ever be the first object of a truly great and brave man—the glory and happiness of his country.
Our task, which has, from various causes, been attended with more difficulties than could be imagined, is thus far accomplished; and we have the pleasure to inform the public, that a very large collection of LORD NELSON'S most important public and private correspondence, &c. with the most distinguished characters (at home and abroad) is now in preparation for the press. Many of the documents will certainly throw a light on political transactions at present very imperfectly understood; and those which we intend to present to the world, we doubt not, will be found more than usually interesting.
CONTENTS.
* * * * *
VOL. I.
* * * * *
LETTERS FROM LORD NELSON TO LADY HAMILTON.
LETTER I. Page 3
II. 7
III. 9
IV. 11
V. 13
VI. 15
VII. 18
VIII. 20
IX. 23
X. 28
XI. 32
XII. 34
XIII. 39
XIV. 44
XV. 48
XVI. 53
XVII. 58
XVIII. 60
XIX. 65
XX. 69
XXI. 74
XXII. 77
XXIII. 82
XXIV. 84
XXV. 88
XXVI. 89
XXVII. 91
XXVIII. 96
XXIX. 101
XXX. 104
XXXI. 108
XXXII. 113
XXXIII. 124
XXXIV. 130
XXXV. 133
XXXVI. 135
XXXVII. 147
XXXVIII. 152
XXXIX. 155
SUPPLEMENT.
Letters from Lord Nelson to Mrs. Thomson.
LETTER I. Page 173
II. 175
Letters from Lady Hamilton to Lord Nelson.
LETTER I. Page 181
II. 185
Letters from the Reverend Edmund Nelson, (Lord
Nelson's Father) to Lady Hamilton.
LETTER I. Page 189
II. 191
Letters from the Reverend Dr. Nelson, now Earl
Nelson, to Lady Hamilton.
LETTER I. 195 II. 199 III. 202 IV. 206 V. 210 VI. 213
Letters from the Earl of St. Vincent to Lady Hamilton.
LETTER I. Page 217
II. 219
III. 222
IV. 225
V. 227
Letters from Sir Alexander John Ball to Lady
Hamilton.
LETTER I. Page 233
II. 236
Letters from the Earl of Bristol, Bishop of Derry
in Ireland, to Lady Hamilton.
LETTER I. Page 241
II. 243
III. 245
IV. 248
V. 249
VI. 250
VII. 252
VIII. 253
IX. 255
X. 257
Letter from the Honourable Charles Greville, Nephew of Sir William Hamilton, to Lady Hamilton.
Page 265
Letters from Lady Hamilton to the Honourable
Charles Greville.
LETTER I. Page 269
II. 273
THE
Letters
OF
LORD NELSON
TO
LADY HAMILTON.
THE Letters OF LORD NELSON TO LADY HAMILTON.
LETTER I.
Vanguard, off Malta,
Oct. 24, 1798.
MY DEAR MADAM,
After a long passage, we are arrived; and it is as I suspected—the ministers at Naples know nothing of the situation of the island. Not a house or bastion of the town is in possession of the islanders; and the Marquis de Niza tells me, they want arms, victuals, and support. He does not know, that any Neapolitan officers are in the island; perhaps, although I have their names, none are arrived; and it is very certain, by the Marquis's account, that no supplies have been sent by the governors of Syracuse or Messina.
However, I shall and will know every thing as soon as the Marquis is gone, which will be to-morrow morning. He says, he is very anxious to serve under my command; and, by his changing his ship, it appears as if he was so: however, I understand the trim of our English ships better.
Ball will have the management of the blockade after my departure; as, it seems, the Court of Naples think my presence may be necessary, and useful, in the beginning of November.
I hope it will prove so; but, I feel, my duty lays at present in the East; for, until I know the shipping in Egypt are destroyed, I shall never consider the French army as completely sure of never returning to Europe.
However, all my views are to serve and save the Two Sicilies; and to do that which their Majesties may wish me, even against my own opinion, when I come to Naples, and that country is at war. I shall wish to have a meeting with General Acton on this subject.
You will, I am sure, do me justice with the Queen; for, I declare to
God, my whole study is, how to best meet her approbation.
May God bless you and Sir William! and ever believe me, with the most affectionate regard, your obliged and faithful friend,
HORATIO NELSON.
