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THE
Letters
OF
LORD NELSON
TO
LADY HAMILTON;
WITH A
SUPPLEMENT
OF
_INTERESTING LETTERS_,
BY
Distinguished Characters.
IN TWO VOLUMES.
VOL. II.
London: Printed by Macdonald and Son, Smithfield,
FOR THOMAS LOVEWELL & CO. STAINES HOUSE, BARBICAN;
AND SOLD BY ALL THE BOOKSELLERS.
1814.
CONTENTS.
VOL. II.
LETTERS FROM LORD NELSON TO LADY HAMILTON.
LETTER XL. Page 5
XLI. 10
XLII. 21
XLIII. 26
XLIV. 29
XLV. 34
XLVI. 36
XLVII. 39
XLVIII. 48
XLIX. 53
L. 56
LI. 62
LII. 65
LIII. 67
LIV. 73
LV. 77
LVI. 79
LVII. 83
LVIII. 87
LIX. 96
LX. 100
SUPPLEMENT.
_Letters from Lord Nelson to Miss Horatia Nelson Thomson, now Miss
Horatia Nelson, Lord Nelson's Adopted Daughter; and to Miss Charlotte
Nelson, Daughter of the present Earl_.
LETTER to Miss Horatia Nelson Page 107
to Miss Charlotte Nelson 109
_Letters from Alexander Davison, Esq. to Lady Hamilton._
LETTER I. Page 113
II. 115
III. 119
_Letter from Lady Hamilton to Alexander Davison, Esq. inclosing her
Ladyship's Verses on Lord Nelson_
Page 125
_Letter from Lady Hamilton to the Right Honourable Henry Addington,
now Viscount Sidmouth_
Page 131
_Letters from Sir William Hamilton, K.B. to Lady Hamilton._
LETTER I. Page 137
II. 140
III. 143
IV. 146
V. 149
VI. 150
VII. 152
VIII. 155
IX. 157
X. 160
XI. 163
XII. 166
XIII. 169
XIV. 171
XV. 174
XVI. 177
XVII. 180
_Letters from Sir William Hamilton, K.B. to Lord
Nelson._
LETTER I. Page 185
II. 190
III. 192
IV. 194
V. 197
VI. 199
VII. 200
VIII. 205
IX. 207
X. 210
XI. 216
XII. 220
_Letters from Lord Nelson to Sir William Hamilton,
K.B._
LETTER I. Page 225
II. 227
III. 231
IV. 233
V. 240
VI. 243
VII. 245
VIII. 247
IX. 254
X. 256
XI. 258
XII. 261
THE
Letters
OF
LORD NELSON
TO
LADY HAMILTON.
LETTER XL.
Victory, under Majorca,
January 13th, 1804.
MY OWN DEAR BELOVED EMMA,
I received, on the 9th, your letters of September 29th, October 2, 7,
10, 12, 17th, November 5th, 8th, to the 24th: and I am truly sensible
of all your kindness and affectionate regard for me; which, I am sure,
is reciprocal, in every respect, from your own Nelson.
If that Lady Bitch knew of that person's coming to her house, it was a
trick; but which, I hope, you will not subject yourself to again. But,
I do not like it!
However, it is passed; and, we must have confidence in each other:
and, my dearest Emma, judging of you by myself, it is not all the
world that could seduce me, in thought, word, or deed, from all my
soul holds most dear.
Indeed, if I can help it, I never intend to go out of the ship, but to
the shore of Portsmouth; and that will be, if it pleases God, before
next Christmas. Indeed, I think, long before, if the French will
venture to sea.
I send you a letter from the Queen of Naples. They call out, might and
main, for our protection; and, God knows, they are sure of me.
Mr. Elliot complains heavily of the expence; and says, he will retire
the moment it is peace. He expected his family, when they would sit
down eleven Elliots!
If, my dear Emma, you are to mind all the reports you may hear, you
may always be angry with your Nelson.
In the first place, instead of eight days, Mr. Acourt; he came on
board one day, just before dinner, and left me next morning, after
breakfast.
What pleasure people can have in telling lies! But, I care not what
they say; I defy them all.
You may safely rely, that I can for ever repeat, with truth, these
words--for ever I love you, and only you, my Emma; and, you may be
assured, as long as you are the same to me, that you are never absent
a moment from my thoughts.
I am glad you are going to Merton; you will live much more
comfortable, and much cheaper, than in London: and this spring, if you
like to have the house altered, you can do it. But, I fancy, you will
soon tire of so much dirt, and the inconvenience will be very great
the whole summer.
All I request, if you fix to have it done, [is] that Mr. Davison's
architect, who drew the plan, may have the inspection; and, he must
take care that it does not exceed the estimate.
If it is done by contract, you must not _alter_; or a bill is run-up,
much worse than if we had never contracted. Therefore, I must
either buy the materials, and employ respectable workmen, under the
architect; or, contract.
I rather believe, it would be better for me to buy the materials, and
put out the building to a workman; but, you must get some good advice.
With respect to the new entrance-- * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
* * * * * *
LETTER XLI.
Victory, March 14th, [1804]
off Toulon.
Young Faddy, my Dearest Emma, brought me, two days ago, your dear and
most kind letter of November 26th, and you are sure that I shall take
a very early opportunity of promoting him; and he appears to be grown
a fine young man, but vacancies do not happen very frequently in this
station. However, if he behaves well, he may be sure of me.
With respect to Mr. Jefferson, I can [neither] say nor do any thing.
The surgeon of the Victory is a very able, excellent man, and the ship
is kept in the most perfect state of health; and, I would not, if I
could--but, thank [God] I cannot--do such an unjust act, as to remove
him. He is my own asking for! and, I have every reason to be perfectly
content.
