the bye, you neglect rather too much: but, as what you write is good
sense, every body will forgive the scrawl.
V.
Sunday Night, [Jan. 8th, 1792.]
We are come in late; and I have but a moment to tell you we are well,
and I have killed three large boars, a fox, and four woodcocks.
Nothing pleases me more, than to hear you do not neglect your singing.
It would be a pity, as you are near the point of perfection.
Adieu, my dearest Emma! Your's, with my whole soul,
W.H.
VI.
Persano, [Monday]
January 10th, [9th] 1792.
Your letter of yesterday, my Sweet Em. gave me great pleasure; as, I
see, all goes on perfectly right for you at Naples.
Your business, and mine, is to be civil to all, and not enter into any
party matters. If the Wilkinsons are not content with our civilities,
let them help themselves.
We have had a charming day, and most excellent sport. More than a
hundred wild boars, and two wolves, have fallen. I killed five boars,
truly monsters! and a fox.
Vincenzo could not follow me to-day; he cannot walk two steps, without
being out of breath. However, I load the guns myself; and, with the
peasant I brought from Caserta, and another I hire here, I do very
well. I fear, poor Vincenzo will not hold long. If he chooses it, I
mean to send him to Naples, to consult Noody [Nudi.]
General Werner, Prince of Hesse, and Count Zichare, are here since
last night; they brought me your compliments. Lamberg is still
confined.
Amuse yourself, my dearest Emma, and never doubt of my love. Your's,
ever,
W.H.
VII.
Persano, [Tuesday]
Jan. 10th, 1792.
The day has been so thoroughly bad, that we have not been able to stir
out; and the King, of course, in bad humour. I am not sorry to have a
day's repose, and I have wrote my letters for to-morrow's post.
Lamberg is still in bed with a fever, and Prince Ausberg's eyes are
a little inflamed with cold and fatigue. My cold was renewed a little
yesterday; but a good night's rest, and quiet to-day, has set all to
rights again.
Vincenzo was so bad, yesterday, that he could not follow me, and was
blooded. He is better, to-day; but he will never serve more, except to
load my guns at the post. He cannot walk a mile, without being out of
breath.
I am glad you have been at the Academy, and in the great world. It is
time enough for you to find out, that the only real comfort is to be
met with at home; I have been in that secret some time.
You are, certainly, the most domestic young woman I know: but you are
young, and most beautiful; and it would not be natural, if you did not
like to shew yourself a little in public.
The effusion of tenderness, with regard to me, in your letter, is very
flattering; I know the value of it, and will do all I can to keep it
alive. We are now one flesh, and it must be our study to keep that
flesh as warm and comfortable as we can. I will do all in my power to
please you, and I do not doubt of your doing the same towards me.
Adieu, my dearest Emma! Having nothing interesting to write, and as
you insist upon hearing from me every day, you must content yourself
with such a stupid letter as this.
Your Ladyship's commands shall always be punctually obeyed by, dear
Madam, your Ladyship's most obedient and faithful servant,
W. HAMILTON.
VIII.
Persano, Wednesday,
11th Jan. [1792.]
I have just received your letter--and, as I always do--with infinite
pleasure.
I hope you received twelve wood-biddies, to-day; and, to-morrow, you
will have a wild boar: all left to your discretion.
No talk of returning, yet. We must complete sixteen days shooting, and
one day has been lost by bad weather.
We had a good day, and tolerable sport. I have killed two, and one the
largest boar I have seen yet here.
Vincenzo, they say, will be well in a day or two, as it is only a
cold; I fear, it is more serious.
The King has killed twenty-one boars to-day, and is quite happy.
The Germans all drink tea with me every evening. Lamberg is better.
Adieu, my ever dear Emma! We are always in a hurry; though we have,
absolutely, nothing to do, but kill, examine, and weigh, wild boars.
I assure you, that I shall rejoice when I can embrace you once more. A
picture would not content me; your image is more strongly represented
on my heart, than any that could be produced by human art.
Your most affectionate husband,
W.H.
IX.
Persano, Thursday Night,
[Jan. 12th, 1792.]
Never put yourself in a hurry, my dear Emma.
I have got your two kind letters. Send for Gasparo; and give your
orders, that the servants attend your call: and let him discharge
them, if they do not. You are my better half, and may command.
Translate this part of the letter to him.
We have had good sport to-day, though the bad weather came on at
eleven o'clock. Fifty-four wild boars have been killed, I had seven
shot; and killed five, three of which are enormous. Dispose of the
boar I send you to-day as you think proper.
