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 THE 
 
 DISPATCHES AND LETTERS 
 
 OF 
 
 VICE ADMIRAL 
 
 LORD VISCOUNT NELSON 
 
 WITH NOTES BY 
 
 SIR NICHOLAS HARRIS NICOLAS, G.C.M.G. 
 
 " The Nation expected, and was entitled to expect, that while Cities vied with each other 
 in consecrating Statues in marble and brass to the memory of our NELSON, a Literary Monu- 
 ment would be erected, which should record his deeds for the immortal honour of his own 
 Country, and the admiration of the rest of the World." QUARTERLY REVIEW. 
 
 THE FIFTH VOLUME. 
 
 JANUARY 1802, TO APRIL 1804. 
 
 LONDON: 
 HENRY C OLE URN, PUBLISHER, 
 
 GREAT -MARLBOROUGH STREET. 
 MDCCCXLV.
 
 Stack 
 Annex 
 
 T1 
 > 
 v,5 
 
 PREFACE. 
 
 SOME explanation of the contents of this Volume seems 
 necessary, because many of the public documents in it 
 are of rather a different description from those that pre- 
 ceded them, and LORD NELSON'S private correspondence 
 was partly with different persons, and on different sub- 
 jects from his former Letters. Though equally illustra- 
 tive of his character, occasionally treating of important 
 topics, and forming valuable materials for Naval, and 
 sometimes for General History, they have not the vivid 
 interest of either his previous or his subsequent cor- 
 respondence, being written while he was on half-pay, or 
 during the monotony of a blockade. They exhibit NELSON, 
 however, in a new position ; and the admiration which 
 was bestowed on his matchless exploits, will now be 
 given to the wonderful energy and zeal which he dis- 
 played as Commander-in- Chief in the Mediterranean; 
 and the Public will learn for the first time, what were 
 the multiplied duties of an Officer holding that most 
 important post. 
 
 The period over whicji this portion of NELSON'S Dis-
 
 iv PREFACE. 
 
 patches and Letters extend, is from the 1st of January 
 1802, to the 30th of April 1804. At the commence- 
 ment of 1802, though still commanding the Squadron 
 for the defence of the English Coast, LORD NELSON 
 was on leave of absence, and resided at Merton. On the 
 10th of April 1803, he was permitted to strike his flag; 
 and he remained on shore during the Peace of Amiens, 
 about twelve months. His correspondence while on half- 
 pay, was not very extensive; and the most remarkable 
 Letters are those to the Lord May or and Sheriffs of London, 
 again expressing his dissatisfaction with the conduct of 
 the City, respecting the Battle of Copenhagen; and to 
 Mr. Addington, the Prime Minister, urging the inade- 
 quacy of his income to support his rank, and the unfair- 
 ness of his pension being limited to 2000 per annum, 
 he having, besides his other services, gained two Battles, 
 while Lords St. Vincent and Duncan, who had fought 
 only one, had each a pension of 3000. But his pension 
 was never increased. 
 
 His mind, while on shore, was as fully devoted to the 
 service of his Country, as when commanding her Fleets ; 
 and there are several remarkable manifestations at this 
 time, of his attention to his profession. During a tour 
 into Wales, being struck with the value of the Forest 
 of Dean in supplying timber for the Navy, he submitted 
 his observations to Mr. Addington, and it is believed 
 that his suggestions were adopted. In December 1802, 
 he drew up a paper on the Island of Malta; and he 
 soon after sent to the Earl of St. Vincent, then First 
 Lord of the Admiralty, a Plan for manning the Navy.
 
 PREFACE. v 
 
 In the first Parliament after the Union, he seconded 
 the Address; he spoke, on several occasions, in 1802, in 
 the House of Lords, on professional subjects, particularly 
 on the Bill for an Inquiry into Naval Abuses ; and he 
 afterwards gave his evidence before the Commissioners 
 appointed to investigate that subject, respecting the 
 misapplication of Prize money by Prize agents. 
 
 On the renewal of hostilities with France, LORD 
 NELSON was selected for the command in the Mediterra- 
 nean; and he hoisted his flag in the Victory, at Spit- 
 head, on the 18th of May 1803. The supposed neces- 
 sity of reinforcing Admiral Cornwallis's Squadron off 
 Ushant with that Ship (which was only given to NELSON 
 after some remonstrances on his part, and he had said, 
 with wounded pride, " I trust I can take a French 
 Admiral as well a,s any of them") exposed him to the 
 annoyance of removing at sea into the Amphion frigate, 
 which conveyed him to Malta, and thence, on the 8th of 
 July, to his Squadron off Toulon. 
 
 His public correspondence in the Mediterranean, was 
 chiefly with Sir John Acton and Mr. Hugh Elliot (Bri- 
 tish Minister at Naples, and a brother of Lord Minto, 
 who had sailed from England with Lord Nelson) on the 
 state of Naples and Sicily, and particularly as to the 
 safety of the Royal Family, an object always upper- 
 most in his thoughts ; with the Turkish Government, 
 the Barbary Powers, the British Ambassador at Con- 
 stantinople, and with our Minister at the Court of the 
 King of Sardinia; with the Secretary for the War 
 Department, on the affairs of the various States in
 
 vi PREFACE. 
 
 the Mediterranean; with the Admiralty, on matters 
 connected with his Squadron; with the Officers of the 
 Dockyards at Malta and Gibraltar, the Storekeepers at 
 those places, and the Vice-consuls at Barcelona and 
 Eosas, about materiel and provisions for the Fleet, 
 especially with the view of promoting the health and 
 comfort of the Crews ; and with various Officers, for the 
 protection of our Trade, in appointing the necessary 
 Convoys, &c. 
 
 It would be difficult to select any of these Letters as 
 more interesting or more important than the rest; since 
 they all bear in a greater or less degree upon each other, 
 and must be read in connexion, to be properly understood 
 and appreciated. The paper which he sent to Mr. 
 Addington in June, 1803, containing his views respect- 
 ing Gibraltar, Algiers, Malta, Sicily, Sardinia, Eome, 
 Tuscany, Genoa, and the Morea, was so able as to obtain 
 the marked approbation of the Government, accompanied 
 by a request that he would in future direct his ob- 
 servations on Political subjects at once to the Secretary 
 of State for the War Department. 
 
 In LORD NELSON'S opinion, it was of the utmost im- 
 portance that Great Britain should obtain a cession .of 
 Sardinia ; and the soundness of that opinion, which he 
 repeated over and over again to every person of the 
 least Political influence, is not likely to be disputed by 
 any one who remembers the central position of that 
 Island, its admirable harbours, and the necessity of 
 watching the Enemy's Squadron at Toulon. 
 
 His Letters to the Dey of Algiers, and his instructions
 
 PREFACE. vil 
 
 to Captain Keats when that Officer was sent to demand 
 satisfaction for the Dey's treatment of the British Consul, 
 and for other insults to this Country, as well as the 
 prudence with which he proposed to defer retaliating, 
 until he could strike an effective blow, are very 
 characteristic. 
 
 LORD NELSON'S private Letters are mostly to the Duke 
 of Clarence, the Earl of St. Vincent, Mr. Addington, 
 Lord Minto, Admiral Lord Eadstock, Mr. Hugh Elliot, 
 Mr. Rose, Sir Alexander Ball, General Villettes, 
 Mr. Davison, his brother Dr. Nelson, Lady Hamilton, 
 and his daughter, now Mrs. Horatia Nelson Ward. No 
 part of the Editor's task was so difficult as to decide 
 upon the course which he ought to follow with respect 
 to the Letters to Lady Hamilton. It was his original 
 intention to omit those Letters altogether; but this was 
 found inexpedient, because, after the separation from 
 Lady Nelson, they describe NELSON'S private feelings 
 more fully and more naturally than any of his other 
 Letters. It was, however, impossible to reprint those Let- 
 ters exactly as they occur, on account of some personal 
 and other objectionable allusions in them ; and still more, 
 because it would not have been proper, under any cir- 
 cumstances, to republish coarse and offensive expressions, 
 without being sure that they exist in the originals. He 
 has, therefore, printed every part of the Letters in question 
 except paragraphs, or entire Letters of that description, 
 and except those terms of endearment and affection, 
 which that person ought not to have called forth.
 
 viii PREFACE. 
 
 It may be right to anticipate the objection that many 
 of the Letters in this Volume are on small details, while 
 some are little more than acknowledgments of Orders 
 from the Admiralty. These Letters have been selected 
 from numerous others of a similar kind; and the reason 
 for printing them, is that the one class exhibits NELSON'S 
 extraordinary attention to everything connected with 
 his Squadron, and affords to unprofessional readers an 
 idea, not only of his zeal, but of the manner in which 
 Ships of War are governed and regulated; while the 
 other class shows the duties he was directed to perform, 
 and explains many of his subsequent Letters and pro- 
 ceedings. 
 
 The " Orders " to his Captains, which often exhibit 
 the sagacity and vigour of his mind, are, it is submitted, 
 necessary for the comprehension of his plans, as mani- 
 fested in the disposition of his Squadron. The " Order- 
 Book" of the Duke of Wellington has properly been 
 published ; and if selections from the " Orders" of NEL- 
 SON had not been inserted, this collection would have 
 been imperfect. 
 
 Two more Volumes will complete the Work, which has 
 unavoidably been extended beyond the original design, in 
 consequence of the unexpected accession of materials. 
 
 1st December, 1845.
 
 CONTENTS. 
 
 LETTERS. 
 
 1802. 
 
 PAGE 
 
 To Captain Sutton, H.M. Ship Amazon . . Merton, 6th January 1 
 
 To John Julius Angerstein, Esq Merton, 15th January 2 
 
 To Captain Sutton Merton, 15th January 2 
 
 To Captain Sutton . . . Merton, 21st January 3 
 
 To the Right Hon. Henry Addington . . Merton, 31st January 3 
 
 To Captain Sutton, H.M. Ship Amazon . . Merton, 6th February 4 
 
 To Captain Sutton, H.M. Ship Amazon . . Merton, 9th February 4 
 
 To John Julius Angerstein, Esq. . . . Merton, 17th February 4 
 
 To Captain Sir Thomas Troubridge . . Merton, 17th February 5 
 
 To Sir Edward Berry 18th February 5 
 
 To the Right Hon. Henry Addington . Merton, 23rd February 6 
 
 To Evan Nepean, Esq., Admiralty . . Merton, 24th February 7 
 
 To Lieutenant Layman Merton, 1st March 7 
 
 To Captain Sutton Merton, 8th March 8 
 
 To Captain Sutton , Merton, . . . March 8 
 
 To the Right Hon. Henry Addington. 233, Piccadilly, 25th March 8 
 
 To Alexander Davison, Esq 30th March 9 
 
 To Captain Fyers Merton, 8th April 9 
 
 To Captain Sutton Merton, 10th April 10 
 
 To Lieutenant-Colonel Suckling 15th April 10 
 
 To John M' Arthur, Esq Merton, 23rd April 1 1 
 
 To John M' Arthur, Esq Merton, 28th April 1 1 
 
 To Sir Brooke Boothby, Bart Merton, 1st May 12 
 
 To Hercules Ross, Esq Merton, 3rd May 13 
 
 To Hercules Ross, Esq. Merton, 6th May 13 
 
 To John M' Arthur, Esq. . , Merton, 7th May 13 
 
 To Sir John Sinclair, Bart Merton, 13th May 14 
 
 To Captain Sutton Merton, 29th May 14 
 
 To Sir Edward Berry Merton, 8th June 15 
 
 To John M' Arthur, Esq Merton, llth June 15 
 
 VOL. V. b
 
 X CONTENTS. 
 
 1802, continued. 
 
 PAGE 
 
 To Mrs. Bolton Merton, llth June 15 
 
 Without address 16th June 16 
 
 To Admiral the Earl of St. Vincent .... Merton, 16th June 16 
 
 To Captain Button Merton, 18th June 16 
 
 To Lady Collier Merton, 18th June 17 
 
 To the Lord Mayor Merton, 21st June 17 
 
 To the Reverend Mr. Cornyn Merton, 24th June 19 
 
 To Lady Collier Merton, 3rd July 19 
 
 To the Earl of Clanricarde Merton, 3rd July 20 
 
 To Alexander Davison, Esq 9th July 21 
 
 Memorandum [About 22nd July] 22 
 
 To Captain Sutton ; . . . Merton, 12th July 23 
 
 To the Reverend Mr. Yonge ..'... Llandovery, 28th July 23 
 
 Remarks on the Forest of Dean [About August] 24 
 
 To the Reverend Dixon Hoste ..... Milford, 3rd August 28 
 
 To Sir John Earner . Merton, 8th September 28 
 
 To Alexander Davison, Esq Merton, llth September 29 
 
 To Alexander Davison, Esq Merton, 20th September 30 
 
 To William Mobbs, Esq Merton, 28th September 31 
 
 To Captain Sutton Merton, llth October 31 
 
 To Alexander Davison, Esq Merton, 20th October 32 
 
 To Samuel Ford, Esq Merton, 24th October 33 
 
 To the Right Hon. the Lord Mayor elect and Sheriffs of London 
 
 8th November 33 
 
 To Captain Murray Merton, 10th November 34 
 
 To Sir Edward Berry Merton, 27th November 35 
 
 To Captain Page, II. M. Ship Caroline . . Merton, 2nd December 35 
 
 To the Right Hon. Henry Addington . . Merton, 4th December 86 
 
 To Hercules Ross, Esq Merton, 16th December 36 
 
 To Hercules Ross, Esq No date 38 
 
 To Mr. James Fittler Merton, 21st December 38 
 
 1803. 
 
 To Thomas Pollard, Esq. . . . Leghorn, Merton, 21st January 40 
 
 To Admiral the Earl of St. Vincent, K.B. . Merton, 21st January 40 
 
 To Admiral the Earl of St. Vincent, K.B. Piccadilly, 28th January 41 
 
 To Alexander Davison, Esq 8th February 42 
 
 To Alexander Stephens, Esq. ... 23 Piccadilly, 10th February 43 
 To Admiral the Earl of St. Vincent, K.B. 
 
 23 Piccadilly, 28th February 43 
 Remarks on Manning the Navy, Presented to the Earl of St. Vincent 
 
 February 44 
 
 To Captnin Page, II. M. Ship Caroline . . Piccadilly, 4th March 46 
 
 To the Right Hon. Henry Addington . . . London, 8th March 47 
 
 To Admiral the Earl of St. Vincent .... Saturday [March] 49 
 
 To Lady Collier 21st March 49
 
 CONTENTS. XI 
 1 803, continued. 
 
 PACK 
 
 To Captain Murray 22nd March 50 
 
 To Admiral the Earl of St. Vincent 24th March 50 
 
 To Captain Sir Edward Berry .... Piccadilly, 26th March 5 1 
 
 To Lady Collier Merton, 30th March 52 
 
 To Mrs. Bolton, Cranwich Merton, 30th March 52 
 
 Examination of Vice- Admiral Lord Viscount Nelson, relative to Prize 
 
 Money 1st April 53 
 
 To Captain Murray 2nd April 55 
 
 To Captain S. Sutton 4th April 55 
 
 To Sir Evan Nepean, Bart London, 6th April 56 
 
 To Alexander Davison, Esq 6th April 56 
 
 To George G. Mills, Esq 6th April 56 
 
 To H. R. H. the Duke of Clarence 6th April 57 
 
 To Captain Murray 13th April 58 
 
 To Captain Sutton 16th April 58 
 
 To H. R. H. the Duke of Clarence 17th April 59 
 
 To the Right Hon. Henry Addington 23rd April 59 
 
 To Lady Collier 19 Piccadilly, 24th April 60 
 
 To Captain Sutton 28th April 61 
 
 To the Right Hon. Sir William Scott 2nd May 61 
 
 To Captain Sutton 6th May 62 
 
 To Alexander Davison, Esq 6th May 63 
 
 To Admiral the Earl of St. Vincent 6th May 63 
 
 To Admiral the Earl of St. Vincent 8th May 63 
 
 To Captain Sutton 12th May 64 
 
 To Admiral the Earl of St. Vincent 12th May 64 
 
 To the Right Hon. George Rose ........ 15th May 65 
 
 To Captain Sutton Admiralty, 17th May 65 
 
 To Sir Evan Nepean, Bart Portsmouth, 18th May 66 
 
 To Admiral the Earl of St. Vincent 18th May 66 
 
 To Admiral the Earl of St. Vincent 19th May 67 
 
 'To Admiral Lord Gardner 20th May 67 
 
 To Admiral the Earl of St. Vincent 20th May 68 
 
 To Sir Evan Nepean, Bart Spithead, 20th May 68 
 
 To Sir Evan Nepean, Bart Off the Start, 2 1st May 70 
 
 To the Captains of any of his Majesty's Ships which the Amphion 
 
 may meet at Sea Off the Start, 21st May 70 
 
 To Admiral the Earl of St. Vincent . Close to Ushant, 22nd May 71 
 
 To Lady Hamilton 22nd May 72 
 
 To Sir Evan Nepean, Bart At Sea, 23rd May 73 
 
 To the Hon. Admiral William Cornwallis . . At Sen, 23rd May 75 
 To Admiral IT. R. H. the Duke of Clarence 
 
 Off Cape Finisterre, 26th May 75 
 
 To the respective Captains, &c. . . Off Cape Finisterre, 30th May 75 
 
 To the respective Captains, &c. . . Off Cape Finisterre, 30th May 76 
 
 To the respective Captains, &c. . . Off Cape Finisterre, 30th May 77 
 
 b2
 
 xii CONTENTS. 
 
 1803, continued. 
 
 fAOK 
 
 To Lord Radstock Oflf Lisbon, 2nd June 77 
 
 To II. K. II. the Duke of Clarence 3rd June 77 
 
 To Edward Pownall, Esq Gibraltar Bay, 3rd June 78 
 
 To Captain Samuel Sutton Gibraltar, 4th June 78 
 
 To the llight Hon. Henry Addington . . Gibraltar, 4th June 79 
 
 To Sir Evan Nepean, Bart Gibraltar Bay, 4th June 79 
 
 To the respective Officers of Gibraltar Yard, Gibraltar Bay, 4th June 80 
 
 To Captain the Honourable P. Wodehouse 4th June 80 
 
 To Sir John Acton 10th June 81 
 
 To Sir John Acton 10th June 83 
 
 To the King of the Two Sicilies 10th June 83 
 
 To the Queen of the Two Sicilies 10th June 84 
 
 To Mr. Jackson [About 10th June] 85 
 
 To Captain Moubray, H. M. Ship Maidstone . At Sea, llth June 85 
 
 To Mr. Drummond : [About llth June] 86 
 
 To the Capitan Pacha 14th June 87 
 
 To the Illustrious Government of the Seven Isles, Malta, 16th June 88 
 
 To Spiridion Foresti, Esq [About 16th June] 88 
 
 To Captain Cracraft 16th June 89 
 
 To Sir Evan Nepean, Bart At Sea, 17th June 90 
 
 To Sir Evan Nepean, Bart At Sea, 17th June 90 
 
 To Sir Evan Nepean, Bart At Sea, 17th June 91 
 
 To Captain Sutton Amphion, 18th June 91 
 
 To Sir John Acton Faro of Messina, 19th June 92 
 
 To Sir John Acton 19th June 92 
 
 To Mr. Elliot Off Messina, 1 9th June 93 
 
 To the Commanding-Officer of his Majesty's Ships at Malta 
 
 Amphion, 20th June 93 
 
 To Sir Evan Nepean, Bart Off Strombolo, 22nd June 94 
 
 To his Excellency Mr. Elliot Off Capri, 25th June 95 
 
 To his Excellency Mr. Elliot ... Off Capri, 1 P.M., 25th June 96 
 
 To Sir John Acton Off Capri, 25th June 97 
 
 To Sir John Acton Off Capri, 25th June 99 
 
 To his Excellency Mr. Elliot 25th June 100 
 
 To his Excellency Mr. Elliot Off Capri, 25th June 101 
 
 To the Senior Captain of the Ships in Naples Bay 
 
 Amphion, off Capri, 26th June 102 
 
 To his Excellency Hugh Elliot 7 A.M., 26th June 102 
 
 To Captain Richardson Off Capri, 26th June 103 
 
 To Sir Evan Nepean, Bart Off Capri, 26th June 103 
 
 To Captain Schomberg Off Capri, 26th June 104 
 
 To Major-General Villettes 26th June 104 
 
 To the Right Hon. Henry Addington . . Amphion, 28th June 106 
 
 To his Excellency Hugh Elliot, Esq 29th June 1 1 1 
 
 To Captain Hardy Off Monte Christo, 1st July 112 
 
 To Sir Evan Nepean, Bart Off Monte Christo, 1st July 113
 
 CONTENTS. xiii 
 1803, continued. 
 
 PACK 
 
 To the Earl of St. Vincent .... Off Monte Christo, 2nd July 1 14 
 
 To the Right Hon. Lord Moira Off Elba, 2nd July 11-5 
 
 To the Earl of St. Vincent Off Cape Corse, 4th July IIU 
 
 To Lady Hamilton 5th July 117 
 
 To II. B. H. the Duke of Clarence . . . Off Monaco, 5th July 121 
 
 To the Earl of St. Vincent . . . Amphion, off Toulon, 8th July 121 
 
 To Alexander Davison, Esq 8th July 123 
 
 To James Cutforth, Esq Off Toulon, 8th July 124 
 
 To Sir Evan Nepean, Bart Off Toulon, 8th July 124 
 
 To H. R. H. the Duke of Clarence 9th July 125 
 
 To the Earl of St. Vincent 9th July 125 
 
 To Major-General Villettes '. Off Toulon, 9th July 126 
 
 Instructions to Sir Richard Bickerton 10th July 126 
 
 Memoranda 127 
 
 To Captain Richardson Off Toulon, 10th July 128 
 
 To the Officers of H. M. Yard at Malta . . Off Toulon, 10th July 128 
 
 To his Excellency Hugh Elliot . Amphion, off Toulon, llth July 129 
 
 To his Excellency Hugh Elliot llth July 130 
 
 To the Right Honourable George Rose . . Off Toulon, 12th July 131 
 
 To Sir Evan Nepean, Bart Off Toulon, 12th July 131 
 
 To the Earl of St. Vincent 12th July 133 
 
 To Sir Evan Nepean, Bart Off Toulon, 12th July 134 
 
 To Sir Evan Nepean, Bart . Off Toulon, 12th July 134 
 
 To Sir Evan Nepean, Bart Off Toulon, 12th July 135 
 
 To Admiral the Earl of St. Vincent 13th July 135 
 
 To the Right Honourable Henry Addington. Off Toulon, 16th July 136 
 
 To Captain Hillyar Off Toulon, 20th July 137 
 
 To Admiral the Earl of St. Vincent Amphion, 2lst July 137 
 
 To Captain Gore Off Toulon, 21st July 138 
 
 To Captain Staines Off Toulon, 25th July 139 
 
 To His Excellency Hugh Elliot .... Off Toulon, 26th July 139 
 
 To His Excellency Hugh Elliot 26th July 140 
 
 To Major-General Villettes Off Toulon, 26th July 141 
 
 To the Queen of Naples 26th July 142 
 
 To Alexander Davison, Esq 27th July 143 
 
 To Mr. Addington 27th July 144 
 
 To Sir Evan Nepean, Bart. ...... Off Toulon, 27th July 145 
 
 To Sir Evan Nepean, Bart. ..'.... Off Toulon, 30th July 146 
 
 To his Excellency Hugh Elliot Amphion, 30th July 146 
 
 To his Excellency Hugh Elliot 30th July 148 
 
 To Lady Hamilton Victory, off Toulon, 1st August 149 
 
 To Lieutenant-General Sir Thomas Trigge. Off Toulon, 1st August 150 
 
 To Captain Sutton Off Toulon, 1st August 151 
 
 To Sir Evan Nepean, Bart. ...... Off Toulon, 1st August 152 
 
 To Sir Evan Nepean, Bart Off Toulon, 1st August 152 
 
 To the Commanding Admiral of the French Fleet . 8th August 153
 
 xiv CONTENTS. 
 
 1803, continued. 
 
 FACE 
 
 To Sir Evan Nepean, Bart Off Toulon, 9th August 153 
 
 To the Right Honourable Henry Addington 
 
 Off Toulon, 10th August 154 
 
 To Captain Sir Richard Strachan . . . Off Toulon, 10th August 154 
 
 To Sir Evan Nepean, Bart Off Toulon, 10th August 155 
 
 To Lieutenant Pemberton Off Toulon, 10th August 156 
 
 To the respective Merchants at Malta . . Off Toulon, 10th August 156 
 
 To Sir Alexander Ball Off Toulon, 10th August 157 
 
 To Lady Hamilton Off Toulon, 10th August 157 
 
 To Captain Cracraft Off Toulon, llth August 158 
 
 To Abraham Gibbs, Esq Off Toulon, 1 1th August 159 
 
 To Sir Alexander Ball Off Toulon, 12th August 160 
 
 To Captain Moubray, H. M. Ship Active .... 12th August 161 
 
 To Sir Alexander Ball Off Toulon, 12th August 161 
 
 To Sir Alexander Ball Off Toulon, 12th August 162 
 
 To Major-General Villettes 12th August 163 
 
 To Abraham Gibbs, Esq Off Toulon, 12th August 164 
 
 To the Imperial Consul at Malta . . . Off Toulon, 13th August 165 
 
 To the French Officers, Prisoners at Malta . Victory, 13th August 165 
 
 To Spiridion Foresti, Esq Off Toulon, 13th August 166 
 
 To his Excellency William Drummond, Esq. 
 
 Off Toulon, 13th August 166 
 
 To Abraham Gibbs, Esq 1 3th August 1 67 
 
 To Sir Alexander Ball, Bart 13th August 167 
 
 To [Apparently about August] 167 
 
 To Sir Evan Nepean, Bart Off Toulon, 1 8th August 168 
 
 To Captain the Honourable Courteney Boyle, II. M. Ship Seahorse 
 
 [About 18th August] 168 
 To Captain the Honourable Courteney Boyle, H. M. Ship Seahorse 
 
 18th August 169 
 
 To Captain John Stuart ..... Off Toulon, 19th August 169 
 
 To Rear- Admiral Campbell .... Off Toulon, 21st August 170 
 
 To the Marchioness of Buckingham . Off Toulon, 22nd August 170 
 
 To Lieutenant Layman Off Toulon, 22nd August 171 
 
 To the Right Hon. Lord Radstock . . Off Toulon, 22nd August 171 
 
 To Rear- Admiral Ilolloway .... Off Toulon, 22nd August 172 
 
 To Lady Hamilton Victory, 24th August 172 
 
 To the Right Hon. Henry Addington . Off Toulon, 24th August 173 
 
 To Alexander Davison, Esq 24th August 1 75 
 
 To Sir Evan Nepean, Bart Off Toulon, 24th August 176 
 
 To Commissioner Otway ..... Off Toulon, 25th August 176 
 
 To John Tyson, Esq Off Toulon, 25th August 177 
 
 To the Right Hon, Henry Addington . Off Toulon, 25th August 177 
 
 To William Albany Otway, Esq. . . Off Toulon, 25th August 1 79 
 
 To Sir Evan Nepean, Bart Off Toulon, 25th August 179 
 
 To Benjamin Baynton, Esq Off Toulon, 25th August 180
 
 CONTENTS. XV 
 
 1803, continued. 
 
 PAOH 
 
 To J. Falcon, Esq Off Toulon, 26th August 180 
 
 To Sir Evan Nepean, Bart Off Toulon, 26th August 181 
 
 To Lady Hamilton 26th August 182 
 
 To Captain Sir Richard Strachan, Bart. . Victory, 26th August 185 
 
 To Sir Evan Nepean, Bart Off Toulon, 26th August 186 
 
 To Captain Donnelly Off Toulon, 26th August 186 
 
 To his Excellency Mr. Drummond 27th August 187 
 
 To his Excellency Mr. Drummond, Constantinople, 27th August 188 
 
 To Captain Schomberg Off Toulon, 21st September 188 
 
 To Major- General Villettes .... Off Toulon, 29th August 189 
 
 To Major-General Villettes .... Off Toulon, 31st August 190 
 
 To Sir Evan Nepean, Bart Off Toulon, 2nd September 191 
 
 To his Excellency Hugh Elliot .... Victory, 2nd September 192 
 
 To Sir Evan Nepean, Bart Off Toulon, 2nd September 194 
 
 To James Tough, Esq., Consul- General for Sicily, 
 
 Off Toulon, 2nd September 195 
 To Captain Schomberg, H. M. Ship Madras, 
 
 Off Toulon, 2nd September 1 96 
 
 To Peter Wilkie, Esq Off Toulon, 6th September 196 
 
 To II. R. H. the Duke of Clarence . . . [About 6th September] 197 
 
 To William Haslewood, Esq [About 6th September] 197 
 
 To his Excellency Hugh Elliot . 8th September 198 
 
 To his Excellency Hugh Elliot 8th September 198 
 
 To his Excellency Hugh Elliot . . . Victory, llth September 199 
 
 To Mr. Gibert, Barcelona 13th September 200 
 
 To Mr. Frere, Madrid [About 13th September] 201 
 
 To the respective Captains and Commanders of His Majesty's Ships 
 and Vessels on the Mediterranean Station, 
 
 Off Toulon, 13th September 201 
 
 To Major-General Villettes . . . Off Toulon, 16th September 202 
 
 To Sir Alexander Ball, Bart. ... Off Toulon, 16th September 203 
 
 To Lieutenant Harding Shaw . . Off Toulon, 16th September 205 
 
 To Captain H. M. Sloop . Off Toulon, 16th September 205 
 
 To Lady Hamilton Off Toulon, 1 8th September 206 
 
 To Sir Evan Nepean, Bart. ... Off Toulon, 21st September 206 
 To Admiral the Earl of St. Vincent, 
 
 Victory, off Toulon, 21st September 207 
 
 To the Commissioners of the Navy . Off Toulon, 21st September 207 
 
 To the Bey of Tunis Off Toulon, 23rd September 208 
 
 To Captain Donnelly 23rd September 209 
 
 To Sir Evan Nepean, Bart. . . . Off Toulon, 24th September 210 
 
 To Sir Evan Nepean, Bart. . . . Off Toulon, 25th September 211 
 
 To Captain Sir R. J. Strachan, Bart 26th September 211 
 
 To Lady Hamilton 26th September 213 
 
 To Sir Evan Nepean, Bart. . . . Off Toulon, 27th September 213 
 
 To Admiral the Earl of St. Vincent Off Toulon, 27th September 214
 
 xvi CONTENTS. 
 
 1803, continued. 
 
 PAGE 
 
 To the Right Honourable Henry Addington, 
 
 Off Toulon, 27th September 215 
 
 To Alexander Davison, Esq 27th September 216 
 
 To Captain R. H. Moubray . . . Off Toulon, 28th September 217 
 
 To William Albany Otway, Esq. . Off Toulon, 29th September 218 
 
 To Alexander Davison, Esq 4th October 218 
 
 To the respective Flag-Officers, &c., ... At Sea, 4th October 220 
 
 To Captain . . . . H. M. Sloop 4th October 221 
 
 To William Albany Otway, Esq Victory, 4th October 222 
 
 To Admiral the Earl St. Vincent, K.B. . Off Toulon, 5th October 223 
 
 To Sir Evan Nepean, Bart Off Toulon, 5th October 223 
 
 To .... Master of H. M. Sloop Off Toulon, 5th October 224 
 
 To the Right Hon. Henry Addington . . Off Toulon, 6th October 224 
 
 To Captain W. Layman Off Toulon, 6th October 225 
 
 To Sir Alexander John Ball, Bart. . . Off Toulon, 6th October 226 
 
 To J. B. Gibert, Esq., Barcelona ... Off Toulon, 6th October 227 
 
 To Captain Schomberg Off Toulon, 7th October 228 
 
 To Lieutenant William Pemberton . . Off Toulon, 7th October 228 
 
 To Sir Evan Nepean, Bart Off Toulon, 7th October 229 
 
 To Nathaniel Taylor, Esq Off Toulon, 7th October 230 
 
 To Sir Evan Nepean, Bart Off Toulon, 7th October 231 
 
 To Sir Evan Nepean, Bart Off Toulon, 7th October 231 
 
 To Sir Evan Nepean, Bart Off Toulon, 7th October 232 
 
 To Sir Evan Nepean, Bart Off Toulon, 7th October 233 
 
 To Sir Evan Nepean, Bart Off Toulon, 7th October 233 
 
 To Sir Evan Nepean, Bart Off Toulon, 7th October 234 
 
 To Sir Evan Nepean, Bart. ..... Off Toulon, 7th October 234 
 
 To his Excellency Mr. Jackson 8th October 235 
 
 To his Excellency Mr. Elliot, Naples 8th October 236 
 
 To his Excellency Hugh Elliot 8th October 237 
 
 To his Excellency Hugh Elliot 8th October 238 
 
 To Captain Eyves Victory, 8th October 240 
 
 To Sir John Acton Off Toulon, 8th October 240 
 
 To Captain Foley [About October] 241 
 
 To J. B. Gibert, Esq., Barcelona . . Off Toulon, 10th October 242 
 
 To Mr. D. Walsh, Merchant . . . Off Toulon, 10th October 243 
 
 To Admiral Sir Thomas Pasley, Bart. Off Toulon, 13th October 244 
 
 To Admiral Sir Peter Parker 14th October 245 
 
 To Off Toulon, 14th October 245 
 
 To John Palmer, Esq Off Toulon, 14th October 246 
 
 To H. R. II. the Duke of Clarence . Off Toulon, 15th October 247 
 
 To the Right Honourable Lord Hobart Off Toulon, 16th October 248 
 
 To the Right Honourable Lord Ilobart Off Toulon, 16th October 249 
 
 To the Right Honourable Lord Ilobart Off Toulon, 16th October 250 
 
 To the Reverend Dr. Nelson . . . Off Toulon, 18th October 252 
 
 To Lady Hamilton ...... Off Toulon, 18th October 253
 
 CONTENTS. XVlL 
 
 1803, continued. 
 
 TACK 
 
 To Count Woronzow 19th October 255 
 
 To his Excellency Hugh Elliot 19th October 256 
 
 To George Nayler, Esq Off Toulon, 19th October 257 
 
 To the Right Honourable Lord Hawkesbury . . 20th October 257 
 To his Excellency Mr. Frere .... [About 20th October] 258 
 To the Right Honourable Lord Hobart .... 20th October 258 
 To Sir Edward Berry ..... Off Toulon, 20th October 259 
 To Miss Horatia Nelson Thomson . Off Toulon, 21st October 260 
 
 To Alexander Davison, Esq 21st October 260 
 
 To Count Mocenigo 22nd October 261 
 
 To Mr. Spiridion Foresti 22nd October 263 
 
 To his Excellency Hugh Elliot, Esq. . Off Toulon, 22nd October 264 
 To Commissioner Otway .... Off Toulon, 22nd October 265 
 
 To J. B. Gibert, Esq Off Toulon, 22nd October 265 
 
 To the Commissioners of the Navy . Off Toulon, 22nd October 266 
 
 To J. B. Gibert, Esq Off Toulon, 22nd October 266 
 
 To J. B. Gibert, Esq Off Toulon, 22nd October 267 
 
 To J. B. Gibert, Esq Off Toulon, 22nd October 267 
 
 To the Commissioners of the Navy . Off Toulon, 22nd October 267 
 To Sir Evan Nepean, Bart. ... Off Toulon, 22nd October 268 
 To the Commissioners of the Navy . Off Toulon, 22nd October 268 
 
 To John Hunter, Esq Off Toulon, 22nd October 269 
 
 To Spiridion Foresti, Esq Off Toulon, 22nd October 269 
 
 To William Williams, Esq. ... Off Toulon, 23rd October 270 
 
 To Rear- Admiral Russell October 271 
 
 To his Excellency Hugh Elliot, Esq. . Off Toulon, 23rd October 271 
 
 To Captain Donnelly Off Toulon, 24th October 272 
 
 Private Journal 25th to 31st October 273 
 
 To his Excellency Hugh Elliot 1st November 274 
 
 To Archibald M'Neill, Esq Sardinia, 1st November 275 
 
 To Mr. Richard Bromley . . Madalena Islands, 1st November 276 
 
 To Captain Ryves Victory, 2nd November 277 
 
 To Captain Cracraft, H. M. Ship Anson Sardinia, 5th November 278 
 To Captain Cracraft ...... Sardinia, 5th November 279 
 
 To Lieutenant W. Pemberton . . . Sardinia, 5th November 279 
 To Nathaniel Taylor, Esq. . Madalena Islands, 5th November 279 
 
 To Patrick Wilkie, Esq Sardinia, 5th November 280 
 
 To Captain Charles Marsh Schomberg, 
 
 Madalena Islands, 5th November 281 
 
 To his Excellency Mr. Drummond . . [About 5th November] 282 
 To Sir Alexander Ball . . . Madalena Islands, 7th November 282 
 To the respective Captains, &c., Madalena Islands, 7th November 284 
 
 To Major- General Villettes 7th November 285 
 
 To Archibald M'Neill, Esq At Sea, 10th November 286 
 
 To Sir Evan Nepean, Bart At Sea, 16th November 286 
 
 To Sir Evan Nepean, Bart At Sea, 16th November 287
 
 xviii CONTENTS. 
 
 1803, continued. 
 
 PACK 
 
 To Captain Cracraft Off Toulon, 23rd November 288 
 
 To Sir Evan Nepean, Bart. ... Off Toulon, 24th November 288 
 
 To Sir Evan JSTepean, Bart. ... Off Toulon, 24th November 289 
 
 To Sir Evan Nepean, Bart. ... Off Toulon, 24th November 290 
 
 To Sir Evan Nepean, Bart. ... Off Toulon, 24th November 290 
 
 To his Excellency Hugh Elliot 24th November 291 
 
 To his Excellency Hugh Elliot 24th November 292 
 
 To Sir John Acton Off Toulon, 24th November 293 
 
 To his Excellency Hugh Elliot ... At Sea, 24th November 294 
 
 To Captain Cracraft Off Toulon, 25th November 294 
 
 To Doctor John Snipe .... Off Toulon, 25th November 294 
 
 To Spiridion Foresti, Esq. . . . Off Toulon, 25th November 295 
 
 To Captain Schomberg .... Off Toulon, 25th November 296 
 
 To Captain Parker Off Toulon, 25th November 296 
 
 To J. B. Gibert, Esq Off Toulon, 25th November 297 
 
 To his Excellency Mr. Frere 28th November 297 
 
 To Lieutenant November 298 
 
 To his Excellency the French Admiral . At Sea, 4th December 298 
 
 To Sir Evan Nepean, Bart At Sea, 4th December 299 
 
 To Captain Richard Hussey Moubray . At Sea, 5th December 299 
 
 To Captain Moubray At Sea, 5th December 300 
 
 To Commissioner Otway At Sea, 6th December 301 
 
 To Sir Evan Nepean, Bart At Sea, 6th December 302 
 
 To H. R. H. the Duke of Clarence . Off Toulon, 7th December 302 
 
 To Sir Evan Nepean, Bart At Sea, 10th December 303 
 
 To the respective Captains At Sea, 10th December 303 
 
 To the Captains of any of his Majesty's Ships who may be in search 
 
 of me Gulf of Pahna, llth December 304 
 
 To Alexander Davison, Esq 12th December 305 
 
 To Admiral the Earl of St. Vincent . Off Palma, 12th December 306 
 
 To John Tyson, Esq Gulf of Palma, 12th December 308 
 
 To James Cutforth, Esq. . . . Gulf of Palma, 1 3th December 309 
 
 To Mr. J. Dalton * . . 14th December 310 
 
 To Mr. C. Connor [December] 310 
 
 To the Rev. Dr. Nelson Victory, 14th December 311 
 
 To Sir Evan Nepean, Bart. . . Gulf of Palma, 14th December 312 
 To the Commanders of H. M. S. Stately, Narcissus, and Termagant 
 
 Gulf of Palma, 17th December 312 
 
 To Captain John Whitby . . . Gulf of Palma, 17th December 313 
 To the Commanders of H. M. Sloops Cameleon and Childers 
 
 Gulf of Palma, 1 7th December 3 1 4 
 Memorandum for Sir Richard Bickerton 
 
 Gulf of Palma, 1 7th December 3 1 4 
 To Rear- Admiral Sir Richard Bickerton 
 
 Gulf of Palma, 18th December 316
 
 CONTENTS. xix 
 
 1803, continued. 
 
 PACK 
 
 To Sir Evan Nepean, Bart At Sea, 19th December 316 
 
 To Sir Evan Nepean, Bart At Sea, 20th December 317 
 
 To the respective Captains, &c At Sea, 21st December 318 
 
 To Captain Sir Thomas Troubridge, Bart. 
 
 Off Corsica, 21st December 319 
 
 To Captain Donnelly At Sea, 21st December 320 
 
 To Sir Evan Nepean, Bart At Sea, 21st December 321 
 
 To the respective Admirals, Captains, &c., At Sea, 21st December 322 
 
 To Lieutenant William Pemberton .... 21st December 322 
 
 To Sir Evan Nepean, Bart At Sea, 21st December 323 
 
 To Sir Alexander Ball, Bart. ..... [About 21st December] 324 
 
 To Lieutenant William Pemberton . . At Sea, 22nd December 324 
 
 To Mr. John Gray 22nd December 325 
 
 To the Right Honourable Lord Hobart 
 
 Off Toulon, 22nd December 325 
 
 To the Right Honourable Lord Hobart .... 23rd December 326 
 
 To Captain Schomberg At Sea, 22nd December 327 
 
 To Nathaniel Taylor, Esq At Sea, 22nd December 328 
 
 To his Excellency Hugh Elliot 25th December 328 
 
 To Sir Evan Nepean, Bart. . Madalena Islands, 26th December 329 
 To the Honourable Captain Capel 
 
 Madalena Islands, 26th December 330 
 
 To James Cutforth, Esq. . . Madalena Islands, 26th December 331 
 
 To the King of the Two Sicilies . . . (About 26th December) 331 
 
 To the Queen of the Two Sicilies . . (About 26th December) 332 
 
 To his Excellency Hugh Elliot, Esq., Madalena, 27th December 332 
 
 To George Noble, Esq Victory, 27th December 333 
 
 To Captain Ryves Victory, 28th December 333 
 
 To Mr. Thomas Longstaff . . Madalena Islands, 28th December 334 
 
 To Nathaniel Taylor, Esq. . . Madalena Islands, 28th December 335 
 To his Excellency Hugh Elliot, Esq. 
 
 Madalena Islands, 29th December 335 
 
 To his Excellency Mr. Jackson, Madalena Islands, 29th December 336 
 
 To Sir John Acton, Bart 29th December 337 
 
 To the Queen of Naples Victory, 29th December 338 
 
 To Captain Donnelly 29th December 339 
 
 To Admiral Sir John Warren . . . (About 29th December) 339 
 
 To Captain William Parker . Madalena Islands, 30th December 339 
 
 To General Villettes 31st December 340 
 
 To Sir T. Trigge [About 31st December] 340 
 
 1804. 
 
 To Captain Freemantle [About 1st January] 341 
 
 To Captain Philip Lamb, Agent of Transports 
 
 Madalena Islands, 1st Jantfary 342
 
 XX CONTENTS. 
 
 1804, continued. 
 
 PACE 
 
 To Mr. Patrick Wilkie . . . Madalena Islands, 1st January 342 
 
 To Captain John Whitby . . . Madalena Islands, 3rd January 343 
 
 To the Right Honourable Lord Hobart .... 4th January 344 
 
 To Captain Parker 4th January 344 
 
 To the Right Honourable Lord Hobart .... 6th January 345 
 To Captain Richard Godwin Keats 
 
 Off Cape St. Sebastians, 9th January 345 
 
 To the Dey of Algiers . . Off Cape St. Sebastians, 9th January 347 
 
 To the Dey of Algiers 9th January 349 
 
 Memoranda, for the guidance of Captain Keats 
 
 Off Cape St. Sebastians, 9th January 349 
 
 To Captain Donnelly 9th January 351 
 
 To Captain Donnelly 9th January 352 
 
 To J. B. Gibert, Esq. . . Off Cape St. Sebastians, 9th January 352 
 
 To Edward Pownall, Esq At Sea, 10th January 353 
 
 To the Commissioners of the Navy . . . At Sea, 10th January 353 
 
 To Commissioner Otway At Sea, 10th January 355 
 
 To Commissioner Otway 10th January 355 
 
 To the respective Captains, &c 10th January 356 
 
 To the Commanders of H. M. Sloops Halcyon and Weazle 
 
 10th January 356 
 
 To Sir Evan Nepean, Bart At Sea, 10th January 357 
 
 To Sir Evan Nepean, Bart At Sea, 10th January 358 
 
 To Sir Evan Nepean, Bart At Sea, 10th January 359 
 
 To Sir Evan Nepean, Bart At Sea, 10th January 360 
 
 To Sir Evan Nepean, Bart At Sea, 10th January 360 
 
 To Sir Evan Nepean, Bart At Sea, 10th January 362 
 
 To the Commissioners of the Transport Board 
 
 At Sea, 10th January 362 
 
 To Mrs. Bolton Victory, llth January 363 
 
 To Admiral the Earl of St. Vincent, K.B. . . . llth January 364 
 
 To the Right Honourable Lord Minto .... llth January 365 
 To Rear- Admiral Sir Richard Bickerton, Bart. 
 
 At Sea, 12th January 368 
 
 To Nathaniel Taylor, Esq At Sea, 12th January 368 
 
 To Captain Schomberg At Sea, 12th January 369 
 
 To Alexander Davison, Esq Victory, ] 3th January 370 
 
 To Sir Alexander Ball Victory, 16th January 373 
 
 To the Respective Flag-Officers, &c. . . . At Sea, 16th January 375 
 
 To Captain Keats . . ; Off Algiers, 17th January 376 
 
 To Captain Keats Victory, 17th January 376 
 
 To Captain Keats Victory, 17th January 377 
 
 To Captain Keats 17th January 377 
 
 To the Right Honourable Lord Hobart . . At Sea, 19th January 378 
 
 General Memorandum ..;.... At Sea, 19th January 379
 
 CONTENTS. xxi 
 
 1804, continued. 
 
 PAGE 
 
 To Admiral the Earl of St. Vincent, K.B 19th January 379 
 
 To Captain Richard Goodwin Keats ... At Sea, 19th January 380 
 
 To the Honourable Captain Boyle .... At Sea, 20th January 380 
 To the Captain or Commander of any of his Majesty's Ships or 
 
 Vessels at Gibraltar, bound to Lisbon . At Sea, 20th January 381 
 
 To the Right Honourable Lord Hobart 20th January 381 
 
 To Sir Evan Nepean, Bart At Sea, 20th January 382 
 
 To Commissioner Otway At Sea, 20th January 383 
 
 To the Right Honourable Lord Hobart . . At Sea, 20th January 383 
 
 To Sir Andrew Hamond, Bart Victory, 20th January 383 
 
 To Admiral the Earl of St. Vincent, K.B 20th January 384 
 
 To Alexander Davison, Esq. . i 20th January 385 
 
 To Admiral [About January] 385 
 
 To Captain William Parker 
 
 Off Cape St. Sebastians, 22nd January 38G 
 To the Captain or Commander of any of his Majesty's Ships which 
 
 may arrive at St. Pierres At Sea, 22nd January 387 
 
 To his Excellency Mr. Frere 23rd January 387 
 
 To his Excellency J. Hookham Frere, Esq. Victory, 23rd January 388 
 
 To Captain Ross Donnelly. Off Cape St. Sebastians, 23rd January 388 
 
 To Captain Moubray 23rd January 388 
 
 To R. B. Vincent, Esq At Sea, 24th January 389 
 
 To Captain Gore At Sea, 24th January . 390 
 
 To J. B. Gibert, Esq At Sea, 24th January 390 
 
 To Rear- Admiral Sir Richard Bickerton, Bart. 
 
 At Sea, 24th January 391 
 
 To Mr. William Bend, Surgeon .... At Sea, 24th January 391 
 
 To Captain W. E. Cracraft At Sea, 24th January 392 
 
 To Mr. John Woodhead At Sea, 24th January 392 
 
 To Charles Stuart, Esq At Sea, 24th January 393 
 
 To Captain Samuel Sutton At Sea, 24th January 393 
 
 To Captain John Gore At Sea, 24th January 394 
 
 To Captain Thomas Staines . . . Madalena Islands, 26th January 394 
 
 To his Excellency Hugh Elliot .... Madalena, 30th January 395 
 
 To Sir John Acton 30th January 396 
 
 To Captain Ross Donnelly . . Madalena Islands, 30th January 396 
 
 To Captain Donnelly .... Madalena Islands, 30th January 397 
 
 To Rear- Admiral Campbell . . Madalena Islands, 30th January 397 
 
 To Rear-Admiral Campbell . . Madalena Islands, 30th January 397 
 To the Captain or Commander of any of his Majesty's Ships who 
 may arrive at the Madalena Islands, &c., 
 
 Madalena Islands, 30th January 398 
 
 To Captain Thomas Staines . . . Madalena Islands, 31st January 398 
 
 To Captain Robert Pettet Sardinia, 31st January 399 
 
 To Sir Evan Nepean, Bart At Sea, 1st February 400
 
 XXli CONTENTS. 
 
 1804, continued. 
 
 PACK 
 
 To Captain Parker At Sea, 7th February 401 
 
 To Captain William Parker ...... At Sea, 8th February 401 
 
 To Commander Staines At Sea, 8th February 402 
 
 Private Journal 8th February 402 
 
 To Captain C. W. Adair, Royal Marines . At Sea, 9th February 402 
 To Rear- Admiral Sir Richard Bickerton, 
 
 Madalena Islands, 9th February 404 
 
 To Patrick Wilkie, Esq. . . . Madalena Islands, 10th February 405 
 
 To his Excellency Mr. Jackson 10th February 405 
 
 To Mr. Richard Ford .... Madalena Islands, 10th February 407 
 
 To the Commissioners of the Navy, Madalena Islands, 1 Oth February 408 
 
 To Mr. John Gray, Surgeon . Madalena Islands, 10th February 409 
 
 To his Excellency Hugh Elliot, Esq. . . Victory, 10th February 409 
 
 To Nathaniel Taylor, Esq. . . Madalena Islands, 10th February 410 
 
 To Captain Ryves Madalena, 10th February 411 
 
 To Sir John Acton Madalena, 10th February 411 
 
 To William Lawson, Esq. . . Madalena Islands, 10th February 412 
 To Rear- Admiral Sir R. Bickerton, Bart., 
 
 Madalena Islands, 10th February 412 
 
 To Sir Alexander Ball, Bart Victory, llth February 413 
 
 To the Grand Vizir llth February 414 
 
 To the Capitan Pasha llth February 414 
 
 To the Marquis of Hertford llth February 415 
 
 To Mr. Thomas Fotheringham . Madalena Islands, 12th February 415 
 
 To Captain Hallowell Victory, 12th February 416 
 
 To John William Magnon, Esq., Madalena Islands, 14th February 416 
 
 To Captain John Gore . . . Madalena Islands, 14th February 417 
 
 To Captain Samuel Sutton . . Madalena Islands, 14th February 417 
 
 To James Cutforth, Esq. . . . Madalena Islands, 1 4th February 418 
 
 To Edward Pownall, Esq. . . Madalena Islands, 14th February 418 
 
 Memorandum Sardinia, 14th February 419 
 
 To the Right Hon. Lord Radstock . . Victory, 14th February 419 
 
 To Admiral the Earl of St. Vincent, K.B. . . . 14th February 420 
 
 To Captain Gore 14th February 421 
 
 To Captain Richardson 15th February 421 
 
 To Captain Sir William Bolton . Madalena Islands, 16th February 422 
 
 To Captain Sir William Bolton . . . . Victory, 17th February 422 
 
 To Captain Gore 1 7th February 422 
 
 To Major Lowe Victory, 17th February 423 
 
 To Lieutenant Robert Lloyd . Madalena Islands, 18th February 423 
 
 To Captain Parker Madalena Islands, 18th February 424 
 
 To Captain John Whitby . . Madalena Islands, 19th February 425 
 
 To Sir Evan Nepean, Bart At Sea, 20th February 425 
 
 To Sir Evan Nepean, Bart At Sea, 20th February 426 
 
 To Sir Evan Nepean, Bart At Sea, 20th February 426
 
 CONTENTS. XXiii 
 
 1804, continued. 
 
 PAOE 
 
 To Nathaniel Taylor, Esq At Sea, 20th February 427 
 
 To Captain Eichardson . Off Cape St. Sebastians, 25th February 428 
 
 To Captain Thomas Staines, Off Cape St. Sebastians, 25th February 428 
 
 To Admiral the Earl of St. Vincent, K.B., Victory, 26th February 429 
 
 To Sir Evan Nepean, Bart At Sea, 27th February 430 
 
 To Captain Richardson . Off Cape St. Sebastians, 27th February 431 
 
 To Richard Ford, Esq At Sea, 27th February 432 
 
 To Edward Gayner, Esq. . Off Cape St. Sebastians, 28th February 432 
 To the Captains of either of his Majesty's Ships undermentioned 
 
 At Sea, 28th February 433 
 
 To Mr. Richard Ford At Sea, 2nd March 434 
 
 To Henry Clarke, Esq Victory, 2nd March 434 
 
 To Captain Henry Richardson At Sea, 2nd March 435 
 
 To Captain Ross Donnelly At Sea, 4th March 435 
 
 To Frank Sotheron, Esq At Sea, 7th March 436 
 
 To Captain Richard Hussey Moubray ... At Sea, 8th March 436 
 
 To Doctor Moseley . . Victory, llth March 437 
 
 To the respective Captains, &c At Sea, 13th March 439 
 
 To Lady Hamilton Off Toulon, 14th March 439 
 
 To Sir Evan Nepean, Bart At Sea, 15th March 442 
 
 To Sir Evan Nepean, Bart At Sea, 15th March 443 
 
 To Captain Donnelly At Sea, 15th March 444 
 
 To James Cutforth, Esq At Sea, 15th March 445 
 
 To Captain Gore ._, . . At Sea, 15th March 445 
 
 To Sir Evan Nepean, Bart At Sea, 15th March 446 
 
 To Sir Evan Nepean, Bart. - At Sea, 15th March 447 
 
 To Sir Evan Nepean, Bart At Sea, 15th March 447 
 
 To Rear- Admiral Sir Richard Bickerton, Bart. . . 15th March 448 
 
 To Captain Danvers 16th March 448 
 
 To the Russian Gentlemen on board H. M. Ship Royal Sovereign 
 
 At Sea, 16th March 448 
 
 To Alexander Davison, Esq Victory, 17th March 449 
 
 To the Right Honourable Lord Hobart . . Victory, 17th March 449 
 
 To Captain Gore At Sea, 17th March 451 
 
 To Captain Sutton 17th March 452 
 
 To Admiral the Earl of St. Vincent 17th March 452 
 
 To Sir Thomas Troubridge - 17th March 453 
 
 To H. R. H. the Duke of Clarence (March) 453 
 
 To Captain George Frederick Ryves . . At Sea, 18th March 454 
 
 To Alexander Davison, Esq Victory, 18th March 454 
 
 To his Excellency Hugh Elliot, Esq. . . Victory, 18th March 455 
 
 To Lord Hobart 19th March 456 
 
 To Sir Evan Nepean, Bart At Sea, 19th March 456 
 
 To Captain Henry Richardson .... At Sea, 19th March 456 
 
 To Captain Layman ....... At Sea, 19th March 457
 
 xxiv CONTENTS. 
 
 1804, continued. 
 
 FAGS 
 
 To Captain Layman At Sea, 19th March 457 
 
 To Captain Rosenhagen At Sea, 19th March 458 
 
 To Admiral Sir J. Duckworth 19th March 459 
 
 To Sir Evan Nepean, Bart. .... At Sea, 19th March 460 
 
 To Vice- Admiral Bligh Victory, 19th March 461 
 
 To Dr. Baird " 19th March 461 
 
 To Sir John Acton, Bart March 462 
 
 To Spiridion Foresti, Esq March 462 
 
 To Captain Philip Lamb At Sea, 20th March 463 
 
 To William Marsden, Esq At Sea, 20th March 463 
 
 To Captain William Edward Cracraft . . At Sea, 20th March 464 
 
 To Nathaniel Taylor, Esq At Sea, 20th March 465 
 
 Memoranda 20th March 465 
 
 To Captain Charles Marsh Schomberg . . At Sea, 20th March 466 
 
 To Captain Hart At Sea, 20th March 466 
 
 To Captain Hallowell At Sea, 20th March 467 
 
 To Captain- Briggs At Sea, 20th March 468 
 
 To Captain Schomberg At Sea, 20th March 469 
 
 Certificate At Sea, 20th March 469 
 
 To Lieutenant Henry Frederick Woodman . At Sea, 21st March 470 
 
 Memoranda (About 22nd March) 471 
 
 To Captain Moubray At Sea, 22nd March 472 
 
 To his Excellency Mr. Elliot Victory, 23rd March 472 
 
 To Sir William Bolton .... Madalena Islands, 25th March 474 
 
 To Captain Frank Sotheron . . Madalena Islands, 26th March 474 
 
 To Alexander Davison, Esq Victory, 28th March 475 
 
 To Alexander Davison, Esq. . . [Apparently about 28th March] 476 
 
 To his Excellency Hugh Elliot, Esq. . . . Victor}', 29th March 477 
 
 To the Reverend Dr. Nelson Victory, 29th March 478 
 
 To his Excellency Hugh Elliot Victory, 30th March 479 
 
 To Captain Sir William Bolton Victory, 30th March 479 
 
 To William Marsden, Esq Madalena Islands, 1st April 480 
 
 To the Captain or Commander of any of H. M. Ships, &c. arriving at 
 
 Madalena Madalena Islands, 2nd April 481 
 
 To Captain . . . ., H.M. Sloop Madalena Islands, 2nd April 481 
 
 To Captain Robert Pettet Madalena, 2nd April 482 
 
 To William Marsden, Esq At Sea, 3rd April 482 
 
 To Captain . . . ., H.M. Sloop 3rd April 483 
 
 To William Marsden, Esq 3rd April 484 
 
 To Captain John Gore At Sea, 3rd April 484 
 
 To Captain Gore At Sea, 3rd April 485 
 
 To William Marsden, Esq At Sea, 3rd April 486 
 
 To Admiral the Earl of St. Vincent, K.B. . . Victory, 6th April 487 
 
 To Rear-Admiral Sir Richard Bickerton ..... 7th April 487 
 
 To the Reverend Robert Rolfe Victory, 7th April 488
 
 CONTENTS. XXV 
 
 1804, continued. 
 
 PACK 
 
 To the Right Honourable George Eose . . . Victory, 8th April 488 
 
 To Captain Sotheron Off Toulon, 9th April 489 
 
 To J. B. Gibert, Esq At Sea, 10th April 490 
 
 To William Marsden, Esq Off Toulon, 10th April 490 
 
 To Lady Hamilton Off Toulon, 10th April 491 
 
 To Thomas Bolton, Esq Victory, llth April 492 
 
 To Captain Gore At Sea, 12th April 492 
 
 To Captain Samuel Sutton At Sea, 12th April 493 
 
 To William Marsden, Esq. . ' At Sea, 13th April 493 
 
 To Miss Horatia Nelson Thomson .... -Victory, 13th April 494 
 
 To Captain Hallowell .At Sea, 14th April 494 
 
 To William Marsden, Esq At Sea, 14th April 495 
 
 Memorandum 14th April 496 
 
 To the Masters of the Merchant Ships Zephyr, Courier, Oak, and 
 
 Hope, at Gibraltar At Sea, 14th April 496 
 
 To the Senior Officers of H. M. Ships at Gibraltar. At Sea, 14th April 497 
 
 To Captain Gore At Sea, 15th April 497 
 
 To Captain Gore At Sea, 15th April 498 
 
 To the Right Honourable Lord Hobart . . . Victory, 16th April 498 
 
 To the Right Honourable Lord Hobart . . . Victory, 1 6th April 499 
 
 To Captain Shepheard At Sea, 17th April 500 
 
 To Captain Schomberg At Sea, 17th April 500 
 
 To Captain Schomberg At Sea, 17th April 501 
 
 To Lieutenant Robert Corner Victory, 18th April 502 
 
 To Nathaniel Taylor, Esq Victory, 18th April 502 
 
 To Captain Richardson At Sea, 19th April 503 
 
 To Alexander Davison, Esq Victory, ] 9th April 504 
 
 To Admiral the Earl of St. Vincent, K.B. . . Victory, 19th April 504 
 
 To Lady Hamilton Victory, 19th April 505 
 
 To Miss Charlotte Nelson Victory, 19th April 506 
 
 To the Right Honourable Lord Hobart . . . Victory, 19th April 507 
 
 To William Marsden, Esq At Sea, 19th April 507 
 
 To the Commissioners of the Navy .... At Sea, 19th April 508 
 
 To Captain Briggs At Sea, 19th April 509 
 
 To William Marsden, Esq At Sea, 20th April 510 
 
 To Admiral the Right Hon. Lord Radstock . Victory, 20th April 510 
 
 To William Marsden, Esq At Sea, 20th April 512 
 
 To Admiral the Earl of St. Vincent, K.B. . . Victory, 21st April 512 
 
 To William Marsden, Esq At Sea, 22nd April 513 
 
 To Lady Hamilton' Victory, 23rd April 513 
 
 To Captain George Frederick Ryves. ... At Sea, 26th April 514 
 
 To his Excellency Hugh Elliot, Esq 26th April 514 
 
 To his Excellency Hugh Elliot, Esq. . . . Victory, 26th April 516 
 
 To Captain Malcolm At Sea, 26th April 516 
 
 To his Excellency Hugh Elliot, Esq. . . . Victory, 26th April 516
 
 Xivi CONTENTS. 
 
 1804, continued. 
 
 FACE 
 
 To J. B. Gibert, Esq At Sea, 26th April 517 
 
 To Edward Gayner, Esq. .... | ."..'.'.". At Sea, 26th April 518 
 
 To Sir John Acton, Bart. ......... . . . . . . 26th April 518 
 
 To the respective Captains . .... . ... At Sea, 28th April 519 
 
 To ......'...I . [No date] 520 
 
 Directions for Leghorn Roads . 520 
 
 To Captain Sotheron At Sea, 28th April 521 
 
 To Pilchard Ford, Esq. . . . * At Sea, 28th April 522 
 
 To William Marsden, Esq At Sea, 29th April 522
 
 ANALYSIS 
 
 OF THE 
 
 LIFE OF NELSON, 
 
 FROM JANUARY 1802 TO APRIL 1804. 
 
 JfEAR. MONTH. FACTS. 
 
 1802- ( VICE-ADMIRAL or THE BLUE, Commanding 
 
 January 1st in Chief a Squadron employed between 
 
 to Orfordness and Beachy Head ; but on 
 
 April 9th leave, and residing at Merton, in Surrey. 
 
 10th Struck his Flag. 
 
 On half-pay. In July and August 1802, he 
 made a tour into Wales, and returned to 
 Merton early in September 1802. On the 
 , 23rd of November, 1802, he seconded the 
 
 Address in the House of Lords, in the first 
 Parliament after the Union. 
 
 16th Appointed COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF in the 
 
 f Mediterranean. 
 
 1 8 th Hoisted his Flag on board H . M. Ship Victory , 
 
 .. Captain Samuel Sutton, at Spithead. 
 
 20th Sailed from Spithead in company with the 
 
 Amphion, Captain Thomas Masterman 
 Hardy. 
 
 21st Off the Start, captured a Dutch Merchant 
 
 Ship. 
 
 _ '_ 23rd OffUshant. Shifted his Flag to the Amphion, 
 
 and proceeded in her to the Mediterranean. 
 
