no levee yesterday; and, to-day, the Queen alone will be at the
drawing-room: and, I believe, the new ministry will not be quite
fixed, until the levee-day next week.
As to my business--I have done all I can to bring it to a point.
The pension recommended by Lord Grenville was only like Walpole's--a
nominal two thousand pounds. I have represented the injustice of
that--after my having had the King's promise of not being removed
from Naples, but at my own request; and having only empowered Lord
Grenville to remove me, on securing to me a nett income of two
thousand pounds per annum.
Lord Grenville has recommended to the Treasury, the taking my
extraordinary expences into consideration.
I have fully demonstrated, to Lord Grenville and Treasury, that
eight thousand pounds is absolutely necessary for the clearing off my
unfunded debt, without making up for my losses.
Upon the whole, then, I do not expect to get more than the nett
annuity above mentioned, and the eight thousand pounds. But, unless
that is granted, I shall, indeed, have been very ill-used! I hope, in
my next, to be able to inform your Lordship that all has been finally
settled.
I am busy in putting in order the remains of my vases and pictures,
that you so kindly saved for me on board the Fourdroyant; and the sale
of them will enable me to go on more at my ease, and not leave a debt
unpaid. But, unfortunately, there have been too many picture sales
this year, and mine will come late.
Adieu! my very dear Lord. May health and success attend you, wherever
you go! And, I flatter myself, this political jumble may hasten a
peace, and bring you back soon.
Your Lordship's ever obliged, and most sincerely attached, friend and
servant,
Wm. HAMILTON.
VIII.
Piccadilly, February 20th, 1801.
MY DEAR LORD,
You need not be the least alarmed, that Emma has commissioned me to
send you the newspapers; and write you a line, to tell you that she is
much better--having vomited naturally, and is now purposing to take a
regular one of tartar emetic.
All her convulsive complaints certainly proceed from a foul stomach;
and I will answer for it, she will be in spirits to write to you
herself to-morrow.
Adieu! my very dear Lord. I have not a moment to lose, as the bell is
going.
Your ever attached and obliged humble servant,
Wm. HAMILTON.
IX.
Piccadilly, March 7th, 1801.
MY VERY DEAR LORD,
I wish it was in my power to profit of your kind invitation; you would
soon see me and Emma on board the St. George: but I am now totally
occupied in preparing for the sale of my pictures, and what I have
saved of my vases.
To my great satisfaction, I have found some of the most capital
vases; and which I thought, surely, lost on board the Colossus. It has
comforted me much.
We remain in the same cruel state with respect to the King's recovery.
There can be no doubt, but that his Majesty is better. However, if my
conjectures are true, the Regency must soon take place: as it may be
long before his Majesty could be troubled with business, supposing
even his _fever_ to have totally subsided; and, the times admit of no
delays.
We see, now, the certainty of the French squadron's being in the
Mediterranean. God knows, how all this will end! But I hope it will be
your Lordship's lot to bring Paul to his senses.
God send you every success; and send you home, safe and well, crowned
with additional laurels! And then, I hope, you will repose your
shattered frame; and make your friends happy, by staying with them.
Emma
Emma is certainly much better, but not quite free from bile.
Ever, my dear Lord, your Lordship's most attached, and eternally
obliged, humble servant,
Wm. HAMILTON.
X.
Piccadilly, April 16th, 1801.
What can I say, my Dear Lord! that would convey the smallest idea of
what we felt yesterday, on receiving the authentic letters confirming
your late most glorious victory: and read, in your own hand, that God
had not only granted you complete success against the enemies of our
country; but, in the midst of such perils, prevented your receiving
the smallest scratch!
We can only repeat what we knew well, and often said, before--that
Nelson _was_, _is_, and to the _last_ will ever be, _the first_.
However, we all agree that, when we get you safe home once more--that
you should never more risk your shattered frame.
You have done enough, and are well entitled to the motto of Virgil--
"_Hic Victor cæstus artemque repono_."
The famous Broughton, after he had beaten every opponent, that dared
to measure hard blows with him, set up an ale-house--the Broughton's
Head--in London, with the above verse of Virgil under it. Some years
after, he was persuaded to accept the challenge of a coachman, and was
beaten.
Not that I mean to convey, that any such thing could happen to your
Lordship; but, you have done enough. Let others follow your examples;
they will be remembered to the latest posterity.
