again; but, as they were not thrown overboard until the vessel struck
the rock, I have much fear that they may have fallen into the hands of
the Dons.
My reports from off Toulon, state the French fleet as still in port;
but, I shall ever be uneasy at not having fallen in with them.
I know, my dear Emma, that it is in vain to repine; but my feelings
are alive to meeting those fellows, after near two years hard service.
What a time! I could not have thought it possible that I should have
been so long absent; unwell, and uncomfortable, in many respects.
However, when I calculate upon the French fleet's not coming to sea
for this summer, I shall certainly go for dear England, and a thousand
[times] dearer Merton. May Heavens bless you, my own Emma!
I cannot think where Sir William Bolton is got to; he ought to have
joined me, before this time.
I send you a trifle, for a birth-day's gift. I would to God, I could
give you more; but, I have it not!
I get no prize-money worth naming; but, if I have the good fortune
to meet the French fleet, I hope they will make me amends for all my
anxiety; which has been, and is, indescribable.
How is my dear Horatia? I hope you have her under your guardian wing,
at Merton. May God bless her!
Captain Layman is now upon his trial. I hope he will come clear, with
honour. I fear, it was too great confidence in his own judgment that
got him into the scrape; but it was impossible that any person living
could have exerted himself more, when in a most trying and difficult
situation.
March 10th.
Poor Captain L. has been censured by the court: but, I have my own
opinion. I sincerely pity him; and have wrote to Lord Melville, and
Sir Evan Nepean, to try what can be done. All together, I am much
unhinged.
To-morrow, if the wind lasts, I shall be off Toulon.
Sir William Bolton is safe, I heard of him this morning. I hear, that
a ship is coming out for him; but, as this is only rumour, I cannot
keep him from this opportunity of being made post: and, I dare say, he
will cause, by his delay, such a tumble, that Louis's son, who I have
appointed to the Childers, will lose his promotion; and, then Sir
Billy will be wished at the devil! But, I have done with this subject;
the whole history has hurt me. Hardy has talked enough to him, to
rouze his lethargic disposition.
I have been much hurt at the loss of poor Mr. Girdlestone! He was a
good man; but there will be an end of us all.
What has Charles Connor been about? His is a curious letter! If he
does not drink, he will do very well. Captain Hilliar has been very
good to him.
Colonel Suckling, I find, has sent his son to the Mediterranean;
taking him from the Narcissus, where I had been at so much pains to
place him. I know not where to find a frigate to place him. He never
will be so well and properly situated again. I am more plagued
with other people's business, or rather nonsense, than with my own
concerns,
With some difficulty, I have got Suckling placed in the Ambuscade,
with Captain Durban, who came on board at the moment I was writing.
March 31st.
The history of Suckling will never be done. I have this moment got
from him your letter, and one from his father. I shall say nothing to
him; I don't blame the child, but those who took [him] out of the most
desirable situation in the navy. He never will get into such another
advantageous ship: but, his father is a fool; and so, my dear Emma,
that _ends_.
The box which you sent me in May 1804, is just arrived in the Diligent
store-ship.
I have sent the arms to Palermo, to Gibbs. The clothes are very
acceptable; I will give you a kiss, for sending them.
God bless you! Amen.
April 1st.
I am not surprised that we should both think the same about the
kitchen; and, if I can afford it, I should like it to be done: but, by
the fatal example of poor Mr. Hamilton, and many others, we must take
care not to get into debt; for, then, we can neither help any of our
relations, and [must] be for ever in misery! But, of this, we [will]
talk more, when we walk upon the poop at Merton.
Do you ever see Admiral and Mrs. Lutwidge? You will not forget me when
you do.
To Mrs. Cadogan, say every thing that is kind; and to all our other
friends: and, be assured, I am, for ever and ever, your's, and only
your's,
NELSON & BRONTE.