 June 3rd Arrived at Gibraltar. 
 
 4th S ailed from Gibraltar. 
 
 15th '. .Arrived at Malta. . 
 
 '17th .........!.. Sailed from Malta. 
 
 19th Off Messina. 
 
 25 th Off Capri, in the B ay of Naples.
 
 xxviii ANALYSIS. 
 
 YEAR. MOXTH. FACTS. 
 
 1804, continued ............... VICE-ADMIRAL OF THE BLUE. 
 
 July 1st ............... Off Monte Christo. 
 
 8th ............... Joined the Fleet, consisting of nine Sail of 
 
 the Line, one Frigate, and one Sloop, off 
 Toulon. 
 
 _ _ 30th ( The Victory having joined the Fleet, he 
 
 to again hoisted his Flag on board that Ship, 
 
 October 30th taking with him Captain Hardy. 
 
 { Off Toulon. 
 
 31st ............ Anchored at the Madalena Islands, Sardinia, 
 
 with the Squadron. 
 
 November 10th ......... Sailed from the Madalena Islands. 
 
 * {...Off Toulon. 
 
 December 9th > 
 
 10th ...... Anchored with the Fleet in the Gulf ofPalma, 
 
 on the South side of Sardinia 
 1 9th ...... Sailed from Palma. 
 
 __ 23rd 
 
 24th ...... Anchored at the Madalena Islands. 
 
 1804. January 4th ......... Sailed from the Madalena Islands with the 
 
 Squadron. 
 to 
 
 about 14th 
 
 17th 
 to \ ...Off Algiers. 
 
 22nd ......... Off Toulon. 
 
 26th ......... Anchored at the Madalena Islands with the 
 
 Squadron. 
 
 February 1st ......... Sailed from the Madalena Islands with the 
 
 Squadron. 
 8th ......... Anchored at the Madalena Islands. 
 
 19th ......... Sailed with the Squadron from the Madalena 
 
 Islands. 
 
 to ) 
 
 V ...Off Toulon. 
 
 March 23rd J 
 
 24th ............ Anchored with the Squadron at the Madalena 
 
 Islands. 
 
 April 3rd ............ Sailed from the Madalena Islands. 
 
 , ~\ ...Off Toulon. On the 2 3rd of April, he was pro- 
 
 moted to be a VICE-ADMIRAL OF THE 
 
 } -^ Toulon. 
 
 j... Off Toulon.
 
 LETTERS. 
 
 1802 JET. 43. 
 TO CAPTAIN SUTTON, H.M. SHIP AMAZON. 
 
 [Autograph, in the possession of Captain Ives Sutton.] 
 
 Merton, January 6th, 1803. 
 
 My dear Sutton, 
 
 I send you the order, but I do riot think it will be useful to 
 the men. I feel much obliged for Captain Owen's kind offer 
 about Connor, and if he is employed I shall gladly accept his 
 offer ; but I see so little of any of the Admiralty people, and 
 they tell me nothing, that I am as ignorant of any arrangements 
 as you can possibly conceive. I cannot get my discharge. I 
 asked yesterday : my answer was, < No person of any rank is to 
 be discharged.' It is very cold, even here, and I have been laid 
 up with swelled face. Yesterday, I went to London for two 
 hours, the first time for a month. I can readily conceive your 
 desire to be paid off, and, from the little I hear, it cannot be 
 long. Remember us kindly to the Lutwidges, Commodore 
 Sutton, and all our friends about you. Say, in your next, how 
 poor Langford is. Bedford has been very ill, and I fear cannot 
 yet venture out, for we asked him to come and see us. As pro- 
 bably I shall not return to Deal, I think I may venture to have 
 my papers and cot sent to London : therefore, I will request 
 you to send them by the waggon directed to 23 Piccadilly, and 
 tell me when they are sent. I trust you will forgive my 
 giving you all this trouble, and believe me ever, my dear 
 Sutton, your much obliged, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 We all join in wishing you every happiness in the present 
 year. 
 
 VOL. V. B
 
 LETTERS. [1802. 
 
 TO JOHN JULIUS ANGERSTEIN, ESQ., CHAIRMAN OF THE 
 COMMITTEE OF THE PATRIOTIC FUND. 
 
 [From a Copy in the Nelson Papers.] 
 My dear Sir, Merton, January 15th, 1802. 
 
 I will send to the Medusa directly for a Return of Wounded : 
 they must have been near forty. We are all obliged by your 
 humane attention to us Seamen, and none more than, my dear 
 Sir, your most obedient servant, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO CAPTAIN BUTTON, H.M. SHIP AMAZON. 
 
 [Autograph, in the possession of Captain Ives Button.] 
 
 Merton, January 15th, 1802. 
 
 My dear Sutton, 
 
 Many thanks for the trouble you have taken with my 
 things. You may rely that I will write to either the Board 
 or some one of the Members, if that is the best mode of ob- 
 taining success for Mr. Caie, your Surgeon. We are sorry 
 that anything should disturb the comfort of our good friends 
 the Lutwidges, but we hope sincerely it will end well. But 
 it can answer no good end their fretting for the unhappy 
 young man. 1 The story I never heard, but suppose he has 
 killed some other young man : if so, many have done so 
 before him. I saw Lord St. Vincent yesterday ; he looked 
 very ill and much altered for the worse. Remember me 
 kindly to the Commodore, and the good Admiral and Mrs. 
 Lutwidge, in which cordially joins this party with, dear Sutton, 
 your much obliged, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 1 Lieutenant Henry Thomas Lutwidge, of the Resistance, nephew of Admiral 
 Skeffington Lutwidge, was supposed to have caused the death of a drunken seaman, in 
 January 1802, by striking him with the tiller of the launch, to compel him to give 
 up the oar which he was incapable of using. The blow, intended for the arm, fell on 
 his head, and the man died the next morning. Though there were strong reasons 
 for believing that his death was produced by apoplexy, a Jury returned a verdict of 
 wilful murder, and Mr. Lutwidge was tried at the Assizes at "Winchester, on the 13th 
 of March. Being found guilty of manslaughter, he was sentenced to pay a fine of 
 100, and to three months' imprisonment. The particulars are fully given in the 
 Naval Chronicle, vol. vii. p. 252. He became a Retired Commander in November 
 1830.
 
 ^T. 43.] LETTERS. 3 
 
 TO CAPTAIN SUTTON, H.M. SHIP AMAZON. 
 
 [Autograph, in the possession of Captain Ives Sutton.] 
 
 Merton, January 21st, 1802. 
 
 My dear Sutton, 
 
 Doctor Harness 2 assures me in writing, that Mr. Caie shall 
 be employed whenever the Amazon is paid off: therefore, 
 whenever that takes place, he may present himself to Dr. H. ; 
 Langford, poor fellow ! is with us : I much fear he is still far 
 from well. Lord St. Vincent went into Essex on Sunday to 
 avoid the Birth-day, and I believe is not yet returned to 
 London, although only fifty minutes drive. I cannot yet ob- 
 tain my discharge. Make our kindest regards to the Lutwidges 
 and all friends, and believe me ever, my dear Sutton, your 
 obliged and attached, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 What a gale ! 
 
 TO THE RIGHT HONOURABLE HENRY ADDINGTON. 
 
 [Autograph, in the Sidmouth Papers.] 
 My dear Sir, Merton, January 31st, 1802. 
 
 I received yesterday from Lord Elgin the Letters and Rib- 
 bon sent herewith, and I have to request that you will have 
 the goodness to lay them before the King, in order that I 
 may know his Royal pleasure as to wearing the Ribbon. 
 This mark of regard from the Sultan has made a strong 
 impression on my mind, as it appears that the Battle of 
 Copenhagen has been the cause of this new Decoration from 
 the Porte. 
 
 If his Majesty should from regard to the Sultan, or honour 
 to me, intend to place the Ribbon on me, I am ready to attend 
 His commands ; but I own, my dear Sir, that great as this 
 honour would be, that it would have its alloy, if I cannot at 
 the same time wear the Medal for the Battle of Copenhagen, 
 the greatest and most honourable reward in the power of our 
 Sovereign to bestow, as it marks the personal services of, my 
 dear Sir, your most obliged, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 Vide vol. i. p. 473,
 
 4 LETTERS. [1802. 
 
 TO CAPTAIN SUTTON, H.M. SHIP AMAZON. 
 
 [Autograph, in the possession of Captain Ives Button.] 
 My dear Sutton, Merton, February Oth, 1802. 
 
 I beg you will thank Captain Cochrane for his advice about 
 the thrashing machine, which I will most certainly send out. 
 I have had very good accounts from Bronte. I wish you 
 were all paid off, but that cannot be done till the Definitive 
 Treaty, which I fancy will not be long. The weather has 
 been very severe. I saw Lord St. Vincent yesterday: he 
 looks very unwell. The history of Medals for Copenhagen 
 he has promised me shall be brought before the Cabinet 
 Council. The Grand Signior has sent me a Red ribbon and 
 Medal for the Battle of Copenhagen, with a very flattering 
 letter. All here join in every good wish with your ever 
 obliged, NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 Best regards to the good Admiral, and Mrs. Lutwidge, and 
 the Commodore. 
 
 TO CAPTAIN S LITTON, H.M. SHIP AMAZON. 
 
 [Autograph, in the possession of Captain Ives Sutton.] 
 
 Merton, February 9th, 1802. 
 
 My dear Sutton, 
 
 As Allen, 3 my servant, leaves me to-morrow, I wish him to 
 be discharged from the Amazon. I believe it can be done by 
 ticket, so that he can go and get his wages. Was he dis- 
 charged from Medusa with his original entry ? I send 
 Doctor H.'s note, which you may give Mr. Caie. All here 
 join in best regards with, dear Sutton, your much obliged, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO JOHN JULIUS ANGERSTEIN, ESQ. 
 [From a Copy in the Nelson Papers.] 
 
 Merton, February 17th, 1805. 
 
 My dear Sir, 
 
 Captain Johnson, 4 promoted for the Battle of Copenhagen, 
 was in that Action Lieutenant of the Edgar, and lost his left 
 
 * Vide vol. i. p. xxv. 
 
 * Captain Joshua Johnson: he died a Commander, about 1831.
 
 ^ET. 43.] LETTERS. 5 
 
 arm. He has therefore requested of me a letter to you, in 
 order that he may receive the proportion of the subscription 
 set apart for him. Captain Johnson is also a very excellent 
 Officer, and a good man. In nine days from the loss of his 
 arm, he did his duty again as First Lieutenant of the Ship. 
 Such spirit in the Service is never to be overcome. Believe 
 me, my dear Sir, your much obliged, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO CAPTAIN SIR THOMAS TROUBRIDGE, BART., ADMIRALTY. 
 
 [Autograph, in the possession of Colonel Davison.] 
 
 Merton, February l?th, 1802. 
 
 My dear Troubridge, 
 
 I doubt much if all the Admirals and Captains will sub- 
 scribe to poor dear Miller's monument; but I have told 
 Davison, that whatever is wanted to make up the sum, I shall 
 pay. I thought of Lord St. Vincent and myself paying 50 
 each ; some other Admirals may give something, and I thought 
 about 12 each for the Captains who have served with him 
 in the Actions of Cape St. Vincent and the Nile, would about 
 do the business ; for if we desire too much, it will not do. 
 The spirit of liberality seems declining ; but when I forget 
 an old and dear friend, may I cease to be your affectionate, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO CAPTAIN SIR EDWARD BERRY. 
 
 [From a Copy in the Nelson Papers.] 
 
 Merton, February 18th, 180:1 
 
 My dear Sir Edward, 
 
 You are perfectly right that I have not the smallest interest 
 at the Admiralty, to get poor Mr. Hooper 6 confirmed ; I re- 
 member him very well. Why Mr. Davis is not confirmed, I 
 cannot comprehend, as it was his name I gave to Admiral 
 Pole ; but I can do nothing. Lord St. Vincent once told me 
 all the Baltic promotions should be confirmed. I think it 
 
 5 Apparently Lieutenant William Bead Hooper, who obtained that rank in 1802) 
 and died about 1809.
 
 6 LETTERS. [1802. 
 
 very hard to keep you at Yarmouth, but nothing is to be said, 
 for who can know anything but the Board of Admiralty? 
 The time was, the present Lords did not think the Admiralty 
 infallible in their judgments. Sir William and Lady Hamil- 
 ton join in every good wish for your speedy release, with, 
 my dear Sir Edward, your most sincere friend, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 I beg my best respects to Admiral Dickson. 
 
 TO THE RIGHT HONOURABLE HENRY ADDINGTON. 
 
 [Autograph, in the Sidinouth Papers.] 
 
 Merton, February 23rd, 180:2. 
 
 My dear Sir, 
 
 I was happy to see by the Papers of this day, that Miss 
 Addington was better, and I assure you I can readily conceive 
 the anguish of a parent for the fear of losing a beloved child, 
 and beg that no thought of anything on my account may 
 agitate or intrude itself on your mind. Your brother 6 will tell 
 you of what passed between him and me the other day ; but 
 I know your friendship, and want no intervening person, be 
 his rank ever so high. When I feel that the honours of 
 others are entrusted to me, then I am as firm as a rock ; any 
 inattentions or mortifications to myself, I can and do bear 
 with, I trust, becoming humility. I am, in a word, truly sen- 
 sible of all your friendship for me. I send you a letter I 
 received on Saturday ; it is not necessary to show it to the 
 King, but as really a matter of curiosity, he may like to read 
 it. If I can judge of the feelings of others by myself, there 
 can be no Honours bestowed upon me by Foreigners, that do 
 not reflect ten times on our Sovereign and Country. Believe 
 me, my dear Sir, with every kind and good wish for yourself 
 and family, your much obliged and faithful, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE* 
 
 The Eight Honourable John Hiley Addiiigton : he died in June 1818.
 
 ^T. 43.] LETTERS. 7 
 
 TO EVAN NEPEAN, ESQ., ADMIRALTY. 
 
 [From a Copy in the Admiralty.] 
 
 Merton, February 24th, 1802. 
 
 ' Sir, 
 
 My Agents having acquainted me that my name is not on 
 the Half-pay list from July to January 1800, I have to re- 
 quest that you will state to their Lordships, that I having, 
 through Lord Keith, obtained their Lordships' permission to 
 return home, by either sea or land, for the benefit of my 
 health, which had been very much shattered by my exertions 
 in the Mediterranean, I therefore left the Fleet, the 13th July, 
 and arrived at Yarmouth, November 6th, when finding my 
 health very much improved by the journey overland, I offered 
 my services, which were accepted ; and as soon as the San Josef 
 was commissioned, I was directed to proceed to Plymouth, and 
 hoist my Flag on board her : I have therefore to request that 
 either whole or half-pay may be ordered me. I am, Sir, your 
 most obedient servant, NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO LIEUTENANT LAYMAN. 7 
 [From Marshall's " Naval Biography," vol. iii. p. 324.] 
 
 Merton, Surrey, March 1st, 1802. 
 
 My dear Sir, 
 
 I have been favoured with your letter, requesting I would 
 state the nature of the services you had been employed in 
 from the St. George. That you were always ready to go on 
 every service, I am sure ; for the only favour you ever asked of 
 me, was to be sent on all services of danger and difficulties : 
 and I always understood you acquitted yourself as an able 
 Officer and Seaman. You were in the Isis at the Battle of 
 Copenhagen, and Captain Walker gave me a high character 
 of the conduct of the Officers and men of the St. George. 
 Believe me to be fully sensible of all your merits ; and I have 
 no scruple in saying, that if your interest does not get you 
 promoted, at any future time when I may be employed,, I 
 shall be happy in receiving you, for I am your sincere friend, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 * Afterwards a Commander: he will be frequently mentioned;
 
 8 LETTERS. [1802, 
 
 TO CAPTAIN SUTTON, H.M. SHIP AMAZON. 
 
 [Autograph, in the possession of Captain Ives Sutton.] 
 My dear Sutton, Merton, March 8th, 1802. 
 
 I do not believe that there will be a War, but if there is, 
 nothing shall be wanting on my part to have you with me, 
 should I be employed ; but I own my interest at the Admi- 
 ralty is not very great, and very few situations in which I 
 could be employed, can offer. But be assured, if I am em- 
 ployed, that you shall, if in my power, assuredly be with me, 
 for I am, dear Sutton, truly your attached friend, and much 
 obliged, NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 Sir William and Lady Hamilton desire their best regards, 
 and give all ours to Admiral and Mrs. Lutwidge. 
 
 TO CAPTAIN SUTTON, H.M. SHIP AMAZON. 
 
 [Autograph, in the possession of Captain Ives Sutton.] 
 My dear Sutton, Merton, March, 1802. 
 
 Mr. Tooley 8 is to be made a Lieutenant, whenever promo- 
 tion takes place. Why he was discharged from the St. Albans 
 is not very clear; but it appears, from his own account, not 
 very criminal. If you sec no objection, can you enter him in 
 the Amazon as anything, acting or Mid. ? He is recom- 
 mended by Mr. William Perry, 9 late a Surgeon in the Navy, 
 and an old Ship and Messmate of Commodore Sutton. I have 
 wrote you this day. Ever yours most truly, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO THE RIGHT HONOURABLE HENRY ADDINGTON. 
 
 [Autograph, in the Sidmouth Papers. On the 20th of March 180-2, Lord Nelson 
 ttas stated in the " London Gazette " to have obtained His Majesty's permission to 
 accept and wear the Order of the Crescent.] 
 
 My dear Sir, 23, Piccadilly, March 25th, 1802. 
 
 I send you a letter which I received last night from the 
 true daughter of Maria Theresa, and also one which Lady 
 Hamilton received ; they w r ill serve to show you her Majesty's 
 great soul, and that she sees things in their true point of view. 
 
 8 Vide vol. iv. p. 524: he was drowned in November 1808, coming on shore 
 from Spithead, being then a Lieutenant, and Agent for Transports. 
 
 9 Vide vol. iv. p. 03-1.
 
 JILT. 43.] LETTERS. 9 
 
 I did not fail to tell her, in your own words, that your atten- 
 tion to the interests of the King of Naples had occasioned 
 much difficulty in the arrangement of the Definitive Treaty ; 
 and I never fail to express what is true, that you are truly 
 sensible of the loyalty of the King of Naples in their attach- 
 ment to this Country. Ever, my dear Sir, your attached, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 Lady Hamilton allows me also a letter of February 6th, 
 which speaks so fully that I wish you to read it with attention. 
 She is a Monarch deserving of all our regards and services. 
 
 TO ALEXANDER DAVISON, ESQ., ST. JAMES'S SQUARE. 
 [Autograph, in the possession of Colonel Davison.] 
 
 My dear Davison, Mo-ton, sothjtfarch, 1802. 
 
 I send you a letter from my Father. You will see his 
 statement of his money in the Funds, or rather, which he has 
 a right to receive interest for during his life. I was in the 
 House last night, and voted for the payment of the Civil List, 
 that you might get paid the enormous sum of 152 18s. IQd.l 
 Lord Moira's sentiments I admired most exceedingly, and 
 hope that the Public will be made to understand better the 
 Civil List, and not to fancy that all goes into the King's 
 pocket. Lord Moira said enough to suggest a plan of the 
 sort, very simple. So far from the King having given away 
 too much, I think he has been by far too parsimonious. 
 On Thursday I shall see you. Ever, my dear Davison, your 
 obliged, NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO CAPTAIN FYERS, 1 ROYAL ARTILLERY. 
 
 [From White's " Life of Nelson," p. 222.] 
 My dear Sir, Merton, April 8th, 1803. 
 
 Colonel Suckling has just told me that he has the pleasure 
 of knowing you, and that you had given him reason to believe 
 that you intended favouring me with a visit before your 
 going into Scotland. My relation also tells me, that he has 
 seen a proof print of your drawing of the Danish Line, which 
 
 1 Captain Peter Fyers. An account of the services of this Officer, (now a 
 Major-General, and a Companion of the Bath,) who was wounded in the attack on 
 the Flotilla at Boulogne, and served at Copenhagen, is given in White's " Life of 
 Nelson." p. 21U.
 
 10 LETTERS. [1802. 
 
 we are all very anxious should come out. It can give offence 
 to no party. Sir Hyde, Fremantle, Colonel Stewart, Doyle, &c., 
 are all inquiring why it is not out Therefore, I have to request 
 you will be so good as to tell me who your engraver is, and 
 also the name and abode of your friend who has the manage- 
 ment of the Print. It will, I am sure, do well. I am glad to 
 hear you suffer no inconvenience from the wound in your 
 thigh. You would regret sincerely the loss of poor Parker. 
 Langford, I am fearful, will lose his leg. He is still confined 
 by bones continually coming away. With every good wish, 
 believe me, my dear Sir, your much obliged, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO CAPTAIN SUTTON, H.M. SHIP AMAZON. 
 [Autograph, in the possession of Captain Ives Button.] 
 
 My dear Sutton, Merton, April loth, isos. 
 
 I have this moment received an order to strike my Flag, 
 and come on shore. I hope soon you will be at liberty, and 
 nobody will be happier to see you than your friends at Merton. 
 I suppose I must be discharged this day with my retinue. I 
 am very anxious to keep Charles 2 afloat, and I wish you would 
 turn your eyes round to any Ship that is to be kept in com- 
 mission if going abroad the better, and a good man who will 
 do justice by the lad. But few, very few, will take that care 
 of him which you have been good enough to do, and for 
 which we are most truly thankful ; and believe me ever your 
 much obliged, NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO LIEUTENANT-COLONEL SUCKLING. 
 
 [From " The Athenffium."] 
 
 My dear Suckling, April 15th, 1802. 
 
 Many thanks for your kind present of oysters. I yesterday 
 saw Colonel Yorke, 3 and he has promised me that he will take 
 the first opportunity of removing you into a permanent and 
 better situation. I left a memorandum with him, that Norwich 
 would be most desirable after Chatham ; but he really seemed 
 disposed to do everything which we can desire. Ever yours 
 faithfully, NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 8 Charles Connor. 
 
 8 The Right Honourahle Charles Yorke, then Secretary at War, afterwards First 
 Lord of the Admiralty.
 
 JET. 43.] LETTERS. 11 
 
 TO JOHN M'ARTHUR, ESQ. 
 [Original, iu the possession of Mrs. Couway.] 
 
 Merton, April 23rd, 1802. 
 
 My dear Sir, 
 
 I am very sorry that you could not meet us at CockburnV 
 next Tuesday, as I was in hopes that everything relative to 
 our Vado prize-money could have been settled. The amount 
 of the Corn-ship, and the other, a Corn-vessel, was, when I 
 was in England, latter end of '97, or beginning of '98, brought 
 into the funds in our names. Has Marsh and Creed had the 
 receiving the dividends, or have you received ? Be so good 
 as to send me a line here, that I may get it on Monday, or I 
 shall not be able to open my mouth to much purpose. You 
 are right, the Corn-vessel was taken by Agamemnon alone ; 
 but Cockburn, and I fancy some others, share for her the 
 other was taken by Southampton : her nett amount, 923 
 sterling, as my head tells me, for I am at this moment writing 
 from memory. The Corn-ship was 100 nett Write all you 
 know on these subjects. I beg my best regards to Mr. Hood, 
 and believe me, my dear Sir, your most obedient servant, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO JOHN M'ARTHUR, ESQ. 
 
 [Original, in the possession of Mrs. Conway.] 
 
 Merton, April 28tli, 1802. 
 
 My dear Sir, 
 
 I should have answered your letter sooner, but for the event 
 of the death of my dear Father. 5 I had thought that the money 
 was done something with in our joint names. I had always 
 told Cockburn and others concerned so ; but your accounts, 
 of course, will put that matter right. I saw Cockburn yester- 
 day ; but we could do nothing, as you had not sent me the 
 account how much the amount of the St. Antonio de Padua 
 amounted to, and how much the other. Pray let me have it 
 as soon as possible with the particulars, that a distribution 
 
 * Captain, now the Right Hon. Sir George Cockburn, G.C.B., so often mentioned. 
 s The Reverend Edmund Nelson died at Bath on the 2Gth of April 1802, in his 
 seventy-ninth year.
 
 12 LETTERS. [1802. 
 
 may take place. I beg my best respects to Mr. Hood ; and 
 believe me, dear Sir, most faithfully yours, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 I have been, and am very unwell, and these Prize concerns 
 torment me ; for they will think I have been using the money. 
 Write me what you know. 
 
 TO SIR BROOKE BOOTHBY, BART. 
 [From a Copy in the Nelson Papers.] 
 
 Morton, Surrey, May 1st, 18('v!. 
 
 My dear Sir, 
 
 I feel very much flattered by your kind remembrance of our 
 truly pleasant party at Hamburgh, and I can assure you that 
 it would give Sir William, Lady Hamilton, and myself, much 
 pleasure, could we meet here, where I have made a very 
 small purchase, and live retired, although we live so near 
 London ; for I hate the noise, bustle, and falsity of what is 
 called the great world. 
 
 We are now at peace -with all the world, except Lord 
 Grenville, Windham, and that party : they see that destruc- 
 tion to the Country from it which I cannot. I am the friend 
 of Peace without fearing War ; for my politics are to let France 
 know that we will give no insult to her Government, nor will 
 we receive the smallest. If France takes unfair means to 
 prevent our trading with other Powers under her influence, 
 this I consider the greatest act of hostility she can show us ; 
 but if Buonaparte understands our sentiments, he will not 
 wish to plunge France in a new war with us. Every man in 
 France, as well as in this Country, is wanted for commerce ; 
 and powerful as he may be, France would pull him down for 
 destroying her commerce, and the war in this Country would 
 be most popular against the man who would destroy our com- 
 merce. I think our Peace is strong if we act, as we ought, 
 with firmness, and allow France to put no false constructions 
 on the words, or on omissions in the Treaty. But for what 
 am I getting into politics? I am truly sorry for Dumourier; 
 but, alas ! it is not in my power to assist him. If his Country 
 receives him, he will be the worst enemy we ever found, for 
 he must hate us for our treatment of him. No man can fear
 
 JET. 43.] LETTERS. 13 
 
 to be suspected of falseness if he is really well-intentioned, 
 which, from my heart, I believe Dumourier was. 
 
 Lady Hamilton desires me to say every kind thing for her. 
 She is one that never forgets an old friend, and to be grateful, 
 which is more than can be said of an old acquaintance of 
 yours. With every good wish, believe me, my dear Sir Brooke, 
 your most obliged friend, NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO HERCULES ROSS, ESQ. 
 
 [Autograph, in the possession of Horatio Ross, Esq.] 
 
 My dear Friend, Meiton, May 3rd, 180-2. 
 
 I should certainly have seen you long before this time, but 
 for my own state of health, and the irreparable loss I have 
 sustained in a beloved parent. I have seen Davison for a 
 moment, and he will be happy to be known to you. He tells 
 me Sir Alured Clarke has settled all the money concerns 
 about your nephew; 6 but he will explain this matter to you 
 when you meet. If your other avocations in the great Town 
 will allow you time to drive to Merton, we shall be truly 
 happy to see you. Lady Hamilton desires her compliments, 
 and believe me, ever yours most truly, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO HERCULES ROSS, ESQ. 
 [Autograph, in the possession of Horatio Ross, Esq.] 
 
 My dear Friend, Merton, May Oth, isoa. 
 
 We shall bo very glad to see you and Dr. Moseley 7 on 
 Monday. I am better, but still much indisposed, but ever 
 your obliged friend, NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 v 
 
 TO JOHN M'ARTHUR, ESQ. 
 [Original, in the possession of Mrs. Couway.] 
 My dear Sir Merton, May 7th, 1802. 
 
 I am favoured with your letter and account. The Corn- 
 ship, Madonna del Rosario, was taken by Agamemnon alone. 
 I share with some other Captains, but no Ship. The other, 
 
 * Vide vol. iv. p. 348. General, afterwards Field-Marshal, Sir Alured Clarke, K.B. 
 commanded the Troops which captured the Cape of Good Hope. 
 7 Vide vol. i. p. 7.
 
 14 LETTERS. [1802. 
 
 Captain Cockburn can tell you who shares for her; Aga- 
 memnon, Meleager, and, I believe, Southampton, and there 
 may be others. Charges can be but little, as the money was 
 paid nett, everything deducted. When I am a little better, 
 I will meet you at Cockburn's. Suppose I say Wednesday 
 next, at 10 o'clock in the morning, if that day will suit 
 Cockburn. You had better write to Wolseley 8 about the 
 other. I believe I have some concern in it, but I am not 
 certain. I am, dear Sir, yours most faithfully, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO SIR JOHN SINCLAIR, BART. 
 [From the " Sinclair Correspondence," vol. i. p. 189.] 
 Sir, Merton, May ] 3th, 1802. 
 
 My state of health absolutely prevents my having the plea- 
 sure of dining with the Society for encouraging the Fisheries, 
 for no purpose can be more truly patriotic, and deserving the 
 attention of every friend of his Country. I had purposed 
 yesterday doing myself the honour of calling upon you but I 
 was, to my sorrow, prevented as I wish much to be personally 
 known to a gentleman of your great and useful knowledge, 
 and who so candidly carries it into effect for the benefit of 
 his Country. I have the honour to be, Sir, with the highest 
 respect, your most obliged and obedient servant, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO CAPTAIN SUTTON, H.M. SHIP AMAZON. 
 [Autograph, in the possession of Captain Ives Sutton.] 
 My dear Sutton, Merton, May 29th, 1802. 
 
 As I know your wish to get clear of the Amazon as soon as 
 you can, I have asked Captain Shepard, of the Phcebe, to 
 take Charles Connor with him up the Mediterranean, not the 
 other.^ We shall never forget your kindness, and I shall repay 
 your pecuniary goodness with many thanks. Hoping very 
 soon to see you at Merton, I am ever, my dear Sutton, your 
 obliged friend, NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 Captain, afterwards Admiral William Wolseley, Vide Tol. i. p. 350, et passim. 
 
 Mr. Banti,
 
 JET. 43.] LETTERS. 15 
 
 TO CAPTAIN SIR EDWARD BERRY. 
 
 [From a Copy in the Nelson Papers.] 
 
 Merton, June 8th, 1802. 
 
 My dear Sir Edward, 
 
 I sent your Case 1 to a friend of mine, Doctor Fisher, of the 
 Commons, and send you his Opinion ; therefore I suppose 
 you will direct your Agent to set about the needful. My 
 evidence can be taken, as it is the most proper, with all the 
 circumstances from first to last. All here join in good wishes 
 for your health, and believe me ever, yours most faithfully, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO JOHN M'ARTHUR, ESQ. 
 
 [Autograph, in the possession of Mrs. Conway.] 
 
 Merton, June llth, 1802. 
 My dear Sir, 
 
 Captain Middleton and Cockburn share with me for the 
 Corn-ship. I know nothing of the two Ships sharing, (unless 
 in sight.) The Tartan sold by Pollard, I suppose was shared. 
 Cockburn knows more of these things than I can recollect at 
 this moment. Ever yours faithfully, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO MRS. BOLTON. 
 
 [Autograph in the possession of James Young, Esq., of Wells.] 
 
 Merton, June llth, 1802. 
 
 My dear Sister, 
 
 Here is 100, which I shall pay you on the lllh June, for 
 three years, towards the education of your children ; by that 
 time, other things may turn up, and this is a trifle in case you 
 may [want] any little thing going through London. All I 
 desire is, that you would not say or write me a syllable on the 
 subject, for I am sorry I cannot do more, being truly your 
 most affectionate brother, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 1 Relating to Prize money.
 
 16 LETTERS. [1802. 
 
 TO 
 
 [Autograph in the possession of J. Wilde, Esq.] 
 
 June 16th, 1802. 
 
 With Lord Nelson's compliments, and shall always be 
 happy in rendering any assistance in his power, to so worthy 
 a family. 
 
 TO ADMIRAL THE EARL OF ST. VINCENT, K.B. 
 
 [Autograph in the possession of Vice-Admiral Sir William Parker, Bart., G.C.B.] 
 
 Merton, June 10th, 1802. 
 
 My dear Lord, 
 
 My young friend Collier 2 would go to the Devil for pro- 
 motion (or he would not be acknowledged by me) : therefore, 
 if you think there is a better chance in the West Indies, and 
 will have the goodness to give him a letter to Admiral Totty, 
 he will jump into a Packet, and carry it out to Totty, and 
 take the chance of losing a month's time. But if you think 
 it better to go to that healthy station, Halifax, he will join 
 Leander this night. Collier is a good young man, and will 
 do credit to your kindness towards him. I am ever, my dear 
 Lord, yours most faithfully, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO CAPTAIN SUTTON, H.M. SHIP AMAZON. 
 
 [Autograph in the possession of Captain Ives Sutton.] 
 
 Merton, June 18th, 1802. 
 
 My dear Sutton, 
 
 I am so totally ignorant of what is going on at the Admi- 
 ralty, that I cannot say why Amazon is kept in the Downs, 
 or why, if you choose it, you should not be superseded ; but 
 I suppose no Captain would wish to take your Ship merely 
 to pay her off. Lady Hamilton and myself cannot thank you 
 enough about C. Connor, and Captain Shepard will take 
 him when his Ship is nearly ready for sea, or the Amazon re- 
 
 2 The present Commodore Sir Francis Augustus Collier, C.B., K.C.H.: he was 
 made a Lieutenant in April 1803.
 
 JRT. 43.] LETTERS. 17 
 
 moved from her present station. I shall accept your kind 
 offer of fitting Charles out. Mr. Banti must return home 
 when you are removed. His family are going to Italy. I 
 need not say how happy we shall be to receive you at Mer- 
 ton, for I am ever your much obliged, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 Sir William and Lady Hamilton's compliments. 
 
 TO LADY COLLIER. 
 
 [Autograph, in the possession of Commodore Sir Francis Augustas Collier, K.C.H.] 
 
 Mertou, June 18th, 1802. 
 
 Dear Madam, 
 
 I send you a letter to Admiral Totty. I shall write to 
 Duckworth on Monday. I am more sure of Totty, if the 
 Admiralty will give him an opportunity. I assure you I 
 regard your son for his own worth, and I am certain he will 
 ever do credit to himself, which is the most grateful return to 
 his sincere friend, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO THE RIGHT HONOURABLE THE LORD MAYOR. 
 
 [From a Copy in the Nelson Papers.] 
 
 Merton, June 21st, 1802. 
 
 My Lord, 
 
 A few days past, I saw in the Newspapers that a Motion had 
 been made in a Court of Common Council, to thank me for my 
 conduct in taking the command of a Force destined to prevent 
 any designs our Enemies might have of approaching the City 
 of London, but which Motion stands over for some future 
 Court. I have therefore to entreat that your Lordship will 
 use your influence that no such Motion may be brought 
 forward. 
 
 There is not, my Lord, one individual in the work! who 
 appreciates the honour of having their conduct approved by 
 the City of London, higher than myself. I was desired to 
 take the Command in question in a very indifferent state of 
 health, as I was flattered with the opinion that it would keep 
 
 VOL. v. c
 
 18 LETTERS. [1802. 
 
 quiet the minds of all in London, and the Coast between 
 Beechy-HeadandOrfordness. This would have been a sufficient 
 reason for me to have laid down my life, much less to suffer 
 a little from ill-health ; and, my Lord, His Majesty's Govern- 
 ment gave me such a powerful Force, that the gallant Officers 
 and Men I had the honour to command, almost regretted that 
 the Enemy did not make the attempt of Invasion. Therefore, 
 you see, my Lord, I have no merit I only did my duty with 
 alacrity, which I shall always be ready to do when directed. 
 
 But, my Lord, if any other reason was wanting to prevent 
 the City of London from thanking me for only showing an 
 alacrity in stepping forth in time of danger, it is this not 
 four months before I was appointed to this Command, I had 
 the happiness of witnessing, under all its circumstances, the 
 most hard-fought Battle, and the most complete Victory (as far 
 as my reading goes) that ever was fought and obtained by the 
 Navy of this Country. This Battle, my Lord, had not the 
 honour of being approved in the way which the City of 
 London has usually marked their approbation : therefore, I 
 entreat that you will use your influence that no Vote of appro- 
 bation may ever be given to me for any services since the 2nd 
 of April, 1801 ; for I should feel much mortified when I re- 
 flected on the noble support I that day received, at any 
 honour which could separate me from them, for I am bold 
 to say, that they deserve every honour and favour which a 
 grateful Country can bestow. 
 
 I entreat your Lordship's indulgence for thus expressing 
 my feelings, and again request that the intended Motion of 
 Thanks may be withdrawn. I trust your Lordship will give 
 [me] full credit for the high estimation in which I hold the 
 City of London, and with what respect I am your Lordship's 
 most obedient humble servant, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE.
 
 JET. 43.] LETTERS. 19 
 
 TO THE REV. MR. COMYN. 4 
 [Autograph in the possession of Page Nicol Scott, Esq.] 
 My dear Sir, Merton, June 24th, 1802. 
 
 I send you the Chancellor's letter, and most sincerely con- 
 gratulate you on your preferment, which to a person who has 
 conducted himself so prudently in pecuniary affairs will make 
 you truly comfortable. Mr. Thorn 5 died on Monday. Ever 
 yours faithfully, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 If you set off on Monday morning, I suppose it will do ; but 
 of that you must be the judge when the patent may be out, 
 for I would not lose a moment in getting possession. Upon 
 recollection of what you told me of the Post-Office, I have 
 thought it best to send you an express, which I shall pay 
 for, and you have only to give the man a receipt, and, if you 
 like it, half-a -crown. 
 
 TO LADY COLLIER. 
 
 [Autograph, in the possession of Commodore Sir Francis Augustus Collier, K.C.H.] 
 
 Merton, July 3rd, 1802. 
 
 Dear Madam, 
 
 I grieve for the death of Admiral Totty 6 in every respect, 
 but under all circumstances I think you will do right to ask 
 Lord St. Vincent to send out Francis to Totty 's successor, and 
 
 4 Mr. Comyn was Lord Nelson's Chaplain in the Vanguard, at the Nile, and was 
 one of his Domestic Chaplains. The preferment alluded to was the Rectory of 
 Bridgeham, in Norfolk, and it appears to have heen obtained in fulfilment of a pro- 
 mise made to him three years before, which Mr. Comyn thus mentioned in a letter 
 to his wife, dated " Foudroyant, Naples Bay, 4th August, 1799. I have now to 
 communicate a circumstance that occurred last night at supper. Lord Nelson drank 
 to me, with his wishes for a good Living. Lady Hamilton promised to write a 
 letter to the Lord Chancellor, Lord Loughborough, signed by Lord Nelson and Sir 
 William Hamilton, stating my situation as his Lordship's Chaplain in the Battle 
 of the Nile. This interest, no doubt will have the desired effect, as the Lord Chan 
 cellor is well known to Sir William and the party." Autograph, in the possession 
 of Robert Cole, Esq. 
 
 5 Apparently " the Reverend and learned James Thorn, Rector of Southacre in 
 Norfolk," who died on the 20th June. 
 
 6 He died in the command of the Leeward Islands Station, on the 2nd of June, 
 
 c2
 
 20 LETTERS. [1802. 
 
 propose his going with General Grinfield, whose protection 
 will be useful in promoting Francis's interest with any Ad- 
 miral on that Station. When I know who the Admiral is, I 
 will certainly write to him. I am truly sorry for the accident 
 which has happened to your other son, but I hope a cold 
 climate will restore him. I have the honour to be with every 
 good wish, your Ladyship's most obedient servant, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO THE RIGHT HONOURABLE THE EARL OF CLANRICARDE. 7 
 
 [Autograph in the possession of Miss Shee.] 
 
 Mertou, July 3rd, 1802. 
 
 My dear Lord, 
 
 I am afraid that I got so decisive an answer about Mr. 
 Henry that but very little hopes are to be expected from the 
 present Admiralty ; I trust you will believe that if the business 
 rested with me, I would contrive some mode of bringing Mr. 
 H. ao-ain into the service. Not having seen the Minutes of 
 
 o o 
 
 the Court Martial,! can form no judgment of what can be urged 
 in Mr. II. 's memorial for restoration to his rank, as I was not in 
 the Baltic when he was tried. Two ways are open : one a Me- 
 morial to the King, stating all the favourable circumstances of 
 his case which Memorial is referred to the Admiralty : the 
 other is, as you propose, to get some Admiral to make him 
 from the station of Midshipman ; but then it lays with the 
 Admiralty to confirm him, and the present Board have given 
 their opinion ; and as to claims, Lord St. Vincent told me that 
 he conceives that no Officer has any claim for any services. 
 Lord Henry Paulet is just paying off his Ship, and if he will 
 join me in any further application, I shall readily embrace 
 every occasion of doing what you would wish me, for I am, 
 my dear Lord, with the greatest truth, your much obliged and 
 
 sincere friend, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 I beg my kindest regards to Sir Erasmus Gower, 8 when you 
 see him. 
 
 ' Vide vol. ii. p. 238. 
 
 8 A Rear- Admiral of the Red. Memoirs of this veteran Officer, who became a full 
 Admiral, are given in the Naval Chronicle, voi. iv. p. 257, and vol. xxx. p. 265.
 
 JET. 43.] LETTERS. 21 
 
 TO ALEXANDER DAVISOX, ESQ. 
 
 [Autograph, in tlie possession of Colonel Davison. The date of the year does not 
 occur to this Letter, and it may possibly have been written iu 1801 ; but as it ap- 
 pears to have accompanied some Memoranda on the subject, which were certainly 
 written in 1802, it is assigned to that year. Mr. Davison possessed considerable 
 influence in the City of London, and Lord Nelson was accustomed to communicate 
 to him his expectations and wishes on any subject connected with the Corporation, 
 or the City Companies. It must be flattering to the City of London to perceive the 
 very high value which Nelson attached to its approbation.] 
 
 Boxhill, July Oth, 7 P.M. [1802.] 
 
 (A very pretty place, and we are 
 
 all very happy.) 
 My dear Davison, 
 
 If the Victory of the 2nd was real, the Admirals, Officers, 
 and Men, who fought and obtained the Victory, are from 
 custom entitled to the Thanks of the City of London. Custom 
 has never gone back to the first causers of Victories, but simply 
 to the Victors. Lord St. Vincent had no thanks given him 
 for the Victory of the Nile, and Sir Hyde Parker, except 
 being nearer the scene of action, had no more to do with that 
 of Copenhagen than Lord St. Vincent. I cannot object to 
 any thanks or rewards being bestowed on any man ; but I 
 have a fair claim, from custom to be alone considered through 
 the whole of the Battle, as the Commander of the Ships fight- 
 ing. The Thanks of Parliament went only to Sir Hyde's 
 conduct in planning, not for the fighting? therefore, I look 
 forward with confidence to a Sword from the City of London; 
 and their Thanks, and the Freedom in a Gold Box, to Admiral 
 Graves. The City of London has never yet failed noticing 
 Sea Victories, and I trust, as the first commercial City in the 
 world, never will. I remember, a few years back, on my 
 noticing to a Lord Mayor, that if the City continued its gene* 
 
 9 " Resolved, Hem. diss., That the Thanks of this House be given to Admiral Sit 
 Hyde Parker, for the able and judicious disposition made by him of the Force under 
 his command, by which the Danish Ships of War forming the Line of Defence of 
 the Harbour of Copenhagen were taken or destroyed, on the 2nd of April, 1801. 
 Resolved, nem. diss., That the Thanks of this House be given to Vice-Admiral 
 Lord Nelson, K.B. ; Rear- Admiral Graves, and Colonel Stewart, commanding his 
 Majesty's 49th Regiment of Foot, and a Corps of Riflemen ; and to the several Cap- 
 tains and Officers of the Fleet under the command of Admiral Sir Hyde Parker, for 
 their bravery and gallant conduct on the said most glorious occasion ; and that Ad 
 miral Sir Hyde Parker do signify the same to them," &c. Lords' Journals, vol. 
 xliii. p. 101 ; Commons' Journal, vol. Ivi. p. 285,
 
 22 LETTERS. [1802. 
 
 rosity, we should ruin them by their gifts, his Lordship put his 
 hand on my shoulder and said aye, the Lord Mayor of London 
 said ' Do you find Victories, and we will find rewards.' 
 I have since that time found two complete Victories. I have 
 kept my word, and shall I have the power of saying that the 
 City of London, which exists by Victories at Sea, has not kept 
 its promise a promise made by a Lord Mayor in his robes, 
 and almost in the Royal presence ? I have a fair and honour- 
 able claim : my part of the honourable contract has been now 
 doubly fulfilled. We shall dine in Piccadilly, Saturday, five 
 o'clock, and Lady Hamilton and Sir William beg that you 
 will come to us ; and ever believe me, my dear Davison, your 
 obliged and affectionate, NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 MEMORANDUM. 
 
 [Autograph, in the possession of Colonel Davison.] 
 
 [Apparently written about July, 1802.] 
 
 From the very particular situation in which the Honourable 
 Lieutenant-Colonel Stewart, with the Troops under his com- 
 mand, were placed on board the Fleet under the command of 
 Sir Hyde Parker, for they certainly did not belong to any of 
 the Ships, therefore they were borne as supernumeraries, and 
 they cannot be considered merely as passengers, therefore 
 they must, in fairness, be considered as connected with the 
 services of the Fleet, and as the situation is entirely new, and 
 being truly sensible that the Army shared with us the toils 
 and dangers of the Expedition, we do, therefore, (as the pro- 
 clamation for the distribution of Prize-money, nor any joint 
 Expedition is in the smallest degree similar to the present,) as 
 a mark of our high sense of the services of the Honourable 
 Colonel Stewart and the Army, agree to give up a proportion 
 of the Admirals' one-eighth of Prize-money, so as to make 
 Colonel Stewart's share of Prize-money equal to that of a 
 Junior Flag-Officer; and we hereby authorize our Agent, 
 Alexander Davison, Esq., to take from the one-eighth due 
 to the class of Admirals such a sum as will make Colonel 
 Stewart's share equal to a Junior Flag-Officer ; and we are of 
 opinion that the Field Officers of the 49th Regiment ought to 
 share with the Captains of the Navy, and the other classes 
 according to their rank with the Navy.
 
 ^T. 43.] LETTERS. 23 
 
 TO CAPTAIN BUTTON, H.M. SHIP AMAZON. 
 
 [Autograph, in the possession of Captain Ives Sutton.] 
 
 Merton, July 12th, 1802. 
 My dear Sutton, 
 
 Many thanks for your kindness to Connor, and I will write 
 to Captain Shepard this day; and when you return, or will 
 have the goodness to send me Connor's and Band's account, 
 I will pay them with many thanks. I think you will like the 
 trip to the Baltic at all events, it is better than being kept as 
 you have been. We shall always be happy to receive you at 
 Merton. Foley was with us this morning ; he is in perfect 
 health. I have only to wish you a pleasant voyage, and 
 to beg you to be assured that I am ever, your much obliged 
 friend, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO THE REVEREND MR. YONGE, 8 TORRINGTON, DEVON. 
 
 [Autograph, in the possession of the Rev. W. G. Cokesley, of Eton College. In 
 the months of July and August, 1802, Lord Nelson, accompanied by Sir William 
 and Lady Hamilton, made a tour into Wales. Passing through Oxford, he was 
 created an honorary Doctor of Laws ; and was admitted to the Freedoms of the 
 Corporations of Monmouth, Hereford, and Worcester, on visiting those Cities. 
 
 Lord Nelson was received at Swansea with every mark of distinction, and on the 
 17th of August, a Paper was printed and circulated throughout the Town, appa- 
 rently taken from a Letter which he had written to the Portreeve : 
 
 " To the Corporation and Inhabitants of Swansea, and of the Neighbourhood, at 
 the particular instance and request of LORD NELSON. I have the honour to 
 communicate to you his Lordship's most grateful and sincere thanks for his 
 flattering reception amongst you, and to assure you that the favours you have 
 conferred upon him will never be effaced from his memory that the remem- 
 brance of them will descend with him to his grave. That he feels the dis- 
 tinguished marks of regard and applause not so much on his own account as for 
 what the example of their being so bestowed on him might afford to the rising 
 generation. ' That their endeavours to serve their Country and probably to succeed 
 in it, as he had been nattered, had fallen to his lot, would be as amply encouraged 
 and rewarded, and their names recorded with posterity amongst those who had 
 deserved well of it.' Thomas Morgan, Portreeve, August 17th, 1801." 
 
 At Monmouth, on the 19th of August, he made a speech, the concluding para- 
 graph of which should be engraved on the heart of every young Officer in both Ser- 
 vices : 
 
 " I beg leave to return you my most respectful thanks, for the honour done me 
 in drinking my health, and also for the acknowledgment of the important Public 
 
 8 Apparently the Father of Mrs. Nelson, afterwards Countess Nelson;
 
 24 LETTERS. [1802. 
 
 services you are pleased to say 1 Lave rendered my Country. It was my good fortune 
 to have under my command some of the most experienced Officers in the English 
 Navy, whose professional skill was seconded by the undaunted courage of British 
 Sailors ; and whatever merit might attach itself to me, I must declare, that I had only 
 to show them the Enemy, and Victory crowned the standard. The British Navy has 
 received a large portion of public applause ; but, however well deserved, it should be 
 told, that the same valour and sense of duty would have marked the conduct of the 
 British Army, had it been placed in such situations as would have afforded it an 
 equal opportunity of displaying its National courage; but it has unluckily hap- 
 pened that the same good fortune, in this instance, did not occur, or we should 
 have had equal reason for praising its heroism and Public services. When the 
 English Army was sent to Egypt, it was the opinion of many intelligent characters that 
 it would be destroyed. For my own part, I never thought so ; for wherever British 
 Soldiers have been opposed to those of France, they have uniformly conquered 
 them. In my own person I have received an overflowing measure of the Nation's 
 gratitude fur more than 1 either merited or expected ; because the same success 
 would have crowned the efforts of any other British Admiral, who had under his 
 command such distinguished Officers, and such gallant Crews. And here let me 
 impress it on the mind of every Officer in the Service, that to whatever quarter of 
 the Globe he may be destined, whether to the East or West Indies, to Africa, or 
 America, the eyes of his Country are upon him ; and so long as Public men, in 
 Public stations, exert themselves in those situations, to fulfil the duty demanded 
 from them by the Public, they will always find the British Nation ready to heap 
 upon them the utmost extent of its gratitude and its applause."' Naval Chronicle, 
 vol. xx. p. 110.] 
 
 Llandovery, July 38th, 1802. 
 
 Dear Sir, 
 
 I am much obliged by your letter telling me of the death 
 of Dr. Harward, 1 which I received ere our departure from 
 Merton, and I sent to Mr. Addington. What the result of 
 the application may be I know not ; but be it as it may we all 
 feel equally obliged to you. We are so far on our journey to 
 Milford, and shall return in August. We all desire our best 
 compliments to Mrs. Yonge, and beg you to believe me, your 
 much obliged, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 MEMORANDA RESPECTING THE FOREST OF DEAN. 
 
 [Autograph, in the Sidmouth Papers. The following Observations respecting the 
 Forest of Dean having occurred to Lord Nelson during his Tour, he communicated 
 them to the Prime Minister:] 
 
 [About August, 1802.] 
 
 The Forest of Dean contains about 23,000 acres of the 
 finest land in the Kingdom, which, I am informed, if in a higL 
 
 1 Doctor Charles Harward, Dean of Exeter, who died on the loth of July, 1802. It 
 would seem that Lord Nelson applied to Mr. Addington to appoint his brother, Doctor 
 Nelson, to the vacant Deanery, but, if he did so, the request was not complied with.
 
 JET. 43.] LETTERS. 25 
 
 state of cultivation of oak, would produce about 9200 loads of 
 timber, fit for building Ships of the Line, every year that 
 is, the Forest would grow in full vigour 920,000 oak trees. 
 The state of the Forest at this moment is deplorable ; for, 
 if my information is true, there is not 3500 load of timber in 
 the whole Forest fit for building, and none coming forward. 
 It is useless, I admit, to state the causes of such a want of 
 timber where so much could be produced, except that, by 
 knowing the faults, we may be better enabled to amend our- 
 selves. 
 
 First, the generality of trees, for these last fifty years, have 
 been allowed to stand too long. They are passed by instead 
 of removed, and thus occupy a space which ought to have 
 been re-planted with young trees. 
 
 Secondly, that where good timber is felled, nothing is 
 planted, and nothing can grow self sown ; for the deer (of 
 which now only a few remain) bark all the young trees. Vast 
 droves of hogs are allowed to go into the woods in the autumn; 
 and if any fortunate acorn escapes their search, and takes root, 
 then flocks of sheep are allowed to go into the Forest, and they 
 bite off the lender shoot. These are sufficient reasons why 
 timber does not grow in the Forest of Dean. 
 
 Of the waste of timber, in former times, I can say nothing; 
 but of late years, it has been, I am told, shameful. Trees cut 
 down in swampy places, as the carriage is done by contract, 
 are left to rot, and are cut up by people in the neighbourhood. 
 Another abuse is the Contractors, as they can carry more 
 measurement, are allowed to cut the trees to their advantage 
 of carriage, by which means the invaluable crooked timber is 
 lost for the service of the Navy. There are also another 
 cause of the failure of timber a set of people called Forest 
 Free Miners, who consider themselves as having a right to dig 
 for coal in any part they please. These people, in many 
 places, inclose pieces of ground, which is daily increasing by 
 the inattention, to call it by no worse name, of the Surveyors, 
 Verderers, &c., who have the charge of the Forest. 
 
 Of late years, some apparently vigorous measures were taken 
 for preserving and encouraging the growth of timber in the 
 King's Forests, and part of the Forest of Dean has been en- 
 closed; but it is so very ill attended to, that it is little, if 
 anything better than the other part.
 
 26 LETTERS. [1802. 
 
 There is another abuse which I omitted to mention. Trees 
 which die of themselves are considered as of no value. A 
 gentleman told me, that in shooting on foot, for on horseback 
 it cannot be seen, hid by the fern, which grows a great height, 
 the trees of fifty years growth, fit for buildings, fencing, c., 
 are cut just above ground entirely through the bark: in two 
 years the tree dies, and it becomes either a perquisite, or is 
 allowed to be taken away by favoured people. These shameful 
 abuses are probably [not] known to those high in power; but I 
 have gathered the information of them from people of all descrip- 
 tions, and perfectly disinterested in telling me, or knowing that 
 I had any view in a transient inquiry. But, knowing the abuses, 
 it is for the serious consideration of every lover of his Country, 
 how they can either be done away, or, at least, lessened per- 
 haps, a very difficult or impossible task. 
 
 If the Forest of Dean is to be preserved as a useful Forest 
 for the Country, strong measures must be pursued. First, the 
 Guardian of this support of our Navy, must be an intelligent 
 honest man, who will give up his time to his employment : 
 therefore, he must live in the Forest, have a house, a small 
 farm, and an adequate salary. I omitted to mention that the 
 expense of a Surveyor of Woods, as far as relates to this 
 Forest, to be done away : Verderer, as at present, also. The 
 Guardian to have proper Verderers under him who understand 
 the planting, thinning, and management of timber trees. These 
 places should be so comfortable, that the fear of being turned 
 out should be a great object of terror, and, of course, an 
 inducement for them to exert themselves in their different 
 stations. The first thing necessary in the Forest of Dean is 
 to plant some acres of acorns ; and I saw plenty of clear fields 
 with cattle grazing in my voyage down the Wye. In two years, 
 these will be fit for transplanting. 
 
 N.B. I am aware that objections have been made to the 
 transplanting of oak. I am not knowing enough in this matter 
 to say how far this is true, when so young as two to five, or six 
 years. The next thing is to be careful to thin the trees ; for 
 more timber is lost by being too fearful of cutting down, 
 than by badly thinning. A tree from ten years of age ought, 
 by a scale given to me by a very able man, to be as follows, 
 viz.:
 
 ,T. 43.] LETTERS. 27 
 
 Number of trees that such land as the Forest of Dean may 
 contain at different periods from their being first set : 
 
 Trees distant Years after Number of Number of 
 
 from each other. beeu set. Trees in an Trees to be 
 
 Feet. Number. acre. thinned. 
 
 6 .... 10 .... 1200 
 
 10 .... 20 .... 430 .... 770 
 
 15 .... 40 .... 190 .... 240 
 
 20 .... 60 .... 100 .... 90 
 
 25 .... 80 .... 60 .... 40 
 
 30 .... 100 .... 45 .... 15 
 
 In forty years, these Forests will produce a great value of 
 timber fit for many uses in the Navy indeed all, except for 
 Ships of the Line. 
 
 If, on a due consideration, it is found not to be practicable 
 for Government to arrange a plan for growing their own timber, 
 then I would recommend at once selling the Forests, and en- 
 courage the growth of oak timber. I calculate, that taking 
 away the 3500 load of timber at present fit for cutting, (or be it 
 more or less,) that the Forest of Dean will sell for 460,000. I 
 am sensible that what I have thrown together upon paper is 
 so loose, that no plan can be drawn from it ; but if these facts, 
 which I have learnt from my late tour, may be in the least 
 degree instrumental in benefiting our Country, I shall be truly 
 happy. 
 
 A few Thoughts on encouraging the Growth of Oak Tim- 
 ber, drawn from conversations with many gentlemen in my 
 late tour : 
 
 First, The reason why timber has of late years been so 
 much reduced has been uniformly told me, that, from the 
 pressure of the times, gentlemen who had 1000 to 5 worth 
 of timber on their estates, although only half-grown, (say fifty 
 years of age,) were obliged to sell it to raise temporary sums, 
 (say to pay off legacies.) The owner cannot, however sorry 
 he may feel to see the beauty of his place destroyed, and what 
 would be treble the value to his children annihilated, help 
 himself. It has struck me forcibly, that if Government could 
 form a plan to purchase of such gentlemen the growing oak,
 
 28 LETTERS. [1802. 
 
 that it would be a National benefit, and a great and pleasing 
 accommodation to such growers of oak as wish to sell. 
 
 My knowledge of this subject, drawn from the conversation 
 of gentlemen in the oak countries, I think, would almost 
 obviate all difficulties. Of myself, I own my incompetence to 
 draw up a plan fit for public inspection ; but all rny gathered 
 knowledge shall be most cheerfully at the service of some able 
 man. 
 
 TO THE REVEREND DIXON HOSTE. 
 
 [Autograph, in the possession of Captain Sir William Iloste. Oil the 15th of 
 July 1802, the " London Gazette," announced the King's permission to Lord Nel- 
 son " to accept and wear the Ensigns of Knight Grand Commander of the Equestrian 
 Secular and Capitular Order of St. Joachim, into which he had been elected by a 
 General Cliivpter of the Order at Westenbourg." Vide vol. iv. p. 510.] 
 
 Milford, August 3rd, 1802. 
 My dear Sir, 
 
 I had a letter from William, dated Malta, June 24th. He 
 was perfectly well, but very anxious to return to England, 
 and I hope the Greyhound's turn will soon arrive, when you 
 will receive one of the best young Men and Sea-officers in 
 Europe. I am, dear Sir, your most obedient servant, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO THE RIGHT HONOURABLE SIR JOHN EAMER, 
 [From a Copy in the Nelson Papers.] 
 
 Private. Merton, 8th September, 1802. 
 
 My dear Sir John, 
 
 I can assure you that I should dine with you in your pri- 
 vate capacity with the greatest pleasure ; but it is impossible, 
 as I am sure you are sensible of, that Lord Nelson can receive 
 any mark of distinction from the Chief Magistrate of the City 
 of London, the conduct of the brave Captains, Officers, and 
 Men, who so bravely fought, died, and conquered in the 
 Battle of Copenhagen not having had the honour of the 
 approbation of the City of London, in their Corporate capa- 
 city. Whatever my demerits might have been on that glorious 
 day, I am bold to say, that British valour never shone more
 
 .ST. 43.] LETTERS. 29 
 
 conspicuously, or more successfully, than on the 2nd of April, 
 1801. Whenever, my dear Sir John, you cease to be Chief 
 Magistrate of the City of London, name your day, and I will 
 dine with you with satisfaction; but never till the City of 
 London think justly of the merits of my brave Companions of 
 the 2nd of April, can I, their Commander, receive any atten- 
 tion from the City of London. Believe me, my dear Sir 
 John, your much obliged, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO ALEXANDER DAVISON, ESQ., SWANLAND HOUSE, 
 NORTHUMBERLAND. 
 
 [Autograph, in the possession of Colonel Davisou.] 
 
 Merton, September llth, 1802. 
 My dear Davison, 
 
 I called at your house, and was glad to find that you left 
 London free from the gout ; and I hope that the fine fresh 
 air of Swanland has kept you in perfect good health ; but I 
 own myself selfish enough to wish you in St. Jarnes' Square, 
 for at your breakfast I heard all that was going on in the great 
 world, and it was a central place where any one could meet 
 me. We have had rather a longer tour than was at first in- 
 tended ; for Merton was not fit to receive us, Dods being so 
 very ill, even at death's door, the work went on so very 
 slowly. It is not even yet finished. Our tour has been very 
 fine and interesting, and the way in which I have been every 
 where received most flattering to my feelings ; and although 
 some of the higher powers may wish to keep me down, yet the 
 reward of the general approbation and gratitude for my ser- 
 vices is an ample reward for all I have done ; but it makes a 
 comparison fly up to my mind, not much to the credit of some 
 in the higher Offices of the State. Axe's estate is not yet paid 
 for, the papers not being yet forthcoming. Pray, in whose 
 hands is the money received from Tucker placed, and have I 
 the power of drawing for it, or must you give an order ? I 
 saw Nepean ; the Earl, &c., are on a visitation to the Dock- 
 yards. As to political news, I have seen nobody who could 
 tell me anything except Mr. Addington for a moment, and 
 the only thing he told me was, that the receipts at the Custom
 
 30 LETTERS. [1802. 
 
 House and Excise Office were never so great as at present. 
 Pray God they may continue ! The fall of the Funds is con- 
 sidered as a trick to ruin Lord Carrington's house, 9 and that 
 they will fall to 65, and rise immediately to 75 after the loan 
 is paid in, which will be in November, and that Peace or War 
 has nothing to do with them. Lady Hamilton desires to join 
 me in every kind and good wish for yourself and family 
 with, my dear Davison, your truly faithful and affectionate 
 friend, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 Sir William is gone to Windsor. 
 
 TO ALEXANDER DAVISON, ESQ. 
 [Autograph, iu the possession of Colonel Davison.] 
 
 Merton, September 20th, 1802. 
 
 My dear Davison, 
 
 I feel very much obliged by your kind and truly affectionate 
 letter. You are right about the Country ; for London seems 
 absolutely .deserted, and so hot and stinking that it is truly 
 detestable. I will not say what I feel about your bankers, for 
 to a generous mind it would feel distressing. It is a rare 
 instance of friendship, and such as I can never forget. We are 
 fixed here till next year, and it is not impossible but we may 
 make a Northern visit, and we shall have much pleasure in 
 visiting Swanland House. 
 
 We have had several of our friends drop off. Poor Dods is 
 gone, and our house not finished. I have not heard who is to 
 carry on his business. You who have built so fine a house to 
 make his fortune in. What a change ! How short sighted we are ! 
 I have also lost Mr. Graefer, my governor of Bronte : he died 
 August 7th. It embarrasses me a little, but I endeavour to 
 make the best of things, and it may possibly turn out to my 
 pecuniary advantage. I have his full account of my estate ; 
 rather more than 3000 a year nett, and increasing every year 
 in value. General Acton has taken possession of everything 
 
 9 The well-known Banking-house of Smith, Payne, and Smith.
 
 JET:. 43.] LETTERS. 31 
 
 for me, and is behaving very friendly. Sir William and Lady 
 Hamilton desire their kind compliments ; and believe me, my 
 dear Davison, your obliged and affectionate friend, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. ' 
 
 TO WILLIAM MOBBS, ESQ. 
 [From a Copy.] 
 