It appeared to me most extraordinary, that the 6th inst. the date of
your last letter to Emma, the death of the Emperor Paul (which we have
no doubt of here) should not be known at Copenhagen!
It appears to us that, as soon as that great event is known in Sweden
and Denmark, with the severe blow you have just given the latter, the
formidable giant, Northern Coalition, will of itself fall to pieces;
and that we shall have the happiness of embracing you again here, in a
very short time.
You would have laughed to have seen what I saw yesterday! _Emma_ did
not know whether she was on her head or heels--in such a hurry to tell
your great news, that she could utter nothing but tears of joy and
tenderness.
I went to Davison yesterday morning; and found him still in bed,
having had a severe fit of the gout, and with your letter, which
he had just received: and he cried like a child! But, what was very
extraordinary, assured me that, from the instant he had read your
letter, all pain had left him, and that he felt himself able to get up
and walk about.
Your brother, Mrs. Nelson, and Horace, dined with us. Your brother
was more extraordinary than ever. He would get up suddenly, and cut
a caper; rubbing his hands every time that the thought of your fresh
laurels came into his head.
In short, except myself, (and your Lordship knows that I have some
phlegm) all the company, which was considerable, after dinner--the
Duke, Lord William, Mr. Este, &c.--were mad with joy. But, I am sure,
that no one really rejoiced more, at heart, than I did. I have lived
too long to have _extacies_! But, with calm reflection, I felt for
my friend having got to the very summit of glory!--the "_Ne plus
ultra!_"--that he has had another opportunity of rendering his country
the most important service; and manifesting, again, his judgment, his
intrepidity, and humanity.
God bless you, my very dear Lord, and send you soon home to your
friends. Enemies you have none, but those that are bursting with envy;
and such animals infest all parts of the world.
The King, be assured, is (though weak) getting well fast. Lord
Loughborough told Livingston, who has just been here, that he was with
the King the day before yesterday, before and after delivery of the
seals, and that he was perfectly calm and recollected.
Ever your sincerely attached, and truly obliged, humble servant,
Wm. HAMILTON.
XI.
Milford, August 12th, 1801.
MY DEAR LORD,
Emma has constantly given me every possible intelligence relative to
your Lordship, and the important operations you are about at this most
interesting moment.
You have already calmed the minds of every body with respect to
the threatened French invasion. In short, all your Lordship does is
complete; like yourself, and nobody else. But still, I think, there is
no occasion for the Commander in Chief to expose his person as much
as you do. Why should you not have a private flag, known to your fleet
and not to the enemy, when you shift it and go reconnoitring?
Captain Hopkins, going from hence in the Speedwell cutter to join your
Lordship, will be happy to introduce himself to you by presenting this
letter himself. They give him a good character in this country, but my
acquaintance with him is but of two days.
I was yesterday with Captain Dobbins, in the Diligence cutter. We
sailed out of this glorious harbour; and, the day being fine, sailed
out some leagues, and examined the Crow Rock, which is reckoned the
greatest danger as to entering the harbour. But the two light-houses
lately erected take off all danger in the night; and [it] is visible
in the day-time, except a short time in spring tides.
I am delighted with the improvements at Milford. It will surely be a
great town, if we have peace, in three years; the houses rising up,
like mushrooms, even in these difficult times. We allow any one to
build--at their own expence--at an easy ground-rent, and to fall in at
the expiration of three lives, or sixty years.
You may judge that, having two thousand acres all round the town,
these inhabitants will want land for cows and horses, and gardens, &c.
and, of course, I must be a gainer in the end.
I visited the two light-houses, and found them perfectly clean, and in
good order: and I never could conceive the brilliant light that they
give; one has sixteen reflected lights, and the other ten.
To-day, I go upon my last visit to Lord Milford; and, on Saturday, set
out for Piccadilly: and where I am not without hopes of meeting your
Lordship; as I think, in the manner you dispatch business, you will
have completed all by Wednesday next, the day I shall probably be in
London.
Charles Greville's kind compliments. The name of Nelson is in every
mouth; and, indeed, we owe every thing to your judgment and exertions.
Adieu! God bless you. Ever your Lordship's affectionate friend, and
obliged humble servant,
Wm. HAMILTON.
XII.
Piccadilly, April 28th, 1802.
MY DEAR LORD,
Emma says--I must write a letter to you, of condolence for the heavy
loss your Lordship has suffered.
