Copious as the above account of this action may seem, the following
affectionate letter of Sir Edward Berry, to Lord Nelson, relates so many
interesting particulars of the contest, not elsewhere mentioned, and is
so characteristically amiable, that it would be unpardonable to omit
such a valuable document.
"Foudroyant, at Sea,
Cape Passaro North by East Eight or Nine Leagues.
30th March 1800.
"MY VERY DEAR LORD,
"Had you been a partaker with me of the glory, every wish
would have been gratified. How very often I went into your cabin,
last night, to ask you if we were doing right; for, I had nothing
to act upon! I thought one ship had got out of La Valette, but I
did not know which. The Minorca hailed me, after I had slipped; and
said, Captain Blackwood _believed_ an enemy's ship had passed on
the starboard tack. The wind was south. I came aft, and considered
for two minutes; which determined me to stand on the starboard
tack, one point free. This was at three quarters past twelve. After
hearing guns on shore, and seeing rockets thrown up, the night
remarkably dark, could just carry single reefed topsails,
top-gallant sails, gib, and maintopmast staysails. At one, heard
guns to the eastward, saw false fires; then, some rockets. Put the
helm up; brought those rockets, and false fires, to bear two points
on the weather-bow; could then carry royal and top-gallant
stay-sails, and reefed fore top-mast studding-sail. Got her to go
ten and a half and eleven knots occasionally. Every now and then,
saw the flashes of guns; kept steering a steady course, east
north-east; set the lower studding-sail occasionally: frequently
obliged to take in the royal and top-gallant stay-sails. We gained
rapidly on the firing and rockets. Were convinced, at three
o'clock, there was a running fight, of some sort. Thought it never
would be day-light. Praying, earnestly, for you to fly on board. At
last, day-light came. Saw a ship, firing into a ship with the main
and mizen-topmast gone; and a ship going athwart her, firing. She
wore, and the Lion was to leeward. At this time, her running
rigging much cut, and appeared very ungovernable; firing,
occasionally, at the William Tell; which I was surprised to see was
not returned by the enemy, as they were within gun-shot. But it was
not long, ere I had good reason to know that a most tremendous
broadside was reserved for me. Began to shorten sail, hauled the
main-sail up, and had every gun loaded with three round shot. She
was on the larboard, I on the starboard, tack; I, therefore,
steered as if meaning to go to windward of her: but, determined to
go close to leeward, kept the weather leeches of the main and mizen
topsail lifting; and, at six, backed the main topsail, running as
close as possible, to avoid touching. I went on the gangway, and
desired the French admiral, who I distinctly saw, to strike; which
he answered, by brandishing his sword, and firing a musket at me;
and fired a most tremendous broadside in, of round, grape,
musketry, and langridge. The good effects of being so close, was
manifest. It was only our sails and rigging that suffered
considerably, as not one running rope was left. But, if what we
received was tremendous, our return was furious; and not to be
stood against, but by determined veterans. The obvious effects,
silenced his musketry; but not the great guns: though we could
distinctly hear the shot crash through and through her, and the
mainmast began to totter. Fortunately, I kept way on the
Foudroyant: and was, though with infinite difficulty, able to wear,
and give him as compleat a dose from the larboard as we had done
from the starboard side; and, down came his mainmast. The action
then continued, with great obstinacy. A man, in the heat of the
fire, nailed the French ensign on the stump of the mainmast. By
this time, our fore topmast was over the side, main topsail down,
yard shot away, mizen top-gallant mast and main-sail--indeed, every
sail--in tatters. The enemy's mizen-mast was gone; which enabled
him to wear, and draw ahead of us. His men were on deck, very
active in clearing away the wreck, regardless of the fire; and they
fixed a small French admiral's flag on the stump of the mizen mast,
over another ensign nailed there, which seemed to bid defiance to
us. At half past seven we had separated a little, our head to his
stern. The Lion gave him many broadsides; but he preferred firing
at us, when a gun would bear. I threw out the Penelope's pendants,
who had just raked the enemy, and got her within hail; and begged
that Blackwood would take me in tow, and get me once more close
along-side the William Tell: which he was in the act of
performing--for, when I watched a favourable moment to call the
people from the main-deck guns, and filled the main-sail, and
secured the mizen-mast; and, with a few rugs forward (the
sprit-sail yard, jib-boom, &c. being all shot away) got her before
the wind, and had the happiness to get once more close along-side
of her, the action then began again, with more obstinacy than
before. Our guns were admirably well served, and well directed,
crashing through and through her. At eight, I began to think they
were _determined_ to sink, rather than surrender; as she began to
settle in the water, till her fore-mast went over the side: when,
in a few minutes after, the gallant Decres struck, having four
hundred killed and wounded--so the prisoners report. I felt my
heart expand, when I took this brave man by the hand; happy to
find, he had survived so much honour. When you consider the
superiority of three ships--the Lion, Foudroyant, Penelope, and the
two brigs in company with the Strombolo; though the latter, of
course, did not act, but it carried the appearance of numbers: on
the other hand, the Lion was nothing to her, only three hundred
men; but that, the French admiral did not know. In short, it seems
as if he considered us his only _match_; and the happiness I have
experienced, in proving it, on this occasion, is a circumstance
that you, my friend, can participate in. They are feelings that are
familiar to you; I, happily, caught them from your lordship: and
let me beg of you, on this occasion, to accept my tribute of
gratitude. It is to you, I owe my success; and, by a strict
observance of your order, I arrived exactly in time. I sent
Lieutenant Bolton to take possession of the prize; but, as I had
great difficulty in floating one boat, Captain Blackwood's officer
got there before him. The admiral, of course, he carried to the
Lion, being the commodore; but, I hope, our officers will get
promoted for it. You will see, the letter I have written you on the
subject, is with a view of your inclosing it to Lord Spencer, if
you approve of it. You know how to distribute my best wishes and
regards to all your party; and that I am, my very dear lord, your
affectionate, and faithful,
"E. Berry.
"No accident by powder, but one bad cartridge, which did not
communicate with any other. Performed divine service, at two, and
returned thanks to Almighty God for the victory. I only write about
this ship; having nothing to say officially, from our idea it would
be wrong."
On the 8th, Lord Nelson wrote, officially, to Lord Keith, the following
letter, relative to this happy event.
"Palermo, 8th April 1800.
"MY LORD,
"I have the happiness to send you a copy of Captain Dixon's letter
to Commodore Sir Thomas Troubridge, informing him of the capture of
the William Tell. The circumstances attending this glorious finish
to the whole French Mediterranean fleet, are such as must ever
reflect the highest honour to all concerned in it. The attention of
the commodore, in placing officers and men to attend the movements
of the French ships, and the exactness with which his orders were
executed, are a proof that the same vigour of mind remains,
although the body, I am truly sorry to say, is almost worn away.