I may possibly, but that is not certain, send in the inclosed letter.
Shew it to Sir William. This must depend on what I hear and see; for
I believe scarcely any thing I hear.
Once more, God bless you!
LETTER II.
[May 12, 1799.]
MY DEAR LADY HAMILTON,
Accept my sincere thanks for your kind letter. Nobody writes so well: therefore, pray, say not you write ill; for, if you do, I will say—what your goodness sometimes told me—"You l—e!" I can read, and perfectly understand, every word you write.
We drank your and Sir William's health. Troubridge, Louis, Hallowell, and the new Portuguese Captain, dined here. I shall soon be at Palermo; for this business must very soon be settled.
No one, believe me, is more sensible of your regard, than your obliged and grateful
NELSON.
I am pleased with little Mary; kiss her for me. I thank all the house for their regard. God bless you all!
I shall send on shore, if fine, to-morrow; for the feluccas are going to leave us, and I am sea-sick.
I have got the piece of wood for the tea-chest; it shall soon be sent.
Pray, present my humble duty and gratitude to the Queen, for all her marks of regard; and assure her, it is not thrown away on an ungrateful soil.
LETTER III.
Vanguard, May 19, 1799,
Eight o'Clock. Calm.
MY DEAR LADY HAMILTON,
Lieutenant Swiney coming on board, enables me to send some blank passports for vessels going to Procida with corn, &c. and also one for the courier boat.
To tell you, how dreary and uncomfortable the Vanguard appears, is only telling you, what it is to go from the pleasantest society to a solitary cell; or, from the dearest friends, to no friends. I am now perfectly the great man—not a creature near me. From my heart, I wish myself the little man again!
You, and good Sir William, have spoiled me for any place but with you. I love Mrs. Cadogan. You cannot conceive what I feel, when I call you all to my remembrance. Even to Mira, do not forget your faithful and affectionate
NELSON.
LETTER IV.
May 20, 1799.
MY DEAR LADY HAMILTON,
Many thanks to you and Sir William for your kind notes. You will believe I did not sleep much, with all my letters to read, &c. &c.
My letters from Lord St. Vincent are May 6th. He says—"We saw the Brest squadron pass us yesterday, under an easy sail. I am making every effort to get information to Lord Keith; who I have ordered here, to complete their water and provisions. I conjecture, the French squadron is bound for Malta and Alexandria, and the Spanish fleet for the attack of Minorca."
I must leave you to judge, whether the Earl will come to us. I think he will: but, entre nous, Mr. Duckworth means to leave me to my fate. I send you (under all circumstances) his letter. Never mind; if I can get my eleven sail together, they shall not hurt me.
God bless you, Sir William, and all our joint friends in your house; Noble, Gibbs, &c. and believe me ever, for ever, your affectionate friend,
NELSON.
LETTER V.
February 3, 1800.
MY DEAR LADY HAMILTON,
Having a Commander in Chief, I cannot come on shore till I have made my manners to him. Times are changed; but, if he does not come on shore directly, I will not wait.
In the mean time, I send Allen to inquire how you are. Send me word, for I am anxious to hear of you. It has been no fault of mine, that I have been so long absent. I cannot command; and, now, only obey.
Mr. Tyson, and the Consul, have not been able to find out the betrothed wife of the Priore; although they were three days in their inquiries, and desired the Neapolitan Consul to send to Pisa. I also desired the Russian Admiral, as he was going to Pisa, to inquire if the Countess Pouschkin had any letters to send to Palermo; but, as I received none, I take for granted she had none to send.
May God bless you, my dear Lady; and be assured, I ever am, and shall be, your obliged and affectionate
BRONTE NELSON.
LETTER VI.
Off La Valette, Feb. 20, 1800.
MY DEAR LADY HAMILTON,
Had you seen the Peer receive me, I know not what you would have done; but, I can guess. But never mind! I told him, that I had made a vow, if I took the Genereux by myself, it was my intention to strike my flag. To which he made no answer.
If I am well enough, I intend to write a letter to Prince Leopold, and to send him the French Admiral's flag; which I hope you will approve of, as it was taken on the coast of his father's kingdom, and by as faithful a subject as any in his dominions.