 Merton, September 28th, 1802. 
 Sir, 
 
 The having my conduct approved by every description of 
 my Countrymen, cannot but be highly flattering, and I beg 
 leave to return my sincere thanks for the honour they have 
 done me in electing me an Honorary Member of their Society ; 
 and I can only hope that the name of the Club, Odd, from 
 having honour for their pilot, and truth for their rudder, will 
 not soon be lost, by every man in the Kingdom adhering to 
 those principles. With every sentiment of respect, I am, 
 Sir, your much obliged and obedient servant, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO CAPTAIN SUTTON. 
 
 [Autograph, in the possession of Captain Ives Sutton.J 
 
 Merton, October llth, 1802. 
 
 My dear Sutton, 
 
 Your Steward has called upon me for my influence to get 
 him a place. Alas, I have not the smallest interest to get any 
 place, however small ! Will you come and see us to-morrow ? 
 We have a bed for you, and we shall be very happy to receive 
 you at Merton, and I am ever, my dear Sutton, your obliged 
 
 friend, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 1 To this Letter, Lady Hamilton added a few lines, expressing her concern for 
 Mr. Dods' death, and saying they would do anything to assist his widow. She 
 expressed her regret that Mr. Davison would not be with them on the 29th, " to 
 keep the Hero of Heroes' birth-day ;" and added that they had had " a most charming 
 tour," which would cause " some of the enemies of the greatest man alive to burst" 
 with envy.
 
 32 LETTERS. [1802. 
 
 TO ALEXANDER DAVISON, ESQ., SWANLAND HOUSE, 
 NORTHUMBERLAND. 
 
 [Autograph, in tlie possession of Colonel Davison.] 
 
 Merton, October 20th, 1803. 
 
 My dear Friend, 
 
 I am really so very little in the world, that I know little, if 
 anything, beyond [what] Newspaper reports say respecting our 
 conduct on the affairs of the Continent. It is true, I have seen 
 Mr. Addington and Lord St. Vincent several times ; but our 
 conversations are like Swift's and Lord Oxford's. 1 Yet it was 
 not difficult to discover, that We felt our importance in the 
 scale of Europe degraded, if Buonaparte was allowed to act as 
 he has lately done ; and that it was necessary for vis to speak a 
 dignified language ; but when, where, or to whom all this 
 was to be done I know no more than your ploughman. By 
 the meeting of Parliament many things must come forth. I 
 asked Lord St. Vincent a few days past when the Holstein - 
 was to be paid for, and the stores. He said that Lord Hawkes- 
 bury had requested him to let this stand until the Dutch 
 business was finished; and, what was odd, Lord St. Vincent 
 seemed to agree with me that it would have been better to 
 have given us 100,000 as a gift in lieu of Head-money, Ships, 
 &c. &c. Apropos, I have had an offer for the purchase of the 
 brass guns ; 2 you have the account of those I sent to Woolwich, 
 
 1 " 'Tis (let me see) three years and more 
 (October next it will be four) 
 Since Havley bid me first attend, 
 And chose me for an humble friend ; 
 Would take me in his coach to chat, 
 And question me of this and that : 
 As " What's o'clock?" and " How's the wind ?" 
 " Whose chariot's that we left behind ?" 
 Or gravely try to read the lines 
 Writ underneath the country signs ; 
 Or, " Have you nothing new to-day 
 From Pope, from Parnell, or from Gay ?" 
 Such tattle often entertains 
 My Lord and me as far as Staines, 
 As once a-week we travel down 
 To Windsor, and again to Town ; 
 Where all that passes inter nos 
 Might be proclaimed at Charing-Cross ! " 
 
 2 Taken at Copenhagen.
 
 JET. 44,] LETTERS. 33 
 
 and have you got those left at Yarmouth, and aboard several 
 Ships which I sent you an account of? I called the last [time] 
 I was in Town at your house, but Mr. Bowring was out, and 
 the other Clerk told me he supposed Mr. Cutler managed all 
 the Prize business. Sir William and Lady Hamilton desire 
 to be kindly remembered. We had the pleasure of dining in 
 company with Mr. Gosling a few days ago. Ever, my dear 
 Davison, I am your obliged and faithful friend, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO SAMUEL FORD, ESQ. 
 [From the "Gentleman's Magazine," vol. Ixxvi. p. 304.] 
 
 Merton, October 24th, 1802. 
 Sir, 
 
 I feel much honoured by the polite invitation you have (by 
 the direction of the Chairman and Committee of the Consti- 
 tutional Livery of London,) sent me ; and I am very sorry to 
 be so situated, that it is out of my power to accept it. I have 
 farther to request that you will have the goodness to present 
 my compliments to the Chairman and Committee. I return 
 the ticket of admission, and I am, with great respect, Sir, your 
 much obliged and humble servant, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO THE RIGHT HONOURABLE THE LORD MAYOR ELECT, AND 
 SHERIFFS OF LONDON. 
 
 [From a Copy in the Nelson Papers.] 
 
 Merton, November 8th, 1802. 
 
 Lord Nelson returns his most respectful compliments to the 
 Lord Mayor Elect, and the Sheriffs, and is most exceedingly 
 sorry that it is not in his power to do himself the honour and 
 pleasure of dining with them at Guildhall on Lord Mayor's 
 day, for the following reasons ; 
 
 Lord Nelson having waited with the greatest patience until 
 every individual who had rendered the smallest service to the 
 Country had been marked by the City of London, wrote a 
 letter to the Lord -Mayor, (Sir John Earner,) stating his sor- 
 
 VOL. V. D
 
 34 LETTERS. [1802. 
 
 row that those under his command, who fought the most 
 bloody Battle, and obtained the most complete Victory of any 
 Naval Battle in this, or, Lord Nelson believes, in any War, had 
 not had the honour to receive from the great City of London 
 the same mark of approbation as had been bestowed on others ; 
 but Lord Nelson being advised of the impropriety of pointing 
 out what the City of London ought to have done, wrote 
 another letter to the Lord Mayor, desiring to withdraw his 
 letter. 
 
 But Lord Nelson's sentiments being precisely the same, and 
 feeling for the situation of those brave Captains, Officers, and 
 Men, who so bravely fought, profusely bled, and obtained such 
 a glorious, complete, and most important Victory for their 
 King and Country, cannot do himself the honour and hap- 
 piness of meeting his Fellow- Citizens on the 9th of November. 
 
 Lord Nelson flatters himself that the Lord Mayor Elect, and 
 the Sheriffs, will approve of his feelings on this occasion, and 
 consider that if Lord Nelson could forget the services of those 
 who have fought under his command, that he would ill 
 deserve to be so supported as he always has been. 
 
 TO CAPTAIN GEORGE MURRAY. 
 
 [Autograph, in the possession of George Murray, Esq.] 
 
 Merton, November 10th, 1802. 
 My dear Murray, 
 
 We shall be very happy to see you on Friday, as Thursday 
 does not suit Captain Domett. I can assure you that at all times 
 I am ever glad to see you, for I never shall forget your gallant 
 support of me at the Battle of Copenhagen, and I thank you 
 for taking the trouble of driving seven miles to make me a 
 visit ; for, could you believe it, there are those who I thought 
 were my firm friends, some of near thirty years' standing who 
 have never taken that trouble ! I am ever, my dear Murray, 
 your obliged and faithful, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE.
 
 JET:. 44.] LETTERS. 35 
 
 TO CAPTAIN SIR EDWARD BERRY. 
 
 [From a Copy in the Nelson Papers.] 
 
 Merton, November 27th, 1802. 
 
 My dear Sir Edward, 
 
 We feel infinitely obliged by your kind present of a brace 
 of fine pheasants. I should have answered your kind present 
 sooner, but I have been taken up by business in Town. My 
 cause is now to be brought before the Court of King's Bench, 3 
 and another year may pass away. The Judges being two and 
 two, a new trial was necessary, or an appeal on my part to 
 another, allowing judgment to be given against me : but 
 I now begin to think that justice will carry it against power. 
 Sir William and Lady Hamilton desire their kind compliments 
 and believe me ever, yours most faithfully, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO CAPTAIN PAGE, 4 H.M. SHIP CAROLINE. 
 [From The United Service Journal" for October 1839.] 
 
 Merton, December 2nd, 1802. 
 
 My dear Sir, 
 
 A young man of the name of Coleman, of the Close, at 
 Norwich, recommended to me by Mr. Wyndham, was with 
 me in the St. George, 90, in the Baltic, and paid off from her. 
 He is eighteen months at sea, and I will thank you to take 
 him ; but I have nothing to do with his pecuniary concerns, 
 and only beg leave to suggest the practice now followed, of 
 parents lodging the money in the Captain's or Agent's hands, 
 before the Captain advances money for them, and what he may 
 never have repaid him. I again thank you for your kindness 
 in taking the lad for me, and am ever your much obliged, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 3 His lawsuit with the Earl of St. Vincent, before mentioned. 
 * Captain Benjamin William Page, now an Admiral of the Blue.
 
 36 LETTERS. [1802. 
 
 TO THE RIGHT HONOURABLE HENRY ADDINGTON. 
 
 [Autograph, in the Sidmouth Papers.] 
 
 Merton, December 4th, 1802. 
 
 My dear Sir, 
 
 I send you my thoughts respecting Malta, made as they 
 flow, from my pen, but with the less diffidence, as I feel that 
 you do not consider my thoughts (on paper) as impertinent 
 intrusions on your time, but as the well meaning of your 
 sincere and attached, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 ON MALTA. 
 
 It must never belong to France England does not want it. 
 If Russia will not guarantee Malta, then a new negotiation 
 must be set on foot, and we must hold fast until it is settled. 
 But if Russia will guarantee Malta, then it will become a 
 serious consideration in the new state of the Order, whether it 
 can be carried into effect. Malta is materially changed since 
 the Treaty of Amiens, by Spain having (in breach of that 
 Treaty) taken away a great part of that revenue which was to 
 support the expenses of the Order, and if one power can do it, 
 another can do the same, and the Order of Malta, unable to 
 maintain itself, falls of course. 
 
 N.B. It is easy to see from whose advice Spain has acted ; 
 other Countries may follow the same advice. 
 
 The Order of Malta cannot, in keeping the fortifications in 
 repair, ships, galleys, &c., be kept up for less than the former 
 revenue, and by the introduction of the new Langue, the 
 pride of Spaniards will not allow them, nor even the Italians, 
 to enter into the Order ; and they brought a vast accession of 
 flowing wealth to the Order, which now will fail. 
 
 Under these circumstances, it becomes a consideration 
 what can be done with it to accord to the spirit of the Treaty 
 of Amiens, that neither France or England shall possess it. 
 
 The King of the Two Sicilies is the acknowledged Lord of 
 the Island, even the Maltese, after the destruction of the Order, 
 in their addresses style themselves his Subjects ; therefore, on 
 the face of the act, there could be no objection to giving it to 
 him ; but the consideration is, how a weak State can keep it
 
 JET. 44.] LETTERS. 37 
 
 out of the power of so powerful a one as France only by 
 guarantees that the King of the Two Sicilies shall hold Malta 
 on the same terms as the Order, (if it is possible that it shall 
 always be neutral,) and tied up by the guarantee that on no 
 consideration of exchange of territory shall it be given up. 
 The Emperor of Russia having guaranteed all the King of 
 Naples' Dominions last year, will not probably object to do 
 the same for Malta. It is so much the interest of the King 
 of the Two Sicilies to keep Malta from France, (for he would 
 lose Sicily if he gave it up) that I think him, under guarantees, 
 the most proper person to have it. France could not object by 
 the spirit of the Treaty of Amiens, to its being placed, (the 
 Order not being possible to be restored,) in the King of Naples' 
 hands under the same restrictions, and this Country would 
 save 300,000 a year, and by as far as human faith and fore- 
 sight can go, keep Malta out of the hands of France. 
 
 The King of Naples can wish for neither France or Eng- 
 land to possess Malta. By the first, he must lose Sicily : by 
 the latter, he may be involved in a war about Malta, should 
 France and England go to war; and this, in my opinion, 
 could be the only rational inducement for the King of Naples 
 to pay the great expenses of holding Malta. 
 
 If neither of these plans can be accomplished, we have no 
 choice but to keep Malta. 
 
 NOTE. When I was instructed by Lord Grenville to con- 
 sider the Emperor of Russia as Grand Master of the Order, 
 in my correspondence with him on the situation of Malta* 
 I represented to him the tyranny of the Order over the Inha- 
 bitants, and presumed to recommend, in order that they 
 should be reconciled to the return of the Order, that he would 
 direct them to be assured that they should be eligible to be 
 elected to any Office in the Island. He directly ordered his 
 Minister at Naples to go to Malta, and to assure this boon to 
 the Inhabitants ; and Chevalier Italinski went and returned 
 in one of our Ships. This, perhaps, considering the pride of 
 the Knights, was all that could be obtained. The Spaniards 
 already term the Maltese Langue, the Shopkeeper Langue. 
 
 c
 
 38 LETTERS [1802. 
 
 TO HERCULES ROSS, ESQ. 
 [Autograph in the possession of Horatio Ross, Esq.] 
 
 Merton, December 16th, 1802. 
 My dear Friend, 
 
 Your letter is gone to Colonel Brownrigg, 5 with one from 
 myself, this morning. The moment I get his answer you 
 shall have it. I know not that I have any influence with His 
 Royal Highness, but I will without difficulty, to show my 
 readiness to oblige you, being truly your most obliged and 
 faithful friend, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO HERCULES ROSS, ESQ. 
 [Autograph, in the possession of Horatio Ross, Esq.] 
 
 St. James's-squore, Tuesday Morning. 
 
 My dear Friend, 
 
 I am extremely sorry, but it is absolutely out of my power 
 to be in Harley Street this morning, as I am obliged to go in 
 the City on business, which will admit of no excuse, for my 
 new purchase depends on it. I can therefore only wish you, 
 which I do from my heart, health and every blessing which 
 the Deity can bestow, and believe me, my dear friend, ever 
 your most affectionate and faithful, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO MR. JAMES FITTLER. 
 
 [Autograph, in the possession of J. Wild, Esq. On the 21st of December, 
 IHO'-i, Lord Nelson made the following Speech on the Bill for a Naval Inquiry 
 into abuses. After mentioning the confidence that might be placed in the 
 authoritative inquiry of the Commissioners, he said: " My Lords, in the absence 
 of my noble friend who is at the head of the Admiralty, I think it my duty to 
 say a few words to your Lordships in regard to a Bill, of which the objects 
 have an express reference to the interests of my profession as a Seaman. It un- 
 doubtedly originates in the feeling of the Admiralty, that they have not the power 
 
 1 Lieutenant-Colonel, afterwards Sir Robert Brownrigg, Bart., G.C.B., then Mili- 
 tary Secretary to his Royal Highness the Duke of York, Commander-in- Chief.
 
 JET. 44.] LETTERS. 39 
 
 to remedy certain abuses which they perceive to be the most injurious to the Public 
 service. Every man knows that there are such abuses ; and I hope there is none 
 among us who would not gladly do all that can be constitutionally effected to cor 
 rect them. Yet, if I had heard of any objection of weight urged against the measure 
 in the present Bill, I should certainly have hesitated to do aught to promote its 
 progress through the forms of this House. But I can recollect but one thing with 
 which I have been struck, as possibly exceptionable in its tenour. It authorizes the 
 Commissioners to call for and inspect the books of Merchants who may have had 
 transactions of business with auy of the Boards or Prize-agents into whose conduct 
 they are to inquire. But the credit of the British Merchant is the support of the 
 commerce of the world ; his books are not lightly, nor for any ordinary purpose, to 
 be taken out of his own hands ; the secrets of his business are not to be too curiously 
 pried into. The books of a single Merchant may betray the secrets, not only of his 
 own affairs, but of those with whom he is principally connected in business, and the 
 reciprocal confidence of the whole Commercial world may, by the authoritative in- 
 quiry of these Commissioners, be shaken. All this, at least, I should have feared 
 as liable to happen, if the persons who are named in the Bill had not been men 
 whose characters are above all suspicion of indiscretion or malice. I may presume 
 it to be the common conviction of the Merchants, that in such hands they will be 
 safe; since they have made no opposition to the Bill in its former progress, and 
 since they have offered no appearance against it by counsel, at your Lordship's bar ; 
 and truly, my Lords, if the Bill be thus superior to all objections, I can affirm, that 
 the necessities, the wrongs of those who are employed in the Naval service of their 
 Country, most loudly call for the redress which it proposes. From the highest 
 Admiral in the service to the lowest cabin-boy that walks the street, there is not a 
 man but may be in distress, with large sums of wages due to him, of which he shall, 
 by no diligence of request, be able to obtain payment : there is not a man, whose 
 entreaties will be readily answered with aught but insults, at the proper places for 
 his application, if he come not with particular recommendations to a preference. 
 From the highest Admiral to the meanest Seaman, whatever the sums of Prize- 
 money due to him, no man can tell when he may securely call any part of it his own. 
 A man may have 40,000 due to him in Prize-money, and yet be dismissed without 
 a shilling, if he ask for it, at the proper Office, without particular recommendation. 
 Are these things to be tolerated ? Is it not for the interest is it not for the honour 
 of the Country, that they should not be as speedily as possible redressed ? I should 
 be as unwilling as any man to give an over-weening preference to the interests of my 
 own Profession ; but I cannot help thinking, that under all the circumstances of the 
 affair, your Lordships will be strongly disposed to advance this Bill into a law, as 
 speedily as may be consistent with the order of your proceedings, and with due pru- 
 dence of deliberation." His Lordship also, on the third reading of the Bill, on the 
 following day, expressed his desire that the necessary inquiries into the flagrant 
 abuses by Prize-agents, might be made the subject of a separate act ; observing at 
 the same time, that there might be instances in which the delay of payment resulted 
 from unavoidable accidents. Clarice and M'Arthur, 8vo Ed., vol. ii. p. 408.] 
 
 Merton, December 21st, 1802. 
 
 Sir, 
 
 I have received your most beautiful print of the Battle of 
 the Nile, and if you will be so good as to let me know the 
 price of the print, I will try and get some of them sold ; but
 
 40 LETTERS. [1803. 
 
 I fear the time for such events being interesting is past. I 
 beg your acceptance of the 25 sent herewith ; and I am, 
 Sir, with every good wish for the sale of your print, your 
 most obliged and obedient servant, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO THOMAS POLLARD, ESQ., LEGHORN. 6 
 [Autograph, iu the possession of John Luxford, Esq.] 
 
 Merton, Surrey, January 21st, 1803. 
 My dear Pollard, 
 
 I feel very much obliged by your kind letter of Novem- 
 ber 26th, and for your offer of service, and I will trouble you 
 to send me two cases of Florence wine ; not sweet wine, but 
 that which is known in this Country as Florence wine. I think 
 you judge quite right to see how Tuscany is settled, before 
 you get into much business. Sir William and Lady Hamil- 
 ton join me in every good and kind wish to you and Mrs. 
 Pollard; and I am ever your much obliged and faithful 
 friend, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO ADMIRAL THE EARL OF ST. VINCENT, K.B. 
 
 [Autograph, in the possession of Vice- Admiral Sir William Parker, Bart., G.C.B.] 
 
 Mertou, January 20th, 1803. 
 
 My dear Lord, 
 
 Captain (Major) Weir, who you have given the retirement 
 of the Marines to, was with me this morning, and truly thank- 
 ful for your kind reception of him when he arrived in Eng- 
 land. We all know him to be a worthy, good man, and a 
 most excellent Officer. He was, for the benefit of the King's 
 Service, and at the request of Colonel Graham, appointed to 
 the rank of Major. His whole conduct in raising a Maltese 
 Corps, and his merits at Porto Ferraio, are fully known to 
 you. What he wishes, as a feather in his cap, is, to have his 
 Brevet rank, given by me, confirmed by the Admiralty, that 
 he may be called Major in future. As this w r ill not be any 
 
 8 Vide vol. i. p. 350, passim.
 
 JET. 44.] LETTERS. 41 
 
 expense to the State, but a high gratification to a most de- 
 serving Officer, I hope that your Lordship will find no diffi- 
 culty in complying with his wishes, and in so doing you will 
 also much oblige your faithful and affectionate, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE, 
 
 TO ADMIRAL THE EARL OF ST. VINCENT, K.B. 
 [Autograph, in the Sidmoutli Papers.] 
 
 23, Piccadilly, January 28th, 1803. 
 
 My dear Lord, 
 
 As your indifferent state of health will, I fear, prevent your 
 coming to Town for some time, I write to your Lordship on a 
 subject which we once entered upon, but which you desired 
 to defer till the Dutch Ships were paid for, when you would 
 settle our Copenhagen business with Lord Hawkesbury. I 
 am now, by desire of several Captains, asking your Lordship 
 if any decision has taken place on this business ? If you refer 
 me to Lord Hawkesbury, as the proper Minister for this busi- 
 ness, or any other Minister, I shall address myself to him (or 
 them ;) or if you think that a Public letter to the Secretary 
 of the Admiralty is the proper channel, I will write one to 
 him. It is near two years since that Battle was fought. I 
 own myself exactly of the same opinion as when I wrote to 
 you from the Baltic, that under all the peculiar circumstances 
 of the case no war ioit.h Denmark, therefore no condemnation 
 could take place that it would be better to give a gratuity 
 for our services. I said (I believe) 100,000 was as little as 
 could be offered. You differed from me, but wrote me that 
 you would recommend a large price to be given for the Hoi- 
 stein. You will, my dear Lord, see the situation I am placed 
 in, and excuse my reverting to you to advise me in what 
 channel 1 shall proceed, to bring our Copenhagen prize busi- 
 ness to a close. With every kind wish for the re-establish- 
 ment of your health, believe me yours most faithfully, 
 
 NELSON AND BKONTE. S 
 
 8 The following Memorandum occurs on tins Letter: "Lord St. Vincent settled 
 With Lord Nelson that Lord St. Vincent would tell Mr. Addington on Friday last 
 that uo,000 would satisfy Lord Nelson for the Ships and Stores taken at Copen- 
 hagen, exclusive of the 30,000 Head-money already paid the above sum to include 
 the Holsteiu, hrass Cannon, and other Stores, landed in our Arsenals. N. AND B. 
 February 20th, 1803."
 
 42 LETTERS. [1803. 
 
 TO ALEXANDER DAVISON, ESQ. 
 
 [Autograph, in the possession of Colonel Davison.] 
 My dear Davison, 23, Piccadilly, February 8th, 1803. 
 
 I have longed, for an age, to write you a line ; for no one 
 [can] have more felt for the distress you must have suffered 
 than us of this house. Miss Davison was so good as to send 
 us word that William 9 was better. I trust that you will now 
 soon be enabled to travel, and that I shall very soon have the 
 pleasure of shaking you by the hand. Your kind offer I feel 
 most sensibly ; but at present I have no wants ; and I hope 
 soon to be in that state of complete independence, which you 
 so really wish. But ' A friend in need is a friend indeed ' is 
 an old adage, but not the less true, and I am truly thankful 
 and grateful for all your kindness. I am just got to work on 
 the Copenhagen business, and I hope to get from Mr. 
 Addington 50 or 60,000 for the Captors, including the 
 Holstein. Sir Hyde has given up the management of this 
 matter to me. At another Board, they are still disputing; but 
 the Secretary and myself are feeling towards each other as we 
 ever ought (I do not choose to mention names.) Yesterday, 
 I was at Colonel Despard's 1 trial, subpoenaed by him for a 
 character. I think the plot deeper than was imagined ; but 
 as to the extent, nothing except the Guards has come out. I 
 have been, and am, very bad in my eyesight, and am forbid 
 writing ; but I could not resist. Lady Hamilton joins me in 
 kind respects to Mrs. Davison, and to the boys every good 
 wish ; and believe me ever, my dear Davison, your most faith- 
 ful and affectionate friend, NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 9 Mr. Alexander Davison married, in February 1788, Harriet, daughter of Eobert 
 Gosling, Esq., the Banker in Fleet Street, by whom he had three sons viz., Colo- 
 nel Hugh Percy Davison, (to whom the Editor is indebted for the Letters to his 
 father,) Lieutenant- Colonel Sir William Davison, K.H., (twins,) and Alexander, 
 who died young; and three daughters, Elizabeth, who married General White; 
 Dorothy, who married Captain Samuel Edward Widdrington, R.N., of Newton 
 Hall, K.T.S. ; and Harriet, who died unmarried. Mr. Alexander Davison died, at 
 Brighton, in his eightieth year, in December 1829. 
 
 1 On the 7th of February, Lord Nelson appeared as a Witness on the trial of 
 Colonel Despard for high treason, when he deposed that he had served with the pri- 
 soner on the Spanish Main and at the attack of Fort St. Juan, in 1780, [vide vol. i. 
 p. 34*,] and that he bore the character of a brave Officer and honourable and loyal 
 man. Lord Chief Justice Ellenborough, adverting to this testimony, observed, 
 that it had been given by " a man on whom to pronounce au eulogy were to waste 
 words."
 
 ML 44.] LETTERS. 43 
 
 TO ALEXANDER STEPHENS, ESQ. 
 
 [From a Copy ia the possession of the Eight Honourable John Wilson Croker.] 
 
 23, Piccadilly, February 10th, 1803. 
 
 Sir, 
 
 By your letter, I believe that you wish to be correct in your 
 History, 2 and therefore wish to be informed of a transaction re- 
 lative to Naples. I cannot enter at large into the subject to 
 which you allude. I shall briefly say, that neither Cardinal 
 Ruffo, or Captain Foote, or any other person, had any power 
 to enter into any Treaty with the Rebels that even the Paper 
 which they signed was not acted upon, as I very happily 
 arrived at Naples, and prevented such an infamous transaction 
 from taking place ; therefore, when the Rebels surrendered, 
 they came out of the Castles as they ought, without any honours 
 of War, and trusting to the judgment of their Sovereign. I put 
 aside, and sent them notice of it, the infamous Treaty, and the 
 rebels surrendered, as I have before said. If you attend to 
 that Mrs. Williams' book, I can assure you that nearly all re- 
 lative to Naples is either destitute of foundation, or falsely 
 
 represented. I am, Sir, &c. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 I must beg leave to warn you to be careful how you men- 
 tion the characters of such excellent Sovereigns as the King 
 and Queen of Naples. If you wish to have any conversation 
 with me on the subject, I shall be at home any morning at 10 
 o'clock. 
 
 TO ADMIRAL THE EARL OF ST, VINCENT, K.B. 
 
 [Autograph, in the possession of Vice-Admiral Sir William Parker, Bart., G.C.B.] 
 
 23, Piccadilly, February 28th, 1803. 
 
 My dear Lord, 
 
 I take the liberty of inclosing some ideas of mine relative to 
 our Seamen. My reasons for committing them to paper are 
 stated in the first lines of my Paper* I have sent a copy of 
 
 * " History of the Wars of the French Revolution," 2 vols. 1803. Vide vol. iii. 
 p. 520.
 
 44 LETTERS. [1803. 
 
 them to Mr. Addingtori. Probably you have arranged similar, 
 or better plans, for obtaining the same much to be desired 
 object. If so, they will have the fullest support of, my dear 
 Lord, your most faithful and affectionate, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 PLAN FOR MANNING THE NAVY. 
 
 [Original, in the possession of Vice-Admiral Sir William Parker, Bart., G.C.B.] 
 
 February, 1803. 
 
 At a time when, I have been repeatedly told, the Seamen, 
 notwithstanding their good pay, and abundance of the very 
 best provisions, manifest a reluctance to enter into the Naval 
 Service, it becomes, in my humble opinion, a duty for people 
 conversant with the manners and disposition of Seamen, to 
 turn their thoughts on the mode of inducing the Seamen to 
 be fond, and even desirous of serving in the Navy, in prefer- 
 ence to the Merchant Service. Their pay and provisions 
 cannot possibly be improved from what they arc: at present; 
 but, I think, a plan could be brought forward to Register the 
 Certificates given to Seamen ; and a form of Certificate to be 
 general, and filled according to regulations issued by the Admi- 
 ralty under the authority of an Act of Parliament. The greatest 
 good would result, from such a regulation to the Seamen, 
 who are by hundreds in distress in London, for want of Certi- 
 ficates authenticating their persons; for want of which so 
 many wrong Seamen have been paid, that neither the Pay- 
 Office, nor any Prize- Agent, will venture to pay the Seaman 
 his just due ; and the benefit to the Seamen producing good 
 characters, &c. never been concerned in mutinies, or deserted, 
 &c., would much benefit them in getting good berths in the 
 Merchant Service. 
 
 When we calculate by figures on the expense of raising 
 Seamen, I think it is said, 20 per man, that 42,000 Sea- 
 men deserted during the late War, the loss in money, in 
 that point alone, amounts to 840,000 ; without taking into 
 consideration the greater expense of raising more men and 
 certainly not so good as those who have been used to the 
 King's Naval Service. I shall therefore propose, that every
 
 JET. 44.] LETTERS. 45 
 
 Seaman who has served faithfully five years in War, and by 
 his Certificates never been concerned in mutinies, nor de- 
 serted, shall receive every New Year's Day, or on the King's 
 birth-day, the sum of two guineas ; and if he serves eight years, 
 shall have four guineas, exclusive of any pension for wounds. 
 It may appear, at first sight, for the State to pay, an enormous 
 sum ; but when it is considered that the average life of a Sea- 
 man is, from old age finished, at forty-five years, he cannot 
 many years enjoy the annuity ; to assist the paying which, 
 the interest of the money saved by their not deserting would 
 go very far, and perhaps as the Merchants give large wages 
 in War, a tax might be imposed, when wages are above such 
 a sum. It would answer one of these two purposes, either 
 making the increase of wages, in the Merchant's Service, 
 beneficial to those who serve their King and Country in the 
 Navy; or, by keeping down the Merchants' wages, render 
 desertion the less desirable. Much, very much, can be said, 
 and is necessary to be considered on this subject ; but the 
 more I think of it, the easier it appears to me to be put in 
 practice. Prize-money to be as regularly paid in London, 
 Portsmouth, Plymouth, &c. as Seamen's wages : this is so easy 
 and simple, that a very few days would, in my opinion, com- 
 plete such a plan. 
 
 But the great thing necessary to guard against is desertion ; 
 for notwithstanding all I have proposed, to induce Seamen to 
 serve faithfully, yet a sum of money, and liquor, held out to 
 a Seaman, are too much for him : he allows himself to be 
 seduced and hid, he first becomes fearful of apprehension, 
 and then wishes and exerts himself to get out of the Coun- 
 try in the Merchant's employ. It will be found, (if necessary 
 to be inquired into at the Navy-Office,) and I know it, that 
 whenever a large Convoy is assembled at Portsmouth, and 
 our Fleet in Port, not less than 1000 men desert from the 
 Navy; and I am sure that one-third of this number, from 
 loss of clothes, drinking, and other debaucheries, are lost by 
 death to the Kingdom. I shall only relate one fact, of a 
 thousand, which could be brought forward : a Ship, from 
 London, clears at Gravesend for her voyage to India. Amongst 
 other Papers, the names of her crew and number are neces- 
 sary; the names, qualities, &c., are properly filled up, the
 
 46 LETTERS. [1803. 
 
 Ship, to a common observer, is fully manned ; but the fact 
 is this, the Ship is navigated to Portsmouth by Ticket-men, 
 (men who are protected from the impress for some cause or 
 other.) The Owner or Captain sends to Portsmouth, (to 
 crimps,) I have been told in one instance as far as fifty men 
 twenty-five able Seamen, fifteen ordinary, and ten lands- 
 men, the bounty being, of course, different according to their 
 qualifications; the Ticket-men leave the Ship, the deserters 
 to take up the names, and away they go. 
 
 Knowing the case, an Act of Parliament would, if not 
 entirely, very nearly prevent this infamous conduct ; the regu- 
 lation, I think, would be very plain and easy. I am sensible 
 that no plan for these very important purposes can be matured 
 by any one head, much less by mine ; but as the ideas flow 
 from a pure source, and a sincere desire to benefit our King 
 and Country, I submit them, with deference, to much wiser 
 and abler men than 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO CAPTAIN PAGE, H. M. SHIP CAROLINE. 
 
 [From " The United Service Journal" for October 1839.] 
 
 Piccadilly, March 4th, 1803. 
 
 My dear Sir, 
 
 A friend of mine has requested me to write you a line, 
 recommending his godson, Mr. Robert Fausset, 3 to your notice, 
 which I therefore take the liberty of doing. I hope you like 
 the Caroline ; and, go where you will, you have the sincere 
 good wishes of all your friends at Merton, and of none more 
 cordially than your much obliged, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 This young Officer became a Lieutenant in October 1809, and died in that rank 
 between 1816 and 1820.
 
 JET. 44.] LETTERS. 47 
 
 TO THE RIGHT HONOURABLE HENRY ADDINGTON. 
 
 [Autograph, in the Sidmouth Papers.] 
 Sir, London, March 8th, 1803. 
 
 I feel very great reluctance in troubling you with any per- 
 sonal concerns of mine, but I am really compelled to it, by 
 circumstances, 4 which, when explained, will, I think, convince 
 you, that I cannot do otherwise ; and knowing the value of 
 your time, I will do it as shortly as I can. 
 
 His Majesty was graciously pleased, on account of my ser- 
 vices in the Battle of the Nile, to bestow on me the high 
 honour of a Peerage of Great Britain, and to recommend it to 
 
 4 Lord Nelson submitted for Mr. Addington's consideration the following state- 
 ment of his property and income, which shows how necessary it was that he should 
 receive the same pecuniary reward as had been given to the other Admirals who had 
 gained a Victory. No increase of Pension was, however, granted to him. 
 
 " LORD NELSON'S INCOME AND PBOPEBTY. 
 
 My Exchequer Pension for the Nile 2000 
 
 Navy Pension for loss of one arm and one eye .... 923 
 
 Half-pay as Vice-Admiral 465 
 
 Interest of 1000 3 per Cents 80 
 
 3418 
 
 OUTGOINGS OF LORD NELSOH. 
 
 To Lady Nelson 1800 
 
 Interest of money owing 500 
 
 Pension to my Brother's Widow 200 
 
 To assisting in educating my Nephews 150 
 
 Expenditure .... 2650 
 Income 3418 
 
 For Lord Nelson . . 768 
 
 Therefore, Lord Nelson is free of House-rent, but has to pay charities necessary 
 for his station in life, taxes, repairs, servants, and to live upon 768 per annum. 
 
 PROPERTY OF LORD NELSON. 
 
 Merton House, land, plate, and furniture 20,000 
 
 In 3 per Cents, 1000 Stock. 
 
 DEBTS. 
 
 By Mortgage on Merton, to assist in the purchase . . 6000 
 Fitting out for the Baltic, and again for my Command on 1 Ar\r\n n n 
 the Coast, in Summer 1801 ) 
 
 10,000 
 
 Real Property of Lord Nelson, 10,000. 
 In Three per Cents, 1000 Stock."
 
 48 LETTERS. [1803. 
 
 Parliament to enable him to grant a Pension of ,2000 a-year 
 to me, and eventually for two lives after mine. In the former 
 part of the Message for that purpose, his Majesty expresses 
 a desire to bestow on me the Pension, and to the two next 
 succeeding heirs male of my body. But in the recommendatory 
 part of the Message the words are, ( to consider of a proper 
 method of enabling his Majesty to grant the same, and of 
 extending, securing, and settling such annuity to the said 
 Rear-Admiral Lord Nelson, and to the two next persons on 
 whom the title of Baron Nelson, fyc. shall descend, in such manner 
 as shall be thought most effectual for the benefit of the said Lord 
 Nelson and his family. 
 
 The grant was made to me and the two next succeeding 
 heirs male of my body, which was probably done without an 
 attentive consideration of the whole of the Message. But it 
 was then of no importance to me, as the grant followed the 
 Title ; but as His Majesty has since been graciously pleased to 
 confer upon me the Title of a Viscount, 6 with the remainder to 
 my brother and nephews, (failing issue of my own,) I must en- 
 treat that you will lay me at his Majesty's feet, and that you 
 will have the goodness to express to him, in the most dutiful 
 manner, my humble hope that, as I have not had the good 
 fortune to acquire sufficient wealth to put it in my power to 
 enable my nephews to support in any degree the rank of a 
 Peer, to which they may eventually succeed, his Majesty will 
 be graciously pleased to take such measures as he shall think 
 necessary, for continuing the Pension in the manner it appears 
 to have been his Majesty's gracious intention it should have 
 been originally granted. 
 
 In making this application to you, Sir, it is but fair that I 
 should apprise you that Lord St. Vincent is in the same situa- 
 tion, I believe, with myself; but I know of no other case at 
 all similar, as Lord Duncan has male issue. And I also beg 
 leave to state that both Lord St. Vincent and Lord Duncan 
 
 4 The copy of the Message in vol. ii. p. 79, is not accurately stated; it was in 
 the words quoted by Lord Nelson. 
 
 6 It is remarkable that Lord Nelson should have mistaken the limitation of his 
 Viscountcy, which was confined to the heirs male of his own body. It was the 
 Barony of Nelson of the Nile and of Hilborough, granted in August 1801 , that was 
 to devolve (on failure of his own male issue) on his brother and nephews. Vide 
 vol. iv. p. 540.
 
 JET. 44.] LETTERS. 49 
 
 had a grant from the Irish Parliament of 1000 a-year, which, 
 from not having been recommended by Government here, 
 was not bestowed upon me. I presume to make only one 
 remark : Was it, or not, the intention of his Majesty's Govern- 
 ment to place my rewards for services lower than Lord St. 
 Vincent or Lord Duncan ? I had the happiness to be a sharer 
 of the glory of the 14th of February ; and I had the honour 
 to command the Fleet which gained the Victory of the Nile, 
 which, till that of Copenhagen, was, I believe, the most com- 
 plete one ever obtained. I have the honour to be, &c. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO ADMIRAL THE EARL OF ST. VINCENT, K.B. 
 [Autograph, in the possession of Vice-Admiral Sir William Parker, Bart., G.C.B.] 
 
 Admiralty, Saturday, [March, 1803.] 
 
 My dear Lord, 
 
 My old Shipmate, and one who your Lordship has been very 
 good to, Captain Richard Williams, 7 is desirous of returning to 
 his old post of Regulating at Belfast, and has this moment 
 requested of me to say one word for him, which is, that giving 
 him that appointment will much oblige yours most faithfully, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO LADY COLLIER. 
 
 [Autograph, in the possession of Commodore Sir Francis A. Collier, K.C.H.] 
 
 March 21st, 1803. 
 
 Dear Madam, 
 
 I am very happy to hear that your good son is made a Lieu- 
 tenant. His commission should be enclosed to Sir Evan 
 Nepean, requesting him to move the Lords of the Admiralty 
 for the confirmation : a letter, also, to Lord St. Vincent, ask- 
 ing him to confirm Francis, will be proper. I am sorry to be 
 obliged to be from home to-morrow, but sensible of the honour 
 intended me ; and I am your Ladyship's most obedient servant, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 ' Captain Williams was made a Post-Captain in June 1799, and died about 1815. 
 Lord Nelson's request appears to have been complied with. 
 VOL. V. E
 
 50 LETTERS. [1803. 
 
 TO CAPTAIN GEORGE MURRAY, 8 H.M.S. SPARTIATE, PLYMOUTH. 
 
 [Autograph, in the possession of George Murray, Esq.] 
 
 March 22ud, 1803. 
 
 My dear Murray, 
 
 Many thanks for your kind letter. As far as my know- 
 ledge goes, we are in the same state of uncertainty as to War 
 or Peace, as when you left London. The plan is still for us 
 eventually to embark in the Amphion. Sam. Sutton is to fit 
 out the Victory for us, which I am very glad of, as she will be 
 well fitted. My best regards to all friends, and every good 
 wish towards you, from your most faithful, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 Sir William and Lady Hamilton desire their kind regards. 
 
 MEMORANDUM. 
 
 [Autograph, in the possession of Vice-Admiral Sir William Parker, Bart., G.C.B.] 
 
 March 24th, 1803. 
 
 Lord Nelson requests the kindness of Lord St. Vincent to 
 send to the Mediterranean a very near connexion of his, 
 
 * This distinguished Officer won Lord Nelson's admiration and friendship by the 
 gallant manner in which, in command of the Edgar, he led the (Squadron to the 
 attack of Copenhagen. On heing appointed Commander-in-Chief in the Mediter- 
 ranean, Lord Nelson determined on having Captain Murray as Captain of the Fleet, 
 but he hesitated to accept the situation, saying, the nature of its duties often led to 
 disagreements between the Admiral and First Captain, and that he should be very 
 unwilling to risk a diminution of the regard and respect which he entertained 
 for his Lordship. Lord Nelson, however, assured him that under no circumstances 
 would he forget the intimacy which subsisted between them ; " and that even 
 should anything go contrary to his wishes, he would waive the rank of Admiral, 
 and explain or expostulate with him as liis friend Murray." Captain Murray, ac- 
 cordingly, became his First Captain; and was made a Rear-Admiral of the Blue 
 on the 23rd of April, 1804. After the return of the Squadron to England, Rear- 
 Admiral Murray was induced, from his private affairs, to leave the Victory ; and 
 when, on going off Cadiz, in July 1805, other Captains applied for the vacancy, 
 Nelson's reply was, that, " if ever he had another Captain of the Fleet, it must be 
 Murray;" and he sailed without one. See the Memoir of Admiral Murray, in the 
 Naval Chronicle, vol. xviii. pp. 180, 190. On the extension of the Order of the 
 Bath, in January 1815, Vice-Admiral Murray was nominated a Knight Commander, 
 and he died a Vice-Admiral of the Red, on the 28th of February, 1819.
 
 JET. 44.] LETTERS. 51 
 
 Captain William Bolton, 9 a Master and Commander ; and 
 Lord Nelson also recommends Captain Frederick Langford 1 
 to Lord St Vincent's notice and protection. 
 
 TO CAPTAIX SIR EDWARD BERRV. 
 
 [Autograph, in the possession of Lady Berry.] 
 
 Piccadilly, March 20th, 1803. 
 
 My dear Sir Edward, 
 
 I have only a moment to answer your questions War or 
 Peace ? Every person has a different opinion. I fear perhaps 
 the former, as I hope so much the latter. If War, I go to the 
 Mediterranean in Hardy's Frigate : the Victory is to be my 
 Ship 2 Sam Sutton to fit her out. You know how happy I 
 should be to have you in any Fleet I command, particu- 
 larly on the day of Battle : I should be sure of being well 
 supported. You must judge for yourself about applying 
 for employment ; but I should think you will have no fears 
 for a Ship being forced upon you. In Peace, Mids. may be 
 difficult to get on board Ship ; but our establishment, even if 
 blessed Peace continues, will be large. You will be truly 
 sorry to hear that good Sir William is, I fear, very near his 
 last breath : he is all but gone. You may readily conceive 
 Lady Hamilton's and my feelings on such an occasion : indeed, 
 all London is interested. Ever, my dear Sir Edward, yours 
 most sincerely, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 Reports say, but I know not how truly, that changes are in 
 agitation. 
 
 9 Captain William Bolton, eldest son of the Rev. William Bolton, brother of 
 Thomas Bolton, Esq., who married Susannah, Lord Nelson's eldest sister. He 
 was at that time engaged to his first cousin, Catherine Bolton, Lord Nelson's niece, 
 whom he married on the 18th of May, 1803, the evening before the Installation of 
 Knights of the Bath, when Captain Bolton was Knighted, as a qualification to act 
 as Lord Nelson's Proxy at the Ceremony. Sir William Bolton was Posted on the 
 10th of April 1805, and died on the 10th of December 1830. 
 
 1 Vide vol. iv. p. 467. 
 
 * The Victory was selected for Lord Nelson's Flag Ship, but it was doubtful 
 whether she would be ready at the time he was to proceed to the Mediterranean. 
 He did, however, sail in her, under the command of his friend, Captain Samuel 
 Sutton, accompanied by the Amphion, Captain Thomas Mastennau Hardy. 
 
 ft 2
 
 52 LETTERS. [1803, 
 
 TO LADY COLLIER. 
 
 [Autograph, in the possession of Commodore Sir Francis A. Collier, K.C.H.] 
 
 Merton, March 30th, 1803. 
 
 Madam, 
 
 Although Lord St. Vincent, or those under him, have not 
 had the attention to answer your letter, yet I can have no 
 doubt that they will confirm your son. 3 A note to Troubridge, 
 or Markham, 4 or Sir Evan Nepean, will draw an answer, and, 
 I doubt not, a favourable one. It is no use writing Lord St. 
 Vincent again on the subject. With every kind wish for 
 Francis, I am your Ladyship's most obedient servant, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO MRS. BOLTON, CRANWICH. 
 
 [Autograph, in the possession of James Young, Esq., of Wells.] 
 
 Wrote last Saturday, and forgot. 
 Merton, March 30th, 1803. 
 
 My dear Sister, 
 
 I have strongly memorandumed Lord St. Vincent for Cap- 
 tain Bolton to be sent to the Mediterranean, and if we unfor- 
 tunately have a War, his promotion may be looked upon as 
 sure, and as he is likely to be related, my interest for his wel- 
 fare must increase. I really believe him to be a most excel- 
 lent young man. Dear Sir William is very, very bad : he 
 can't, in my opinion, get over it, and I think it will happen 
 very soon. You will imagine Lady Hamilton's and my feel- 
 ings on the occasion; indeed, all London is interested in the 
 fate of such a character. Kind regards to all at Cran- 
 wich ; and believe me ever, your most affectionate brother. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE.* 
 
 * Mr. Collier's commission as Lieutenant was dated on the llth of April 1803. 
 
 4 Captains Sir Thomas Troubridge and John Markham, both Lords of the 
 Admiralty. 
 
 5 To this letter, Lady Hamilton added " I have only to say, dearest Mrs. Bolton, 
 Sir W. was so ill yesterday, he could not live, we thought ; to-day he is better. I 
 am worn out, but ever yours affectionately, E. H."
 
 JET. 44.] LETTERS. 53 
 
 THE EXAMINATION OF VICE-ADMIRAL LORD VISCOUNT NELSON, 
 DUKE OF BRONTE, TAKEN UPON OATH, BEFORE THE COM- 
 MISSIONERS OF NAVAL INQUIRY, ON THE 1ST OF APRIL, 
 1803. 
 
 [From a Copy in the Admiralty. The passages in brackets ore written in the 
 margin by Lord Nelson himself.] 
 
 From my own knowledge and experience I am warranted 
 in observing that Prize Money does not get into the pockets 
 of the Captors so expeditiously as it ought, and in many 
 instances not at all : great sums of money having been lost by 
 the failure of Agents. I am of opinion that Prize Agents 
 should be appointed by the Captors as at present, but that at 
 the time of registering their Powers of Attorney in the Admi- 
 ralty and Vice Admiralty Courts, they should give security in 
 the sum of two or three thousand pounds, for the purpose of 
 securing a faithful discharge of their duty and excluding im- 
 proper persons from acting as Agents. [To keep out bad 
 characters, but not exclude men of small fortune with good 
 characters.] That Government should establish a general 
 Prize Agency Office in London, and an Agent or Receiver at 
 each of the Foreign Stations. That no Prize Money or Prize 
 Goods should be liable to the Debts of Agents. That if the 
 Agents make the distribution within three months from the 
 day of the condemnation, they should be allowed the full 
 commission of five per cent, and at the expiration of that 
 period, deliver into the Prize Office (or if abroad to the Re- 
 ceiver) an Account of Sales, and pay over the amount of 
 unclaimed shares remaining in their hands. That if the Prize 
 shall have been disposed of and distribution made not in 
 three months, the Agent shall deliver an Account of Sales to 
 the Prize Office or Receiver as aforesaid, and pay over the 
 whole of the nett proceeds with a deduction of 
 from the rate of the commission allowed him, unless he shall 
 have been prevented making distribution by the absence of 
 the Ship on service, in which case, should her return into Port 
 be soon expected by the Commander-in-Chief, the Prize 
 Agent shall, on a certificate from him to that effect, be allowed 
 a further time of six weeks for making such distribution. 
 
 If the Prize or the whole of the goods shall not be sold, he
 
 54 LETTERS. [1803. 
 
 should pay over the amount of the money in his hands, and 
 give his reasons for not having sold the whole, which if satis- 
 factory, a further time not exceeding three months should be 
 allowed him to dispose of the remainder. If in that time he 
 does not finally close his Accounts, or give good and sufficient 
 reasons to the Prize Office or Receiver for not doing so, he 
 should then be allowed only two and a half per cent., and 
 be subject to penalties or the business taken out of his hands. 
 [In order that they should not run up most enormous bills, 
 which is the case at present; and for many other good reasons.] 
 The Agent's commission should be calculated upon the 
 nett, 6 and not upon the gross amount of the proceeds of Prizes. 
 In cases of Appeal no distribution should be made until a 
 Jinal decision ; [I have known this happen ;] and in the event 
 of the Decree being reversed, the Claimants should only be 
 entitled to the nett proceeds ; [Government to do what is 
 right beyond this sum, the sentence being reversed being the 
 cause of the additional expense ;] and the Captor exonerated 
 from all expenses incurred by the erroneous decisions of the 
 Judges who are appointed by Government. All Neutral 
 property whether captured by the King's Ships or by Pri- 
 vateers should be lodged in the hands of the Officers appointed 
 by Government until final decision, [to prevent the present 
 iniquitous conduct of Privateers. 7 ] 
 
 The Agents of the Navy, Victualling, and Sick and Hurt 
 Boards abroad should be directed to take up the money ne- 
 cessary for the carrying on the Naval Service from the 
 Receiver of Prize Money. The Treasurer of the Navy to be 
 at the head of the Prize Board. 
 
 6 In the Copy of this Paper in Clarke and M'Artkur, vol. i. p. 369, the follow- 
 ing note is said to have been added to this paragraph in Lord Nelson's own hand, 
 but it does not occur in the copy in the Admiralty : " Every Merchant is content 
 with two and a half per cent, on the gross, and therefore, surely, Agents may be 
 well contented with five per cent, on the nett." 
 
 T " To the great distress of Neutral Powers." -Ibid,
 
 !T. 44.] LETTERS. 55 
 
 TO CAPTAIN MURRAY. 
 
 [Autograph, in the possession of George Murray, Esq.] 
 
 My dear Murray, April 2nd, 1803. 
 
 I have this day seen both Mr. Addington and Lord St. 
 Vincent, and as they were not expediting my departure, 
 I take for granted that we are not more Warlike (except, I 
 hope, in our preparations) than when I wrote you. Report 
 says, and, I believe, truly, that we wait the issue of a Courier 
 from Russia. Buonaparte has, we know, tried for Russia, and I 
 fear successfully, by an offer of Hanover. If Russia sides 
 against us, we shall, I suppose, give up the point ; if otherwise, 
 we have the only chance of Buonaparte giving way, which I 
 do not much credit, but you shall know the moment I know 
 anything. I have this day finished our Copenhagen business ; 
 they have been squabbling out of what fund we were to be 
 paid. Apropos, most heartily I congratulate you on the 
 return of this day ; 8 and no man sets a more just value on your 
 gallantry and important services than myself. I have yester- 
 day delivered my opinion on conducting Prize business in 
 future. I hope it will meet the approbation of the Service. 
 The Commissioners must make it their own, or of what use are 
 the Commissioners? We are on the eve of losing dear Sir 
 William. I much doubt his holding twenty-four hours longer 
 our dear Lady is dreadfully afflicted remember us kindly 
 to Louis, and believe me ever yours, most faithfully and 
 affectionately, NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 Make our best compliments to Lord Keith 9 and all our 
 friends about you, George Campbell, Sir Edward Pellew, &c. 
 
 TO CAPTAIN SAMUEL SUTTON, 312, OXFORD STREET. 
 (If not in Town, to be sent to him.) 
 
 [Autograph, in the possession of Captain Ives Sutton.] 
 
 Monday, April 4th, 1803. 
 
 My dear Sutton, 
 
 Markham desires me to tell you that the Victory will be 
 commissioned on the 7th or 8th. I have sent a list of six 
 
 8 The Anniversary of the Battle of Copenhagen. 
 
 9 Commander-in-Chief at Plymouth.
 
 56 LETTERS. [1803. 
 
 Lieutenants, which will be enough to begin with. The 
 Master I have sent for, and name the Surgeon who is in. the 
 Amphion. Poor dear Sir William is just gone; but I will see 
 
 you, being truly yours, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO SIR EVAN NEPEAX, BART., ADMIRALTY. 
 
 [Original, in the Admiralty.] 
 
 London, Gth April, 1803. 
 
 Sir, 
 
 I beg to enclose you a letter from Mr. John Scott, Purser 
 of His Majesty's Ship Royal Sovereign, requesting, for the 
 reasons therein mentioned, to be removed from that Ship into 
 any one in Ordinary. I have therefore to request you will 
 lay the same before the Lords Commissioners of the Ad- 
 miralty, and to move their Lordships to comply with Mr. 
 Scott's 9 request, and grant him leave of absence to attend me 
 as Secretary accordingly. I am, &c., 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO ALEXANDER DAVISON, ESQ., ST. JAMES'S SQUARE. 
 [Autograph, in the possession of Colonel Davison.] 
 
 Wednesday, 11 o'clock, [Oth April, 1803.] 
 
 My dear Davison, 
 
 Our dear Sir William died at ten minutes past ten, this 
 morning, in Lady Hamilton's and my arms, without a sigh or 
 a, struggle. Poor Lady Hamilton is, as you may expect, 
 desolate. I hope she will be left properly ; but I doubt. Ever 
 yours most affectionately, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO GEORGE G. WILLS, ESQ. 
 
 [Autograph, in the possession of Mrs. Conway.] 
 
 April Oth, 1800. 
 
 My dear Sir, 
 
 Having just lost my dear friend Sir William Hamilton I 
 can only answer your kind letter respecting Mr. Moore, 
 
 9 Mr. John Scdtt, who was killed by Lord Nelson's side, at Trafalgar.
 
 JET. 44.] LETTERS. 57 
 
 as he is to go into the Victory, which will be commissioned on 
 Saturday next, at Chatham. Mr. Moore should be there, and 
 if he will apply to Lord Proby in my name, I am sure he will 
 discharge him into the Victory, and he should join her as soon 
 as possible, for those who distinguish themselves most in fitting 
 out the Ship, will be first on my list for promotion. Mr. Moore 
 and I shall become acquainted in due time, and he has no 
 business in London. On board the Victory, at Chatham, is 
 the proper place for him to be fixed. I am, dear Sir, most 
 faithfully yours, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS THE DUKE OF CLARENCE. 
 [From Clarke and M'Arthur, vol. ii. p. 31'2.] 
 
 Gth April, 1803. 
 
 Your Royal Highness knows that you have a right to com- 
 mand me ; and it was my full intention, when the thing was 
 fixed for my going, to have offered my services to you. 1 All that 
 I know officially is, that the Cabinet, through the mouth of the 
 First Lord of the Admiralty, have named me for the Command 
 in the Mediterranean, that it might be necessary for me to 
 go out in a Frigate, and that the Victory should follow. I am 
 truly impressed with all your goodness to me. I assure you, 
 I shall endeavour to merit the continuance of that friendship, 
 which you have been pleased to honour me with for upwards 
 of twenty-three years. My dear friend, Sir William Hamilton, 
 died this morning : the world never lost a more upright and 
 accomplished gentleman. I am, &c. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 1 His Royal Highness appears, from the following letter to Lord Nelson, to have 
 placed a young gentleman under his protection : 
 
 " Bushy House, Friday Evening. 
 " My dear Lord, 
 
 " Pike, the youngster who you are so good as to take on board the Victory, says 
 he wants his pay, which, he informs me, by some new regulation, he cannot receive 
 Without your Lordship's interference. I am truly happy to embrace this opportu- 
 nity of repeating to you how sincerely I am, and ever must be, dear Nelson, your 
 best friend, WILLIAM."' Autograph, in the Nelson Papers.
 
 58 LETTERS. [1803. 
 
 TO CAPTAIN MURRAY. 
 
 [Autograph, in the possession of George Murray, Esq.] 
 
 April 13th, 1803. 
 
 My dear Murray, 
 
 I think you will get into a scrape with the Earl was I to 
 talk to him about your quitting your Ship at this moment, 
 but I will speak to Troubridge. It was first intended that 
 you should be Captain of the Victory then it was thought 
 better you should go out with me, and you thought it better 
 to take Spartiate till I was certain of going. You are fixed as 
 fate my First Captain, and it is only on that score that I can 
 speak to the Earl soon, if nothing is decided soon as to Peace 
 or War, to beg that you may not be sent out of the way, and 
 then, if you authorize me, I will mention to him that if the 
 Spartiate is wanted to go to sea, that you submit to him whether 
 it would not be better to give her up there are scores wanting 
 her. I congratulate you on the birth of a son ; 2 if one of his 
 names is not Baltic, I shall be very angry with you indeed he 
 can be called nothing else. Lady Hamilton is very low, but 
 desires her kind regards and good wishes, and believe me ever, 
 yours most truly, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 Kind regards to Louis. 3 
 
 TO CAPTAIN SAMUEL SUTTON. 
 
 [Autograph, in the possession of Captain Ives Sutton.] 
 
 April 16th [1803.] 
 My dear Sutton, 
 
 Many thanks for your letter. I yet hope the Victory will 
 not make more than a Spithead voyage. I hear to-day that 
 Mr. Grayson, who was Boatswain of the Theseus, late of the 
 Hercule, invalided for a hurt side a few months ago, is ap- 
 pointed Boatswain of the Victory. He applied for my interest 
 to get him a Seventy-four in ordinary, and being, I believe, a 
 
 * He was born on the 2nd of April, the anniversary of the Battle of Copen 
 hagen. 
 8 Captain Louis of the Conqueror, at Plymouth. Tide vol. iii. p. 90.
 
 mi. 44.] LETTERS. 59 
 
 good man, I recommended him to Mackellar. I mention 
 this circumstance to show you that he is not belonging to me : 
 therefore, you will act by him as he deserves. With every 
 good wish, I am most truly yours, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS THE DUKE OF CLARENCE. 
 
 [From Clarke and M'Arthur, vol. ii. p. 312.] 
 
 April 17tb, 1801. 
 
 I agree with your Royal Highness most entirely, that the 
 son of a Rodney 4 ought to be the protege of every person in 
 the Kingdom, and particularly of the Sea-Officers : had I 
 known that there had been this claimant, some of my own 
 Lieutenants must have given way to such a name, and he 
 should have been placed in the Victory she is full, and I 
 have twenty on my list ; but whatever numbers I have, the 
 name of Rodney must cut many of them out. I am well 
 aware that in my Prize plan, Lawyers must remove all the 
 difficulties that will occur in the completion. Much, very 
 much, is necessary to be considered on every part of it, but I 
 think many objections would be overcome by a temperate and 
 serious discussion. I was told the difficulties were insur- 
 mountable, or nearly so. My answer was, ' As the thing is 
 necessary to be done, the more difficulties, the more necessary 
 to try to remove them.' I am, &c. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO THE RIGHT HONOURABLE HENRY ADDINGTON. 
 
 [Autograph, in the Sidmouth Papers. On the 22nd of April, Lord Nelson, with 
 his friends, Lords Miuto and Hood, and Lord Hotham, appeared as Witnesses to 
 the character of Captain Macnamara, on his trial for killing Colonel Montgomery 
 in a duel.] 
 
 April 23rd, 1803. 
 
 The Pensions to the Admirals St. Vincent, Duncan, and 
 Nelson, were, I suppose, either granted for the great Victories 
 they obtained over the Enemy, or for enabling them to support 
 
 4 Lieutenant the Honourable Edward Rodney, youngest son of Admiral Lord 
 Eodney: he was made a Commander in April 1800; Posted in January 1806 ; and 
 died in November 1828.
 
 60 LETTERS. [1803. 
 
 the dignity of the Peerage, to which his Majesty was pleased 
 to raise them for their Victories, for which their private for- 
 tunes were not supposed equal. If Earl St. Vincent obtained 
 the Pension of 2000 a-year in Great Britain, and 1000 
 a-year in Ireland, for the Victory off Cape St. Vincent, and 
 Viscount Duncan for that off Camperdown, Lord Nelson 
 trusts, that in any comparison, the Victory off the Nile was 
 equal to either of the others; and, therefore, in strict justice, 
 his Pension should have been equal to the other two noble 
 Admirals. 
 
 If it is said that the Pensions are not given for the Vic- 
 tories, but to enable the noble Admirals to support their ranks 
 in the Peerage, then Lord Nelson trusts that his wants will 
 be found superior to either of the others ; for Earl St. Vincent, 
 at the time his Pension was granted, had realized not a less sum 
 than 100,000, and Viscount Duncan, not less than 50,000; 
 whereas Lord Nelson, at the time his Pension of 2000 a-year 
 was granted, had not realized 5000 ; therefore, why Lord 
 Nelson should have had 1000 a-year less Pension than 
 either of the two noble Admirals, is unaccountable. This 
 comparison is only made to the Battle off the Nile. Since 
 which time Lord Nelson was, by his Majesty, raised to the 
 dignity of a Viscount, for his services in commanding his 
 Majesty's Fleet, when the great, important, and decisive victory 
 off Copenhagen was obtained, but no Pension was given with 
 this accession of Title. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO LADY COLLIER. 
 
 [Autograph, in the possession of Commodore Sir Francis Augustus Collier, K.C.H.] 
 
 19, Piccadilly, April 24tb, 1803. 
 
 Madam, 
 
 If Francis's hopes of promotion only arise from Commodore 
 Hood's 5 not having Officers recommended to him, he will very 
 soon find his mistake. The present Admiralty will recommend 
 him more than he can provide for, with those who have served 
 with him, if he was to stay seven years abroad. 
 
 * Sir Samuel Hood, fide vol. iii. p. 90;
 
 ^T. 44.] LETTERS. 61 
 
 However, I can have no objection to write to him in favour 
 of your son ; but I must apprise you, that Captain Hood never 
 offered to take even a Midshipman for me. With every good 
 wish for Francis, I am your Ladyship's most obedient servant, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO CAPTAIN SUTTON, H.M. SHIP VICTORY. 
 
 [Autograph, in the possession of Captain Ives Sutton.] 
 
 April 28th, 1803. 
 My dear Sutton, 
 
 A Barge I like much better than a Cutter for my ease, and 
 I have wrote to the Comptroller about the cabin, (it was done 
 to the San Josef.) When the Victory gets to Spithead, and if 
 Lord St. Vincent does not give you the Amphion, which I think 
 would be a hard case, no exertion of mine shall be wanting in 
 getting you a good Ship ; and I shall feel real regret if you 
 should suffer for fitting out the Victory, to oblige, my dear 
 Sutton, your much attached, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO THE RIGHT HONOURABLE SIR WILLIAM SCOTT. 
 [Autograph, in the possession of William Chisholm, Esq.] 
 
 19, Piccadilly, May 2nd, 1803. 
 My dear Sir, 
 
 You was so kind as to put in your pocket my crude ideas 
 on the situation of our Navy respecting the Seamen. 6 The 
 importance of the subject every one must admit, and woful 
 experience tells us that something must be done on the occa- 
 sion. 
 