Then come the alacrity of the Vincejo, Captain Long, and other
sloops of war. The gallantry and excellent management of Captain
Blackwood, of the Penelope frigate: who, by carrying away the
enemy's main and mizen topmasts, enabled the Lion to get up; when
Captain Dixon shewed the greatest courage, and officer-like
conduct, in placing his ship on the enemy's bow, as she had only
three hundred men on board, and the enemy one thousand two hundred
and twenty. The conduct of these excellent officers enabled Sir
Edward Berry to place the Foudroyant where she ought, and is the
fittest ship in the world, to be--close along-side the William
Tell; one of the largest and finest two-decked ships in the world:
where he shewed that matchless intrepidity, and able conduct, as a
seaman and officer, which I have often had the happiness to
experience, in many trying situations. I thank God, I was not
present; for it would finish me, could I have taken a sprig of
these brave men's laurels. They are, and I glory in them, my
darling children; served in my school; and all of us caught our
professional zeal and fire, from the great and good Earl of St.
Vincent!
"I am confident, your lordship will bestow the promotion in the
properest manner; therefore, I have done nothing in that respect:
and, on this occasion, I only beg leave to mention, that Governor
Ball would be much flattered by the command of the William Tell;
and Captain Ormsby, a volunteer in the Penelope, would be happy in
filling her for him, during his very necessary attendance at Malta;
and, in complying with their request, your lordship will highly
oblige your most obedient servant,
"Bronte Nelson of the Nile.
"Right Honourable Lord Keith, K.B. &c."
His lordship also wrote, this day, to Earl Spencer, the following very
feeling letter.
"Palermo, 8th April 1800.
"MY DEAR LORD,
"I send you Sir Edward Berry's letter, and am sure your lordship
will not be sparing of promotion to the deserving. My friends
wished me to be present. I have no such wish; for a something might
have been given me, which now cannot. Not for all the world, would
I rob any man of a sprig of laurel; much less, my children of the
Foudroyant! I love her, as a fond father a darling child, and glory
in her deeds. I am vain enough to feel the effects of my school.
Lord Keith sending me nothing, I have not, of course, a free
communication. I have wrote to him, for permission to return to
England, when you will see a brokenhearted man! My spirit cannot
submit, patiently. My complaint, which is principally a swelling of
the heart, is at times alarming to my friends; but not to, my dear
lord, your obliged and faithful
Bronte Nelson of the Nile.
"If I may again say it--what would I feel, if my brother was a
commissioner of the navy; for ever, grateful!"
"Earl Spencer."
The effect of this agreeable event on Lord Nelson's spirits, had it been
followed by other pleasing circumstances, might possibly have recruited
his lordship's health; but a long succession of felicity, was what he
never on earth enjoyed. In a few days, without any previous notice, his
friend Sir William Hamilton was suddenly superseded by the arrival of
Mr. Arthur Paget, as himself had recently been by Lord Keith. This
circumstance effectually determined him immediately to quit the station.
Resolved not to begin either with new men, or new measures, Mr. Paget
had no sooner delivered his credentials, than his lordship, though still
much indisposed, immediately sailed for Malta; with hopes of getting
that business also brought to a conclusion before his return home. Sir
William and Lady Hamilton accompanied his lordship on this occasion;
having agreed, that they would afterwards proceed to England together.
The Queen of Naples, it may be presumed, was greatly affected at thus
beholding the cherished friends of herself, her family, and country,
suddenly torn away from situations which they had filled with so much
honour to themselves, and with such advantage to the interests of the
two allied sovereigns. Nor could the good sense of the king fail to feel
some apprehensions, that a change might prove for the worst, which was
not possible to be for the better; though his envious ministers are
supposed to have inspired him with flattering hopes, which he was never
afterwards happy enough to see realized. Her majesty, indeed, felt such
alarm, even for the safety of the country, under any other protectors
than those whose abilities, zeal, and fidelity, had been so long and so
beneficially experienced, that she determined to take her three
daughters, with her son Prince Leopold, to their sister, the empress, at
Vienna; and, accordingly, while her estimable friends were gone to
Malta, the queen was making preparations for accompanying them, in their
way to England, as far as that imperial city.
At the time of Lord Nelson's first conveying the King and Queen of
Naples to Palermo, three Spanish ships had taken refuge in that port;
two of them most immensely rich, being laden with quicksilver for the
use of the South American mines, and the third a man of war to protect
them. There, however, from the period of his lordship's arrival, they
had continued snugly to remain; appearing rather disposed to rot in the
mole, than venture out to sea with a certainty of being captured. The
Spanish commander was no stranger to Lord Nelson's circumspection; who,
it will be readily imagined, was often observed to cast a longing eye on
such desirable booty: and his lordship's good-humoured remarks on the
excessive politeness of the fearful Spaniard, whenever they met, were
highly diverting to his friends. About the 20th of April, however, just
before his lordship sailed for Palermo, some strong indications had been
manifested, of a design in these ships to attempt getting off. He had,
therefore, instantly, sent judicious instructions for intercepting them
to the squadron at Minorca, as well as ordered express-boats on the spot
to be sent in all directions with the necessary information for their
being pursued, and had consequently little doubt that they must be
immediately captured, should they happily venture to depart.
Lord Nelson, and his friends, on arriving at Malta, were received with
the most rapturous joy. The flag of Le Guillaume Tell was presented to
his lordship, by the gallant captors; with a kindly affectionate
address, on thus delivering the trophy which marked the completion of
his glorious triumph over every French ship which had been encountered
at the battle off the Nile: and the grand illuminations which took
place, on visiting Governor Ball's villa at St. Antonia, where his
lordship and friends remained two days, so greatly alarmed the French,
who were unable to penetrate the cause, that they attempted to make a
sortie, but were instantly driven back.
About the 8th of May, amidst these pleasing attentions of his gallant
brethren in arms, and the grateful inhabitants who owed so much to his
lordship's protecting influence, he received letters from England which
filled him with extreme concern. He learned, by these, that his noble
friend, the Earl of St. Vincent--who had accepted a challenge sent by
Sir John Orde, immediately after his return home, for having appointed
his lordship, instead of himself, the senior officer, to the command of
the squadron which had so successfully destroyed the French fleet; an
intended duel, happily prevented by the interposition of the law, and
the still stronger efficacy, it is said, of a positive royal
injunction--now made a claim to prize-money, as commander in chief,
after having quitted the Mediterranean station on account of ill health.
His lordship, who always felt warmly, vehemently protested against the
admission of this claim, in a powerful protest, addressed to his
confidential friend, Mr. Davison. It is to be lamented that this
unfortunate affair, which was afterwards litigated, and finally decided
against the earl, should have in any degree abated that ardent
friendship which had, so much to their reciprocal honour and advantage,
as well as to the benefit and glory of their country, heretofore
subsisted between the two first naval heroes in the world!