When persons, in the prime of life, are carried off by accidents or
sickness--or what is, I believe, oftener the case, by the ignorance
and mistakes of the physicians--then, indeed, there is reason to
lament! But as, in the case of your good Father, the lamp was suffered
to burn out fairly, and that his sufferings were not great; and that,
by his Son's glorious and unparalleled successes, he saw his family
ennobled, and with the probability, in time, of its being amply
rewarded, as it ought to have been long ago--his mind could not be
troubled, in his latter moments, on account of the family he left
behind him: and, as to his own peace of mind, at the moment of his
dissolution, there can be no doubt, among those who ever had the
honour of his acquaintance.
I have said more than I intended; but dare say, your Lordship had
nearly the same thoughts--with the addition of the feelings of a
dutiful Son, for the loss of a most excellent Father.
It is, however, now--as your Lordship is the Father of your
Family--incumbent upon you to take particular care of your own health.
Nay, you are, by the voice of the nation, its first prop and support.
Keep up your spirits; and, that you may long enjoy your well-earned
honours, is the sincere wish of your Lordship's affectionate friend,
and attached humble servant,
Wm. HAMILTON.
Letters
FROM
LORD NELSON
TO
SIR WILLIAM HAMILTON, K.B.
Letters OF LORD NELSON, &c.
I.
Bastia, May 24th, 1794.
MY DEAR SIR,
Will you have the goodness to forward the inclosed to Mr. Brand, and
to present my letter to Lady Hamilton?
Every lover of his country will rejoice in our great and almost
unexampled success, to the honour of my Lord Hood, and to the shame of
those who opposed his endeavours to serve his country.
General Stewart, I am happy to say, is just arrived.
We shall now join, heart and hand, against Calvi. When conquered, I
shall hope to pay my respects to your Excellency at Naples; which will
give real pleasure to your very faithful, and obliged,
HORATIO NELSON.
II.
Agamemnon, Leghorn,
March 11th, 1796.
SIR,
Mr. Wyndham having communicated to Mr. Udney the conversation of the
French minister with the Tuscans, I cannot, being intrusted by the
Admiral with the command of the small squadron in the Gulph of Genoa,
but think it right for me to beg that your Excellency will apply
for such vessels of war belonging to his Sicilian Majesty, as may be
judged proper to cruize in the Gulph of Genoa, and particularly off
the point of the Gulph of Especia. Xebecs, corvettes, and frigates,
are the fittest to cruize; and the first have the great advantage of
rowing, as well as sailing, I am told, very fast.
General [Acton] knows, full as well as myself, the vessels proper to
prevent the disembarkation of troops on this coast; therefore, I shall
not particularly point them out.
Last campaign, the word _flotilla_ was misunderstood. I can only say,
that all vessels which can sail and row must be useful; and, for small
craft, Port Especia is a secure harbour.
Whatever is to be done, should be done speedily; for, by Mr. Wyndham's
account, we have no time to lose.
If we have the proper vessels, I am confident, the French will not be
able to bring their ten thousand men by sea; and; should they attempt
to pass through the Genoese territories, I hope the Austrians will
prevent them: but, however, should all our precautions not be able to
prevent the enemy's possessing themselves of Leghorn, yet we are not
to despair. Fourteen days from their entry, if the allied powers
unite heartily, I am confident, we shall take them all prisoners. I am
confident, it can--and, therefore, should such an unlucky event take
place, as their possessing themselves of Leghorn, I hope, will--be
done. I have sent to the Admiral.
I am, very lately, from off Toulon; where thirteen sail of the line,
and five frigates, are ready for sea, and others fitting.
With my best respects to Lady Hamilton, believe me, dear Sir, your
Excellency's most obedient servant,
HORATIO NELSON.
III.
Vanguard, Syracuse, July 20th, 1798.
MY DEAR SIR,
It is an old saying, "The devil's children have the devil's luck." I
cannot find--or, to this moment learn, beyond vague conjecture--where
the French fleet are gone to. All my ill fortune, hitherto, has
proceeded from want of frigates.
Off Cape Passaro, on the twenty-second of June, at day-light, I saw
two frigates, which were supposed to be French; and it has been said,
since, that a line-of-battle ship was to leeward of them, with the
riches of Malta on board. But it was the destruction of the enemy, and
not riches for myself, that I was seeking: these would have fell to
me, if I had had frigates; but, except the ship of the line, I regard
not all the riches in this world.