 I am sensible that my abilities are unequal to the task ; but 
 I should do injustice to my own feelings, and, I think, betray 
 the confidence which has so often been reposed in me, was I 
 not to bring them forward. One good effect must result from 
 it, that in proving them bad, better will be brought forward. 
 The mainspring of all my plan is, that of Certificates fully 
 
 8 Vide p. 44, ante.
 
 62 LETTERS. [1803. 
 
 descriptive of the persons ; the very greatest good must result 
 from it. Names cannot be changed, as the gratuity will be 
 looked forward to, therefore desertion will be less frequent, 
 and easier detected. Pay, Prize-money, &c. &c., could rarely 
 be paid to wrong persons ; the Seaman would have his money 
 without the very great difficulty he meets with at present, and 
 many executions would be avoided by the almost impossibility 
 of the fraud of personification being committed, (two, alas! 
 suffered last week for this crime.) If, my dear Sir William, 
 you think, as I do, that something should be attempted at 
 these times to make our Seamen, at the din of War, fly to our 
 Navy, instead of flying from it, I am sure it could not be 
 brought forward by any one so ably as yourself; and if my 
 feeble endeavours in so great a cause can be of the least use, 
 I shall be too happy in offering my assistance. 
 
 Will you allow me, any morning that you will appoint, 
 to call upon you at your house to converse on this subject ? 
 and I beg you to believe me, my dear Sir, your most obedient 
 and faithful servant, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 Long before this Armament, the Paper was delivered to Mr. 
 Addington and Lord St. Vincent ; but I suppose they have 
 not time to attend so much to this subject as, in my opinion, 
 it merits. 
 
 TO CAPTAIN SUTTON, H.M. SHIP VICTORY, CHATHAM. 
 ( [Autograph, in the possession of Captain Ives Sntton.] 
 
 May 6th, 1803. 
 My dear Sutton, 
 
 You are to have the Utrecht's Ship's company, and I have 
 fixed for your having the Amphion ; and you know [how] 
 anxious I am to meet your wishes. Should it be War, my 
 things will be sent from London to the Victory immediately. 
 Ever yours most faithfully, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE.
 
 JET. 44.] LETTERS. 63 
 
 TO ALEXANDER DAVISON, ESQ., ST. JAMES'S SQUARE. 
 
 [Autograph, in the possession of Colonel Davison.] 
 Private. 9 P.M. [Friday Evening, 6th May, 1803.] 
 
 My dear Davison, 
 
 I am ordered to prepare for departure. I will see you 
 when I return from Merton. Ever yours most affectionately, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO ADMIRAL THE EARL OF ST. VINCENT, K.B. 
 [Autograph, in the possession of Vice-Admiral Sir William Parker, Bart., G.C.B.} 
 
 9 P.M., May 6th, 1803. 
 
 My dear Lord, 
 
 I have had my tradesmen, and ordered my things. I am 
 going to Merton in the morning, to settle matters there. 
 Government cannot be more anxious for my departure than I 
 am, if a War, to go ; and I trust in God to return in Peace. 
 Will you send for George Murray ? I shall be ready before 
 other things are prepared. All I ask is not to go to Ports- 
 mouth until I carry my orders, and that Amphion is ready 
 with my cot, &c., to start. When I return, I will call at the 
 Admiralty. Ever, my dear Lord, &c., 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO ADMIRAL THE EARL OF ST. VINCENT, K.B. 
 
 [Autograph, in the possession of Vice Admiral Sir William Parker, Bart., G.C.B. ] 
 
 May 8th, 1803. 
 
 My dear Lord, 
 
 The inclosed is for Captain Hardy to prepare my stock, 
 but not to embark it till farther orders. Ever, my dear Lord, 
 yours most faithfully, NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 Captain Hoste 7 delivers this letter. He is just paid off, but 
 very anxious to serve, if a War, and with me ; and I should be 
 truly happy to have him. 
 
 7 Afterwards Captain Sir William Hoste, so frequently mentioned, (vide vol. i. 
 p. 355.) On the 22ud of January, 1803, when commanding the Greyhound at 
 Gibraltar, he said, in a letter to his father at Godwick, " I have not received Lord
 
 64 LETTERS. [1803. 
 
 TO CAPTAIN SUTTOX, H. M. SHIP VICTORY. 
 
 [Autograph in the possession of Captain Ives Sutton.] 
 
 London, May 12th, 180:3. 
 
 The d d Pilots have ran the Raisonable aground: take 
 
 great care of scant winds in sands. [?] 
 My dear Sutton, 
 
 I suppose Bell will supply my wine. An application must 
 be made to the Treasury for the quantity of wine and spirits 
 for you as Captain of the Victory; for they are very particular 
 about the allowing it to be brought over. The Vessel is not 
 yet fixed upon by the Admiralty. You had better write to the 
 Treasury for the quantity, and say that you will direct it to 
 be sent in the Vessel with Lord Nelson's. Ever yours, faith- 
 fully, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 Write me when you think the Victory can sail from the 
 Nore, that I may send my things to Portsmouth or Sheerness. 
 
 TO ADMIRAL THE EARL OF ST. VINCENT, K.B. 
 
 [Autograph, in the possession of Vice-Admiral Sir William Parker, Bart., G.C.B.] 
 
 Private. Ma y 12th > 1803> 
 
 My dear Lord, 
 
 Your mention of the Victory remaining some time in Eng- 
 land, so much according with what I am told of Lord Keith's 
 saying that he was to have her for the present induces me to 
 hope that if the Victory is ready, or as soon as she is, that I 
 
 Nelson's letter, but I am happy to hear he is well, and sincerely do I hope he is 
 happy also. I had a Mameluke sword given' me in Egypt, which I got mounted, 
 and sent it to him as a present; for so much am I indebted to him, that though 
 now I am independent of his services, I shall never forget that it was through him 
 I am so. Had War broke out, and Lord Nelson been Commander-ill- Chief, I 
 should have considered myself particularly fortunate for many reasons, though I 
 confess I am better pleased matters stand as they do, for in case of War, the Lord, 
 knows when I should have seen old Godwick." On the 28th of February, Captain 
 Hoste wrote, " Pray give my best respects to Lord Nelson when you see or write 
 to him. I hope most truly, if ever War takes place, I may belong to the Squadron 
 he commands." Memoirs of Captain Sir William Haste, vol. i. pp. 197, 201. 
 Captain Hoste was not again employed until November 1804, when he was ap- 
 pointed to the Eurydice, and afterwards placed under Lord Nelson's command.
 
 JET. 44.] LETTERS. 65 
 
 may have her ; for all my things, servants, wines, &c. &c., 
 are ordered to be sent to her, be where she will even my 
 sheep, poultry, hay, corn, and every comfort are ordered to 
 her. But if Lord Keith, or any other man is to have her, for 
 a given time, I must un-order all these things. I trust, my 
 dear Lord, that I can take a French Admiral as well as any of 
 them, and have as much chance of falling in Avith one. I 
 will call this morning for one moment on this subject. Ever, 
 my dear Lord, yours faithfully, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO TPIE RIGHT HONOURABLE GEORGE ROSE. 
 
 [Autograph in the possession of the Right Hon. Sir George Rose, G.C.H.] 
 
 May 15th, 1803. 
 My dear Sir, 
 
 I was with Mr. Addington this morning ; and as we con- 
 versed on the subject of the extension of my Annuity, and 
 also on the extraordinary thing of my not receiving the Irish 
 Pension, as was done for Lords St. Vincent and Duncan, I 
 said that I had conversed much with you on the subject, and 
 that I was sure that you thought it was a mistake my not 
 having it, and that you would tell him so ; therefore, the 
 favour I have to beg of you is, to tell Mr. Addington, that it 
 was a mistake giving me less than other Officers ; and if Mr. 
 Addington wants an additional inducement to do me justice, 
 your kind friendship may put in, that I got nothing as a 
 reward for Copenhagen, &c. Your friendship may do much 
 for me ; and I am ever, my dear Sir, your obliged and faithful, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO CAPTAIN SUTTON, II. M. SHIP VICTORY. 
 
 [Autograph, in the possession of Captain Ives Sutton. Early in 1803, his Ma- 
 jesty directed that the Knights Elect of the Order of the Bath should be Installed ; 
 and several Chapters and Conventions of the Knights were held, to arrange the 
 proceedings, many of which Lord Nelson attended. (Vide the Additional MS., 
 No. 0^37, in the British Museum.) The Installation took place on the 19th of 
 May, the day on which Lord Nelson sailed for the Mediterranean, and he was re- 
 presented hy Captain Sir William Bolton. His Esquires were, his nephews, Ho- 
 ratio Nelson (afterwards Viscount Trafalgar) and Thomas Bolton (afterwards 
 second Earl Nelson), and John Tyson, his old Secretary.] 
 VOL. V. F
 
 66 LETTERS. [1803. 
 
 Admiralty, May 17th, 1803. 
 My dear Sutton, 
 
 If you can get my things on board the Victory, pray lose 
 no time : part will be at Portsmouth. I hope by the time 
 you receive this letter, that the waggon will have arrived. 
 Lord Gardner, 8 of course, will give you Boats. If you can 
 get twelve good sheep, some hay, and fowls and corn, 'it will 
 do no harm, for I may yet go out in the Victory. Ever yours 
 faithfully, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO SIR EVAN NEPEAN, BART., ADMIRALTY. 
 
 [Original, in the Admiralty. " Monday, IGth May, 1803, A.M. Received my ap- 
 pointment from the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty, as Commauder-in-Chief 
 of his Majesty's Sliips and Vessels employed and to be employed on the Mediter- 
 ranean Station. On the 17th, made several necessary puhlic arrangements pre- 
 vious to my leaving Town ; and ahout 4 A.M. on Wednesday morning, the 18th, set 
 out from London for Portsmouth, where I arrived on that day, about past. Noon. 
 Thursday, liJth May, P.M. (/'. c., the afternoon of the 18th.) About past 3, 
 hoisted my Flag on board his Majesty's Ship Victory. Saluted Admiral Lord 
 Gardner's Flag on board the Endymion, with thirteen guns, which was returned 
 with an equal number." Victory's Log, in the Nelson Papers.] 
 
 Portsmouth, 18th May, 1803. 
 
 Sir, 
 
 You will be pleased to acquaint the Lords Commissioners 
 of the Admiralty, that I arrived here about one o'clock this 
 afternoon, and have hoisted my Flag on board his Majesty's 
 Ship Victory. Captain Sutton informs me that she will be 
 in every respect ready for sea on Friday morning. I am, &c. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO ADMIRAL THE EARL OF ST. VINCENT, K.B. 
 
 [Autograph, in the possession of Vice-Admiral Sir William Parker, Bart., G.C'.B.J 
 
 May 18th, 3 P.M. [1803.] 
 
 My dear Lord, 
 
 As the Victory will be ready, Captain Sutton tells me, to 
 sail on Friday morning at daylight, (and I am trying to make 
 
 8 Admiral Lord Gardner, Commaiider-m-Chief at Portsmouth.
 
 JET. 44.] LETTERS. 67 
 
 that to-morrow night,) I have, on many accounts, thought it 
 best to hoist my Flag in her. If Admiral Cornwallis wants 
 her which it is very improbable according to what I have 
 heard but if he does, I shall remove nothing from the 
 Frigate but my cot : and, therefore, be gone in five minutes. 
 You may rely, my dear Lord, that nothing shall be left 
 undone by me, by a vigorous and active exertion of the force 
 under my command, to bring about a happy Peace. I am 
 ever, my dear Lord, your most obliged and faithful, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. D 
 
 TO ADMIRAL THE EARL OF ST. VINCENT, K.B. 
 [Autograph, in the possession of Vice-Admiral Sir William Parker, Bart., G.C.B.] 
 
 My dear Lord, May 19th, 1803. 
 
 This will be presented to you by my nephew, Sir William 
 Bolton, and now he stands in so near a situation to me, it 
 must be my anxious wish to get him employed, and with me, 
 and promoted. If the Devil stands at the door, the Victory 
 shall sail to-morrow forenoon. 1 Keep your health, my dear 
 Lord, and ever believe me your most obliged and affectionate, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO THE RIGHT HONOURABLE ADMIRAL LORD GARDNER, 
 COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF AT PORTSMOUTH. 
 
 [Autograph, in the possession of Mr. Empson.] 
 
 My dear Lord, May 20th, 1803, 3 P.M. 
 
 However I felt on reading the order 2 you showed me this 
 morning, yet I am not of a disposition to complain ; for if I 
 
 9 In reply to this Letter, Lord St. Vincent wrote to him on the next day " I 
 very much lament your detention at Portsmouth, equally unpleasant to you and 
 injurious to the Public Service .... Your Lordship has given so many proofs 
 of transcendent zeal in the Service of your King and Country, that we have only to 
 pray for the preservation of your invaluable life, to insure everything that can be 
 achieved by mortal man." Tucker's Memoirs of the Earl of St. Vincent, vol. ii. 
 p. 239. 
 
 1 " Portsmouth, 20th May, 1800. Such was the anxiety of Lord Nelson to em 
 bark, that yesterday, to every one who spoke to him of his sailing, he said, ' I can- 
 not before to-morrow, and that's an age.' This morning, about ten o'clock, his 
 Lordship went off in a heavy shower of rain, and sailed with a Northerly wind."- 
 Naval Chronicle, vol. ix. p. 421. 
 
 * Apparently respecting the Crew of the Victory. 
 
 F2
 
 68 LETTERS. [1803. 
 
 got safe to the Mediterranean, my mind was made up to dis- 
 mantle some Ship of War, for I believe the honour of the 
 Country ought not to be risked by having the Victory half 
 manned. But the more I felt, the more truly am I sensible 
 of your Lordship's goodness; and thanking you sincerely, and 
 wishing you, my dear Lord, health and happiness, believe me 
 your much obliged and obedient servant, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO ADMIRAL THE EARL OF ST. VINCENT, K.B. 
 
 [Autograph, in the possession of Vice- Admiral Sir William Parker, Bart., G.C.B. 1 
 
 My dear Lord, May 20th, isoo. 
 
 You may rely that I shall be off Brest as expeditiously as 
 possible, and there wait for Admiral Cornwallis. I am mad 
 at losing a moment of this wind, but I cannot help myself. 
 She is to be paid at eight o'clock, and I shall be on board at 
 nine. Ever, my dear Lord, yours most faithfully, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 Many thanks for your kind letter by the Post. May every 
 blessing attend you, and may we soon meet in Peace. 
 
 TO SIR EVAN NEPEAN, BART., ADMIRALTY. 
 
 |_ Original, in the Admiralty. " Friday, 20th May, A.M. About 10, the Right 
 Hon. Lord Viscount Nelson, Captain George Murray, Captain of the Fleet, and 
 Lieutenant Pearce, Signal Officer, &c., came on hoard. Saturday, 21st (i. c., the 
 afternoon of the 20th.) Unmoored Ship, and weighed. Made sail out of Spit- 
 head, through St. Plelens, when H. M. Ship Amphion joined, and proceeded to sea 
 in company with us." Victory's Log. On hoard the Victory were embarked, Mr. 
 Hugh Elliot, who had been appointed Minister at Naples, the brother, and Captain 
 (now Rear-Admiral) the Honourable George Elliot, the son of Lord Minto, who 
 was permitted to serve with Lord Nelson as a Volunteer. 
 
 On the 18th of May, ]ftO:(, Lord Nelson received the following Orders from the 
 Admiralty : 
 
 " Whereas by our Commission, hearing date the ICth instant, we have appointed 
 your Lordship Commander-in-Chief of his Majesty's Ships and Vessels employed 
 and to be employed in the Mediterranean ; you are hereby required and directed to 
 proceed forthwith to Portsmouth, and, hoisting your Flag on board his Majesty's 
 Ship Amphion, make the best of your way to the Island of Malta, where you may 
 expect to find Rear- Admiral Sir Richard Bickerton; and on meeting the Rear-Ad- 
 miral, take him and the Ships and Vessels there, as well as in the Mediterranean, 
 under your command. On your Lordship's arrival at Malta, you are to lose no
 
 ^ET. 44.] LETTERS. 69 
 
 time in concerting with Sir Alexander Ball, his Majesty's Commissioner at that 
 Island, sncli arrangements as may be necessary with a view to the protection and 
 security of that Island ; you are then to proceed oft' Toulon, with such port of the 
 Squadron under your command as you may judge to he adequate to the service, 
 and take such a position as may, in your Lordship's opinion, he most proper for 
 enabling you to take, sink, burn, or otherwise destroy, any Ships or Vessels be- 
 longing to France, or the Citizens of that Republic, and also for detaining and send- 
 ing into Port any Ships or Vessels belonging to the Batavian Republic, or the 
 Citizens thereof, that you may happen to fall in with. Your Lordship is to be very 
 attentive to the proceedings of the French at Genoa, Leghorn, and other Ports on 
 that side of Italy, for the purpose of gaining the most early information of any 
 armaments that may be forming there, either with a view to an attack upon Egypt, 
 or any other part of the Turkish Dominions, or against the Kingdoms of Naples 
 and Sicily, or the Islands of Corfu; and in the event of your having reason to 
 believe that any such plan shall be in contemplation, your Lordship is to exert your 
 be.st endeavours to counteract it, and to take, sink, burn, or destroy any Ships or 
 Vessels which may he so employed ; as well as to afford to the Sublime Porte and 
 his Sicilian Majesty and their subjects, any protection or assistance which may be 
 in your power, consistently with a due attention to the other important objects en- 
 trusted to your care. 
 
 " As it is highly important that yonr Lordship should be watchful of the conduct 
 of the Court of Spain in the present moment, you are to direct your attention to 
 the Naval preparations that may he making in the several Ports of that Kingdom 
 in the Mediterranean, as also at Cadiz, and to take every practicable means of ob- 
 taining, from time to time, all the intelligence you may be able to collect on that 
 subject. Your Lordship is to take care that no interruption he offered by any of 
 the Ships or Vessels under your command to aay Spanish Ships of War or Trade, 
 while they conduct themselves in a manner becoming a Neutral Nation ; but, at the 
 same time, your Lordship is to understand, that however desirable it may be to 
 avoid any measure of hostility against that Country, you are not to sutler any 
 Squadron of Spanish Ships of War to enter a French Port, or to form a junction 
 with any Squadron, or Ships or Vessels of that, o-r the Batavian Republic. Your 
 Lordship is also to be careful not to infringe the Neutrality of other Powers, so long 
 as their conduct towards his Majesty and the commerce of his Subjects shall be 
 actuated by a similar principle. And whereas there is reason to believe that some 
 of the French Line of Battle Ships which have recently been employed in conveying 
 Troops to the French West India Islands may, on their return to Europe, attempt 
 to proceed to the Pccts in the Mediterranean ; your Lordship is to detach such part 
 of the Squadron under your command as you can spare from other more important 
 services, as soon as possible, to Gibraltar, with orders to the Senior Officer of such 
 Detachment, after obtaining the best information he may be able to collect at that 
 place, to take such a position as he may conceive to be most convenient, with a 
 view to the intercepting the said Ships, and any others belonging to the French or 
 Batavian Republics, which may attempt to pass or repass the Straits; and your 
 Lordship is to apprise the Senior Officer, from time to time, of your movements, 
 to the end that no delay that can be prevented may take place in the furnishing 
 your Lordship with any orders or instructions which we may have occasion to send 
 you, for the further regulation of your conduct; and, finally, you are to transmit to 
 our Secretary, for our information, frequent accounts of your proceedings, and 
 every intelligence you may have obtained, proper for our knowledge. Given under 
 our hands, the Ibth May 1*0:3, ST. VIXCEST, PH. STEPHENS, T, TBOUBBIPGE."
 
 70 LETTERS. [1803. 
 
 On the loth of May, Lord Nelson was directed by the Admiralty " to detciin and 
 bring into Port all Ships and Vessels belonging to the Batavian Republic, there to 
 remain until his Majesty's further pleasure shall be signified respecting them ;" 
 giving " directions to the Officers to whom the charge of such Ships or Vessels 
 may be entrusted, to take all possible care that no embezzlement of any kind what- 
 ever do take place, as they will answer the contrary at their peril." 
 
 On the 17th of May, Lord Nelson was informed that the King had directed 
 Letters of Marque and Reprisals to be issued against the Ships and Vessels of the 
 French Republic ; and he was directed to use his " best endeavours to seize or de- 
 stroy all Ships and Vessels belonging to the French Republic, or to any persons 
 being Citizens of the said Republic, or inhabiting within any of the Territories 
 thereof, you may be able to fall in with accordingly, and to give the like directions 
 to all the Captains and Commanders of his Majesty's Ships and Vessels under your 
 command." Oriylnals, in the possession of the Right Hon. John Wilson Croker.] 
 
 Sir, Victory, at Spithead, 20th May, 1803. 
 
 I was honoured with your letter, sent by a Messenger at 
 half-past four yesterday, at half-past one this morning ; and I 
 beg leave to assure you that I hold it impossible for any 
 Officer, under such orders as their Lordships' to me, to de- 
 signedly miss Admiral Cornwallis off Brest. Their Lordships 
 may rely on my strict obedience to their orders, and I rely 
 with confidence on their liberal constructions of my actions. 
 The Victory shall sail the moment she is paid. I have the 
 honour to be, &c. NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO SIR EVAN NEPEAN, BART., ADMIRALTY. 
 
 [Original, in the Admiralty.] 
 SJ r Victory, off the Start, 21st May, 1803. 
 
 You will please to acquaint the Lords Commissioners of 
 the Admiralty, that I have this morning detained a Dutch 
 Merchant Ship from Surinam, laden with cocoa, coffee, and 
 sugar, and sent her into Plymouth. I am, Sir, c. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO THE CAPTAIN OF ANY OF HIS MAJESTY'S SHIPS WHICH THE 
 AMPHION MAY MEET AT SEA, OR IN CAWSAND BAY. 
 
 [Letter-Book.] 
 Si r Victory, off the Start, 21st May, 1^0.>. 
 
 It is my directions that you take charge of the Dutch Ship 
 under the charge of Captain Hardy, and see her safe into
 
 JET. 44.] LETTERS. 71 
 
 Plymouth: or if this letter should be delivered to any Ship in 
 Cawsand Bay, it is my directions that the Senior Officer there 
 take charge of her ; and it is my positive directions that the 
 Amphion is not detained one moment. Great care is to be 
 taken that none of her cargo is embezzled, [for,] as the Ad- 
 miralty order expresses, you will answer it at your peril. 
 I am, Sir, &c. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO ADMIRAL THE EARL OF ST. VINCENT, K.B. 
 
 [Autograph, in the possession of Vice-Admiral Sir William Parker, Bart., G.C.B. 
 " Monday, 23rd (i. e., Tuesday, 22nd, P.M.) At 5, Ushant Light House, N.E. b E. 
 seven miles. Standing off and on off Ushant. Joined H.M. Ships Sirius and Am- 
 phion." " Tuesday, 24th May (i. c, 23rd May, P.M.) At 4, saw two strange Sail, 
 S.E. b E., which proved to be H.M. Ships Naiad and Hazard; hove to; at 
 7-40, out Boats. The Admiral shifted his Flag to the Amphion. At 7-50, Lord 
 Nelson came on board the Amphion, and hoisted his Flag, and made sail. At 10, 
 lost sight of the Squadron." Log.'] 
 
 My dear Lord, Mft y 22nd, 1803, Noon, close to Ushant. 
 
 I am looking out for Cornwallis. I think we must see him 
 before one, if he is this side the Saints, and I hope that he will 
 not want the Victory. I am very comfortably placed here. I 
 forgot to mention Mr. Barrillier to you. If Sir John Henslow 3 
 goes off, could he not be more generally usefully employed 
 than at Milford? I have cleared the Victory for to carry a raft 
 fifty feet by fourteen. It can be done with ease, and a passage 
 can be had in the place where the double hammocks are stowed. 
 I hope one will be built and tried : answer the purpose in- 
 tended with my head. 
 
 3 P.M. We are inside Ushant, but where is Cornwallis ? 
 However, I shall block up Brest till he comes to liberate me. 
 
 ^ past 5. In sight of Saint Matthew's. Murray says, if 
 the Fleet was off Brest, that they must be seen. Blows 
 strong at North. What a wind for carrying us to Portugal. 
 
 6 P.M. Just got hold of the Sirius. Captain Prowse 4 tells 
 me, that the Admiral is cruizing W.N.W. from the Saints' 
 Bridge twenty leagues. I have demonstrated the Victory off 
 Brest, and am now going to seek the Admiral in the ocean. 
 
 3 Surveyor of the Navy: he died, aged eighty-six, in September, 1815. 
 
 4 Captain William Prowse : he died a Rear- Admiral, and a Companion of the 
 Bath, in March 1826.
 
 72 LETTERS. [1803. 
 
 May 23rd. You will, by my letter to the Admiralty, see 
 how much ground we have traversed in search, and if I do 
 not find him by six o'clock, if the weather will allow me [to] 
 shift myself into the Amphion, and leave the Victory to look for 
 Cornwallis. I am clear, by his conduct, that there can be 
 nothing in Brest to demand his attention. It blows very 
 strong, and a heavy sea. I doubt the possibility of my 
 getting out of the Ship, whether I meet him or not. 
 
 6 P.M. Captain Neve 5 is on board. He supposes the 
 Admiral ten leagues off Ushant: therefore there is no looking 
 for him, and I am embarking in the Amphion. God bless 
 you, and ever believe me yours most faithfully, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO LADY HAMILTON. 
 
 [Extract from the " Letters of Lord Nelson to Lady Hamilton," vol. i. p. 10K.] 
 May 2'^ucl, [1803.] Eight o'clock iu the Morning. 
 
 My dearest Emma, 
 
 We are now in sight of Ushant, and shall see Admiral 
 Cornwallis in an hour. I am not in a little fret, on the idea 
 that he may keep the Victory, and turn us all into the 
 Amphion. It will make it truly uncomfortable ; but I cannot 
 help myself. We are very comfortable. Mr. Elliot is happy, 
 has quite recovered his spirits : he was very low at Portsmouth. 
 George Elliot is very well ; say so to Lord Minto. Murray, 
 Sutton in short, every body in the Ship, seems happy ; and, 
 if we should fall in with a French Man-of-War, I have no fears 
 but they will do as we used to do. Hardy is gone into Ply- 
 mouth, to see our Dutchman safe. I think she will turn out a 
 good Prize. Gaetano 6 desires his duty to Miledi ! He is a 
 good man, and, I dare say, will come back ; for I think it 
 cannot be a long War: just enough to make me independent 
 in pecuniary matters. If the wind stands, on Tuesday we 
 shall be on the Coast of Portugal ; and, before next Sunday, 
 in the Mediterranean. To Mrs. Cadogan say every kind 
 thing ; to good Mrs. Nelson, the Doctor, &c. &c. If you like, 
 
 5 Captain Robert Jeuuer Neve, of the Hazard: he was Posted in 1800, and died 
 about 1815. 
 8 His Steward;
 
 JET. 44.] LETTERS. 73 
 
 you may tell him about the entailing of the Pension : but 
 perhaps he will be so much taken up with Canterbury, 7 that 
 it will do for some dull evening at Hilborough. 
 
 I shall now stop till I have been on board the Admiral 
 
 I shall direct to Morton, after June 1st. Therefore, as you 
 change, make Davison take a direction to Nepean ; but I 
 would not trouble him with too many directions, for fear of 
 embroil. 
 
 May 23rd. 
 
 We were close in with Brest yesterday, and found by a 
 Frigate that Admiral Cornwallis had a Rendezvous at sea. 
 Thither we went ; but to this hour cannot find him. It blows 
 strong. What a wind we are losing ! If I cannot find the 
 Admiral by six o'clock, we must all go into the Amphion, 
 and leave the Victory, to my great mortification. So much 
 for the wisdom of my superiors. I keep my letter open to the 
 last, for I still hope ; as, I am sure, there is no good reason for 
 my not going out in the Victory. I am just embarking in the 
 Amphion cannot find Admiral Cornwallis. May God in 
 Heaven bless you, prays your most sincere 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 Stephens 's publication 8 I should like to have. I have left 
 my silver seal ; at least, I cannot find it. 
 
 TO SIR EVAN NEPEAN, BART., ADMIRALTY. 
 
 [Original, in the Admiralty.] 
 Sir, Victory, at Sea, 23rd May, 1803, past o'clock P.M. 
 
 I send you the track and proceedings of the Victory since 
 she rounded Ushant yesterday afternoon. It is perfectly certain 
 that not even a Frigate was inside of us ; nor could -Admiral 
 Cornwallis have made inside Ushant his Station from Wednes- 
 day last, for on that day the Sirius, Captain Prowse, was inside 
 Ushant, and not finding Admiral Cornwallis returned to 
 Plymouth to know how to proceed, when he received from 
 Admiral Dacres the Rendezvous of the Admiral, W.N.W. of 
 
 ' Dr. Nelson was gazetted as a Prebendary of Canterbury, on the 24th of May, 
 1803. 
 
 8 " History of the Wars of the French Revolution," 2 vols. 4to, 1803. Fide 
 p. 43, ante, and vol. iii. p. 521.
 
 74 LETTERS. [1803. 
 
 the Saint's Bridge, twenty leagues, latitude 48 04", longitude 
 6 35" W. You will see, by our track, that at half-past six 
 o'clock this morning we were on the Rendezvous, with the 
 two Frigates, they looking out on different bearings all night. 
 At seven saw a Dogger, which the Sirius spoke ; at eight, 
 saw two other Sail bearing S.S.E., spoke a Brig from Bor- 
 deaux ; from this time till noon steering E.S.E., which makes 
 an East course good, the wind being at N.N.E. blowing strong. 
 Supposing Admiral Cornwallis to have been yesterday noon 
 on his Rendezvous, he must have drifted to the Southward ; 
 therefore, allowing for a reasonable drift, he must be as far to 
 the Southward as ourselves at noon viz., 47 41". I think, 
 with this wind, it is impossible he could keep his head to the 
 Westward, he would certainly make Southing with his West- 
 ing ; therefore I think he must be inshore, unless, for some 
 reason totally beyond my guess, he has judged it proper to 
 avoid the French Coast. 
 
 In this case, I have my choice to take the Victory or Fri- 
 gate. I am decidedly of opinion that I ought, under all the 
 circumstances of the case, to proceed in the Victory ; for either 
 Admiral Cornwallis has found the French Fleet ready for sea 
 so insignificant, that it was not an object to block up Brest 
 very close, in which case he could not want a First-rate, which 
 would remove the objection of the Admiralty to my taking the 
 Victory; or, the Admiral has judged it proper to go off the 
 Coast, in which case I do not think I ought to leave the Vic- 
 tory. Yet, as I feel from your Letter of the 19th May, * on 
 no account to pass Admiral Cornwallis, so as to run any chance 
 of his being deprived of the services of the Victory, if he 
 should judge it necessary to detain her,' I shall, therefore, 
 contrary to my judgment, leave the Victory to look out for 
 one week for Admiral Cornwallis; and if Captain Sutton 
 does not fall in with him, to return to Plymouth for further 
 orders. I am proceeding in the Amphion, in the execution of 
 the important instructions to me. I am, Sir, &c. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 P.S. Enclosed is Captain Murray's report, for their Lord- 
 ships' information.
 
 JET. 44.] LETTERS. 75 
 
 TO ADMIRAL THE HONOURABLE WILLIAM CORNWALLIS, 
 COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF. 
 
 [Letter-Book.] 
 Victory, at Sea, 23rd May, 1803, past C o'clock P.M. 
 
 Sir, 
 
 I have the honour to transmit you the directions of the 
 Admiralty for my joining you off Brest ; but as I have not 
 been so fortunate as to meet you, and the whole business of 
 the Mediterranean waiting my arrival, I have judged it proper 
 to shift my Flag to the Amphion, and to proceed in her. If 
 you have no commands for the Victory, I trust you will order 
 her to join me without a moment's loss of time. I am, Sir, 
 with great regard, your obedient humble servant, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO ADMIRAL HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS THE DUKE OF CLARENCE. 
 
 [From Clarke arid M'Artliur, vol. ii. p. 313.] 
 
 Off Cape Finisterre, 26th May, 1803. 
 
 Your Royal Highness will have heard that I sailed in the 
 Victory to join Admiral Cornwallis off Brest ; but as I could 
 not find him on his Rendezvous, or near Brest, and having a 
 fair wind, I determined on embarking in the Amphion, and 
 proceeding to the Mediterranean, leaving the Victory to fol- 
 low, if Admiral Cornwallis did not want her assistance. I 
 now wish I had not persevered so long in looking for him, for 
 I have lost the fair wind. I never could fancy that our assist- 
 ance would be wanted. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO THE RESPECTIVE CAPTAINS AND COMMANDERS OF HIS 
 MAJESTY'S SHIPS AND VESSELS ON THE MEDITERRANEAN 
 STATION. 
 
 [Order-Book.] 
 Ampliion, off Cape Finisterre, 30th May, 1803. 
 
 The Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty having ac- 
 quainted me in consequence of a Letter of the 17th instant, 
 from the Right Hon. Lord Hobart, one of His Majesty's
 
 76 LETTERS. [1803. 
 
 Principal Secretaries of State, that His Majesty had been 
 pleased to order Letters of Marque and Reprisals, to be issued 
 against the Ships and Vessels of the French Republic, You 
 are therefore hereby required and directed to use your best 
 endeavours to seize or destroy all Ships and Vessels belonging 
 to the French Republic, or to any persons being Citizens of 
 the said Republic, or inhabiting within any of the Territories 
 thereof, you may be able to fall in with, accordingly. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO THE RESPECTIVE CAPTAINS AND COMMANDERS OF HIS 
 
 MAJESTY'S SHIPS AND VESSELS ON THE MEDITERRANEAN 
 STATION. 
 
 [Order-Book.] 
 Ampluoii, off Cape Finisterre, OOtli May, 1803. 
 
 The Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty having ac- 
 quainted me, in consequence of a letter of the 15th instant, 
 from the Right Hon. Lord Hobart, one of His Majesty's Prin- 
 cipal Secretaries of State, that from the measures lately adopted 
 by the French Government, there is too much reason to 
 apprehend that the Batavian Republic will be forced to take 
 part vrith the French in hostility against this Country, and 
 at the same time signified His Majesty's pleasure that direc- 
 tions should be given for detaining and bringing into Port 
 all Ships and Vessels belonging to the Batavian Republic, 
 You are therefore hereby required and directed, on falling 
 in with any Ships or Vessels of the said Republic, to detain 
 and bring them into Port, there to remain until His Majesty's 
 farther pleasure shall be signified respecting them. In the 
 event of your detaining any Ship or Vessel of the above 
 description, it is the orders of the Lords Commissioners of the 
 Admiralty, that the most positive directions are given to the 
 Officers to whom the charge of such Ships or Vessels may be 
 entrusted, to take all possible care that no embezzlement of 
 any kind whatever do take place, as they will answer the 
 contrary at their peril. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE.
 
 ^T. 44.] LETTERS. 77 
 
 TO THE RESPECTIVE CAPTAINS AND COMMANDERS OF HIS 
 MAJESTY'S SHIPS AND VESSELS ON THE MEDITERRANEAN 
 STATION. 
 
 [Order-Book.] 
 Amphiou, off Cape Finisterre, 30th May, 1803. 
 
 Pursuant to instructions from the Lords Commissioners of 
 the Admiralty, you are hereby required and directed on no 
 account whatever to interrupt any Spanish Ships or Vessels 
 of War which you may fall in with, nor to molest the Trade of 
 his Catholic Majesty. It is also their Lordships' particular 
 direction that you do not infringe on the Neutrality of any 
 Power in Amity with Great Britain. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO ADMIRAL THE RIGHT HONOURABLE LORD RADSTOCK. 
 [Autograph, in the possession of Rear- Admiral Lord Radstock, C.B.] 
 My dear Lord, Off Lisbon, June 2nd, 1803. 
 
 You may rely that I shall not omit anything in my power 
 to be useful to your son : 8 when he has served his time he shall 
 come directly into the Victory. You had, my dear Lord, 
 only to tell me where he was placed, to be sure of my atten- 
 tion; and if he is not a good young man, I am sure he will not 
 be like his Father. We have had a long passage, having had 
 to go off Brest, and since which time foul winds. With every 
 kind wish, believe me, my dear Lord, ever your most obliged 
 and attached, NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO ADMIRAL HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS THE DUKE OF CLARENCE. 
 
 [From Clarke and M'Arthur, vol. ii. p. 313. " Saturday, 4th June, (i. c., Fri- 
 dav, 3rd June, P.M.,) at 0-30, boarded a French Brig under French colours ; took 
 possession. At 9-30, came to, in Gibraltar Bay." Amjihion's Log.'} 
 
 June 3rd, 1803. 
 
 Having buffeted with a foul wind and nasty sea, we are 
 now entering the Straits, and I hope to anchor at Gibraltar 
 before dark. As they knew nothing of the War being abso- 
 
 8 The Honourable George Granville Waldegrave, now Rear-Admiral Lord Rad- 
 stock, C.B.
 
 78 LETTERS. [1803. 
 
 lutely begun here, I am much hurried, being very anxious to 
 join the Fleet as soon as possible ; this must apologize for the 
 shortness of my letter. Buonaparte's brother Jerome passed 
 from Martinique a few days ago in a Ship of the Line. I 
 am, &c. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO EDWARD POWNALL, ESQ., NAVAL STORE-KEEPER AT 
 GIBRALTAR. 
 
 [Ofder-Book.] 
 Amphion, iu Gibraltar Bay, 3rd June, 1803. 
 
 Whereas it is essentially necessary for the good of his 
 Majesty's Service, that the most strict attention is paid to the 
 preservation and issue of every description of Naval Stores 
 committed to your charge ; You are therefore hereby required 
 and directed to pay due attention to the preservation of the 
 Stores committed to your charge accordingly ; and on no ac- 
 count or consideration whatever, to supply any of his Majesty's 
 Ships or Vessels under my command with Naval Stores, with- 
 out being furnished with the Boatswain's and Carpenter's 
 Supplies, Expenses, and Remains, by the Commander of the 
 Ship or Vessel making such demand. You are then only to 
 complete their remains to four months, agreeable to the es- 
 tablishment. It is also my particular directions that you do 
 not on any account supply those of his Majesty's Ships or 
 Vessels which may arrive from England with Stores of any 
 kind, unless it shall be to replace articles which (from accidents 
 in bad weather) may have been rendered unserviceable on the 
 passage. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO CAPTAIN SUTTON, II. M. SHIP VICTORY. 
 [Autograph, in the possession of Captain Ives Sutton.] 
 My dear Sutton, Gibraltar, June 4th, 1803. 
 
 You will not anchor here, but proceed and join me as ex- 
 peditiously as possible on the Rendezvous : if no place is 
 mentioned, of course Malta. I recommend making the South 
 end of Sardinia and also Maretimo in Sicily this Island is
 
 JET. 44.] LETTERS. 79 
 
 bold, too, inside or out. Mr. Atkinson 9 will keep you clear of 
 the Esquerques, but after you are past Maretimo, do not keep 
 too near Sicily for the shoals lie out five or six miles. Hoping 
 for a quick sight of you, believe me, dear Sutton, yours most 
 sincerely, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 Hardy has made your fortune. 1 
 
 TO THE RIGHT HONOURABLE HENRY ADDINGTON. 
 
 [Autograph, in the Sidmouth Papers.] 
 
 Amphion, Gibraltar, June 4th, 1803. 
 
 My dear Sir, 
 
 We arrived here in the night, and as the news of actual 
 War had not reached this place, I am anxious to get to the 
 Fleet. Mr. Elliot has been so good as to send a Messenger 
 to Madrid to get information respecting Spain, but although 
 our Consul at Cadiz expects that there must be a War with 
 Spain, yet I do not find that any particular activity prevails 
 in their Naval Arsenal at Cadiz. They have just got two rich 
 Ships from Manilla. You may rely on my activity in getting 
 off Toulon, when all will go on smoothly. Buonaparte's 
 brother Jerome passed from Martinique a few days ago in a 
 Ship of the Line. It would have been pleasant to have laid a 
 little salt on his tail, but I hope to do it yet. Believe me ever, 
 my dear Sir, your most attached and faithful friend, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO SIR EVAN NEPEAN, BART., ADMIRALTY. 
 
 [Original, in the Admiralty.] 
 
 Amphion, in Gibraltar Bay, 4th June, 1803. 
 Sir, 
 
 You will please to acquaint the Lords Commissioners of the 
 Admiralty of my arrival here last night, and that I have 
 directed the Tourterelle to proceed, according to the orders 
 her Commander has received from Sir Richard Bickerton, to 
 
 9 Master of the Victory. 
 
 1 Alluding, jocularly, to the capture of the French Brig.
 
 80 LETTERS. [1803. 
 
 Cork, and from thence to England, taking under his protec- 
 tion the Abundance Store-ship, and the Trade bound his way. 
 And, as I have received information that the Enemy have 
 Cruizers off Cape Trafalgar, I have left orders for the Re- 
 sistance, on her arrival here from Lisbon, to proceed with the 
 Tourterelle and convoy her twenty or twenty-five leagues to 
 the Westward of Cadiz, or the Strait's Mouth calling for the 
 Trade from Cadiz, should he be informed by the Consul that 
 there are any there. After executing these orders, to return 
 and cruize between Cape Trafalgar and Cape Spartel, occa- 
 sionally calling at Gibraltar for further orders. You will 
 farther inform their Lordships, that I am getting under weigh 
 in the Amphion to proceed to Malta, and shall take the 
 Maidstone with me having left the Bittern to cruize between 
 Europa Point and Ceuta, to keep the communication open 
 with the Coast of Barbary. I am, Sir, &c, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO THE RESPECTIVE OFFICERS OF GIBRALTAR YARD. 
 
 [Order-Book.] 
 
 Amphion, in Gibraltar Bay, 4th June, 1803. 
 
 You are hereby required and directed to put the Gun and 
 Flat-bottomed Boats in a state of service, as well as to fit the 
 Guerrier Sheer-hulk for the reception of thirty or forty 
 Officers, and three hundred common men ; and for the better 
 expediting the above services, you are to enter twelve Ship- 
 wrights on the Garrison establishment till completed. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO CAPTAIN THE HONOURABLE PHILIP WODEIIOUSE, 2 II. M. SHIP 
 RESISTANCE. 
 
 [Order-Book.] 
 Amphion, in Gibraltar Bay, 4th June, 1803. 
 
 Having directed Captain Simpson 3 of the Tourterelle to 
 follow the order of Rear-Admiral Sir Richard Bickerton of 
 
 * Vide vol. iv. p. 504. 
 
 8 The present Captain John Simpson, who was posted in December 1809.
 
 JET. 44.] LETTERS. 81 
 
 the 4th ultimo, and, in addition, to take the Abundance Store- 
 ship, together with such Trade as may be bound from hence 
 to the United Kingdom, You are hereby required and directed 
 to proceed with his Majesty's Ship under your command, 
 and accompany the Tourterelle and her Convoy, from twenty 
 to twenty-five leagues to the Westward of Cadiz, or the 
 Straits' Mouth. Having so done, return, and cruize between 
 Cape Trafalgar and Cape Spartel, for the protection of the 
 Trade, and annoyance of the Enemy, calling occasionally at 
 Gibraltar, which is recommended to be done, when the wind 
 is to the Eastward, that you may return again to your station, 
 unless you should find orders there to the contrary, and to 
 afford every assistance required by his Excellency Lieutenant- 
 General Sir Thomas Trigge. Having directed the Bittern 
 to cruise for the purpose of keeping the communication open 
 between Gibraltar and the Coast of Barbary, you are at 
 liberty to give her Commander such directions as you may 
 find necessary for the more effectual execution of this service. 
 In case you should receive information of importance, neces- 
 sary for me to know, you will either proceed yourself, or send 
 the Bittern, to join me at Malta, or to the Rendezvous I may 
 hereafter send you. In the event of not receiving such 
 Rendezvous, you are to make the South end of Sardinia, and 
 the Island of Maretimo, in Sicily, where it is probable you 
 may fall in with some Cruizer, which will give you informa- 
 tion where I am. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO HIS EXCELLENCY SIR JOHN ACTON, BART. 
 
 [From a Copy, in the possession of Vice-Admiral Sir William Parker, Bart., 
 G.C.B. " Sunday, 5th June (i. e. Saturday, 4th, P.M.) At 4, weighed and made 
 sail, in company with H.M. Ships Maidstoue and Bittern. At 5, saw a strange 
 Frigate under French colours ; gave chace and cleared for action : it proved to be 
 the Tourterelle. A.M. (Sunday, 5th June,) at C'30, brought to the Vrow Agneta, 
 Dutch Brig ; took possession of her, and made sail. At 10-30, brought to the 
 Silvain, French Brig, took possession of her, and sent them both to Malta."] 
 
 June 10th, 1803. 
 My dear Sir John, 
 
 Writing as I do, it is impossible that I can know anything 
 of the situation of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies, and par- 
 VOL. v. Q
 
 82 LETTERS. [1803. 
 
 ticularly that of Naples, but I can readily conceive that it 
 must be very unpleasantly situated ; for if it goes too far, 
 either on one side or the other, unpleasant circumstances may 
 arise. Indeed, there is a chain of difficulties ; but, without 
 a compliment, I know nobody at this trying moment so able 
 to steer the Vessel of State, for the benefit of our good Sove- 
 reigns, as your Excellency. As I bring Mr. Elliot with me, 
 it is not for me to enter very deeply into Political sub- 
 jects, yet it is right, as far as the purport of my orders go, 
 to touch upon them. The words of my orders are viz., 
 
 * Your Lordship is to be very attentive in observing if the 
 French have any design of attacking the Kingdoms of Naples 
 or Sicily, and your Lordship is to exert yourself to counteract 
 it, and to take, sink, burn, or destroy any Ships or Vessels 
 which may be so employed, and to afford to his Sicilian 
 Majesty, and his Subjects, all the protection and assistance 
 which may be in your power, consistently with a due attention 
 to the other important objects intrusted to your care.' No 
 orders, my dear Sir John, can be clearer or fuller, and I do 
 assure you that the last words of Mr. Addington to me were, 
 
 * Take every possible care of their Sicilian Majesties, for the 
 King considers them as the most faithful Allies that he has 
 ever had ;' and there is not in the Ministry a difference of 
 opinion on this point, as Mr. Elliot will more fully explain 
 than it would be proper for me to do, as he is going to you ; 
 but of him, your Excellency may be assured that he goes to 
 you with the kindest and best wishes for the welfare of the 
 Two Sicilies, and the honour of their Majesties. You will 
 readily believe how desirous I am to pay my duty to the King, 
 Queen, and the Royal Family, and I am using force upon 
 myself to keep away ; for I think it likely, was I to fly to 
 Naples, which I am so much inclined to do, that the French 
 might turn it to some plea against those good Sovereigns : 
 but, should the time come when your Excellency might wish 
 to talk with me, or think it right for me to pay my respects, I 
 shall attend your summons with the greatest pleasure. This 
 being a letter of business, I shall conclude with assuring you 
 that I am ever devoted, both by duty and inclination, to the 
 service of their Sicilian Majesties, and, my dear Sir John, 
 your Excellency's most obliged and faithful friend, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE.
 
 . 44.] LETTERS. 83 
 
 TO HIS EXCELLENCY SIR JOHN ACTON, BART. 
 
 [From a Copy, in the possession of Vice-Admiral Sir William Parker, Bart., 
 G.C.B.] 
 
 June 10th, 1803. 
 
 My dear Sir John, 
 
 Although I am sure it is totally unnecessary for me to in- 
 troduce the brother of Lord Minto to your Excellency, yet 
 Mr. Elliot has desired me to do it, that you may be assured 
 his sentiments are precisely the same as his noble brother's, 
 for the general safety of all Italy, and particularly for that of 
 the Two Sicilies. Mr. Elliot and myself both concur on the 
 advantages which must accrue, could the Kingdoms of Naples 
 and Sicily be kept perfectly Neutral, but we doubt of the 
 French allowing the advantage of such a Neutrality ; and, 
 therefore, although it may not be in the power of Great Bri- 
 tain to keep the French Troops out of the Kingdom of Naples, 
 yet that [it] is perfectly easy for us to keep them out of Sicily, 
 which if they were once to get a footing in, it would be totally 
 lost for ever. Therefore we must naturally look on this object, 
 and never allow the possibility of such an event happening, 
 so ruinous to their Majesties, and disadvantageous to Great 
 Britain. I am confident that you will, my dear Sir John, see 
 these objects in the same point of view as we do, and concur 
 with Mr. Elliot on what may be most advantageous to both 
 our Countries. Feeling all the inclination as I used to do, to 
 be serviceable to their Sicilian Majesties, I shall only assure 
 you, my dear Sir John, that I wish to prove myself your most 
 sincerely attached friend, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO HIS SACRED MAJESTY THE KING OF THE TWO SICILIES. 
 
 [From a Copy in the Sidmouth Papers.] 
 
 June 10th, 1803. 
 Sire, 
 
 I am confident that your Majesty will readily believe how 
 desirous I must be to pay my humble duty at Naples ; but 
 consideration for the situation of your Majesty, and your 
 Kingdom of Naples at this moment prevents me from follow-
 
 84 LETTERS. [1803. 
 
 ing my inclinations, as I have fully set forth in my letter to 
 General Acton ; but I beg leave to assure your Majesty, that 
 one great reason for my being appointed Commander-in-Chief 
 of the British Fleet in the Mediterranean, was my known 
 attachment to your Majesty, the Queen, and Royal Family, 
 and my ardent wish for maintaining the true honour of your 
 Majesty, and the safety and welfare of your Kingdoms. 
 
 The sentiments of his Britannic Majesty will be much 
 better expressed by his Representative, Mr. Elliot, than I 
 could possibly find words for, but your Majesty's good faith 
 and attachment to the British Nation are known and acknow- 
 ledged by the whole Nation. 
 
 Jt only remains for me to apologize for addressing a letter 
 to your Majesty ; but, from your former goodness to me, I 
 cannot resist assuring your Majesty how devotedly I am your 
 most grateful, attached, and faithful servant, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO HER SACRED MAJESTY THE QUEEN OF THE TWO SICILIES. 
 [From a Copy in the Sidmoutli Papers.] 
 
 June 10th, 1803. 
 
 Madam, 
 
 Your Majesty's never-failing' goodness and condescension 
 toward me, makes me take the liberty of addressing a letter 
 to you by Mr. Elliot, the brother of Lord Minto; and I am 
 confident that your Majesty will find him, both from his duty 
 and inclination, a most firm friend to the true honour of the 
 King, your Majesty, and Royal Family. 7 
 
 T A translation of this letter in the Elliot Papers, contains the following passages 
 not in the English copy. After the words " Royal Family, " Je ne pavlerai pas 
 de moi, je n'ai pas hesoin de renouveller mes protestations, je suis connu et je ne 
 saurois changer." Before the paragraph beginning, " I saw Prince Castelcicala," 
 &c., " J'ai quitte Lady Hamilton le 18 Mai, et si attachee a votre Majeste qn'elle 
 sacrifieroit volontiers sa propre existence pour conserver la votre. Votre Majeste 
 n'a jamais eu une atnie plus sincere, plus attachee, et plus vraie que votre ch6re 
 Emma. Vous apprendrez avec chagrin que le bon Chevalier Hamilton ne 1'a pas 
 autant avantage du cote de sa fortune, que 1'etat de ses affaires le lui aurait permis. 
 II a legue ses biens a ses parens, mais elle fera toujours houneur a sa memoire, 
 quoiquelaplupart de ses amis blame ses dernieres dispositions." In Lord Nelson's 
 letter to Lady Hamilton, written early in July, he quotes (in English) this para- 
 graph in his letter to the Queen of Naples. Vide p. 118, post.
 
 .ET. 44.] LETTERS. 85 
 
 I do not go to Naples at present, for reasons which I have 
 wrote to General Acton, but shall be truly happy to pay my 
 humble duty when it may be judged more convenient than at 
 this moment. I saw Prince Castelcicala 8 the evening before I 
 set off. He is most zealously attached to the service of his 
 good Sovereign; but I trust, at this moment, he sees things in 
 a darker point of view than the event will justify. With the 
 most fervent prayers for the health of your Majesty and the 
 Royal Family, be assured that I am your most devoted, 
 humble servant, NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO HIS EXCELLENCY MR. JACKSON, MINISTER AT TURIN. 
 [From Clarke and M'Artliur, vol. ii. p. 314.] 
 
 [About lOtli June, 1803.] 
 
 As far as I can, consistently with my duty to our own King, 
 I will take care that no unpleasant circumstances shall happen 
 to cause the French to be insolent to those good Sovereigns. 
 You, Sir, will be so good as to tell me your opinion of the 
 situation of Sardinia. If the King wished it, and the people 
 would support their Sovereign, I should feel bound to afford 
 them not only every assistance in my power, but to recommend 
 a body of Troops, say 3000, to aid so just a cause. My move- 
 ments, you know, must materially depend on the sentiments 
 and exertions of other Powers : my Naval line of duty is per- 
 fectly simple ; but I should feel happy in a more extended 
 sense of duty to aid and assist his Majesty's faithful Allies. I 
 am, &c., NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO CAPTAIN RICHARD HUSSEY MOUBRAY, IF. M. SHIP 
 MAIDSTONE. 9 
 
 [Order-Book. " Saturday, llth June. At 8, brought to, and hoisted out the 
 Boats ; Hugh Elliot, Ambassador, left the Ship, and went on board the Maidstone." 
 Amphion's Log.~\ 
 
 Amphion, at Sea, llth June, 1803. 
 
 You are hereby required and directed to receive on board 
 his Majesty's Ship under your command, his Excellency 
 
 8 The Neapolitan Minister in London. 
 
 Afterwards Vice- Admiral Sir Richard Hussey Hussey, G.C.M.G., K.C.B. : lie 
 died on the 6th of November 1812;
 
 86 LETTERS. [1803. 
 
 Hugh Elliot, Esquire, his Majesty's Envoy Extraordinary and 
 Minister Plenipotentiary, (together with his suite,} and pro- 
 ceed with him to Naples, with the utmost possible dispatch, 
 affording his Excellency every necessary accommodation during 
 the passage. After having landed him and his suite at the 
 above-mentioned place, you are to wait for his Excellency's 
 dispatches ; but on no account to remain at Naples longer 
 than seven days from the time of your arrival. You are then 
 to return and join me on the Rendezvous herewith transmitted, 
 without a moment's loss of time; unless from unforeseen cir- 
 cumstances Mr. Elliot should tell you it is necessary to pro- 
 ceed direct to Malta. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO HIS EXCELLENCY WILLIAM DRUMMOND, ESQ. 
 [Autograph Draft, in the possession of the Reverend Henry Girdlestone.] 
 
 [About llth June, 1803.] 
 
 Sir, 
 
 I beg leave to inform your Excellency of my arrival in the 
 Mediterranean, as Commander-in-Chief of his Majesty's Fleet 
 in these seas, and I think it also proper to inform your Excel- 
 lency, that one article of my instructions is as follows viz., 
 ' Your Lordship is to be very attentive to the proceedings of 
 the French in Italy, in case they should have in view any 
 attack upon Egypt, or any other part of the Turkish Domi- 
 nions.' 
 
 Your Excellency will have the goodness to assure the Sub- 
 lime Porte of my readiness to contribute all in my power to 
 the prosperity of the Ottoman Empire ; and to preserve it 
 from the invasion of an ambitious and restless Government, 
 and I have only to be informed how I can render them most 
 service, to make that a cheerful part of my duty. 
 
 I have taken the liberty of writing to the Grand Vizir and 
 Capitan Pasha, to assure them of the same, which, considering 
 my personal close connexion with the Sublime Porte, I hope 
 your Excellency will not disapprove of. I should be glad to 
 be informed of the state of Albania whether the Govern- 
 ment at Constantinople thinks there is any probability of the
 
 ;ET. 44.] LETTERS. 87 
 
 French trying to realize one of their schemes, of making the 
 Morea a Greek Republic. I think if we can establish a mode 
 of communication through Mr. Spiridion Foresti, it would be 
 the quickest way, unless any event of very great importance 
 should call for a Ship being sent direct to Constantinople. 
 The time an express by land will take from Corfu to Constan- 
 tinople, will be desirable for me to know. Mr. Elliot, your 
 successor at Naples, came out with me, and I have just put 
 him into a Frigate, and sent him to Naples, whilst I am making 
 my voyage to Malta, from whence I shall, as soon as possible, 
 get with the Fleet off Toulon, from whence I shall do myself 
 the honour of writing you. I have the honour to be, &c. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO HIS HIGHNESS THE CAPITAN PACHA. 
 
 [Autograph draught, in the possession of the Key. Henry Girdlestone.] 
 
 June 14th, 1803. 
 
 Sir, 
 
 The restless ambition of the Person who, for the misfortune 
 of mankind, still rules in the Government of France, has called 
 me forth from my repose once more to arms, and the King, 
 my Master, has thought it proper to appoint me Commander- 
 in-Chief of his Fleet in the Mediterranean. I trust that the 
 Ottoman Empire will be allowed to remain tranquil, and not 
 again be unjustly invaded ; but should any attempt be made 
 by the French to carry such an object into execution, I have 
 the honour to inform your Highness, that I am instructed to 
 use every means to prevent it, and to afford to the Sublime 
 Porte and its Subjects, every assistance in my power. This is 
 a part of my instructions, which I should feel real pleasure in 
 obeying, as it would not only enable me to evince my grati- 
 tude to his Imperial Majesty, but also afford me the pleasure 
 I have so long desired, of being personally known to your 
 Highness, and of assuring you that I am, with the greatest 
 respect and attachment, your Highness's most obedient and 
 faithful humble servant, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE*
 
 88 LETTERS. [1803. 
 
 TO THE ILLUSTRIOUS GOVERNMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE 
 SEVEN ISLES. 
 
 [From a Copy in the possession of Page Nicol Scott, Esq. " Thursday, 16th, 
 (t. e. Wednesday, loth, P.M.) At 4, came to in the harbour of Valetta. Eeturned 
 a salute to the Garrison with 17 guns. At 4 - 30, returned a salute to an American 
 Commodore with 17 guns. At 5, saluted Sir Alexander John Ball, Bart., with 13 
 guns. A.M. [16th] Sailed H.M. Ships Anson and Stately, and Spider Brig. Fri- 
 day, 17th June, 4, A.M. unmoored and hove short ; employed warping out of the 
 harbour of Malta. At 8, got out, filled and made sail. Joined H.M. Ship Phoebe.' 
 Amphioiis Log.~\ 
 
 Malta, June 16th, 1803. 
 Illustrious Gentlemen, 
 
 Having received orders from the Great King, my Master, 
 to afford every protection and assistance (consistent with the 
 other great objects of my instructions) to the Republic of the 
 Seven Isles, I therefore beg leave to inform you of it, and to 
 assure you how ready I shall be at all times when called upon, 
 to afford that assistance. Mr. Foresti will more fully convey 
 my sentiments of respect to the Illustrious Government, and 
 I have only to assure you of my sincere wishes for your hap- 
 piness and prosperity, and that I am, with the highest respect, 
 Illustrious Gentlemen, your most obedient, humble servant, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO SPIRIDIOX FORESTI, ESQ., CORFU. 
 
 Autograph Draught, in the possession of the Pieverend Henry Girdlestone.] 
 
 [About 16th June, 1803.] 
 
 Sir, 
 
 Being appointed Commander-in-Chief of his Majesty's 
 Fleet in the Mediterranean, I have to request that you will 
 acquaint the Government of the Republic of the Seven Islands 
 of it, and to assure them that I am instructed (which I shall 
 most willingly obey) to afford them all the protection and 
 assistance in my power, should the French attempt any inva- 
 sion of their Territory, or molestation to their commerce. 
 You will also have the goodness to deliver my letter to the 
 Government, [and] you will, of course, let me know the 
 situation of that infant Republic, whether you think it will be 
 able to maintain its independence, and whether the generality
 
 JET. 44.] LETTERS. 89 
 
 of the people are attached to it ; and whether, in your opinion, 
 they wish for a change or dissolution of the present Govern- 
 ment ; and whether the whole, or any party, would wish to 
 give themselves up to France ; and if that they wish to remain 
 as they are, would they take up arms to defend themselves 
 against the French? Your accurate knowledge of those 
 Islands, and the character of every individual on them, will 
 enable you to give me such answers as will assist me to regu- 
 late my conduct. You will believe that I must have all the 
 inclination to render them service, when I recollect the very 
 elegant compliment made me by the Island of Zante. 9 I 
 have, &c. NELSON AND BUONTE. 
 
 TO CAPTAIN WILLIAM EDWARD CRACRAFT, 1 II. M. SHIP ANSON. 
 
 [Order-Book.] 
 Amphiou, in Valetta Harbour, 16th June, 1803. 
 
 Whereas I have received information that the French have 
 a Squadron of Frigates in the Archipelago, You are hereby 
 required and directed to take his Majesty's Ship Stately, 
 (whose Captain has orders to put himself under your com- 
 mand,) and proceed with all possible dispatch, and cruize 
 between Cape Matapan and the South- West end of Candia, 
 from fifteen to twenty leagues off the Island of Cerigo, for the 
 protection of the commerce of his Majesty's Subjects, and the 
 destruction and annoyance of that of the Enemy. You are to 
 continue on this station for the' space of one month; and at 
 the expiration thereof, to return to the harbour of Valetta for 
 further orders. In the event of not finding any here, you are 
 to take such position for the protection of our commerce, and 
 annoyance of that of the Enemy, as you shall from circum- 
 stances judge most proper, taking care to leave with the 
 Senior Officer at this place, or with his Excellency Sir Alex- 
 ander John Ball, Bart., [notice] where you may be found, and 
 afterwards not to be absent from Valetta Harbour more than 
 fourteen days at a time. NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 Vide vol. iv. p. 151. 
 
 1 He died at Chichester, in 1810, while commanding the Sea Fencibles on the 
 Coast of Sussex.
 
 90 LETTERS. . [1803. 
 
 TO SIR EVAN NEPEAN, BART., ADMIRALTY. 
 
 [Original, in the Admiralty.] 
 
 Amphion, at Sea, 17th June, 1803, 9 o'clock A.M. 
 
 Sir, 
 
 You will please to acquaint the Lords Commissioners of 
 the Admiralty, that I left Gibraltar on the 4th instant, at 
 4 o'clock, P.M., with his Majesty's Ship Maidstone, after 
 having ordered the Bittern and La Tourterelle on the service 
 mentioned in my letter to you of that date. On the llth, in 
 latitude 37 12" North, I dispatched the Maidstone to Naples, 
 with his Excellency Mr. Elliot, his Majesty's Minister at that 
 Court; and on the 15th, about 4 o'clock in the afternoon, I 
 arrived at Malta, from whence Rear-Admiral Sir Richard 
 Bickerton, with the Ships and Vessels under his command, 
 sailed on the 18th of May last, and I am now on my way to 
 join him. I am, Sir, &c. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO SIR EVAN NEPEAN, BART., ADMIRALTY. 
 [Original, in the Admiralty.] 
 
 Amphion, at Sea, l?th June, 1803. 
 
 Sir, 
 
 I herewith transmit you for the information of the Lords 
 Commissioners of the Admiralty, the copy of a letter from 
 Captain Moubray, of his Majesty's Ship Maidstone, 2 which was 
 delivered me by the Lieutenant sent in with the Vessel 
 therein mentioned, on the morning of the 17th instant, as the 
 Amphion was getting under weigh from Malta. I am, Sir, &c. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 P.S. There are several large cases of Antiquities on board 
 L'Arabe, brought from Athens, said to be for Buonaparte for 
 the French Republic. 
 
 * Acquainting Lord Nelson with the capture of L'Arabe, a French Brig of eight 
 small guns and fifty- eight men, on the 14th of June, off the Island of Faro.
 
 MT. 44.] LETTERS. 91 
 
 TO SIR EVAN NEPEAN, BART., ADMIRALTY. 
 
 [Original, in the Admiralty.] 
 
 Amphion, at Sea, 17th June, 1803. 
 
