"His Majesty is graciously pleased, _in consideration of the great
and important services that renowned man, Horatio Viscount Nelson,
hath rendered to his King and Country, and in order to perpetuate
to the latest posterity the remembrance of his glorious actions,
and to incite others to imitate his example_, to grant the dignity
of a Baron of his united kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland to
the said Horatio Viscount Nelson, Knight of the most Honourable
Order of the Bath, and Vice-Admiral of the Blue Squadron of his
Majesty's Fleet--Duke of Bronte in Sicily, Knight of the Grand
Cross of the Order of St. Ferdinand and of Merit, and of the
Imperial Order of the Crescent--by the name, stile, and title, of
Baron Nelson of the Nile, and of Hilborough in his county of
Norfolk: to hold, to him, and the heirs male of his body lawfully
begotten; and, in default of such issue, to his trusty and
well-beloved Edmund Nelson, Clerk, Rector of Burnham Thorpe in his
county of Norfolk, father of the said Horatio Viscount Nelson, and
the heirs male of his body lawfully begotten; and, in default of
such issue, to the heirs male of the body of Susannah, the wife of
Thomas Bolton, Esq. and sister of the said Horatio Viscount Nelson,
lawfully begotten and to be begotten, severally and successively,
one after another, as they shall be in seniority of age and
priority of birth; and, in default of such issue, to the heirs male
of the body of Catharine, the wife of George Matcham, Esq. another
sister of the said Horatio Viscount Nelson, lawfully begotten and
to be begotten, severally and successively, one after another, as
they shall be in seniority of age and priority of birth; with all
rights, privileges, pre-eminences, immunities, and advantages,
thereunto belonging. _And a clause is inserted, declaring it to be
his Majesty's royal will and pleasure, that the persons who shall
hereafter succeed to the said title and dignity of Baron Nelson of
the Nile, and of Hilborough aforesaid, shall take and use the
surname of Nelson only_."
In a note accompanying the above copy of this creation with remainders,
it is observed, that the words therein scored under with red, and which
are here printed in Italic characters, appear to be new, and are not
inserted in common creations.
Immediately on Lord Nelson's arrival in the Downs, from off Boulogne, he
had sent to request that Sir William and Lady Hamilton, with the present
Earl and Countess Nelson, would hasten to Deal, for the purpose of
attending on their esteemed friend Captain Parker, whose dreadful wounds
afforded but little hope of his recovery, and tendering their kind
offices to the rest of the brave sufferers.
In the mean time, his lordship had again sailed from the Downs, on
Sunday the 23d of August; and was joined off the North Foreland, by the
squadron from Margate, with a view of trying what might be effected
against Flushing. The whole of this fleet, when united off West Capel,
consisted of thirty-four sail, from sixty-four guns to fourteen,
including three bombs and three fire-vessels; and, after consulting
pilots, "who made use," his lordship observed, in his letter to Mr.
Nepean, "of many _ifs_," with regard to being able to approach the
enemy, or even get the ships safely back again, he was determined to
satisfy his own mind, by going on board the King George hired cutter,
Mr. Yawkins master, the 25th in the morning; who carried his lordship up
the Welling Channel four or five leagues from his ships, and within
about three of the enemy. From this distant observation, by himself and
Captain Gore, joined to the local knowledge of Mr. Yawkins, he could not
think himself justifiable in proceeding farther with the business;
though he liberally acknowledged the admiration which he felt of the
zeal of Captain Owen, in the anxious desire of that able officer to get
at the enemy. The hazard, it appeared, was far greater, and the object,
from the few ships there, considerably less, than had been imagined.
On the 27th, Lord Nelson returned to the Downs, in the Medusa; and, next
day, hoisted his flag on board the Amazon. His worthy old friend,
Admiral Lutwidge, being port-admiral at Deal, and residing there with
his excellent and truly amiable lady, an indissoluble friendship was
formed between them and Sir William and Lady Hamilton. The gallant and
good Captain Parker, having been under the necessity of submitting to an
amputation of his thigh, suffered the most excruciating tortures for
about a month; and then died, with the most magnanimous and pious
resignation, surrounded by these estimable friends, who had contributed
to afford him every solace of which his dreadful state was susceptible.
As the French, now attacked on their own shores, seemed likely soon to
accept propositions of peace, Lord Nelson thought it advisable to
purchase a pleasant rural retreat, where he might enjoy the benefit of
good air, and yet be "within hail of the Admiralty." Sir William
Hamilton, therefore, was requested to search out a spot adapted to their
joint establishment: and, shortly after his return to London, learning
that Merton Place, in Surry, about eight miles distant from Westminster
Bridge, was to be disposed of, he immediately bought this estate; which
was expeditiously prepared for their mutual reception, under the
guidance of that classical and elegant taste for which Sir William and
Lady Hamilton were both so peculiarly distinguished. The site of this
house and grounds is said to have been part of the ancient abbey lands
of Merton, situated within about two hundred and fifty yards of the
present remaining abbey wall; and, in digging to effect the various
improvements, many old coins, and other antiquities, have been
occasionally dug up. Though this place was familiarly denominated a
farm, by our hero and his friends, it had been, for many years before,
the respectable seat of Sir Richard Hotham. The ground, however, was
certainly very contracted on one side of the house, being there little
more than sufficient to bound the moat by which it was unpleasantly
surrounded. Whatever could be effected, in such limits, was soon
arranged; and, as the autumnal season's advancement probably reminded
them of the spoliage which must speedily be expected to ensue in the
general verdure of the scene, innumerable evergreens were most
judiciously planted throughout the grounds; including a modest portion
of those laurels, beneath the shade of which the transcendent merits of
the heroic possessor so abundantly entitled him to repose. By pursuing
this excellent management, the charming gardens of Merton, in their
enlarged state, preserve a considerable degree of comfort and beauty
throughout the rigours of the severest winter.
Lord Nelson heard, daily, the progress which was making at the farm, and
it afforded him a pleasure of which he stood greatly in need. His health
was, at this time, very indifferent, and he suffered severely from the
cold winds of the autumnal equinox. Though, however, the preliminaries
of peace were now signed, he could not obtain leave of absence from the
Admiralty, to try the good effects of a little retirement at his new
dwelling, till the 22d of October, and then only for ten days. As if
this were not sufficient, he was agitated by the estrangement of his
father's affections, in consequence of the recent separation from Lady
Nelson; and pestered with anonymous threatening letters, in a way very
similar to those supposed to have been written by Mr. Barnard to the
great Duke of Marlborough. Every means were tried, by the friends of
his lordship, to detect the writer of these infamous incendiary
epistles, but without the desired effect. They, however, gave the hero
himself very little anxiety: he considered them, probably, as nefarious
attacks on his purse, through the medium of his character, and treated
every menace they contained with the most sovereign contempt. Such,
however, was our hero's filial reverence of parental authority, that he
could by no means regard his father's censure as a matter of light
importance, though he felt conscious of his own innocence and integrity.
This, indeed, was truly a source of sorrow; and he resolved fully to
satisfy his venerable parent's every scruple, and convince him how
cruelly he had been wronged by false and scandalous reports.
Early on the 22d of October, Lord Nelson quitted the Amazon, in the
Downs; and, immediately landing at Deal, set off post for Merton. On
arriving at this small village, it is a singular fact that, being asked
by the post-boy, which was the house; his lordship could only reply,
that he knew no more than himself. It was, however, soon found; and
never was man more delighted, than our hero, at beholding his new
residence. Every glowing feature of his amiable friends spoke the
welcome which was felt by each heart, as the various beauties of this
little spot were pointed out to his inquisitive eye. He viewed all with
admiration and astonishment, so greatly did it surpass every idea which
he had formed. "Is this, too, mine?" he repeatedly asked, as he was
shewn the different parts of his estate; the house, the gardens, the
dairy, &c. He was particularly charmed with the admirable contrivance of
a commodious subterranean passage, formed beneath the high road, and
leading to the beautiful and extensive plantation walks with which the
fields and kitchen gardens, on that side, are so agreeably environed;
this estate, among others in that neighbourhood, having been formerly
severed, in consequence of an act of parliament for intersecting it by a
new road to Epsom. "Oh, Sir William!" exclaimed his lordship, embracing
his most worthy friend, when he had seen the whole, "the longest liver
shall possess it all!" Lord Nelson was never a man of words; the memory
of this engagement, when he afterwards made his will, has conveyed the
beautiful villa of Merton Place to Lady Hamilton.
