The Letters of Lord Nelson to Lady Hamilton.

Vol. I.

by Horatio Nelson.

LETTER I.

Vanguard, off Malta, Oct. 24, 1798.

MY DEAR MADAM,

After a long pa.s.sage, we are arrived; and it is as I suspected--the ministers at Naples know nothing of the situation of the island. Not a house or bastion of the town is in possession of the islanders; and the Marquis de Niza tells me, they want arms, victuals, and support.

He does not know, that any Neapolitan officers are in the island; perhaps, although I have their names, none are arrived; and it is very certain, by the Marquis's account, that no supplies have been sent by the governors of Syracuse or Messina.

However, I shall and will know every thing as soon as the Marquis is gone, which will be to-morrow morning. He says, he is very anxious to serve under my command; and, by his changing his ship, it appears as if he was so: however, I understand the trim of our English ships better.

Ball will have the management of the blockade after my departure; as, it seems, the Court of Naples think my presence may be necessary, and useful, in the beginning of November.

I hope it will prove so; but, I feel, my duty lays at present in the East; for, until I know the shipping in Egypt are destroyed, I shall never consider the French army as completely sure of never returning to Europe.

However, all my views are to serve and save the Two Sicilies; and to do that which their Majesties may wish me, even against my own opinion, when I come to Naples, and that country is at war. I shall wish to have a meeting with General Acton on this subject.

You will, I am sure, do me justice with the Queen; for, I declare to G.o.d, my whole study is, how to best meet her approbation.

May G.o.d bless you and Sir William! and ever believe me, with the most affectionate regard, your obliged and faithful friend,

HORATIO NELSON.

I may possibly, but that is not certain, send in the inclosed letter.

Shew it to Sir William. This must depend on what I hear _and see_; for I believe scarcely any thing I hear.

Once more, G.o.d bless you!

LETTER II.

[May 12, 1799.]

MY DEAR LADY HAMILTON,

Accept my sincere thanks for your kind letter. n.o.body writes so well: therefore, pray, say not you write ill; for, if you do, I will say--what your goodness sometimes told me--"You l--e!" I can read, and perfectly understand, every word you write.

We drank your and Sir William's health. Troubridge, Louis, Hallowell, and the new Portuguese Captain, dined here. I shall soon be at Palermo; for this business must very soon be settled.

No one, believe me, is more sensible of your regard, than your obliged and grateful

NELSON.

I am pleased with little Mary; kiss her for me. I thank all the house for their regard. G.o.d bless you all!

I shall send on sh.o.r.e, if fine, to-morrow; for the feluccas are going to leave us, and I am sea-sick.

I have got the piece of wood for the tea-chest; it shall soon be sent.

Pray, present my humble duty and grat.i.tude to the Queen, for all her marks of regard; and a.s.sure her, it is not thrown away on an ungrateful soil.

LETTER III.

Vanguard, May 19, 1799, Eight o'Clock. Calm.

MY DEAR LADY HAMILTON,

Lieutenant Swiney coming on board, enables me to send some blank pa.s.sports for vessels going to Procida with corn, &c. and also one for the courier boat.

To tell you, how dreary and uncomfortable the Vanguard appears, is only telling you, what it is to go from the pleasantest society to a solitary cell; or, from the dearest friends, to no friends. I am now perfectly the _great man_--not a creature near me. From my heart, I wish myself the little man again!

You, and good Sir William, have spoiled me for any place but with you.

I love Mrs. Cadogan. You cannot conceive what I feel, when I call you all to my remembrance. Even to Mira, do not forget your faithful and affectionate

NELSON.

LETTER IV.

May 20, 1799.

MY DEAR LADY HAMILTON,

Many thanks to you and Sir William for your kind notes. You will believe I did not sleep much, with all my letters to read, &c. &c.

My letters from Lord St. Vincent are May 6th. He says--"We saw the Brest squadron pa.s.s us yesterday, under an easy sail. I am making every effort to get information to Lord Keith; who I have ordered here, to complete their water and provisions. I conjecture, the French squadron is bound for Malta and Alexandria, and the Spanish fleet for the attack of Minorca."

I must leave you to judge, whether the Earl will come to us. I think he will: but, _entre nous_, Mr. Duckworth means to leave me to my fate. I send you (_under all circ.u.mstances_) his letter. Never mind; if I can get my eleven sail together, they shall not hurt me.

G.o.d bless you, Sir William, and all our joint friends in your house; n.o.ble, Gibbs, &c. and believe me ever, for ever, your affectionate friend,

NELSON.