As I know that all the Mediterranean letters are cut and smoaked,
and perhaps read, I do not send you a little letter in this; but your
utmost stretch of fancy cannot imagine _more_ than I feel towards my
own dear Emma.
God bless you! _Amen._
LETTER LIX.
Victory, off Plymouth, September 17th,
[1805.] Nine o'Clock in the Morning.
Blowing fresh at W.S.W. dead foul
wind.
I sent, my own Dearest Emma, a letter for you, last night, in a Torbay
boat, and gave the man a guinea to put it in the Post-Office.
We have had a nasty blowing night, and it looks very dirty.
I am now signalizing the ships at Plymouth to join me; but, I rather
doubt their ability to get to sea. However, I have got clear of
Portland, and have Cawsand Bay and Torbay under the lee.
I intreat, my dear Emma, that you will chear up; and we will look
forward to many, many happy years, and be surrounded by our children's
children. God Almighty can, when he pleases, remove the impediment.
My heart and soul is with you and Horatia.
I got this line ready, in case a boat should get alongside.
For ever, ever, I am your's, most devotedly,
NELSON & BRONTE.
Mr. Rose said, he would write to Mr. Bolton, if I was sailed; but, I
have forgot to give him the direction: but I will send it, to-day. I
think, I shall succeed very soon, if not at this moment.
Wednesday, September 18th,
off the Lizard.
I had no opportunity of sending your letter yesterday, nor do I see
any prospect at present. The Ajax and Thunderer are joining; but, it
is nearly calm, with a swell from the westward. Perseverance has got
us thus far; and the same will, I dare say, get us on.
Thomas seems to do very well, and content.
Tell Mr. Lancaster, that I have no doubt that his son will do very
well.
God bless you, my own Emma!
I am giving my letters to Blackwood, to put on board the first vessel
he meets going to England, or Ireland.
Once more, Heavens bless you! Ever, for ever, your
NELSON & BRONTE.
LETTER LX.
Victory, October 1st, 1805.
MY DEAREST EMMA,
It is a relief to me, to take up the pen, and write you a line; for I
have had, about four o'clock this morning, one of my dreadful spasms,
which has almost enervated me.
It is very odd! I was hardly ever better than yesterday. Freemantle
stayed with me till eight o'clock, and I slept uncommonly well; but,
was awoke with this disorder. My opinion of its effect, some one day,
has never altered. However, it is entirely gone off, and I am only
quite weak. The good people of England will not believe, that rest of
body and mind is necessary for me! But, perhaps, this spasm may not
come again these six months. I had been writing seven hours yesterday;
perhaps, that had some hand in bringing it upon me.
I joined the fleet late on the evening of the 28th of September, but
could not communicate with them until the next morning.
I believe, my arrival was most welcome; not only to the commander of
the fleet, but also to every individual in it: and, when I came to
explain to them the _Nelson touch_, it was like an electric shock.
Some shed tears, all approved--"It was new, it was singular, it was
simple!" and, from Admirals downwards, it was repeated--"It must
succeed, if ever they will allow us to get at them! You are, my Lord,
surrounded by friends whom you inspire with confidence." Some may
be Judas's; but the majority are certainly much pleased with my
commanding them. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
SUPPLEMENT.
_INTERESTING LETTERS_,
ELUCIDATORY
OF
Lord Nelson's Letters
TO
LADY HAMILTON,
&c.
VOL. II.
LETTERS
FROM
LORD NELSON,
TO
MISS HORATIA NELSON THOMSON,
NOW
MISS HORATIA NELSON,
(_Lord Nelson's Adopted Daughter;_)
AND
MISS CHARLOTTE NELSON,
(_Daughter of the present Earl._)
Letters
OF
LORD NELSON, &c.
TO
MISS HORATIA NELSON THOMSON.
Victory, April 13th, 1804.