 Sir, 
 
 You will please to acquaint the Lords Commissioners of the 
 Admiralty, that on examining the state of His Majesty's Yard 
 at Gibraltar, it was found necessary to have the Gun and Flat- 
 bottomed Boats (of which there are only three) put in a state 
 for service, and the Guerrier Sheer-hulk fitted for the re- 
 ception of thirty or forty Officers and three hundred other 
 Prisoners. I therefore ordered the Naval Storekeeper to enter 
 twelve Shipwrights on the Garrison establishment, until the 
 above work was completed. And I beg leave to suggest to 
 their Lordships the propriety of appointing a Lieutenant, 
 Purser, and other proper Officers to the said Sheer-hulk, 
 the Governor having offered to keep a constant Guard on 
 board for the safety of the Prisoners. 
 
 I also submit the propriety of a similar Establishment at 
 Malta. I have for the present appointed the Madras, whose 
 men Sir Richard Bickerton has drafted on board the Fleet. I 
 am, Sir, &c. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO CAPTAIN SUTTON, H. M. SHIP VICTORY. 
 
 [Autograph, in the possession of Captain Ives Button.] 
 
 Amphion, June 18th, 1803. 
 
 My dear Sutton, 
 
 You will find my Rendezvous off Toulon, where I am sure 
 you will join me as soon as you can. Ever yours, most 
 truly, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 The Amphion is one of the nicest Frigates I have seen 
 not so large as Amazon, but has every good quality.
 
 92 LETTERS. [1803. 
 
 TO HIS EXCELLENCY SIR JOHN ACTON, BART. 
 
 [From a Copy in the Admiralty.] 
 
 Faro of Messina, June 19th, 1803. 
 
 Sir, 
 
 This morning I met the Cyclops, Captain Fyffe, 3 and your 
 Excellency will believe what displeasure it gave me to find, 
 that when his Ship was in the Bay of Naples at anchor, that 
 he should commit such a breach of Neutrality as sending his 
 Boats to capture any Vessel coming into the Port ; however, I 
 am glad that Captain Fyffe immediately restored one, and 
 when the other arrives at Malta, I have ordered her to be 
 released ; for as I would not suffer the French to break the 
 Neutrality of any Power with impunity, so I will never suffer 
 such an improper thing to be done by any of His Majesty's 
 Ships under my command. I have the honour to be, &c., 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO HIS EXCELLENCY SIR JOHN ACTON, BART., NAPLES. 
 
 [From a Copy in the Admiralty.] 
 
 June 19th, 1803. 
 Private. 
 
 My dear Sir John, 
 
 I have wrote you a Public letter as it may be necessary to 
 show it to the French Minister at Naples, that he may take a 
 hint relative to Neutrality, but I am most exceedingly dis- 
 pleased with the conduct of the Cyclops and Experiment. I 
 entreat you, my dear Sir John, to be assured of my sincere 
 and affectionate good wishes (and, if necessary, exertions) for 
 the happiness of our good Sovereigns. I pray you to assure 
 them of my eternal attachment ; and do you believe me, with 
 the greatest truth, your most sincere and faithful friend, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 s Captain John Fyffe : in 1806, he commanded the Reindeer, fought a gallant 
 action with two French Brigs, and was Posted in October 1807. Captain Fyffe 
 died in March, 1835.
 
 ,ET. 44.] LETTERS. 93 
 
 TO HIS EXCELLENCY HUGH ELLIOT, ESQ. 
 
 [Autograph in the Elliot Papers.] 
 Private. Off Messina, June 19th, 1800. 
 
 My dear Sir, 
 
 As I am sending a line to General Acton, for the very 
 reprehensible conduct of two of our Ships taking Vessels 
 when they were at anchor in the Port of Naples, and intend, 
 if possible, sending it on, though at Messina, I cannot refrain 
 from giving you a line, merely to say that we arrived at 
 Malta on Wednesday afternoon, the 15th. We were received 
 with enthusiasm by the Maltese. Having put things in train, 
 I left it the 17th at daylight. We spoke your Brig from 
 Athens going in. I am going towards Capri, where I hope 
 to find your letters. I cannot write what I wish, but all 
 is smooth at Malta. General Villettes is well disposed to 
 attend to my requisitions. Doctor Scott, and all on board, 
 are well, and desire their kind remembrances, and I beg you 
 to believe me ever yours most faithfully, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO THE COMMANDING OFFICER OF H.M. SHIPS AT MALTA. 
 
 [Letter-Book.] 
 
 Amphion, June 20th, 1803. 
 
 Sir, 
 
 If the Merchants at Messina want protection for their Ships 
 from thence to Malta to go home with the Convoy, you will 
 send either the Charon or Experiment for them. I have 
 desired the Merchants to fix the day they will be ready, but 
 the Convoy is not to be detained if they are not ready. lam, 
 Sir, &c., 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE.
 
 94 LETTERS. [1803. 
 
 TO SIR EVAN NEPEAN, BART., ADMIRALTY. 
 
 [Original, in the Admiralty. On Monday, the 20th June, the Niger joined, 
 and, with the Amphion, passed through the Faro, and was joined by the Phoebe. 
 On the 21st, Lord Nelson sent the Boats to hoard a Ship, which proved to be a 
 Greek Vessel. Amphion's Log.~\ 
 
 Amphion, off Strombolo, 22nd June, 1803. 
 
 Sir, 
 
 Mr. Falcon, our Consul at Algiers, having by his repre- 
 sentation made to Lord Pelham, 4 been sent away in a very 
 improper manner (supposing it a Civil Court) from Algiers, 
 for the commission of an offence in his house which never will 
 be forgiven by a Moor, 5 I have not, as I have done to the 
 States of Tunis and Tripoli, sent any civil message or notifi- 
 cation of my arrival in these Seas ; it must depend on the 
 wisdom of Administration what line of conduct they mean to 
 pursue, for, as is known to many Lords of your Board, our 
 conduct must be decisive, whether it is under all circumstances 
 to force the present Consul on the Dey, or to submit to the 
 Dey's having another Consul named. The two Jews men- 
 tioned by Mr. Falcon I know are entirely in the French 
 interest, indeed they are known partners in Mercantile houses 
 at Marseilles ; how far our Government would go in insisting 
 on the banishment of these Jews, it must determine: all I 
 wish and submit to their Lordships with great respect is, 
 that if the business is left to me, my orders may be decisive. 
 The insolence of the Dey's Cruizers is beyond whatever I 
 have known, and if we give up one tittle of what we originally 
 demand, we shall always be troubled with his insolence. The 
 striking a sudden blow on his numerous Cruizers is the only 
 way we have of bringing him to terms. Should the business 
 be left to me, I shall go to Algiers, and if the Dey refuses a 
 complete acquiescence in our demands, instantly take all his 
 Cruizers. 
 
 As Mr. Falcon has sent triplicates of his letter to Lord 
 Pelham, and as it is a business the Cabinet, and not the 
 Admiralty Board, must settle, I have not thought it necessary 
 
 4 Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs. 
 
 8 Two Moorish women were discovered in Mr. Falcon's house at Algiers, This 
 affair was the subject of many subsequent Letters,
 
 JET. 44.] LETTERS. 95 
 
 to send you a copy of Mr. Falcon's letter to Lord Pelham, but 
 enclose you a copy of his letter of the 4th ultimo to me, for 
 their Lordships' information. I am, Sir, &c., 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO HIS EXCELLENCY HUGH ELLIOT, ESQ. 
 [Autograph, in the Elliot Papers.] 
 
 June 25th, [1803,] off Capri. 
 
 Wrote before the Maidstone joined. 5 
 My dear Sir, 
 
 I did myself the pleasure of writing you a line from Mes- 
 sina, under cover to Sir John Acton : I am now anxiously 
 looking out for the Maidstone ; for my passage has been so 
 long nine days from Malta that I am miserable at not 
 having joined the Fleet, when so much depends on my arrival 
 to make the necessary arrangements. I shall not touch on 
 the politics of Italy, or fancy what the French are after at 
 Genoa and Leghorn. That I expect from your Excellency. 
 
 I cannot sufficiently reprobate the Paper that our Consul 
 and Merchants have been weak enough to sign at Leghorn, 
 if what I have is the true account. The moment they were 
 detained Prisoners of War, then the whole matter ended. It 
 was not necessary for them to give any opinion or any pledge, 
 beyond what Prisoners on parole usually give. I send the 
 Niger with this letter she is not to anchor ; and if she does 
 not join me in twenty-four hours, or less, from her leaving 
 me, she must follow me off Toulon ; for I cannot stay another 
 moment. 
 
 I wrote to General Acton from Messina reprobating the 
 conduct of the Cyclops, in sending her Boats, when at anchor 
 in the Bay of Naples, to board and capture French Vessels. 
 One, I find, was given up, and the other I have ordered, if 
 she arrives at Malta ; for as I would not suffer the French to 
 do it with impunity, so I will not allow any Ship under my 
 command to break any Neutrality, much less that of Naples, 
 
 5 When off Capri, at 10 A.M., on the 25th of June, Lord Nelson recalled the 
 Maidstone and Redbridge from Naples, and they joined the Amphion at noon, 
 Log.
 
 96 LETTERS. [1803. 
 
 whose situation I commiserate from the very bottom of my 
 soul. 
 
 Your Excellency will, I am sure, say every kind thing for 
 me to Sir John Acton, and be assured that I am, with the 
 highest respect, your Excellency's most obedient and faithful 
 servant, NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 Noon. The Maidstone just joined, and I am looking at 
 dear Naples, if it is what it was ; God send me good news ! 
 
 TO HIS EXCELLENCY HUGH ELLIOT, ESQ. 
 
 [Autograph, in the Elliot Papers.] 
 No. 1. 
 
 My dear Sir, *., June 25th, [1803,] off Capri, 
 
 I have read your letter, and those of General Acton's, with 
 much attention ; and it could not cost me one minute's re- 
 flection, under all the peculiar circumstances of the Two 
 Sicilies, what line of conduct I would pursue at the present 
 moment, (but this must be subject to change, as the French 
 may alter their conduct,) Great Britain having nothing else 
 in view than the preservation of the Two Sicilies. It is a 
 most important point to decide (the French having invaded 
 the Kingdom, although with a pretence not just or honour- 
 able,) when Sicily ought to be placed in a state of security. 
 For the present, I am content to say that Messina need not be 
 taken possession of; 6 but the strictest watch must be kept by 
 Sir John Acton, that we are not lulled into a fatal security, 
 and thus lose both the Kingdoms. If the French assemble a 
 greater number of Troops than usual at Brindisi, Otranto, and 
 Tarento, or assemble any number of large Boats at those 
 places, particularly Tarento, then I think that not a moment 
 
 ' In a Letter from Lord Hobart, Secretary of State for the War Department, 
 to Major-General Villettes (vile vol. i. p. 378,) or the Officer commanding the 
 Troops in Malta, dated on the 17th of May, 1803, his Lordship said, " if Lord 
 Nelson, in the prosecution of his instructions, judged it expedient to take possession 
 of the Citadel and Fort of Messina, and should apply to you for the co-operation 
 of a detachment of the Troops under your command, you are to comply with his 
 application, provided that the force which you shall so detach do not exceed 2000 
 men, and that the said force can lie spared from Malta without evident risk to the 
 security of that Island." Copy, in the possession of the Eight Honourable John 
 Wilson Croker.
 
 JET. 44.] LETTERS. 97 
 
 should be lost to secure Sicily. In a small degree we risk it 
 every day, in hopes of preserving the Kingdom of Naples; 
 but for the present moment I am, if Sir John Acton coin- 
 cides with me, induced to participate in the risk. I shall 
 instantly send two Ships of War to cruise off Cape Spartavento, 
 and towards the Gulf of Tarento, to give a check to the move- 
 ments of Troops by sea. By land I cannot judge of the time, 
 but a few Boats would very soon bring over from Reggio 
 some thousands of Troops ; nor could all the Navy of Europe 
 prevent the passage, the current running seven miles an hour. 
 Therefore I shall only observe again, that to save for the 
 moment Naples, we risk the two Kingdoms, and General 
 Acton must join me in this heavy responsibility. Every de- 
 fence against such a voyage by sea shall be taken. With 
 respect to securing an asylum, and safe retreat to the Royal 
 Family at this moment, I will leave a Frigate, and either 
 a Ship of the Line or Frigate shall always be at Naples. 
 With respect to the other part of Sir John Acton's letter, we 
 have ever thought the same, in which most cordially has coin- 
 cided Lord Minto, that not less than 10,000 men should be 
 kept for the service of the Mediterranean. 
 
 The moment I get off Toulon, I shall send a Vessel to 
 England, and something to Naples to replace the Phcebe, and 
 everything shall be stated most fully. Your Excellency will 
 have the goodness to assure their Majesties and Sir John, 
 that as it is my orders, so it will ever be a most cheerful part 
 of my duty, to do everything for the personal security of the 
 Royal Family, and for the security of their Kingdoms, and I 
 assure your Excellency that it will be my pride to co-operate 
 with you in this desirable work, for I am ever, with the 
 greatest respect, &c. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO HIS EXCELLENCY SIR JOHN ACTON, BART. 
 
 [From a Copy in the Elliot Papers.] 
 
 My dear Sir John, Off Ca P ri - June 25th ' 1803 - 
 
 Your Excellency having done me the honour to call upon 
 me for my sincere opinion, I have given it to the best of my 
 VOL. v. H
 
 98 LETTERS. [1803. 
 
 judgment, and with a view to all the different circumstances 
 of the case, viz. that the French having made a (false) pre- 
 tence for taking possession of Pescaro, Brindisi, Otranto, and 
 Tarento, would, if Great Britain was to secure Sicily from 
 their insatiable grasp, probably come to Naples ; and thus the 
 King (God bless him) lose one of his Kingdoms. In this 
 view I have given my opinion for the present moment, to his 
 Excellency Mr. Elliot, who will, if you please, give your Ex- 
 cellency a copy of my letter and opinion. In forming it, I 
 have endeavoured to conform to the spirit of my instructions 
 to do everything in my power, for the security of the 
 dominions of his Sicilian Majesty.' I am as anxious as your 
 Excellency can be, to run every reasonable risk for the pre- 
 servation of the Royal authority over the rest of the Kingdom 
 of Naples ; but both you and myself are bound to take care that 
 the probability of the loss of two Kingdoms, does not out- 
 weigh the momentary honour of ruling (by ' la grace de la 
 Republique Fran9aise') over a_great part of one of them ; and 
 we must always recollect, that although Naples may be lost, 
 Sicily is secure ; but if Sicily is lost, so is Naples. I will not 
 trouble your Excellency with combating the reasoning of such 
 a Power as France, and with such an Army at your door. 
 Will not Russia support our guarantee ? The honour of 
 Monarchs is fled. My dear Sir John, you have my opinion ; 
 and I am ready, jointly with your Excellency, to run the risk 
 of Sicily for a short time, till we can form some further ideas 
 of their plans, by the movements of their Troops. On this I 
 must rely on your Excellency. If the French approach near 
 enough to Naples to make prisoners the Royal Family, then 
 all is lost ; for then the struggle would be, shall the French 
 or English get Sicily? If the English got it in possession, the 
 French would not believe (or pretend so) but that the King 
 gave his approbation, and they would treat him accordingly. 
 If his Majesty gave the French possession, it would be lost 
 for ever, and the King would hold Naples durante bene 
 placilo. 
 
 I am aware of the difficulty of deciding, but as an honest 
 man, and with the best judgment which God has given me, I 
 think your Excellency should not advise his Majesty to run 
 too much risk of his person falling into the hands of the
 
 .ET. 44.] LETTERS. 99 
 
 French. Everything else which I could urge on this important 
 subject, will so naturally suggest themselves to you, that it 
 would be presumptuous to say more. A Ship of War and, 
 generally, of the Line shall, on some pretence or other, 
 always be in the Bay of Naples, to prevent that worst of all 
 accidents, the loss of the Royal Family. 
 
 The Prince, as Viceroy, could not be of half the import- 
 ance as the King; for his Royal Highness is still only a 
 Subject. I entreat your Excellency to lay me at their Ma- 
 jesties' feet ; and to declare most solemnly, that to save their 
 persons from falling into the hands of the French, I would 
 lay down my life ; and I beg your Excellency to believe me, 
 with the highest respect, &c. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 P.S. I do not presume to write to their Majesties at this 
 moment, having stated my free thoughts to your Excellency 
 and Mr. Elliot, but I feel truly sensible of their Majesties' 
 good opinion of my zeal and activity, and which it shall ever 
 be my pride to merit. 
 
 TO HIS EXCELLENCY SIR JOHN ACTON, BART. 
 [From a Copy in the Elliot Papers.] 
 
 Private. June 25th > 1803 . off Capri. 
 
 My dear Sir John. 
 
 If I know myself, it is to know, that the more my friends 
 are in distress, the more I am anxious to serve them. A 
 mouse assisted a lion, which is the only comparison I can 
 make in arrogating to myself the power of assisting a King 
 of the House of Bourbon ; and I am sorry to say, the only 
 one who has strictly preserved his honour, or dignity, and 
 fidelity to his Allies, and I shall feel proud in aiding you, my 
 dear Sir John, in saving these two fine Kingdoms, and Mr. 
 Elliot will join us most cordially in this good work. All we 
 must take care of is, not to run the risk of Sicily, beyond the 
 line of prudence ; on this point we rely, (as the Seamen's 
 phrase is,) on your Excellency's look-out. You must be 
 aware of our distance, and be in time. I will, if you send to
 
 100 LETTERS. [1803. 
 
 me off Toulon, either attend myself, or send Sir Richard 
 Bickerton. 6 Declarations are to come from our Officers, that 
 the authority of his Majesty is in no one respect to be 
 abridged ; and if my counsel can have weight, I should re- 
 commend, at the risk of a War with all the Barbary States, to 
 liberate the Sicilian Flag from their insolence. I assure you 
 I would only ask for three months' War to put them in order ; 
 not by attacking Algiers, but taking all their Cruisers. I am 
 going off Toulon, and from thence shall send a Vessel direct 
 to England. It has been my plan to have 10,000 disposable 
 Troops in the Mediterranean ; this is also Lord Minto's, and 
 his Excellency Mr. Elliot's. I shall write to you from off Toulon, 
 and ever believe me, with the truest esteem, your Excellency's 
 most obedient and faithful friend, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 Give my respects to Lady Acton, and I shall be happy in 
 making my bow, and seeing your little ones, when it may be 
 judged prudent. I only beg that you will not apologize for 
 your English writing ; very few write English so well. I am 
 not surprised that the King will not part with your Excel- 
 lency; if he did, adieu this Kingdom. Faithful servants are 
 not to be parted with at this time. I shall send a Squadron 
 
 to look after Genoa and Leghorn. 
 
 N. AND B. 
 
 I have wrote to your Excellency from Messina, respecting 
 the conduct of the Frigates who sent their Boats after the 
 French Vessels. 
 
 TO HIS EXCELLENCY HUGH ELLIOT, ESQ. 
 [Autograph, in the Elliot Papers.] 
 
 No. 2. 
 
 My dear Sir, Jne 25th, ISOD. 
 
 I am so anxious to answer your Excellency's letter, that I 
 have only touched on the most important part of it, jointly 
 
 ' Rear-Admiral Sir Richard Bickerton, Bart., second in command, with his Flag 
 (White at the mizen) in the Kent. This able Officer died an Admiral of the Red, 
 and a Knight Commander of the Bath, in February 1832.
 
 JET. 44.] LETTERS. 101 
 
 with Sir John Acton. I shall not, therefore, repeat to him 
 .my letter No. 1 ; but request of you to show it him, and, if he 
 wishes it, a copy. I have given my opinion to the best of my 
 judgment, under all the circumstances. Had I only to con- 
 sider, Is Sicily safe at this moment? I should say, No. But 
 let it be recollected, that I am called upon not to entirely lose 
 Naples by my opinion, but to try, with that important object 
 in view, to save Sicily. I have arranged with General Vil- 
 lettes to have 2000 men ready for service ; and I shall write 
 secretly to -have them in momentary preparation. If Sir John 
 Acton, without choosing to run too great a risk for Sicily, 
 chose to send to me off Toulon, I would attend myself, if 
 possible, this very important service. I am very anxious to 
 join the Fleet ; for I must place a Squadron between Elba 
 and Genoa, to prevent that Expedition from moving, and also 
 to send some Ships to the Straits' Mouth, and to keep enough 
 to watch the Ships in Toulon, of whose force or readiness for 
 service I am totally ignorant. These are all important objects, 
 but nothing when compared with the security of the Sicilies. 
 I am ever, your Excellency's most faithful and obedient ser- 
 vant, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO HIS EXCELLENCY HUGH ELLIOT, ESQ. 
 
 [Autograph, ill the Elliot Papers.] 
 
 June 25th, off Capri [1803.] 
 My dear Sir, 
 
 I send you an order which, when necessary, you will deliver 
 to the Commander of any King's Ship in the Bay of Naples. 
 I will never trust the Royal Family; but if you think it right 
 to send away the Ship with any dispatches to me, you must 
 judge of the propriety of it. You may rely on my care of 
 you by water. Toulon is my Rendezvous, but I very much 
 doubt if any Neapolitan Vessel will come off that place. If 
 they really do come, they are changed. Ever, my dear Sir, 
 yours faithfully, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE*
 
 102 LETTERS. [1803. 
 
 TO THE SEiMOR CAPTA1X OF HIS MAJESTY'S SHIPS IN THE 
 BAY OF NAPLES. 
 
 [Autograph in the Elliot Papers.] 
 
 Amphioii, off Capri, '-26th June, 1803. 
 
 Most secret and confidential. 
 
 You are hereby required and directed, on this order being 
 delivered to you, to receive on board, or to convoy them if 
 they embark on board one of their own Ships, the King, 
 Queen, and Royal Family of Naples, to Palermo, or such other 
 place as the King may choose to proceed to; and you will 
 afford every protection and assistance to all those who may 
 wish to follow their Majesties, (and that they approve of.) 
 And you will also receive his Majesty's Minister and suite, 
 and afford such other protection as is in your power, to all 
 British Subjects and their property, as the urgency of the 
 case may require. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO HIS EXCELLENCY HUGH ELLIOT, ESQ. 
 
 [Autograph, in the Elliot Papers.] 
 
 No. 3. June 26th, 7 A.M., [1803.] 
 
 My dear Sir, 
 
 Calms have prevented my sending off the Phoebe to you 
 yesterday ; and I have to request that your Excellency will 
 make all due allowances for the language which I may have 
 used, and for not having put my opinion more concise than it 
 appears at present ; but as it flowed from the unlettered pen 
 of a Seaman, you must receive it, my whole opinion resting 
 in these few words that we must not risk Sicily too far in 
 trying to save Naples ; therefore, General Acton, yourself, and 
 myself, must keep a good look-out. 
 
 When the French General comes to Naples, the business 
 will be clear ; for if he insists on our being shut out of the 
 Ports of the Kingdom, their plan is decided, and we must not 
 lose time. Ever, my dear Sir, yours most truly, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE.
 
 VET. 44.] LETTERS. ios 
 
 TO CAPTAIN HENRY RICHARDSON, 7 H. M. SHIP JUNO. 
 [Order-Book.] 
 
 Amphion, off Capri, 26th June, 1803. 
 
 Whereas, the French have taken possession of Pescara, 
 Brindisi, Otranto, and Tarento, and it being apprehended 
 that they will convoy their Troops along shore either into 
 Sicily, or the Coast of Calabria opposite to it, you are there- 
 fore hereby required and directed (notwithstanding former 
 orders) to proceed with his Majesty's Ship under your com- 
 mand, and cruize very diligently off Cape Spartivento and on 
 the Coast towards Tarento, for the purpose of intercepting 
 any French Troops, which I have reason to believe will be 
 attempted to be convoyed along shore ; and in the event of 
 your falling in with them, to take, sink, burn, and destroy 
 them, without regard to their being in any Ship or Vessel 
 bearing a Neutral Flag. You are to continue on this service 
 until you are relieved, or receive my further orders, acquaint- 
 ing me as opportunity may offer of your proceedings. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 N.B. A Sloop of War will be sent to you soon. 
 
 TO SIR EVAN NEPEAN, BART., ADMIRALTY. 
 
 [Original, in the Admiralty.] 
 
 Amphion, off Capri, 26th June, 1803. 
 
 Sir, 
 
 I received letters from their Excellencies Mr. Elliot and 
 General Acton yesterday afternoon, and as the French have 
 declared their intention, and begun to put in execution, 
 the taking possession of Pescara, Brindisi, Otranto, and 
 Tarento, and as it must ever be uncertain what further mea- 
 sures they may take for the entire subjugation of the whole 
 Kingdom of Naples, I have thought it right to send a Frigate 
 to lay in the Bay of Naples, in order to secure a retreat to 
 our Minister and the English and their property, and others 
 who may unhappily again want the protection of his Majesty's 
 
 7 Captain Richardson will be frequently mentioned,
 
 104 LETTERS. [1803. 
 
 Flag; and, under the present circumstances, the Bay of 
 Naples will never be left without a Ship of war. 
 
 I have also sent directions for a Frigate and Sloop of War 
 to cruize from Cape Spartavento towards Tarento, with orders, 
 if the French move coastways in Vessels, to take, sink, or 
 destroy them, without any regard for their being embarked in 
 Ships bearing the Neutral Flag; thus having arranged every- 
 thing in my power for the service of Naples and Sicily, I am 
 now on my way off Toulon, where Sir Richard Bickerton 
 very judiciously proceeded with the Fleet, the moment he was 
 certain of hostilities. I am, Sir, &c. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO CAPTAIN CHARLES MARSH SCHOMBERG, H.M. SHIP MADRAS, 
 OR THE SENIOR OFFICER OF H. M. SHIPS AND VESSELS AT 
 MALTA. 
 
 [Order-Book.] 
 
 Ampbion, off Capri, 20th June, 1803. 
 
 Whenever General Villettes, commanding his Majesty's 
 Troops at Malta, shall require any assistance for convoying a 
 body of Troops to Sicily, you are hereby required and directed 
 to take, if wanted, (for such service only) every man from the 
 Transports or Merchant- Vessels at Malta, and afford Major 
 General Villettes all the assistance in your power, for the pur- 
 pose of convoying the Troops above-mentioned from Malta 
 to Sicily, taking particular care that the men are returned 
 to their respective Ships the moment this service is per- 
 formed, of which you will acquaint the men when taken from 
 their Ships. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO MAJOR-GENERAL VILLETTES, MALTA. 
 
 [Autograph, in the possession of J. B. Heath, Esq.] 
 
 June 26th, 1803, 
 Secret and confidential, 
 My dear General, 
 
 I have had my communication with Naples, and a melan- 
 choly one it has been. The French have taken possession of
 
 JET/44.] LETTERS. 105 
 
 Pescara, Brindisi, Otranto, and Tarento, on a pretence that 
 we were to evacuate Malta as they did Naples ; but as we 
 have not done so, they resume their former position in the 
 Kingdom of Naples. The King is fully sensible of the injus- 
 tice of the French, and although he would, I am sure, be very 
 glad for us to secure Messina, yet he thinks that the moment 
 we possess ourselves of Messina, that moment the French 
 would inarch to Naples. Thirteen thousand is the force of 
 the French, spread over 200 miles of country ; therefore, for 
 the present moment, I have consented not to push our occupy- 
 ing Messina, till we see what further steps the French will 
 take ; for the King hopes to retain still the rest of his 
 Kingdom of Naples. But the moment any appearance is 
 made of further invasion, we shall be desired secretly to go 
 to Messina, and, if we had the Troops, to have garrisoned 
 Naples and Gaeta. I assure you, under all the circumstances 
 which have been laid before me, I have had a difficult task to 
 form my opinion. The sum of it is this: to keep a strict look 
 out on every movement and language of the French, and not 
 to risk Sicily beyond the line of prudence, in order to allow 
 the King for a short time to rule over part of the Kingdom of 
 Naples ; and for the King to recollect that if Sicily is lost, so 
 is Naples; but that Naples being lost, is more likely to be 
 regained by securing Sicily. The whole purport of my letters 
 goes not further than this. 
 
 With respect to the Neapolitan Troops, General Acton told 
 Mr. Elliot that he hoped by this time that the Neapolitan 
 Troops had arrived in Sicily. I have the same reasons for 
 wishing them kept back, as I had when at Malta ' a fear that 
 they will fancy themselves stronger at Messina and Sicily 
 than they really are, and therefore defer calling for our assist- 
 ance so soon as I could wish ;' therefore, I still wish those 
 Troops kept back. If General Acton sends for them, we must 
 submit ; but at present we need not find means of send- 
 ing them away. With respect to the 2000 men, or such a 
 number as you can spare for the service of Messina, I earnestly 
 request that they may be held in constant readiness, for you 
 may very likely be sent to from one moment to another. 
 
 The distance is so short, that it would not be necessary to 
 wait for baggage, &c. ; I would take care that the Garrison
 
 106 LETTERS. [1803. 
 
 should want for no comfort in my power. The first appear- 
 ance of the 2000 men, or as near as possible to that number, 
 would have a very happy effect, and much encourage the 
 Sicilians in resisting even French influence ; which is all I 
 hope that ever they will be able to attempt in that Island : 
 and if it should be necessary, a part afterwards can be with- 
 drawn. 
 
 I shall send a Vessel to England, the moment I get off 
 Toulon ; and as both the Spider and the Redbridge come to 
 me directly, they will bring your dispatches : for if even the 
 
 first Vessel is sailed, through one seems the only safe 
 
 mode of communication with England. I am, my dear Gene- 
 ral, with the greatest respect, your most faithful servant, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO THE RIGHT HONOURABLE HENRY ADD1NGTON. 
 
 [Autograph, in the Sidmouth Papers.] 
 
 Amphion, June 28th, 1803, between Sardinia and Naples. 
 
 My dear Sir, 
 
 Knowing how very much you are pressed for time, I shall, 
 as briefly as possible, consistent with telling you, as a friend, 
 my sentiments on all the topics which I shall necessarily touch 
 upon, with that sincerity which becomes me to you, be my 
 opinion right or wrong. 
 
 I shall only say one word of GIBRALTAR, on which I had a 
 serious conversation with Sir Thomas Trigge, on the impro- 
 priety of placing Dillon's Regiment 8 as part of the Garrison of 
 Gibraltar. When we reflect how that Regiment is composed, 
 and that fifty men, the usual Guard at Land Port Gate, by 
 being corrupted, might lose the place, who shall say Gibraltar 
 is secure with those Troops? If it is said, do not trust them with 
 the Guard, then you show your distrust, and, naturally, they 
 become your enemies. The Regiment of Rolle is a fine Corps, 
 and will serve faithfully ; but I would not trust them at Gib- 
 raltar. 
 
 The next point I come to is ALGIERS. Mr. Falcon the 
 Consul having sent home his own account of the transaction, 
 
 1 That regiment, like De Rolle's, was formed entirely of Foreigners.
 
 JET. 44.] LETTERS. 107 
 
 it rests with Government to determine what steps are to be 
 taken. All that I entreat, if the matters are left to me to 
 settle, [is] that our demands for satisfaction be fixed ; for if we 
 give way in the smallest thing, the insolence of the Dey will 
 but increase. Whatever the wisdom of Government directs 
 shall be attended to. The alternative must be instantaneous 
 War on a refusal to our demands, or an entire acquiescence. 
 Mr. F. thinks that the Dey never will receive him. He knows 
 best the reasons why he thinks so. 
 
 MALTA. I arrived there the 15th of June, in the evening. 
 The French Minister, General Vial, had left it in a Ragusa 
 Vessel in the morning. The Maltese are in the highest spirits, 
 and sincerely hope that they will now be never separated 
 from England. My opinion of Malta, as a Naval station for 
 watching the French in Toulon, is well known ; and my 
 present experience of what will be a three weeks' passage, 
 most fully confirms me in it. The Fleet can never go there 
 if I can find any other corner to put them in : but having said 
 this, I now declare, that I consider Malta as a most important 
 outwork to India, that it will ever give us great influence in 
 the Levant, and indeed all the Southern parts of Italy. In 
 this view, I hope we shall never give It up. I carried out 
 orders from Lord Hobart, that General Villettes was to hold 
 2000 men at my requisition, if they could be spared from the 
 defence of Malta, for the service of Sicily. The language of 
 General Villettes was natural : ' The Garrison appointed for 
 Malta is not more than on the most economical number of 
 men was judged sufficient; and, looking to the assistance of the 
 Maltese in case of a siege, that these numbers of British 
 troops were only sufficient for the ordinary duties, and that, 
 when the Neapolitan Troops went away, (and he was ordered 
 to send them away,) the duty would be very severe ; that the 
 addition of Maltese Troops, when trained and formed, would 
 be little better than a well-formed Militia ; and, however much 
 they undoubtedly would assist, yet they could not be counted 
 as British Troops ; however, that he should not hesitate in 
 providing 1200 men, and a Corps of Artillery, to be under the 
 command of General Oakes, a most excellent Officer, for the 
 service of Messina, whenever I might call for them :' and the 
 General wished that I should mention this conversation, when
 
 108 LETTERS. [1803. 
 
 I had any opportunity of communicating with Ministers, (but 
 which opportunity I never can have, but in this private, con- 
 fidential way.) Sir Alexander Ball thinks, that if half the 
 Troops were gone on other services, particularly to Sicily, that 
 the Maltese would defend the Island, against any force the 
 French could send, supported by our Fleet. Truth probably 
 ]ays between ; but, my dear Sir, these sort of orders should 
 never be left discretionary. You make an Officer responsible 
 for the safety of the place, yet tell him in the same breath, 
 * Send away so many men, if you can spare them without 
 evident risk.' The conduct of the Officer must be naturally 
 to secure himself from the very great responsibility thrown 
 upon him by such an order. 
 
 SICILY. The state of Sicily is almost as bad as a civilized 
 Country can be. There are no Troops fit to be called such, with 
 a scarcity of corn never known, and of course bread so dear 
 that the lower class of People are discontented. The Nobles 
 are oppressors, and the middle rank wish for a change ; and 
 although they would prefer us to the French, yet I believe 
 they would receive the French, rather than not change from 
 the oppression of the Nobles. The Citadel of Messina is strong 
 and in good order, but with a few miserable Troops badly paid, 
 if paid at all ; therefore, what could be expected from them ? 
 A French Frigate has been there lately, a French Aide-de- 
 camp to the Grand Master, and, lastly, General Vial : they 
 have good eyes, and many at Messina are seduced by them ; 
 and if the Neapolitan Troops at Malta were removed there, I 
 fear we should find more enemies and the French more 
 friends. (On these Troops I shall touch in another place.) 
 
 On the 17th, at daylight, I left Malta ; on the 20th, I passed 
 the Faro of Messina. The lower class of Boat-people came 
 on board with fruit, &c. their expressions were strong, and 
 ought to be received with caution, yet with their hearts in 
 their hands, you may gather sentiments to form a pretty 
 accurate opinion. * Viva il Re ! Viva Inglese ! When will 
 the English come back to Messina ?' On asking them if they 
 had any Jacobins in the City, ' Yes, the gentry who wear 
 their hats so on one side the head' vide Bond-street 
 loungers. On the 25th, I was at the entrance of the Bay of 
 Naples, where I had appointed the Frigate which carried Mr.
 
 JET. 44.] LETTERS. 109 
 
 Elliot to Naples to join me. I send you copies of my letters 
 to Sir John Acton, the King and Queen, with their answers, 
 Mr. Elliot's, and likewise those I have sent to Lord St. 
 Vincent, for him to lay them before the Cabinet. Here 
 it is necessary to observe to you, that a Sea-Officer cannot 
 hold any official correspondence but with the Secretary of 
 the Admiralty, without an order for that purpose, which is 
 often given : therefore, I have certainly irregularly sent them 
 to Lord St. Vincent, as a Cabinet Minister conceiving they 
 are on subjects which the Board of Admiralty can have 
 nothing to do with, much less the Clerks of that Office, 
 through whose hands they must pass. When you, my dear 
 Sir, take into your consideration all the letters sent me, with 
 the liberal conduct towards my judgment, I trust that you 
 will agree with me, that under all circumstances at this mo- 
 ment, I did right* to give the opinion which I have done; 
 but I stand open to the correction of the Cabinet. I felt that 
 it was our wish to make Naples feel that we were her true 
 friends, and sincerely wished to preserve as much as possible 
 for her, and not to hasten the loss of any part of the Kingdom 
 of Naples. 
 
 SARDINIA is declared Neutral, but that no Foreign Troops 
 would be allowed to land. I wish they may keep off the 
 French. We have no Troops to assist them, if they wanted 
 our assistance. This reminds me of a word about more Troops 
 for Naples: should the King of Naples, which is most probable, 
 be obliged to quit his Capital and retire to Palermo, what 
 General Acton suggests would be attended with the very 
 happiest consequences, the possession of Gaeta, a very strong 
 fortified Frontier Town, with a fine Bay and Port, the country 
 people hostile to inveteracy against the French: 1500 British 
 would secure this post, and always give us an entry into the 
 country. I am not Military man sufficient to say how long our 
 Troops could hold St. Elmo and the other Castles at Naples; 
 but they would give that energy to the people, which might, 
 and probably would be attended with the happiest effects. I 
 regret the necessity of withdrawing the last part of that fine 
 Egyptian Army, and am aware of the influence it will have 
 on the timid Council of Naples. 
 
 ROME, By a letter from Mr. Jackson, his Majesty's Minis-
 
 110 LETTERS. [1803. 
 
 ter to the King of Sardinia, of June 17th, he says : 'I have 
 seen the Secretary of State of this Government, and his 
 Eminence told me there was no doubt that this State would 
 be suffered to remain Neuter, and, consequently, that the 
 Ships of the belligerent Powers will be received in the Ports 
 of the Pope's States.' This may be the case for the moment; 
 but if we were to receive the least advantage by it, I am sure 
 we should be turned out as heretofore. 
 
 TUSCANY. It is difficult to know how to consider this State ; 
 they are not our friends, and it would, perhaps, be hard to 
 consider them as enemies. Yet why should France use them 
 against us, and we are to suffer Leghorn to enjoy its commerce 
 for the advantage, ultimately, of the French ? for it is they 
 who receive the fruits of the Tuscan labour and commerce. 
 And as the French have declared Leghorn in a state of siege, 
 I can see no impropriety of considering it so likewise, and for 
 our Government to place it in a state of blockade whilst the 
 French remain in it. This is for the wise and grave considera- 
 tion of our Government. 
 
 GENOA OR LIGURIA. The same as the Italian Republic ; it 
 is France as much as Toulon ; it has not even a name of in- 
 dependence. Therefore I shall, as far as I see at this present 
 moment, have no hesitation in considering all Genoese Vessels 
 as French. Everything at Genoa is French ; therefore I hope 
 that not a moment will be lost in declaring Genoa so con- 
 sidered. The blockade of Genoa ought to be declared in- 
 stantly ; if not, it will be what it always has been, the granary 
 of the South of France, and the North part of Italy, which 
 will be much distressed by such a measure, and I hope it will 
 induce the Piedmontese, Genoese, &c., to rise against the 
 French. Be that as it may, I do not think that we ought to 
 allow the French Armies and friends to be maintained and 
 enriched by our not blockading all the Genoese Ports. I 
 therefore hope that this will instantly be done. The Imperial 
 and Greek flag are filling it and Leghorn with corn. 
 
 MOREA. It is perfectly clear that the French are at work 
 in that Country, either to prepare for their own reception, or to 
 induce the Greeks to revolt against the Porte, and either way, 
 it is a chain for their getting again to Egypt. If the French 
 or their friends conquer the Morea, Egypt would be the
 
 ^T. 44.] LETTERS. Ill 
 
 price of returning it, unless by an alliance with the Mame- 
 lukes they can possess both. This brings to my mind the 
 Bey, who is going to England to solicit our justice against 
 Turkish oppression. It appears very clear that the Territory 
 assigned them in Upper Egypt, will not maintain them and 
 their flocks. Government will know how to steer between 
 the Turks and Mamelukes. 
 
 July 2nd. To this long letter, I shall only beg to call your 
 attention, for what purpose the French are collecting such an 
 Army in Italy, where at present there can be no prospect of 
 an Army able to face them: 13,000 are in the Kingdom of 
 Naples, 8000 are at this moment in Leghorn, 6000 marched 
 in on the 28th June, the other parts of Italy are filling with 
 Troops, even drawing them from Switzerland. The objects 
 must be the conquest of Naples, (perhaps Sicily,) and cer- 
 tainly getting over to the Morea; therefore I regret the 
 removal of our Egyptian Army, which in any of these enter- 
 prises, have kept the French in check : for I am sure they 
 are afraid of that Army, and the Italians have the greatest 
 confidence in it, and would make a struggle in their moun- 
 tains ; and time gained to us would be very desirable. 
 
 July 9th. I joined our Fleet yesterday. With the casual 
 absence of one or two Ships, we shall be always seven Sail of 
 the Line ; and as the French have at least seven I believe 
 nine nearly ready, we are in hopes that Buonaparte may be 
 angry, and order them out, which, I have no doubt, will put 
 our Ships in high feather ; for I never knew any wants after 
 a Victory, although we are always full of them before. I will 
 only [add,] that no endeavours of mine shall be wanted to gain 
 one more, for I am worn up ; and be assured that I am ever, 
 my dear Sir, your most faithful and attached friend, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO HIS EXCELLENCY HUGH ELLIOT, ESQ. 
 [From a Copy in the Elliot Papers.] 
 
 Secret and private. J "ne 29th, 1803. 
 
 My dear Sir, 
 
 I have answered hastily your letters, and I think that you 
 can work on General Acton's mind to call upon us secretly in
 
 112 LETTERS. [1803. 
 
 time to save Sicily. A reason is fully sufficient for all Europe, 
 and the King of Naples, by his Protest, has paved the way for 
 securing Sicily. He has the words put into his mouth. The 
 English will hold Messina, whilst the French hold any part 
 of the Kingdom of Naples ; but I well know, and so do you, 
 that the French would assuredly march to Naples. They 
 have, unhappily, the upper hand for land forces. With respect 
 to the Neapolitan Troops at. Malta, General Villettes has 
 orders to send them home, but I have requested him to keep 
 the secret, and not to send them ; for if they got into Messina, 
 they would certainly not keep the French out one moment, 
 and it would give a good excuse for riot asking us to secure 
 Messina. Indeed, I wish General Acton to tell us secretly 
 ' Secure Sicily for us.' The more he scolds us jointly with the 
 French, the better. It is a nice point for him ; for if he 
 abuses us too much, the French will kindly offer him assist- 
 ance. Further, with respect to the Neapolitan Troops at 
 Malta, the General tells me, that with the absence of the 
 2000 Neapolitan Troops, and the 2000 British, that he will be 
 hard pressed to do the duty of the Garrison. These are points 
 for your consideration. If you talk on this subject with Sir 
 John, and he makes a point of the Neapolitan Troops being 
 taken from Malta, could it not be managed to have our Troops 
 go to Messina with them? and then they would remain under 
 the orders of General Oakes 9 who is the Officer destined to 
 command at Messina an excellent Soldier, and a good Man. 
 I have done. Ever yours faithfully, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO CAPTAIN THOMAS M. HARDY, II. M. SHIP AMPHTON. 
 [Order-Book.] 
 Amphion, off Monte Christo, 1st July, 1803. 
 
 Whereas the Government of the Republic of Genoa (or 
 Ligurian Republic) has, by its conduct in adopting the wishes 
 of the French Minister at that place as acts of their own 
 Government, become hostile to Great Britain, you are there- 
 
 9 Afterwards General Sir Hildebraud Oakes, Baronet, G.C.B., and Lieutenant- 
 General of the Ordnance : he died in September 1822.
 
 JET. 44.] LETTERS. 113 
 
 fore hereby required and directed to seize and detain all 
 Ships, Vessels, and property belonging to the Republic of 
 Genoa (or Ligurian Republic), or to any of its Subjects, which 
 you may fall in with, and send them into Port, there to remain 
 (under the same particular instructions as the detained Ships 
 or Vessels belonging to the Batavian Republic, mentioned 
 in my order to you of the 30th May last) 1 until I shall receive 
 directions from the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty 
 respecting them. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO SIR EVAN NEPEAX, BART., ADMIRALTY. 
 
 [Original, in the Admiralty.] 
 Sir, Amphion, off Monte Christo, 1st July, 1803. 
 
 From the following extract of a letter, dated June 14th, 
 from Mr. Jackson, at Rome, his Majesty's Minister to the 
 King of Sardinia, viz. : 
 
 * The Measures which have been adopted at Genoa against 
 us, are the work of this Government, at the requisition of the 
 French Minister, as well as the Italian Republic, which gives 
 Letters of Marque against our Vessels. In Tuscany the 
 Government has wisely refused to act. I just hear that at 
 Genoa the French Minister required 5000 Troops of the 
 Government, which replied that they had but 2000, which 
 were at his service : it is supposed they will be sent out of 
 the Republic, and Genoa be garrisoned with French Troops.' 
 
 In every point of view in which I have been able to see 
 Genoa, I can only consider her as a part of France, and as 
 such I have directed her Shipping to be seized and detained 
 till I receive further orders from their Lordships ; and, with 
 due deference to the wisdom of Government, I would earnestly 
 recommend that Genoa should be declared a Blockaded Port, 
 and thus cut off all supplies for the Southern parts of France 
 and the Northern parts of Italy ; it will make the Inhabitants 
 severely feel the baneful effects of French fraternity, and in 
 case of a co-operation with some of the Continental Powers, 
 will make them ready to throw off the French yoke. Much 
 
 1 Vide p. 76, ante. 
 VOL. V. I
 
 114 LETTERS. [1803. 
 
 more could be urged on the propriety of this measure, but it 
 would be presumptuous in me to say more. 
 
 The Blockade, for to have its full effect should be declared 
 in England, as was done in February 1800, and all the 
 Genoese Ports should be declared blockaded, and especially 
 Port Especcia, which will otherwise be amply supplied from 
 Leghorn, and through it the Italian Republic. 
 
 With respect to a blockade of Leghorn, the French having 
 declared it in a state of siege, Government must decide how 
 far we should have the complaisance to consider it otherwise, 
 and not blockade it. The loyal Government, it is true, does 
 nothing, but the French do everything, treating it as a con- 
 quered Country, even to hoisting the French Flag on the 
 same staff as the Tuscan ; the latter Flag of course is to save 
 themselves, arid the former to enable them in Tuscany to be 
 hostile to us ; such conduct deserves that Leghorn should be 
 considered as blockaded whilst the French Troops remain in 
 it, and that it is hostile to Great Britain. I am, Sir, &c., 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO ADMIRAL THE EARL OF ST. YIXCEXT, K.B. 
 
 [Autograph iu the possession of Vice-Admiral Sir William Parker, Bart., G.C.B.] 
 
 Amphiou, oft' Monte Christo, July 2nd, 180-'}. 
 
 My dear Lord, 
 
 Having wrote everything relative to every Ship in the 
 Fleet, and of Naval matters, I do not think that the Papers I 
 send you herewith are necessary to be laid before the Board 
 of Admiralty, but if your Lordship thinks they are, then I 
 beg that you will have the goodness to give them to Sir Evan 
 Nepean for that purpose ; but that if you agree with me, you 
 will either lay them before the Cabinet, or send them to one 
 of his Majesty's Principal Secretaries of State. I am ever, 
 my dear Lord, your most faithful, humble servant, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE.
 
 MT. 44.] LETTERS 115 
 
 TO THE RIGHT HONOURABLE EARL MOIRA, 
 
 [From Clarke and M'Arthur, vol. ii. p, 310.] 
 
 2nd July, 1803. 
 
 Another great plan of Buonaparte's is now perfectly clear ; 
 he will attempt the Morea, either by assisting the Greeks in 
 an insurrection against the Porte, or this may be done in 
 concert with Russia. On this important subject we are both 
 agreed, that it is very probable those two Powers may have in 
 view, by concert, the downfall of the Turkish Empire in 
 Europe. Candia and Egypt would, of course, if this plan is 
 followed, be given to the French, when, sooner or later, fare- 
 well India! But even supposing Russia has nothing to do 
 with this plan, it would equally answer Buonaparte's purpose 
 of alarming the Porte, to do it by the Greeks, or by assisting 
 Ali Vizir in throwing off his dependence on the Porte ; he 
 would be equally ready to suppress or support even rebellion, 
 provided the reward, Egypt, were the same. That is his 
 great object at present, and for it he would sacrifice either 
 Greeks, Russians, or Turks. We know he is not very scru- 
 pulous in the honourable means of accomplishing his darling 
 object. Every State in Italy, except Naples, is at this moment 
 as much France, as France itself, and in all things is obedient 
 to his nod. And for fear that the Spanish Family, in his 
 Kingdom of Etruria, should appear to the world not suffi- 
 ciently degraded, he has ordered, and they fly on the same 
 Flag-staff, both French and Tuscan colours to be hoisted. At 
 Genoa, they literally obey the order of his Minister ; a few 
 days ago, he desired of the Government 5000 Troops they 
 answered that they had only 2000, but that they were very 
 much at his service. My firm opinion is, that the Mediter- 
 ranean will again be an active scene ; and if Ministers do not 
 look out, I shall have the Brest Fleet to pay me a visit ; for 
 as the Army can only be moved by the protection of a superior 
 Fleet, that Fleet they will try to have, and a month's start of 
 us would do all the mischief. I am, &c., 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE.
 
 116 LETTERS. [1803. 
 
 TO ADMIRAL THE EARL OF ST. VINCENT, K.B. 
 [Autograph, in the possession of Vice- Admiral Sir William Parker, Bart., G.C.B.] 
 Amphion, July 1th, 1800, 20 Leagues W.N.W. of Cape Corse. 
 
 My dear Lord, 
 
 Never was such miserably long passages, or any man more 
 anxious to join the Fleet. Sailing from Gibraltar the 4th of 
 June, it was the 15th in the afternoon when we arrived at 
 Malta. Having found that Sir Richard Bickerton had sailed 
 on the 18th of May, to cruise between Naples and Sicily, I left 
 Malta on the next night, but it was the 25th before I got off 
 Capri, where I had appointed the Maidstone (who carried 
 Mr. Elliot to Naples) to join me. Having received the letters 
 which I have sent you, and answered them, it was, notwith- 
 standing all our exertions, last night before I could get round 
 Cape Corse. 
 
 The large French Army that is assembling in Italy must 
 be placed there ready for a remove, whenever they have Fleet 
 enough to keep us from looking them in the face; and 
 although I know that can only be for a very short space of 
 time, yet much may be done before reinforcements can 
 arrive. Your Lordship knows what Admiral Bruix might 
 have done, had he done his duty, and they may buy their 
 experience. The 6000 Men marched with nine Generals into 
 Leghorn on the 28th of June, can only be for embarkation. 
 I look upon Naples as lost, unless we can have Troops to 
 defend the Castles of Naples (the City) and Gaeta. In that 
 case, the peasantry would, I believe, defend their mountains, 
 and at least it would give a check to the movements of the 
 French, and give us time to get a Fleet into the Mediter- 
 ranean. You will see how fearful the Court of Naples 
 is of our securing Sicily ; for they know, and so do we, that 
 the moment we take possession of Messina, they would make 
 a conquest of Naples, unless we have Troops, as I before men- 
 tioned ; and you will observe General Acton lays much stress 
 on them. I shall write to Acton very soon ; but my Lord, if 
 I say too much, even of probabilities of what may happen, the 
 Cabinet of Naples takes fright, and entreat us to do nothing ; 
 if, on the other hand, they are not a little alarmed, they will
 
 .ET. 44.] LETTERS. 117 
 
 think themselves so safe, that if we act, they will attribute all 
 their losses to us: and losses they will have I much fear. 
 However, no exertion of mine shall be wanting to bring the 
 Fleet to Action the moment it is in my power ; and I shall 
 endeavour to keep such a look-out at the Mouth of the Straits, 
 that I may fight one or the other, before they can form a 
 junction. I shall only assure you that I will do my best, 
 let what will happen, and endeavour to approve myself worthy 
 the high honour of this Command. I again request that 
 you will have the goodness to let my nephew, Sir William 
 Bolton, come to me in a Sloop of War. George Elliot will go 
 into the Termagant as you desired, Captain Stuart 1 being 
 Captain of the Kent ; and be assured, my dear Lord, that I 
 shall be anxious to follow closely every wish of yours, and 
 that I am, my dear Lord, your most faithful and obliged, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 I am looking out very sharp for the Victory. 
 
 .TO LADY HAMILTON. 
 [Extract from "Letters of Lord Nelson to Lady Hamilton," vol. i. p. 113.] 
 
 [5th July, 1803.] 
 My dearest Emma, 
 
 Although I have wrote letters from various places, merely 
 to say, * Here I am, and { There I am,' yet, as I have no 
 doubt but that they would all be read, it was impossible for 
 me to say more than ' Here I am, and well :' and I see no 
 prospect of any certain mode of conveyance, but by sea; 
 which, with the means the Admiralty has given me, of small 
 Vessels, can be but seldom. 
 
 Our passages have been enormously long. From Gibraltar 
 to Malta, we were eleven days ; arriving the fifteenth in the 
 evening, and sailing in the night of the sixteenth that is, 
 three in the morning of the seventeenth and it was the 
 twenty-sixth before we got off Capri, where I had ordered the 
 Frigate which carried Mr. Elliot to Naples, to join me. I 
 
 1 Captain John James S'.r.art, second son of Lord Nelson's friend, General the 
 Honourable Sir Charles Stuart, K.I3. (\ide vol. i.) : he died Captain of II. M. Slip 
 Saldanha, at Lough Swilly, in Ireland, on the 1'Jth of March, 1811.
 
 118 LETTERS. [1803. 
 
 send you copies of the King and Queen's letters. I am 
 vexed that she did not mention you ! I can only account for 
 it by hers being a political letter. 
 
 When I wrote to the Queen, I said ' * I left Lady Hamil- 
 ton, the eighteenth of May ; and so attached to your Majesty, 
 that I am sure she would lay down her life to preserve yours. 
 Your Majesty never had a more sincere, attached, and real 
 friend, than your dear Emma. You will be sorry to hear that 
 good Sir William did not leave her in such comfortable cir- 
 cumstances as his fortune would have allowed. He has given 
 it amongst his relations. But she will do honour to his 
 memory, although every one else of his friends call loudly 
 against him on that account.' 
 
 I trust, my dear Emma, she has wrote you. If she can 
 forget Emma, I hope God will forget her! But, you think, 
 that she never will or can. Now is her time to show it. You 
 will only show the King and Queen's letters to some few par- 
 ticular friends. The King is very low ; lives mostly at Belve- 
 dere. Mr. Elliot had not seen either him or the Queen, from 
 the 17th, the day of his arrival, to the 21st. On the next 
 day, he was to be presented. 
 
 I have made up my mind, that it is part of the plan of that 
 Corsican Scoundrel to conquer the Kingdom of Naples. He 
 has marched thirteen thousand men into the Kingdom, on the 
 Adriatic side ; and he will take possession, with as much 
 shadow of right, of Gaeta and Naples : and, if the poor King 
 remonstrates, or allo\vs us to secure Sicily, he will call it War, 
 and declare a conquest. I have cautioned General Acton, 
 not to risk the Royal Family too long ; but Naples will be 
 conquered, sooner or later, as it may suit Buonaparte's conve- 
 nience. The Morea, and Egypt, are likewise in his eye. An 
 Army of full seventy thousand men are assembling in Italy. 
 
 Gibbs and Noble 3 are gone to Malta. I am, you may 
 believe, very anxious to get off Toulon, to join the Fleet. 
 Sir Richard Bickerton went from off Naples, the day I left 
 Gibraltar. We passed Monte Christo, Bastia, and Cape 
 Corse, yesterday; and are now moving, slowly, direct for 
 Toulon. What force they have, I know not ; indeed, I am 
 
 * Vide p. 84, ante. 3 Two English Merchants at Palermo.
 
 ^T. 44.] LETTERS, 119 
 
 totally ignorant : some say nine Sail of the Line, some seven, 
 some five. If the former, they will come out ; for we have 
 only the same number, including Sixty-fours, and very shortly 
 manned. However, I hope they will come out, and let us 
 settle the matter. You know I hate being kept in suspense. 
 
 July 8th. 
 
 I left this hole, to put down what force the French have at 
 Toulon. Seven Sail of the Line ready, five Frigates, and six 
 Corvettes. One or two more in about a week. We, to-day, 
 eight Sail of the Line to-morrow, seven; including two 
 Sixty-four gun Ships. 
 
 You will readily believe how rejoiced I shall be to get one 
 of your dear, excellent letters, that I may know everything 
 which has passed since my absence. I sincerely hope that 
 Mr. Booth has settled all your accounts. Never mind, my 
 dear Emma, a few hundred pounds, which is all the rigid 
 gripe of the law, not justice, can wrest from you. I thank 
 God that you cannot want ; (although that is no good reason 
 for its being taken from you :) whilst I have sixpence, you 
 shall not want for fivepence of it ! But you have bought your 
 experience that there is no friendship in money concerns, and 
 your good sense will make you profit of it. 1 hope the 
 Minister has done something for you. But never mind, we 
 can live upon bread and cheese. Independence is a blessing ; 
 and although I have not yet found out the way to get Prize 
 money what has been taken has run into our mouths how- 
 ever, it must turn out very hard if I cannot get enough to pay 
 off my debts, and that will be no small comfort. 
 
 I have not mentioned my Bronte affairs to Acton, as yet ; 
 but if Naples remains much longer, I shall ask the question. 
 But I expect nothing from them. I believe even Acton 
 wishes himself well and safely removed. I think from what 
 I hear, that the King's spirits are so much depressed, that he 
 will give up the reins of Naples, at least, to his Son, and retire 
 to Sicily. Sir William, you know, always thought that he 
 would end his life so. Certainly, his situation must be heart- 
 breaking! Gaetano returned in the Frigate. I believe he 
 saw enough of Naples. He carried his family money ; and 
 Mr. Falconet (Gibbs being absent) will pay Mr. Greville's 
 pension to Gaetano's family. I have now [sent] Gaetano to
 
 120 LETTERS. [1803. 
 
 the post: and he desires to present his duty; and to tell you 
 that Mr. Ragland, from Sir William's death, will not pay any 
 more pensions, without orders from Mr. Greville. Vincenzo 
 has had none paid. He is very poor ; keeps a shop. His son 
 wanted, I find, to come in the Frigate to me. I cannot afford 
 to maintain him, therefore I shall give no encouragement. 
 Old Antonio was allowed a carline a day ; that is, now, not 
 paid. Sabatello lives with Mr. Elliot. Nicolo, and Mary 
 Antonia have left Mr. Gibbs, for some cause ; Gaetano says, 
 be believes, for amore. Francesca has two children living, 
 and another coming. She lives the best amongst them, like 
 gallant homme. Pasqual lives with the Duke Monteleone ; 
 and Joseph, with the old Russian. Your house is a hotel ; 
 the upper parts are kept for the Marquis, the owner. Mr. 
 Elliot has taken the house of the Bailie Franconi, on the 
 Chaia. Doctor Nudi inquired kindly after us; and all the 
 women at Santa Lucia expected, when they saw Gaetano, 
 that you was arrived. Bread never was so dear ; everything 
 else in plenty. The wages not being raised, Gaetano says 
 the poor of England are a million times better off. So much 
 for Gaetano's news. He desires his duty to Signora Madre, 
 and remembrances to Mary Ann, Fatima, &c. 
 
 July 8th. 
 
 We joined, this morning, the Fleet. The men in the Ships 
 are good ; but the Ships themselves are a little the worse for 
 wear, and very short of their complements of men. We shall 
 never be better; therefore, let them come; the sooner the 
 better. I shall write a line to the Duke, 4 that he may see I 
 do not forget my friends ; and I rely, my dearest Emma, on 
 your saying every kind thing for me to the Doctor, Mrs. Nel- 
 son, Mrs. Bolton, Mr. and Mrs. Matcham, Mrs. Cadogan, 
 whose kindness and goodness I shall never forget. You will 
 have the goodness to send the inclosed as directed ; and be 
 assured that I am, to the last moment of my life, your most 
 attached, faithful, and affectionate, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 4 The Duke of Hamilton.
 
 JET. 44.] LETTERS. 121 
 
 TO ADMIRAL HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS THE DUKE OF CLARENCE. 
 
 [From Clarke and M'Artliur, vol. ii. p. 313.] 
 
 Off Monaco, July 5th. 
 
 I arrived at Gibraltar on the 3rd, in the night, and sailed 
 on the 4th of June. On the 15th I reached Malta, and left 
 it at three o'clock on the morning of the 17th. It was the 
 25th before I got off Naples, where I was glad to find that 
 Sir Richard Bickerton had, on the 4th of June, steered 
 for Toulon. Owing to the frequent calms at this season in 
 the Mediterranean, we have not yet joined Sir Richard, but I 
 hope to see them to-morrow. Reports say that the Fleet is 
 in very good order as to discipline, but miserably off in respect 
 to numbers ; we have only to hope that the French will soon 
 give us an opportunity of trying our strength with them. It 
 is perhaps very difficult for any one to say what are the plans 
 of Buonaparte : he is assembling a very large Army in Italy, 
 and has already placed 13,000 men in the Kingdom of Naples. 
 I think it can only be with a view to conquer it, when it may, 
 on some pretence or other, suit his convenience. The Morea, 
 and ultimately Egypt, are in his view : therefore his assembling 
 so many Troops in Italy they say full 80,000 can only be 
 for the purpose of removing them across the Adriatic. With 
 this idea, I fully expect that the French Fleet from Brest will 
 assuredly come into the Mediterranean, to protect this Army 
 across the water, and alongshore from Genoa, Leghorn, &c. 
 which are full of Troops. We must keep a good look out, 
 both here and off Brest ; and if I have the means, I shall try 
 and fight one party or the other, before they form a junction. 
 I am, &c. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO ADMIRAL THE EARL OF ST. VINCENT, K.B. 
 
 [Autograph, in the possession of Vice-Admiral Sir William Parker, Bart., 
 G.C.B. "Friday, 8th July, A.M., at 2-43 saw the Fleet. At 4 30, made the Private 
 signal with a gun. At 4-40, repeated ditto, which was answered. At G-30 bore up, 
 uiul returned the salute with eleven guns to Sir Itichard Bickerton, Bart. At 7, 
 joined the Fleet, consisting of nine Sail of the Line, one Frigate, and two Sloops; 
 via., Kent, Donegal, Gibraltar, Superb, Belleisle, Triumph, Agincourt, Moumouth, 
 lieuown, Medusa, Termagant, and '.Teazle. At Noon, entrance of Toulon, N.E. 
 B. N." Ampkion's Log.~\
 
 122 LETTERS. [1803. 
 
 Ampliioii, off Toulon, July'8th, 1803. 
 
 My dear Lord, 
 
 I joined the Fleet this morning, and as far as outside show 
 goes, they look very well ; but they complain of their bottoms, 
 and, as you will see, are very short of men. The Blonde, 
 which sails for England with the Convoy, takes hers this day 
 from the Triumph and Agincourt. Sir Richard Bickerton 
 had put Captain Burn, 5 of the Blonde Troop-Ship, into her, in 
 room of Captain Stuart, removed to the Kent, in the room of 
 Captain O'Brien, invalided. If the reports which I hear from 
 Gore 7 are true, that Whitby 8 is going home, I shall as I take 
 for granted an arrangement is made for Captain Stuart 
 desire Sir Richard Bickerton to select his own Captain, till 
 the pleasure of the Admiralty is known, and appoint a Lieu- 
 tenant to act in the vacancy. Captain George Elliot, of 
 course, goes directly into the Termagant. 
 