I always thought Ruspoli a dirty fellow; but what has he done of late?
As to your mother's going with you to the English parties, very well;
but, believe me, it will be best for her, and more to her happiness,
to stay at home, than go with you to the Neapolitan parties.
The King is in good humour to-day, as I foretold. We continue to dine
at eight at night, and have nothing from breakfast to that hour. But
I give tea and bread and butter, of which Prince Ausberg and Lamberg
partake with pleasure. The Prince, having no opportunity of making
love, does nothing but talk of his new flame, which is Lady A. Hatton.
I put him right; for he thought she spelt her name with two _rr_,
instead of two _tt_.
I rejoice at your having Aprile again; pray, tell him so: for I know
the rapid progress you will make under his care.
My cold is near gone. The worst is, my room smokes confoundedly; and
so do all the other rooms, except the King's.
Adieu, my dear Emma! Amuse yourself as well as you can; and believe
me, ever, your's alone, with the utmost confidence,
W.H.
X.
Persano, Friday Night,
[Jan. 13th, 1792.]
We have had a miserable cold day, but good sport. I killed two boars,
and a doe; the King, nineteen boars, two stags, two does, and a
porcupine. He is happy beyond expression.
I send you Charles's letter; but do not lose it, as I will answer it
when I return. You see, the line we have taken will put it out of the
power of our enemies to hurt us. I will give up my judgment of worldly
matters to no one.
I approve of all you do in my absence; but it would be nonsense,
and appear affected, to carry your scruples too far. Divert yourself
reasonably. I am sure of your attachment to me, and I shall not easily
be made to alter my opinion of you.
My cold is better, notwithstanding the weather.
I have no time to _in'gler_; so, adieu! my dearest wife.
Your's,
W.H.
_P.S._ Let Gasparo pay thirty ducats, for the vase, to D. Andrea.
By way of charity, we may give thirty ounces to that shabby dog,
Hadrava; though he knows the picture is not worth more than ten at
most. His writing to you in such a stile is pitiful indeed. You will
often have such letters, if you do not tell him, now, that it is for
once and all.
XI.
Persano, Saturday,
14th Jan. [1792.]
MY DEAR EMMA,
I have received a letter from Douglass; with one inclosed, from Mr.
Durno; who, to my surprise, says, he has not received my order on
Biddulph, Cockes, and Co. for one thousand five hundred and ninety
pounds; which, you know, I sent from Caserta.
I find, in my book of letters, 20th of December, that I wrote, that
day, a letter to Mr. Burgess, to deliver to Messieurs Biddulph and
Co.--to Lord Abercorn--and to Mr. Durno, with the order inclosed.
Pray, send for Smith; and ask him, if he remembers having put such
letters in the post, and let him inquire at the Naples post about
them: and let him send the inclosed, by Tuesday's post, to Rome.
I certainly will not give another order until this matter is cleared
up. I fear some roguery.
We have had a fine day, and killed numberless boars; a hundred
and fifty, at least. I have killed four, out of six shot; and am
satisfied, as one is a real monster--the King, thirty--D'Onerato,
eighteen,--and so on, the favoured shooters.
Vincenzo is rather better, but not able to serve me.
My best compliments to Alexander Hamilton. You did well, to invite
Copley.
Adieu! my sweet Em. Ever your's, in deed and in truth,
W.H.
XII.
Persano, Sunday,
Jan. 15, 1792.
You did admirably, my Dear Em. in not inviting Lady A.H. to dine with
the Prince; and still better, in telling her, honestly, the reason. I
have always found, that going straight is the best method, though not
the way of the world.
You did, also, very well, in asking Madame Skamouski; and not taking
upon you to present her, without leave.
In short, consult your own good sense, and do not be in a hurry; and,
I am sure, you will always act right.
We have been at it again, this morning, and killed fifty boars; but
were home to dinner, at one o'clock: and this is the first dinner
I have had, since I left you; for I cannot eat meat breakfasts or
suppers, and have absolutely lived on bread and butter and tea.
As the Prince asked you, you did well to send for a song to
Douglass's; but, in general, you will do right to sing only at home.
The King is very kind to me, and shews every one that he really loves
me: and he commends my shooting; having missed but very few, and
killed the largest of the society. Only think of his not being
satisfied with killing more than thirty, yesterday! He said, if the
wind had favoured him, he should have killed sixty at least.
We must be civil to Mr. Hope, as recommended by Lord Auckland; and
also to Monsieur de Rochement, and Prince Bozatinsky, as recommended
by my friend Saussure. I inclose his letter, as you are mentioned in
it; also Knight's, as you desire. God knows, we have no secrets; nor,
I hope, ever shall.