I have had no communication with the shore; therefore, have seen neither Ball, Troubridge, or Graham: nor with the Lion; when I have, I shall not forget all your messages, and little Jack. I only want to know your wishes, that I may, at least, appear grateful, by attending to them.
My head aches dreadfully, and I have none here to give me a moment's comfort.
I send the packet to General Acton; as I think it may go quicker, and he will be flattered by presenting the flag and letter to the Prince.
Malta, I think, will fall very soon, if these other corvettes do not get in.
Pray, make my best regards acceptable to Mrs. Cadogan, Miss Knight, little Mary Re Giovanni, Gibbs, &c. &c. and ever believe me your truly faithful and affectionate
BRONTE NELSON.
LETTER VII.
June 16, [1800.] Seven o'Clock.
MY DEAR LADY HAMILTON,
What a difference—but it was to be—from your house to a boat!
Fresh breeze of wind, the ship four or five leagues from the mole; getting on board into truly a hog-stye of a cabin, leaking like a sieve, consequently floating with water. What a change!
Not a felucca near us. I saw them come out this morning, but they think there is too much wind and swell.
Pray, do not keep the cutter; as I have not a thing, if any thing important should arrive, to send you.
Only think of Tyson's being left!
May God bless you, my dear Lady; and believe me, ever, your truly affectionate and sincere friend,
NELSON.
Lady Hamilton—Put the candlestick on my writing-table.
LETTER VIII.
January 28, 1801.
What a fool I was, my dear Lady Hamilton, to direct that your cheering letters should be directed for Brixham! I feel, this day, truly miserable, in not having them; and, I fear, they will not come till to-morrow's post.
What a blockhead, to believe any person is so active as myself! I have this day got my orders, to put myself under Lord St. Vincent's command: but, as no order is arrived to man the ship, it must be Friday night, or Saturday morning, before she can sail for Torbay. Direct my letters, now, to Brixham.
My eye is very bad. I have had the physician of the fleet to examine it.
He has directed me not to write, (and yet I am forced, this day, to write Lord Spencer, St. Vincent, Davison about my law-suit, Troubridge, Mr. Locker, &c. but you are the only female I write to;) not to eat any thing but the most simple food; not to touch wine or porter; to sit in a dark room; to have green shades for my eyes—(will you, my dear friend, make me one or two? Nobody else shall;)—and to bathe them in cold water every hour. I fear, it is the writing has brought on this complaint. My eye is like blood; and the film so extended, that I only see from the corner farthest from my nose. What a fuss about my complaints! But, being so far from my sincere friends, I have leisure to brood over them.
I have this moment seen Mrs. Thomson's friend. Poor fellow! he seems very uneasy and melancholy. He begs you to be kind to her; and I have assured him of your readiness to relieve the dear good woman: and believe me, for ever, my dear Lady, your faithful, attached, and affectionate,
NELSON & BRONTE.
I will try and write the Duke a line. My brother intended to have gone off to-morrow afternoon; but this half order may stop him.
LETTER IX.
San Josef, February 8th, 1801.
MY DEAR LADY,
Mr. Davison demands the privilege of carrying back an answer to your kind letter; and, I am sure, he will be very punctual in the delivery.
I am not in very good spirits; and, except that our country demands all our services and abilities, to bring about an honourable peace, nothing should prevent my being the bearer of my own letter. But, my dear friend, I know you are so true and loyal an Englishwoman, that you would hate those who would not stand forth in defence of our King, laws, religion, and all that is dear to us.
It is your sex that make us go forth; and seem to tell us—"None but the brave deserve the fair!" and, if we fall, we still live in the hearts of those females. You are dear to us. It is your sex that rewards us; it is your sex who cherish our memories; and you, my dear, honoured friend, are, believe me, the first, the best, of your sex.
I have been the world around, and in every corner of it, and never yet saw your equal, or even one which could be put in comparison with you. You know how to reward virtue, honour, and courage; and never to ask if it is placed in a Prince, Duke, Lord, or Peasant: and I hope, one day, to see you, in peace, before I set out for Bronte, which I am resolved to do.
Darby's is one of the ships sent out after the French squadron; I shall, therefore, give the print to Hardy. I think, they might come by the mail-coach, as a parcel, wrapped up round a stick; any print shop will give you one: and direct it as my letters. The coach stops, for parcels, at the White Bear, I believe, Piccadilly.