MY DEAR HORATIA,
I send you twelve books of Spanish dresses, which you will let your
guardian angel, Lady Hamilton, keep for you, when you are tired
of looking at them. I am very glad to hear, that you are perfectly
recovered; and, that you are a very good child. I beg, my dear
Horatia, that you will always continue so; which will be a great
comfort to your most affectionate
NELSON & BRONTE.
TO MISS CHARLOTTE NELSON.
Victory, April 19th, 1804.
MY DEAR CHARLOTTE,
I thank you very much for your kind letters of January 3d, and 4th;
and I feel truly sensible of your kind regard for that dear little
orphan, Horatia.
Although her parents are lost; yet, she is not without a fortune: and,
I shall cherish her to the last moment of my life; and _curse_
them who _curse_ her, and Heaven _bless_ them who _bless_ her! Dear
innocent! she can have injured no one.
I am glad to hear, that she is attached to you; and, if she takes
after her parents, so she will, to those who are kind to her.
I am, ever, dear Charlotte, your affectionate uncle,
NELSON & BRONTE.
LETTERS
FROM
ALEXANDER DAVISON, ESQ.
TO
LADY HAMILTON.
LETTERS OF ALEX. DAVISON, ESQ. &c.
I.
[1804.]
MY DEAR MADAM,
I have, equally with yourself, felt extremely uneasy all night,
thinking on _the_ letter, which is a very serious one; and, until we
receive our next dispatches, I shall still feel every day more and
more anxious.
I rely on that kind Providence, which has hitherto sheltered him under
every danger, upon the occasion.
He was on the eve of engaging, for protection--and preservation--It
is, indeed, an anxious moment!
I have long thought, a plan was in agitation regarding the Toulon
fleet being given up; but, whether it was in contemplation at the
period the last letter was written, I know not. I am rather disposed
to think otherwise.
The next packet will explain the whole; and, I trust, will relieve our
minds of that burden, hardly supportable at present.
I shall, this evening, go quietly into the country, and return to town
about noon to-morrow: as I require air, and a little relaxation; for I
am, actually, overpowered with business.
Your's, most truly,
ALEX. DAVISON.
Thursday Morning.
II.
[1804,]
MY DEAR MADAM,
Yesterday, I wrote to you just in time to save the post: but, whether
that letter, or even this, reach you, I have my doubts--if they do
not, you have only yourself to blame; for I cannot, for the soul of
me, make out the name of the place. You have been in such a hurry,
when writing it, that it really is not legible; and I do not
sufficiently know Norfolk, to guess at it.
I did yesterday, as I shall this--imitate your writing, leaving it to
the Post-Office gentlemen to find it out.
I acquainted you, that I would take care to obey your wishes, and hold
back your check on Coutts and Co. till such time as it would be quite
convenient to yourself, and you tell me to send it for payment.
Your mind may be perfectly at ease on that score: as, indeed, it may
in every thing in which you have to do with me--though we do, now and
then, differ a little in trifles; but, not in essentials: having
one, only one, object in mind, that of the comforts, and ultimate
happiness, of our dear--_your_ beloved Nelson; for whom, what would
you or I not do?
What a world of matter is now in agitation! Every thing is big with
events; and soon, very soon, I hope to see--what I have long desired,
and anxiously [been] waiting for--an event to contribute to the glory,
the independency, of our Nelson.
I still hope, ere Christmas, to see him: that hope founded on the
darling expectation of his squadron falling in with a rich _Spanish_
flotilla. I think, too, that the French fleet will _now_ come out.
I have written to our dear friend every information I have been able
to collect, and have sent him a continuation of all the newspapers.
It affords me particular pleasure, to hear you feel so happy in
Norfolk. How is it possible it can be otherwise! seated, as you
are, in the midst of the friends of your best friend; enjoying every
kindness and attention in their power to shew to the favourite of
their brother.
I shall be very much rejoiced, when you come back, to talk over very
interesting objects which our dear friend will _now_ have to pursue.