We have much business between this and Saturday: and we are to shoot,
Saturday morning; so that we shall arrive late.
What say you to a feet washing that night? _O che Gusto_! when your
_prima ora_ is over, and all gone.
Adieu, my sweet Emma! Ever your's,
W.H.
XIII.
Persano, Monday Night,
[Jan. 16th, 1792.]
For your long and interesting letter, I can only write a line, to tell
you I am well.
We have been out, till an hour in the night, from day-break; and I
have fired off my gun but once, having had a bad post. The King, and
favoured party, have diverted themselves. To-morrow will, probably, be
a good day for me.
Pray, let Smith get orders for the Museum, &c. for Lord Boyle and Mr.
Dodge, as they are recommended by Mr. Eden.
Adieu, my lovely Emma! Let them all roll on the carpet, &c. provided
you are not of the party. My trust is in you alone.
Your's, ever,
W.H.
XIV.
Persano, Tuesday Night,
[Jan. 17, 1792.]
I told you, my Dear Em. that I expected good sport to-day! I have
killed five boars, and two great ones got off after falling; two
bucks; six does; and a hare: fourteen in all.
By the bye, I must tell you, that _accept_ and _except_ are totally
different. You always write--"I did not _except_ of the invitation;"
when, you know, it should be "_accept_." It is, only, for want of
giving yourself time to think; but, as this error has been repeated, I
thought best to tell you of it.
Pray, write a very kind letter to our friend the Archbishop; and
convince him, that Emma, to her friends, is unalterable. Do not say a
word about the telescope; for, I must try it, first, against mine. If
it should be better, I cannot part with it, as you know how much use
we make of a telescope.
The King has killed eighty-one animals, of one sort or other, to-day;
and, amongst them, a wolf, and some stags. He fell asleep in the
coach; and, waking, told me he had been dreaming of shooting. One
would have thought, he had shed blood enough.
This is a heavy air; nobody eats with appetite, and many are ill with
colds.
We shall be home on Saturday; and, indeed, my sweet Emma, I shall be
most happy to see you.
To-morrow, we go to a mountain; but no great expectation of sport.
Your's, ever, my dear wife,
W.H.
XV.
Persano, Wednesday,
[Jan. 18th, 1792.]
It was not your white and silver, alone, that made you look like an
angel, at the Academy. Suppose you had put it on nine parts out of ten
of the ladies in company, would any one have appeared angelic?
I will allow, however, that a beautiful woman, feeling herself well
dressed, will have a sort of confidence, which will add greatly to the
lustre of her eye: but take my word, that, for some years to come,
the more simply you dress, the more conspicuous will be your beauty;
which, according to my idea, is the most perfect I have yet met with,
take it all in all.
It is long-faced day with the King. We went far; the weather was bad;
and, after all, met with little or no game: I did not fire off my gun.
Yesterday, when we brought home all we killed, it filled the house,
completely; and, to-day, they are obliged to white-wash the walls, to
take away the blood. There were more than four hundred; boars, deer,
stags, and all.
To-morrow, we are to have another slaughter; and not a word of reason
or common sense do I meet with, the whole day, till I retire to my
volumes of the old Gentleman's Magazine, which just keeps my mind from
starving.
Except to-day, on a mountain, I have never felt the least appetite;
there, I eat the wings of a cold chicken with pleasure.
Hamilton is delighted with your civilities. He has wrote me a long
letter. I do not mean to keep pace with him in writing; so, send him a
line or two, only, in answer.
I do not recollect the name of Marino Soolania; and, if I received a
letter from him, it was in the hurry of my arrival, and is lost: so
that Smith may desire the Dutch Consul to desire him to write again,
and I will answer.
I always rejoice when I find you do not neglect your singing. I am, I
own, ambitious of producing something extraordinary in you, and it is
nearly done.
Adieu! my sweet Em. I rejoice that the time of our re-union is so
near--_Saturday night_!
W.H.
XVI.
Venasso, Friday,
27th January 1794.
MY DEAR EM.
By having grumbled a little, I got a better post to-day; and have
killed two boars and a sow, all enormous. I have missed but two shot
since I came here; and, to be sure, when the post is good, it is noble
shooting! The rocks, and mountains, as wild as the boars.
The news you sent me, of poor Lord Pembroke, gave me a little twist;
but I have, for some time, perceived, that my friends, with whom I
spent my younger days, have been dropping around me.