Mr. Jefferson got on, by my help; and, by his own misconduct, he got
out of a good employ, and has seen another person, at Malta hospital,
put over his head. He must now begin again; and act with much more
attention and sobriety, than he has done, to ever get forward
again: but, time may do much; and, I shall rejoice to hear of his
reformation.
I am not surprised, my dearest Emma, at the enormous expences of the
watering place; but, if it has done my own Emma service, it is well
laid out. A thousand pounds a year will not go far; and we need be
great economists, to make both ends meet, and to carry on the little
improvements. As for making one farthing more prize-money, I do not
expect it; except, by taking the French fleet: and, the event of that
day, who can foresee!
With respect to Mrs. Græfer--what she has done, God and herself knows;
but I have made up my mind, that Gibbs will propose an hundred pounds
a year for her: if so, I shall grant it, and have done. I send you
Mrs. Græfer's last letter.
Whilst I am upon the subject of Bronte, I have one word more--and your
good, dear, kind heart, must not think that I shall die one hour the
sooner; on the contrary, my mind has been more content ever since I
have done: I have left you a part of the rental of Bronte, to be first
paid every half year, and in advance. It is but common justice; and,
whether Mr. Addington gives you any thing, or not, you will want it.
I would not have you lay out more than is necessary, at Merton. The
rooms, and the new entrance, will take a good deal of money. The
entrance by the corner I would have certainly done; a common white
gate will do for the present; and one of the cottages, which is in the
barn, can be put up, as a temporary lodge. The road can be made to
a temporary bridge; for that part of the _Nile_, one day, shall be
filled up.
Downing's canvas awning will do for a passage. For the winter,
the carriage can be put in the barn; and, giving up Mr. Bennett's
premises, will save fifty pounds a year: and, another year, we can fit
up the coach-house and stables, which are in the barn.
The foot-path should be turned. I did shew Mr. Haslewood the way I
wished it done; and Mr. ------ will have no objections, if we make it
better than ever it has been: and, I also beg, as my dear Horatia is
to be at Merton, that a strong netting, about three feet high, may be
placed round the Nile, that the little thing may not tumble in; and,
then, you may have ducks again in it. I forget, at what place we saw
the netting; and either Mr. Perry, or Mr. Goldsmid, told us where it
was to be bought. I shall be very anxious until I know this is done.
I have had no very late opportunities of sending to Naples: but, _viâ_
Malta, I wrote to Gibbs, to desire he would send over and purchase
the _amorins_. They will arrive in time. I hope, the watch is arrived
safe.
The British Fair cutter, I hope, is arrived safe. She has three
packets, from me, to England,
The expences of the alterations at Merton _you are_ not to pay from
the income. Let it all be put to a separate account, and I will
provide a fund for the payment.
All I long for, just now, is to hear that you are _perfectly_
recovered; and, then, I care for nothing: all my hopes are, to
see you, and be happy, at dear Merton, again; but, I fear, this
miscarriage of Pichegru's, in France, will prolong the war. It has
kept the French fleet in port, which we are all sorry for.
Sir William Bolton was on board yesterday. He looks thin. The fag in
a brig is very great; and I see no prospect of his either making
prize-money, or being made post, at present: but, I shall omit no
opportunity.
I wrote to Mrs. Bolton a few months ago; and gave her letter,
yesterday, to Bolton. He conducts himself very well, indeed.
Ever, my dearest Emma, for ever, I am your most faithful, and
affectionate
NELSON & BRONTE.
Although I cannot well afford it, yet I could not bear that poor blind
Mrs. Nelson should be in want in her old days, and sell her plate;
therefore, if you will find out what are her debts, if they come
within my power, I will certainly pay them.
Many, I dare say, if they had commanded here, would have made money;
but, I can assure you, for prizes taken within the Mediterranean, I
have not more than paid my expences. However, I would rather pinch
myself, than she, poor soul, should want. Your good, angelic heart,
my dearest beloved Emma, will fully agree with me, every thing is very
expensive; and, even we find it, and will be obliged to economise, if
we assist our friends: and, I am sure, we should feel more comfort in
it than in loaded tables, and entertaining a set of people who care
not for us.
An account is this moment brought me, that a small sum is payable to
me, for some neutral taken off Cadiz in May 1800; so that I shall not
be poorer for my gift. It is odd, is it not?
I shall, when I come home, settle four thousand pounds in trustees
hands, for Horatia; for, I will not put it in my own power to have
her left destitute: for she would want friends, if we left her in this
world. She shall be independent of any smiles or frowns!
I am glad you are going to take her home; and, if you will take the
trouble with Eliza and Ann, I am the very last to object.
Tom, I shall certainly assist at college; and, I am sure, the Doctor
expects that I should do the same for Horace: but I must make my
arrangements, so as not to run in debt.
April 9th.
I have wrote to the Duke; but, by your account, I fear he is not
alive. I write, because you wish me; and, because I like the Duke,
and hope he will leave you some money. But, for myself, I can have
no right to expect a farthing: nor would I be a legacy hunter for the
world; I never knew any good come from it.
I send you a letter from Mr. Falconet. I am afraid, they have made a
jumble about the _amorins_. And I send you a very impertinent letter
from that old cat. I have sent her a very dry answer, and told her, I
should send the sweetmeats to you. I always hated the old bitch! But,
was she young, and as beautiful as an angel, I am engaged; I am all,
soul and body, my Emmas: nor would I change her for all this world
could give me.
I would not have Horatia think of a dog. I shall not bring her one;
and, I am sure, she is better without a pet of that sort. But, she is
like her mother, would get all the old dogs in the place about her.
April 14th.