My best respects to your fire-side; and believe me, most sincerely,
your's,
ALEX. DAVISON.
III.
Saturday, 22d September 1804.
MY DEAR MADAM,
Ever obedient to your _lawful_ commands, I have implicitly obeyed your
orders, in the purchase, this morning, of Messrs. Branscomb and Co.
four quarter lottery-tickets--
{ No. 593.}
{ 10,376.}
{ 14,381.}
{ 20,457.}
Each, I hope, will come up prize; and be entitled to receive, at
least, on the whole, twenty thousand pounds! I paid eighteen pounds
eight shillings for them; and I have written upon the back of
each--"_Property of Lord Nelson, 22d September 1804. A.D."_
When I have the pleasure of seeing you, I shall deliver the trust over
to you, to receive the _bespoken_ said sum of twenty thousand pounds.
What a glorious receipt will it be!
I am glad you received my letters, though I could not make out the
name of the place; the Post-Office runners are expert at it.
What do you say to a Spanish war? I think, now, the breeze begins to
freshen; and that the flames, _at last_, will succeed.
I sent off, last night, a very long epistle to our dear Nelson. I am
truly distressed at his not receiving my letters; though I can
pretty well guess how to account for it, and in whose hands they were
detained. Experience teaches us how better to guard against similar
misfortunes; and, in future, I shall be cautious to whom I give my
letters.
So that I know the Hero of heroes is well, I care the less about
letters; knowing that writing, delivering, or receiving them, will
not, either in him or me, make the least alteration, or lessen our
attachment or affection.
I am pleased to see how happy you are in Norfolk. I wish you may not
find it so fascinating, that the arrival of "Lord Nelson" at Merton
would not induce you to [quit] the county!!!
I beg you will make my best respects acceptable to _every_ friend
(real) of that invaluable man, Lord Nelson.
Your's, most truly,
ALEX. DAVISON.
Letter
from
Lady Hamilton
TO
ALEXANDER DAVISON, ESQ.
INCLOSING
_Her Ladyship's Verses on Lord Nelson_.
Letter OF Lady Hamilton, &c.
Clarges Street,
[_26th January 1805._]
I have been very ill, my Dear Sir; and am in bed with a cold, very bad
cold indeed! But, the moment I am better, I will call on you.
I am invited to dine with Mr. Haslewood to-morrow, but fear I shall
not be able to go.
I am very anxious about letters; but Admiral Campbell has told me, he
thinks my dear Lord will soon be at home. God grant! for, I think, he
might remove that stumbling-block, Sir John O! Devil take him!
That _Polyphemus_ should have been Nelson's: but, he is rich in great
and _noble deeds_; which t'other, poor devil! is not. So, let dirty
wretches get pelf, to comfort them; victory belongs to Nelson. Not,
but what I think money necessary for comforts; and, I hope, _our_,
_your's_, and _my_ Nelson, will get a little, for all Master O.
I write from bed; and you will see I do, by my scrawl.
I send you some of my bad Verses on my soul's Idol.
God bless you! Remember, you will soon be free; and let that cheer
you, that you will come out with even more friends than ever. I can
only say, I am your ever obliged, and grateful,
EMMA HAMILTON.
I long to see and know Nepean! Why will you not ask me to dine with,
him _en famille?_
{Yes.}
{_A.D._}
* * * * *
EMMA TO NELSON.
I think, I have not lost my heart;
Since I, with truth, can swear,
At every moment of my life,
I feel my Nelson there!
If, from thine Emma's breast, her heart
Were stolen or flown away;
Where! where! should she my Nelson's love
Record, each happy day?
If, from thine Emma's breast, her heart
Were stolen or flown away;
Where! where! should she engrave, my Love!
Each tender word you say?
Where! where! should Emma treasure up
Her Nelson's smiles and sighs?
Where mark, with joy, each secret look
Of love, from Nelson's eyes?