The peace that at this period ensued, happily prevented any necessity
for his lordship's return to the fleet, which was soon after paid off.
In the attainment of this peace, it will be the province of every
historian who duly considers the entire combination of causes and
effects, justly to appreciate the merits of our hero; who, however, was,
by no means of opinion that it could prove of any very long duration,
till the restless ambition of Bonaparte should be still more
efficaciously checked.
His lordship was ever affectionately attached to his Royal Highness the
Prince of Wales; as well as to the Duke of Clarence, and all the other
royal brothers: he was fully sensible, too, of the brilliant political
abilities of some of the chief members of the opposition, and felt
sincerely desirous of seeing them fairly devoted to the service of the
country. He regarded, however, what was universally deemed "the honest
administration of Mr. Addington," the present Lord Sidmouth, as entitled
to all the support which he could render men who not unworthily enjoyed
a high degree of their sovereign's confidence and favour. No
considerations of private friendship could ever induce him to unite in
any systematic opposition of his majesty's ministers. He was, he said,
the King's servant; and would, in every way, defend him with his best
abilities. His lordship joined not in any condemnation of the peace;
which he regarded, with many other intelligent persons, as an experiment
worthy the trial. Of national honour, he conceived, nothing was
sacrificed; and, except Malta, little was given up, which could be any
just subject of regret. Even Malta itself, of which he so well knew all
the value, and which could probably never have been wrested from France
without his lordship's wonderful address and perseverance in obtaining
aids for effecting it's reduction, he declared was, in his estimation,
scarcely worth the trouble and expence of preserving, could we be
certain that it might never fall into the hands of our enemies. The
speeches of Lord Nelson, in parliament, on this and other popular
topics, demonstrate great senatorial ability, with a profound knowledge
of our political and even commercial interests. Such a potent coadjutor
was well worth cherishing, and Mr. Addington appears to have been very
properly of that opinion.
Lord Nelson, on surveying his new domains, felt vastly desirous of
filling up the moat, and extending the grounds on that side of the house
where the space was so exceedingly contracted. He had, accordingly,
applied by letter, dated the 25th of October 1801, to William Axe, Esq.
of Birchin Lane, London, who was proprietor of the small intervening
field which alone separated Merton Place from the narrow lane at the end
of the abbey wall, to be favoured with the purchase of it, on equitable
terms; and though that worthy gentleman, in the handsomest manner, for
which Lord Nelson ever after highly respected him, paid all possible
attention to the wish of his lordship; a churlish farmer, who was Mr.
Axe's tenant, on lease, of the whole adjoining estate, where he had
acquired a considerable fortune, opposed so many objections, and evinced
so rude and unaccommodating a disposition, notwithstanding his lordship
had condescendingly treated him with every courtesy, that the object was
not accomplished till his lordship, about a year and half afterwards,
purchased the whole farm, consisting of a hundred and fifteen acres;
which Mr. Axe liberally consented to sell for the very moderate sum of
eight thousand pounds.
In November, the Reverend Mr. Nelson came to Merton, on the pressing
invitation of his ever duteous son. The meeting was truly affecting; and
terminated, as it ought, in a thorough conviction, that his lordship had
been most shamefully slandered. Indeed, on an entire eclaircissement, it
became manifest that the grossest part of the slander which had been
cruelly levelled against our hero was so self-evidently false, and
really impracticable, that a very small degree of consideration made the
worthy and venerable father blush for the credulity which had
contributed to criminate our hero; whose private life, all circumstances
duly considered, was to the full as unsullied as his public character.
He saw the happy family with whom his heroic son was so agreeably
domesticated; and witnessed the pure felicity of those amiable friends,
with a rapture which conveyed the highest satisfaction to his heart. He
perceived the kindest attentions to his son's happiness in every act of
all around him: and their success, in the joy now constantly diffused
over his countenance; beaming in every glance of his eye, and speaking
in every accent of his tongue. He beheld his great and good son happy,
and blessed and loved the friends who made him so. "Merton," he said,
"is the _Mansion of Peace_, and I must become one of the inhabitants.
Sir William and myself are both old men, and we will witness the hero's
felicity in retirement." Such was the intention of this virtuous and
pious parent; who had, however, been long so habituated to passing his
winters at Bath, that he could not, at once, wean himself of the
custom: but he never resided with Lady Nelson, as has been falsely
reported, from the moment he was convinced of his illustrious son's
having been so egregiously misrepresented. Apartments, in the mean time,
were actually prepared for him at Merton Place; and it was agreed that,
after wintering at Bath, he should, in May, come to reside wholly with
his son and Sir William and Lady Hamilton: but, unfortunately, the
salubrity of Bath proved insufficient to prolong his valuable life even
till that period, for he died at his own apartments in that city, on the
26th of April 1802, in the seventy-ninth year of his age: lamented by
every person who had ever known him, with the deepest veneration and
regret, for the blameless sanctity of his amiable manners, the agreeable
cheerfulness of his admirable disposition, and the warm benevolence of
his excellent heart.
The loss of such a father, though at an age when it was to be expected,
could not but be sensibly felt by the amiable offspring whom he left
behind. Lord Nelson, ever tender as an infant in all that regards the
soft affections, lamented his father's death with a grief so poignant,
that its effect had nearly proved fatal to himself.
About the middle of July, Sir William Hamilton being desirous that Lord
Nelson should accompany him into Wales, for the purpose of viewing
Milford Haven, and the improvements at Milford, which the Honourable
Mr. Greville had made on his uncle Sir William's estate, under the
powers of an act of parliament passed in 1790, a party was formed,
consisting of his lordship, Sir William and Lady Hamilton, and Dr.
Nelson, the present earl, with his lady and son. In compliment to his
heroic friend, Sir William had resolved to establish, at Milford, a
fair, or annual festival, on the 1st of August; and his nephew, the
Honourable Mr. Greville, kindly undertook to make every requisite
preparation for receiving them on the joyous occasion.
The party reached Oxford the first day, being Wednesday, the 21st of
July; where, by appointment, they were met by Mr. and Mrs. Matcham, with
their eldest son, George Matcham, Jun. Esq. The Oxonians received his
lordship with great joy; and, on Thursday, the freedom of the
corporation was presented to Lord Nelson in a gold box, by Richard
Weston, Esq. mayor of that city, who addressed his lordship, on the
occasion, in a very respectful speech; and Lord Nelson expressed, in the
warmest and strongest terms, his high sense of the honour, and his
earnest wishes for the happiness of the city, and the prosperity of the
public service. On Friday morning, in full convocation, the university
not only complimented Lord Nelson, and his friend Sir William Hamilton,
with the honorary degree of LL.D. but liberally admitted his lordship's
brother, the present earl, who had already taken his degree of D.D. at
Cambridge, _ad eundem_--that is, to the same honour in Oxford. Lord
Nelson, and Sir William Hamilton, were severally presented by Dr.
Blackstone, Vinerian Professor of Law; and the Reverend William Nelson,
of Christ's College, and Doctor of Divinity in the University of
Cambridge, by Dr. Collinson, Lady Margaret's Professor of Divinity.
Nothing, in short, could surpass the respect experienced by his lordship
and friends at Oxford; from whence, highly gratified, they the same day
proceeded to Woodstock, with an intention of viewing Blenheim.