I am so sea-sick, that I cannot write another line; except, to
say--God Almighty bless you, my dearest beloved Emma! prays, ever,
your faithful
NELSON & BRONTE.
LETTER XLII.
Victory, April 2d, 1804.
I have, my Dearest Beloved Emma, been so uneasy for this last month;
desiring, most ardently, to hear of your well doing!
Captain Capel brought me your letters, sent by the Thisbe, from
Gibraltar. I opened--opened--found none but December, and early in
January. I was in such an agitation! At last, I found one without a
date: which, thank God! told my poor heart, that you was recovering;
but, that dear little Emma was no more! and, that Horatia had been so
very ill--it all together upset me.
But, it was just at bed-time; and I had time to reflect, and be
thankful to God for sparing you and our dear Horatia. I am sure,
the loss of one--much more, both--would have drove me mad. I was so
agitated, as it was, that I was glad it was night, and that I could be
by myself.
Kiss dear Horatia, for me: and tell her, to be a dutiful and good
child; and, if she is, that we shall always love her.
You may, if you like, tell Mrs. G. that I shall certainly settle
a small pension on her. It shall not be large, as we may have the
pleasure of making her little presents; and, my dearest Emma, I
shall not be wanting to every body who has been kind to you, be they
servants or gentlefolks.
Admiral Lutwidge is a good man; and, I like Mrs. Lutwidge--and shall,
always more, because she is fond of you.
Never mind the great Bashaw at the Priory. He be damned! If he
was single, and had a mind to marry you, he could only make you a
Marchioness: but, as he is situated, and I situated, I can make you a
Duchess; and, if it pleases God, that time may arrive! Amen. Amen.
As for your friend Lady H----, she is, in her way, as great a pimp as
any of them.
What a set! But, if they manage their own intrigues, is not that
enough! I am sure, neither you or I care what they do; much less, envy
them their _chere amies_.
As for Lord S----, and the other, I care nothing about them; for I
have every reason, by my own feelings towards you, to think you care
only for your Nelson.
I have not heard of your receiving the little box from Naples;
bracelets, I fancy, but I did not open them.
I wish the _amorins_ may come in time for the conveyance of Captain
Layman; who has, most unfortunately, lost his sloop: he is strongly
recommended, by the governor and garrison of Gibraltar. But, perhaps,
he may not be able to obtain it.
We have such reports about the King's health, that the present
ministry may be out; and, for what I know or care, another set may be
no better, for you or me.
As for the Admiralty, let who will be in, they can neither do me any
great good or harm: they may vex me, a little; but, that will recoil
upon themselves.
I hope, however, they will confirm Captain Layman; for he is attached
not only to me, but is a very active officer. But, it was his
venturing to know more about India than Troubridge, that made them
look shy upon him; and, his tongue runs too fast. I often tell him,
not to let his tongue run so fast, or his pen write so much.
LETTER XLIII.
Victory, off Toulon,
April 10th, 1804.
MY DEAREST EMMA,
I have received all your truly kind and affectionate letters, to
January 25th, by the Thisbe; and, last night, your letter of January
13th, by Naples.
The _amorins_ will go under the care of Captain Layman; who,
unfortunately, lost his sloop: but, with much credit to himself, he
has been acquitted of all blame.
I rejoice that dear Horatia is got well; and, also, that you, my
dearest Emma, are recovered of your severe indisposition.
In our present situation with Spain, this letter, probably, may never
reach you. I have wrote fully; and intend to send them by the Argus,
who I expect to join every minute.
Elphi Bey, I hear, has had all his fine things taken from him. He
escaped into the Desert, and is pursued; probably, his head is off,
long before this time.
The French fleet came out on the 5th, but went in again the next
morning.
Yesterday, a Rear-Admiral, and seven sail of ships, including
frigates, put their nose outside the harbour. If they go on playing
this game, some day we shall lay salt upon their tails; and so end the
campaign of, my dearest Emma, your most faithful and affectionate
--------
I am glad to hear that you are going to take my dear Horatia, to
educate her. She must turn out an angel, if she minds what you say to
her; and Eliza and Ann will never forget your goodness.
My health is _so, so_! I shall get through the summer; and, in the
winter, shall go home.
You will readily fancy all I would say, and do think.
My kind love to all friends.
LETTER XLIV.
Victory, April 19th, 1804.
MY DEAREST EMMA,
I had wrote you a line, intended for the Swift cutter; but, instead of
her joining me, I had the mortification, not only to hear that she was
taken, but that _all_ the dispatches and letters had fallen into the
hands of the enemy; a very pretty piece of work!
I am not surprised at the capture; but am very much so, that any
dispatches should be sent in a vessel with twenty-three men, not equal
to cope with any row-boat privateer.
As I do not know what letters of your's are in her, I cannot guess
what will be said. I suppose, there will be a publication.
The loss of the Hindostan, was great enough; but, for importance, it
is lost, in comparison to the probable knowledge the enemy will
obtain of our connections with foreign countries! Foreigners for ever
say--and it is true--"We dare not trust England; one way, or other, we
are sure to be committed!" However, it is now too late to launch out
on this subject.
Not a thing has been saved out of the Hindostan, not a second shirt
for any one; and it has been by extraordinary exertions, that the
people's lives were saved.
Captain Hallowell is so good as to take home, for me, wine as by the
inclosed list; and, if I can, some honey. The Spanish honey is so
precious, that if [any one has] a cut, or sore throat, it is used to
cure it. I mention this, in case you should wish to give the Duke a
jar. The smell is wonderful! It is to be produced no where, but in the
mountains near Rosas.
The Cyprus wine, one hogshead, was for Buonaparte.
I would recommend the wine-cooper drawing it off: and you can send a
few dozens to the Duke; who, I know, takes a glass every day at two
o'clock.