 By the Toulon report, your Lordship will see that we are 
 not very superior, if anything, in point of numbers ; for it 
 seems uncertain whether there are not more than the seven 
 clearly in a state of forwardness. My reports from Italy say 
 nine, five Frigates, and some Corvettes ; Formidable, Scipion, 
 Berwick, Swiftsure, Hannibal, Jemappes, two Ships seen by 
 the Raven off Minorca the latter end of April, supposed those 
 seen by the Dragon on her passage home ; one Ship seen by 
 a Merchant-Ship off Cape de Gatte. 
 
 Seven of the Line and five Frigates are clearly to be seen, 
 with two Admirals and a Commodore, and a Commodore in 
 the Frigate. However, your Lordship may rely that I shall 
 make the best of what I have ; but you will see that I cannot 
 detach any Ships of the Line for the Straits' Mouth. The 
 
 * Captain John Burn: he died a Commander in February 1813. 
 
 * CaptaiiiEdward O'Brien : he became a Bear-Admiral, and died in December 1808* 
 7 Captain John Gore, of the Medusa, who will be frequently mentioned, after- 
 wards Vice Admiral Sir John Gore, K.C.B., G.C.H. : he died in August 1830. 
 
 * Captain John Whitby, eldest sou of the Rev. Thomas Whitby, of Creswell 
 Hall, near Stafford. Writing to Admiral Coruwallis some months afterwards, Lord 
 Nelson said, " As my old acquaintance and Shipmate, Captain Hargood, is not 
 arrived, I have directed Whitby to remain a short time in the Belleisle, in order to 
 reap the harvest of all his toils. He has had up-hill work in her, and I should 
 wish him to enjoy the fruit alongside a Frenchman. I assure you I am not singular 
 in regretting the loss of Whitby from our little Squadron: it is universal." Clarke 
 anrl M'Arlhur. Captain WMtby died on the 7th of April, 1800,
 
 AT. 44.] LETTERS. 123 
 
 Monmouth and Agincourt sail very ill, and in these times are 
 hardly to be reckoned. I cannot send them to watch either 
 Genoa or Leghorn ; and if these gentry should come forth, I 
 shall want all the Seventy-fours. The Triumph's bowsprit is 
 in such a dangerous state, that I am sending her to Gibraltar, 
 to get either a new one, or her present one repaired ; and 
 from thence she will soon join me with a Westerly wind. 
 Malta is out of the question ; with all my anxiety I have been 
 three weeks. 
 
 Sir Richard Bickerton has requested of me to mention to 
 your Lordship that he is very desirous of remaining in the 
 Mediterranean. I can, of course, have no objection ; on the 
 contrary, I have always heard him spoken of very highly as 
 an Officer. Ever, my dear Lord, I am your obliged and 
 faithful, NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 Poor Captain Burn, who Sir Richard speaks very highly 
 of, has requested of me to mention him to you, in hopes you 
 will give him a good Sloop. 
 
 July 9th. There are, Captain Staines 9 says, two Sail of the 
 Line under Sepet, in the Bight, which, as Gore only looked 
 over Isthmus, he could not see. 
 
 TO ALEXANDER DAV1SON, ESQ. 
 [Autograph, in the possession of Colonel Davison.] 
 My dear Davison Amphion, off Toulon, July 8 th, 1803. 
 
 This will, I hope, find you at Swarland, and relieved from 
 the cruel state in which your anxiety to oblige your friends 
 [has placed you.] I assure you not a day has passed that I 
 have not thought of you, and I shall rejoice to hear that you 
 are got quit of this embarrassment. 1 Of myself I can say that 
 you have not a more sincere, attached friend in the world, 
 and that includes all I could say. I only joined the Fleet this 
 day, and I find that the French in Toulon are equal to me at 
 this moment; but I do not think they will come out till they 
 have a greater superiority. If they do, I shall be agreeably 
 disappointed. The event, I trust, although we are miserably 
 
 ' Vide p. 139, post. ' Vide p. 143, post.
 
 124 LETTERS. [1803. 
 
 short of men, would be glorious, and hasten a Peace ; which 
 that it may soon do, is the sincere prayer of, my dear Davison, 
 your most obliged, faithful, and affectionate friend, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 I have not made my fortune by Prizes yet. 
 
 TO JAMES CUTFORTH, ESQ., AGENT VICTUALLER, GIBRALTAR. 
 
 [Letter-Book.] 
 Sir, Amphion, off Toulon, 8tli July, 1803. 
 
 Having received information from the Victualling Board, 
 that several Ships laden with Provisions have been ordered to 
 Gibraltar, I am to desire you will send two of them here im- 
 mediately, (should a Man-of-War be coming this way,) other- 
 wise have them in readiness to accompany the Triumph, whose 
 Captain is directed to take them under his protection. You 
 are to be particularly careful to send as near as possible the 
 regular proportions of each species of provisions in the said 
 Victuallers, and continue to do'so on all future occasions, 
 when it can be done consistent with the Service. You are to 
 send as much wine as you can conveniently, but on no account 
 spirits. I am, Sir, &c. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO SIR EVAN NEPEAN, BART., ADMIRALTY. 
 
 [Original, iu the Admiralty.] 
 
 Sir, Ampliion, off Toulon, 8tli July, 180:3. 
 
 You will please to acquaint the Lords Commissioners of the 
 Admiralty, that I arrived off here yesterday forenoon, and 
 was joined by Rear- Admiral Sir Richard Bickerton, with his 
 Majesty's Ships named in the margin. 9 
 
 Captain Gore, of the Medusa, having reconnoitred the har- 
 bour of Toulon, yesterday, acquaints me that there are seven 
 Sail of the Line in the Inner and Outer Roads, fully rigged, 
 or nearly so, together with five Frigates, and six or seven 
 Corvettes, in the same state of forwardness, and that there is 
 
 9 Kent, Donegal, Superb, Belleisle, Triumph, llenown, Gibraltar, Monmouth, 
 Agincourt, Medusa, Weazle, Termagant. Maidstonc rejoined the UOth June ; Niger 
 joined the ;iOth June; Raven joined the '2nd July.
 
 JET. 44.] LETTERS. 125 
 
 reason to believe there is one or two Sail of the Line in the 
 Arsenal. There is an .Admiral's Flag at the main, a Rear- 
 Admiral, and Commodore in a Line-of-Battle Ship, and a 
 Commodore in one of the Frigates. I shall take a very early 
 opportunity of sending a Frigate off the harbour of Toulon, in 
 order to ascertain their state of forwardness, and watch their 
 motions accordingly. I am, Sir, &c. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO ADMIRAL HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS THE DUKE OF CLARENCE. 
 
 [From Clarke and M'Arthur, vol. ii. p. 314.] 
 
 July 9th, 1803. 
 
 I joined the Fleet yesterday, and it was with much sorrow 
 that I saw your Royal Highness's friend, Captain Keats, 1 
 looking so very ill ; but he says he is recovering. I have such 
 a high respect for his character, that I should be happy in 
 doing all in my power to promote it. He is too valuable an 
 Officer for the King's Service to lose. The French Fleet is 
 seven or nine Sail of the Line, nearly ready for sea, five Fri- 
 gates, and some Corvettes. We have only to wish for their 
 coming out, it would remove most of our fancied wants, we 
 have few real ones, except the sight of the French Fleet, 
 which would give much pleasure to your Royal Highness's 
 attached and devoted servant, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO ADMIRAL THE EARL OF ST. VINCENT, K.B. 
 [Autograph, in the possession of Vice-Admiral Sir William Parker, Bart., G.C.B. 
 
 July 9th, 1803. 
 
 My dear Lord, 
 
 I have wrote Troubridge about your intentions for the 
 Ambuscade, 2 and for any other Ships of War which may be 
 
 1 Afterwards Admiral Sir Richard Keats, G.C.B. 
 
 8 The Ambuscade French Frigate was captured by the Victory, Captain Samuel 
 Sutton, on the 28th of May, 1803, in latitude -5 -iO' N., longitude 6 10' W. She 
 was formerly an English Frigate of the same name, which she still continued to bear 
 when again taken into our Navy.
 
 126 LETTERS, [1803. 
 
 taken. I have received nothing officially from Sutton (nor 
 privately) relative to the capture ; and I hope that you will 
 approve of my plan for getting such Prizes in a state for sea. 
 Your Lordship knows that the Harbour of Malta is well 
 adapted for such an arrangement, even if it extended to twenty 
 Sail of the Line. Ever, my dear Lord, yours most faithfully, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO MAJOR-GENERAL VILLETTES. 
 [Autograph, in the possession of J. Wilde, Esq.] 
 
 Off Toulon, July 9th, 1803. 
 
 My dear General, 
 
 I have this moment ordered the Phoebe, who is at Naples, 
 to receive on board immediately any money there may be 
 there for the service of Malta. The Active is just arrived, 
 and I have an immediate opportunity of obeying your com- 
 mands, which it will always give me the sincerest pleasure to 
 attend to. The French in Toulon are not, it appears a match 
 for us just yet. I have not heard a word from England since I 
 left it. Sir Richard Bickerton going to Malta, renders my 
 writing the less necessary, for I find him a very intelligent 
 and correct Officer. When I shall see you, the French must 
 determine; but I am, my dear General, ever yours most 
 faithfully, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 INSTRUCTIONS TO REAR-ADMIRAL SIR RICHARD BICKERTON, 
 
 BART. 
 
 [From a Copy, in the possession of James Young, Esq., of Wells.] 
 
 Amphion, off Toulon, July 10th, 180:). 
 
 Lord Nelson requests Sir Richard Bickerton, lo attend to 
 the following Memoranda : 
 
 The Convoy to be dispatched for England as soon as pos- 
 sible, and the Mameluke Bey 3 to be ordered a passage in one 
 of the Ships, and all invalided men to be sent home. The 
 destination of the Ships cruizing to be changed, if Sir Richard 
 
 * Mahomed Bey Elfl. Vide p. Ill, ante,
 
 AT. 44. J LETTERS. 127 
 
 finds that circumstances have altered which induced me to 
 place them on their several stations. A French Vessel having 
 been captured by the Cyclops and Experiment, I fear in vio- 
 lation of the Neutral Port of Naples, I beg that you will make 
 such inquiries as the case may require ; and if you find that 
 she has been improperly taken, you will order her to be re- 
 leased to the Master and her Crew, giving the Vessel a pass- 
 port to Naples. If any unforeseen circumstance should arise, 
 Lord Nelson has that perfect confidence in the judgment of 
 Sir R. Bickerton, that there can be no doubt but that what- 
 ever arrangement he may think proper to make, will be 
 approved of. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 MEMORANDA. 
 
 [Autograph, in the possession of James Young, Esq., of Wells.] 
 
 [About 10th July, 1803.] 
 
 The Bey to be sent to England with the Convoy. The 
 Commissary for prisoners, if necessary to be appointed. The 
 Buoys to be laid down in the Harbour's mouth. 4 The Master- 
 Attendant to have a Boat and six men, and a Coxswain, 
 allowed for his use, to be entered in the Dock-yard. The 
 Ambuscade's stores to be received into the Naval Storehouses, 
 and taken care of, and the Ship to be taken care of by the 
 Officers of the Yard. An awning to be kept spread over her 
 in the day, and her decks and sides to be wetted every even- 
 ing, and when the business of the Fleet will admit. She is to 
 be caulked, her bends blacked and painted, and rigging put 
 in order. 500 Maltese, if possible, to be raised. A bounty 
 of dollars to be given for those who have served in the 
 
 Navy before ; dollars for those who have never been at 
 
 sea : to serve three years, if the War lasts so long. To be 
 paid half their wages to their families, and when they are 
 paid off, to be paid their wages at Malta, and not to be sent 
 out of the Mediterranean station without their consent. 
 
 4 Valetta,
 
 128 LETTERS. [1803. 
 
 TO CAPTAIN HENRY RICHARDSON, II. M. SHIP JUNO. 
 
 [Letter-Book.] 
 
 Amphion, off Toulon, lOtli July, 1803. 
 
 Sir, 
 
 In addition to my order to you of the 26th ultimo, 4 1 am to 
 desire, should you, from information, find the Enemy are not 
 likely to convoy their Troops along shore into Sicily, or the 
 Coast of Calabria opposite to it, immediately, that you will 
 stretch occasionally with his Majesty's Ship (and Sloop named 
 in the margin 5 ) under your command into the entrance of the 
 Adriatic, for the purpose of protecting the Trade of his Ma- 
 jesty's Subjects, and the annoyance and destruction of that of 
 the Enemy; paying, however, strict regard to the order of 
 the 26th ultimo, above-mentioned. I am, Sir, &c. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO THE OFFICERS OF HIS MAJESTY'S YARD AT MALTA. 
 [Order Book.] 
 
 Ampliion, off Toulon, lOtli July, 1803. 
 
 Captain Sutton, of his Majesty's Ship Victory, having cap- 
 tured the French Frigate Ambuscade, and sent her into 
 Malta, You are hereby required and directed to receive the 
 stores of every description belonging to the said Ship, into 
 his Majesty's Store-houses under your charge, and to be very 
 careful that no embezzlement of any kind takes place ; and 
 you are, as early as convenient, to value the hull, masts, rig- 
 ging and stores of the said Ship ; and in order that the strictest 
 regard may be had to a faithful and just statement thereof 
 you are to take to your 'assistance the Carpenter of his Ma- 
 jesty's Ship Kent, and any person or persons that you may 
 think necessary on the occasion. After such valuation has 
 been made, you are to take charge of the Ship, stores, &c., 
 and put her in a proper condition for being Commissioned, 
 with as much expedition as possible. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 4 Vide p. 103, ante. * Morgiana.
 
 ^ET.44.] LETTERS. 129 
 
 TO HIS EXCELLENCY HUGH ELLIOT, ESQ. 
 Autograph, in the Elliot Papers.] 
 
 Ampkion, off Toulon, July llth, 1803. 
 My dear Sir, 
 
 I joined the Fleet the 8th, in the morning, having had 
 nothing but calms and contrary winds. The French have 
 seven Sail of the Line, nearly ready for sea, five Frigates 
 and six or seven Corvettes. I believe from other observations 
 of the Enemy's Fleet, and calculations, that there are nine 
 Sail of the Line, unless some are gone to sea, which I do 
 not believe. I dispatched all our letters to England on the 
 9th, in which, I stated everything relative to this Country. It 
 is perfectly clear to me that if our reports are true of Troops 
 collecting at Leghorn and Genoa, these can only be for em- 
 barkation in a Fleet which may be expected there. I must 
 not say too much; for, God knows, I wish from my heart 
 every security to the Kingdom of Naples, but I expect to 
 hear of the French demanding to garrison Gaeta, the conse- 
 quence of which would be great. I would not be thought for 
 a moment to see Fear beyond what is necessary therefore, 
 I will not say more about securing Sicily than I have done. I 
 send the Superb, 74, Captain Keats, one of the very best 
 Officers in his Majesty's Navy. I have directed him to remain 
 fourteen days at Naples, and if you represent by letter that it 
 is, from extraordinary circumstances, necessary that he should 
 remain longer, Captain Keats has directions to acquiesce. 
 But, I trust, your Excellency will not do this, unless such 
 necessity does exist ; for you will recollect that I am left with 
 six Sail of the Line opposed to seven or nine in which num- 
 ber are two 64-gun Ships. But I take every responsibility to 
 show my attention to the safety of the Royal Family of Naples. 
 I have not heard a word from England since we left it. I 
 have the honour to be, &c., 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 VOL. v.
 
 130 LETTERS. [1803. 
 
 TO HIS EXCELLENCY HUGH ELLIOT, ESQ. 
 
 [Autograph, in the Elliot Papers.] 
 
 Private. July nth, 1803. 
 
 My dear Sir, 
 
 George 6 took possession of his Sloop yesterday, and if you 
 can send him some little matters, they will be acceptable to 
 young housekeepers not bulky articles, for Captain Keats 
 could not receive them. Give me leave to introduce Captain 
 Keats to your particular notice. His health has not been very 
 good, but I hope he will soon recover; for his loss would, I assure 
 you, be a serious one to our Navy, arid particularly to me ; 
 for I esteem his person alone as equal to one French 74, and 
 the Superb and her Captain equal to two 74-gun Ships: 
 therefore, if it is not necessary, you will not keep him ; for 
 another Ship will be on her way to Naples, at the time I 
 guess she will be near her departure ; and, although I should 
 be glad to see the French out, even six to nine, yet these are 
 odds which, although I should not avoid, yet ought not to be 
 seeking. 
 
 The Victory is at Malta. She has taken the Ambuscade 
 French Frigate, and two or three Ships from St. Domingo ; 
 but with my usual luck for Prize-money, they belong to 
 Admiral Cornwallis, 7 and not to me. Captain Murray, Hardy, 
 Doctor Scott, 8 Mr. Scott, 9 and all your friends here, join in 
 every good wish for your health, with, my dear Sir, yours 
 most faithfully, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 A little tea, sugar, and a few hams, is all Captain Keats 
 can take for George, and all that is necessary to send him. 
 
 ' Captain the Honourable George Elliot, who was appointed to the command 
 of the Termagant. 
 
 T Having been captured within the limits of Admiral Cornwallis' Station. 
 
 8 The Reverend Alexander John Scott, Chaplain of the Victory, whom Lord 
 Nelson generally called " Doctor," though he did not take that Degree until after the 
 battle of Trafalgar. An interesting Memoir of this learned and accomplished person 
 was published by his daughter and son-in-law in 1842, entitled, " Recollections of 
 the Life of the Reverend A. J. Scott, Lord Nelson's Chaplain," which contains 
 many interesting anecdotes of Nelson." 
 
 9 Lord Nelson's Secretary.
 
 &T. 44.] LETTERS. 131 
 
 TO THE RIGHT HONOURABLE GEORGE ROSE. 
 
 [Autograph, in the possession of the Right Honourable Sir George Rose, G.C.H.] 
 
 Amphion, off Toulon, July 12th, 1803. 
 
 My dear Sir, 
 
 I find your young friend is Lieutenant of the Acasta 
 Frigate, who is in the Channel, not that at this moment I 
 have any chance of being useful to him ; but I shall always 
 bear him in mind. 
 
 The French in Toulon are busy fitting out : they have, at 
 least seven I believe nine Sail of the Line, five Frigates, 
 six or seven Corvettes, ready, or nearly so, for sea. We wish 
 them out, that we may make a beginning. What diabolical 
 plans they are after in Italy, time must show us ; but I think 
 that Egypt is their great object. To keep their hands in, 
 they may take Naples, try for Sicily and Sardinia certainly, 
 the Morea, Seven Isles, and Egypt. Live and see. All our 
 Egyptian Army is gone, and we never wanted 10,000 Troops 
 more than at this moment, which might save Naples, Sicily, 
 the Morea, and Egypt, by assisting and giving confidence to 
 the Inhabitants. Our friend the Reverend Mr. Scott is 
 very much recovered since he came out ; but I have told him, 
 that, at this moment, I cannot address a letter to Mr. Adding- 
 ton for him. With every sentiment of respect and friendship, 
 believe me ever, my dear Sir, your much obliged and faithful 
 friend, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 I have not heard one word from England since I sailed, 
 May 20th. 
 
 TO SIR EVAN NEPEAN, BART., ADMIRALTY. 
 
 [Original, in the Admiralty.] 
 
 Amphion, off Toulon, 12th July, 1808. 
 
 Sir, 
 
 As there is no Agent Victualler attached to the Fleet under 
 my command, and as most of the supplies of fresh beef and 
 other necessary refreshments for the Ships' Companies, must 
 be procured from Sardinia, Barbary, or, clandestinely, from
 
 132 LETTERS. [1803. 
 
 Spain, where Victualling or other Bills are not negotiable ; and 
 as the great distance from Malta or Gibraltar renders the 
 getting such refreshments from those places, in a regular man- 
 ner, absolutely impossible ; and at all seasons, from the length 
 of passage to Malta, must ever preclude a very frequent inter- 
 course, I, therefore, beg leave to submit to their Lordships, 
 (if they do not judge proper to appoint an Agent Victualler 
 to the Fleet,) the propriety of lodging Public money on board 
 the Fleet, for the purpose of paying for the fresh beef and 
 vegetables which may be appropriated for this service, pro- 
 vided, but on no account otherwise, that their Lordships will 
 give orders that the simple receipt from the Captain of the 
 Ship, to whom any sum or sums of money is given, for the 
 payment of such fresh supplies, may be a sufficient Voucher 
 for the disbursement of such money, and a full discharge from 
 any impress against me. And as this measure will attach a 
 responsibility upon the Captains who may be sent for procuring 
 fresh beef, &c., for the Fleet, I also beg that their Lordships 
 will exonerate them from the charge, and direct the Victualling 
 Board not to impress their Accounts for such purchases, pro- 
 vided the Vouchers for them are regular and correct, and that 
 the usual forms in procuring provisions have been duly attended 
 to, and executed accordingly. 
 
 I shall on all occasions, where live cattle, &c., are purchased 
 for the individual Ship, or Fleet, direct the Captains to send 
 their Masters on shore with their respective Pursers, to ascer- 
 tain the prices and quality thereof, and shall direct that every 
 pound of beef, vegetables, &c., so purchased, may be weighed 
 on its coming on board, and entered in the Log-Book imme- 
 diately, and that the Signing Officers shall examine the Vouchers 
 with that Book, previous to their putting their signatures to 
 them, in order that every species of fraud (should any be 
 intended) may be detected, and the possibility of doing 
 wrong prevented, as much as possible. I am, Sir, &c. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE.
 
 ^T. 44.] LETTERS. 133 
 
 TO ADMIRAL THE EARL OF ST. VINCENT, K.B. 
 [Autograph, in the possession of Vice -Admiral Sir William Parker, Bart., G.C.B.j 
 My dear Lord, Amphion, July 12th, 1803. 
 
 From our being shut out of almost every place where our 
 bills will be taken for beef, &c., &c., and there being no Agent- 
 Victualler like Mr. Heatly, who would find the Fleet in every- 
 thing, in all parts that we used to send to, we are absolutely in 
 distress for money to purchase in Sardinia, or anywhere else, 
 where bullocks, &c., can be had for money., but where our bills 
 are useless. But, although Sir Richard Bickerton very hand- 
 somely, for the good, in every sense of the word, of his Majesty's 
 Service, took up 10,000 dollars, and issued to the Fleet, yet 
 the forms of Office I know so far from applauding his conduct, 
 will distress him most probably to get his Accounts cleared of 
 this impress. Troubridge told me, when I asked him for a 
 floating A gent- Victualler, who would pay all things in all 
 places, ' Mr. Wilkie 1 is a very clever man ; he will arrange 
 everything ; he will get you things from everywhere.' Now, 
 the direct contrary is the fact. Mr. Wilkie will have nothing 
 to do with supplying the Fleet anywhere but at Malta. No, 
 not even to send a man who might make some arrange- 
 ment for our getting bullocks and refreshments from Sar- 
 dinia, or from the Bay of Rosas, or other parts of Spain ; 
 from his management, I thought he could have managed our 
 intercourse with Spain, even clandestinely. I certainly hate to 
 have anything to do with the management of money ; but if the 
 Admiralty will sanction my drawing for a sum of money, and 
 will give orders that the simple receipt of the Captain for so 
 much Public money, shall be a clear and sufficient discharge 
 for me, in that case, I will take this task upon me. I know 
 some people are preparing for fleecing us, and, without we 
 have money to go to market, so they must. 
 
 The Ships having come out on the expectation of a three 
 weeks' cruise, I am, in turn, sending them into Port, to pre- 
 pare for a War cruize. Many of the Ships have much scurvy 
 in them, but onions and lemons I hope will eradicate that 
 complaint, and a sight of the French Squadron twenty leagues 
 
 1 Mr. Peter Wilkie, Agent- Victualler at Malta.
 
 134 LETTERS. [1803. 
 
 at sea will cure all our complaints, which, that it may very 
 soon do, is the sincere wish of, my dear Lord, your most 
 faithful, NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 Mr. Fulton, who has been recommended to you and myself 
 by poor Locker, 2 has just been with me. He is Acting-Purser 
 of the Gibraltar, in the room of Mr. Grant; and requests me 
 to intercede with your Lordship that in case Mr. Grant does 
 not come out, he may be confirmed for her. 
 
 TO SIR EVAN NEPEAN, BART., ADMIRALTY. 
 [Original, in the Admiralty.] 
 
 Sir, Amphion, off Toulon, 12th July, 1803. 
 
 Several Prisoners having been sent to Malta in the French 
 Prizes captured by his Majesty's Ships and Vessels on this 
 Station, and put in quarantine in Valette harbour, and there 
 being no Commissary or person at that place authorized by 
 Government to take charge of such Prisoners, or to supply 
 them with provisions, you will please to acquaint the Lords 
 Commissioners of the Admiralty, that I have appointed a Mr. 
 Chapman to act as Commissary of Prisoners till some person 
 shall be appointed from England, or he receives further orders 
 from me, which I hope will meet their Lordships' approbation. 
 This gentleman (who I have not seen) belonged to the Secre- 
 tary of State's Office, and was sent to Malta by Lord Hobart, 
 to act pro tempore as Secretary to the Civil Commissioner, 
 and is recommended to me by Sir Alexander Ball. I am, &c. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO SIR EVAN NEPEAN, BART., ADMIRALTY. 
 
 [Original, in the Admiralty.] 
 Sir, Amphion, off Toulon, 12th July, 1803. 
 
 Inclosed is an extract of a Memorandum, sent by Rear- 
 Admiral Sir Richard Bickerton to Malta, (who is gone to that 
 place to make good the defects of the Kent,) for the raising 
 five hundred Maltese for his Majesty's Navy. The bounty 
 
 * His old friend, Commodore Locker.
 
 .liT. 44.] LETTERS. 135 
 
 to be given is left blank for the Rear- Admiral (after he has 
 consulted with Sir Alexander Ball on the subject) to deter- 
 mine. 
 
 I am, therefore, to request you will please to lay the 
 inclosure above-mentioned before the Lords Commissioners 
 of the Admiralty for their consideration ; and if they approve 
 thereof, that directions may be given for the payment and due 
 execution thereof accordingly. I am, Sir, &c. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO SIR EVAN NEPEAN, BART., ADMIRALTY. 
 [Letter-Book.] 
 
 Amphion, off Toulon, 12th July, 1803. 
 
 Sir, 
 
 A number of Midshipmen belonging to his Majesty's Ships 
 and Vessels under my command, who have served their time, 
 and are desirous to pass for Lieutenants, have requested my 
 permission to go to England for that purpose, in order that 
 they may be in the way of promotion. You will be pleased 
 to acquaint their Lordships, that I have not thought proper 
 to comply with their request, until I shall be informed whether 
 this regulation is to be considered in force, and whether those 
 Midshipmen who have served their time, and are desirous to 
 pass for Lieutenants, shall be discharged from their Ships, and 
 sent to England to pass their examination accordingly. I beg, 
 with due deference, to observe to their Lordships the greathard- 
 ship and inconvenience which this measure subjects the Mid- 
 shipmen to, and may be attended with great disadvantage to 
 his Majesty's Service in these seas. 1 am, Sir, &c., 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO ADMIRAL THE EARL OF ST. VINCENT, K.B. 
 
 [Autograph, in the possession of Vice -Admiral Sir William Parker, Bart., G.C.B.] 
 
 Off Toulon, July 13th, 1803. 
 
 My dear Lord, 
 
 The Monmouth and Agincourt are certainly, for the men 
 they have, most extraordinarily well -manned Ships; but, in
 
 136 LETTERS. [1803. 
 
 point of sailing, the Britannia was, in her last days, a flyer 
 compared to them. I verily believe, that a French Seventy- 
 four, main-topsail to the mast, would beat them in turning to 
 windward; but their men would be a sufficient number, 
 filled up with landsmen, to man a Three-decker : therefore, if 
 the Admiralty direct particular Ships to be sent home, when 
 others are sent out, I hope these two will be amongst the first. 
 When a Winter's cruize comes, they never can keep company 
 with the Squadron. Ever, my dear Lord, yours faithfully, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO THE RIGHT HONOURABLE HENRY ADDINGTON. 
 [From Clarke and M'Arthur, vol. ii. p. 350.] 
 
 Off Tonlon, 16tli July, 1803. 
 
 I send you some Papers relative to, and some Letters from, 
 Odessa, a Russian Port in the Black Sea, of which the Duke 
 de Richelieu is Governor. You will know much better than 
 I can tell you, how this emigrant Duke has been courted 
 by Buonaparte through his Minister in Russia. We must 
 recollect that he is a Frenchman, and his ultimate views pro- 
 bably turn in getting back some of his estates in France. It 
 appears odd it should so happen, that a Frenchman should be 
 appointed Governor of a place where the French are to have so 
 much intercourse, From all I have heard before I left England, 
 I cannot help thinking that Russia and France understand each 
 other about the Turkish Dominions. If so, Egypt will be the 
 price ; this Mr. Bourgoin is a very clever fellow, and knows 
 his business ; I take him to be nephew to the Minister who 
 was in Denmark. The French trade in the Levant did not 
 answer in the Peace; all the letters I have say so (more than 
 100), and many houses in Marseilles have stopped payment. 
 Forgive my suggestions, but they will naturally obtrude 
 themselves, I meant merely to send the Papers. I am, &c., 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE.
 
 JET. 44.] LETTERS. 137 
 
 TO CAPTAIN JAMES HILLYAR, 1 H. M. SHIP NIGER. 
 [Order Book.] 
 
 Amphion, off Toulon, 20th July, 1803. 
 
 You are hereby required and directed to proceed im- 
 mediately with his Majesty's Ship Niger under your command 
 towards Genoa and Leghorn, and endeavour by every means 
 in your power, to ascertain the number of Troops that are col- 
 lected at those places, and in their vicinity, and whether there 
 are any Vessels assembling for their embarkation. You are 
 also to use your utmost endeavours to obtain such intelligence 
 of the Enemy's movements and intentions, as you may judge 
 necessary for my information. You are also to endeavour to 
 find out whether the Hannibal or anv French Frigates are in 
 the harbours of Genoa, Leghorn, Porto Ferraio, or St. Fiorenzo. 
 Having so done, you are to return and join me on my Rendez- 
 vous off this place, in fourteen or sixteen days from the time 
 you shall leave the Fleet on the above service. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO ADMIRAL THE EARL OF ST. VINCENT, K.B. 
 [Autograph, in the possession of Vice-Admiral Sir William Parker, Bart., G.C.B.] 
 
 Amphion, July 21st, 1803. 
 
 My dear Lord, 
 
 As the Medusa is going to Gibraltar, and to look out to the 
 Westward of the Straits, I send my letters to take their chance 
 of a conveyance to England. It is not in my power to send 
 any Line of Battle Ships to the Westward, for your Lordship 
 will know that I am endeavouring to keep the generality of 
 them patched up for the service here. The strength of the 
 N.W. gales does not seem to have diminished since we were 
 here last. I expect Victory about the end of the month, for 
 less than a three weeks' passage from Malta is not to be 
 expected at this season. The Redbridge Schooner I ordered 
 
 to sail July 1st, and she is not arrived: Lieutenant 
 
 is, 1 believe, a very bad tool, besides, to work with. 
 
 ' Afterwards Rear-Admiral Sir James Hillyar, K.C.B., K.C.H. : he died in July 
 1843.
 
 138 LETTERS. [1803. 
 
 I am keeping the Fleet West from Cape Sicie from ten to 
 fifteen leagues, to intercept anything which may come from 
 the Westward, and two Frigates are off the Harbour. Ever, 
 my dear Lord, wishing you health and comfort, I am your 
 most faithful servant, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 I do not think the Toulon Squadron will move till joined 
 by something from Brest. 
 
 TO CAPTAIN JOHN GORE, H.M. SHIP MEDUSA. 
 [Order Book.] 
 
 Ampbion, off Toulon, '21st July, 1803. 
 
 Whereas there is reason to believe that a Squadron of the 
 Enemy's Ships of War are coming from the West Indies or 
 from Brest, to join the Fleet in Toulon ; You are, therefore, 
 hereby required and directed to take your route from Cape 
 Spartel towards Madeira, from thence to Cape St. Vincent, and 
 to Cape Spartel, and to use every possible endeavour to gain 
 such intelligence of the Enemy's movements and intentions 
 as you may judge necessary for my information, which you 
 are to forward to me by a Sloop of War from Gibraltar ; but 
 should you fall in with an Enemy's Squadron steering for the 
 Mediterranean, you are in that case to join me on my Rendez- 
 vous off Toulon without a moment's loss of time, sending a 
 Boat into Gibraltar to acquaint any of the Squadron which 
 may be there with such information, that if of the Line they 
 may join me immediately. You are to continue on this 
 service till further orders, returning to Gibraltar at the ex- 
 piration of six weeks from the time of your leaving Cape 
 Spartel, if you should not have gained any information which 
 might make it necessary for my being acquainted with it 
 before that time. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE.
 
 JET. 44.] LETTERS. 139 
 
 TO CAPTAIN THOMAS STAINES,* H. M. SLOOP CAMELEON. 
 [ Order-Book. J 
 
 Amphion, off Toulon, 25th July, 1803. 
 
 You are hereby required and directed to proceed imme- 
 diately with his Majesty's Sloop Cameleon, under your com- 
 mand, to Barcelona, and on your arrival there, deliver the 
 Public letter you will herewith receive, addressed to his 
 Britannic Majesty's Consul-General at that place, where you 
 are to remain for the space of twelve hours for his answer, and 
 afterwards return and join me, on my Rendezvous off this 
 place, with the utmost possible dispatch. You are not to 
 salute the Fort of his Catholic Majesty, unless you receive a 
 positive assurance that an equal number of guns will be re- 
 turned, and that every hospitality is shown you, which, from 
 the Peace and subsisting good understanding between the 
 two Monarchs, we have every reason to demand and expect. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO HIS EXCELLENCY HUGH ELLIOT, ESQ. 
 
 [Autograph, in the Elliot Papers. J 
 
 My dear Sir Amphion, July 26th, 1803, off Toulon. 
 
 I was honoured with your Excellency's letters this morning 
 of July 7th and 8th, by the Phoebe to all which I can say 
 little ; for it is not difficult to see, if the War goes on, that the 
 Kingdom of Naples will be lost, and its revenue appropriated 
 to the use of Buonaparte's Troops. From my heart I wish for 
 Peace a solid and honourable one but I see no prospect of 
 such an event, unless, in addition to the evacuation of Holland 
 and Switzerland, Malta is ceded to us. I send this letter by 
 the Raven Brig, who waits twenty-four hours for some things 
 for Malta, from whence she will join me. The Superb, I 
 expect, was with you on Friday the 1 5th, and Captain Keats 
 has my orders to sail the 29th. I sincerely hope that she has 
 
 * Captain Thomas Staines, who distinguished himself in command of the Cyanc, 
 in Action with a French Squadron in the Bay of Naples in June 1809 : he died a 
 Knight Commander of the Orders of the Bath and of St. Ferdinand and Merit, in 
 July 1830.
 
 140 LETTERS. [1803. 
 
 not been detained at Naples ; for I can very ill spare the 
 services of such a Ship. The French Squadron seven Sail 
 of the Line, five or six Frigates, and six or seven Corvettes 
 in the whole eighteen Sail, are in appearance ready for sea, 
 every sail bent. At this moment, I am here with five Sail of 
 the Line, and, when Monmouth goes to Naples, only four, to 
 oppose this force. However, nothing shall induce me to 
 neglect the personal safety of the Royal Family, and Mon- 
 mouth shall go. Your Excellency is aware that I can send no 
 Ship to Naples which wants re-fitting, 3 and, therefore, that 
 parting with a perfect Ship of the Line is a serious thing. The 
 Kent and Agincourt are gone to Malta, the Triumph to Gib- 
 raltar, and the Gibraltar wants to go into Port to refit, having 
 sprung her mizen-mast and main-yard. I wished to have sent 
 her to Naples ; but I am obliged to keep her, and send a sound 
 Ship. However, this state of suspense will very soon be over. 
 I only hope that Sicily will be guarded ; that the French 
 will demand it, I am sure. 1 shall write fully by the Mon- 
 mouth ; therefore, shall only touch on another subject. 
 
 I have heard no rumours of a War with Algiers, nor do I 
 believe a word of it; therefore I cannot begin with them. The 
 French Fleet from St. Domingo, I think, will come to the 
 Mediterranean perhaps, first to Cadiz, to get the Spaniards 
 to escort them. If so, I may have two Fleets to fight ; but 
 if I have the Ships, the more the better. Will your Excel- 
 lency have the goodness to write a line to Mr. Jackson, to 
 say that I will write him by the Monmouth ? and I beg your 
 Excellency to be assured that I am, &c., 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO HIS EXCELLENCY HUGH ELLIOT, ESQ. 
 
 [Autograph, in the Elliot Papers.] 
 
 Private. July -.>6th, 1803. 
 
 My dear Sir, 
 
 *The lad you have sent me was on board the Lion with 
 Captain Dixon ; but it is, I assure you, totally out of my power 
 to receive the lad, or to do anything for him. I cannot afford 
 
 8 As it would be in violation of the Treaty between Naples and France,
 
 Ml. 44.] LETTERS. 141 
 
 to maintain him, nor do I feel it incumbent upon me. If any 
 Captain who goes to Naples chooses to take him, there can 
 be no objection on my part, which is all I can do. 
 
 I am sorry that Castelcicala has taken a wrong twist 
 against the English, who are certainly the truest friends to his 
 Sovereign. I am glad that you stand as you [do] with the 
 Queen and General Acton. How can it be otherwise ? You 
 have no point to gain ; but to tell them and assist them in 
 taking care of the Kingdom of Naples. We are anxiously 
 waiting the arrival of the Victory, and news from England and 
 Gibraltar. Not a word since we sailed. George Elliot went 
 to the Bay of Rosas, a few days ago, and performed his mission 
 very well, as he will do everything he is sent upon. 
 
 We are all well and happy ; and I am ever, my dear Sir, 
 your most obliged and faithful friend, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 Many thanks for the Papers, which are a great treat. 
 
 TO MAJOR-GENERAL VILLETTES, COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF AT 
 
 MALTA. 
 
 [Autograph, in the possession of Josiah French, Esq.] 
 
 Off Toulon, July 26th, 1803. 
 
 My dear General, 
 
 The Phcebe sailed from Naples before the Superb, who 
 sailed the day after Sir Richard Bickerton arrived ; therefore, 
 I have not lost a moment in sending the Raven for the money, 
 and shall always feel pleasure in attending to your wishes in 
 every respect. General Acton is in expectation that the 
 Neapolitan Troops are arrived in Sicily from Malta, and 
 as Mr. Elliot and General Acton perfectly understand one 
 another about the possession of Messina, I can no longer 
 object to the Neapolitan Troops leaving Malta on an idea that 
 they might oppose our taking the Citadel of Messina ; but I 
 beg to be perfectly understood that the departure of the 
 Neapolitan Troops from Malta will not prevent the sending of 
 all the British force which you can spare to Messina, should 
 that measure be desired by His Excellency Mr. Elliot, or by 
 His Excellency General Acton. I have wrote very strongly
 
 142 LETTERS. [1803. 
 
 to Government, 1 expressive of my regret at the Egyptian 
 Army being ordered home, and urging the sending Troops 
 not only for Sicily but for the Kingdom of Naples. 
 
 The French in Toulon are ready for sea ; seven sail of the 
 Line, five or six Frigates and six or seven Corvettes, in all 
 eighteen sail ; and I think that the St. Domingo Fleet will 
 come to Cadiz in their way to Toulon. I have had nothing 
 from England or Gibraltar, since I left them. Spain is yet 
 friendly. We are looking out for the Victory. I am ever, my 
 dear General, your most obedient and faithful servant, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO THE QUEEN OF NAPLES. 
 [From "Recollections of the Life of the Reverend Doctor Scott," p. 110.] 
 
 Madam, Off Toulon, July 26th, 1803. 
 
 The first great object which is always nearest my heart, is 
 the safety of the Persons of your Majesties, and of all the 
 Royal Family. The second, so far as it is in my power, 
 is that of the Kingdom of Naples, which is a very difficult 
 affair. 
 
 If your Majesty were to act with all the circumspection 
 in your power, either the French would feel themselves 
 offended, or what is worse, if possible, their assistance would be 
 given by force to the King, for the preservation of Sicily. The 
 great wisdom of your Majesty will know all that I could allege 
 upon this subject. I shall therefore only say, that if Sicily is 
 lost, Europe will blame the councils of his Sicilian Majesty 
 and Lord Nelson, for having been so weak as to pay attention 
 to, or credit what is reported, by the Agents of the present 
 French Government. 
 
 I have written to the English Government, declaring fully 
 the unhappy position of the Kingdom of Naples ; regretting 
 the orders given for the return of the Army of Egypt ; and 
 setting forth with energy the necessity for sending Troops, 
 not only to assist in the defence of Sicily, but in sufficient 
 numbers to place garrisons in Gaeta, in the Castles of Naples, 
 if it should be expedient; and to send a body of men into 
 
 4 Vide p. Ill, ante. See Lord Hobart's reply, hi a subsequent page.
 
 MT. 44.] LETTERS. 143 
 
 Calabria, to support the loyal and brave inhabitants of that 
 country of mountains, in case the French should be too im- 
 perious in their demands. 
 
 His Excellency, Mr. Elliot, will inform your Majesty of 
 the difficulty I have, in leaving a Ship of the Line at Naples, 
 considering the present state of the Enemy's Fleet at Toulon ; 
 but I will never permit my personal feelings to weigh against 
 the sacred interest which I shall always take in the safety 
 and well-being of your Majesty and of all the Royal Family ; 
 and I assure your Majesty that I am always your most devoted 
 and faithful servant, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO ALEXANDER DAVISON, ESQ. 
 
 [Autograph, in the possession of Colonel Davison.] 
 
 Amphion, July 37th, 1803. 
 
 My dear Davison, 
 
 What an impertinent man that Mr. Lyne must have been. 
 At least, my word might have been taken, that you were 
 appointed by unanimous consent of the Captors. Of course, I 
 should not have wrote so, if Captain Hardy had not au- 
 thorized me. Captain Hardy did not think, on this occasion, to 
 name Mr. Lyne, and he has wrote to him or Mr. Tucker. I 
 find here that many named their own Agents, and some have 
 put Mr. Scott with them, but I stand independent, and shall 
 never solicit. I find in that correspondence, that you have sent 
 many letters to Plymouth, to come out with Doctor Snipe in 
 a Frigate ; but not a thing, or a scrap of a pen, has reached 
 me from England since I sailed, except a line from Lady 
 Hamilton, inclosing your correspondence. I hope in God, 
 my dear Davison, that you will get over these damned prose- 
 cutions for the Election. 3 It has and does give me very serious 
 uneasiness. 
 
 We have a report through Italy of negotiations for Peace, 
 and changes of Administration. As for Peace, we cannot 
 
 3 Mr. Davison was prosecuted for bribery at the Ilchester Election, and in April 
 180-4, was sentenced by the Court of King's Bench to confinement for twelve 
 months in the Marshalsea prison,
 
 144 LETTERS. [1803. 
 
 have one but on degrading and dishonourable terms sooner 
 than which, we had better spend the last shilling in resisting, 
 like men. The Italian Papers mention Mr. Yorke as First 
 Lord of the Admiralty. If so, what becomes of the virtuous 
 Sir T. T. and Tucker ? But I care not who is in or out I 
 shall endeavour to do my duty to the Country. 
 
 I wish you would get me the opinion of some learned man 
 about the Commons, on the Bills of Lading. I maintain that 
 under the description of the Bill of Lading, that the goods 
 are risked by the Shippers until they are received, and are, 
 therefore French property ; and I should be glad to have 
 this opinion as soon as possible, as, yesterday, not less than 
 40,000 worth of goods passed for Smyrna; but the Captains 
 were afraid to touch them. I cannot blame them: our rules of 
 Admiralty have been so undecided. I am longing for Victory ; 4 
 but when will she appear? I know your goodness about my 
 wine, &c., from Guernsey, and that I shall have it out by some 
 way or other. But tell me principally about yourself; for 
 believe me ever, your most obliged and faithful friend, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO THE RIGHT HONOURABLE HENRY ADDIXGTON. 
 [From Clarke and M'Artbur, vol. ii. p. 320.] 
 
 27th July, 1803. 
 
 Europe seems so degraded, that I declare I would rather 
 die with my sword in my hand resisting, than hold any Terri- 
 tory by means of a degenerate guarantee. Can a Kingdom 
 be said to be free, which pays contributions at the order of a 
 Foreign Power ? No ; yet such is the state of Naples, 
 Tuscany, and Genoa. General Murat demanded at Genoa a 
 contribution of five millions of livres on the 7th; the Govern- 
 ment said they could only raise three ; the rest must be paid 
 in men for the Army: 1600 men marched into Genoa on the 
 17th of July. Yesterday and to-day, three Corvettes have 
 been trying to proceed to the Eastward : I am confident they 
 want to get to the Heel of Italy and the Adriatic, and it is very 
 
 4 His Ship.
 
 JET. 44.] LETTERS. 145 
 
 difficult to prevent their passing along shore. At Marseilles 
 they are fitting, as reports say, eighty or ninety Gun-boats, 
 and intend sending them, by the Canal of Languedoc, to 
 Bordeaux ; but I am sure this is not true. They are to go 
 along shore to the Heel of Italy, and to embark and protect 
 their Army either to Sicily or the Morea, or to both ; and the 
 Navy of Europe can hardly prevent these along-shore voyages. 
 However, I am placing an addition to the Squadron I have 
 already stationed upon that Coast ; but from Cape St. Vincent, 
 where it is absolutely necessary I should have a look-out for 
 the Ships of War coming from the Mediterranean, to the Head 
 of the Adriatic, I have only eight Frigates ; which, with the 
 service of watching Toulon, and the necessary Frigates with the 
 Fleet, are absolutely not one half enough. I mean this as no 
 complaint, for I am confident the Admiralty are hard pressed, 
 and will send me more when the Service will admit it. I 
 am, &c., 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO SIR EVAN NEPEAN, BART., ADMIRALTY. 
 
 [Original, in the Admiralty.] 
 
 Amphion, off Toulon, 27th July, 1803. 
 
 Sir, 
 
 From the various circumstances of service attached to the. 
 Naval part of my duty in these seas, which imposes upon me 
 a correspondence from several quarters that requires a know- 
 ledge of the different languages, I have felt it necessary to 
 apply to the Rev. Alexander John Scott, Chaplain of His 
 Majesty's Ship Victory, who very handsomely offered his 
 services as Interpreter, and as this imposes upon Mr. Scott a 
 very laborious duty, and Interpreters having been rewarded 
 on former occasions, 5 I am, therefore, to request you will 
 please to communicate this letter to the Lords Commissioners 
 of the Admiralty, and move them to grant such salary to the 
 Office as they may think proper. I am, Sir, &c., 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 * Mr. Scott was allowed .100 per annum, as in former instances of an Admiral's 
 interpreter. 
 
 VOL. V. L
 
 146 LETTERS. [1803. 
 
 TO SIR EVAN NEPEAN, BART., ADMIRALTY. 
 [Original, iu the Admiralty.] 
 
 Amphion, off Toulon, July 30th, 1803. 
 
 Sir, 
 
 Having some days ago sent His Majesty's Sloop Termagant 
 to the Bay of Rosas, for the purpose of ascertaining the facility 
 of watering any of His Majesty's ships under my command, 
 which I might find necessary to send there, and also with 
 respect to the procuring live bullocks and other refreshments 
 for the Fleet ; You will please to acquaint the Lords Com- 
 missioners of the Admiralty, that Captain Elliot found the 
 Spaniards very much inclined to be civil, and that any num- 
 ber of bullocks may at present be had there for ready money ; 
 but he found considerable difficulty in paying for three bul- 
 locks which he purchased for the Termagant's Company, and 
 was obliged to apply to the Neapolitan Consul to take bills on 
 the Victualling-Board for the value thereof. I only mention 
 this as an instance, to show the necessity of Public money 
 being supplied to the Fleet. Captain Elliot was directed not 
 to salute the Fort of his Catholic Majesty, but upon a positive 
 assurance of an equal number of guns being returned ; finding 
 the Governor would only return the intended salute of a 
 Private Ship, with four guns less, the Termagant did not salute 
 the Fort. I am, Sir, &c., 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO HIS EXCELLENCY HUGH ELLIOT, ESQ. 
 [Autograph, in the Elliot Papers.] 
 
 Amphion, July 30th, 1803. 
 
 My dear Sir, 
 
 Since I wrote to your Excellency on Tuesday the 26th 
 July, by the Raven, I have only to inform you, that three 
 Corvettes from Toulon have twice come out of the Harbour, 
 and were chased back again. They were, apparently, bound 
 to the Eastward ; and, in time, the French must get a force to 
 the Heel of Italy to attend their Army. It must be a mere 
 chance if any of our Ships could lay hold of them from Point 
 to Point, which is all the sea voyage these sort of gentry make.
 
 ^T. 44.] LETTERS. 147 
 
 But I must apprise you, that a much more formidable descrip- 
 tion of Vessels are said' to be fitting at Marseilles ; but this 
 circumstance Sir John Acton ought to know from the Nea- 
 politan Consul there. Our reports from twenty Vessels, all 
 agree that a printed requisition is stuck up for obtaining 
 eighty or ninety small Vessels of about forty tons each. 
 Reports say that they are to be fitted as Gun-boats, and sent 
 by the Canal of Languedoc to Bordeaux. If it is true that 
 these Vessels are fitting out, it is perfectly clear they are 
 destined for the Heel of Italy, to attend upon the Army ; and 
 I need scarcely tell you certainly not Sir John Acton that 
 nothing but Vessels of similar descriptions, and with the same 
 facilities of going into all the little Ports in bad weather, can 
 prevent their passage alongshore no, not all the Navies of 
 Europe : therefore, if this report is true, and as yet I have no 
 reason to doubt it, the consequences are foreseen, and we 
 must more and more look to Sicily. I see, my dear Sir, all 
 that will happen: so must General Acton, the Queen, and 
 yourself. It may be a little sooner, or a little later, as may 
 suit the convenience of the French for their other great 
 objects, the Morea and Egypt. If we do not occupy Messina, 
 I am free to say, that the French will not make a conquest 
 of the whole Kingdom of Naples, because that would bar 
 their possession of Sicily, which is their first and great object. 
 That accomplished, Naples falls of course ; and if not as a 
 conquest, ten times more humiliating the King being left as 
 an odious Commissary to raise contributions from his unhappy 
 Subjects for the French. For God's sake, let us reflect. I have 
 sent an additional force to the Mouth of the Adriatic; and 
 wherever the French possess, will, of course, not be regarded 
 as Neutral ground. I have serious thoughts of notifying those 
 Ports as blockaded, but I wish not to do anything hastily. I 
 wish General Acton to tell me whether the City of Naples 
 draws any, and what, supplies from those places occupied by 
 the French; and whether a blockade, preventing any supplies 
 going to those places, would not be attended with more ad- 
 vantage to the Common Cause, than receiving at Naples 
 those supplies which the French not wanting, allow to be 
 exported ? 
 
 I have, my dear Sir, finished stating for ever all my ideas 
 
 L'2
 
 148 LETTERS. [1803. 
 
 about Naples and Sicily. Whatever happens, I feel that I have 
 done all in my power to prevent misfortune ; and for the 
 future I leave the rest to wiser heads, but to none, I assert, 
 more devoutly attached to the happiness and welfare of their 
 Sicilian Majesties, and to the real security of their Kingdoms. 
 Fourteen days ago, a French Seventy-four got into Cadiz from 
 Saint Domingo, and two French Frigates, with some Mer- 
 chant-ships ; but, I have kept everything here to save Italy, if 
 in my power ; and you know I was ordered to send a Squadron 
 outside the Straits. What will they say at home ? However, 
 I feel I have done right, and care not. I am ever, your 
 Excellency's most obedient Servant, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO HIS EXCELLENCY HUGH ELLIOT, ESQ. 
 
 [Autograph, in the Elliot Papers. " Saturday, 30th July. The Victory made 
 her number. At 10-30 bore up and made sail." Amphion's Log. " 5, P.M., joined 
 this Ship, Captain T. M. Hardy, and superseded Captain Sutton. Hoisted Lord 
 Viscount Nelson's Flag." Victory's Log.~\ 
 
 Private. Amphion, July 30th, 1803. 
 
 My dear Sir, 
 
 Untoward events have most assuredly lost me two Sail of 
 the Line, and probably two Frigates; for had we been 
 allowed to come out in the Victory, the Jemappe would have 
 gone with us to Malta ; and, if I had, which the Admiralty 
 expected, found Sir Richard Bickerton there, with his Fleet 
 ready for sea, two Sail of the Line would have been out- 
 side the Straits, and have taken the others. Instead of 
 which, finding Sir Richard at sea, short of provisions, and a 
 crippled Fleet, I have only been able to watch Toulon, and 
 to attend Naples, and send Ships into Port to be re-fitted. 
 The Monmouth is a very fine Sixty-four, and Captain Hart 5 a 
 very worthy man ; before his turn is out at Naples, something 
 decisive must take place. The Victory is just in sight, and 
 Monmouth parts in the morning. I have the pleasure to tell 
 you that Captain Davers of the Active, from ill-health going 
 to England, George Elliot will to-morrow be Captain of 
 the Maidstone. All here are well, and desire their kindest 
 
 5 Captain George Hart : he died a Rear-Admiral of the Blue in April 1812.
 
 JJT. 44.] LETTERS. 149 
 
 regards, and believe me, my dear Sir, your much obliged and 
 
 faithful Servant, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 The letter you sent me for Prince Castelcicala, will go off 
 on Monday for England. 
 
 TO LADY HAMILTON. 
 
 [Extract from " Lord Nelson's Letters to Lady Hamilton," vol. i. p. 124.] 
 
 Victory, off Toulon, August 1st, 1803. 
 
 I do not know that you will get this letter. 
 My dearest Emma, 
 
 Your letter of May 31, which came under cover to Mr. 
 Noble, of Naples, inclosing Davison's correspondence with 
 Plymouth, arrived by the Phcebe two days ago : and this is 
 the only scrap of a pen which has been received by any 
 person in the Fleet since we sailed from England 
 
 Sutton joined me yesterday, and we are all got into the 
 Victory ; and, a few days will put us in order. Everybody 
 gives a very excellent character of Mr. Chevalier, the servant 
 recommended by Mr. Davison ; and I shall certainly live as 
 frugal as my station will admit. I have known the pinch, and 
 shall endeavour never to know it again. I want to send 
 2100 to pay off Mrs. Greaves on October 1st ; but I have 
 not received one farthing : but I hope to receive some soon. 
 But Mr. Haslewood 7 promised to see this matter kept right for 
 me. Hardy is now busy, hanging up your and Horatia's 8 
 picture ; and I trust soon to see the other two safe arrived 
 from the Exhibition. I want no others to ornament my 
 cabin. I can contemplate them, and find new beauties every 
 day, and I do not want anybody else. 
 
 You will not expect much news from us. We see nothing. 
 I have great fear, that all Naples will fall into the hands of 
 the French; and, if Acton does not take care, Sicily also. 
 However, I have given my final advice so fully and strongly, 
 that, let what will happen, they cannot blame me. Captain 
 
 f His Solicitor. 
 
 * His daughter, now Mrs. Horatia Nelson Ward, who will be frequently men- 
 tioned.
 
 150 LETTERS. [1803. 
 
 Capel 9 says, Mr. Elliot cannot bear Naples. I have no doubt, 
 but that it is very different to your time. The Queen, I fancy, 
 by the seal, has sent a letter to Castelcicala ; her letter to me 
 is only thanks for my attention to the safety of the Kingdom. 
 If Dr. Scott has time, and is able, he shall write a copy for 
 you. The King is very much retired. He would not see 
 the French General St. Cyr, who came to Naples to settle 
 the contribution for the payment of the French Army. The 
 Queen was ordered to give him and the French Minister a 
 dinner, but the King stayed at Belvidere. 
 
 I think he will give it up soon, and retire to Sicily, if the 
 French will allow him. Acton has never dared give Mr. 
 Elliot, or one Englishman, a dinner. The Fleet are ready to 
 come forth ; but, they will not come for the sake of fighting 
 me. I have this day made George Elliot, 1 Post ; Lieutenant 
 Pettet, a Master and Commander; and Mr. Hindmarsh, Gun- 
 ner's son, of the Bellerophon, who behaved so well this day 
 five years, a Lieutenant. 2 I reckon to have lost two French 
 Seventy-fours, by my not coming out in the Victory ; but I 
 hope they will come soon, with interest. This goes to Gib- 
 raltar, by Sutton, in the Amphion. I shall write the Doctor 3 
 in a day or two. I see, by the French Papers, that he has 
 kissed hands. With kindest regards to your good mother, 
 and all at Merton, &c., ever yours, most faithfully and 
 affectionately, NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO LIEUTENANT-GENERAL SIR THOMAS TRIGGE, K.B. 
 
 [Letter Book.] 
 Sir, Victory, off Toulon, 1st August, 1803. 
 
 The Surgeon of His Majesty's Naval Hospital at Gibraltar 
 having stated to me the necessity of the free and entire use of 
 
 Now Vice-Admiral the Hon. Sir Thomas Bladen Capel, K.C.B. 
 
 1 Captain, the Honourable George Elliot, was Posted from the Termagant into 
 the Maidstone, vice Moubray removed to the Active, vice C. S. Davers, invalided. 
 Captain Robert Pettet died a Commander in 1832. 
 
 2 Clarke and M'Arthur state, that the following passage occurs in Lord Nelson's 
 Private Diary, "1st August, I have had the pleasure of rewarding merit in the 
 person of Mr. Hindmarsh, Gunner's son, of the Bellerophon, for his conduct this day 
 five years " i. e., at the Battle of the Nile. 
 
 3 His brother appears to have kissed hands on taking his degree of D.D., and 
 obtaining a Prebeudal Stall.
 
 ^T. 44.] LETTERS. 151 
 
 one or more of the lower Wards (at present occupied by the 
 Military) for the use and accommodation of sick and wounded 
 Prisoners who may be sent there, and as the relinquishing 
 these Wards by the Military was perfectly understood by Lord 
 Keith, when it became necessary for the use of sick and 
 wounded Seamen, &c., I am, therefore, from seeing the pro- 
 priety and necessity of the Surgeon's representation, to request 
 that you will please to give the necessary orders for one, or the 
 whole of the Wards, at present occupied by the Military, to 
 be relinquished and given up to the Surgeon of Gibraltar 
 Hospital, as he may find necessary. I have the honour to 
 be, &c., 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO CAPTAIN SAMUEL SUTTON, H.M. SHIP AMPHION. 
 [Order-Book.] 
 
 Victory, off Toulon, 1st August, 1803. 
 
 Whereas there is reason to believe that a Squadron of the 
 Enemy's Ships of War are coming from the West Indies, or 
 from Brest, to join the Fleet in Toulon, You are, therefore, 
 hereby required and directed to take your route from Cape 
 Spartel towards Madeira, from thence to Cape St. Vincent 
 and to Cape Spartel, and use every possible endeavour to gain 
 such intelligence of the Enemy's movements and intentions 
 as you may judge necessary for my information, which you 
 are to forward to me by a Sloop of War from Gibraltar ; but 
 should you fall in with an Enemy's Squadron steering for the 
 Mediterranean, you are, in that case, to join me on my Ren- 
 dezvous off Toulon without a moment's loss of time, sending a 
 Boat into Gibraltar to acquaint any of the Squadron which may 
 be there with such information, that if of the Line, they may 
 join me immediately. You are to continue on this service till 
 further orders, returning to Gibraltar at the expiration of six 
 weeks from the time of your leaving Cape Spartel, if you 
 should not have gained any information which might make it 
 necessary for my being acquainted with before that time. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE,
 
 152 LETTERS. - [1803. 
 
 TO SIR EVAN NEl'EAN, BART., ADMIRALTY. 
 
 [Letter-Book.] 
 
 Victory, off Toulon, 1st August, 1803. 
 Sir, 
 
 I acquainted you, by letter of the 19th ult, that his Majesty's 
 Ship Agincoort had sprung a leak, and that I had, in conse- 
 quence, directed her by signal to proceed to Malta. His 
 Majesty's Ship Victory (which joined me on the 30th ultimo) 
 having fallen in with the Agincourt off Maretimo, Captain 
 Briggs 4 availed himself of the opportunity of acquainting me 
 thereof, and sending a copy of his log, which I herewith 
 transmit you for the information of the Lords Commissioners 
 of the Admiralty. Their Lordships will, I am sure, be much 
 pleased with Captain Brigg's conduct in not requiring a Ship 
 to attend him into Port, knowing the small force with me. 
 I am, &c. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO SIR EVAN NEPEAN, BART., ADMIRALTY. 
 
 [Original, in tlie Admiralty.] 
 
 Victory, off Toulon, 1st August, 1803. 
 Sir, 
 
 You will please to acquaint the Lords Commissioners of the 
 Admiralty, that by the last information of the Enemy's force 
 at Toulon, there are seven Sail of Line, five or six Frigates, 
 and six or seven Corvettes, in all eighteen Sail, apparently 
 perfectly ready for sea : a Frigate and three Corvettes have 
 been three times out of the harbour, but returned again. At 
 Genoa there are three Genoese Vessels of War ready for sea, 
 about forty sail of French Merchant Ships, and three Dutch 
 Merchantmen ; and at Marseilles, from reports of Vessels 
 spoke, they are putting in requisition eighty or ninety Sail of 
 Vessels, about forty tons each, to be fitted as Gun-boats, and 
 to proceed by the Canal of Languedoc to Bordeaux ; but I 
 believe, if they are really fitting out, that they are destined to 
 protect the movements of their Army in the Heel of Italy. 
 1 also understand, from a Vessel spoke by the Fleet, that a 
 
 4 Kow Vice-Admiral Sir Thomas Briggs, G.C.M.G.
 
 jET. 44.] LETTERS. 153 
 
 French Line-of-Battle Ship has got into Cadiz from St. 
 Domingo. Their Lordships will know, from the reasons set 
 forth in my former letters, that it has been totally out of my 
 power to send a Ship of the Line out of the Straits. I am, 
 Sir, &c., NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO HIS EXCELLENCY THE COMMANDING ADMIRAL OF THE 
 FLEET OF THE FRENCH REPUBLIC. 
 
 [Original, in the Admiralty.] 
 
 Off Toulon, August 8th, 1803. 
 Sir, 
 
 Your Frigates have captured the Redbridge Schooner and 
 two Transports loaded with water. There are many French 
 Prisoners both at Malta and Gibraltar ; therefore, as it cannot 
 be the wish of us Officers to detain those as Prisoners who can 
 be exchanged, I therefore offer you, Sir, to send immediately 
 as many men as you may send to me. I have the honour to 
 be, Sir, &c., NELSON AND BRONTE.* 
 
 N.B. Only one Transport was taken. 
 
 TO SIR EVAN NEPEAN, BART., ADMIRALTY. 
 
 [Original, in the Admiralty.] 
 
 Victory, off Toulon, August 9th, 1803. 
 
 Sir, 
 
 On Thursday morning last, as appears by the Phoebe's log 
 sent herewith, the Redbridge Schooner 6 and a Transport, 
 loaded with water, was captured by four Frigates and some 
 Corvettes, which came out of Toulon in the night: having 
 made the capture, the Frigates worked for exercise apparently 
 between the Petit Pass and Cape Sicie, and returned into 
 Toulon on Saturday. I have the honour to be, &c., 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 * On the 10th of August, Captain Moubray reported that the Officer with the Flag 
 of Truce was desired by a sentinel to remain off Cape Sepet; a Frenchman came 
 to him, and then another, after three hours, and said it was totally impossible Lord 
 Nelson's letter should be received at all. 
 
 Commanded by Lieutenant George Lempriere : his name is not in the Navy 
 List of, nor after, 1805.
 