Information, it appears, had reached Lord Keith, so long since as the
beginning of April, respecting the intention of these Spanish ships at
Palermo: for Lord Nelson, in a letter dated on board the Foudroyant, at
Malta, 10th May 1800, observes that he has received his lordship's
intelligence from Mahon, of the 3d of April, on that subject, which is
perfectly correct; and had already ordered that, in case of their
preparing to leave the port, express-boats should be sent in all
directions with the necessary information for their being pursued, as
well as written to Mahon on the occasion. These ships, however, it may
be proper here to remark, though they could not elude the vigilance of
Lord Nelson, who had narrowly watched them for upwards of seventeen
months, certainly effected their escape from Palermo, very shortly after
his departure; and, to his lordship's infinite mortification and regret,
arrived safely in Spain, long before he reached England.
After remaining about a month at Malta, and being fully convinced, from
the arrangements then made, that it must soon fall, his lordship
returned to Palermo; as, notwithstanding his earnest wishes for the
possession of that important island, he did not chuse to be present at
the time of it's actual surrender, lest his friend Ball should thus lose
the chief honour of the conquest. Besides concerting plans for the
speedy reduction of this island, his lordship, during his stay there,
was busily engaged in politely closing his numerous public
correspondences with the allied powers, the Barbary states, and the
respective British envoys, &c. at the various courts.
On arriving at Palermo, the latter end of May, every preparation was
made, by his lordship, and Sir William and Lady Hamilton, for
immediately going to England. One of the chief objects of his lordship's
attention, had been to promote, by all possible means, the general and
individual prosperity of Bronte; by enriching the country with the
improvements of agriculture, and preserving the people from oppression.
He selected, with this view, a governor, of unimpeachable honour, and of
uncommon abilities in directing agricultural operations. The name of
this gentleman was Graffer; and he had, already, for some time, acted in
that capacity, highly to the satisfaction of his lordship. The following
letter to Sir John Acton, occasioned by some interesting communications
from Mr. Graffer, not only affords a satisfactory proof of that
gentleman's integrity, but a fine picture of his lordship's ever anxious
regard to the comfort of those who had claims on his powerful and benign
protection.
"Palermo, 2d June 1800.
"SIR,
My object, at Bronte, is to make the people happy, by not suffering
them to be oppressed; and to enrich the country, by the
improvements of agriculture. For these reasons, I selected Mr.
Graffer, as a proper person for governor; as his character for
honesty is unimpeachable, and his abilities as an agriculturist
undeniable: and yet, it would appear, that there are persons who
wish, for certain reasons, to lessen the king's most magnificent
gift to me; and, also, to make the inhabitants of that country more
miserable than they were before the estate came into my possession.
Several people who have hired farms, on the contract of not letting
them to what we in England call middle-men, have already done so;
and I am told, that I either have been, or am to be, induced to
consent that a superior, or rather that all Bronte causes, should
be tried at Palermo. Now, as this is a measure so repugnant to
justice, and which must heap ruin on those it is my wish to render
happy, I intreat that, except such causes as the present laws of
Sicily oblige to resort to some superior court, it may never be
imagined that I will consent to do an unjust act. It is possible,
from my not reading Italian, that I may sign a very improper
paper--(which God forbid!)--if men in whom I place confidence lay
it before me for my signature. In his majesty's most gracious gift
of Bronte, has been omitted the word Fragilé a farm belonging to
me. The reasons of this omission are, I fear, too clear; and, at a
future day, I may lose it, and his majesty not retain it. These
are, in brief, the letters of Mr. Graffer. I have, therefore, by
his desire, to request his majesty to grant me the following
favours--First, that the farm of Fragilé may be inserted in the
patent; secondly, that a billet-royale may be granted, to annul the
present contract of the feuds of St. Andrea and Porticella. I send
your excellency copies and extracts of Mr. Graffer's letters, which
prove him an honest and upright man. In arranging these matters for
me, it will be an additional obligation conferred upon your
excellency's most obedient and obliged
"Bronte Nelson of the Nile."
These requests were readily granted by his Sicilian Majesty; who had,
this morning, transmitted his lordship the statutes of the order of St.
Ferdinando, accompanied by such expressions of kindness as made the most
sensible impression on his lordship's mind, and filled his heart--to use
his own phrase--with affection, pleasure, and gratitude. Under these
impressions, our hero was desirous of presenting a gold medal to the
king, as a small but sincere testimonial of his esteem and regard; he
sent one, therefore, accompanied by the following letter.
Palermo, 2d June 1800.
"SIRE,
"The Almighty, who granted to my legitimate sovereign's arms the
battle of the Nile, impressed your majesty with a favourable
opinion of me; which has led your royal heart to grant me the most
distinguished honours, and a fortune which I never had an idea of
expecting. I presume, therefore, to request that your majesty will
permit to lay on your table a gold medal, highly flattering to your
majesty's devoted and faithful
"Bronte Nelson of the Nile."
"His Sacred Majesty, the King of the Two Sicilies."
His lordship had intended to quit Palermo on the 4th of June; but, owing
to disagreeable news from Vienna, respecting the successes of the
French, the queen waited a few days longer. On the 8th, however, her
majesty, with the three princesses, and Prince Leopold; Sir William and
Lady Hamilton; Prince Castelcicala, who was going to England on a
special mission; and a numerous train of royal attendants, &c. were
embarked on board the Foudroyant and Alexander, which immediately
proceeded to Leghorn. After a quick but tempestuous passage, during
which his lordship was so extremely ill as to be at one time considered
in a very dangerous state, they arrived in Leghorn Roads on Saturday
evening, the 14th of June; with so fresh a gale from the west, that the
ships had sometimes gone more than eleven miles an hour. The weather
continuing bad, they were unable to land till the 16th; when Lord Nelson
steered his launch, which conveyed the queen and royal family on shore,
where they were received with all possible honours. The Governor of
Leghorn first conducted his illustrious guests to the cadethral; and
afterwards to the palace, where the queen and royal family took up
their temporary residence, while Lord Nelson and his friends were
accommodated at the British consul's. Intelligence of the unfortunate
defeat of the Austrians having just arrived, the queen was prevented
from pursuing her journey by land, as had been originally intended; and
Lord Nelson, and his friends Sir William and Lady Hamilton, were pledged
not to quit the royal family till they should be in perfect security.
The Queen of Naples, on landing safely at Leghorn, presented our hero
with a rich picture of the king; at the back of which were the initials
of her own name in diamonds, inclosed with branches of oak and laurel
intertwining each other, composed of diamonds and emeralds. Sir William
Hamilton, at the same time, received the gift of a gold snuff-box, with
a picture of the king and queen set round with diamonds; and Lady
Hamilton a most superb diamond necklace, with cyphers of all the royal
children's names, ornamented by their respective hair: the queen
observing, that she considered herself as indebted to her ladyship for
the safety of them all, by having been the means of enabling Lord Nelson
to fight the glorious battle off the Nile, and thus become their
protector. In writing to Sir John Acton, from Leghorn, his lordship
says, after mentioning the queen's agitation, on account of the
unfavourable news--"Your excellency will assure his majesty, in which
join Sir William and Lady Hamilton, that nothing shall make us quit the
queen and royal family, until _all is safe_. and their future plans are
_perfectly_ and securely settled. On every occasion," adds his lordship,
"I only wish for opportunities of proving to their majesties my desire
to shew my gratitude for the numerous favours, honours, and magnificent
presents, they have heaped upon me." Lord Nelson now first heard of the
attempt on our sovereign's life, by Hatfield, the lunatic, who fired a
pistol at the king from the pit of Drury Lane Theatre, on the 15th of
May 1800. "The Queen of Naples," says his lordship, writing to Lord
Keith, on the 18th of June, "waits here, with impatience, news from the
armies; for, if the French beat, I have only to return with my sacred
charge: but, a very few days must decide the question. What a sad
thing," feelingly exclaims our hero, "was the attempt on our good king's
life! But, from what I hear, it was not a plan of any Jacobin party, but
the affair of a madman."