Pray, have you got any picture from Mrs. Head's? I hope, Mr. Brydon has executed the frames to your satisfaction; the bill, he is directed to send to me.
Only tell me, how I can be useful to you and Sir William; and believe, nothing could give me more pleasure: being, with the greatest truth, my dear Lady, your most obliged and affectionate friend,
NELSON & BRONTE.
I am told, the moment St. George arrives, that I am to be tumbled out of this ship; as the Ville de Paris is going to Plymouth, to be paid, and the Earl will hoist his flag here: and if I am as fortunate in getting a fresh-painted cabin, (which is probable) I shall be knocked up. At all events, I shall be made very uncomfortable by this hurry.
It has been very good, and friendly, of Mr. Davison, to travel upwards of two hundred miles, to make me a visit.
I rather think, the great Earl will not much like his not having called on him; but his manner of speaking of Mr. Davison, for his friendship to me, in the matter of the law-suit, Lord St. Vincent states to my solicitors as offensive to him. Why should it? only that Mr. Davison wishes that I should have justice done me, and not to be overpowered by weight of interest and money.
Once more, God bless you and Sir William.
N. & B.
Sir Isaac Heard has gazetted Troubridge's, Hood, &c.'s honours; but has not gazetted mine: and he has the King's orders for mine as much as the others.
LETTER X.
No 2. San Josef, February 16th, 1801.
MY DEAREST FRIEND,
Your letters have made me happy, to-day; and never again will I scold, unless you begin. Therefore, pray, never do; My confidence in you is firm as a rock. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
I cannot imagine, who can have stopped my Sunday's letter! That it has been, is clear: and the seal of the other has been clearly opened; but this might have happened from letters sticking together.
Your's all came safe; but the numbering of them will point out, directly, if one is missing. I do not think, that any thing very particular was in that letter which is lost.
Believe me, my dear friend, that Lady A. is as damned a w—— as ever lived, and Mrs. W—— is a bawd! Mrs. U—— a foolish pimp; eat up with pride, that a P—— will condescend to put her to expence. Only do as I do; and all will be well, and you will be every thing I wish.
I thank you for your kindness to poor dear Mrs. Thomson. I send her a note; as desired by her dear good friend, who doats on her.
I send you a few Lines, wrote in the late gale; which, I think, you will not disapprove.
How interesting your letters are! You cannot write too much, or be too particular.
* * * * *
Though ——'s polish'd verse superior shine,
Though sensibility grace every line;
Though her soft Muse be far above all praise.
And female tenderness inspire her lays:
Deign to receive, though unadorn'd
By the poetic art,
The rude expressions which bespeak
A Sailor's untaught heart!
A heart susceptible, sincere, and true;
A heart, by fate, and nature, torn in two:
One half, to duty and his country due;
The other, better half, to love and you!
Sooner shall Britain's sons resign
The empire of the sea;
Than Henry shall renounce his faith,
AND PLIGHTED VOWS, TO THEE!
And waves on wares shall cease to roll,
And tides forget to flow;
Ere thy true Henry's constant love,
Or ebb, or change, shall know.
The weather, thank God, is moderating.
I have just got a letter from the new Earl at the Admiralty, full of compliments. But nothing shall stop my law-suit, and I hope to cast him.
I trust, when I get to Spithead, there will be no difficulty in getting leave of absence.
The letters on service are so numerous, from three days interruption of the post, that I must conclude with assuring you, that I am, for ever, your attached, and unalterably your's,
NELSON & BRONTE.
I shall begin a letter at night.
LETTER XI.
[March 1801.]
You say, my Dearest Friend, why don't I put my Chief forward? He has put me in the front of the battle, and Nelson will be first. I could say more; but will not make you uneasy, knowing the firm friendship you have for me.
The St. George will stamp an additional ray of glory to England's fame, if Nelson survives; and that Almighty Providence, who has hitherto protected me in all dangers, and covered my head in the day of battle, will still, if it be his pleasure, support and assist me.
Keep me alive, in your and Sir William's remembrance. My last thoughts will be with you both, for you love and esteem me. I judge your hearts by my own.
May the Great God of Heaven protect and bless you and him! is the fervent prayer of your and Sir William's unalterable friend, till death.