I wish, I had any thing else to send you; but, my dearest Emma, you
must take the will for the deed.
I am pleased with Charlotte's letter; and, as she loves my dear
Horatia, I shall always like her.
What hearts those must have, who do not! But, thank God, she shall not
be dependent on any of them.
Your letter of February 12th, through Mr. Falconet, I have received.
I know, they are all read; therefore, never sign your name. I shall
continue to write, through Spain; but never say a word that can convey
any information--except, of eternal attachment and affection for you;
and that, I care not, who knows; for I am, for ever, and ever, your,
only your,
NELSON & BRONTE.
Poor Captain Le Gros had your note to him in his pocket-book, and that
was all he saved.
Mr. Este left him at Gibraltar, and went to Malta in the Thisbe.
Captain Le Gros is now trying. I think, it will turn out, that every
person is obliged to his conduct for saving their lives.
She took fire thirteen leagues from the land.
LETTER XLV.
Victory, April 23,1804.
MY DEAREST EMMA,
Hallowell has promised me, if the _Admiralty_ will give him leave to
go to London, that he will call at Merton.
His spirit is certainly more independent than almost any man's I
ever knew; but, I believe, he is attached to me. I am sure, he has no
reason to be so, to either Troubridge or any one at the Admiralty.
I have sent, last night, a box of Marischino Veritabile of Zara, which
I got Jemmy Anderson to buy for me, and twelve bottles of _tokay_. I
have kept none for myself, being better pleased that you should have
it.
I am, ever, and for ever, your most faithful and affectionate
NELSON & BRONTE.
Hallowell parted last night; but, being in sight, I am sending a
frigate with a letter to the Admiralty.
May God Almighty bless you, and send us a happy meeting!
LETTER XLVI.
Victory, May 5, 1804.
I find, my Dearest Emma, that your picture is very much admired by
the French Consul at Barcelona; and that he has not sent it to be
admired--which, I am sure, it would be--by Buonaparte.
They pretend, that there were three pictures taken. I wish, I had
them: but they are all gone, as irretrievably as the dispatches;
unless we may read them in a book, as we printed their correspondence
from Egypt.
But, from us, what can they find out! That I love you, most dearly;
and hate the French, most damnably.
Dr. Scott went to Barcelona, to try to get the private letters; but,
I fancy, they are all gone to Paris. The Swedish and American Consuls
told him, that the French Consul had your picture, and read your
letters; and, Doctor thinks, one of them probably read the letters.
By the master's account of the cutter, I would not have trusted a pair
of old shoes in her. He tells me, she did not sail, but was a good
sea-boat.
I hope, Mr. Marsden will not trust any more of my private letters in
such a conveyance; if they choose to trust the affairs of the public
in such a thing, I cannot help it.
I long for the invasion being over; it must finish the war, and I have
no fears for the event.
I do not say, all I wish; and which, my dearest _beloved_ Emma--(read
that, whoever opens this letter; and, for what I care, publish it to
the world)--your fertile imagination can readily fancy I would say:
but this I can say, with great truth, that I am, FOR EVER, YOUR'S
--------
LETTER XLVII.
Victory, May 27th, 1804.
MY DEAREST EMMA,
Yesterday, I took Charles Connor on board, from the Phoebe, to try
what we can do with him. At present, poor fellow, he has got a very
bad eye--and, I almost fear, that he will be blind of it--owing to an
olive-stone striking his eye: but the surgeon of the Victory, who is
by far the most able medical man I have ever seen, and equally so as a
surgeon, [says] that, if it can be saved, he will do it.
The other complaint, in his head, is but little more, I think, than it
was when he first came to Deal; a kind of silly laugh, when spoken to.
He always complains of a pain in the back part of his head; but, when
that is gone, I do not perceive but that he is as wise as many of his
neighbours.
You may rely, my dear Emma, that nothing shall be wanting, on my part,
to render him every service.
Capel--although, I am sure, very kind to younkers---I do not think,
has the knack of keeping them in high discipline; he lets them be
their own master too much.
I paid Charles's account, yesterday; since he has been in the Phoebe,
one hundred and fifty-five pounds, fourteen shillings. However, he
must now turn over a new leaf; and I sincerely hope, poor fellow, he
will yet do well.
I wrote you on the 22d, through Rosas, in Spain; and I shall write, in
a few days, by Barcelona: this goes by Gibraltar.
I have wrote Admiral Lutwidge; Mrs. Lutwidge must wait, for I cannot
get through all my numerous letters: for, whoever writes, although
upon their own affairs, are offended if they are not answered.
I have not seen young Bailey: I suppose, he is in the Leviathan. By
the parcel, I see, he is in the Canopus; and I can, at present, be of
no use to him.
May 30th.
Charles is very much recovered.
I write you, this day, by Barcelona. Your dear phiz--but not the least
like you--on the cup, is safe: but I would not use it, for the world;
for, if it was broke, it would distress me very much.
Your letters, by Swift, I shall never get back. The French Consul,
at Barcelona, is bragging that he has three pictures of you from the
Swift.
I do not believe him; but, what if he had a hundred! Your resemblance
is so deeply engraved in my heart, that there it can never be effaced:
and, who knows? some day, I may have the happiness of having a living
picture of you!
Old Mother L---- is a damned b----: but I do not understand what you
mean, or what plan.
I am not surprised at my friend Kingsmill admiring you, and forgetting
Mary; he loves variety, and handsome women.
You touch upon the old Duke; but, I am dull of comprehension:
believing you all my own, I cannot imagine any one else to offer, in
any way.
We have enough, with prudence; and, without it, we should soon be
beggars, if we had five times as much.
I see, Lord Stafford is going to oppose Mr. Addington; the present
ministry cannot stand.