After remaining about a month at Leghorn, his lordship was called early
out of bed, one morning, by a message from the palace, informing him of
an insurrection of the people. The French army being then at Lucca, only
twenty-four miles distant, the populace had assembled in great force,
with arms snatched from the arsenal, and expressed their determination
to secure the queen and royal family, for the purpose of detaining Lord
Nelson also; as they knew, they said, that he would not depart without
her majesty, and they wanted him to lead them against the French, whom
they were resolved to attack under the command of the invincible hero.
It was with the utmost difficulty, that his lordship, with Sir William
and Lady Hamilton, could force their way to the palace, through the
assembled multitude; where the queen, and royal offspring, appeared in a
balcony, anxious for the approach of their friends and protectors. Lady
Hamilton, however, had the address to gain over one of the ringleaders;
by assuring him that Lord Nelson was their friend, and wished to deliver
his sentiments as soon as he could reach the palace, where the queen
waited his arrival. Having, at length, by this man's assistance,
penetrated to the balcony of the palace, Lady Hamilton, at the request
of Lord Nelson, who was unable to speak the Italian language, addressed
the populace in his lordship's name. Her ladyship began, accordingly, by
remonstrating on the impropriety of thus violently surrounding an
amiable and illustrious queen, and her royal offspring, whose powerful
and sovereign protector was in a distant country, with weapons of war in
their hands; and positively declared, that his lordship would not hold
the smallest communication with them, unless every man demonstrated the
rectitude of his intentions, by immediately returning his arms to the
public arsenal. This was attended with all the desired effect: the
insurgents signified their acquiescence, by repeated shouts of
approbation; and instantly proceeded to deposit their arms in the place
from whence they had been so indiscreetly taken. The queen, and royal
family, in the mean time, being exceedingly terrified, retreated on
board the Alexander; from whence they landed in the night, and set off
for Florence, distant sixty-two miles, in their way to Ancona. His
lordship, and friends, followed next morning; the whole forming a train
of fourteen carriages, and three large baggage-waggons.
After remaining two days at Florence, where they also received the most
respectful attentions, they proceeded to Ancona, a journey of about four
days. Here they continued nearly a fortnight; and then embarked, in two
Russian frigates, for Trieste. After a voyage of four or five days, in
very boisterous weather, they arrived there on the 1st of August 1800;
being the second anniversary of his lordship's glorious victory off the
Nile.
At this, as well as every other place, they were received with universal
rejoicings, and experienced every mark of honour; but the queen and Sir
William Hamilton had both caught violent colds on board the Russian
ship, followed by a dangerous degree of fever, which confined them
upwards of a fortnight, and considerably alarmed their friends. From
Trieste, the queen, immediately on her recovery, departed for Vienna:
and Lord Nelson, with Sir William and Lady Hamilton, two days
afterwards; accompanied by Mr. Anderson, the British vice-consul, who
offered his services in conducting them thither, being perfectly
familiar with that particular route, through the provinces of Carniola,
Carinthia, Stiria, and into Austria.
His lordship, and friends, having travelled to Vienna, in about a week
from the time of leaving Trieste, were privately introduced to their
imperial majesties, by the Queen of Naples, who had arrived two days
before them. The empress afterwards held a grand circle, to receive her
royal mother publicly: when Lord Nelson, and Sir William Hamilton, were
also publicly presented by their friend Lord Minto, the British
ambassador; and Lady Hamilton, by Lady Minto. On the day after Lord
Nelson's arrival, the party having intended to quit Vienna almost
immediately, and none of them understanding the German language, Mr.
Oliver, an English linguist residing in that city, was engaged by his
lordship, to act as confidential secretary and interpreter, and
accompany them to England; this gentleman having been long known to Sir
William Hamilton, who had many years before recommended him to be
employed, occasionally, by the King of Naples, in procuring carriages,
horses, curious animals, and various other articles of pleasure and
amusement, from London. The very flattering attentions universally paid
to Lord Nelson and his friends, added to the slow recovery of Sir
William from the consequences of his recent indisposition, and the
unwillingness which they all felt to accelerate their affecting
separation from the good queen, detained them in the fascinations of
this charming city six weeks. So attractive was our hero, wherever he
went, that his presence drew all the best company thither: and the
proprietors of the several theatres, alarmed at his lordship's confining
himself, for a few nights, to one of them in particular, protested all
the rest were deserted; and that they should be entirely ruined, unless
he kindly condescended to visit them by turns, which he accordingly
promised, and faithfully performed. The journey, which had proved too
fatiguing for his friend, Sir William Hamilton, seems to have nearly
restored our hero to perfect health; who, on his first arrival at
Leghorn, had been so extremely indisposed, as to be four days out of
seven confined to his bed. In truth, besides the salutary changes of
air, in the different climates thus rapidly passed, from the excessive
enervating heats and sultry breezes of Italy, to the corroborating cool
temperature of the Austrian refreshing gales; his lordship's ever active
mind felt now not only delivered from the thraldom of a controuled and
perplexed command, but was invigorated by the boundless admiration he
beheld, at each stage of his progress, and through every varying country
which he travelled, affectionately and respectfully tendered to it's
indubitable and transcendent worth: even the barriers, like our
turnpikes, were all thrown open on his approach, and the whole company,
sanctioned by the hero's presence, permitted gratuitously to pass. Such
public testimonies of universal esteem, could not fail to exhilarate his
heart, and fortify it against the depressive influence of any deficient
kindness where he felt himself still more entitled to receive it. To
enumerate all the instances of affectionate respect which his lordship
and friends experienced while at Vienna, would be quite an impracticable
task. Some of them, however, must by no means be omitted.
The Prince and Princess of Esterhazy invited them to their delightful
palace at Eisenstadt, one of the frontier towns of Hungary, about forty
miles from Vienna. Here they were entertained, for four days, with the
most magnificent and even sovereign state. A hundred grenadiers, none of
them under six feet in height, constantly waited at table, where every
delicacy was sumptuously served up in profusion: a grand concert, too,
was given in the chapel-royal, under the direction of the chief
musician, the celebrated Haydn; whose famous piece, called the Creation,
was performed on this occasion, in a stile worthy of that admirable
composer, and particularly gratifying to those distinguished amateurs of
musical science, Sir William Hamilton and his most accomplished lady.