It might have been expected, that his Grace the Duke of Marlborough,
himself descended from a British hero of the first class, and inhabiting
a magnificent palace, the honourable boon of his country, would have
joyfully availed himself of the opportunity thus afforded by the
presence of a man certainly not inferior to his own heroic ancestor, so
near as even at Oxford, and politely requested the honour of
entertaining such a guest. This, however, had not been done; and Lord
Nelson, with his friends, put up at an inn in Woodstock; from whence
they went to Blenheim, as strangers, for the purpose of viewing the
internal attractions of art, in that grand but ponderous national pile.
The family never made their appearance; but sent a servant with
refreshments, which Lord Nelson proudly refused. As the duke was at
home, his lordship thought, no doubt, that he ought, at least, to have
come forward. Sir William Hamilton said that, if the shade of the Great
Marlborough could arise, he would have done the honours to the victor of
Aboukir, a greater victor than himself! Lady Hamilton finely
remarked--with a spirit and energy forcibly depicting the grand
character of that superlative mind which renders her, at once, the idol
and idoliser of transcendent genius and valour--that "the splendid
reward of Marlborough's services, was because a woman reigned, and women
had great souls: and I," says her ladyship, for these are her own
matchless words, "told Nelson that, if I had been a queen, after the
battle of Aboukir, he should have had a principality, so that Blenheim
Park should have been only as a kitchen garden to it! The tears came
into his eyes, and he shook Sir William and me by the hand; saying, that
he was content to have done his duty by the country, and the people,
that he loved, and he hoped we should ever approve his conduct; but
that, yet, he had not half done, for there were two or three beds of
laurels in the Mediterranean to be gathered."
It was in this way, that these exalted friends of their country, and of
each other, consoled themselves on all occasions, where they met with
any of that incivility or ingratitude, which few persons of eminent
worth fail to experience in the world. That the Duke of Marlborough
should have come forward, and welcomed the hero to Blenheim, cannot
well be disputed; but his grace, who is said to be of a shy and retiring
disposition, could not, it seems probable, prevail on himself to forego
the ceremonials of introductory etiquette, and might thus give
considerable offence to his lordship and friends, without intending them
the smallest personal disrespect.
The party, next morning, set off for Gloucester, where they were
received with the usual demonstrations of joy, by all ranks of the
inhabitants. The bells were immediately rung; and multitudes eagerly
crouded before the King's Head Inn, to view the hero who had atchieved
so much for his country. During the party's short stay, they visited the
cathedral, and the county prison, with both of which his lordship
expressed himself highly pleased; particularly, with the extent and
convenience of the latter, and the described system of it's internal
regulations. On Sunday morning, Mr. and Mrs. Matcham, with their son,
returned to Bath; while his lordship, and the remainder of his party,
proceeded to Ross.
They entered this town amidst bell-ringing, and the acclamations of the
people; and, after breakfasting at the Swan Inn, where horses had been
ordered to convey them to Monmouth, finding they might be accommodated
with boats, and preferring the excursion by water, for the sake of
viewing the beautiful scenery on the banks of the Wye, they walked
through the beautiful gardens belonging to Walter Hill, Esq. to the
banks of that river, attended by a vast number of people, who decorated
the boat provided for his lordship and friends with laurels, and
exhibited every other demonstration of respect and joy.
It was no sooner known at Monmouth, that the party were making this
excursion down the Wye, than its shores were lined with spectators, and
the river covered with boats; and, when those accompanying his lordship
appeared, shouts of joy burst forth, and the guns on the celebrated
Kymin were fired. At landing, they were received by the corporation, who
had come out to meet them, and by whom the hero was complimented in an
appropriate address; for which, as well as for the recent honours
conferred on him, in making him a burgess of their ancient borough,
together with his friend, Sir William Hamilton, and enrolling his name
among the illustrious chiefs in the Kymin Naval Temple, he returned his
most heartfelt acknowledgments. They were preceded, on their way into
town, by the bands of the Monmouth and Brecon militia, playing "God save
the King!"--"Rule, Britannia!" and other popular tunes. After dinner,
his lordship paid his respects to Thomas Hollings, Esq. the mayor; and
then walked out in the town, for the purpose of viewing whatever seemed
worthy of notice, constantly surrounded by innumerable spectators, all
anxious to behold the hero, and pay him their tributary acknowledgments.
His lordship being engaged, for next day, at Crickhowell, with his
friend Admiral Gell, was under the necessity of declining the kind
invitation of the mayor and corporation, to dine with them on Monday;
but promised to pass a day at Monmouth on his return, of which they
should have previous notice.
After spending the day with Admiral Gell, they went on to Brecon, where
the joy of the people surpassed all description. The deputation of
farmers was affecting. They said, addressing the hero---"My lord, you
have saved us. While you was losing your limbs, and shedding your blood,
for us, we slept soundly with our wives; and our lands, and children,
were protected by your brave vigilance. Accept our thanks; these tears
will tell you that we feel!" and the men wept like children. The town
was illuminated; and one man exclaimed--"Now, I could die in peace; I
have seen our saviour, and brave defender!"
Nothing particular occurred to the party, after leaving Brecon, till
they arrived at Milford; where the hero of the Nile, and his friends,
were received with enthusiastic rapture. Sir William Hamilton had not,
for many years, visited his numerous tenants; and they were proud to
behold their paternal friend leagued in so strict an amity with the
first hero in the world. Sir William was delighted to see his dear
friend at Milford, and to shew him off to every body; and every body was
charmed with the pleasing affability of the illustrious hero. Lord
Nelson often mentioned his progress through South Wales to Milford, as
an affecting contrast of the genuine enthusiasm of natural character, to
the cold expression of ministerial approbation by which his reception
had been marked on his return from the Mediterranean, when Lord Keith
was sent to take the chief command of the fleet in those seas. The
corporate towns, villages, nobility, and gentry, on the line through
which his route was directed, vied with each other to detain him, that
their neighbours might participate in the joy they felt on the arrival
of the hero. In many places, it was not possible to avoid their generous
importunity; and these kind attentions, which so honourably testified
national gratitude, were accepted, by his lordship, as the most
gratifying recompences of his public service.
The 1st of August being made the great day at Milford, the Honourable
Mr. Greville had invited all the nobility and gentry of the county of
Pembroke to welcome the hero and his friends at this intended annual
festival. A rowing match, fair day, and shew of cattle, were established
for ever at Milford, in honour of the victory off the Nile. All the most
respectable families twenty miles round, with a prodigious concourse of
the humbler classes, came to see their beloved hero. Mr. Bolton, his
lordship's brother-in-law, too, determined to be present on the
occasion, arrived at Milford, that very morning, from Norfolk. It
proved, all together a most interesting scene. After dinner, Lord
Nelson, with admirable address, gave "Captain Foley!" as his toast: a
friend and brother officer, he said, than whom there was not a braver or
a better man in his majesty's service. He had been with him in all his
chief battles; deserved to participate in every honour; and was, his
lordship had the pleasure to add, in that respectable company, not only
a Welshman, but a native of the county of Pembroke. It need scarcely be
added, that this toast, so honourable both to his lordship and Captain
Foley, and so gratifying to the principality and county, was received,
and drank, with the most rapturous delight. At this public meeting, they
had also the high satisfaction to hear, from his lordship's lips, the
result of his judicious observations on the matchless harbour which that
county embosoms. Lord Nelson had fully examined it's entrance, and its
qualities; and now declared, that he considered Milford Haven, and
Trincomale in the East Indies, as the two finest harbours he had ever
beheld. The obstacles which had hitherto impeded the employment of so
important an appendage as this to the empire, appeared merely
artificial, and would speedily be removed when once fully known. The
rapid results of individual exertion had already, in fact, proved this,
by bringing the mails to the water-side, rendering the custom-house
shore accessible to ships of burden, and establishing daily packets to
and from Ireland; so that nothing more was now wanting, to render
Milford Haven, projecting into and separating the St. George's and the
Bristol channels, the only safe sea-port on the west coast of Great
Britain for commerce, as well as a port of refuge and of call: but, when
viewed in relation to Ireland, it became the central port of the empire;
particularly, as a bonding port. The American settlers, by their
character and ability, had been enabled to send eight ships to the South
Seas, and thus established the whale fishery. He had, himself, he
acknowledged, supposed that the danger and natural defects of this port
justified the official prejudice which, since the year 1757, has been
attached to Milford Haven; but, the fortifications being now properly
abandoned, as incapable of defending the harbour, the qualities of the
port, stated in the petition of British merchants, and in the report of
the Committee of the House of Commons, he had, on his own view,
ascertained to be correct. He applauded the wise measure of Earl
Spencer, to improve naval architecture at Milford; and was of opinion
that, to apply, with oeconomy, the supply of timber on the sides of
the Severn, for the purpose of building ships on the draughts of Mr.