LETTER XII.
Friday Night, Nine o'Clock.
St. George. [March 1801.]
Having, my truly Dearest Friend, got through a great deal of business, I am enabled to do justice to my private feelings; which are fixed, ever, on you, and about you, whenever the public service does not arrest my attention.
I have read all, all, your kind and affectionate letters: and have read them frequently over; and committed them to the flames, much against my inclination. There was one I rejoiced not to have read at the time. It was, where you consented to dine and sing with * * * *. Thank God, it was not so! I could not have borne it; and, now, less than ever. But, I now know, he never can dine with you; for, you would go out of the house sooner than suffer it: and, as to letting him hear you sing, I only hope he will be struck deaf, and you dumb, sooner than such a thing should happen! But, I know, it never now can.
You cannot think how my feelings are alive towards you; probably, more than ever: and they never can be diminished. My hearty endeavours shall not be wanting, to improve and to give US NEW ties of regard and affection.
I have seen, and talked much with, Mrs. Thomson's friend. The fellow seems to eat all my words, when I talk of her and his child! He says, he never can forget your goodness and kind affection to her and his dear, dear child. I have had, you know, the felicity of seeing it, and a finer child never was produced by any two persons. It was, in truth, a love-begotten child! I am determined to keep him on board; for, I know, if they got together, they would soon have another. But, after our two months trip, I hope, they will never be separated; and, then, let them do as they please.
We are all bustle and activity. I shall sail, on Monday, after your letter arrives. Troubridge will send it, as an Admiralty letter. On Tuesday I shall be in the Downs, if we have any wind; and Troubridge will send, under cover to Admiral Lutwidge.
It is not my intention to set my foot out of the ship, except to make my take-leave bow to Admiral Milbank. I have been much pressed to dine ashore: but, no; never, if I can help it, till I dine with you.
Eleven o'Clock.
Your dear letters just come on board. They are sympathetic with my own feelings; and, I trust, we shall soon meet, to part no more!
Monday, I shall be here for letters; Tuesday, at Deal. Recollect, I am, for ever, your's; aye, for ever, while life remains, your's, your's faithfully,
NELSON & BRONTE.
I charge my only friend to keep well, and think of her Nelson's glory.
I have written to Lord Eldon, the Chancellor, as my brother desired.
Pray, as you are going to buy a ticket for the Pigot diamond—buy the right number, or it will be money thrown away.
For ever, ever, your's, only your's.
Kindest regards to my dear Mrs. Thomson, and my God Child.
LETTER XIII.
Deal—[Shall be on board the Medusa before this letter go from the Downs]—July 31, 1801.
MY DEAREST EMMA,
Did not you get my letter from Sheerness on Thursday morning, telling you I was just setting off for Deal; as I have no letter from you of yesterday, only those of Wednesday, which went to Sheerness? It has been my damned blunder, and not your's; for which I am deservedly punished, by missing one of your dear letters. They are my comfort, joy, and delight.
My time is, truly, fully taken up, and my hand aches before night comes.
I got to bed, last night, at half past nine; but the hour was so unusual, that I heard the clock strike one. To say that I thought of you, would be nonsense; for, you are never out of my thoughts.
At this moment, I see no prospect of my getting to London; but, very soon, the business of my command will become so simple, that a child may direct it.
What rascals your post-chaise people must be! They have been paid
every thing. Captain Parker has one receipt for seven pounds odd, and
I am sure that every thing is paid; therefore, do not pay a farthing.
The cart-chaise I paid at Dartford.
You need not fear all the women in this world; for all others, except yourself, are pests to me. I know but one; for, who can be like my Emma? I am confident, you will do nothing which can hurt my feelings; and I will die by torture, sooner than do any thing which could offend you.
Give ten thousand kisses to my dear Horatia.
Yesterday, the subject turned on the cow-pox. A gentleman declared, that his child was inoculated with the cow-pox; and afterwards remained in a house where a child had the small-pox the natural way, and did not catch it. Therefore, here was a full trial with the cow-pox. The child is only feverish for two days; and only a slight inflammation of the arm takes place, instead of being all over scabs. But, do you what you please!
I did not get your newspapers; therefore, do not know what promise you allude to: but this I know, I have none made me.