The prince and princess had, a few years before, during a residence of
several months at Naples, received such polite attentions from, and been
so splendidly entertained by, Sir William and his lady, that they
repeatedly promised to evince their gratitude, should the opportunity
ever offer; which now happily occurred, and was nobly embraced, to the
extreme gratification of all parties.
The Archduke Albert, the emperors uncle, formerly Governor of the Low
Countries, gave a grand dinner to his lordship and friends, at the Au
Gardens, near Vienna: which was likewise honoured with the presence of
the Elector of Cologne, another uncle of his imperial majesty; the
Prince of Wirtemberg; his brother, the Governor of Vienna; all the
foreign ministers; and about fifty other persons of the first nobility.
An aquatic fête was also given by the Count Bathiani, on the Danube,
within a mile of Vienna; where Lord Nelson was particularly invited to
see some experiments made with a very large vessel, which had been
projected and constructed by the count, having machinery for working it
up against the powerful stream of that rapid torrent. This vessel had
been so splendidly prepared for the reception of the illustrious guests,
that it would not have disgraced a congress of sovereigns. The party
were served with coffee, fruits, cakes, ices, &c. in the utmost
profusion, and were much pleased with their entertainment; but his
lordship did not appear to consider the count's plan, though
prodigiously ingenious, as likely to answer the intended purpose. The
pleasure of the day was considerably enhanced, by their having
previously formed a fishing-party, and dined on what they caught by
angling, which was Sir William Hamilton's favourite diversion, at
Bridgid Au, near the Au Gardens; two long-boats having conveyed the
company to that charming place, with an excellent band of music.
Arnstein, too, the banker, at Vienna, a most opulent, liberal,
munificent, and benevolent Jew, whose family may be considered as the
Goldsmids of Germany, gave a grand concert, and splendid supper, to his
lordship and friends; at which all the foreign ministers and principal
nobility were present.
Though the Queen of Naples insisted on defraying all sorts of expences
incurred by his lordship and friends during their stay at Vienna,
whither they had so handsomely escorted her--and who had, accordingly,
every thing prepared for them at the palace, and regularly sent--they
constantly purchased, without her majesty's knowledge, whatever they
might happen to want. Mr. Oliver, being one day informed that the
Champagne was nearly exhausted, went immediately in search of a fresh
stock. It being a prohibited article at Vienna, the merchant whom he
applied to, observed that he did not sell it. Mr. Oliver then asked,
where he could procure some, as he feared his lordship would have none
at table. "What!" said the merchant, "do you want it for the great Lord
Nelson?" On being answered in the affirmative, he immediately
replied--"Then you shall take as much as you like; for, no man on earth
is more welcome to any thing I have." Mr. Oliver took only two bottles,
as the owner positively refused to receive any money from his lordship;
who, with his usual benignity of heart, on being informed of this
generous act, immediately invited the merchant to dine with him next
day.
At the earnest request of the Queen of Naples, their departure from
Vienna had been put off for several days; when it could no longer be
protracted, this dreaded separation took place at the imperial palace
of Schoenbrun, situated on the river Wien, which gives name to the city
of Vienna, from whence the palace is only two miles distant. The queen
was prodigiously affected, and earnestly intreated Lady Hamilton to
return with her to Naples. Sir William, too, her majesty remarked, when
he had transacted his business in England, whither he was for that
purpose accompanying his illustrious friend, would find the soft climate
of Italy far more congenial to his constitution than the damp atmosphere
of his own native country. Neither Sir William, nor his lady, however,
could listen to any arrangement which must subject them to even a
temporary separation from each other. Their domestic happiness,
notwithstanding the very considerable disparity of age, was ever most
exemplary; and it seems probable, that the amiable demeanour of Lady
Hamilton, whose tender regard for Sir William could not fail to excite
the admiration of every virtuous visitor, first gave birth to that
ardent friendship by which Lord Nelson unquestionably felt himself
attached to her ladyship. When the Queen of Naples found, that nothing
could induce Sir William to leave his lady behind, her majesty
immediately wrote an instrument, appointing Lady Hamilton to receive,
for her eminent services, an annuity of one thousand pounds a year.
This, however, Sir William positively objected to her ladyship's
accepting. He maintained, that he could not suffer his lady to take it,
without subjecting them both to unmerited suspicions at home; and her
ladyship, impressed with similar sentiments, instantly tore the paper
in pieces. The Queen of Naples, however, persisting in her desire to
promote, if possible, the interests of her estimable and beloved
friends, now penned an elegant epistle to her Britannic majesty, in
which she is said to have recommended Sir William and Lady Hamilton as
worthy of receiving every possible honour.
The travelling party, who proceeded from Vienna, on the 26th of
September 1800, with Lord Nelson, and Sir William and Lady Hamilton,
including domestics, consisted of seventeen persons. The Archduke
Charles had written to his aunt, the Queen of Naples, soon after her
arrival, intreating that Lord Nelson might be requested to visit him at
Prague, in the way to Dresden; being himself so extremely ill, that he
was unable to pay the British hero his respects at Vienna, as had been
his most earnest wish. His lordship, accordingly, on arriving at Prague,
the capital of Bohemia, had an immediate interview with that great
military hero. He was accompanied, as usual, by his friends Sir William
and Lady Hamilton, to the palace; and was so delighted with the
archduke, that he said, when he got into the carriage, returning to
their hotel--"This is a man after my own heart!" The next day, being the
anniversary of our hero's birth, Michaelmas-day 1800, the Archduke
Charles gave a grand entertainment; verses written for the occasion were
published in the newspapers; and the whole city was illuminated. Sir
William Hamilton politely remarked, at this festival, with one of these
two renowned heroes on each side of him, that he had then the honour to
be between the greatest naval and the greatest military character in
Europe.
On the following day, Lord Nelson departed for Dresden, the capital of
Saxony; and, after a few stages, quitting the direct road, turned off
towards the Upper Elbe, for the purpose of embarking at Leitmeritz, and
proceeding down that celebrated river: a circuitous but agreeable route,
to which his lordship had been recommended, that he might escape the
rough and dangerous passes, and stoney roads, of the dreadful mountain
and limitropic barrier of Peterswald, which extends to within two stages
of Dresden. His lordship was much amused by this freshwater voyage; and
viewed with delight the stupendous rocks of basaltes through which the
Elbe here securely wound it's way, amidst scenes of such impressive
grandeur. In two days they reached Dresden, and took up their residence
at the Great Hotel: where they were immediately visited by Mr. Elliot,
the British minister; who is a brother of Lord Minto, our hero's early,
great, and invariable, friend. Prince Xavier, the Elector of Saxony's
brother, came also, the same day, to pay his grateful respects to Sir
William and Lady Hamilton, in return for their polite attentions to his
highness while at Naples, where he had been for two months entertained
by their excellencies; as well as to be introduced to our immortal hero,
whom he was induced emphatically to denominate, on this occasion, "_the
Glory of the World_."