Barralleer at Milford, would do honour to the earl's views, and benefit
to the service. He had critically examined the ships on the slips; and
declared, that they ought to be models, of their class, for the British
navy. Mr. Barralleer, an ingenious French ship-builder, who quitted
Toulon, on it's evacuation by our forces, was well known to Lord
Nelson. He had been fourteen months on board Admiral Goodall's ship; and
his observations, during all that time, in British practice, had
perfected Mr. Barralleer's principles of construction. At his lordship's
suggestion, this ingenious naval architect has since prepared draughts
for the largest classes of ships, the usual defects of which had been
pointed out by Lord Nelson, and are there effectually remedied. The high
tides of Milford Haven, it's vicinity to the forest of Dean, and the
dock-yard being exempt from those interruptions by repairs to which
Portsmouth and Plymouth must ever be devoted during war, are
circumstances which, his lordship remarked, ought to render Milford
Haven of the greatest use. Earl Spencer, indeed, had established the
utility of the situation; and Mr. Barralleer, aware of prejudices among
workmen who are required to deviate from their accustomed methods, had
the precaution to initiate young natives of South Wales in his own modes
of construction, and thus contrived to raise a sufficient number of able
artificers. As to the practical use of Milford Haven, for the king's
service, it was only requisite that it should be known; and for the
commander of the channel fleet to give notice, that he considered
Milford Haven as a port where he would detach some of his ships to
victual and water: for, as his lordship observed, before Earl Spencer
ordered ships to be built at Milford, not the smallest assistance could
be obtained; and, indeed, what ship would go thither, while the
agent-victualler resided in Bristol, and had no store for salt
provisions at Milford?--which was, then, actually the case. Such
obstacles, once noticed, must immediately vanish; and he would himself
recommend the trial, if in command. It had been said, there were not
sufficient pilots; but, his lordship observed, there soon would be, if
the arrival of ships sufficient to maintain them might be reasonably
expected. In short, the port of Milford was adapted to become of the
greatest importance to Great Britain, not only in a naval and commercial
view, but as an excellent position for packets to the westward. It would
be particularly convenient, his lordship remarked, for single ships to
go down channel, and rendezvous at Milford Haven, from whence they might
at any time put to sea; either for the purpose of going off Brest, or
stretching for the West Indies, when it was impossible for whole fleets
to clear the channel, where they were now not unfrequently detained as
long a time as would be requisite to make the whole voyage. Adverting to
the example of his esteemed friend, Captain Foley, as a native of
Pembrokeshire, his lordship remarked that, if government would only
continue a fair encouragement to the port, the officers, the seamen, and
the artificers, of the county of Pembroke, it could not fail to effect
important services for the nation. His lordship concluded with
observing, that he felt so happy at beholding such public benefits
combined with the objects established on his friend Sir William
Hamilton's estate, by prudence of plan, unremitted perseverance, and
with small means, under the judicious arrangements of the Honourable Mr.
Greville, that he would, if not on service, promise to return, as often
as it should be in his power, to join them in celebrating the annual
festivity thus established: and hoped that what he now publicly said, or
had previously stated in private to his friends while surveying the
port, would be remembered, for they were genuine truths; and he had
already actually written to the minister, that he was in perfect
admiration of this fine neglected port. Such is the substance of Lord
Nelson's observations with regard to Milford Haven; the remembrance of
which will, no doubt, long be cherished in the grateful bosoms of all
who had the honour to hear him.
Sir William Hamilton left a fine whole-length picture of Lord Nelson,
which had been painted at Vienna, to be preserved, for the perpetual
gratification of visitors, by the occupier of the New Hotel, where his
lordship and friends resided while at Milford.
After visiting Lord Cawdor, at Stackpoole Court; Lord Milford, at Picton
Castle; Lord Kensington; Mr. Foley, brother of Captain Foley; and other
noblemen and gentlemen in that part of the country, by all of whom they
were sumptuously entertained; the party set out on their return from
this highly satisfactory tour. At Haverfordwest, on going to visit Mr.
Foley, the horses had been taken from Lord Nelson's carriage, and he was
drawn through the streets by the populace; preceded by the Pembrokeshire
militia, a troop of the Haverfordwest cavalry, and the flags of the
different companies and societies, &c. While they were at Mr. Foley's,
the mayor and corporation waited on his lordship, and presented him with
the freedom of that ancient town. At Swansea, too, where he minutely
examined the pier, pottery, and other places, while on a visit to
Glasmont, the seat of John Morris, Esq. the carriage had been drawn
through the town by a choice body of exulting tars; and, after being
regaled with his friends, by the portreeve, his lordship, and Sir
William Hamilton, were both presented with the freedom of Swansea.
On Wednesday evening, the 18th of August, after passing the day with Mr.
Wells, owner of the celebrated Piersfield estate, the returning party
arrived at the Beaufort Arms, Monmouth; Lord Nelson, on his way to
Milford, having promised the mayor and corporation that he would again
visit them. Next morning, amidst the ringing of bells, and preceded by a
band of music, they set out, in a carriage with four horses, for the
famous Kymin Pavillion; where they were not only received with
enthusiasm by the company, but saluted by a discharge of cannon; the
militia band playing--"God save the King!"--"Rule, Britannia!" &c. After
taking breakfast in the banqueting-room, they proceeded to the Naval
Temple, which his lordship surveyed with great attention. They then
walked through the Beaulieu Grove: and, when they had sufficiently
surveyed this delightful scene, in order to gratify the public
curiosity, they walked back to Monmouth; receiving, as they passed, the
grateful applauses of all ranks of people. At four o'clock, they sat
down to an elegant dinner, at the Beaufort Arms, with the mayor,
corporation, and most of the principal inhabitants. On the health
of--"The Hero of the Nile!" being drank, his lordship arose; and, in an
admirable speech, expressed his gratitude for their kind attentions.
Lady Hamilton sung two songs, with her usual scientific taste, and
superior vocal excellence, which quite enraptured the whole company.
"Words, indeed," says a writer in one of the provincial journals, on
this occasion, would "but ill convey an idea of the life and spirit
which this deservedly admired lady gave to the festive board! In short,
the polite and engaging behaviour of Lord Nelson, as well as of Sir
William and Lady Hamilton, impressed on the minds of the visitors the
most unqualified respect and admiration of their characters." The
meeting broke up at eight o'clock; his lordship and friends being
engaged to pass the evening at the Honourable Colonel Lindsay's.
On Friday, after walking in the town, viewing the public buildings, &c.
they set out for Ross; where a triumphal arch, ornamented with laurel
and oak, and bearing an appropriate inscription, had been erected for
the hero to pass through. From hence, they paid a visit to Rudhall, the
seat of Thomas Westfaling, Esq. where, in the evening, there was a
splendid ball and supper, to which all the principal families, for some
miles round, were invited. A deputation from the mayor and corporation
of Hereford, having waited on Lord Nelson, at Rudhall, requesting he
would honour that city with his presence, his lordship obligingly
consented; and, on Monday morning, proceeded thither. Being met by the
populace, near the city, about twelve o'clock, they took the horses from
his carriage, and drew the hero and his friends to the hotel; where they
were received by his Grace the Duke of Norfolk, Recorder of Hereford.