 154 LETTERS. [1803. 
 
 TO THE RIGHT HONOURABLE HENRY ADDINGTON. 
 
 [Autograph, in the Sidmouth Papers.] 
 
 Victory, off Toulon, August 10th, 1803. 
 
 My dear Sir, 
 
 I have wrote to you so fully on every occasion, and so late 
 as the 4th, that I will not take up your time by Mr. A'Court, 
 except to say that we are all well, and only want the French 
 Fleet to come out to make us all happy. I am making what 
 use I can of Spain, to get water and refreshments, and shall 
 do so as long as they will allow us; but I suppose the French 
 will not suffer it very long. The Spaniards are selling Vessels, 
 taken from us by the French, at public auction. I have given 
 Mr. A'Court the advertisement to show Mr. Frere, 7 and to carry 
 it to England. The Kent is just joining from Malta. I wait 
 her arrival before I close my letter. Sir Richard Bickerton is 
 just come on board. All is well at Malta, therefore I will not 
 detain Mr. A'Court one moment; and have only to assure you, 
 that I am ever, my dear Sir, your most faithful and attached, 
 
 NELSON AND BHONTE. 
 
 TO CAPIAIN SIR RICHARD JOHN STRACHAN, BART., 
 H.M. SHIP DONEGAL. 
 
 [Order-Book.] 
 
 Victory, off Toulon, lOtli August, 1803. 
 
 Whereas I have received information that there is a French 
 Seventy-four and some Frigates at Cadiz, that may attempt 
 the blocking up our Trade entering the Straits, You are, 
 therefore, hereby required and directed to proceed imme- 
 diately with his Majesty's Ship Donegal under your command, 
 and take your station outside the Straits, in such situation as 
 you may judge most likely to fall in with the Enemy's force 
 above-mentioned, or any of their Privateers or Cruizers, as 
 well as for the protection of the Trade of his Majesty's Sub- 
 
 T John Hookham Frere, Esq., Minister at Madrid. 
 
 8 Afterwards well known, from having commanded the Squadron off Ferrol, which 
 captured four of the French Ships that escaped at Trafalgar, for which Action he 
 received the Bed Ribbon. Sir Eichard Strachan died an Admiral of the Blue, in 
 February 1828.
 
 JET. 44.] LETTERS. 155 
 
 jects. Having ordered the Frigates and Sloops named in the 
 margin 9 on the service mentioned in the copies of their orders 
 which accompany this, you are at liberty to take the whole, 
 or either of them under your command, as circumstances may 
 render necessary, for the more effectual execution of the ser- 
 vices you are employed on. You are to continue on this ser- 
 vice until relieved, or you shall receive my further orders, 
 returning occasionally to Gibraltar when it may be necessary 
 to complete your provisions and water, and afford Lieutenant- 
 General Sir Thomas Trigge every assistance in your power 
 which he may require, and you deem necessary for the good 
 of his Majesty's service, and the comfort and health of the 
 Garrison at that place taking care to embrace every oppor- 
 tunity of acquainting me with your proceedings, and the orders 
 yon may find necessary to give the Commanders of either of 
 the Ships before-mentioned, that I may make regulations 
 accordingly, paying due regard to the orders of the Medusa 
 and Amphion, respecting an Enemy's Fleet or Squadron, 
 which may appear to you steering for the Mediterranean. 
 You are to direct the Commander of any of his Majesty's 
 Ships or Vessels which you may fall in with, having dispatches 
 for me, or otherwise, to join me on my Rendezvous off this 
 place ; but to approach Toulon with great caution, and not 
 make too free with the entrance of the harbour, and likewise 
 send similar orders to any Ships of War which may join me 
 from Gibraltar. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO SIR EVAN NEPEAN, BART., ADMIRALTY. 
 
 [Original, ill the Admiralty.] 
 
 Victory, off Toulon, 10th August, 1803. 
 
 Sir, 
 
 I herewith transmit you, for the information of the Lords 
 Commissioners of the Admiralty, a copy of a letter from Cap- 
 tain Donnelly of his Majesty's Ship Narcissus, giving an 
 account of the capture of the French National Brig of War 
 L'Alcion, together with copy of the said Brig's dimensions ; 
 
 ' Medusa, Amphion, Bittern.
 
 156 LETTERS. [1803. 
 
 and, as she appears to be a remarkably fine Vessel and fit for 
 his Majesty's Service, you will please to acquaint their Lord- 
 ships, that I shall give directions for her being immediately 
 purchased into the Service, and fitted for sea with all possible 
 dispatch, as I am very much in want of Vessels of that descrip- 
 tion, which I hope their Lordships will approve. I am, 
 Sir, &c., 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO LIEUTENANT WILLIAM PEMBERTON, 1 AGENT FOR TRANS- 
 PORTS, MALTA. 
 
 [Letter-Book.] 
 
 Victory, off Toulon, 10th August, 1803. 
 Sir, 
 
 I have this day received your letter of the 23rd ult, with 
 the Return of Transports therein mentioned, and am to observe 
 that your conduct in the discharge of your duty as Resident 
 Agent at Malta, from the testimony of every one who has 
 mentioned your name to me, has been such as must ever meet 
 my approbation. I am, &c. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO THE RESPECTIVE MERCHANTS AT MALTA. 
 [Letter-Book.] 
 
 Victory, off Toulon, 10th August, 1803. 
 
 Gentlemen, 
 
 I have received an application for Convoy to the Ships 
 bound from Malta into the Archipelago, and beg to acquaint 
 you that a Convoy was ordered for that purpose on the 18th 
 of June last, and also to bring the Levant Trade from thence; 
 and when I think the Merchant-vessels from the Adriatic and 
 Archipelago are arrived at Malta, I shall appoint a Convoy to 
 proceed with them from thence to England. The Merchants 
 of Malta and elsewhere may be assured that it will always 
 afford me pleasure to pay due attention to their commerce. 
 I am, Gentlemen, your most obedient, humble servant^ 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 1 He died a Lieutenant in 1809.
 
 ^ET. 44.] LETTERS. 157 
 
 TO SIR ALEXANDER JOHN BALL, BART., MALTA, 
 
 [Letter-Book.] 
 
 Victory, off Toulon, 10th August, 1803. 
 
 Sir, 
 
 Rear- Admiral Sir Richard Bickerton has communicated to 
 me your wish that the Arab 2 could be attached to the service 
 of the Island of Malta, under your own immediate directions; 
 and although I am fully sensible that such a Vessel is neces- 
 sary to be attached to you, as was the case with the Viceroy 
 of Corsica, yet I do not feel myself at liberty to make such 
 purchase without orders from the Admiralty. But if you 
 think proper to pay the Agent what she is valued at, I will 
 certainly, till the pleasure of the Lords Commissioners of the 
 Admiralty is known, appoint a Lieutenant and Cutter's 
 establishment for her, (looking to you to procure the men 
 to man her,) to be borne as supernumeraries on some Ship's 
 books. You must be aware that as the Agents are going to 
 sell the said Vessel for the benefit of the Captors, that the 
 money must be paid for her on delivery, as I do not feel my- 
 self authorized to interfere with the sale. I think it probable, 
 from your representation to the Secretary of State, and from 
 him to the Admiralty, that their Lordships will direct the 
 amount of the purchase of the Vessel to be charged to the 
 account of the Navy. I have the honour to be, &c., 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO LADY HAMILTON. 
 
 [Extract from " Lord Nelson's Letters to Lady Hamilton," vol. ii. p. 130.] 
 
 Victory, off Toulon, August 10th, 1803. 
 
 My dearest Emma, 
 
 I take the opportunity of Mr. A'CourtV going through 
 Spain, with Mr. Elliot's dispatches for England, to send this 
 letter ; for I would not, for the world, miss any opportunity of 
 sending you a line. By Gibraltar, I wrote you, as lately as 
 
 * A French Cutter, taken by the Maidstone, Captain Moubray, on the 14th of 
 June. 
 
 * Now Lord Heytesbury, G.C.B., Lord Lieutenant of Ireland : he was then 
 Secretary of Legation at Naples.
 
 158 LETTERS. [1803. 
 
 the 4th ; but all our ways of communicating with England, 
 are very uncertain ; and, I believe, the Admiralty must have 
 forgot us ; for not a Vessel of any kind or sort has joined us 
 since I left Spithead. News I absolutely am ignorant of; 
 except that a Schooner belonging to me, put her nose into 
 Toulon, and four Frigates popped out, and have taken her, 
 and a Transport loaded with water for the Fleet. However, 
 I hope to have an opportunity, very soon, of paying them the 
 debt, with interest. Mr. A'Court says, at Naples, they hope that 
 the mediation of Russia will save them ; but I doubt if Russia 
 will go to War with the French for any Kingdom ; and they, 
 poor souls ! relying on a broken reed, will lose Sicily. 
 
 As for getting anything for Bronte, I cannot expect it ; for 
 the finances of Naples are worse than ever. Patienza, how- 
 ever : I will 
 
 I see, many Bishops are dead. Is my brother tired of 
 Canterbury ? I wish I could make him a Bishop. If you 
 see him, or write, say that I have not ten minutes to send 
 away Mr. A'Court, who cannot be detained. I hope Lord St. 
 Vincent has sent out Sir William Bolton. As soon as I know 
 who is First Lord, 3 I will write him. 
 
 TO CAPTAIN WILLIAM EDWARD CRACRAFT, H.M. SHIP ANSON. 
 
 [Order-Book.] 
 
 Victory, off Toulon, llth August, 1803. 
 
 Whereas I have received information that the French intend 
 sending a Squadron of Frigates into the Adriatic, to protect 
 their Army at the Heel of Italy, you are, therefore, hereby 
 required and directed to proceed with all possible dispatch, 
 in his Majesty's Ship Anson, under your command, off Cape 
 Spartivento, and between that and the entrance of the Adriatic, 
 where you will find his Majesty's Ship and Sloop named in the 
 margin 4 cruising on the service mentioned in Captain Richard- 
 son's order of the 26th June last, and my letter to him of the 
 
 * The expected change in Administration and in the Board of Admiralty, did not 
 take place until May 1804. 
 4 Juno, Morgiana.
 
 JET. 44.] LETTERS. 159 
 
 10th ultimo, copies of which accompany this, for your in- 
 formation. You are to take the said Ship and Sloop under 
 your orders, whose Captains are directed to put themselves 
 under your command, and cruize very diligently from the 
 Mouth of the Archipelago along the Adriatic, as far as Ancona, 
 for the purpose of keeping the Adriatic open to the Trade of 
 his Majesty's Subjects ; as well as to prevent the Enemy from 
 sending any of their Cruizers, or conveying Troops across the 
 Adriatic into the Morea, or along the Coast of Calabria, 
 towards Reggio. You are to show yourself, or anchor occa- 
 sionally at Messina, taking care to bear in view the object of 
 my order and letter to Captain Richardson above mentioned. 
 And whereas the French Troops have taken possession of 
 several Ports mentioned particularly in the said order, and 
 may eventually possess themselves of more territory on the 
 Calabrian coast, you are also hereby required and directed to 
 take, burn, sink, or destroy, any of the Enemy's Cruizers or 
 Trade which may avail themselves of protection in such places ; 
 and to consider every such Port or place occupied by the 
 French, or where their flag may be flying, in any part of his 
 Sicilian Majesty's Dominions, as entirely exempt from any 
 protection of Neutrality. You are to continue on this service 
 until relieved, or. you shall receive my further orders, acquaint- 
 ing me from time to time, as opportunity may offer, with your 
 proceedings. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO ABRAHAM GIBBS, ESQ., PALERMO. 
 [Letter-Book.] 
 
 Victory, off Toulon, llth August, 1803. 
 
 My dear Sir, 
 
 I yesterday received your truly friendly letter of July 5th, 
 with much pleasure, and I shall be truly thankful, if you 
 will have the goodness to put my Bronte estate in a train, that 
 if I cannot receive the value of it, and have done with it, that, 
 at least, I may receive the full rental regularly ; for I never 
 will lay out another sixpence on it, but am content to pay a 
 certain sum for the attention of some respectable person to 
 receive the rents, and to remit them to London. As you are
 
 160 LETTERS. [1803. 
 
 so good as to offer to attend to this serious concern to me, I 
 will enter at large into the subject. I told Grsefer, on first 
 setting out, that I would give up two years' rent for fitting up 
 a house and improving. I paid more attention to another 
 Sovereign than my own ; therefore the King of Naples' gift 
 of Bronte to me, if it is not now settled to my advantage, and 
 to be permanent, has cost me a fortune, and a great deal of 
 favour which I might have enjoyed, and [much] jealousy 
 which I should have avoided. I repine not on those accounts. 
 I did my duty, to the Sicilifying my own conscience, and I 
 am easy. It will be necessary, before you can take any steps 
 beyond inquiry, to know from Sir John Acton what has been 
 done, and what is intended. All that I beg is, that the just 
 thing may be done immediately, and that I may have it per- 
 manent. I shall never again write an order about the estate. 
 If the estate cannot be returned, my receiving the whole value, 
 the income nett ought to be paid me, which the Hospital re- 
 ceived, as delivered to me, was 6700 ounces on the average for 
 seven years preceding. 5 Your kind assistance will truly oblige, 
 my dear Sir, your very faithful, humble servant, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO SIR ALEXANDER JOHN BALL, BART., MALTA. 
 
 [Letter-Book.] 
 
 Private. August lath, 1803. 
 
 My dear Ball, 
 
 I have wrote you an official letter, in order that you may 
 send it home, which will show your reason for the purchase. 6 
 If you like but to man her, and put a Master in her, and con- 
 sider her as not belonging to, or under the orders of the Naval 
 Commander-in-Chief, I will still, till the orders of the Ad- 
 miralty are known, bear twenty-five supernumeraries for you, 
 although I expect they will disapprove of such an irregular 
 
 s Sic. This letter is very inaccurately copied in the Letter-Book : Lord Nelson 
 probably meant, that if he could not obtain the whole rent of the estate, he ought, 
 at least, to have the annual sum it had paid to the Hospital to which it had formerly 
 belonged. 
 
 * Of the Arab.
 
 JET. 44.] LETTERS. 161 
 
 act ; but I am ready to do everything in my power to oblige 
 you, being ever, my dear Ball, your most faithful and obliged 
 friend, NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 If you wish to have a Lieutenant in her, name the person 
 you would wish, and he shall have an order. If you have no 
 such person, I will desire Hardy to look out for some steady 
 man. Pray forward my packet to Gibbs at Palermo. I sup- 
 pose by Girgenti is the best way. 
 
 TO CAPTAIN MOUBRAY, H.M. SHIP ACTIVE. 
 
 [Letter-Book.] 
 
 August 12, 1803. 
 
 Dear Sir, 
 
 It is not my intention to close watch Toulon, even icith 
 Frigates ; for I see the gentlemen want one of our Frigates. 
 When we come in sight of Sicie, join me, and I will further 
 explain my intentions ; but I beg you will not keep too close 
 to Sepet or Sicie in the night. I am, dear Sir, your most 
 obedient servant, NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO SIR ALEXANDER JOHN BALL, BART., MALTA. 
 
 [Letter-Book.] 
 
 August 12th, 1803. 
 
 My dear Ball, 
 
 Captain Vankempen, a Dutchman by birth, was a Captain 
 in the French Navy, now on half-pay from us, at five shillings 
 a-day, has a wife (you may have seen them at Sir William 
 Hamilton's, at Naples,) and family, resides at present at 
 Palermo, a very sensible, industrious man, set up a Store both 
 in Palermo and Naples, but obliged to fly from his attachment 
 to Royalty and our Cause, has begged my recommendation 
 for some employ. He could assist the Commissary, or be 
 useful in any department you could place him in. He is not 
 above working for his family. Perhaps Mr. Chapman could 
 make him useful, or the Lazaretto. In short, if you can be 
 of service to him, send to him to Palermo, and you will make 
 him happy, and truly oblige, my dear Ball, your affectionate, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 VOL. V. M
 
 162 LETTERS. [1803. 
 
 TO SIR ALEXANDER JOHN BALL, BART., MALTA. 
 
 [Autograph, in the possession of Sir William Keith Ball, Bart.] 
 
 Victory, off Toulon, August 12th, 1803. 
 
 My dear Ball, 
 
 By Sir Richard Bickerton 5 I am favoured with your letter 
 of July 23rd. Yours by the Redbridge, I fear the French 
 are reading, for I dare say he never threw his dispatches over- 
 board, although it has not been for want of caution on my 
 part, for I charged him, when he was with me off Naples, 
 always to have lead or plenty of shot tied to his dispatches ; 
 but he has been used to be taken like a fool, and Captain 
 Capel, I was very near saying, had better luck in his escape 
 than he deserved; keep this to yourself, for he is a good 
 young man. I have to thank you for your news from the 
 Morea and Egypt; if our Government is not on its guard, it 
 is no fault of mine. By sending a confidential person to 
 Messina, you will know everything, and Mr. Elliot has full 
 confidence in the Cabinet of Naples, that they are truly sin- 
 cere ; therefore I should hope that even if any of the Officers 
 who served with the French in Puglia are sent to Messina, 
 that they are not sent for bad purposes, and that all will be 
 smooth for our reception, which I only hope will not be 
 delayed too long. 
 
 I am now blown off by a strong breeze ; and when 
 September sets in, I may be forced away for a week or fort- 
 night together, and nothing ever kept the French Fleet in 
 at Toulon or Brest, whenever they had a mind to come to 
 sea. I have no Frigates to watch them, and must take my 
 chance. I want to place Frigates off Cape Dell' Mell and 
 that Coast ; Cape Corse, Cape St. Sebastians ; off Minorca ; 
 off the West side of the Straits of Bonafaccio; two off Toulon; 
 and two with the Fleet. For all these indispensable services, 
 now Phcebe is going, (what a six gun Vessel would perform, 
 if I had one,) I have but two Frigates ; therefore, my dear 
 Ball, have a little mercy, and do not think that I have neglected 
 the protection of the trade of Malta, when, in fact, it is the 
 
 5 Rear-Admiral Sir Richard Bickertou, in the Kent, joined Lord Nelson, from 
 Malta, on the 10th of August.
 
 JET. 44.] LETTERS. 163 
 
 only one in my power to have attended to. First the Cyclops 
 was ordered to carry your Trade up the Adriatic, and to bring 
 back what you had there; the Charon went to cruize in 
 your environs, and, by her frequently calling off the Port, 
 could, by orders of Captain Schomberg, 6 have given protection 
 to any Vessels going to or from Sicily, or even, if necessary, 
 to Naples ; the Juno off Cape Spartivento ; two Sail to the 
 Eastward of Malta, towards the Archipelago : in short, I con- 
 sidered Malta as surrounded. A one-gun Privateer in every 
 Port in Sicily, will always take single Maltese Boats. The 
 Blonde, as she was fitted out for one service, could have been 
 sent for another, however it is my wish to have Vessels 
 attached to the service of the Island and the Garrison. I have 
 directed the Cyclops for this service till she goes to England, 
 and orders are given for other Vessels, if she is not at Malta. 
 I have wrote you fully respecting the Arab, and she shall 
 either be commissioned as a Cutter, or you may do as you 
 please about her in your Civil capacity ; for although I do not 
 feel authorized to purchase her for such a service, yet I have 
 no doubt but that, by Lord Hobart's application to the Admi- 
 ralty, money will be paid by the Navy Board, and then an 
 Officer will be put into her. I want the Spider to carry a 
 letter to Corfu, and bring back my answers from Constanti- 
 nople. When I shall have a Vessel to send to Egypt, God 
 only knows : at present, I have nothing with me to carry a 
 letter. I am ever, my dear Ball, with real regard, your most 
 obliged and faithful, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO MAJOR-GENERAL VILLETTES, MALTA. 
 
 [Letter-Book.] 
 
 August 12th, 1803. 
 
 My dear General, 
 
 Captain Vankempen (who, I believe, was settled at Bastia 
 when you was there) was a Captain in the French Navy, and 
 left Toulon with us, as Captain of the Pearl Frigate, and car- 
 
 8 Captain Charles Marsh Schomberg, of the Madras, was for some time Senior 
 Officer at Malta: he died a Rear-Admiral, a Companion of the Bath, and a Knight 
 Commander of the Order of the Guelphs, in January 1830, 
 
 M2
 
 164 LETTERS. [1803. 
 
 ried her to England under the White colours. He is on half- 
 pay from us, five shillings a-day. He has a wife and family. 
 He set up a Store at Bastia, and again at Naples, from both 
 which he was obliged to fly, by the circumstances of the 
 times. He has sent to me for my interest, to endeavour to 
 get him something in order to maintain his family. He is a 
 sensible, active man, and, what he has always been respected 
 for, not above doing anything, which an honest man might do, 
 for the benefit of his family. Can you assist this gentleman ? 
 He is not a French, but Dutchman by birth. 
 
 kind assistance. Perhaps Muster- 
 Master, or something belonging to the Lazaretto, or in the 
 Commissariat line. He speaks four languages. His wife is 
 born a gentlewoman, and he has a family. Whatever you can 
 do, if you knew the family, I am sure you would. It will be 
 a real act of charity to a worthy family, and you will also truly 
 oblige, my dear General, your most faithful and obliged, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO ABRAHAM GIBBS, ESQ., PALERMO. 
 [Letter-Book.] 
 
 Victory, off Toiilon, 12th August, 1800. 
 
 My dear Sir, 
 
 My letter about Bronte, as it will be necessary for you to 
 write to General Acton, you are at liberty to send him either 
 a copy, or extracts from it, as you may judge proper. Good, 
 and great good, must come to me, if you will take the business 
 for me. Mr. Broadbent made a sort of an offer to hire the 
 farm, and when I passed the Faro of Messina, I wrote him a 
 letter to explain himself more fully on that subject, but I have 
 not heard from him since. If that farm was let with its im- 
 provements, all the others are so let that a person resident in 
 Sicily sees in a moment what the whole lets for, and taking an 
 average for seven years, would probably make an offer to give 
 me so much a year for three, five, or seven years, as might be 
 agreed upon. 
 
 pointed out that I could be useful in getting him 
 [employ]. I will write to Sir Alexander Ball and General 
 Villettes this very day to recommend him, and I will write to
 
 JET. 44.] LETTERS. 165 
 
 Mr. Hammond, Under-Secretary of State about the Consulship 
 of Sardinia, but I fear that is beyond rny power to obtain. 
 But I have a great respect for Captain Vankempen, as I 
 never knew him above trying to get bread for his family in an 
 honest way. As for yourself, I can only assure you, that when- 
 ever you want to go to England or anywhere else, only let me 
 know as long as possible before you want to go, and I will 
 manage that you and Miss Gibbs shall go in some good Man- 
 of-War. Leave this to me to manage. I beg you will present 
 my compliments to Mr. Tough, and all the Princes, Princesses, 
 Dukes, &c., &c., at Palermo that you see, and believe me 
 ever, my dear Gibbs, your much obliged, faithful friend, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO THE IMPERIAL CONSUL AT MALTA. 
 [Letter-Book.] 
 
 Victory, off Toulon, 13th August, ]803. 
 
 Sir, 
 
 When any Port is blockaded, I shall certainly notify it to 
 all Ministers and Consuls. With respect to Genoa, I only beg 
 leave to tell you that I expect orders to blockade that Port and 
 Leghorn, of which I shall give all proper persons due notice. 
 I have the honour to be, &c., 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 T THE FRENCH OFFICERS, PRISONERS OF WAR, AT MALTA. 
 
 [Letter-Book.] 
 
 Victory, August 13th, 1803, 
 
 Gentlemen, 
 
 I have sent to offer the French Admiral in Toulon an ex- 
 change of Prisoners. 7 After keeping the Boat waiting three 
 hours, a message came down that the French Admiral would 
 receive no letter or message, and ordered the Boat to return : 
 therefore, you must blame the cruelty of your own Admiral 
 for keeping you Prisoners. At the same time, I shall be happy 
 to do all in my power to render your captivity as easy as 
 possible always remembering, Do as you ivould be done by. 
 I am, Gentlemen, with great respect, your most obedient 
 servant, NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 1 Vide p. 153, ante.
 
 166 LETTERS. [1803. 
 
 TO SPIRIDION FOREST!, ESQ., HIS MAJESTY'S RESIDENT MINISTER 
 TO THE REPUBLIC OF THE SEVEN ISLANDS. 
 
 [Letter- Book.] 
 
 Victory, off Toulon, 13th August, 1803. 
 Sir, 
 
 I am much obliged by your very explicit letters on all the 
 points which I wanted to be informed of, [and] now send the 
 Spider for answers from Constantinople. I sincerely hope 
 that the Republic of the Seven Islands will be able to main- 
 tain its Neutrality, and not suffer French Privateers to make 
 their Ports a home. I am sending a Squadron to the Mouth 
 of the Adriatic, which of course will occasionally visit Corfu. 
 I am, dear Sir, with great respect, &c., 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 My letter for Mr. Drummond to go by the ordinary con- 
 veyance. 
 
 TO HIS EXCELLENCY WILLIAM DRUMMOND, ESQ., 
 CONSTANTINOPLE. 
 
 [Letter-Book.] 
 
 Victory, off Toulou, August 13th, 1803. 
 
 Sir, 
 
 From an intercepted letter from Odessa, I find that one of 
 the French Vessels there had orders to take out a Letter of 
 Marque, and cruise against the English in the Black Sea ; if 
 that is the case it will be necessary for your Excellency to be 
 informed from the Sublime Porte, whether there is any ob- 
 jection to our sending Vessels of War for the protection of our 
 commerce in the Black Sea. I have every reason from ap- 
 pearances to believe that the French Fleet in Toulon is on 
 the eve of putting to sea, and we are perfectly ready to 
 give them a meeting. I am, with the greatest respect, &c., 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE.
 
 AJY. 44.] LETTERS. 167 
 
 TO ABRAHAM GIBBS, ESQ., PALERMO. 
 
 [Letter -Book.] 
 
 August 13th, 1803. 
 
 My dear Sir, 
 
 I wish you could get me the Arms of Bronte ; for I want 
 them for the Heralds' College. I think they could be got 
 from the Great Hospital at Palermo, or Mr. Graefer could get 
 them drawn at Bronte, and you would much oblige your 
 faithful friend, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO SIR ALEXANDER JOHN BALL, BART., MALTA. 
 
 [Letter-Book.] 
 
 August 13th, 1803. 
 
 My dear Ball, 
 
 The French Admiral will not receive my letter, which I 
 sent a few days ago, relative to an exchange of Prisoners. 
 From this circumstance combined with others, I am sure they 
 are on the eve of coming to sea ; and if they have read all 
 your letters about Sicily, 8 I should not be surprised if they 
 push for Sicily, or they may be bound out of the Straits. 
 I have no Vessel to send to Naples, with the account that pro- 
 bably the letters from Malta [have been captured] and it dis- 
 tresses me. Send away the Phoebe ; for I am confident I shall 
 want her very soon, to tow either an English or French Ship 
 of the Line. Ever, my dear Ball, yours faithfully, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO 
 
 [Letter Book. The address is not given.] 
 
 [Apparently about August, 1803.] 
 
 Sir, 
 
 I have received the honour of your letters of May 31st and 
 28th. My Agents, of course, are already named. You men- 
 tion the Dutch Ship Orion not being addressed to any one in 
 particular ; she was addressed by all the Captors, to Alexander 
 
 8 Taken in the Eedbridge.
 
 168 LETTERS. [1803. 
 
 Davison, and, by their desire, I wrote him so ; but, I under- 
 stand an unauthorized person pretended to have received con- 
 trary orders from Captain Hardy, but which Captain Hardy 
 declares is false that he never saw the person who has taken 
 possession of the Orion, nor ever gave him any order so to do. 
 You are [aware] that the French Brig Three Consuls was 
 taken by the Victory, then under my orders, but I believe 
 Captain Sutton has appointed Agents for her. I am, with 
 respect, &c., 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO SIR EVAN NEPEAN, BART., ADMIRALTY. 
 
 [Original, in tbe Admiralty.] 
 
 gir Victory, off Toulon, 18th August, 1803. 
 
 You will please to acquaint the Lords Commissioners of 
 the Admiralty, that Rear- Admiral Campbell 9 joined me yes- 
 terday off this place in His Majesty's Ship Canopus, and that 
 I have received by him their Lordships' printed orders, &c., 
 as particularly acknowledged by my letters of the above date 
 which accompany this. The Seahorse and Arrow were to 
 proceed from Gibraltar with the Convoy to Malta, the moment 
 the wind would permit, from whence I have ordered them to 
 join me immediately ; unless any of the said Convoy should 
 be bound up the Adriatic, or to any Port in the Archipelago ; 
 in which case, I have directed the Honourable Captain Boyle 
 to send the Arrow with them, and join me in the Seahorse as 
 
 above-mentioned. I am, Sic., 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO CAPTAIN THE HONOURABLE COURTEJfAY BOYLE, 1 H.M. SHIP 
 
 SEAHORSE. 
 
 [" Naval Chronicle," vol. xxx. p. 34.] 
 
 Victon-, off Toulon, [about 18th August, 1803;] 
 
 My dear Boyle, 
 
 I am very happy to have you in so fine a Frigate under my 
 command, for I am ever, yours most faithfully, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE, 
 
 6 Afterwards Admiral Sir George Campbell, G.C.B.: he died in January 1821. 
 1 Vide vol. i. p. 108.
 
 JET. 44.] LETTERS. 169 
 
 TO CAPTAIN THE HONOURABLE COURTENAY BOYLE, H.M. SHIP 
 SEAHORSE. 
 
 [Letter-Book.] 
 
 Victory, off Toulon, August 18th, 1803. 
 
 Dear Sir, 
 
 If you have any Ships with you bound into the Adriatic, 
 you must send the Arrow with them, and order her Captain 
 to bring to Malta all English and Maltese Vessels requiring 
 his protection. You will caution her Captain against going 
 into Ancona, and any other Ports, which the French may 
 have taken possession of. If you have any Trade bound up 
 the Archipelago and they are so valuable as to require a 
 
 Convoy, 1 now see by the list of your Convoy, that you 
 
 have no Vessels bound to the Levant, and Admiral Campbell 
 says, that probably the Vessel bound for Venice and Trieste 
 may have sold her cargo at Gibraltar : if so, you will bring 
 the Arrow with you and join me as speedily as possible ; for 
 I am much distressed for Frigates. I am, dear Sir, your most 
 faithful and obedient servant, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO CAPTAIN JOHN STUART, H.M. SHIP KENT. 
 [Letter-Book.] 
 
 Victory, off Toulon, 19th August, 1803. 
 Sir, 
 
 I herewith transmit you a letter from Sir Evan Nepean, 
 dated the 20th June last, together with the Note from the 
 Spanish Minister at our Court therein alluded to, and am to 
 desire you will furnish me (for the information of the Lords 
 Commissioners of the Admiralty) with a particular account of 
 your taking the soundings of some Spanish Ports in these 
 seas during the time you commanded the Termagant, and 
 return the enclosures, and your report to, Sir, your most 
 obedient humble servant, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE,
 
 170 LETTERS. [1803. 
 
 TO REAR-ADMIRAL CAMPBELL, H.M. SHIP CAXOPUS. 
 [Letter-Book.] 
 
 Victory, off Toulou, 21st August, 1803. 
 
 Sir, 
 
 I have just received your letter of this date, and am sorry 
 that the Canopus should have carried away her fore-yard, but 
 am perfectly satisfied that no blame whatever can be attached 
 to Captain Conn 2 or the Officers of the said Ship on the occa- 
 sion. As an opportunity will soon offer for Gibraltar, I must 
 recommend the sprung fore-yard to be sent to the Storekeeper 
 at that place, in order that it may be made serviceable for 
 some other Ship. I have the honour to be, &c., 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO THE MARCHIONESS OF BUCKINGHAM. 
 
 [From the " Morning Herald."] 
 
 Victory, off Toulon, August 22nd, 1803. 
 
 Madam, 
 
 It is with the sincerest sorrow that I have, in return to your 
 Ladyship's kind recommendation of your godson, Lieutenant 3 
 - , to say that he is removed from this world ; but, as 
 you will have heard, in the most honourable way in which an 
 Officer can part with his life. His being the son of a most 
 valuable Brother Officer, would have ensured my kind re- 
 ception of him, in addition to which your Ladyship's good 
 wishes for his promotion would have been most cordially 
 attended to by your Ladyship's most obedient and humble 
 servant, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 * Captain John Conn, before noticed. Vide vol. iv. p. 460. 
 
 9 The Officer whose name was so needlessly suppressed, was evidently Lieutenant 
 George Elliot Salter, of the Phoebe, who died on the 14th of July 1803, of wounds 
 received in an attack, by the Boats of that Ship, on a French Privateer at Civita 
 Vecchia. He was the eldest son of Captain Salter who, in the Santa Margaretta, 
 captured L'Amazone French Frigate in July 1782, to which Action Lord Nelson 
 alludes in a letter dated on the 1 9th of October in that year. Vide vol. i. p. 66.
 
 2ET. 44.] LETTERS. 171 
 
 TO LIEUTENANT LAYMAN, HIS MAJESTY'S SHIP VICTORY. 
 
 [Letter-Book.] 
 
 Victory, at Sea, 22nd August, 1803. 
 Sir, 
 
 I am very sorry to transmit you the copy of a letter 4 
 from Mr. James Cutforth, Agent Victualler at Gibraltar, to 
 Captain Sir Robert Barlow of his Majesty's Ship Triumph, 
 particularly as I feet myself called upon to order an inquiry 
 into your conduct on the above occasion, which, I hope, may 
 redound to your credit. I am, &c., 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE, 
 
 TO ADMIRAL THE RIGHT HONOURABLE LORD RADSTOCK. 
 
 [Autograph, in the possession of Rear- Admiral Lord Radstock, C.B.] 
 
 Victory, off Toulon, August 22nd, 1803. 
 
 My dear Lord, 
 
 Your kind letter of July 5th, I received a few days ago by 
 George Campbell. I have had the pleasure of making acquaint- 
 ance with your son. He sent me a drawing of the Esquerques 
 as a present. Whenever the Medusa joins I will consult with 
 Gore as to his coming directly into the Victory; but you may 
 rely that he shall be made as soon after he has served his time 
 as is in my power. The sons of Brother-Officers have an 
 undoubted claim to our protection, and when to that is added 
 the son of a very old friend, nothing can, my dear Lord, 
 weigh stronger with me. Your conduct to me on the 14th of 
 February, 5 has proved you a noble man ; and I am sorry to say 
 that I fear we have some Peers who do not answer that 
 description. We are watching the coming out of the French 
 Squadron : they are ready, and I do not think Buonaparte will 
 allow them to remain longer in Port. Believe me ever, my 
 dear Lord, your faithful and attached friend, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 4 Lieutenant Layman, who was a favourite protege of Lord Nelson, had charge 
 of L' Ambuscade, the Victory's Prize, and left a thousand dollars at Gibraltar, in Mr. 
 Cutforth's hands for security, which he said he had brought with him from England, 
 but which gave rise to various reports. The inquiry ended satisfactorily. 
 
 5 In the Battle of St. Vincent, in which Lord Radstock was third in command.
 
 172 LETTERS. [1803. 
 
 TO REAR-ADMIRAL HOLLOWAY. 
 
 | Autograph, in the possession of Admiral Sir Robert Otway, Bart., G.C.B.] 
 
 Victory, off Toulon, August 2^nd, 103. 
 
 My dear Holloway, 
 
 Your letter by Mr. Taylor 6 I received from Admiral Camp- 
 bell Mr. T. being gone to Malta, a place, probably, I shall 
 never see during my command ; however, I shall be happy in 
 showing every attention to your recommendation. I am sorry 
 that you are not employed, but I think it must come at last ; 
 for, as you observe justly, that your nerves are good, and your 
 head I never heard disputed. Otway 7 will get a Ship, and, I 
 hope, his Culloden ; and that you may both be soon actively 
 employed, is the sincere wish of, my dear Holloway, your 
 obliged and faithful friend, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 Narcissus not having joined, I have not had an opportunity 
 of seeing your nephew Lyons. 8 
 
 TO LADY HAMILTON. 
 
 [From " Lord Nelson's Letters to Lady Hamilton," vol. ii. p. 133.] 
 
 Victory,' Au gust !>4th, 1803. 
 
 My dear Lady Hamilton, 
 
 Your friend's godson arrived safe yesterday afternoon ; and 
 I shall, you know, always feel too happy in obeying your 
 commands : for, you never ask favours, but for your friends. 
 In short, in every point of view, from Ainbassatrice to the 
 duties of domestic life, I never saw your equal. That elegance 
 of manner, accomplishments, and, above all, your goodness of 
 heart, is unparalleled ; and only believe, for ever, and beyond 
 it, your faithful and devoted, 
 
 BRONTE AND NELSON. 
 
 8 Apparently Mr. Nathaniel Taylor, Storekeeper in Malta Dockyard. 
 7 Admiral Holloway' s son-in-law, Captain, now Admiral Sir Robert Otway, Bart., 
 G.C.B. 
 Vide vol. iv. p. 28G.
 
 JET. 44.] LETTERS. 173 
 
 TO THE RIGHT HONOURABLE HENRY ADDINGTON, 
 
 [Autograph, in the Siclmoutk Papers.] 
 
 Victory, off Toulon, August 24th, 1803. 
 
 My dear Sir, 
 
 Your time is too precious to be wasted reading unnecessarily, 
 therefore I begin : By the inclosed letter from the Morea, you 
 will see the good disposition of Ali Vizir towards us. You 
 will be the best judge, as things are at present, how he can be 
 made most useful to us. The French will have him, if we do 
 not. You will recollect this is the person who I ventured to 
 recommend our Government sending a present of a handsome 
 pair of pistols to, and you also thought it proper. I was so 
 referred from the Treasury to other places, and at last to the 
 Admiralty, who I knew could have nothing to do with it, that 
 I gave it up, and had only to regret that it was not accom- 
 plished : a few hundred pounds would have made him ours 
 for ever. I must apprise you, that General Villettes, although 
 a most excellent Officer, will do nothing but what he receives, 
 ' You are hereby required and directed ;' for to obey, is with 
 him the very acme of discipline. 
 
 With respect to SICILY, I have no doubt, from what is pass- 
 ing at Naples and in Sicily, but that the French will have it. 
 My former reasons for inducing General Villettes to keep the 
 Neapolitan Troops in Malta, was to prevent what has happened; 
 but, in a month after my back was turned, Villettes obeyed 
 his orders, and now the Governor of Messina says we can 
 defend it, and want no assistance. His whole conduct, I am 
 bold to say, is either that of a traitor or a fool ; and being 
 either one or the other is the same in its effects to the poor 
 King of Naples. Not to use every exertion to put the forti- 
 fications in repair, when a Foreign Army is in one part of the 
 Kingdom, is nothing short of treason ; and the sixteen Gun- 
 boats rotting at Messina, without a man, when they ought to 
 be exercising in the Straits every day. I see clearly, if we 
 have not a little Army to take it, the French will, I am sorry 
 to say, and conclude that the mass of Sicilians wish for a 
 change of Government. They wish for us ; but if we will 
 not go there, they will gladly, I fear, receive the French. 
 The middle and lower class will be relieved from the oppres-
 
 174 LETTERS. [1803. 
 
 sions of the Nobles: they love their King and English hate 
 the Nobles and the French. 
 
 SARDINIA. I had a Ship from thence yesterday. The 
 King fancies that he can point out his Neutrality. Alas, he 
 can do nothing but what the French please ! You may rely 
 that 5000 French, or rather Corsicans, are preparing for the 
 invasion (say conquest) of Sardinia. They are forced to enlist 
 from particular districts five districts, 1000 men each. All 
 their camp equipage consists of nothing a light linen jacket, 
 trowsers, red cap, and a pair of shoes, is the whole expense of 
 Government; a musket, accoutrements such as our gentlemen 
 go shooting with, and a short sword. The plunder of the 
 Sardinian Anglo-Sardes is held out as the reward. Not all 
 our Navy can prevent it. Sardinia will be lost without a 
 struggle, and yet the majority of the Sardinians would fly to 
 receive us ; but if we will not, then the French, in preference 
 to remaining as they are oppressed with taxes, and no protec- 
 tion from the Barbary States. / need not say what a loss it 
 will be to us. The mode and manner of allowing us to possess 
 the Madalena Islands, and the North part of Sardinia must be 
 left to other heads than mine. 
 
 CORSICA I am told, is so much oppressed by requisitions of 
 men from that Island, that I am told they would gladly again 
 shake off the French yoke; and this last order for the 5000 men 
 for the conquest of Sardinia has made them outrageous. But 
 Buonaparte cares for nothing : he sets all his engines to work. 
 If they succeed, it is well ; and if not, he is no worse than he 
 was. 
 
 Pardon my remarks. I am looking out for the French 
 Squadron perhaps you may think impatiently ; but I have 
 made up my mind never to go into Port till after the Battle, if 
 they make me wait a year, provided the Admiralty change 
 the Ships who cannot keep the Sea in the winter, except 
 Victory, Canopus, Donegal, and Belleisle. The Admiralty 
 knows the state of the others, and will relieve them as soon 
 as they can. The Triumph, Superb, Monmouth, Agincourt, 
 Kent, Gibraltar, and Renown, are certainly amongst the very 
 finest Ships in our Service the best commanded, and the very 
 best manned, yet I wish them safe in England, where they 
 would man, filled up with landsmen, fourteen Sail of the 
 Line, and that I had Ships not half so well manned in their
 
 JPT. 44.] LETTERS. 175 
 
 room ; for it is not a Store-Ship a week which could keep 
 them in repair. This day, only six men are confined to their 
 beds in the whole Squadron. With every good wish for your 
 brilliant success, and for getting us an honourable and per- 
 manent Peace, believe me, my dear Sir, with the truest esteem, 
 your most obliged and faithful, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO ALEXANDER DAVISON, ESQ. 
 
 [Autograph, in the possession of Colonel Davison.] 
 
 Victory, off Toulon, 24th August, 1803. 
 
 My dear Davison, 
 
 How can I find words to thank you for all your goodness to 
 me and dear Lady Hamilton ! Why, you will be ruined in 
 postage. I can only say, that I never shall forget it. You 
 have been tormented about that Mr. Lyne. Captain Hardy 
 never saw the man, or wrote him a word; but just before 
 we came afloat at Portsmouth, Hardy got a letter from 
 Mr. Tucker, and went into a shop and acquiesced in his 
 desire, little thinking that we could possibly have anything to 
 do with Plymouth. However, the Power of Attorney is gone 
 home for you, whole and sole. Respecting my Secretary, 
 you will do as you please. I have been, am, and shall ever be 
 looking after the French Fleet, [so] that I have not made so 
 much Prize-Money as some others would have done; but if I 
 can score off my debts, I shall be perfectly content. You will, 
 of course, detain my Prize-money for the Dutchmen two- 
 thirds of one -eighth. I was glad to hear, and hope it will prove 
 true, that your damned electioneering business will be got 
 quit of. It has cost me many bitter pangs ; and without those 
 feelings for our friends, there can be no friendship. I hope, 
 my dear Davison, that Old England will be taken care of. If 
 we are true to ourselves, we need not mind Buonaparte. Every 
 time I look round, I see cause for thanking you. The books 
 and pamphlets are a treasure. I shall write a line to Lord 
 Moira ; but, situated as we are, I can tell him but little. It is 
 more to mark my respect for his Lordship, than to attempt 
 giving him information. I have only [to say], my dear Davison, 
 that no one is more truly attached to you than your most 
 faithful and obliged friend, NELSON AND BRONTE.
 
 176 LETTERS. [1803, 
 
 TO SIR EVAN NEPEAX BART., ADMIRALTY. 
 [Original, in the Admiralty.] 
 
 Victory, off Toulon, 24th August, 1803. 
 
 Sir, 
 
 I am to request you will be pleased to represent to the 
 Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty, the situation of the 
 Fleet under my command off this place, with respect to fuel ; 
 at present, there is not more upon an average than a month's 
 fuel on board for each Ship, that should we be cut off from 
 supplies of fire-wood, &c., from Sardinia, it is easy to judge 
 the distress the Ships must naturally experience from want of 
 fuel. I therefore beg you will suggest to their Lordships the 
 propriety of sending out Vessels loaded with coals for the use 
 of His Majesty's Ships under my command, together with such 
 quantities of candles as may be deemed necessary for the 
 supply of those Pursers who may stand in need of them, as 
 was done during the time Earl St. Vincent and Lord Keith 
 commanded the Fleet in these seas. I am, &c., 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE, 
 
 TO COMMISSIONER OTWAY, GIBRALTAR. 
 [Letter-Book.] 
 
 Victory, off Toulon, 25th August, 1803. 
 
 Sir, 
 
 I am to desire you will consider the Ambuscade (lately 
 captured by the Victory) in his Majesty's Service, and give 
 the necessary directions to the respective Officers in Gibraltar 
 Yard to put her in a proper state for proceeding to England, 
 (to which place she is to be sent) so soon as I shall be able to 
 send Officers and men to take charge of her. You will please 
 to direct that she may not be supplied with more stores than 
 is deemed absolutely necessary for her passage to England. I 
 
 am, &c., 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE.
 
 /EF. 44.] LETTERS. ]77 
 
 TO JOHN TYSON, ESQ. 
 
 [Autograph, in the possession of Lieutenant John Edward Lane, R.N.] 
 My dear Tyson, Victory, off Toulon, August 25th, 1803. 
 
 I am very much obliged by your letter of June 26th. I 
 have no accounts that I know of with Mr. Ross, at Gibraltar, 
 except he owes me prize money ; therefore, as Captain Murray 
 tells me that poor Wilmot 8 took the plate at a valuation, as 
 part of his Prize-money, the value of it is Captain Wilmot's , 
 therefore, if you have anything of mine in your hands, be so 
 good as to pay it to Captain W. Haire, and if you have nothing 
 of mine, beg my Agents to pay it for me. I am very sorry to 
 hear such an indifferent account of your health ; you should 
 keep yourself very quiet. We are here looking out for the 
 French Fleet, which, one day or other, will put to sea. We 
 are remarkably healthy. As to fortune-making, it is not my 
 first object or if I had abandoned Toulon and sent Ships off 
 Cadiz, I might have made that money which others came on 
 the station, and took from me. I am obliged to your friends 
 at Constantinople. Hardy is very well ; and with every good 
 wish believe me, dear Tyson, your most faithful friend, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 I now hope that I shall get my Cause. 
 
 TO THE RIGHT HONOURABLE HENRY ADDINGTON. 
 
 [Autograph, in the Sidmonth Papers.] 
 My dear Sir, Victory, off Toulon, August 25th, 180:1. 
 
 By a Vessel spoke with from Marseilles, it was with real 
 sorrow that I read his Majesty's Message of July 28th, on the 
 occasion of the horrid murder of Lord Kilwarden, in Dublin. 
 The unanimity of all good Subjects will, I trust, soon bring 
 the Rebels to justice, and certainly the more danger the more 
 necessary for us all to put ourselves forward. I assure you, 
 that I wish I only knew how I could serve my Country more 
 effectually than in my present command. I attach no value 
 
 8 Captain Wilmot who was killed, in command of the Alliance, at Aci-e, in April 
 1799. 
 
 VOL. V. N
 
 178 LETTERS. [1803. 
 
 to the high rank I at present hold, and if any, even the 
 lowest, situation is thought to be fittest for me in these times, 
 I should feel prouder to be so placed than in any elevation of 
 rank ; all I ask is, to be allowed to be one of the men to be 
 placed in the breach to defend my King and Country. I 
 have but one arm, it is true, but believe my heart is in the 
 right trim therefore, only consider how I can be best em- 
 ployed. But I trust, my dear Sir, that you know me, therefore 
 I will not say more, for fear it should be suspected that 
 I arrogate to myself more merit than, I believe, will be 
 found in 999 of every 1000 in the United Kingdoms. These 
 lines have almost involuntarily flowed from my pen as they 
 have done from my heart ; pardon the effusion. I took the 
 pen for a different subject. 
 
 I yesterday told you of the intention of the French to 
 invade Sardinia (where no steps are taken against them). At 
 Marseilles, are now ready to sail the Troops on board a 
 Frigate, a Corvette and two armed Transports, with a 1000 or 
 1 500 men under a General Ceroni, or Veroni. I believe they 
 are bound to Corsica, to go over with the 5000 Corsicans if 
 they get to Sardinia, it is gone. I am sending two Frigates, 
 the only ones I have with me, to cruize off Ajaccio, in Cor- 
 sica, to try and intercept them ; but what I mention these 
 circumstances for, is, that it may be necessary to mention it 
 to the Russian Minister, for we may be accused of a breach 
 of Neutrality in Sardinia ; for, being satisfied of the intention 
 of the French invading Sardinia, I have directed the Frigates 
 to pursue them, even should they chase into Sardinia, and to 
 take or 'destroy them, and also the Corsican Troops ; for if 
 I wait till the Island is taken I should feel deserving of 
 reprobation. Of course, they will say that we have broken 
 the Neutrality, if we attack them in the Ports of Sardinia 
 before their conquest, and if we do not I shall be laughed at 
 for a fool. Prevention is better than cure. Many French 
 Vessels have been chased into Sardinia, and of course the 
 Neutrality respected ; L'Alcyon, Man-of-War Brig, is an in- 
 stance. I mention my intention that idle reports may not be 
 attended to; if Russia is the guarantee of the King of 
 Sardinia's Dominions, let Russia look out. My station to the 
 Westward of Toulon, an unusual one, has been taken upon an
 
 JET. 44.] LETTERS. 179 
 
 idea that the French Fleet is bound out of the Straits, and 
 probably to Ireland. It is said 10,000 men are collecting at 
 Toulon. I shall follow them to the Antipodes. You may 
 rely on the zeal of, my dear Sir, your most faithful friend, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO COMMISSIONER OTWAY, AT GIBRALTAR, 
 [Autograph, in the possession of Rear-Admiral Inglefield, C.B.] 
 
 Victory, off Toulon, 25th August, 1803. 
 
 My dear Sir, 
 
 I feel very much obliged by your kind letter, and beg 
 leave to return you my best thanks for your care of the box, 
 &c., all of which are safe arrived on board the Victory, where 
 I shall be very happy to receive you, should you ever be dis- 
 posed to pay a visit to the Fleet. I suppose Malta is equally 
 under your control as Gibraltar Yard. It is my intention to 
 send the Ambuscade to England, and to man her from some 
 Ship of the Line going there. With every sincere wish for 
 your health, and a pleasant s'ejour on the Rock, I am, with 
 great respect, &c., 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO SIR EVAN NEPEAN, BART., ADMIRALTY. 
 
 [Original, in the Admiralty.] 
 
 Victory, off Toulon, 25th August, 1803. 
 
 Sir, 
 
 From the Report of Survey, held this day on his Majesty's 
 Ship Gibraltar, (transmitted herewith, together with a copy of 
 Captain Ryves's letter,) she appears to be in such a state as 
 to endanger her in the frequent gales of wind which happen 
 off this place ; and as the season for more bad weather is fast 
 approaching, it is my intention to order the Gibraltar, Mon- 
 mouth, (when relieved from Naples,) and Agincourt, to Gib- 
 raltar, for the purpose of returning to England when their 
 Captains shall receive directions from the Lords Commissioners 
 of the Admiralty for that purpose. 
 
 I am further to acquaint you, for the information of their 
 Lordships, that from the bad state of the Ships named in the 
 
 N2
 
 180 LETTERS. [1803. 
 
 margin, 9 I shall keep them with me off this place, that they 
 may be in readiness to proceed to England the moment they 
 are relieved, and their Lordships' orders arrive for that pur- 
 pose, as I am well satisfied from the report of Sir Richard 
 Bickerton and the Captains of those four Ships, that a severe 
 gale or two would render them useless to their Country for a 
 very considerable time, as well as be attended with a great 
 expense in repairing them. I am, &c., 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO BENJAMIN BAYNTON, ESQ. 
 
 [Autograph, in the possession of Commander Bnynton, E.N.] 
 
 Victor}', off Toulon, August 25th, 1803. 
 
 Sir, 
 
 Your son 1 I was sorry, to find, had been in very great 
 distress for his chest, but Captain Sutton has been so good 
 as to order some clothes for him at Gibraltar ; and as our 
 numbers are so great in the Victory, he has taken him with 
 him into the Amphion. There is, I assure you, only one 
 voice about him, that he is one of the very best lads ever 
 met with : everybody seemed to love him. His chest is 
 arrived, and will be forwarded to him the first opportunity, 
 with your letter. I am, dear Sir, your most obedient servant, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO JOHN FALCON, ESQ. H.M. CONSUL-GENERAL AT ALGIERS. 
 [Letter-Book.] 
 
 Victory, off Toulon, '-20th August, 1803 
 
 Sir, 
 
 I was honoured by the Triumph with your letter, inclosing 
 one from Mr. O'Brien, American Consul, respecting some 
 Vessels taken by the Algerine Cruizers having Malta Passes. 
 I am not quite clear as to the regularity of these Passes ; and, 
 
 9 Kent, Superb, Triumph, and Renown. 
 
 1 The present Commander Benjamin Baynton, who sailed from England with 
 Lord Nelson, as a Midshipman of the Victory, but was removed into the Amphion. 
 After being thirty-two years a Lieutenant, and having been severely wounded on 
 the Coast of Catalonia, in 1810, he obtained his present rank, in November 1841.
 
 JET. 44.] LETTERS. 181 
 
 therefore, until I receive further information from Sir Alex 
 ander Ball, I cannot take any steps about them. I am directed 
 by the Admiralty to make inquiries into your business at 
 Algiers, and do those things which I think most conducive to 
 his Majesty's interest at the present time, upon consulting 
 with you : therefore, until you come here, I can take no steps. 
 I am, &c. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO SIR EVAN NEPEAN, BART., ADMIRALTY. 
 
 [Autograph, in the Admiralty.] 
 
 Victory, August 26th, 1803. 
 Sir, 
 
 I received the honour of their Lordships' order of July 7th, 2 
 inclosing a letter from Lord Pelham, respecting Mr. Falcon's 
 
 * The following is a copy of the Admiralty order referred to : " Whereas the 
 Eight Honourable Lord Pelham, one of His Majesty's Principal Secretaries of 
 State, hath, with his letter of the llth instant, transmitted to us the copy of a 
 If Her, with its iuclosures, which his Lordship had received from Mr. Falcon, his 
 Majesty's Consul at Algiers, stating, that in consequence of an offence committed 
 by his servants, without his knowledge, he had been ordered by the Dey to quit the 
 country, almost at a moment's warning ; and that, in consequence of his refusal to 
 obey that order, he had been sent forcibly away from Algiers ; and whereas 
 his Lordship hath, at the 'same time, signified to us the King's pleasure, that 
 directions should be given to the Commander of his Majesty's Fleet in the Mediter- 
 ranean, to take such steps as he may deem to be most effectual for obtaining all 
 necessary information touching the above-mentioned extraordinary transaction, and 
 in the event of the Consul's representation being sufficiently upheld by the inquiry, 
 to warrant further proceedings upon it, to demand satisfaction of the Dey for the 
 insult offered to the King's Government, by requiring as that satisfaction, that Mr. 
 Falcon should again be received and acknowledged as his Majesty's Consul; that 
 he should be compensated for any loss he shall appear to have sustained by his un- 
 warrantable removal ; and that proper assurances should be given that his Majesty's 
 Consul shall not be subject to a repetition of similar indignities. We send your 
 Lordship, for your more complete information, a copy of Lord Pelham's letter above- 
 mentioned, together with the inclosures therein referred to ; and in pursuance of his 
 Majesty's pleasure therein signified, do hereby require and direct your Lordship to 
 take such steps as you may deem most effectual for obtaining every possible in- 
 formation respecting the transaction represented by Mr. Falcon ; and in the event 
 of the Consul's representation being found to warrant a further proceeding upon 
 it, to demand the satisfaction and assurances required by his Majesty, accordingly. 
 In the event of the demand of satisfaction being refused, your Lordship is to 
 follow up that demand in such manner as you may judge most effectual, and at 
 the same time most consistent, under existing circumstances, with Ids Majesty's
 
 182 LETTERS. [1803. 
 
 business at Algiers. I have sent to desire Mr. Falcon to join 
 me here ; for, although Mr. Falcon's treatment was scandalous 
 and insulting to the highest degree, yet I have heard that the 
 Dey offered to receive him again, which Mr. Falcon refused. 
 This circumstance has been omitted in Mr. Falcon's letter to 
 me, and must be duly considered. The crime to a Mahometan 
 was the greatest possible that of receiving a Turkish woman 
 into a Christian's house, and their violence of temper knows 
 no bounds : I believe, had it been any other Nation, that his 
 head would have been off. 
 
 Another circumstance has also arisen, as you will see by the 
 inclosed letter from the American Consul. This matter, if it 
 is taken up in the way which becomes me, supposing that we 
 are to protect Vessels bearing our Passports, will most probably 
 bring on an Algerine War ; for assuredly I can carry through 
 what I may demand, and, therefore, it behoves me to take 
 care to urge no demand that is not just. It also happens that 
 all his Cruizers are now in Port, and returning for the winter, 
 therefore we cannot touch him in that most tender point. 
 However, I will act with all due circumspection in this busi- 
 ness. I wish our cut of passports was sent out to Malta ; then 
 we must have them respected, and a letter wrote to the 
 Barbary States to tell them of it. I have the honour to be, &c. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO LADY HAMILTON. 
 
 [Extract from " Lord Nelson's Letters to Lady Hamilton," vol. i. p. 136.] 
 August 26th, 1803. Wrote several days past. 
 
 My dearest Emma, 
 
 By the Canopus, 3 Admiral Campbell, I have received all 
 your truly kind and affectionate letters, from May 20th to 
 July 3rd, with the exception of one, dated May 31st, sent to 
 
 interests in the Mediterranean. Your Lordsliip will acquaint Mr. Falcon that it is 
 necessary he should accompany the Officer whom you may send to Algiers, in order 
 that he may explain any part of his conduct that may require such explanation ; 
 that he may resume his station should the Dey consent to receive him. Given 
 under our hands the 7th July, 1803. ST. VINCENT, PH. STEPHENS, JAMES 
 ADAMS." Original, in the Nelson Papers. 
 * The Canopus joined the Fleet ou the 17th of August.
 
 ;ET. 44.] LETTERS. 183 
 
 Naples. This is the first communication I have had with 
 
 England since we sailed I do not think it can be a 
 
 long War ; and, I believe, it will be much shorter than people 
 
 expect Dr. Scott is gone with my Mission to Algiers, 
 
 or I would send you a copy of the King and Queen's letter. 
 I send you one from the Queen. Both King, Queen, and 
 Acton, were very civil to Sir William Bolton. He dined with 
 Acton. 4 Boltori does very well in his Brig ; but he has not 
 made a farthing of Prize money. If I knew where to send 
 him for some, he should go ; but, unless we have a Spanish 
 War, I shall live here at a great expense, although Mr. Cheva- 
 lier takes every care, and I have great reason to be satisfied. 
 I have just asked William, who behaves very well, whether he 
 chooses to remit any of his wages to his father? It docs not 
 appear he does at present. He is paid, by the King, eighteen 
 pounds a year, as one of my retinue; therefore I have nothing 
 to pay. I have told him, whenever he chooses to send any, 
 to tell Mr. Scott, or Captain Hardy, and he will receive a 
 remittance bill ; so he may now act as he pleases. Apropos 
 of Mr. Scott. He is very much obliged to you for your news 
 of Mrs. Scott's being brought to bed. No letters came in the 
 Cutter but to me, and he was very uneasy. He is a very 
 excellent good man ; and I am very fortunate in having such 
 a one. I admire your kindness to my dear sister Bolton. I 
 have wrote her, that certainly I will assist Tom Bolton 5 at 
 College. It is better, as I tell her, not to promise more than 
 I am sure I can perform. It is only doing them an injury. I 
 tell her, if vacancies, please God, should happen, that my 
 income will be much increased. With respect to Mr. Bolton, 6 
 everybody knows that I have no interest ; nobody cares for 
 me : but if he will point out what he wants, I will try what 
 can be done. But, I am sure, he will not be half so well off 
 as at present. Supposing he could get a place of a few 
 hundreds a year, he would be a ten times poorer man than he 
 is at present. I could convince you of it in a moment ; but, if 
 I was to begin, then it would be said, I wanted inclination to 
 
 4 Sir William Bolton was not sent to Naples until the 8th of October 1803, (vide 
 " Order-Book," and p. 238, post.) and other passages shew that if this letter was 
 begun on the 2Gth of August 1803, it was not continued until long after that datCi 
 
 3 His nephew, afterwards the second Earl Nelson. 6 His brother-in-law*
 
 184 LETTERS. [1803. 
 
 render them a service. I should like to see Sir H P 's 
 book. 7 I cannot conceive how a man that is reported to have 
 been so extravagant of Government's money, to say no worse, 
 
 can make a good story I have wrote to Dumourier; 
 
 therefore, I will only trouble you to say how much I respect 
 him. I fancy he must have suffered great distress at Altona. 
 However, I hope he will now be comfortable for life. He is 
 a very clever man ; and beats our Generals, out and out. 
 Don't they feel his coming ? Advise him not to make 
 enemies, by showing he knows more than some of us. Envy 
 knows no bounds to its persecution. He has seen the world, 
 and will be on his guard. I put Suckling into a Frigate, with 
 a very good man, who has a schoolmaster ; he does very well. 
 Bulkeley 8 will be a most excellent Sea-officer; it is a pity he 
 has not served his time. I have answered Mr. Suckling's 
 letter. Gaetano is very well, and desires his duty. I think, 
 sometimes, that he wishes to be left at Naples ; but I am not 
 sure. Mr. Denis's relation has been long in the Victory ; but 
 if the Admiralty will not promote my Lieutenants, they must 
 all make a retrograde motion. But I hope they will not do 
 such a cruel thing. I have had a very affectionate letter from 
 Lord Minto. I hope George will be confirmed ; but the 
 Earl will not answer his application. 9 
 
 7 Captain Sir Home Popham Laving been charged by the Navy Board with in- 
 curring unnecessary expenses in the repairs of his Ship, the Romney, in the East 
 Indies; he printed, for private circulation, in 1803, a pamphlet, entitled "A 
 Concise Statement of Facts, &c." 
 
 8 Richard Bulkeley, the son of an old friend of Lord Nelson, who was with him. 
 at St. Juan, (vide vol. ii. p. 440,) and from whom there are numerous letters in the 
 Nelson Papers. Mr. Bulkeley was a Midshipman of the Victory, was wounded at 
 Trafalgar, was made a Lieutenant in 1800, and died between 1809 and 1814. 
 
 9 This is explained by a Letter from Lord St. Vincent to Lord Minto, in Tucker's 
 Memoirs (vol. ii.p. 248), dated 2nd January 1804, whence it appears that Lord St. 
 Vincent had desired Lord Nelson to promote Captains Durban and Hillyar, to Post 
 vacancies, and, as Lord Nelson had not written to inform the Admiralty of his having 
 given Captain Elliot an Acting Order in the Maidstoue, Lord St. Vincent said, " I 
 was under the necessity of waiting an explanation, before I could recommend a com- 
 mission to be made out for my young friend : a satisfactory one is now arrived and 
 the needful will be done fothwith." Captain Elliot's commission bore date on the 
 2nd of January 1804, instead of on the day which he received his Acting Order.
 
 JET. 44.] LETTERS. 185 
 
 TO CAPTAIN SIR RICHARD STKACHAN, BART., H.M. SHIP 
 DONEGAL. 
 
 [Letter-Book.] 
 