I wish Mr. Addington had given you the pension; Pitt, and hard-hearted
Grenville, never will.
What a fortune the death of Lord Camelford gives him!
Every thing you tell me about my dear Horatia charms me. I think I see
her, hear her, and admire her; but, she is like her dear, dear mother.
I am sorry, if your account of George Martin's wife is correct; he
deserved a better fate. But, he is like Foley; gave up a great deal,
to marry the relation of a great man: although, in fact, she is no
relation to the Duke of Portland.
I wish, I could but be at dear Merton, to assist in making the
alterations. I think, I should have persuaded you to have kept the
pike, and a clear stream; and to have put all the carp, tench, and
fish who muddy the water, into the pond. But, as you like, I am
content. Only take care, that my darling does not fall in, and get
drowned. I begged you to get the little netting along the edge; and,
particularly, on the bridges.
I admire the seal; and God bless you, also! Amen.
The boy, South, is on board another ship, learning to be a musician.
He will return soon, when he shall have the letter and money. I
hope, he will deserve it; but he has been a very bad boy: but good
floggings, I hope, will save him from the gallows.
Mr. Falcon is a clever man. He would not have made such a blunder as
our friend Drake, and Spencer Smith. I hear, the last is coming, _viâ_
Trieste, to Malta. Perhaps, he wants to get to Constantinople; and, if
the Spencers get in, the Smiths will get any thing.
Mr. Elliot, I hear, is a candidate for it. He complains of the expence
of Naples, I hear; and, that he cannot make both ends meet, although
he sees no company.
The histories of the Queen are beyond whatever I have heard from Sir
William. Prince Leopold's establishment is all French. The Queen's
favourite, Lieutenant-Colonel St. Clair, was a subaltern; La Tour, the
Captain in the navy; and, another!
However, I never touch on these matters; for, I care not how she
amuses herself.
It will be the upset of Acton; or, rather, he will not, I am told,
stay.
The King is angry with her; his love is long gone by.
I have only one word more--Do not believe a syllable the newspapers
say, or what you hear. Mankind seems fond of telling lies.
Remember me kindly to Mrs. Cadogan, and all our mutual friends; and
be assured, I am, for ever, my dearest Emma, your most faithful and
affectionate
NELSON & BRONTE.
George Campbell desires me always to present his best respects; and
make mine to good Mr. Yonge. What can I write him? I am sure, he must
have great pleasure in attending you: and, when you see Sir William
Scott, make my best regards acceptable to him. There is no man I have
a higher opinion of, both as a public and private character.
You will long ago have had my letter; with one to Davison, desiring he
will pay for the alterations at Merton. I shall send you a letter for
the hundred pounds a month, to the Bank.
LETTER XLVIII.
Victory, June 6th, 1804.
Since I wrote you, my Dearest Emma, on the 30th and 31st May, nothing
new has happened; except our hearing the _feu de joie_ at Toulon, for
the declaration of Emperor.
What a capricious nation those French must be! However, I think
it must, in any way, be advantageous to England. There ends, for a
century, all republics!
By vessels from Marseilles, the French think it will be a peace; and
they say, that several of their merchant ships are fitting out. I
earnestly pray, that it may be so; and, that we may have a few years
of rest.
I rather believe, my antagonist at Toulon, begins to be angry with me:
at least, I am trying to make him so; and then, he may come out, and
beat me, as he says he did, off Boulogne.
He is the Admiral that went to Naples in December 1792, La Touche
Treville, who landed the grenadiers. I owe him something for that.
I am better, my dear Emma, than I have been, and shall get through the
summer very well; and I have the pleasure to tell you, that Charles is
very much recovered. There is no more the matter with his intellects,
than with mine! Quite the contrary; he is very quick.
Mr. Scott, who has overlooked all his things, says, his clothes, &c.
are in the highest order he has ever seen.
I shall place him in the Niger, with Captain Hilliar, when he joins;
but, all our ships are so full, that it is very difficult to get a
birth for one in any ship.
Would you conceive it possible! but, it is now from April 2d, since I
have heard direct from Ball. The average time for a frigate to go, and
return, is from six to seven weeks.
From you, I had letters, April 5th, and the papers to April 8th,
received May 10th, with a convoy.
This goes through friend Gayner.
Sir William Bolton joined last night; and received his letters,
announcing his being called _papa_. He is got a very fine young man
and good officer.
Lord St. Vincent has desired he may have the first Admiralty vacancy
for post; but nobody will die, or go home.
_A-propos_! I believe, you should buy a piece of plate, value fifty
pounds, for our god-daughter of Lady Bolton; and something of twenty
or thirty pounds value, for Colonel Suckling's.
But, my Emma, you are not to pay for them, let it rest for me; or, if
the amount is sent me, I will order payment.
Remember me most kindly to Horatia, good Mrs. Cadogan, Charlotte, Miss
Connor, and all our friends at dear, dear Merton; where, from my soul,
I wish I was, this moment: then, I sincerely hope, we should have no
cause for sorrow.
You will say what is right to Mr. Perry, Newton, Patterson, Mr.
Lancaster, &c. you know all these matters. God in Heaven bless and
preserve you, for ever! prays, ever, your's most faithfully,
--------
LETTER XLIX.
Victory, June 10th, 1804.
MY DEAREST EMMA,
I wrote to you, on the 6th, _viâ_ Rosas: this goes by Barcelona; to
which place I am sending Sir William Bolton, to fetch Dr. Scott, who
is gone there, poor fellow, for the benefit of his health!
I have just had very melancholy letters from the King and Queen of
Naples, on account of General Acton's going to Sicily.
The insolence of Buonaparte was not to be parried without a war; for
which they are unable, if unassisted.