Shortly after, they proceeded to the town-hall; the militia band
playing--"See, the conquering Hero comes!" Being introduced, by the Duke
of Norfolk, to the corporation, who were waiting to receive his
lordship, he was immediately addressed, by Lacon Lambe, Esq. town-clerk,
in an appropriate speech, complimentary of the hero's splendid
achievements during the war; and soliciting his acceptance of the
freedom of the city, presented in a box cut from the _apple-tree_--"the
pride of the country; and of whose noble juice," concluded Mr. Lambe,
"many libations will not fail to be offered to the long health,
prosperity, and happiness, of the great and glorious conqueror of the
Nile!" Lord Nelson, respectfully putting the box to his lips, returned
his sincere thanks, for an honour which, he said, he should never
forget--that of having his name enrolled among the freemen of Hereford.
It was true, he had stood forward in the defence of his king and
country, in many engagements: yet the honour and renown, for the
brilliant victories which the fleets under him had obtained, were not
attributable to himself, but must be ascribed, first, to the Deity; and,
next, to the undaunted courage, skill, and discipline, of those officers
and seamen whom it had been his good fortune to command--not one of
whom, he was proud to say, had ever in the least swerved from his duty.
"Should this nation," concluded his lordship, "ever experience a state
similar to that from which it has been recently extricated, I have not
the slightest doubt, from the result of my observations during this
tour, that the native, the inbred spirit of Britons, whilst it continues
as firmly united as at present, is fully adequate successfully to repel
any attack, either foreign or domestic, which our enemies may dare to
make. You have but to say, to your fleets and armies--Go ye forth, and
fight our battles; whilst we, true to ourselves, protect and support
your wives and little ones at home." The impression made by this speech
is inconceivable. The Reverend Mr. Morgan, canon-residentiary, also
addressed his lordship, on the part of the bishop and clergy of the
diocese; and, being charged, by the venerable bishop, to express his
regret at being deprived, by extreme age and infirmity, of the honour of
paying his personal respects to Lord Nelson in the town-hall, his
lordship immediately replied that, as the son of a clergyman, and from
having been bred up in a sense of the highest veneration for the church
and it's able ministers, while he sincerely lamented the cause of
absence, he conceived it a duty, which he would perform with the utmost
willingness, to wait on his lordship at the episcopal palace. This, on
returning from the hall, he accordingly did; and, soon after, the party
proceeded to Downton Castle, near Ludlow, the seat of Richard Payne
Knight, Esq.
On approaching near Ludlow, the populace took the horses from his
lordship's carriage, and drew it into the town; and, at his departure,
drew him out of town, in the same manner, on the road to Downton Castle.
After passing a few days with Mr. Knight, at his beautiful seat, and
receiving the honorary freedom of the ancient borough of Ludlow, his
lordship, on Sunday evening, the 29th of August, while on the road to
Worcester, was met by a prodigious concourse of people, who hailed his
approach with heart-felt acclamations; and, taking the horses from his
carriage, drew it to the Hop-Pole Inn. The hero was greeted, as he
entered the city, by lively peals from the different church bells, and
many discharges of cannon; and joyfully saluted by innumerable
spectators, in the streets, at the windows, and on the tops of houses,
where they crouded to see him pass. In the course of the evening, his
lordship frequently appeared at a window; and courteously bowed to the
exulting crowd, with the most grateful condescension. Next morning, the
illustrious guest, and his friends, preceded by a band of music, visited
the famous Worcester china manufactory of Messrs. Chamberlains; and they
demonstrated their approbation of it's beauty, by making considerable
purchases. His lordship, in particular, left a large order for china, to
be decorated in the most splendid stile, with his arms, insignia, &c. On
returning to the inn, Lord Nelson was attended by the city officers, in
all their formalities, for conducting his lordship and friends to the
council-room in the town-hall; where the mayor and corporation were
assembled, and had prepared an elegant collation. At the conclusion of
this repast, the Right Honourable the Earl of Coventry, as Recorder of
Worcester, on presenting his lordship with the freedom of that city, in
an elegant china vase from Messrs. Chamberlains manufactory, thus
addressed him--"My lord! As recorder of the ancient and loyal city of
Worcester, an office of the most pleasing nature to myself, and
honourable to your lordship, is now imposed upon me. I am requested, by
that respectable and patriotic body which I have the honour to represent
on this occasion, the corporation of this city, to solicit your
lordship's acceptance, as a testimony of their high and grateful sense
of your distinguished services, in defence of the people, liberty, and
constitution, of this kingdom, and our most gracious sovereign, with the
freedom of the city of Worcester." Lord Nelson, in a very masterly
speech, complimented the corporate body, on the polite manner in which
they had received him; and delicately expressed the pleasure which he
felt from the sentiments entertained of him by the civil power of so
ancient, so loyal, and so respectable a city, as that of Worcester. For
loyalty, his lordship remarked, they had always stood in the foremost
rank; and, to that patriotic spirit, he conceived, was to be ascribed
the high estimation in which they held his public and personal services.
He considered himself fortunate, that his exertions had been called
forth in such perilous and disastrous times; as, he flattered himself,
he had contributed to the protection of the best of constitutions, and
the best of kings. At the same time, he was bound to acknowledge that,
whatever honour might arise to himself, from his conduct in those trying
scenes in which he had been engaged, he had certainly been supported by
the most able, intrepid, and active officers, and by men of the most
undaunted and enterprising courage. The merit ascribed to him, was more
particularly due to the brave men who had been put under his orders; it
was to them that the country was indebted, he only had the good fortune
to command the heroes who had obtained those important successes. With
such assistance, aided by that Providence who watches over righteous
kings and states with paternal care, he did not hesitate to say, that
this kingdom rested on a safe and solid basis; that nothing could shake
it's foundation, but internal discord and divisions; that, as those whom
he had now the honour of addressing, on to him so pleasing and
flattering an occasion, had always, with such zeal and promptitude,
expressed their attachment to their sovereign, they would, he hoped,
persevere in that unanimity and order, which tend, as the best and most
solid security, to the preservation of all kings and states. He had now,
he said, the honour of being one of that body, as a public
acknowledgment of the approbation with which they regarded his former
services; and, should the exigence of the times, at any future period,
call them again into action, the remembrance of that attention for which
he had to thank them on the present occasion, would act as a stimulus to
the exercise, if possible, of more ardent zeal and exertion, in the old
and favourite cause, the defence of his king, and the protection of the
constitution. His future conduct, his lordship concluded, would best
evince his gratitude for the distinguished honours which had been
conferred on him. The remainder of his life should be devoted to the
service of his king and country; and, while he had a limb left, that
limb should, if necessary, be cheerfully sacrificed in their defence.
After this noble and impressive speech, which was much and most
deservedly admired, his lordship and friends quitted the hall, and went
to see the cathedral; where they were received, and congratulated, by
the Reverend Dr. Arthur Onslow, the dean, and clergy. Lord Nelson viewed
the choir, monuments, &c. of this elegant structure, with evident marks
of satisfaction; and expressed himself much flattered by the polite
attentions which he had experienced at Worcester. Having received an
express invitation from the High and Low Bailiffs of Birmingham, his
lordship and friends, soon after one o'clock, departed for that
celebrated place, in two post-coaches and four, with the drivers in
bluejackets, and wearing ribbons of the same colour in their hats.
Apprehensive of accidents, from the curiosity of so crouded a population
as that of Birmingham, his lordship contrived to reach this town two
hours sooner than expected. Accordingly, he was met with by but few
people on the road; and arrived, without any tumult, at Styles's hotel.