The extension of the patent of peerage is going on; but the wording of my brother's note, they have wrote for a meaning to. The patent must be a new creation. First, to my father, if he outlives me; then to William, and his sons; then to Mrs. Bolton, and her sons; and Mrs. Matcham, and her's. Farther than that, I care not; it is far enough. But it may never get to any of them; for the old patent may extend by issue male of my own carcase: I am not so very old; and may marry again, a wife more suitable to my genius.
I like the Morning Chronicle.
Ever, for ever, your's, only your,
NELSON & BRONTE.
Best regards to Mrs. Nelson, the Duke, and Lord William.
I have totally failed for poor Madame Brueys.
Bonaparte's wife is one of Martinique, and some plan is supposed to be carried on.
LETTER XIV.
Sheerness, August 11th, 1801.
MY DEAREST EMMA,
I came from Harwich yesterday noon; not having set my foot on shore, although the Volunteers, &c. were drawn up to receive me, and the people ready to draw the carriage.
Parker had very near got all the honours; but I want none, but what my dear Emma confers. You have sense to discriminate whether they are deserved or no.
I came on shore; for my business lays with the Admiral, who lives in a ship hauled on shore, and the Commisioner. Slept at Coffin's: and, having done all that I can, am off for the Downs; to-day, if possible.
As far as September 14th, I am at the Admiralty's disposal; but, if Mr. Buonaparte do not chuse to send his miscreants before that time, my health will not bear me through equinoctial gales.
I wish that Sir William was returned; I would try and persuade him to come to either Deal, Dover, or Margate: for, thus cut off from the society of my dearest friends, 'tis but a life of sorrow and sadness. But, patienza per forza!
I hope you will get the house. If I buy, no person can say—this shall, or not, be altered; and, you shall have the whole arrangement.
Remember me most kindly to Mrs. Nelson, the Duke, and Lord William.
Write to me in the Downs.
May the Heavens bless and preserve you, for ever and ever! is the constant prayer of, my dear Emma, your most affectionate and faithful
NELSON & BRONTE.
The Mayor and Corporation of Sandwich, when they came on board to present me the freedom of that ancient town, requested me [to] dine with them. I put them off for the moment, but they would not be let off. Therefore, this business, dreadful to me, stands over, and I shall be attacked again when I get to the Downs. But I will not dine there, without you say, approve; nor, perhaps, then, if I can get off. Oh! how I hate to be stared at.
LETTER XV.
Deal, August 18th, 1801.
MY DEAREST EMMA,
Your dear, good, kind, and most affectionate letters, from Saturday to last night, are arrived, and I feel all you say; and may Heaven bless me, very soon, with a sight of your dear angelic face. You are a nonpareil! No, not one fit to wipe your shoes. I am, ever have been, and always will remain, your most firm, fixed, and unalterable friend.
I wish Sir William had come home a week ago, then I should have seen you here.
I have this morning been attending the funeral of two young Mids: a Mr. Gore, cousin of Capt. Gore, and a Mr. Bristow. One nineteen, the other seventeen years of age.
Last night, I was all the evening in the Hospital, seeing that all was done for the comfort of the poor fellows.
I am going on board; for nothing should keep me living on shore, without you were here. I shall come in the morning, to see Parker, and go on board again directly.
I shall be glad to see Oliver: I hope he will keep his tongue quiet, about the tea-kettle; for, I shall not give it till I leave the Medusa.
You ask me, what Troubridge wrote me? There was not a syllable about you in it. It was about my not coming to London; at the importance of which, I laughed: and, then, he said, he should never venture another opinion. On which, I said—"Then, I shall never give you one." This day, he has wrote a kind letter, and all is over.
I have, however, wrote him, in my letter of this day, as follows—viz. "And I am, this moment, as firmly of opinion as ever, that Lord St. Vincent, and yourself, should have allowed of my coming to town, for my own affairs; for, every one knows, I left it without a thought for myself."
I know, he likes to be with you: but, shall he have that felicity, and he deprive me of it? No; that he shall not!
But this business cannot last long, and I hope we shall have peace; and, I rather incline to that opinion. But the Devil should not get me out of the kingdom, without being some days with you.
I hope, my dear Emma, you will be able to find a house suited for my comfort. I am sure of being HAPPY, by your arrangements.