A message having been sent, from the elector, that the celebrated
Dresden Gallery would be open for the inspection of his lordship and
friends, Sir William's love of the arts soon led them thither; and the
ladies of the electoral court, who had given orders to be informed when
they should arrive, contrived to gratify their curiosity, by thus
gaining a sight of our hero, previously to his public introduction. The
party remained eight days at Dresden, while two gondolas were fitted up
with chambers, and other conveniences, to convey them to Hamburgh;
having a small boat attached to one of them, for the purpose of sending
occasionally on shore. During the time of making these preparations,
there was a grand entertainment given to them at court; they visited all
public places; and accepted invitations to dine with the different
foreign ministers.
The company having embarked with the English coach, baggage, and eleven
male and female servants, they quitted Dresden, and proceeded to
Magdeburg. At every place where they touched, assembled crowds lined the
shore; all so anxious to see the British hero, that they are said to
have remained, in many different stations, two or three days and nights,
purposely to behold him pass. At Magdeburg, where they landed, and
remained one whole day, the King of Prussia had ordered a guard of
honour to attend his lordship. The curiosity of the crowd was here so
great, that the master of the hotel where the party were entertained,
gained no inconsiderable sum of money, by permitting the people to
mount a ladder, which enabled them to view the hero and his friends
through a small window. On leaving Magdeburg, in the evening, they were
still more numerously attended than they had been at landing, in the
morning; and the multitude testified their delight, by every customary
expression of joy.
Lord Nelson, who had never, till this journey, experienced the pleasures
of travelling by any inland navigation, was anxious to behold, and
inquisitive to know, every thing. When night came on, his lordship and
Sir William Hamilton often amused themselves, by playing together their
favourite game of cribbage: and, not unfrequently, while passing down
this river, was the hero's busy mind actively employed in forming new
plans for future naval attacks; the operations of which, he fully
demonstrated to his admiring friends, by instantaneously sketching rough
and hasty illustrations of his ideas, must necessarily prove so
decisively successful, that the affair off the Nile, the hero
maintained, would hereafter be considered as nothing. Mr. Oliver, his
lordship's confidential secretary and interpreter, who had, during the
whole of this voyage, been occasionally dispatched on shore with a
servant, in the small boat rowed by two men, was landed within two
stages of Hamburgh, to take a post-carriage; announce their approach;
and prepare the apartments for their reception, which had been hired by
the British consul: and, on the twelfth day after quitting Dresden, the
party arrived safely at Hamburgh, where they were greeted with the most
rapturous rejoicings.
The people of all descriptions, in this motley city, hailed our hero
with the most perfect unity of sentiment; and, at the theatres, and
other public places, even the hat with the Gallic tri-coloured cockade
of republicanism was waved with exultation and applause, on beholding
the chief champion of royalty and prime protector of kings. Such was the
acknowledged glory of all his public actions, and such the universal
sense of respect for the various known virtues of his private character,
that every good and great mind aspired to claim for itself the privilege
of regarding him as a brother. The honours which his lordship here
received were greater, perhaps, than had ever been before paid to any
individual by the joyful inhabitants of this then free commercial city.
The grand governing bodies, every illustrious personage, and all the
most opulent merchants, vied with each other in testifying the happiness
they felt on thus having the first hero of the world among them.
At a grand fête given by the English merchants to Lord Nelson and his
friends, his lordship, after dinner, addressed the company, consisting
of all the principal people of Hamburgh, in a very admirable speech,
expressive of the high sense which he entertained of their indulgent
regards: and having, a few days before, been to visit the British consul
at Altona, who was a brother of his friend Captain. Cockburne, from
whence his lordship, with Sir William and Lady Hamilton, had not
returned to Hamburgh till after the gates had been long closed, and were
consequently under the necessity, of waiting a considerable time before
permission could be obtained for admitting them into the city; his
lordship, ingeniously adverting to the circumstance, remarked that he
had happily experienced a specimen of the difficulties which the French
were likely to encounter, should they ever approach the gates of
Hamburgh; and trusted that the worthy inhabitants would always be found
ready as obstinately to defend them against their worst enemies, as they
had recently done against their most sincere friend. Lord Nelson, at
this fête, lost one of the large diamonds from the grand sword given to
him by the King of Naples; which, notwithstanding the greatly boasted
security of property, from the depredations of theft, in this
well-governed city, was never afterwards recovered by his lordship. The
merchants, however, much to their honour, would have replaced it by
another of equal value, at the expence of eight hundred pounds, but his
lordship could not be induced to accept any gift on such an occasion.
Among the numerous interesting occurrences while Lord Nelson and his
friends remained at Hamburgh, there are some which seem to merit
particular notice, as highly illustrative of amiable characteristics
both in our hero himself and the generality of the different persons to
whom they also relate.
A venerable clergyman, apparently between seventy and eighty years of
age, was perceived one morning by his lordship, with a large book under
his arm, anxiously looking towards the door of his apartment, with the
most expressive solicitude depicted in his countenance. His lordship,
immediately, with his ever prompt kindness and humanity, desired Mr.
Oliver to enquire what was the object of his wish. Having learned, that
he was the pastor of a place forty miles distant, who had travelled thus
far with his parochial bible, in the first leaf of which he wanted the
immortal hero to inscribe his name, his lordship instantly admitted him
into his presence; readily complied with his request; and then, taking
him kindly by the hand, heartily wished the patriarchal and spiritual
shepherd a safe return to his rural flock. The aged and pious minister
suddenly dropped on his knee: fervently imploring Heaven to bless his
lordship, for so generously condescending to indulge his wish; and
solemnly declaring that he should now be happy till it pleased God to
call him, when he would die contented, having thus done homage to, and
obtained favour from, "_the Saviour of the Christian World_."
Another circumstance, of still greater singularity, occurred at
Hamburgh, relative to a wine-merchant. This gentleman, who was likewise
more than seventy years of age, and of a very respectable appearance,
had requested to speak with Lady Hamilton. Her ladyship, accordingly,
condescendingly admitted him to a private audience; when he informed
her, through the medium of Mr. Oliver, who interpreted for both parties,
that he had some excellent old Rhenish wine, of the vintage of 1625, and
which had been in his own possession more than fifty years. This, he
said, had been preserved for some very extraordinary occasion; and one
had now arrived, far beyond any he could ever have expected. In short,
he flattered himself that, by the kind recommendation of her ladyship,
the great and glorious Lord Nelson might be prevailed onto accept six
dozen bottles of this incomparable wine: part of which, he observed,
would then have the honour to flow with the heart's blood of that
immortal hero; a reflection which could not fail to render himself the
most fortunate man in existence, during the remainder of his days. His
lordship being informed of these curious particulars, immediately came
into the apartment, and took the old gentleman kindly by the hand, but
politely declined his present. He was, however, finally persuaded to
accept of six bottles, on condition that the worthy wine-merchant should
dine with him next day. This being readily agreed, a dozen bottles were
sent; and his lordship, jocosely remarking that he yet hoped to have
half a dozen more great victories, protested he would keep six bottles
of his Hamburgh friend's wine, purposely to drink a bottle after each.