From my information off Malta, I believed they were gone to Egypt:
therefore, on the twenty-eighth, I was communicating with Alexandria
in Egypt; where I found the Turks preparing to resist them, but knew
nothing beyond report.
From thence I stretched over to the coast of Caramania; where, not
speaking a vessel who could give me information, I became distressed
for the kingdom of the Two Sicilies: and, having gone a round of six
hundred leagues, at this season of the year, (with a single ship, with
an expedition incredible) here I am, as _ignorant_ of the situation of
the enemy as I was twenty-seven days ago!
I sincerely hope, the dispatches, which I understand are at Cape
Passaro, will give me full information. I shall be able, for nine or
ten weeks longer, to keep the fleet on active service, when we shall
want provisions and stores. I send a paper on that subject, herewith.
Mr. Littledale is, I suppose, sent up by the Admiral to victual us,
and I hope he will do it cheaper than any other person: but, if I
find out that he charges more than the fair price, and has not the
provisions of the very best quality, I will not take them; for, as no
fleet has more fag than this, nothing but the best food, and greatest
attention, can keep them healthy. At this moment, we have not one sick
man in the fleet.
In about six days, I shall sail from hence: and, if I hear nothing
more of the French, I shall go to the Archipelago; where, if they are
gone towards Constantinople, I shall hear of them.
I shall go to Cyprus; and, if they are gone to Alexandretta, or any
other part of Syria or Egypt, I shall get information.
You will, I am sure, and so will our country, easily conceive what
has passed in my anxious mind; but I have this comfort, that I have no
fault to accuse myself of: this bears me up, and this only.
I send you a paper, where a letter is fixed for different places:
which I may leave at any place; and, except those who have the key,
none can tell where I am gone to.
July 21.
The messenger is returned from Cape Passaro; and says, that your
letters for me are returned to Naples. What a situation am I placed
in! As yet, I can learn nothing of the enemy: therefore, I have no
conjecture but that they are gone to Syria; and, at Cyprus, I hope to
hear of them.
If they were gone to the westward, I rely that every place in Sicily
would have information for me; for it is too important news to leave
me in one moment's doubt about.
I have no frigate, or a sign of one. The masts, yards, &c. for the
Vanguard, will I hope be prepared directly: for, should the French
be so strongly secured in port that I cannot get at them, I shall
immediately shift my flag into some other ship, and send the Vanguard
to Naples to be refitted; for hardly any person but myself would have
continued on service so long in such a wretched state.
I want to send a great number of papers to Lord St. Vincent; but I
durst not trust any person here to carry them, even to Naples.
Pray, send a copy of my letter to Lord Spencer; he must be very
anxious to hear of this fleet.
I have taken the liberty of troubling your Excellency with a letter
for Lady Nelson. Pray, forward it for me; and believe me, with the
greatest respect, your most obedient servant,
HORATIO NELSON.
Sent on shore, to the charge of the Governor of Syracuse.
IV.
Vanguard, Syracuse, July 22d, 1798.
MY DEAR SIR,
I have had so much said about the King of Naples's orders only to
admit three or four of the ships of our fleet into his ports, that I
am astonished! I understood, that private orders, at least, would have
been given for our free admission. If we are to be refused supplies,
pray send me, by many vessels, an account, that I may in good time
take the King's fleet to Gibraltar. Our treatment is scandalous, for a
great nation to put up with; and the King's flag is insulted at every
friendly port we look at.
I am, with the greatest respect, your most obedient servant,
HORATIO NELSON.
_P.S._ I do not complain of the want of attention in individuals, for
all classes of people are remarkably attentive to us.
Sent on shore, to the charge of the Governor of Syracuse.
V.
Vanguard, Mouth of the Nile,
August 8th, 1798.
MY DEAR SIR,
Almighty God has made me the happy instrument in destroying the
enemy's fleet; which, I hope, will be a blessing to Europe.
You will have the goodness to communicate this happy event to all the
courts in Italy; for my head is so indifferent, that I can scarcely
scrawl this letter.
Captain Capel, who is charged with my dispatches for England, will
give you every information. Pray, put him in the quickest mode of
getting home.
You will not send, by post, any particulars of this action, as I
should be sorry to have any accounts get home before my dispatches.