I have wrote a line to Troubridge, about Darby.
Parker will write you a line of thanks, if he is able. I trust in God, he will yet do well!
You ask me, my dear friend, if I am going on more expeditions? And, even if I was to forfeit your friendship, which is dearer to me than all the world, I can tell you nothing.
For, I go out; [if] I see the enemy, and can get at them, it is my duty: and you would naturally hate me, if I kept back one moment.
I long to pay them, for their tricks t'other day, the debt of a drubbing, which, surely, I'll pay: but when, where, or how, it is impossible, your own good sense must tell you, for me or mortal man to say.
I shall act not in a rash or hasty manner; that you may rely, and on which I give you my word of honour.
Just going off. Ever, for ever, your faithful
NELSON & BRONTE.
Every kind thing to Mrs. Nelson.
LETTER XVI.
Medusa, Downs, August 31st, 1801.
MY DEAR EMMA! DEAREST, BEST, FRIEND OF NELSON,
Sir William is arrived, and well; remember me kindly to him. I should have had the pleasure of seeing him, but for one of my lords and masters, TROUBRIDGE; therefore, I am sure, neither you or Sir William will feel obliged to him.
The weather is very bad, and I am very sea-sick. I cannot answer your letter, probably; but I am writing a line, to get on shore, if possible: indeed, I hardly expect that your letter can get afloat.
I entreat you, my dear friend, to work hard for me, and get the house and furniture; and I will be so happy to lend it to you and Sir William!
Therefore, if you was to take the Duke's house, a cake house, open to every body he pleases, you had better have a booth at once; you never could rest one moment quiet. Why did not the Duke assist Sir William, when he wanted his assistance? why not have saved you from the distress, which Sir William must every day feel, in knowing that his excellent wife sold her jewels to get a house for him; whilst his own relations, great as they are in the foolish world's eye, would have left a man of his respectability and age, to have lodged in the streets. Did the Duke, or any of them, give him a house then?
Forgive me! you know if any thing sticks in my throat, it must out. Sir William owes his life to you; which, I believe, he will never forget.
To return to the house—The furniture must be bought with it; and the sooner it is done, the better I shall like it.
Oh! how bad the weather is!
The devils, here, wanted to plague my soul out, yesterday, just after dinner; but I would have seen them damned, before they should have come in. The Countess Montmorris, Lady this, that, and t'other, came along-side, a Mr. Lubbock with them—to desire they might come in. I sent word, I was so busy that no persons could be admitted, as my time was employed in the King's service. Then they sent their names, which I cared not for: and sent Captain Gore, to say it was impossible; and that, if they wanted to see a ship, they had better go to the Overyssel (a sixty-four in the Downs.) They said, no; they wanted to see me. However, I was stout, and will not be shewn about like a beast! and away they went.
I believe, Captain Gore wishes me out of his ship; for the ladies admire him, I am told, very much: but, however, no Captain could be kinder to me than he is. These ladies, he told me afterwards, were his relations.
I have just got your letters; many thanks, for them! You do not say, in the end, Sir William is arrived.
I am glad, that you approve. You may rely, my dear friend, that I will not run any unnecessary risk! No more boat work, I promise you; but, ever, your attached and faithful
NELSON & BRONTE.
To the Duke, and Lord William, say every thing which is kind; and to
Mrs. Nelson.
I am so dreadfully sea-sick, that I cannot hold up my head!
LETTER XVII.
September 21st, [1801.]
Quarter past Ten o'Clock.
MY DEAR EMMA,
I wish you would send the letter to Mrs. Dod's, directly; for, otherwise, he may, inadvertently.
If done, and it comes to London, deliver some of the things. The wardrobe is her's; and if any of her clothes are at Mr. Dod's, they had better be separated from mine—and, indeed, what things are worth removing—to have them directly sent to Merton. A bed, or two, I believe, belong to my father; but, am not sure.
I send you Dr. Baird's comfortable note, this moment received.
You will [find] Parker is treated like an infant. Poor fellow! I trust, he will get well, and take possession of his room at the farm.
Ever your affectionate,
NELSON & BRONTE.
LETTER XVIII.
Amazon, September 26, 1801.
Eight o'Clock.
MY DEAREST EMMA,
Your kind letters came on board about six o'clock.