The intelligence, however, soon became general; the bells merrily rung;
and a prodigious concourse of people assembled, all desirous of
beholding the hero who had, they exclaimed, saved them and their little
ones from destruction. His lordship kindly gratified them as much as
possible, with a sight of his person, by repeatedly presenting himself
at the window; and was as repeatedly greeted by the grateful and
applausive shouts of the surrounding multitude, invoking Heaven's best
blessings on the noble champion of his country. His lordship was
immediately waited on, at the hotel, by James Woolley, Esq. the high
bailiff; and Timothy Smith, Esq. the low bailiff: who politely thanked
him, for the honour of accepting their invitation to "the toy-shop of
Europe." His lordship, and friends, in the evening, went to the theatre,
drawn by the shouting populace; and the house was so crouded, that many
hundred persons were unable to obtain admission. On their entrance,
"Rule, Britannia!" was played in full orchestra; and the whole audience,
respectfully standing up, instantly testified, by their unanimously loud
and long continued plaudits, the happiness which they experienced at
thus seeing among them the renowned Hero of the Nile. On returning, at
midnight, his lordship and friends were drawn back, by the people,
through New Street, High Street, and Bull Street, to Styles's hotel,
amidst a blaze of several hundred lighted torches. Next morning, his
lordship and friends, accompanied by the high and low bailiffs, walked
to view the manufactory of Mr. Clay, japanner in ordinary to his Majesty
and his Royal Highness the Prince of Wales; the sword manufactory of
Messrs. Woolley and Deakin; the button manufactory of Messrs. W. and R.
Smith; the buckle and ring manufactory of Messrs. Simcox and Timmins;
and the patent-sash manufactory of Messrs. Timmins and Jordan. They then
went, drawn in their carriage by the populace, a prodigious multitude
constantly attending, to Mr. Egerton's stained-glass manufactory, at
Handsworth, where they were received by a party of beautiful young
ladies, dressed in white, and who literally strewed the hero's ways with
flowers. Here his lordship particularly admired a large window intended
for Lady Masterman Sykes, and some works for Fonthill and Arundel. The
party then proceeded to Mr. Boulton's matchless manufactory at Soho; and
visited that ingenious gentleman, who was slowly recovering from a
dangerous illness, in his bed-chamber. They then viewed the extensive
coining apparatus; and were presented with several appropriate medals
struck in their presence. On returning to the hotel, they found an
elegant dinner, consisting of every delicacy the season could afford,
provided by the high and low bailiffs: at which they were met by Heneage
Legge, Esq. the high-sheriff; Dugdale Stratford Dugdale, Esq. one of the
members for the county of Stafford; his lordship's esteemed friend
Captain Digby, who had the honour of being selected to bring
intelligence of his lordship's glorious victory off the Nile; with other
naval and military officers, clergy, magistrates, &c. Lady Hamilton very
condescendingly gratified the company with some charming songs. The
bells rung most of the day: and, in the evening, his lordship and
friends again visited the theatre; which was crouded with all the beauty
and fashion of the neighbourhood, who gave them the most rapturous
welcome. A respectable song, written for the occasion by Mr. Collins,
was sung to the good old tune of "Hearts of Oak;" and his lordship and
party were conveyed to and from the theatre, by the populace, in the
same stile as they had been the preceding night. On Wednesday morning,
again attended by the high and low bailiff, they proceeded, on foot, to
inspect Mr. Radenhurst's whip manufactory, the extensive toy warehouse
of Messrs. Richards, Mr. Phipson's pin manufactory, and Mr. Bissett's
Museum. They concluded, by visiting the famous Blue-Coat Charity School,
and were much pleased with the appearance of the children; they then
returned to their hotel, and set out for Warwick, where they arrived the
same evening.
The inhabitants of Warwick received his lordship and friends with every
possible demonstration of joy. They were waited on by the mayor and
corporation; and, after remaining till Friday morning, chiefly occupied
in viewing Warwick Castle, the county-hall, churches, and other public
buildings, went on to Coventry.
On arriving in the city of Coventry, where they were greeted with the
usual public rejoicings, they were immediately attended by the mayor and
corporation: and, after taking some refreshment, his lordship proceeded
to pay his respects to Earl Spencer, at Althorpe Park, near Northampton;
from whence, on Sunday, the 5th of September, the party returned to
Merton.
This journey to Milford proved eminently beneficial to Lord Nelson. It
had not only established his health; but exhilarated his feeling mind,
and freed it from every depression. The affectionate sentiments of a
grateful and virtuous people, spontaneously bursting from their hearts,
communicated a glow to his heroic bosom, which inspired him with
renovated vigour, and fortified him against all the lurking malignancy
of mean envy and disappointed ambition.
When Lord Nelson came to town, from Merton, which he did almost daily
during the sittings of parliament, Sir William Hamilton usually
accompanied his noble friend for the transaction of his own private
business, and they always returned together in the evening. These
inseparable friends would visit no where without each other; and they
often declared, that nothing but death should ever divide them. His
lordship, fond of retirement, visited very few of his opulent
neighbours: but there was scarcely a poor inhabitant of Merton, whose
house he did not occasionally enter; where he would converse familiarly
with the humble tenants, take the kindest notices of their little ones,
and bountifully relieve their necessities. Among his select wealthy
neighbours, the celebrated Abraham Goldsmid, Esq. of Morden, and his
amiable family, ranked high in his lordship's estimation, as well as in
that of Sir William and Lady Hamilton, and their reciprocal visits were
frequent. A most liberal and unsolicited tender of pecuniary
accommodation to Lord Nelson, by that worthy and disinterested
gentleman, in the very origin of their acquaintance, bound his generous
heart for ever to Mr. Goldsmid; whose mutually ardent amity, shining
with undiminished lustre, still survives for all who were dear to his
lordship.
On the 21st of December, when the famous bill of his noble friend, the
Earl of St. Vincent, then First Lord of the Admiralty, for a commission
of Naval Enquiry, which brought on such a train of important but
unexpected consequences, and was pregnant with so many beneficial
effects to the service, underwent a discussion in the House of Lords, at
it's second reading, Lord Nelson made the following exquisite speech, in
support of it's proposed objects--
"MY LORDS!
"In the absence of my noble friend, who is at the head of the
Admiralty, I think it my duty to say a few words to your lordships,
in regard to a bill of which the objects have an express reference
to the interests of my profession as a seaman. It undoubtedly
originates in the feelings of the Admiralty; that they have not the
power to remedy certain abuses, which they perceive to be most
injurious to the public service. Every man knows, that there are
such abuses; and, I hope, there is none among us who would not
gladly do all that could be constitutionally effected to correct
them.
Yet, if I had heard of any objection, of weight, urged against the
measures in the present bill, I should certainly have hesitated to
do any thing to promote it's progress through the forms of this
house. But, I can recollect only one thing with which I have been
struck as possibly exceptionable in it's tenor. It authorizes the
commissioners to call for, and inspect, the books of merchants, who
may have had transactions of business with any of the boards, or
prize agents, into whose conduct they are to enquire. But, the
credit of the British merchant is the support of the commerce of
the world; his books are not, lightly, nor for any ordinary
purpose, to be taken out of his own hands. The secrets of his
business are not to be too curiously pryed into. The books of a
single merchant may betray the secrets, not only of his own
affairs, but of those with whom he is principally connected in
business; and the reciprocal confidence of the whole commercial
world may, by the authoritative enquiry of these commissioners, be
shaken. All this, at least, I should have feared, as liable to
happen, if the persons who are named in the bill had not been men
whose characters are above all suspicion of indiscretion or malice.
