I have in my possession a long letter written by Lord Nelson, sixteen days
before the battle of Trafalgar, to the Right Hon. Lord Barham, who was at
that time First Lord of the Admiralty. As an autograph collector, I prize
it much; and I think that the readers of "N. & Q." might be glad to see it.
It has not yet, as far as I am aware, been published:
Victory, Oct. 5th, 1805.
My Dear Lord,
On Monday the French and Spanish ships took their troops on board which
had been landed on their arrival, and it is said that they mean to sail
the first fresh Levant wind. And as the Carthagena ships are ready,
and, when seen a few days ago, had their topsail yards hoisted up, this
looks like a junction. The position I have taken for this month, is
from sixteen to eighteen leagues west of Cadiz; for, although it is
most desirable that the fleet should be well up in the easterly winds,
yet I must guard against being caught with a westerly wind near Cadiz:
for a fleet of ships, with so many three-deckers, would inevitably be
forced into the Straits, and then Cadiz would be perfectly free for
them to come out with a westerly wind--as they served Lord Keith in the
late war. I am most anxious for the arrival of frigates: less than
eight, with the brigs, &c., as we settled, I find are absolutely
inadequate for this service and to be with the fleet; and Spartel, Cape
Cantin, or Blanco, and the Salvages, must be watched by fast-sailing
vessels, in case any squadron should escape.
I have been obliged to send six sail of the line to water and get
stores, &c. at Tetuan and Gibraltar; for if I did not begin, I should
very {242} soon be obliged to take the whole fleet into the Straits. I
have twenty-three sail with me, and should they come out, I shall
immediately bring them to battle; but although I should not doubt of
spoiling any voyage they may attempt, yet I hope for the arrival of the
ships from England, that, as an enemy's fleet, they may be annihilated.
Your Lordship may rely upon every exertion from
Your very faithful and obedient servant,