Lord Pembroke's neck was very short, and his father died of an
apoplexy.
My study of antiquities, has kept me in constant thought of the
perpetual fluctuation of every thing. The whole art is, really, to
live all the _days_ of our life; and not, with anxious care, disturb
the sweetest hour that life affords--which is, the present! Admire
the Creator, and all his works, to us incomprehensible: and do all
the good you can upon earth; and take the chance of eternity, without
dismay.
You must tell the Archbishop, that he will have the Leyden gazettes
a week later; as I cannot read them time enough to send by this
messenger.
The weather is delightful; and, I believe, we shall have done all our
business, so as to return on Thursday.
Pray, find out if the Queen goes to Caserta. Here, all is a profound
secret.
I must work hard, myself, at translating, when I return; for I believe
the language-master totally incapable of it.
I dined, this morning, at nine o'clock; and, I think, it agreed better
with me than tea. I found myself growing weak, for want of a good
meal, not daring to eat much at supper.
Adieu, my sweet love! adieu. Divert yourself--I shall soon be at you
again. Your's, ever,
W.H.
XVII.
Burford, Eighty Miles from London.
Saturday Night, [July 27th, 1801.]
Here we are, my Dear Emma, after a pleasant day's journey! No
extraordinary occurrence. Our chaise is good, and would have held the
famous "_Tria juncta in Uno_," very well: but, we must submit to the
circumstances of the times.
Sir Joseph Bankes we found in bed with the gout: and, last night, his
hot-house was robbed of its choicest fruit--peaches and nectarines.
Amuse yourself as well as you can; and you may be assured, that I
shall return as soon as possible, and you shall hear from me often.
Ever your's, my dear Emma, with the truest affection,
Wm. HAMILTON.
My kindest love to my Lord, if he is not gone.
_P.S._ Corn, at this market, fell fifteen pounds a load to-day.
Letters
FROM
SIR WILLIAM HAMILTON, K.B.
TO
LORD NELSON.
Letters OF SIR WILLIAM HAMILTON, K.B. &c.
I.
[_Written before LORD NELSON'S Elevation to the Peerage._]
Naples, March 26th, 1796.
MY DEAR SIR,
The moment I received your letter of the 11th of March from Leghorn,
I went with it to General Acton: and, although I could not, from your
letter only, in my Ministerial character, demand from this Court
the assistance of some of their xebecs, corvettes, &c. that are the
fittest for going near shore; as I think, with you, that such
vessels are absolutely necessary on the present occasion, I told his
Excellency--that I trusted, as this government had hitherto shewn
itself as sanguine in the good cause, and more so, than any of the
allies of Great Britain, that he would lay your letter before the King
at Naples; and, without waiting for the demand which I should probably
receive soon from Sir John Jervis, send you such small armed vessels
as his Excellency thought would be proper for the service on which you
are employed.
The General, without hesitation, said--that orders should be
immediately given for the preparing of such a flotilla, which should
join you as soon as the weather would permit. At present, indeed, it
is not very encouraging for row-boats.
We wait a courier from Vienna, to decide the march of eight thousand
eight hundred infantry, and artillery included, intended to join the
Emperor's army in Italy: and, although the Grand Duke of Tuscany
has refused the permission for these troops to march through his
dominions, the King of Naples has told his son-in-law that, whenever
the safety of Italy should require it, he would, nevertheless, march
them through Tuscany; a liberty which the Emperor would likewise take,
whenever the good of the service required it.
However, the thousand cavalry sent from hence have taken their route,
by Loretto, through the Pope's state.
We have had, as I suppose you know, the Admirals Hotham and Goodall
here, for some weeks. I can, _entre nous_, perceive that my old friend
Hotham is not quite awake enough for such a command as that of the
King's fleet in the Mediterranean, although he appears the best
creature imaginable.
I did not know much of your friend Lord Hood, personally; but, by
his correspondence with me, his activity and clearness was most
conspicuous.
Lady Hamilton and I admire your constancy, and hope the severe service
you have undergone will be handsomely rewarded.
When I reported to Lord Grenville, in my last dispatch, the letter I
received from you lately, I could not help giving you the epithet of
"_that_ _brave officer, Captain Nelson._" If you do not deserve it, I
know not who does.
With our love to Sam, I am, ever, dear Sir, your's, sincerely,
Wm. HAMILTON.
II.
Palermo, February 13th, 1799.