I have letters from Acton, May 28, on board the Archimedes, just going
into Palermo. He will probably return to Naples, unless new events
arise: and that may be; for a minister, once out, may find some
difficulty in renewing his post. He has acted with great and becoming
spirit.
I am better, but I have been very unwell. It blows, here, as much as
ever. Yesterday was a little hurricane of wind.
I dare say, Prince Castelcicala knows it by express; if not, you may
tell him, with my best respects. He, and every one else, may be sure
of my attachment to those good sovereigns. By this route, I do not
choose to say more on this subject.
With my kindest regards to Horatia and your good mother, Charlotte,
Miss C. and all our friends, believe me, my dear Emma, for ever, your
most faithful and affectionate
--------
I fear, Sardinia will be invaded from Corsica before you get this
letter. I have not small ships to send there, or any where else; not
in the proportion of one to five.
You may communicate this to Mr. Addington, if you think that he does
not know it; but, to no one else, except Castelcicala, of what relates
to Naples.
I have very flattering letters from the Grand Vizier, in the name of
the Sultan; and from Cadir, now Capitan Pacha.
LETTER L.
Victory, July 1st, 1804.
Although I have wrote you, my dearest Emma, a letter, by Rosas, of
June 27th, not yet gone, the weather being so very bad, that ships
cannot get across the Gulph of Lyons, yet I will [not] miss the
opportunity of writing by Gibraltar.
You must not, my Emma, think of hearing from me by way of Malta; it
takes as long to send a letter to Malta, as to England.
The Monmouth, which you complain of not hearing by, I knew nothing of
her movements for some months before. The ships from Malta, with the
convoys, pick up our letters at Gibraltar. Therefore, do not hurt my
feelings, by telling me that I neglect any opportunity of writing.
Your letters of April 13th, 22d, and May 13th, through Mr. Falconet,
came safe, a few days ago. Mr. Falconet is the French banker; and he
dare not buy a little macaroni for me, or let an Englishman into his
house.
Gibbs is still at Palermo: I fancy, he will make a good thing of my
estate; however, I wish it was settled. He wrote me, a short time
since, that he wished I would give him a hint (but without noticing
that it came from him) that I thought Mrs. Græfer and her child had
better go to England; on pretence of educating her daughter, &c.
But I would have nothing to do with any such recommendation. It would
end in her coming to me, in England; and saying, that she could not
live upon what she had, and that I advised her to come to England, or
she should not have thought of it.
In short, Gibbs wants to remove her. He is afraid of his pocket, I
fancy; and the daughter is, I fancy, now in some seminary at Palermo,
at Gibbs's expence.
I wrote him word, fully, I would advise no such thing; she was to form
her own judgment.
What our friends are after at Naples, they best know. The poor King is
miserable at the loss of Acton.
The Queen writes me about honest Acton, &c. &c. and I hear, that she
has been the cause of ousting him: and they say--her enemies--that her
conduct is all French. That, I do not believe; although she is likely
to be the dupe of French emigrés, who always beset her.
I doubt much, my dear Emma, even her constancy of real friendship to
you; although, in my letter to Acton, which Mr. Elliot says he read to
her, I mentioned the obligations she was under to you, &c. &c. in very
strong terms.
What could the name of the minister signify! It was the letter which
was wanted to the Prime-Minister.
But, never mind; with prudence, we shall do very well.
I have wrote to Davison, by land: who, I am very sorry for; but, he
never would take a friend's caution, and he has been severely bit.
Your accounts of Merton delight me; and you will long ago have known,
that I have directed the bills for the alterations to be paid. I never
could have intended to have taken it from the hundred pounds a month.
You will not hear of my making prize-money. I have not paid my
expences these last nine months.
I shall expect to eat my Christmas dinner at Merton; unless those
events happen which I can neither foresee nor prevent.
I am not well: and must have rest, for a few months, even should the
country [want me;] which, very likely, they will not. News, I can have
none. April 9th, Leviathan sailed; so government don't care much for
us.
Kiss my dear Horatia, for me! I hope you will have her at Merton; and,
believe me, my dear Emma, that I am, for ever, as ever, your attached,
faithful, and affectionate,
NELSON & BRONTE.
LETTER LI.
Victory, August 12th, 1804.
Although, my Dearest Emma, from the length of time my other letters
have been getting to you, I cannot expect that this will share a
better fate; yet, as the Childers is going to Rosas, to get us some
news from Paris--which is the only way I know of what is passing in
England--I take my chance of the post: but, I expect the Kent will
be in England before this letter; and by which ship I write to the
Admiralty relative to my health.
Therefore, I shall only say, that I hope a little of your good
nursing, with ass's milk, will set me up for another campaign; should
the Admiralty wish me to return, in the spring, for another year: but,
I own, I think we shall have peace.
The Ambuscade arrived this day fortnight, with our victuallers, &c.
and very acceptable they were. By her, I received your letters of May
14th, 22d, and 30th, _viâ_ Lisbon; and, of April 9th, 18, 15th, May
10th, 18th, 29th, June 1st, 5th, through, I suppose, the Admiralty.
The box you mention, is not arrived; nor have I a scrap of a pen from
Davison. The weather in the Mediterranean seems much altered. In July,
seventeen days the fleet was in a gale of wind.
I have often wrote to Davison, to pay for all the improvements at
Merton. The new-building the chamber over the dining-room, you must
consider. The stair window, we settled, was not to be stopped up. The
underground passage will, I hope, be made; but I shall, please God,
soon see it all.
I have wrote you, my dear Emma, about Horatia; but, by the Kent, I
shall write fully. May God bless you, my dearest best-beloved Emma!
and believe me, ever, your most faithful and affectionate
--------
Kind love, and regards, to Mrs. Cadogan, and all friends. God bless
you, again and again!