I hope there will be no difficulty in our getting refitted at Naples.
Culloden must be instantly hove down, and Vanguard all new masts and
bowsprit. Not more than four or five sail of the line will probably
come to Naples; the rest will go with the prizes to Gibraltar.
As this army never will return, I hope to hear the Emperor has
regained the whole of Italy.
With every good wish, believe me, dear Sir, your most obliged and
affectionate
HORATIO NELSON.
9th August.
I have intercepted all Buonaparte's dispatches going to France. This
army is in a scrape, and will not get out of it.
VI.
August 12th, 1798.
MY DEAR SIR,
As the greater part of this squadron is going down the Mediterranean,
we shall not want the quantity of wine or bread ordered; therefore,
what is not already prepared had better be put a stop to. I will
settle all the matter, if ever I live to see Naples.
I have the satisfaction to tell you, the French army have got
a complaint amongst them--caused by the heat, and nothing but
water--which will make Egypt the grave of the greatest part.
Ever your's, faithfully,
HORATIO NELSON.
VII.
Vanguard, off Malta;
October 24th, 1798.
MY DEAR SIR,
I am just arrived off this place; where I found Captain Ball, and the
Marquis de Niza. From those officers, I do not find such an immediate
prospect of getting possession of the town as the ministers at Naples
seem to think. All the country, it is true, is in possession of the
islanders; and, I believe, the French have not many luxuries in the
town; but, as yet, their bullocks are not eat up.
The Marquis tells me, the islanders want arms, victuals, mortars,
and cannon, to annoy the town. When I get the elect of the people
on board, I shall desire them to draw up a memorial for the King of
Naples, stating their wants and desires, which I shall bring with me.
The Marquis sails for Naples to-morrow morning. Till he is gone, I
shall not do any thing about the island; but I will be fully master of
that subject before I leave this place.
God bless you! is the sincere prayer of
HORATIO NELSON.
VIII.
Vanguard, off Malta,
October 27th, 1798.
MY DEAR SIR WILLIAM,
Although I believe I shall be at Naples before the cutter, yet
I should be sorry to omit acknowledging your kind letter of the
twenty-sixth.
When I come to Naples, I can have nothing pleasant to say of the
conduct of his Sicilian Majesty's ministers towards the inhabitants
of Malta, who wish to be under the dominion of their legitimate
Sovereign. The total neglect and indifference with which they have
been treated, appears to me _cruel_ in the extreme.
Had not the English supplied fifteen hundred stand of arms, with
bayonets, cartouch-boxes, and ammunition, &c. &c. and the Marquis
supplied some few, and kept the spirit of those brave islanders from
falling off, they must long ago have bowed again to the French yoke.
Could you, my dear Sir William, have believed, after what General
Acton and the Marquis de Gallo had said, in our various conversations
relative to this island, that nothing had been sent by the Governor of
Syracuse--_secretly_ (was the word to us) or openly--to this island?
And, I am farther assured, that the Governor of Syracuse never had any
orders sent him to supply the smallest article.
I beg your Excellency will state this, in confidence, to General
Acton. I shall, most assuredly, tell it to the King! The justice I
owe myself, now I feel employed in the service of their Sicilian
Majesties, demands it of me; and, also, the duty I owe our gracious
King, in order to shew that I am doing my utmost to comply with his
royal commands.
As I have before stated, had it not been for the English, long, long
ago, the Maltese must have been overpowered. Including the fifteen
hundred stand of arms given by us, not more than three thousand are in
the island. I wonder how they have kept on the defensive so long.
The Emerald will sail--in twenty-four hours after my arrival--for
Malta; at least, two thousand stand of small arms complete,
ammunition, &c. &c. should be sent by her. This is wanted, to defend
themselves: for offence, two or three large mortars; fifteen hundred
shells, with all necessaries; and, perhaps, a few artillery--two
ten-inch howitzers, with a thousand shells. The Bormola, and all
the left side of the harbour, with this assistance, will fall. Ten
thousand men are required to defend those works, the French can only
spare twelve hundred; therefore, a vigorous assault in many parts,
some one must succeed.
But, who have the government of Naples sent to lead or encourage these
people? A very good--and, I dare say, brave--old man; enervated, and
shaking with the palsy. This is the sort of man that they have sent;
without any supply, without even a promise of protection, and without
his bringing any answer to the repeated respectful memorials of these
people to their Sovereign.