This his lordship did not fail to remember, on coming home, after the
battle of Copenhagen; when he "_devoutly drank the donor_." It is said,
that this winemerchant, soon after Lord Nelson had first taken him by
the hand, happening to meet with an old friend, who was about to salute
him in a similar way, immediately declined the intended kindness, and
said he could not suffer any person to touch the hand which had been so
highly honoured by receiving that of Lord Nelson. Certain it is, that
this man felt so overcome by his excessive sensibility, that he
literally shed tears of joy during the whole time he was in our hero's
presence.
At a grand public breakfast, given to Lord Nelson and his friends, by
Baron Berteuil, formerly the French ambassador at the court of Naples,
the celebrated General Dumourier was introduced to his lordship. Lord
Nelson, notwithstanding his general aversion to Frenchmen, had a
favourable opinion of this able and intelligent officer; and said to
him, that he hoped they should both, in future, fight hand in hand for
the good cause: adding, as there was then some prospect of General
Dumourier's being employed in the British service, that there was no
person, if we were to have joint operations by sea and land, with whom
he would sooner act. The general was so overpowered by this generosity
and grandeur of soul in our hero, that he could only articulate--"Great
Nelson! brave Nelson! I am unable to speak. I cannot make any reply to
your goodness!" His lordship, finding the circumstances of General
Dumourier very humble, for a man of his merits, kindly sent him a
weighty purse, next day, by Mr. Oliver, to whom the general feelingly
expressed the utmost thankfulness.
While Lord Nelson remained at Hamburgh, he received, one morning, a very
extraordinary visit. An Englishman, of gentlemanly address, called on
his lordship, and requested to speak with him in private. Sir William
Hamilton, conceiving the stranger's appearance to be suspicious,
particularly as he held one hand under his coat, advised his lordship
not to withdraw. Our hero replied that, though he had never before
differed with Sir William in opinion, he must decidedly do so now. He
felt conscious, be said, that he had done no ill; and, therefore,
dreaded none. He then, with firmness, bade the stranger follow him into
another apartment; who soon gave his lordship to understand, that he was
no less a personage, than the famous Major Semple, of swindling
notoriety. With a considerable degree of feeling, he detailed his
miserable situation: an outcast from society; in the deepest distress;
avoided, and despised, by every body. Lord Nelson protested, that he had
not expected the honour of such a visit; but, nevertheless, returning to
Sir William and Lady Hamilton, and mentioning who it was, kindly
asked--"What shall we do for the poor devil?" They accordingly gave him,
between them, a purse of twenty guineas: his lordship tenderly
remarking, that he seemed a man of talents; who had, probably, from some
first error of early life, unchecked by friendly advice or assistance,
finally sunk into a state of, perhaps, irrecoverable ignominy.
His lordship, on arriving at Hamburgh, had written for a frigate, to
convey him and his friends to England; but, as it was not sent, he hired
a packet at Cuxhaven, which was sent up the river, as far as the villa
of Mr. Power, about five miles from Hamburgh: where the party embarked;
and, after a voyage of five days, in very stormy weather, arrived off
Yarmouth, on Thursday the 6th of November.
A pilot immediately came out, on beholding them in the offing; but, awed
by his sense of danger, and the consideration of who and what were on
board, he was afraid to undertake getting the vessel in. Lord Nelson,
who thought a seaman ought not to fear any thing, asked him if it were
not his trade; and, immediately ordering him a glass of liquor, said it
would inspirit him to take the ship over the bar, where the pilot had
expressed his opinion there was by no means a sufficient depth of water.
His lordship, however, was resolved that the experiment should be tried:
and, accordingly, they got safely into the harbour; though not without a
considerable degree of that horrible grating of the ship's bottom, while
forcing it's way through the sands, which so often thrills those who
navigate this perilous road. The weather being bad, his lordship and
friends, on landing, went into a carriage; from which the shouting
multitude, who had hailed his arrival, instantly detached the horses,
and drew them to the Wrestlers Inn. All the ships in the harbour hoisted
their colours, and every honour was paid to his lordship by Admiral
Dickson, the then commander of the fleet. The Mayor and Corporation of
Yarmouth immediately waited on his lordship with the freedom of the
town; which, in consequence of his eminent services, had been previously
voted. With the blundering fatality, however, that seldom fails to mark
some member in almost every town-corporate, on any extraordinary
occasion, when the usual oath was tendered to his lordship, who placed
his left and only hand on the book, the officer who administered it
incautiously exclaimed--"Your right hand, my lord!" His lordship, with a
good-humoured smile, mildly reminded him that he had no right hand. The
surrounding company, however, were less merciful; and not only indulged
an immediate hearty laugh at his expence, but sarcastically fastened on
him, for ever after, the unfortunate phrase--_"Your right hand, my
lord_!" In the mean time, all the troops quartered in the town paraded
before the inn, with their regimental band; paying every military honour
to his lordship, and firing _feux de joie_. The corporation, after
presenting Lord Nelson with the freedom, went in procession, with his
lordship, to church; whither he was also attended by all the naval
officers on shore, as well as the principal inhabitants, who joined his
lordship in this public thanksgiving to the Almighty, on thus landing in
his native country. At night, the whole town was illuminated, bonfires
were kindled, and discharges of musketry and ordnance continued till
midnight. On quitting the town, next day, the corps of Volunteer
Cavalry, commanded by William Palgrave, Jun. Esq. now Collector of the
Customs at the port of Yarmouth, and who had paid his lordship and
friends the most polite attentions, unexpectedly drew up, saluted, and
followed the carriage; not only to the town's end, but as far as the
extreme boundary of the county of Norfolk: a mark of respect, which too
sensibly impressed his lordship, ever to be forgotten; and, accordingly,
he never afterwards went to Yarmouth, without making his first visit to
Mr. Palgrave.
In Suffolk, his lordship was no less honoured than in his native county.
The people of Ipswich came out to meet him, and dragged the carriage a
mile into town; and, on his leaving it, drew it three miles out. When
his lordship was Captain of the Agamemnon, he had felt desirous to be
returned member for this town, and some leading men of the then
corporation had been consulted by a friend. The terms, however, were
such as could not be listened to; and his lordship, shrewdly observing
that he would endeavour to find a preferable path into
parliament--meaning, no doubt, that which so honourably conducted him
into the House of Peers, instead of the House of Commons--wrote to his
sister, Mrs. Bolton, that there might a time come, when the people of
Ipswich would think it an honour for him to have ever represented them;
a time which, most certainly, had now long since arrived.
At Colchester, in Essex, and every other place through which his
lordship passed, he was received with similar demonstrations of joy, and
experienced every respectful attention.