I may presume it to be the common conviction of the merchants, that
in such hands they will be safe: since they have made no opposition
to the bill, in it's progress; and since they have offered no
appearance against it, by counsel at your lordships bar. And,
truly, my lords, if the bill be, thus, superior to all objection;
I can affirm, that the necessities, the wrongs, of those who are
employed in the naval service of their country, most loudly call
for the redress which it proposes! From the highest admiral in the
service, to the poorest cabin-boy that walks the street, there is
not a man but may be in distress, with large sums of wages due to
him, of which he shall, by no diligence of request be able to
obtain payment; not a man, whose intreaties will be readily
answered, with aught but insult, at the proper places for his
application, if he come not with particular recommendations to a
preference. From the highest admiral, to the meanest seaman,
whatever may be the sums of prize-money due to him, no man can tell
when he may securely call any part of it his own. A man may have
forty thousand pounds due to him, in prize-money; and yet may be
dismissed, without a shilling, if he ask for it at the proper
office without particular recommendation. Are these things to be
tolerated? Is it for the interest, is it for the honour, of the
country, that they should not as speedily as possible be redressed?
I should be as unwilling as any man, to give an overweening
preference to the interests of my own profession; but I cannot help
thinking that, under all the circumstances of the business, your
lordships will be strongly disposed to advance this bill into a
law, as speedily as may be consistent with the order of your
proceedings, and with due preference of deliberation!"
Next day, in a committee of the whole house, on the third reading of
this celebrated bill, the Duke of Clarence having suggested the
propriety of instituting a distinct enquiry, under a particular act,
into the abuses of prize-money, Lord Nelson expressed himself to be of
the same opinion; but, though severely animadverting on the flagrant
enormities of prize-agents, his lordship, nevertheless, candidly
acknowledged, that there might be instances where the delays of the
payment of prize-money resulted, not from the villainy of the agents,
but from accidents by no means easily avoidable in the common course of
human affairs. In regarding the naval interests of his country, Lord
Nelson was not unmindful of it's commercial prosperity; in censuring
criminal abuses, he was careful not to involve innocence with guilt.
Lord Nelson's love of humanity led him, in February 1805, on the trial
of Colonel Marcus Despard, for high-treason, to bear the most honourable
testimony to that officer's character: they had, his lordship said,
formerly served together on the Spanish main; together been in the
enemy's trenches, and slept in the same tent; and he had every reason to
believe him a loyal man, and a brave officer. His lordship, however, was
fully satisfied, in the end, that Colonel Despard had been guilty of the
crime for which he was executed in Horsemonger Lane, Southwark, on the
21st of the same month. Lord Ellenborough, the learned judge before whom
Colonel Despard was tried and convicted, on noticing, in his address to
the jury, the circumstances of Lord Nelson's testimony, from the seat of
justice which he so worthily fills, delivered this fine panegyric on our
illustrious hero--"You have heard," said that manly, wise, and virtuous
judge, "the high character given of the prisoner, by a man _on whom to
pronounce an eulogy were to waste words!_ But, you are to consider
whether a change has not taken place, since the period of which he
speaks. Happy, indeed, would it have been for him, if he had preserved
that character down to this moment of peril!" Had there been a gleam of
doubt, as to the guilt of the culprit, the jury would certainly have
acquitted him in consequence of our hero's testimony as to his
character; and such was, after all, it's influence on their minds, that
when, in the usual form, they were asked whether he was "Guilty, or not
guilty?" the foreman, though he replied--"Guilty;" immediately
added--"but we earnestly recommend him to mercy, on account of his
former good character, and the services he has rendered his country." No
recommendation, however, the crime being so atrocious, and the guilt so
manifest, could reasonably be expected to avail. It is said, though such
disabolism can scarcely be credited, that attempts were made, on this
occasion, by secret enemies of his lordship in very high rank, to
prejudice characters still more elevated against him; and thus, as in
some other respects, vilely insinuating that his most honourable and
virtuous heart was tainted with the very vice which he ever held in the
greatest abhorrence. Among the various gross imputations against his
lordship, which the future historian may find registered in some of the
preserved licentious public journals of blended facts and falshoods, and
inconsiderately adopt, is that of the Hero of the Nile's having been so
addicted to gaming, that he lost, at a single sitting, the whole he had
gained, both pay and prize-money, during the year of that memorable
victory: whereas, in truth, his lordship was so extremely adverse to
this vice, that he had scarcely ever, in his life, entered any one of
the fashionable gaming-houses; nor ever, as he repeatedly assured his
friends, whom these base reports induced particularly to ask the
question, won or lost even the trifling sum of twenty guineas!
Notwithstanding this undoubted verity; there will, probably, always be
found weak heads firmly believing, and vicious hearts basely pretending
to believe, that this exalted man was actually of a gambling spirit. So
difficult is it entirely to eradicate the rank but fertile growth of
once disseminated calumny; which, sown in darkness, by the arch-enemy of
mankind, springs up, and spreads it's pernicious influence, to check the
fairer growth, and defeat the just hopes of the meritorious husbandman.
It has been already observed that, owing to the unaccommodating
disposition of a neighbouring farmer, Lord Nelson had been unable to
enlarge the grounds of his retirement at Merton, till he agreed to
purchase the whole of Mr. Axe's estate. This, however, had been so far
effected, at the latter end of the year 1802, that there wanted nothing,
but certain legal formalities, for the conclusion of that business. His
lordship and friends had already rendered Merton Place a little
paradise, by their tasteful arrangements. They jointly directed the
disposition of the most beautiful shrubs; and not unfrequently placed
them in the earth, Sir William or Lady Hamilton assisting his lordship
to plant them with his single hand. A small mulberry-tree, now only a
few feet high, and standing in front of the house, not far distant from
the canal, where it was fixed by Lord Nelson's own hand, may hereafter
rival the celebrated mulberry-tree at Stratford upon Avon, planted by
the immortal Shakspeare; the first dramatic bard, and naval hero, "take
them for all in all," the world is ever likely to know. The prospect of
immediately executing the desirable additional improvements in his
lordship's estate, the plan of which had already been long contrived,
was a source of considerable satisfaction to their anticipatory minds,
as the spring season advanced. The purchase, indeed, was compleated the
beginning of May 1803; but, events were now destined to occur, in the
few intervening days, which rendered the possession of what had been so
eagerly sought, of little value to either of the persons by whom it had
been regarded as so sure a source of increased enjoyments.
Towards the latter end of March, Sir William Hamilton, then in his
seventy-fourth year, suddenly felt himself more than usually indisposed.
He was a gentleman of the most exalted understanding; and knew,
perfectly well, from the nature of his sensations, that the period had
arrived, when his corporeal dissolution must hourly be expected. This
circumstance conveyed, to his excellent heart, no uncommon alarm: the
serious contemplation of death, had not been deferred to the last moment
of his existence; and he therefore beheld, without dismay, every step of
it's awful approach. With a calmness which he was unable to communicate
to his lady, he announced the solemn certainty; and declared his
resolution immediately to leave Merton Place, lest he should, by dying
there, render it an insupportable future abode to the feelings of his
tender and illustrious friend. Sir William, on arriving at his house in
Piccadilly, the 29th of March, instantly annexed the following
remarkable codicil to his will--
"March 29,1803.
"The copy of Madame Le Brun's picture of Emma, in enamel, by Bone,
I give to my dearest friend, Lord Nelson, Duke of Bronte: a small
token of the great regard I have for his lordship; the most
virtuous, loyal, and truly brave character, I have ever met with.
God bless him! and shame fall on those who do not say--_Amen_."
The moment his lordship learned that Sir William Hamilton's physicians
declared him to be in danger, he never once quitted him: but, during six
nights, constantly sat up with his friend; who died, in the arms of Lady
Hamilton, and with Lord Nelson's hand in his, on the 6th of April 1803.
A few moments before Sir William's decease, he said to his
lordship--"Brave and great Nelson, our friendship has been long, and I
glory in my friend. I hope you will see justice done to Emma, by
ministers; for you know how great her services have been, and what she
has done for her country. Protect my dear wife; and may God bless you,
and give you victory, and protect you in battle!" Then, turning to his
lady--"My incomparable Emma," said he, "you have never, in thought,
word, or deed, offended me; and let me thank you, again and again, for
your affectionate kindness to me, all the time of our ten years happy
union." Lord Nelson could scarcely be torn from the body of his friend.