LETTER LII.
Victory, August 20th, 1804.
MY DEAREST EMMA,
The Kent left us three days ago; and, as the wind has been perfectly
fair since her departure, I think she will have a very quick passage,
and arrive long before this letter. But, as a ship is going to Rosas,
I will not omit the opportunity of writing through Spain; as, you say,
the letters all arrive safe.
We have nothing but gales of wind; and I have had, for two days, fires
in the cabin, to keep out the very damp air.
I still hope that, by the time of my arrival in England, we shall have
peace. God send it!
I have not yet received your muff; I think, probably, I shall bring it
with me.
I hope, Davison has done the needful, in paying for the alterations at
Merton. If not, it is now too late; and we will fix a complete plan,
and execute it next summer. I shall be clear of debt, and what I have
will be my own.
God bless you! Amen. Amen.
George Elliot goes to Malta, for a convoy to England, this day. If you
ever see Lord Minto, say so.
--------
LETTER LIII.
Victory, August 31st, 1804--Say 30th, at Evening. Therefore, I
wrote, in fact, this Day, through Spain.
MY EVER DEAREST EMMA,
Yesterday, I wrote to you, through Spain; this goes by Naples. Mr.
Falconet, I think, will send it; although, I am sure, he feels great
fear from the French minister, for having any thing to do with us.
Mr. Greville is a shabby fellow! It never could have been the
intention of Sir William, but that you should have had seven hundred
pounds a year neat money; for, when he made the will, the Income Tax
was double to what it is at present; and the estate which it is paid
from is increasing every year in value.
It may be law, but it is not just; nor in equity would, I believe, be
considered as the will and intention of Sir William. Never mind!
Thank God, you do not want any of his kindness; nor will he give you
justice.
I may fairly say all this; because my actions are different, even to a
person who has treated me so ill.
As to ----, I know the full extent of the obligation I owe him, and
he may be useful to me again; but I can never forget his unkindness to
you.
But, I guess, many reasons influenced his conduct, in bragging of his
riches, and my honourable poverty; but, as I have often said, and with
honest pride, what I have is my own; it never cost the widow a tear,
or the nation a farthing. I got what I have with my pure blood, from
the enemies of my country. Our house, my own Emma, is built upon a
solid foundation; and will last to us, when his house and lands may
belong to others than _his children_.
I would not have believed it, from any one but you! But, if ever I go
abroad again, matters shall be settled very differently.
I am working hard with Gibbs about Bronte, but the calls upon me are
very heavy. Next September, I shall be clear; I mean, September 1805.
I have wrote to both Acton and the Queen about you. I do not think she
likes Mr. Elliot; and, therefore, I wish she had never shewn him my
letters about you. We also know, that he has a card of his own to
play.
Dr. Scott, who is a good man--although, poor fellow! very often wrong
in the head--is going with Staines, in, the Cameleon, just to take
a peep at Naples and Palermo. I have introduced him to Acton, who is
very civil to every body from me.
The Admiralty proceedings towards me, you will know much sooner than
I shall. I hope they will do the thing, handsomely, and allow of my
return in the spring; but, I do not expect it.
I am very uneasy at your and Horatia being on the coast: for you
cannot move, if the French make the attempt; which, I am told, they
have done, and been repulsed. Pray God, it may be true!
I shall rejoice to hear you and Horatia are safe at Merton; and happy
shall I be, the day I join you. _Gannam Justem._
Gaetano is very grateful for your remembrance of him. Mr. Chevalier is
an excellent servant. William says, he has wrote twice; I suppose, he
thinks that enough.
This is written within three miles of the fleet in Toulon, who are
looking very tempting. Kind regards to Mrs. Cadogan, Charlotte, &c.
and compliments to all our joint friends; for they are no friends of
mine, who are not friends to Emma.
God bless you, again and again!
Captain Hardy has not been very well: and, I fancy, Admiral Murray
will not be sorry to see England; especially, since he has been
promoted * * * * * * * * * * * * * * he expects his flag may get up.
God bless you, my dearest Emma; and, be assured, I am ever most
faithfully your's.
----------
LETTER LIV.
Victory, September 29th, 1804.
This day, my dearest Emma, which gave me birth, I consider as more
fortunate than common days; as, by my coming into this world, it has
brought me so intimately acquainted with you, who my soul holds most
dear. I well know that you will keep it, and have my dear Horatia to
drink my health. Forty-six years of toil and trouble! How few more,
the common lot of mankind leads us to expect; and, therefore, it
is almost time to think of spending the few last years in peace and
quietness!
By this time, I should think, either my successor is named, or
permission is granted me to come home; and, if so, you will not long
receive this letter before I make my appearance: which will make us, I
am sure, both truly happy.
We have had nothing, for this fortnight, but gales of easterly winds,
and heavy rains; not a vessel of any kind, or sort, joined the fleet.
I was in hopes Dr. Scott would have returned from Naples; and that I
could have told you something comfortable for you, from that quarter:
and it is now seven weeks since we heard from Malta. Therefore, I know
nothing of what is passing in the world.
I would not have you, my dear Emma, allow the work of brick and mortar
to go on in the winter months. It can all be finished next summer;
when, I hope, we shall have peace, or such an universal war as will
upset that vagabond, Buonaparte.
I have been tolerable well, till this last bad weather, which has
given me pains in my breast; but, never mind, all will be well when I
get to Merton.
Admiral Campbell, who is on board, desires to be remembered to you.
He does not like much to stay here, after my departure. Indeed, we all
draw so well together in the fleet, that I flatter myself the sorrow
for my departure will be pretty general.