On Sunday, the 9th, his lordship arrived in London; and immediately
proceeded to Nerot's Hotel, King Street, St. James's; where Lady Nelson,
and his lordship's venerable father, who were just arrived from Norfolk,
had taken up their residence. His lordship, who was dressed in a full
uniform, with three stars on his breast, and two gold medals, was
welcomed by repeated huzzas from a prodigious crowd, who had followed
the carriage from the moment they knew who was arrived. These
affectionate testimonies of public regard, were most courteously
returned by his lordship, who bowed continually to the enraptured
multitude. Every eye beamed with pleasure to behold him; every heart
exulted in the possession of such a hero; every tongue implored
blessings from Heaven on the honoured protector of his country. If these
were the obvious feelings of those who could boast no nearer affinity
than that of being the fellow-subjects of this exalted man, what was not
to be expected from such as were closely allied to him by the ties of
blood: the father, from whom he derived his existence; the wife, whom he
had so disinterestedly selected from society, to participate in all his
earthly honours and enjoyments? That his worthy father did, indeed,
receive him with a heart which overflowed with paternal love, is not to
be doubted: to the Christian and the father, however, was he indebted
for the ardent and sincere embrace; while the tear of rapture was
blended with that of regret, drawn by imputations of apprehended private
guilt dreadfully detracting from the honourable list of his son's known
public virtues. The duteous hero, unconscious of crime, happily
perceived not, in his beloved father, any symptoms of suspicion. At the
obvious coldness of her ladyship, however, the warmth of his
affectionate heart felt a petrifying chill, which froze for ever the
genial current of supreme regard that had hitherto flowed with purity
through the inmost recesses of his soul. This is a topic which must, for
evident reasons, be touched with a tender hand. Woe to the woman who,
wedded to a man with superlative merits, whatever they may be, which are
acknowledged and admired by all the world, feels alone insensible of her
husband's transcendent worth! Where there is genius, the warmth of
affection is seldom wanting; if it be not returned with ardour, it
kindles into a fierce and dangerous flame. Lady Nelson's ideas were so
little congenial with those of his lordship, that she is said never to
have asked him a single question relative to that glorious victory which
had so astonished the world. On the contrary, all the scandalous
insinuations, and licentious remarks, with which the Jacobinical foreign
journalists had filled their pestiferous pages, relative to our hero
and his friends in Italy, and which had found their way into the most
thoughtless and depraved of our own newspapers, were preserved for his
lordship's immediate amusement. Without introducing the reader behind
the sacred veil of the connubial curtain, let it suffice to say, that
Lord Nelson rose at an early hour, and went to visit Sir William and
Lady Hamilton; where, at least, he was always sure to behold the actual
existence of conjugal happiness. He related, in a few words, the nature
of his situation; and assured Sir William that, such was his misery, it
would be mercy to dispatch him. These amiable friends did all they could
to tranquilize his perturbed spirits; and their soothing consolations
succeeded, at length, in calming the tempest by which his feeling bosom
was so cruelly agitated. A temporary reconciliation was soon effected;
the contrariety of sentiment, however, between the parties, gave but
little hope of it's ever proving permanent. In the mean time, as the 9th
of November happened this year to be Sunday, the Lord-Mayor's day, in
London, was kept on Monday the 10th; and Lord Nelson, being particularly
invited to the civic festivity, joined the procession in it's return.
His lordship was accompanied by his inseparable friend, Sir William
Hamilton; it having been long mutually agreed, between them, that they
would never visit any place where both were not equally welcome. The
carriage had no sooner reached the top of Ludgate Hill, than the
citizens took out the horses, and drew him to Guildhall; the ladies,
from the windows, all the way round St. Paul's Church-yard, along
Cheapside, and down King Street, waving their handkerchiefs as the hero
passed, and using every other expression of admiration and applause.
After a most sumptuous dinner, to which the company sat down at six
o'clock, had been succeeded by the usual toasts, a very elegant sword,
richly ornamented--the handle being of solid gold, covered with blue
enamel, and studded with diamonds, the guard supported by anchors, with
the figure of a crocodile, as emblematical of the battle off the
Nile--and which had been voted, as formerly mentioned, immediately after
receiving information of that glorioas victory, was presented to his
lordship by Richard Clarke, Esq. Chamberlain of the City of London; who,
at the same time, delivered the following address.
"LORD NELSON!
"In chearful obedience to a unanimous resolution of the
right honourable the lord-mayor, aldermen, and commons, of the city
of London, in common-council assembled, I present your lordship
with the thanks of the court, for the very important victory
obtained by a squadron of his majesty's ships under your command,
over a superior French fleet, off the mouth of the Nile, on the 1st
of August 1798: a victory, splendid and decisive; unexampled in
naval history; and reflecting the highest honour on the courage
and abilities of your lordship, and your officers, and the
discipline and irresistible bravery of British seamen; and which
must be productive of the greatest advantages to this country, and
to every part of the civilized world, by tending to frustrate the
designs of our implacable enemy, and by rouzing other nations to
unite and resist their unprincipled ambition.
"As a farther testimony of the high esteem which the court
entertains of your lordship's public services, and of the eminent
advantages which you have rendered your country, I have the honour
to present your lordship this sword.
"The consequences of the action I am thus called upon to applaud,
are perhaps unequalled in the history of mankind. A numerous army,
which had triumphed in Europe over brave and veteran troops,
commanded by officers of the most established reputation, landed in
Egypt, under the command of him who now sways the Gallic sceptre,
with designs of the most ambitious and extensive nature. One of
their objects, as acknowledged by themselves, was to annihilate, by
degrees, the English East-India trade; and, finally, to get into
their possession the whole commerce of Africa and Asia. Such were
the gigantic views of our implacable foe; and such confidence had
they in the fleet which conveyed them, and in the station which it
took on the coast of the devoted country, that it bade defiance to
the whole navy of Britain: but, at this momentous period, the
Almighty directed your lordship, as his chosen instrument, to check
their pride, and crush their force as a maritime power during the
present contest. The circumstances attending this grand display of
providential interposition and British prowess, must interest the
feelings of every Englishman. Had a space been chosen, to exhibit
to the world a struggle for superiority in nautical skill, and
personal valour, between the two greatest naval powers of the
globe, none could have been more happily selected. The three grand
divisions of the ancient world were witnesses; and the shores which
had beheld the destruction of the Persian navy by the Greeks, and
the heroic acts of Sesostris, now resounded with the echo of
British thunder. To your lordship belongs the praise of having
added glory to such a scene: the heroes we applaud, would
themselves have applauded us; and he who, ages since, led his three
hundred against an almost countless host, might on that proud day
have wished himself a Briton.
"The thanks of your country, my lord, attend you; it's honours
await you: but, a higher praise than even these imply, is
your's--In the moment of unexampled victory, you saved your
country: in the next moment, you did still more--you exemplified
that virtue which the heathen world could not emulate; and, in the
pious--"_Non nobis Domine_!" of your modest dispatches, you have
enforced a most important truth--that the most independant
conqueror felt, in the most intoxicating point of time, the
influence and protection of Him whom our enemies, to their shame
and ruin, had foolishly and impiously defied. May that same Power,
my lord, ever protect and reward you! May it long, very long, spare
to this empire so illustrious a teacher, and so potent a champion!"