Then, do not rob me of my heart,
Unless you first forsake it;
And, then, so wretched it would be,
Despair alone will take it.
Letter
from
Lady Hamilton
TO THE
RIGHT HONOURABLE HENRY ADDINGTON,
NOW
VISCOUNT SIDMOUTH.
Letter of Lady Hamilton, &c.
April 13th. [1803.]
SIR,
May I trouble you, and but for a moment, in consequence of my
irreparable loss; my ever-honoured husband, Sir William Hamilton,
being no more! I cannot avoid it, I am forced to petition for a
portion of his pension: such a portion as, in your wisdom and noble
nature, may be approved; and so represented to our most gracious
Sovereign, as being right. For, Sir, I am most sadly bereaved! I am
now in circumstances far below those in which the goodness of my dear
Sir William allowed me to move for so many years; and below those
becoming the relict of such a public minister, who was proved so very
long--no less than thirty-six years--and, all his life, honoured so
very much by the constant friendly kindness of the King and Queen
themselves: and, may I mention--what is well known to the then
administration at home--how I, too, strove to do all I could towards
the service of our King and Country. The fleet itself, I can truly
say, could not have got into _Sicily_, but for what I was happily able
to do with the Queen of Naples, and through her secret instructions so
obtained: on which depended the refitting of the fleet in Sicily; and,
with that, all which followed so gloriously at the Nile. These few
words, though seemingly much at large, may not be extravagant at all.
They are, indeed, true. I wish them to be heard, only as they can be
proved; and, being proved, may I hope for what I have now desired?
I am, Sir, with respect more than I can well utter, your obedient
servant,
EMMA HAMILTON.
Letters
FROM
SIR WILLIAM HAMILTON, K.B.
TO
LADY HAMILTON.
Letters OF SIR WILLIAM HAMILTON, K.B. _&c._
I.
Persano, [Wednesday]
Jan. 4, 1792.
We arrived here, yesterday, in little more than five hours, and had
nearly began with a disagreeable accident; for the King's horse took
fright at the guard, and his Majesty and horse were as near down as
possible. However, all ended well; and he was as gay as possible,
yesterday.
Our first _chasse_ has not succeeded; though there were two wolves,
and many wild boars, in the _Mena_: but the king would direct how we
should beat the wood, and began at the wrong end; by which the wolves
and boars escaped, and we remained without shooting power. However,
ten or twelve boars have been killed, some how or other, and some
large ones.
The King's face is very long, at this moment; but, I dare say,
to-morrow's good sport will shorten it again.
I was sorry, my dear Em. to leave you in affliction: you must harden
yourself to such little misfortunes as a temporary parting; but, I
cannot blame you for having a good and tender heart. Believe me, you
are in thorough possession of all mine, though I will allow it to be
rather tough.
Let us study to make one another as comfortable as we can; and
"_banish sorrow, till to-morrow_:" and so on, every day.
You are wise enough to see the line it is proper for you to take; and
have, hitherto, followed it most rigorously: and I can assure you,
that I have not the least doubt of your continuing in it.
Amuse yourself as well as you can, as I am doing, whilst we are
separate; and the best news you can give me is, that you are well and
happy.
My cold is already better for having passed the whole day in the open
air, and without human _seccatura_.
Adieu! my dear, dear Emma. I am, with my love to your good mother,
your's ever, and faithfully,
W.H.
II.
Persano, Thursday,
[Jan. 5th, 1792.]
We got home early, and I have not yet received your Daily Advertiser.
No sport, again! In the midst of such a quantity of game, they have
contrived to carry him far off, where there is none. He has no other
comfort, to-day, than having killed a wild cat; and his face is a yard
long.
However, his Majesty has vowed vengeance on the boars to-morrow, and
will go according to his own fancy; and, I dare say, there will be a
terrible slaughter.
The last day, we are to keep all we kill; and, I suppose, it will be
night before we get home.