MY LORD,
Having received an application from this government, that they might
be supplied with lead from on board the British merchants ships in
this harbour, that have that article on board--and that, without the
help of about a hundred _cantarra_ of lead, this country, and the
common cause, would be much distressed--I am to beg of your Lordship
to use your kind endeavours that this urgent want may be supplied
as soon as possible: well understood, that the proprietors of this
article should be perfectly satisfied with this government, as to the
price of the lead, freight, &c.
I have the honour to be, my Lord, your Lordship's most obedient and
most humble servant,
Wm. HAMILTON.
III.
Palermo, Sunday Night late,
near winding-up-watch hour,
May 19th, 1799.
MY VERY DEAR LORD,
Ten thousand thanks for your kind attention in sending us Hallowell's
letter to Troubridge. It comforts us in one respect, as it flatters
us with Commodore Duckworth's four ships joining you soon. But, I
must own, from the junction of five Spanish ships and frigates, I now
think, something more than going into Toulon is intended, and that
your Lordship may have a brush with them.
God send you every success, that your unparalleled virtues and bravery
so well merit.
Adieu, my dear Lord! Your Lordship's truly affectionate, and eternally
attached,
Wm. HAMILTON.
IV.
Palermo, May 26th, 1799.
MY DEAR LORD,
Whilst Emma was writing to your Lordship, I have been with Acton, to
get a felucca, to send Ball's dispatch to you. It is of so old a date,
that I make no doubt of Ball's having joined you before his dispatch
reaches.
I send your Lordship an interesting letter I have just received from
our Consul at Trieste: and Acton's answer to my yesterday's letter
communicating your kind resolution of taking care of their Sicilian
Majesties and their kingdoms; and which, your Lordship will see, gives
them great satisfaction.
As to the fleet having been seen by the Towers near Messina, and to
the westward--I believe, it was your squadron.
I send you, likewise, a strange rhapsody from Lord Bristol: but
something may be collected from it; or, at least, it will amuse you,
and you have leisure enough on board, which I have not on shore. Be
so good as to send back that letter, and Graham's, by the first
opportunity.
Above all, take care of your health; that is the first of blessings.
May God ever protect you! We miss you heavily: but, a short time must
clear up the business; and, we hope, bring you back to those who love
and esteem you to the very bottom of their souls.
Ever your affectionate friend, and humble servant,
Wm. HAMILTON.
V.
Palermo, June 17th, 1799.
MY DEAR LORD,
I am happy to receive the packet from Major Magra, and which I shall
instantly send to General Acton.
Nothing has happened, worth telling you, since the few hours we have
been separated.
God bless you, my very dear friend; and my mind tells me, that
you will soon have reason, either by good news, or by a proper
reinforcement sent to you, to be in a much happier state of mind
than you could possibly be when you left us this morning. All looks
melancholy without you.
Ever, my dear Lord, your truly attached friend,
Wm. HAMILTON.
VI.
Palermo, June 20th, 1799.
Eight o'Clock at Night.
MY DEAR LORD,
Having wrote fully by the felucca to-day, that went off at three
o'clock--and have not yet General Acton's answer, with respect to what
the Court would wish you to do when you hear how the French fleet is
disposed of--I have nothing to write by the transport.
God bless you! And I hope, somehow or other, we shall meet again soon.
My dear Lord, your's, most sincerely,
Wm. HAMILTON.
VII.
Piccadilly, February 19th, 1801.
MY DEAR LORD,
Whether Emma will be able to write to you to-day, or not, is a
question; as she has got one of her terrible sick head-achs. Among
other things that vex her, is--that we have been drawn in to be under
the absolute necessity of giving a dinner to ****** on Sunday next.
He asked it himself; having expressed his strong desire of hearing
Banti's and Emma's voices together.
I am well aware of the danger that would attend ******* frequenting
our house. Not that I fear, that Emma could ever be induced to act
contrary to the prudent conduct she has hitherto pursued; but the
world is so ill-natured, that the worst construction is put upon the
most innocent actions.
As this dinner must be, or ****** would be offended, I shall keep
it strictly to the musical part; invite only Banti, her husband, and
Taylor; and, as I wish to shew a civility to Davison, I have sent him
an invitation.
In short, we will get rid of it as well as we can, and guard against
its producing more meetings of the same sort.
Emma would really have gone any lengths, to have avoided Sunday's
dinner. But I thought it would not be prudent to break with ******;
who, really, has shewn the greatest civility to us, when we were last
in England, and since we returned: and she has, at last, acquiesced to
my opinion.
I have been thus explicit, as I know well your Lordship's way of
thinking; and your very kind attachment to us, and to every thing that
concerns us.