You may rely upon one thing, that I shall like Merton; therefore, do not be uneasy on that account. I have that opinion of your taste and judgment, that I do not believe it can fail in pleasing me. We must only consider our means; and, for the rest, I am sure, you will soon make it the prettiest place in the world.
I dare say, Mr. Hazelwood acted, like all lawyers, whose only consideration was for their client: but, I am sure, you will do, for me, all the civil things towards Mrs. Greaves.
If I can afford to buy the Duck Close, and the field adjoining, it would be pleasant; but, I fear, it is not in my power: but, I shall know, when my accounts are settled, at New Year's Day.
To be sure, we shall employ the trades-people of our village, in preference to any others, in what we want for common use, and give them every encouragement to be kind and attentive to us.
From my heart, do I wish that I was with you: and it cannot be long; for, to-day, I am far from well; violent head ache, and very cold; but, it may be agitation.
Whatever, my dear Emma, you do for my little charge, I must be pleased with. Probably, she will be lodged at Merton; at least, in the spring, when she can have the benefit of our walks. It will make the poor mother happy, I am sure.
I do not write to her to-day, as this goes through the Admiralty; but, tell her all I would say. You know my unchangeable thoughts about her.
I shall have the child christened, when I come up.
Have we a nice church at Merton? We will set an example of goodness to the under-parishioners.
Would to God, I was with you at Laleham. I shall never forget our happiness at that place.
Mr. Davison will pay Mrs. Nelson fifty pounds, October 1st. I dare say, Mr. Shakespeare has some orders about it.
I had, yesterday, a letter from my father; he seems to think, that he may do something which I shall not like. I suppose, he means, going to Somerset Street.
Shall I, to an old man, enter upon the detestable subject; it may shorten his days. But, I think, I shall tell him, that I cannot go to Somerset Street, to see him. But, I shall not write till I hear your opinion.
If I once begin, you know, it will all out, about her, and her ill-treatment to her son. But, you shall decide.
Our accounts of dear Parker, I fear, preclude all hopes of his recovery.
It was my intention to have gone ashore this morning, to have called on Admiral Lutwidge: but, the wind's coming fresh from the S.W. I have declined it; for, I doubt, if I could get off again.
At ten o'clock, with your letters, came off Dr. Baird's note, to say every hope was gone! I have desired, that his death should be sent, by telegraph, to the Admiralty. They will, surely, honour his memory, although they would not promote him.
What are our feelings, my dear Emma! but, we must cheer up: and, with best regards to Mrs. Nelson, believe me ever, for ever, your most affectionate,
NELSON & BRONTE.
Best regards to Sir William.
I send you the last report. Who knows!
LETTER XIX.
Amazon, October 8, 1801.
MY DEAREST FRIEND,
I do not expect, although I am writing, that any boat can communicate with us to-day.
What can be the use of keeping me here? for, I can know nothing such weather; and, what a change since yesterday! It came on, in one hour, from the water like a mill-head, to such a sea as to make me very unwell. If I had gone to make my visit, I could not have got off again. I rejoice that I did not go.
Until I leave the station, I have no desire to go on shore; for, Deal was always my abhorrence.
That Parker is a swindler. Langford owed our dear Parker twenty-five pounds, of which there was no account; but Langford desired his agents to pay Mr. Parker. Langford requested, that he would wait two or three months, as it would be more convenient to him. To which the other agreed—"Aye, as long as you please." He got one pound eleven shillings and sixpence from Samuel, by casting his account wrong. The first thing he does, is to desire Langford's agents to pay thirty-four pounds for Langford, nine pounds more than the debt. He is worse than a public thief. His conduct to me was, absolutely, the worst species of thieving; for, it was under false pretences. He sent Dr. Baird on board, to me, to say that, in London, his pocket book was stole, in which was twenty pounds; and begged my assistance to get him home; and that he had not a farthing to buy mourning for his dear son. At this time, he had forty-seven pounds in his pocket, besides what he had sold of his son's. He has behaved so unlike a gentleman, but very like a blackguard, to both Captain Sutton, Bedford, and Hardy, I am now clear that he never lost one farthing, and that the whole is a swindling trick. So, you see, my dear friend, how good-nature is imposed upon. I am so vexed, that he should have belonged to our dear Parker!