Yesterday, the courier brought the order of St. Stephano, from the
Emperor, for the Prince Ausberg, and the King was desired to invest
him with it. As soon as the King received it, he ran into the Prince's
room; whom he found in his shirt, and without his breeches: and,
in that condition, was he decorated with the star and ribbon by his
Majesty, who has wrote the whole circumstance to the Emperor.
Leopold may, perhaps, not like the joking with his first order. Such
nonsense should, certainly, be done with solemnity; or it becomes,
what it really is, a little tinsel, and a few yards of broad ribbon.
The Prince, _entre nous_, is not very wise; but he is a good creature
and we are great friends.
I have wrote to Mrs. Dickinson. I forget whether you have, or not: if
not, pray do it soon; for, you know, she is a good friend of your's.
I have just received your good letter. I am glad they have taken the
Guarda patana's son-in-law. I insist upon Smith's letting the Regent
of the Vicaria know of his having stabbed my porter. He ought to go
to the gallies; and my honour is concerned, if this insult offered my
livery is unnoticed. The girl had better cry, than be ill-used, and
her father killed.
Adieu, my sweet Em. Your's, with all my heart,
W.H.
III.
Persano, Friday Evening.
[Jan. 6th, 1792.]
I Inclose our friend Knight's admirable letter to you. I could not
refrain reading it; and, I am sure, it was his intention I should do
so, having left it unsealed. He is a fine fellow; it was worth going
to England, to secure such a sensible friend.
You will probably have seen General Werner last night; this is Friday
night, and he will have told you I am well.
We have been out all day in the rain; I killed none, and the King and
party but few. Such obstinate bad weather I really never experienced,
for so long a time together.
You did perfectly right in buying the lamps; and I am glad the Prince
asked to dine with you. I am sure, he was comfortably received by you.
You see what devils [there are] in England! They wanted to stir
up something against me; but our conduct shall be such as to be
unattackable: and I fear not an injustice from England. Twenty-seven
years service--having spent all the King's money, and all my own,
besides running in debt, deserves something better than a dismission!
The King has declared, he will return to Naples next Saturday
se'n-night; so you know the worst, my dear Emma. Indeed, I shall
embrace you most cordially; for I would not be married to any woman,
but yourself, on earth, for all the world.
Lord A. Hamilton's son, you see, recommends a friend of his; who, I
suppose, is arrived: if so, receive him well.
Adieu, again! Your's, ever,
W.H.
IV.
Persano, Saturday Night,
[January 7th, 1792.]
This has been one of the cruel days which attend the King's _chasse_.
All the posts--except the King's, Prince Ausberg, D'Onerato, and
Priori--bad.
We have been out all day, in cold rain, without seeing a boar. The
King has killed twenty-five, and a wolf; and the other good posts, in
proportion.
Why not rather leave us at home, than go out with the impossibility of
sport? But we must take the good and bad, or give it up.
Lamberg is too delicate for this business; he has been in bed, with a
slight fever, all to-day.
You will have another boar, to-day; which boar being a _sow_, I have
made a _bull_! The sows are much better than the boars; so you may
keep some to eat at home, and dispose of the rest to your favourite
English.
I am glad all goes on so well. I never doubted your gaining every soul
you approach.
I am far from being angry at your feeling the loss of me so much!
Nay, I am flattered; but, believe me, the time will soon come, that we
shall meet. Years pass seemingly in an instant; why, then, afraid of a
few days?
Upon the whole, we are sociable here; but we go to bed at nine, and
get up at five o'clock. I generally read an hour, to digest my supper;
but, indeed, I live chiefly on bread and butter.
Salandra desires his compliments to you, as does Lamberg and Prince
Ausberg.
Adieu, my dear Emma! Ever your's, and your's alone,
W.H.
I send you back your two letters. Dutens was very satisfactory. I send
the papers to Smith; who will give them to you first, if you have not
read them.