Admiral Murray will be glad to get home; Hardy is as good as ever; and
Mr. Secretary Scott is an excellent man.
God bless you, my dearest Emma! and, be assured, I am ever your most
faithful and affectionate
N. & B.
Kiss dear Horatia. I hope she is at Merton, _fixed_.
LETTER LV.
Victory, October 7, [1804.]
2 P.M.
I wrote you, my Dearest Emma, this morning, by way of Lisbon; but
a boat, which is going to Torbay, having brought out a cargo of
potatoes, will I think get home before the Lisbon packet. I shall
only say--_Guzelle Gannam Justem_--and that I love you beyond all the
world! This may be read by French, Dutch, Spanish, or Englishmen; for
it comes from the heart of, my Emma, your faithful and affectionate
NELSON & BRONTE.
I think the gentry will soon come out. I cannot say more by such a
conveyance.
LETTER LVI.
Victory, October 13, 1804.
MY DEAREST EMMA,
The dreadful effects of the yellow fever, at Gibraltar, and many parts
of Spain, will naturally give you much uneasiness; till you hear
that, thank God, we are entirely free from it, and in the most perfect
health, not one man being ill in the fleet. The cold weather will, I
hope, cure the disorder.
Whilst I am writing this letter, a cutter is arrived from England with
strong indications of a Spanish war.
I hope, from my heart, that it will not prove one. But, however that
is, my die is cast; and, long before this time, I expect, another
Admiral is far on his way to supersede me. Lord Keith, I think a very
likely man.
I should, for your sake, and for many of our friends, have liked an
odd hundred thousand pounds; but, never mind. If they give me the
choice of staying a few months longer, it will be very handsome; and,
for the sake of others, we would give up, my dear Emma, very much of
our own felicity. If they do not, we shall be happy with each other,
and with dear Horatia.
The cutter returns with my answers directly; therefore, my own Emma,
you must only fancy all my thoughts and feelings towards you. They are
every thing which a fond heart can fancy.
I have not a moment; I am writing and signing orders, whilst I am
writing to my own Emma.
My life, my soul, God in Heaven bless you!
Your letter is September 16th, your last is August 27th.
I have not made myself understood, about Mrs. Bolton's money. You give
away _too_ much.
Kiss our dear Horatia a thousand times, for your own faithful Nelson.
I send two hundred pounds, keep it for your own pocket money.
You must tell Davison, and Haslewood, that I cannot answer their
letters. Linton cannot be fixed; but you will know whether I come
home, or stay, from Mr. Marsden.
God bless you!
Tell my brother, that I have made Mr. Yonge a Lieutenant, into the
Sea-horse frigate, Captain Boyle.
Once more, God bless my dearest Emma!
----------
Write your name on the back of the bill, if you send any person for
the money.
I have scrawled three lines to Davison, that he should not think I
neglected him in his confinement.
I have received the inclosed from Allen. Can we assist the poor
foolish man with a _character_?
LETTER LVII.
Victory, November 23,1804.
As all our communication with Spain is at an end, I can now only
expect to hear from my own dear Emma by the very slow mode of
Admiralty vessels, and it is now more than two months since the John
Bull sailed.
I much fear, something has been taken; for they never would, I am
sure, have kept me so long in the dark. However, by management, and a
portion of good luck, I got the account from Madrid in a much shorter
space of time than I could have hoped for; and I have set the whole
Mediterranean to work, and think the fleet cannot fail of being
successful: and, if I had had the spare troops at Malta at my
disposal, Minorca would at this moment have had English colours
flying.
This letter, my dearest beloved Emma, goes--although in Mr. Marsden's
letter--such a roundabout way, that I cannot say all that my heart
wishes. Imagine every thing which is kind and affectionate, and you
will come near the mark.
Where is my successor? I am not a little surprised at his not
arriving! A Spanish war, I thought, would have hastened him. Ministers
could not have thought that I wanted to fly the service, my whole
life has proved the contrary; and, if they refuse me now: I shall most
certainly leave this country in March or April; for a few months rest
I must have, very soon. If I am in my grave, what are the mines of
Peru to me!
But, to say the truth, I have no idea of killing myself. I may, with
care, live yet to do good service to the state. My cough is very bad;
and my side, where I was struck on the 14th of February, is very
much swelled; at times, a lump as large as my fist, brought on,
occasionally, by violent coughing: but, I hope, and believe, my lungs
are yet safe.
Sir William Bolton is just arrived from Malta. I am preparing to send
him a cruise, where he will have the best chance I can give him of
making ten thousand pounds. He is a very attentive, good, young man.
I have not heard from Naples this age. I have, in fact, no small craft
to send for news.
If I am soon to go home, I shall be with you before this letter.
May God bless you!
Thomson desires to be most kindly remembered to his dear wife and
children. He is most sincerely attached to them; and wishes to save
what he can for their benefit.
As our means of communicating are cut off, I have only to beg that you
will not believe the idle rumours of battles, &c. &c. &c.
May Heavens bless you! prays, fervently, my dear Emma, ever your most
faithful and affectionate
NELSON & BRONTE.
LETTER LVIII.
Victory, March 9th, 1805.
I do assure you, my Dearest Emma, that nothing can be more miserable,
or unhappy, than your poor Nelson.
From the 19th of February, have we been beating from Malta to off
Palma; where I am now anchored, the wind and sea being so very
contrary and bad. But I cannot help myself, and no one in the fleet
can feel what I do: and, to mend my fate, yesterday Captain Layman
arrived--to my great surprise--not in his brig, but in a Spanish
cartel; he having been wrecked off Cadiz, and lost all the dispatches
and letters.
You will conceive my disappointment! It is now from November 2d, that
I have had a line from England.