He requested Mrs. Nelson, now the Countess Nelson, immediately to take
apartments for him: and begged her to tell Lady Hamilton, that it would
not be right, now his friend was dead, to be an inmate of her ladyship's
house; for it was a bad world, and her grief for the loss of her husband
might not let her think of the impropriety of his continuing there. His
lordship, accordingly, removed that evening to lodgings in Piccadilly.
It is remarkable that, the very day of Sir William's death, Captain
Macnamara, Lord Nelson's old fellow-traveller when he visited France the
latter end of the year 1783, killed Colonel Montgomery, and was himself
shot through the left side by his antagonist, in a duel near Primrose
Hill, Hampstead. They had been riding in Hyde Park, that morning, with
each a Newfoundland dog; in whose first quarrelling and fighting,
originated the dispute which so fatally terminated in the evening.
Captain Macnamara was tried at the Old Bailey, on the 22d of the same
month; but Lord Nelson, as well as his friends Lord Minto, Lord Hood,
and Lord Hotham, giving him a most excellent character, though Judge
Heath directed the jury to find a verdict of manslaughter, both from the
evidence and the captain's own admission, they resolutely pronounced
him--"Not guilty!"
Lord Nelson had not, now, been quite eighteen months at home; and,
within less than the twelve last, his ardent hopes of a tranquil
retirement with the friends he loved, had been twice cruelly chilled by
the hand of death. Having lost the best of fathers, and the best of
friends, with whom he was solicitous to have enjoyed his enlarged
domains at Merton, before the incivility of a rude rustic, and the
procrastinating formalities of legal conveyance, would permit him to
possess the requisite additions for it's improvement. Indeed, without
the aid of Sir William's income, the establishment at Merton Place, was
already too great for Lord Nelson's slender fortune. It suited well
enough their joint means, but was not adapted, individually, for either.
However, even the possession of the whole had scarcely been obtained,
and not at all occupied, when it was rendered useless to the hero; for,
a renewal of the war being now inevitable, his transcendent abilities
were instantly called for by the united voice of the nation.
On the 16th of May, little more than five weeks after the decease of his
revered and regretted friend Sir William Hamilton, a message from his
majesty announced to both houses of parliament the necessity for
immediate war with France: and, the very next day, Lord Nelson, who had
accepted the command of the Mediterranean fleet, departed for
Portsmouth; from whence he sailed for Gibraltar, the day following, in
the Amphion frigate, accompanied by the Victory of a hundred and ten
guns, his lordship's flag-ship.
Previous to his departure, however, Lord Nelson, not unmindful of his
dying friend's last request, had both written to, and waited on, Mr.
Addington, respecting Lady Hamilton's pension; and this most honourable
minister, as he has ever been generally esteemed, frankly told his
lordship, that it certainly ought to be granted. Indeed, when it is duly
considered, that Sir William Hamilton was the foster-brother of his
present majesty, who always entertained for him the most affectionate
regard; that he had, for thirty-six years, filled the character of
British minister at the court of Naples, with a zeal and ability not to
be surpassed, and with a munificent and splendid hospitality very rarely
exercised; that his surviving lady, who constituted the chief felicity
of his latter years, so contributed to promote all the best interests of
her country, and all the dignity of a beloved husband who there held the
honour of representing his sovereign, that the Queen of Naples, in a
letter to his British majesty, dictated by the grateful feelings of her
heart, expressly stated Lady Hamilton to have been--"her best friend and
preserver! to whom she was indebted, certainly, for her life; and,
probably, for the crown!" and that the pension of twelve hundred pounds
a year, conferred on Sir William for his long diplomatic services,
ceased at his death; added to the solicitations of such a man as Lord
Nelson, and the avowal of so upright a minister as Mr. Addington: it
must, certainly, appear evident that, if there had not been some very
unaccountable neglect, or some most scandalous impediment, the just
expectations of so many great and estimable characters, would long since
have been satisfied by the grant of a liberal pension to Lady Hamilton;
not only as the relict of such an honourable envoy, but for her
ladyship's own individual public services to the country. What Lord
Nelson thought on this subject, to the last hour of his most invaluable
life, will necessarily be hereafter more particularly noticed.
Soon after his lordship's arrival at Gibraltar, while he was going up
to Malta, in the month of June, for the purpose of collecting his ships,
he wrote to Lady Hamilton that, when he was in sight of Vesuvius, his
thoughts of his dear friend, Sir William, were so severe, that he had
nearly fainted. Thus delicately tender were all the virtuous affections,
in the bosom of this truly heroic man.
Though Lord Nelson was, now, established commander in chief, in some
sense for the first time, the dread with which his name inspired the
enemy rendered the service far too inactive for his lordship's taste. To
watch the motions of a timid enemy, and wait the tedious periods of
their venturing out, was to him a most irksome task. He disdained,
however, any strict blockade of Toulon: but encouraged the boastful
fleet, ignominiously skulking there, to come fairly forward; by always
leaving them sufficient sea room; though he endeavoured to preserve over
all their motions a constantly watchful eye. Month, after month, seemed
sluggishly to pass away, in wearisome succession; though his lordship,
whose mind was ever too alert for a state of actual supineness, kept
continually cruizing about. He hoped that, at least, they might thus be
encouraged secretly to detach a small squadron, which he had little
doubt some of his brave fellows would soon contrive to pick up. In these
cruizes, too, his lordship, at least, was certain of securing one
object, ever the first regard of his heart, that of preserving the
health of the men, without which no victory could be expected. His care,
in this respect, was most unremittingly employed; and the following
letter, written by Lord Nelson, at that period, to his friend and
physician, the celebrated Dr. Moseley, of Chelsea Hospital, who has
purposely favoured the biographer with a correct copy, will not only
evince his lordship's indefatigable attention, and his very great skill
and success, but prove otherwise considerably interesting.
"Victory, 11th of March 1804.
"MY DEAR DR. MOSELEY,
Yesterday, I received the favour of the 4th edition of your
invaluable work on Tropical Diseases, &c. and, with it, your most
kind letter: and, though I know myself not equal to your praises,
yet I feel that my honest intentions for the good of the service
have ever been the same; and, as I rise in rank, so do my
exertions. The great thing, in all military service, is health; and
you will agree with me, that it is easier for an officer to keep
men healthy, than for a physician to cure them. Situated as this
fleet has been, without a friendly port, where we could get all the
things so necessary for us; yet I have, by changing the cruizing
ground, not allowed the sameness of prospect to satiate the mind.
Sometimes, by looking at Toulon, Ville Tranche, Barcelona, and
Roses; then running round Minorca, Majorca, Sardinia, and Corsica;
and, two or three times, anchoring for a few days, and sending a
ship to the last place for _onions_--which I find the best thing
that can be given to seamen: having, always, good mutton for the
sick; cattle, when we can get them; and plenty of fresh water. In
the winter, it is the best plan to give half the allowance of grog
instead of all wine.
"These things are for the commander in chief to look to; but, shut
very nearly out from Spain, and only getting refreshments by
stealth from other places, my command has been an arduous one.
"Cornwallis has great merit for his persevering cruize; but he has
every thing sent him, we have nothing. We seem forgotten, by the
great folks at home. Our men's minds, however, are always kept up,
with the daily hopes of meeting the enemy. I send you, as a
curiosity, an account of our deaths, and sent to the hospital, out
of 6000 men. The fleet put to sea on the 18th of May 1803, and is
still at sea; not a ship has been refitted, or recruited, excepting
what has been done at sea, You will readily believe, that all this
must have shaken me. My sight is getting very bad; but _I_ must not
be sick, until after the French fleet is taken, Then, I shall soon
hope to take you by the hand, and have farther recourse to your
skill for my eye.
"I am always glad to hear good accounts of our dear Lady Hamilton.
That she is beloved, wherever she is known, does not surprise me;
the contrary would, very much. I am sure, she feels most sincerely
all your kindness.
"Believe me, for ever, my dear doctor, your much obliged friend,