 Victory, August 26th, 180;}. 
 My dear Sir Richard, 
 
 You will receive an order, when the Maidstone returns 
 from Lisbon, (if there is no conveyance from Gibraltar to 
 England for my dispatches, she is to carry them to Lisbon 
 for the Packet,) to take her under your command ; and you 
 already know, that if you think you want either of the other 
 Frigates, you are at liberty to give them orders. I have 
 directed the Termagant, if she has not sailed, to place herself 
 under your command ; for you ought occasionally to have a 
 Sloop with [imperfect.'] 
 
 [The following Extract from a Letter from Lord Nelson to Sir Richard Strachau, 
 on the 20th of August 1803, is in Clarke and M'Arthur, vol. ii. p. 323, and may 
 have formed part of the above.] 
 
 I wish to call your serious attention to what I am going to 
 mention. The French Fleet being perfectly ready for sea, 
 seven of the Line, six Frigates, and some Corvettes two Sail 
 of the Line are now rigging in the Arsenal; I think it more 
 than probable that they are bound to the Westward, out of 
 the Mediterranean. Therefore, as I am determined to follow 
 them, go where they may, I wish you, in case they escape me, 
 to send a Frigate or Sloop after them to find out their route, 
 giving her a station where I may find her, and keep yourself 
 either at the Mouth of the Straits, or off Europa Point ; for I 
 certainly shall not anchor at Gibraltar. You will, of course, 
 keep this to yourself, and I rely, my dear Sir Richard, with 
 full confidence on your experience, judgment, and that ardent 
 zeal which has ever distinguished your Public services. I 
 am, &c. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE.
 
 186 LETTERS. [1803. 
 
 TO SIR EVAN NEPEAN, BART., ADMIRALTY. 
 
 [Original, iu the Admiralty.] 
 
 Victory, off Toulon, 26th August, 1803. 
 
 Sir, 
 
 I herewith transmit you, for the information of the Lords 
 Commissioners of the Admiralty, a letter from Captain Hilly ar, 9 
 of his Majesty's Ship Niger, giving an account of a most 
 unjustifiable act of hostility committed against the Boats of 
 the said Ship by a Greek Vessel ; and I have to observe, for 
 their Lordships' information, that similar acts have, and will 
 be committed by the Grecian Ships, on their being boarded by 
 the Boats of his Majesty's Fleet, unless severe punishment is 
 inflicted. You will please to acquaint their Lordships, that 
 I have represented this act of violence to his Majesty's Minis- 
 ter at Constantinople, and desired that he will make a regular 
 complaint on the occasion. I have ordered the Greek Ship to 
 be conveyed to Malta, and detained there. I am, &c., 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 P.S. Inclosed is an extract of a letter from Captain Hillyar 
 of the 7th instant. 
 
 TO CAPTAIN DONNELLY, NARCISSUS. 
 [Autograph, in the possession of the late Adam Bromilow, Esq.] 
 
 Victory, off Toulon, 26th August, 1803. 
 
 Having received information that there is an embarkation 
 of Troops at Toulon, (or Marseilles,) intended to join the 
 Corsicans, with a view to invade the Island of Sardinia, and 
 as I think Ajaccio is the most likely place in Corsica for 
 their forming such junction, You are hereby required and 
 
 9 Captain. Hillyar stated that, " On the 10th August, 1803, afternoon, Genoa 
 bearing North 8 or 9 leagues, he sent Lieutenant Jones to examine a strange Ship 
 bearing for Porto Fino. The Master of the Greek Ship, on being hailed, told the 
 Boats to keep off. On approaching, a fire of guns and muskets by the Ship en- 
 sued, and Lieutenant Jones, in boarding, was mortally wounded ; a seaman killed 
 and one wounded, of the Niger; five of the Cameleon, wounded; five Greeks killed, 
 and seven wounded. Lieutenant Jones and the Greek Captain died of their wounds. 
 The Greek Ship was captured." In this affair, Captain Hillyar's brother, Mr. 
 William Hillyar, so much distinguished himself, that Lord Nelsou immediately pro- 
 moted him into Mr. Jones' vacancy.
 
 JET. 44.] LETTERS 187 
 
 directed to take his Majesty's Ship named in the margin 1 
 under your command, (whose Captain has received my orders 
 for that purpose,) and proceed with all possible dispatch, and 
 take such station as you may judge most likely to intercept 
 them, and prevent, their landing or forming a junction with 
 the Corsicans at Ajaccio, or elsewhere ; but should you fall 
 in with them at sea, you are to use your utmost endeavours 
 to take, sink, burn, or destroy the whole of them. If, how- 
 ever, the Enemy should escape into any Port of the Island 
 of Sardinia, you are to proceed and attack them wherever 
 you may fall in with them, without paying regard to any 
 pretended flag of Neutrality, (except under the guns of Cagli- 
 ari,) or considering such Port or place entitled to the respect 
 of Neutrality, but as an invaded Country by the Enemy. In 
 the event of your finding them at Cagliari, that Fort being 
 sufficient to prevent the Enemy's landing, you are to afford 
 the Viceroy every assistance in your power to enable him to 
 destroy the Enemy, and frustrate their designs against the 
 Dominions of his Most Sacred Majesty the King of Sardinia. 
 You are to return and join me on my Rendezvous off this 
 place in fourteen days, or sooner if you should obtain any 
 information which you may judge important for me to be 
 acquainted with. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO HIS EXCELLENCY MR. DRUMMOND, CONSTANTINOPLE. 
 
 [From Clarke and M'Arthur, vol. ii. p. 323.] 
 
 27th August, 1803. 
 
 According to the reports of Vessels spoken from Marseilles 
 and Genoa, the War is very unpopular, and I hope it will end 
 in the destruction of that man of tyranny, Buonaparte ; but I 
 detest Europe for being so mean-spirited as to submit to the 
 mandates of this Corsican I blush for their meanness. In 
 Ireland, the Militia have vied with the Regulars who should 
 act best. If we are but true to ourselves, a fig for the great 
 Buonaparte. I am, &c., 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 1 Active.
 
 188 LETTERS. [1803. 
 
 TO HIS EXCELLENCY MR. DRUMMOND, CONSTANTINOPLE. 
 [From Clarke and M'Artliur, vol. ii. p. 323.] 
 
 27th August, 1803. 
 
 I have the honour to address your Excellency on a subject 
 which calls loudly for redress and prevention in future. It is 
 the acknowledged right of all lawful Cruisers to examine the 
 Papers of Vessels hoisting Neutral Colours, in order to ascer- 
 tain whether the property of Enemies, not contraband articles, 
 be carried on board them ; and it is the acknowledged Law 
 of Nations, that resistance to such search is confiscation of 
 Ship and Cargo, on the principle that such act of hostility 
 makes the Ship and Crew Enemies. It has, I am sorry to say, 
 been invariably the practice of the Greeks, whenever they 
 fancied themselves superior, for their Vessels or Boats to fire 
 on the English flag ; and to endeavour to kill the English, 
 who were only executing their bounden duty in examining 
 all Ships and Vessels. When I had the command of the 
 Agamemnon, I^had sixteen men killed by these Greeks. 2 . . . 
 I have earnestly to request that your Excellency will obtain 
 an order to the Greek Islands that their Vessels do not fire on 
 the English flag ; for certainly the smaller the Vessel coming, 
 the less cause for firing. I am, &c., 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO CAPTAIN SCHOMBERG, HIS MAJESTY'S SHIP MADRAS, MALTA. 
 
 [Letter-Book.] 
 
 Victory, off Toulon, 31st August 1803. 
 Sir, 
 
 I have received a letter from Mr. Schaw, Surgeon of His 
 Majesty's Ship under your command, dated the 7th Instant, 
 together with copy of his letter to you of the 24th ultimo, and 
 also a letter of complaint from Major General Villettes against 
 Mr. Schaw : the two former letters I have transmitted to the 
 General, and as it is my intention to take an early opportunity 
 of sending Doctor Snipe, 3 Physician of the Fleet, to Malta, 
 
 9 Vide vol. ii. p. 76. 
 
 3 John Snipe, Esq., M.D.: lie died one of the Physicians of the Royal Naval 
 Hospital at Plymouth, in August 1805*
 
 /ET. 44.] LETTERS. 189 
 
 with directions to inquire into the circumstance above alluded 
 to, I shall suspend my opinion on Mr. Schaw's conduct till 
 I have the Physician's report, and only observe that if Mr. 
 Schaw thought his professional judgment called in question 
 unfairly by Dr. Franklin, 4 he should have desired an in- 
 quiry to refute the statement, and not previously to have 
 attacked, in a private letter, the conduct of Doctor Frank- 
 lin. It is my particular directions the moment any of the 
 people of His Majesty's Ship under your command is attacked 
 with an infectious or inflammatory fever, that he is sent to the 
 Military General Hospital, and not be kept on board longer 
 than necessary. I am, Sir, &c., 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO MAJOR-GENERAL VILLETTES, MALTA. 
 [Autograph, in the possession of Josiali French, Esq.] 
 
 Victory, off Toulon, August 29th, 1803. 
 
 My dear General, 
 
 I was favoured with your letter of August 9th, this morning. 
 * When Doctors differ who shall decide ?' I am sure it is out 
 of my power. I shall answer your Public letter on the sub- 
 ject. If the poor man was not sent to the Hospital so soon as 
 he ought, to have been, in that case Dr. Franklin had a right 
 to complain. If he was sent at a proper time, in that case 
 the Surgeon of the Madras would naturally feel hurt at such a 
 very severe letter as the one wrote by Dr. Franklin without any 
 inquiry from his brother Medico into the case. The one seems 
 too high for to look at a Surgeon in the Navy, and the other 
 perhaps regularly brought up, felt degraded by Dr. Franklin's 
 mode of procedure. I shall very soon send Dr. Snipe, Phy- 
 sician to the Fleet, to Malta, and I hope that he will be able to 
 settle this business amicably. I am, my dear General, truly 
 sensible of the great care and attention shown by the Medical 
 Gentlemen of the Hospital to our Seamen, and that they have 
 no reward adequate to their trouble. Sir Richard Bickerton 
 has told me that he is directed to give such a sum to the 
 
 4 Dr., afterwards Sir William Franklin, Knight Commander of the Order of the 
 Guelphs : he died in October 1833.
 
 190 LETTERS. [1803. 
 
 Gentlemen of the Hospital for their trouble ; but the amount 
 is so trifling, and in his opinion inadequate to their merits, 
 that he has been ashamed to offer it. 1 trust that this little 
 asperity in a professional judgment, between two professional 
 men, will not prevent the reception of our Seamen in future, 
 and the former kindness of the Gentlemen of the Hospital to- 
 wards them. I suppose the Admiralty, if we are to keep 
 Malta, will establish a proper Naval Hospital. I have sent 
 home a copy of Colonel Lyard's 5 report from Messina, and 
 have made some very strong remarks on the conduct of the 
 Government of Messina, and my belief that unless our 
 Government took a decided line of conduct with the Court of 
 Naples, that Sicily would be lost ; but, in truth, I believe the 
 Court of Naples are afraid of offending the Court of Russia 
 by admitting us, so that * between two stools they may fall to 
 the ground.' In the present situation of England and Ireland, 
 I have my doubts of their sending any Troops abroad, and 
 therefore I most regret the sending for them home ; it was a 
 very inconsiderate measure, to say nothing further of it. By 
 Seahorse I hope you [sic] ; much may be said about our friend 
 Ball's Passports. Government at home should decide, and not 
 lay an Algerine War at my door ; I shall be careful of begin- 
 ning, but whatever on mature reflection shall be determined 
 upon, shall be vigorously carried into execution. Believe me 
 ever, my dear General, your faithful and obliged friend, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO MAJOR-GENERAL VILLETTES, MALTA. 
 
 [Letter-Book.] 
 
 Victory, off Toulon, 31st August, 1803. 
 
 Sir, 
 
 I have been honoured with your letter of August 8th, en- 
 closing a letter from Dr. Franklin to you complaining of the 
 conduct of Mr. Schaw, Surgeon of His Majesty's ship Madras. 
 I send you copies of Mr. Schaw's letter to myself and Captain 
 Schomberg on that occasion. It appears to me that if Mr. 
 
 * Lieutenant-Colonel John Thomas Layartl, of the 54th Regiment: lie died a 
 Ljeuteuaut-Geueral, in Mav 1823,
 
 JET. 44."] LETTERS. 191 
 
 Schaw did not send the poor man so soon to the Hospital as he 
 ought to have done, that he is very blameable, for certainly 
 in the situation of the Madras, no man ought to be kept 
 a moment longer than is possible after an inflammatory 
 fever was upon him. I shall take an early opportunity of 
 sending Doctor Snipe, Physician to the Fleet, to inquire 
 and make known to me whether the man was kept longer 
 on board than he ought to have been. I am sorry that 
 any reflection should be thrown out by the Medical Gentlemen, 
 to each other. I have always heard Dr. Franklin's kindness 
 to our Seamen spoken of in the highest terms, and I trust that 
 he will continue it. I am free to confess that in my opinion if 
 Mr. Schaw thought his professional judgment called in question 
 unfairly by Doctor Franklin, he should have desired an in- 
 quiry to refute Doctor Franklin's statement, and that he had 
 no right previously to attack, in a private tetter, the conduct of 
 Doctor Franklin ; and I have so wrote Captain Schomberg, 
 to be communicated to Mr. Schaw. I have the honour to 
 be, &c., 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 P.S. Inclosed is a copy of my letter to Mr. Schaw, Sur- 
 geon of the Madras. 
 
 TO SIR EVAN NEPEAN, BART., ADMIRALTY. 
 
 [Original, iii the Admiralty.] 
 
 Victory, off Toulon, 2nd September, 1803. 
 Sir, 
 
 On the 17th ultimo, I received your letter of the 20th June 
 last, together with a note from the Chevalier D'Anduaga, the 
 Spanish Minister at our Court, therein mentioned, complain- 
 ing of an act of violence committed on board the Spanish 
 Xebec La Purissima Conception, by a British Frigate (whose 
 name is unknown) on the 21st of April last, near the Island of 
 Majorca ; in answer to which, you will please to acquaint the 
 Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty, that I have not been 
 able to gain any information on the circumstance above- 
 mentioned, either from Rear- Admiral Sir Richard Bickerton, 
 or any of the Captains of His Majesty's Ships at present off
 
 192 LETTERS. [1803. 
 
 this place ; but shall use every means in my power of obtain- 
 ing a knowledge thereof, which shall be transmitted to you 
 for their Lordships' information accordingly. I am, &c., 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO HIS EXCELLENCY HUGH ELLIOT, ESQ., NAPLES. 
 
 [Autograph, in the Elliot Papers.] 
 
 Victory, September 2nd, 1803. 
 
 My dear Sir, 
 
 I have no small Vessels on this station: therefore I have no 
 means of sending you any account of ourselves. We are here 
 buffeting the winds and waves, expecting one of these days 
 that the French will put to sea. I only wish I could know to 
 a certainty where they are bound. I think either to the 
 Westward, or they will make a push at Messina, and as 
 winter approaches, we can be sure of nothing in so short a 
 run. 
 
 You know from Colonel Lyard and Sir Alexander Ball, and 
 General Villettes, the state of the fortifications at Messina, 
 and the total neglect of every means for the defence of the 
 place. Was any English Governor so notoriously to neglect 
 his duty (unless he is ordered to resign to the Enemy) he 
 would lose his head. Instead of the sixteen Gun-boats being 
 ready to act, and exercising every day in the Straits, they 
 have not a man belonging to them ; and from being hauled up 
 upon the shore, and exposed to the sun, are so much out of 
 repair, that it would take an age to prepare them for service. 
 The Governor says, that he is ordered to make no show of 
 preparing for defence. If that is so, I have done. The 
 French will soon be there. Surely, the best mode of keeping 
 an Enemy out, is to convince him that you have both the 
 means and the inclination ; and from the accounts sent me 
 from Messina, there are neither means nor inclination to 
 prevent the French possessing themselves of it any day. They 
 have Privateers enough at Messina, and in Sicily, to carry 
 men enough, where no resistance can be intended. These 
 conclusions are drawn from the information sent me. I can 
 know nothing of my own knowledge. General Villettes also
 
 ^ET. 44.] LETTERS. 193 
 
 writes me, that the French are advanced to Cotrone, and that 
 is further than they were before, and of course contrary to 
 their promises. But I have done my duty in representing 
 these matters, and it remains only for me to lament that it is 
 of no avail. 
 
 Does Naples trust to Russia ? I sincerely hope that Russia 
 will go to War to defend her ; but even supposing that to be 
 the case, would not Russia be better pleased to see exertions, 
 instead of supineness ? and, I am sure, that John Bull would 
 go any length to secure those who have spirit enough to resist 
 the French yoke. If General Vial goes to Messina, I do not 
 expect it will belong to Naples all this month. He will send 
 \_query, say] to the General only send 500 men. Would the 
 Neapolitan Troops fire upon them ? I say, No : for if they 
 did, they would know that their King, and the whole Kingdom 
 of Naples, would be lost. I said before that I never would 
 mention Sicily again ; but my heart bleeds to hear what I do 
 from Messina ; and, as sure as you live, it is lost, unless 
 other means are taken to prevent it than are followed at 
 present. 
 
 I send you the Gibraltar, Captain Ryves, to take the Mon- 
 mouth's station. If a Ship is not wanted absolutely at Naples, 
 you will be so good as to tell Captain Ryves so in writing, 
 that he may join me ; for I have no force to spare for idleness. 
 If it is necessary to secure the safety of the Royal Family, then 
 it is doubly necessary to secure them a place of retreat, and 
 Sicily will be gone if the French get to Messina. What can 
 prevent their sending 50,000 men, if necessary, into Sicily ? 
 Then the good Sovereigns are slaves, and God only knows 
 what else may happen. 
 
 Sardinia is on the eve of being invaded, and although all 
 the people know it there, yet no step is taken to prevent 
 them. However. I will not trouble you with other people's 
 concerns; I shall write to Mr. Jackson.* With respect to 
 the Barbary States, I have received such an instruction 
 from England, that I can decide nothing about Algiers till 
 Mr. Falcon comes up; and I fear it will turn out that his 
 story is not quite correct. If so, it alters the whole face of the 
 
 4 Minister at the Court of Sardinia, 
 VOL. V. O
 
 194 LETTERS. [1803. 
 
 matter. I am instructed to inquire into the circumstances, 
 and if his report is well-founded, to insist on his being re- 
 ceived again. Now it turns out, that after the Dey's rage 
 was over, and before Mr. Falcon sailed, the Dey wished 
 him to remain. The Dey has since quarrelled with the 
 French: therefore, it is our interest to keep well with 
 him. Respecting the Maltese passports, our Government 
 should give them our Cut? and then the Barbary States would 
 have no excuse for taking the poor people. However, I shall 
 endeavour to do all in my power. My station is here ; and 
 here I shall remain till the French come out, if it is a year, 
 provided our Ships are not worn out. I can readily conceive 
 Sir John Acton's feelings. I shall write him a line, and I 
 beg of your Excellency to present my humble duty to their 
 Majesties, and all the Royal Family ; and believe me, &c., 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 I send you a letter from your brother. 
 
 TO SIR EVAN NEPEAN, BART., ADMIRALTY. 
 [Original, in the Admiralty.] 
 
 Victory, off Toulon, 2nd September, 1803. 
 
 Sir, 
 
 I herewith transmit you a copy of a letter of this date to 
 His Majesty's Consul-General at Sicily, which you will please 
 to lay before the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty for 
 their information ; and at the same time acquaint their Lord- 
 ships, that, immediately on my arrival at Gibraltar, I ordered 
 the Tourterelle to take the Convoy from that place to 
 England, and to call off Cadiz for such Trade as might also be 
 there : that on my arrival at Malta I ordered the Cyclops to 
 proceed with the Trade from thence bound into the Adriatic, 
 and to bring the Merchant-Ships from the different Ports 
 there to Malta. I also ordered the Anson and Stately (after 
 cruizing on their station till the 16th July) to take the Trade 
 from Malta to Smyrna, with directions to bring all our Levant 
 Merchant-Vessels to Valette harbour ; and, in passing through 
 
 8 The " Mediterranean Passes," issued by our Government, were cut or indented 
 at the top.
 
 JET. 44.] LETTERS. 195 
 
 the Faro of Messina on the 20th June last, I sent a letter to 
 the Merchants there, acquainting them that a Convoy would 
 soon sail from Malta to England, and enclosed them a letter 
 to the Senior Officer at Malta, directing them to send a Ship 
 of War to Messina for their Trade, in the event of their making 
 application for Convoy, copies of which accompany this ; 
 that immediately on my arrival off Toulon, hearing that an 
 English Merchant Ship was blocked up at Civita, Vecchia by 
 a French Privateer, I sent the Weazel to convoy her from 
 thence to Malta, that she might avail herself of the protection 
 of the Blonde and Experiment, then under orders to proceed 
 to England with the Trade ; but I since understand that she 
 left Civita Vecchia with the Phoebe, and took an early oppor- 
 tunity of parting from her, and as she has not been heard of, 
 I conclude she has been captured by the Enemy. 
 
 On the 2nd ultimo, I sent the Termagant Sloop to the 
 different Spanish Ports in these Seas, to collect the Trade and 
 convoy them to Gibraltar, for the purpose of proceeding with 
 the first Convoy to England. I have to beg their Lordships 
 will not impute blame to me, (as I also understand that several 
 of the Merchant Ships in the Adriatic sailed after they heard 
 of the War, without waiting for convoy for these Ships,) and 
 that they may be assured every attention in my power shall 
 be paid to the Trade of His Majesty's Subjects in these Seas. 
 But if the Masters of Merchant Ships will act of themselves, 
 without allowing the Commander-in-Chief to exercise his 
 judgment and discretion in collecting the Trade from the 
 different places, many of our Ships must inevitably fall into 
 the hands of the Enemy. I am, &c., 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO JAMES TOUGH, ESQ., H.M. CONSUL-GENERAL IN SICILY. 
 [From a Copy in the Admiralty.] 
 
 Victory, off Toulon, 2nd September, 1803. 
 
 Sir, 
 
 A Convoy will sail from Malta on the 25th Instant, or as 
 soon after as possible for England ; and, therefore, if there are 
 any Vessels intended to avail themselves of such protection, 
 they must be at Malta by that time : you will please to inform 
 
 02
 
 196 LETTERS. [1803. 
 
 the Merchants of Sicily, and desire them to acquaint the 
 senior Naval Officer at Malta, on what day the Ships from the 
 different Ports of Sicily will be ready, that he may send a Ship 
 of War for them. The Merchant Ships, I understand, have 
 been in the habit of proceeding without Convoy to England 
 and Malta. The consequence has been that several have fallen 
 into the hands of the Enemy ; I must therefore desire you 
 will be so good as acquaint the Merchants of Sicily, that 
 should any of their Trade proceed without Convoy, after this 
 public notice, I shall send an account to Lloyd's Coffee- 
 House of the circumstance. I am, &c., 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO CAPTAIN CHARLES MARSH SCHOMBERG, HIS MAJESTY'S 
 SHIP MADRAS, OR THE SENIOR OFFICER AT MALTA. 
 
 [Letter-Book.] 
 
 Victory, off Toulon, 2nd September, 1803. 
 
 Sir, 
 
 I am to desire you will please to acquaint the Merchants at 
 Malta, that a Convoy will sail from thence for England on 
 the 1st October, or as soon after as possible ; and you are, im- 
 mediately on the receipt hereof, to employ his Majesty's Ships 
 Cyclops and Charon, in collecting the Trade from Sicily, who 
 are intended to proceed with the said Convoy, which you are 
 to dispatch as early after the 1st of October, as circumstances 
 will admit, under the escort appointed for that purpose. I 
 am, &c., 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO PETER WILKIE, ESQ., AGENT VICTUALLER AT MALTA. 
 [Letter-Book.] 
 
 Victory, off Toulon, Gtli September, 1803. 
 
 Sir, 
 
 I have received your letter of the 8th ultimo, and as the 
 Captain of the Fleet has so fully wrote you on the subject of 
 provisions, &c., for His Majesty's Ships under my command, 
 it is only necessary for me to request that you will not pur- 
 chase any more rice, sugar, or raisins, till you receive further
 
 MT. 44.] LETTERS. 197 
 
 orders for so doing, as sufficient supplies of those articles are 
 coming from Gibraltar; and it being more convenient to have 
 provisions for the Fleet off Toulon, from thence, than Malta, 
 our principal dependence will be on that place ; but it must 
 be remembered that His Majesty's stores under your charge 
 are sufficiently kept up for supplying the Frigates and other 
 Cruizers in your vicinity, and to answer any exigency, which 
 from circumstances may occur. I am, &c., 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS THE DUKE OF CLARENCE. 
 [From Clarke and M'Arthur, TO!, ii. p. 323.] 
 
 [About Oth September, 1803.] 
 
 Sir, 
 
 I am happy to inform you that Captain Keats is much 
 recovered. I sent him to Naples for a fortnight ; but having 
 stayed only nine days, he was so anxious, knowing my infe- 
 riority in numbers to the Enemy, that he came back and joined 
 me. 6 I need not tell your Royal Highness, that he is amongst 
 the very best Officers in our Service. I have the highest respect 
 and esteem for him. I am, &c., 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO WILLIAM HASLEWOOD, ESQ., CRAVEN STREET, STRAND, 
 [From White's " Memoirs of Nelson," Supplement, p. 70.] 
 
 Private for yourself and most secret. 
 
 [About Cth September, 1803.] 
 My dear Haslewood, 
 
 I S3nd you home a Codicil 7 to my Will, which you will not 
 communicate to any person breathing ; as I would wish you 
 to open, read it, and if not drawn up properly, send me a copy, 
 and I will execute it. It is possible that my personal estate, 
 after the disposal of the furniture at Merton, may not amount 
 to 4000 ; and sooner than this legacy, or any other, should 
 
 9 " 28th August. Superb, with the Eliza Victualler, parted. . . . Oth September. 
 H.M. Ship Superb rejoined with a Transport." Victory's Log. 
 ' Vide p. 259, post.
 
 198 LETTERS. [1803. 
 
 go unpaid, I would saddle Bronte, or any other estate with 
 the legacies. I only mention this as a thing which might 
 happen ; and I want to give several other small legacies, and 
 continue the annuity of 100 a year to poor blind Mrs. 
 Nelson. 8 I may congratulate you on the favourable termina- 
 tion, (I hope,) of my law-suit. 9 You have acted not only as able 
 lawyers, but a most friendly part through the whole business. 
 I beg you will express my thanks to Serjeant Shepherd, 1 who 
 has done so much justice to the cause ; and be assured, I am 
 ever, my dear Haslewood, your obliged friend, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 I have pretty near settled all my Bronte matters, and 
 although I shall not probably at present be able to get the 
 value of it, yet I shall secure, to be regularly paid, my 3000 
 a year nett. 
 
 Burn it when read. 
 
 TO HIS EXCELLENCY HUGH ELLIOT, ESQ. 
 [Autograph, hi the Elliot Papers.] 
 
 Victory, September 8th, 1803. 
 
 My dear Sir, 
 
 I send you a letter sent to Sir Richard Bickerton; for although 
 I do not believe that any such orders have been given, yet, as 
 the former Neutrality of Naples only allowed four Ships, of 
 each Nation to enter their Ports, it is possible some stupid 
 fellow may suppose her present Neutrality is the same as 
 formerly ; and, therefore, it may be very necessary to rectify 
 any such misapprehension of orders. I am ever, my dear Sir, 
 your faithful servant, NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO HIS EXCELLENCY HUGH ELLIOT, ESQ. 
 [Autographj in the Elliot Papers.] 
 
 Victory, off Toulon, September 8th, 1803. 
 
 My dear Sir, 
 
 George is gone down the Mediterranean, as I wish to put 
 10,000 in his pocket, and then I have done with him. He 
 
 8 The widow of his brother, Maurice Nelson. 
 
 9 With the Earl of St. Vincent. 
 
 1 Afterwards Lord Chief Baron of the Exchequer in Scotland.
 
 JET. 44.] LETTERS, 199 
 
 is an excellent young man, and a very good Officer. I had a 
 letter lately from Lady Hamilton, wherein she says Sabatello 
 Sabitino denies having Julia's money. He had near seventy 
 pounds in money and valuables belonging to her, and now he 
 refuses to pay her. Now, I know that Julia said in my pre- 
 sence, that Sabitino had taken her money, &c., and if he 
 does not return it, I desire to withdraw my character of him, 
 and so does Lady Hamilton ; for he may serve others in the 
 same manner : therefore, in behalf of a poor, injured woman, 
 who he knows he has otherwise injured, I beg you will speak 
 to him, and if he does not instantly pay the money to you to 
 be sent home, Lady Hamilton desires not to be considered as 
 recommending him, and I do the same ; for I cannot bear 
 such a monster of ingratitude. 
 
 We have had very severe gales of wind for seven days past: 
 it is now fine again. Report says that 1000 or 1500 Troops 
 sailed on the 1st from Marseilles. I have Frigates looking 
 out for them off Corsica, where I think they are bound, in 
 their way to Sardinia. I am ever, my dear Sir, your most 
 faithful servant, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 I never experienced anything like the health of this Fleet. 
 We have literally not a real sick man in it. 
 
 TO HIS EXCELLENCY HUGH ELLIOT, ESQ. 
 [Autograph, in the Elliot Papers.] 
 
 Victory, off Toulon, September llth, 1803. 
 
 My dear Sir, 
 
 I have directed the Gibraltar to remain fourteen days at 
 Naples ; and if she is not wanted there, her Captain has orders 
 to return to me : but if the Court think, or wish for her re- 
 maining, Captain Ryves has orders, on your written requisi- 
 tion, to remain till further orders ; for I never will neglect 
 the personal safety of those good Sovereigns. I am ever, c., 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE.
 
 200 LETTERS. [1803, 
 
 TO J. B. GIBERT, ESQ., BRITISH CONSUL AT BARCELONA. 
 [From Clarke and M'Arfhur, vol. ii. p. 324.] 
 
 13th September, 1803. 
 
 You will have the goodness to present my respectful com- 
 pliments to the Captain-General, and assure him, that the 
 return of Deserters shall be reciprocal on my part, and that I 
 have forgiven them at his request. You will also inform his 
 Excellency, that I have read with no small surprise, a Paper, 
 purporting to have been given in during the year 1771, and 
 now ordered to be put in force. I am ready to admit, that 
 the King of Spain may order us to be refused admittance into 
 his Ports, may refuse us, even when there, the rights of hos- 
 pitality, as his Excellency has done those of civility, in not 
 even asking Captain Whitby to sit down, although there were 
 others in his presence seated. His Sovereign may certainly, 
 if he pleases, go to War with us I deny none of these rights : 
 but I claim every indulgence which is shown to the Ships of 
 our Enemies. The French Squadron at Corunna are acting 
 almost as they please ; the Aigle French Ship of War is not 
 turned out of Cadiz, the French Frigate Revenge is permitted 
 to go out of that Port, cruise, and return with Prizes, and sell 
 them. I will not state that every Spanish Port is a home for 
 French Privateers, for this is well known ; and I am informed 
 that even at Barcelona, English Vessels captured by the 
 French, have been sold there. You will acquaint his Excel- 
 lency, that I claim for every British Ship, or Squadron, the 
 right of lying as long as I please in the Ports of Spain, whilst 
 it is allowed to other Powers ; that I claim the rights of hos- 
 pitality and civility, and every other right which the harmony 
 subsisting between our Sovereigns entitles us to. You will 
 acquaint his Excellency, that I can mean no disrespect per- 
 sonally to himself; but that it is a British Admiral returning 
 an answer to a Spanish Captain- General, through the same 
 channel which conveyed the message. I am, &c. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE.
 
 MT. 44.] LETTERS. 201 
 
 TO HIS EXCELLENCY JOHN HOOKHAM FRERE, MADRID. 
 
 [From Clarke and M'Arthur, vol. ii. p. 324. In transmitting the Captain-Gene- 
 ral's State Paper, with this letter, to Mr. Frere, our Envoy at Madrid, Lord Nelson 
 added:] 
 
 [About 13th September, 1803.] 
 
 This conduct, I suppose, indicates a War with us : I have 
 therefore earnestly to request, that you will send me imme- 
 diate notice of such an event, that I may send to the West 
 Indies, and act upon it myself. If your news of War passes 
 through England, it will be two or three months before I 
 shall know it officially, and the same in the West Indies. I 
 would recommend to your Excellency, sending an express to 
 Barcelona with an order to hire a Vessel, another to the Bay 
 of Rosas, where our Ships of War often are, and another to 
 Gibraltar to the Governor and Commanding Sea-Officer; 
 and I only hope that your letter may be clear, whether it will 
 be, or is, War. I am, &c. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO THE RESPECTIVE CAPTAINS AND COMMANDERS OF HIS 
 MAJESTY'S SHIPS AND VESSELS ON THE MEDITERRANEAN 
 STATION. 
 
 [From a Copy in the Nelson Papers.] 
 
 Victory, off Toulon, 13th September, 1803. 
 
 When British Seamen and Marines so far degrade them- 
 selves in time of War, as to desert from the Service of their 
 own Country, and enter into that of Spain ; when they leave 
 one shilling per day, and plenty of the very best provisions, 
 with every comfort that can be thought of for them for two- 
 pence a-day, black bread, horse-beans, and stinking oil for 
 their food; when British Seamen or Marines turn Spanish 
 Soldiers, I blush for them : they forfeit in their own opinion, 
 I am sure, that character of love of their own Country, 
 which Foreigners are taught to admire. A Briton to put 
 himself under the lash of a Frenchman or Spaniard must 
 be more degrading to any man of spirit then any punish- 
 ment I could inflict on their bodies. I shall leave the punish- 
 ment to their own feelings, which, if they have any, and are 
 still Englishmen, must be very great. But, as they thought
 
 202 LETTERS. [1803. 
 
 proper to abandon, voluntarily, their wives, fathers, mothers, 
 and every endearing tie, arid, also, all prospect of return- 
 ing to their native Country, I shall make them remain out 
 of that Country, which they do not wish to see, and allow 
 others, who love their Country, and are attached to their 
 families, to return in their stead. And, as they have also 
 thought proper to resign all their pay, I shall take care 
 that it is not returned to them, nor their " R." taken off; 2 
 but it shall be noted against their names, ' Deserted to the 
 Spaniards,' or ' Entered as a Spanish Soldier,' as the case was. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 The above Memorandum respecting the desertion of British 
 Seamen or Marines is to be read to the respective Companies 
 of His Majesty's Ships and Vessels under my command, and 
 copies thereof, to be stuck up in the most public places of 
 the Ships, in order that the magnitude of the crime may be 
 properly impressed on their minds. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO MAJOR-GENERAL VILLETTES. 
 [Autograph, in the possession of Josiah French, Esq.] 
 
 Victory, off Toulon, September 16th, 1803. 
 
 My dear General, 
 
 I wrote you on the 29th of August ; but such is my want 
 of Small Craft, that I have had no means of sending a letter. 
 We have had near fourteen days very blowing weather, but 
 that is to be expected at this season of the year. The Belleisle 
 is missing since the 14th, when I sent for her to look into' 
 Toulon. I hope the gentry did not come out in the gale, and 
 got hold of her that would be certainly contrary to my inten- 
 tions. On the llth, a Rear- Admiral, Chef d'Escadre, four Sail 
 of the Line, Frigates, and Corvettes, were under sail a Ship 
 of the Line and Frigates were some miles outside Sepet ; but 
 they returned again, and on the 13th, they were all snug at 
 anchor. We are now twenty leagues from Toulon, and a 
 calm, therefore, she is, I hope, not far off. The Frigates I 
 have are dispersed to look out, in case the French slip by me, 
 and our little Squadron is so healthy and keen that I would 
 
 * " R." f . e., " Run." The mark placed in the Ships' Books against the names 
 of such as had deserted.
 
 JET. 44.] LETTERS. 203 
 
 not recommend them to fall in with us. I am much obliged 
 to you for your goodness about the shells, and I have to 
 apologize to Colonel Benthanr for the trouble I am giving 
 him. I shall be very glad of a hundred for 1 2-pounders. I do 
 not mean to use them at sea, for that I hope to consider 
 burning our own Ships ; but in case they run ashore, then a 
 few put into their sides will do their business. From our 
 communication with Spain, it looks rather hostile, she must 
 go to War either with France or us ; and all the blame is laid 
 at our door because we will not bow to France, and allow the 
 world to be at peace. Such is the reasoning of the Spaniards 
 even the Captain-General of Catalonia ; but I have wrote 
 him a letter which will not be misunderstood, and I have sent 
 an express to Madrid. 
 
 I want Peace ; and therefore, if we are to have more Powers 
 upon us, the sooner they begin the better, and not give us a 
 long War. Your letters, my dear General, are always so 
 interesting to me, that I shall ever feel much obliged by your 
 sending them ; and believe me your most obliged and faithful 
 friend, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 I beg my best respects to General Oakes. As the Pre- 
 voyante goes direct for England, she will take your dispatches, 
 I think, perfectly safe : mine will go from Gibraltar by her. 
 
 A Swiss who was in Dillon's Regiment, came on board a 
 Ship at Barcelona, and, as he has been a Soldier, I send him 
 as a present to you. Mr. Brown, Commander of the Pre- 
 voyante will deliver him. 
 
 N. &B. 
 
 TO SIR ALEXANDER JOHN BALL, BART., MALTA. 
 
 [Autograph, in the possession of Sir William Keith Ball, Bart.] 
 
 Victory, off Toulon, September 16th, 1803. 
 
 My dear Ball, 
 
 I have had nothing to send you [since] my letter of August 
 29th, and we had a gale almost ever since. I bear up for every 
 gale. I must not, in our present state, quarrel with the North 
 Westers with crazy masts and no Port or spars near us. 
 
 * Lieutenant-Colonel William Bentham, of the Eoyal Artillery, who died a 
 Lieutenant- General, about 1828 or 1829.
 
 204 LETTERS. [1803. 
 
 Indeed, in the whole station, there is not a topmast for a 
 Seventy-four. On the llth, a Ship of the Line and some 
 Frigates were outside Sepet; a Rear-Admiral, Chef d'Escadre, 
 and another Ship of the Line, four in the whole, &c. Eight 
 were under Sail ; but seeing Canopus stand under Sicie, they 
 hauled their wind and worked in again. On the 12th and 
 13th, they were at anchor. That night I sent Belleisle to 
 work off the Port, wind blowing strong out E.S.E. and S.E., 
 which has drove us to twenty leagues West of Sicie. I am a 
 little anxious at her not joining ; but they must have more 
 than common luck to get hold of her. The Squadron has 
 health beyond what I have almost ever seen, except our 
 going to the Nile ; and I hope, if the French will give us the 
 opportunity, that our beef and pudding will be as well applied, 
 I should be very glad to copper the Queen Schooner for you, 
 but I much doubt if Government send out more than is neces- 
 sary for the Ships on the station. If she belongs to the 
 Government of the Island, a line from the Secretary of State 
 to the Admiralty will produce the copper for her; therefore 
 the Builder had better give you an account of the quantity 
 wanted paper, nails, &c. ; and for you to write to Lord 
 Hobart. With respect to the Commissaryship for Prisoners, 
 I only appointed Mr. Chapman on your recommendation ; 
 and I do not think I ought to appoint any one, much less a 
 Foreigner, with power to draw bills on our Government; 
 therefore, I rely that Mr. Chapman will hold it until the 
 Transport Board appoint a proper person be that person Mr. 
 Vankempen, 4 or any one else. The French Privateers in Sicily 
 do not seem to care for Neutrality. You and the Viceroy," I 
 take for granted, will settle this matter. By Lieutenant Shaw's 
 account, I never heard the equal to it, both at Girgenti and 
 Alicati. Your advice to Mr. Elliot will be good, and I think 
 he will attend to it; but Diplomatic men think, of course, they 
 know much better than any one else, and Mr. E. is the oldest 
 Minister we have. He has got a better appointment than any 
 Minister ever sent to Naples: he first got 3000 for plate 
 money, and 4500 a-year, being little [less than] Ambassador's 
 pay no bad hit, Mr. Elliot ; and they ought, my dear Friend, 
 to give you as much whilst you remain ; but I hope to see 
 
 4 Vide p. 101, ante. * Of Sicily.
 
 JET. 44. J LETTERS. 205 
 
 you again afloat. I, for one of your friends, never wished 
 you to have Malta: I had destined you in my mind for 
 another appointment. We are all well : Murray is measuring 
 rope and coals ; Hardy rigging the main-yard on the booms ; 
 and we are caulking and refitting for a winter's cruise, unless 
 the French will be so good as to prevent us ; but I am ever, 
 my dear Sir Alexander, most truly and faithfully yours, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO LIEUTENANT HARDING SHAW, 8 COMMANDING H. M. BRIG 
 
 TIGER. 
 
 [Letter-Book.] 
 
 Victoiy, off Toulon, ICth September, 1803. 
 
 Sir, 
 
 I have received your letter of the 30th ult, together with 
 a copy of your Log-book, and the two letters therein men- 
 tioned ; and notwithstanding your conduct (in protecting the 
 two English Merchant Ships of Girgenti from the insult, and 
 perhaps capture, of the French Privateer laying there) appears 
 highly praiseworthy, yet, with such information, I cannot take 
 upon me to say that your conduct is perfectly regular, and have 
 only to observe, that if it meets the approbation of Sir Alexander 
 Ball, there can be no doubt of its being correct and merito- 
 rious. I am, &c., NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO CAPTAIN , HIS MAJESTY'S SLOOP 
 
 [Letter-Book.] 
 
 Victory, off Toulon, ICth September, 1808. 
 
 Sir, 
 
 An Officer belonging to his Majesty's Sloop under 
 
 your command, having boarded a Vessel from Tunis, which, 
 consequently, placed the said Sloop under the most strict 
 Quarantine, and you having last evening, immediately after 
 such communication, sent an Officer on board the Victory, 
 and this morning come yourself, without previously acquaint- 
 ing me of such circumstance, and thereby endangering the 
 health of the Victory's Ship's company, and that of the whole 
 
 6 Lieutenant Harding Shaw was still a Lieutenant in 1809, and died before 1814.
 
 206 LETTERS. [1803. 
 
 Fleet under my command, I desire to acquaint you that such 
 conduct is highly reprehensible and unofficerlike, and that 
 you will hold yourself ready to answer (when called upon) 
 for it accordingly. I am, &c., 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO LADY HAMILTON. 
 
 [Autograph, in the possession of Colonel Davison.] 
 
 Victory, off Toulon, September 18th, 1803. 
 
 My dear Lady Hamilton, 
 
 The furniture and linen which was left behind at Palermo 
 and Naples, when you came to England, is, I hope, by this 
 time, safe at Malta. I have desired Mr. Noble to unpack, dry 
 them, and send you a list of the contents, which you must 
 send to the Treasury, in order to obtain an order for their 
 being allowed to come direct to you, without passing through 
 the Custom-House. I believe the cases are eighteen in 
 number. I have requested the favour of Mr. Brown, Com- 
 mander of the Prevoyante Store-Ship, who will carry them 
 either to Portsmouth or the Nore, to whichever place he may 
 be ordered. If you will apply by letter to my friend, Mr. 
 Vansittart, 7 of the Treasury, I am sure he will send an order 
 directly for their delivery. Only tell me, my dear Friend, in 
 what manner I can be useful to you in this Country, and, 
 believe me, I shall be truly proud in obeying your commands, 
 being for ever, your most obliged, faithful, and affectionate, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO SIR EVAN NEPEAN, BART., ADMIRALTY. 
 [Original, in the Admiralty.] 
 
 Victory, off Toulon, 21st September, 1803. 
 
 Sir, 
 
 I am to request you will be pleased to acquaint the Lords 
 Commissioners of the Admiralty, that the Prevoyante Store 
 Ship, which arrived here on the 21st ultimo, with stores for 
 the Fleet under my command, has completed all their demands 
 with much alacrity and attention, and that Mr. Brown's con- 
 
 \ Now Lord Bexley,
 
 JET. 44.] LETTERS. 207 
 
 duct, in the discharge of this duty, most perfectly meets my 
 approbation. 
 
 The deficiency occasioned by issuing the small stores by 
 retail, I have recommended the Navy Board to take into 
 account, and allow for it accordingly. The coals which came 
 out in the Prevoyante have been supplied to the different 
 Ships, who are all very much in want of fuel. The Prevoyante 
 proceeds immediately to Malta with the stores she has for that 
 Arsenal, and afterwards proceeds to Gibraltar to dispose of the 
 remainder, as Commissioner Otway may order ; from thence 
 she proceeds to the Nore. I am, &c. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO ADMIRAL THE EARL OF ST. VINCENT, K.B. 
 
 [Autograph, in the possession of Vice-Admiral Sir William Parker, Bart., G.C.B.] 
 
 Victory, off Toulon, September 21st, 1803. 
 
 My dear Lord, 
 
 I never have been better pleased than with the regularity 
 and good order in which the stores sent out by the Prevoyante 
 have been delivered to the Fleet; and the utility of having the 
 Ship with us is obvious, for I never could have spared the 
 Ships to go to Gibraltar for them. The conduct of Mr. Brown, 8 
 a Master in the Navy, her Commander, has been such as to 
 induce me to wish, from the difference I have seen, that the com- 
 mand of the Store-ships were continued to be given to respect- 
 able Masters, or Lieutenants, as they likewise act as Store- 
 keepers; and we know that Captains in those Ships are 
 generally above taking care of the stores. In justice to Mr. 
 Brown, I have wrote to the Admiralty and Navy Boards, 
 recommending him. I am ever, my dear Lord, your most 
 obliged and faithful, NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO THE PRINCIPAL OFFICERS AND COMMISSIONERS OF HIS 
 MAJESTY'S NAVY, LONDON. 
 
 [Letter-Book.] 
 Gentlemen, Victory, off Toulon, 21st September, 1803. 
 
 Slaving by letter of the 8th July last, directed the Naval 
 Storekeeper at Gibraltar to send the first Store-Ship which 
 
 fc Mr. William Brown, Master of the Prevoyante : he died before 1806.
 
 208 LETTERS. [1803. 
 
 might arrive there, direct to the Fleet off this place, with the 
 Clerk under whose charge the stores were entrusted, in order 
 that the issues to the different Ships might be regular, and the 
 receipts for the stores so issued perfectly correct, I have there- 
 fore to acquaint you that the Prevoyante Store-ship arrived 
 here on the 21st ult, under the command of Mr. William 
 Brown, whose care and attention to the delivery of every 
 article of stores to the Squadron off this place, deserves every 
 commendation I can bestow; and as the issue of nails and 
 other small stores by retail must naturally occasion some little 
 deficiency, I have to request you will be pleased to make 
 allowance for it accordingly. The coals which came out in 
 the Prevoyante have been supplied to the different Ships, 
 being very much in want of that article. I have directed Mr. 
 Brown to proceed to Malta with the stores he has for that 
 place, and afterwards to return to Gibraltar, where Commis- 
 sioner Otway will direct the disposal of the remainder. And 
 as the execution of this service will make it impossible for the 
 Prevoyante to get out of the Mediterranean before the latter 
 end of next month, I have recommended Mr. Brown to pro- 
 ceed from Gibraltar to the Nore direct, agreeable to your 
 order to him of the 27th of June, and not to go to Halifax, as 
 mentioned in your subsequent order of the 2nd ultimo, being 
 too late in the season, and, as such, contrary to the directions 
 therein contained. I am, &c. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO HIS HIGHNESS THE BEY OF TUNIS. 
 
 (Whom God preserve.) 
 
 [From a Copy, in the possession of the late Adam Bromilow, Esq.] 
 
 His Majesty's Ship Victory, off Toulon, 23rd September, 1803. 
 Sir, 
 
 Reports having reached me that some Vessels who call 
 themselves French Privateers, but who I can consider in no 
 other light than as Pirates, lay under the Island Zimbra, 9 
 and from the top of which make their observations of Vessels 
 passing, row out, and attack Vessels of Nations at peace 5nd 
 amity with your Highness, under your Flag ; and that, as the 
 
 9 Zimbra, at the mouth of the Gulf of Tunis.
 
 jET. 44.] LETTERS. 209 
 
 occasion may best suit them, they are either Vessels belong- 
 ing to your Highness, or pass for French Privateers; and 
 with this deception, I understand they have, passing for a 
 Crnizer belonging to your Highness, taken possession of an 
 English Ship, who obeyed the summons supposed to be given 
 by an Officer belonging to you, I have, therefore, to request 
 that your Highness will inquire into the truth of the assertion 
 made to me ; and if proved, that you will order such measures 
 to be taken as to justice shall appertain, for the just punish- 
 ment of the offenders. I send Captain Donnelly, of his 
 Majesty's Royal Navy, who will further explain to your High- 
 ness what may be necessary to be said upon this subject ; and 
 I request that your Highness may give full credit to what 
 Captain Donnelly may say in my name; and I have the 
 honour to assure your Highness that I am your most obedient 
 and faithful humble servant, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO CAPTAIN ROSS DONNELLY, H.M. SHIP NARCISSUS. 
 [Autograph, in the possession of the late Adam Bromilow, Esq.] 
 
 Victory, off Toulon, 23rd September, 1803. 
 
 Whereas some French Privateers have, as is represented in 
 the Papers sent herewith, made the most unwarrantable use 
 of the Bey of Tunis's Port and Colours, for the capture of 
 an English Ship called Pomona, You are therefore hereby 
 required and directed to proceed, with all possible dispatch, 
 in his Majesty's Ship Narcissus under your command, to the 
 Bey of Tunis, and endeavour, in concert with Mr. Clark, 
 (who acts as British Consul in the absence of Mr. Magra,) to 
 obtain from the justice of the Bey, the restitution of the said 
 Ship, and any other which may have been illegally taken. 
 You will deliver to his Highness my letter which accompanies 
 this, (a copy of which is also herewith transmitted for your 
 information,) and you will urge, but in the most moderate 
 manner, the equity of our demand, and point out what would 
 be the consequence, if I was inclined to take a similar posi- 
 tion ; but his Highness knows that I have always respected 
 his Neutrality. You will also take an opportunity of acquaint- 
 
 VOL. V. P
 
 210 LETTERS. [1803. 
 
 ing his Highness, that I have received information that the 
 French have made several purchases of oil, &c. in his 
 Dominions, and that they are hiring Vessels belonging to 
 Tunis, to bring it to Marseilles ; and as a most particular mark 
 of my wishing to pay every respect to his Flag, I earnestly 
 entreat that he will order his Subjects not to hire the Ships of 
 Tunis for any such purpose ; as if they are found with French 
 property, or suspected French property, on board, they will 
 be detained for trial : for although the Vessels may be bond fide 
 belonging to Tunis, it will not protect the cargo of an Enemy. 
 You will, however, touch on these points with so much 
 good humour as to leave the impression of my high respect 
 for his Highness, and regard for the real property of his Sub- 
 jects. I rely with confidence on your ability and judgment 
 in managing these matters to my satisfaction, and to the ad- 
 vantage of your Country. You will, of course, receive all 
 English Seamen who may be at Tunis ; and you will get 
 every information, what supplies of bullocks, water, wood, and 
 onions can be furnished the Fleet, and as near as possible the 
 prices. Having performed this service as above directed, you 
 are to return, and join me on my rendezvous off this place, as 
 expeditiously as possible, with an account thereof. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO SIR EVAN NEPEAN, BART., ADMIRALTY. 1 
 
 [Original, in the Admiralty.] 
 
 Victory, off Toulon, 24th September, 1803. 
 
 Sir, 
 
 As it is more than probable that the Fleet under my com- 
 mand will be obliged to keep the seas during the whole of the 
 winter season, for the purpose of watching the Enemy's Ships 
 at Toulon, and as there is in the Gulf of Lyons and its vicinity, 
 upon an average, three days' gale of severe blowing weather 
 out of the seven, which frequently comes on suddenly, and 
 thereby exposes the topmasts, topsail-yards and sails, to great 
 hazard, under every care and attention ; I am therefore to 
 desire you will be pleased to communicate this circumstance 
 
 1 Lord Nelson wrote a letter on the same day, and almost in the same words, to 
 the Commissioners of the Navy.
 
 JET. 44.] LETTERS. 211 
 
 to the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty, and sug- 
 gest to their Lordships the propriety of sending out a suffi- 
 cient number of topmasts, topsail-yards, and spare sails for 
 the Ships, they may judge necessary for the service before- 
 mentioned, as early as possible, there being none of the two 
 former in store, either at Gibraltar or Malta. I am, &c. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO SIR EVAN NEPEAN, BART., ADMIRALTY. 
 [Original, in the Admiralty.] 
 
 Victory, off Toulon, 25tli September, 1803. 
 
 Sir, 
 
 You will please to acquaint the Lords Commissioners of the 
 Admiralty, that his Majesty's Ship Seahorse joined the 
 Squadron off this place, yesterday forenoon, having left the 
 Convoy, which she brought from England, at Malta. You will 
 also please to acquaint their Lordships, that a Convoy is 
 ordered from Malta to England, and will proceed from Valetta 
 Harbour on the first of next month, or as soon after as the 
 Anson and Stately have joined with the Levant trade, which 
 I trust will be about that time : this Convoy will take under its 
 protection the trade which may be collected at Gibraltar. I 
 am, &c. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO CAPTAIN SIR RICHARD JOHN STRACHAN, BART., II. M. SHIP 
 
 DONEGAL. 
 
 [From Clarke and M'Arthur, vol. ii. p. 335.] 
 
 2Gtli September, 1803. 
 
 The occurrences which pass every day in Spain forbode, I 
 fancy, a speedy War with England; therefore it becomes 
 proper for me to put you upon your guard, and advise you 
 how to act under particular circumstances. By looking at 
 the former line of conduct on the part of Spain, which she 
 followed just before the commencement of the last War, we 
 may naturally expect the same events to happen. The 
 French Admiral Richery was in Cadiz, blocked up by Admiral 
 
 p2
 
 212 LETTERS. [1803. 
 
 Man ; 2 on August the 22nd, they came to sea, attended by the 
 Spanish Fleet, which saw the French safe beyond St. Vin- 
 cent, and returned into Cadiz. Admiral Man very properly 
 did not choose to attack Admiral Richery under such an 
 escort. This is a prelude to what I must request your strict 
 attention to ; at the same time, I am fully aware that you 
 must be guided, in some measure, by actual circumstances. 
 
 I think it very probable, even before Spain breaks with us, 
 that they may send a Ship or two of the Line to see L'Aigle 
 round Cape St. Vincent ; and that if you attack her in their 
 presence, they may attack you ; and giving them possession 
 of the Donegal, would be more than either you or I should 
 wish, therefore I am certain it must be very comfortable for 
 you to know my sentiments. From what you hear in Cadiz, 
 you will judge how far you may venture yourself in company 
 with a Spanish Squadron; but if you are of opinion that you 
 may trust yourself near them, keeping certainly out of gun- 
 shot, send your Boat with a letter to the Spanish Commodore, 
 and desire to know whether he means to defend the French 
 Ships ; and get his answer in writing, and have it as plain as 
 possible. If it be * yes, that he will fire at you if you attack 
 the French under his protection,' then, if you have force 
 enough, make your attack on the whole body, and take them 
 all if you can ; for I should consider such an answer as a per- 
 fect Declaration of War. If you are too weak for such an 
 attack, you must desist ; but you certainly are fully authorized 
 to take the Ships of Spain whenever you meet them. Should 
 the answer be ambiguous, you must then act as your judgment 
 may direct you, and I am sure that will be very proper. Only 
 recollect, that it would be much better to let the French 
 Ships escape, than to run too great a risk of losing the 
 Donegal, yourself, and Ship's company. I am, &c. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 * Vide vol. ii. p. 250.
 
 JET. 44.] LETTERS. 213 
 
 TO LADY HAMILTON. 
 
 [From " Lord Nelson's Letters to Lady Hamilton," vj], i. p. 152.] 
 
 September 2Gth, 1803. 
 
 My dearest Emma, 
 
 We have had, for these fourteen days past, nothing but 
 gales of wind, and a heavy sea. However, as our Ships have 
 suffered no damage, I hope to be able to keep the sea all the 
 winter. Nothing, but dire necessity, shall force me to that 
 out of the way place, Malta. If I had depended upon that 
 Island, for supplies for the Fleet, we must all have been 
 knocked up, long ago ; for, Sir Richard Bickerton sailed from 
 Malta, the same day I left Portsmouth, so that we have been 
 a pretty long cruise ; and, if I had only to look to Malta for 
 supplies, our Ships companies would have been done for long 
 ago. However, by management, I have got supplies from 
 Spain, and also from France ; but it appears, that we are 
 almost shut out from Spain, for they begin to be very uncivil 
 to our Ships. However, I suppose, by this time, something 
 is settled ; but, I never hear from England. My last letters 
 are July 6th, near three months. But, as I get French 
 newspapers occasionally, we guess how matters are going on. 
 
 I have wrote Mr. Gibbs, again, a long history about 
 Bronte ; and, I hope, if General Acton will do nothing for 
 me, that he will settle something : but, I know, whatever is 
 settled, I shall be the loser. Till next year, the debt will not 
 be paid off; how 
 
 TO SIR EVAN NEPEAN, BART., ADMIRALTY. 
 
 [Letter-Book.] 
 
 Victory, off Toulou, 27th September, 1803. 
 
 Sir, 
 
 I herewith transmit you copy of a letter from Captain 
 Richardson, of His Majesty's Ship Juno, giving an account of 
 the capture of the French Bombard Privateer, Les Quatre 
 Fils of Nice, which you will pie ase to lay before the Lords 
 Commissioners of the Admiralty for their information. I 
 
 am, &c., 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE*
 
 214 LETTERS. [1803. 
 
 TO ADMIRAL THE EARL OF ST. VINCENT, K.B. 
 
 [Autograph, in the possession of Vice- Admiral Sir William Parker, Bart., G.C.B.] 
 
 Victory, off Toulon, September 27th, 1803. 
 
 My dear Lord, 
 
 It is now near three months since my last letters were 
 dated from England ; and but for a French newspaper, which 
 hitherto we have procured through Spain from Paris, we 
 should not have known how the world went on ; and reports 
 have so often changed the First Lord of the Admiralty, that I 
 know not if I am now writing to him ; but that does not 
 matter; I trust I am writing to an old friend, who sincerely 
 wishes me as well as I do him. 
 
 I have said all my say long ago on the subject of the Ships 
 here ; therefore, I shall not bore you on that subject again. 
 The fact is this all the Ships have expected every day before 
 the War, to go to England ; therefore, when the War came, 
 they wanted for everything more especially to go to England. 
 However, a good deal of that fever is wore off, and we are 
 really got to a state of health which is rarely witnessed. I 
 have exerted myself to get all the good things we could from 
 Spain, and latterly our cattle and onions have been procured 
 from France; but from the apparent incivilities of the Spaniards, 
 I suppose we are on the eve of being shut out. Our length 
 of passage from Malta is terrible. We have not procured one 
 single article of refreshment from thence since the Fleet sailed 
 (May 18th;) therefore, if a Fleet here had only Malta to 
 trust to, the Fleet must go to Malta, for the good things of 
 Malta could never come to us ; and in that case the French 
 might do as they pleased, between here and Gibraltar, for two 
 months together. At this moment I think the Squadron, as 
 far as relates to me, are fit to go to Madras. Their hulls 
 want docking. I hope to be able to keep the sea all the 
 winter in short, to stay at sea till the French choose to come 
 to sea; and then I hope to send many of our Ships who 
 want what I cannot give them, to England, towing a Line-of- 
 Battle Ship. I believe we are uncommonly well disposed to 
 give the French a thrashing, and we are keen ; for I have not 
 seen a French flag on the sea since I joined the Squadron. 
 A fortnight ago, three or four Sail of the Line were under 
 sail, and some had got a few miles from Sepet, but I believe
 
 MT. 44.] LETTERS. 215 
 
 it was only for an exercise. Reports say they are hard at 
 work, fitting out two new 80-gun Ships. Their lower 
 rigging is over the mast-heads. I wish they would make 
 haste, for our gales of wind, Admiral Campbell says, are 
 harder and more frequent than ever. I believe them much 
 the same always very violent, and a heavy sea. But it is 
 time to finish ; therefore I shall only say that I am ever, my 
 dear Lord, your most faithful friend, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO THE RIGHT HONOURABLE HENRY ADDINGTON. 
 [Autograph, in the Sidmouth Papers.] 
 
 Victory, off Toulon, 27th September, 1803. 
 
 My dear Sir, 
 
 The French are not yet out, although they about a fortnight 
 ago made an appearance ; indeed, some of their Ships were 
 outside the harbour, but I rather think it was to get an exer- 
 cise. However, they took wit in their anger, and returned again. 
 They are hard at work equipping two new Eighty-gun ships ; 
 perhaps they wait for their being ready before they give us a 
 meeting. I hope to be able to keep up six sail of the Line ; 
 and with that force, although they will be superior in numbers, 
 yet I have every reason to hope that we shall give a very good 
 account of them. We are at this moment the healthiest 
 Squadron I ever served in, for the fact is we have no sick, and 
 are all in good humour. The Spaniards are now so very 
 uncivil to our Ships, that I suppose we shall not be much longer 
 friends. I have wrote to Mr. Frere, at Madrid, to entreat that 
 he would take every possible means to give me the earliest in- 
 formation of hostilities ; and pointed out to him the length of 
 time which would elapse before I could know it through 
 England, and the very great importance of my knowing it. 
 I sent a few days ago to Minorca, but the Spaniards would 
 not give our Ship pratique; but Captain Donnelly learnt, 
 that there are three Frenchmen taking an account of the 
 revenue and how it is raised, and making every minute in- 
 quiry. Does this portend a cession of that Island ? I fear it 
 does, and the Minorquins think so I should be very sorry to 
 see that happen ; for, however valuable and important Malta 
 may be in other respects, and no man rates its value more
 
 216 LETTERS. [1803. 
 
 than I do, yet as a place to get refreshments from, for a Fleet off 
 Toulon, it is useless ; I always thought it, and now I know it. 
 Since May 18th, the day the Squadron sailed from Malta, 
 notwithstanding that every attempt has been made, as the 
 Victualling Board will know but too well, not one morsel of 
 fresh beef or any vegetables have we been able to get from 
 Malta ; therefore if we had only Malta to trust to, our Fleet 
 must go there, and leave the station for two months together, 
 and the French to do as they please. Minorca may have its 
 inconveniences ; but its'conveniences are so great, that I trust 
 at the moment a Spanish War is certain, that we shall be able 
 to secure it: not but I am fully aware you want all your 
 Troops, yet I ought not to pass by what my humble opinion 
 is. I still hope that our great plan against Spain will be 
 able to be carried into effect, and that my Mortar rafts 2 will be 
 used with great success: I can find no one objection to them ; 
 their effect is certain, and little or no expense. I had more 
 to say on other subjects, but I am fearful of intruding : there- 
 fore I only be'g you to be assured, that every exertion of mine 
 shall be used to bring this just War to an honourable and suc- 
 cessful termination ; and believe me ever, my dear Sir, your 
 most attached and faithful friend, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 It is near three months since we have had letters from 
 England, 
 
 TO ALEXANDER DAVISON, ESQ. 
 
 [Autograph, in the possession of Colonel Davisou.] 
 
 Victory, September 27tb, 1803. 
 
 My dear Davison, 
 
 The Proclamation 3 is so incomprehensible to all of us, that I 
 beg that you will desire Messrs. Booth and Haslewood to get 
 me one or two good opinions on the questions ; and if any other 
 question should arise out of the Lawyers' answers, to get an 
 opinion on the answer; for sending me a doubtful opinion, is 
 leaving me as I am, in doubt. Cruizing as we are, but little 
 news can come to us. Since July 6th, we have received 
 
 8 Vide p. 71, ante. 
 
 3 "A Proclamation for Granting tlie Distribution of Prizes," dated 7th July, 
 1803. A copy of it is in the " Naval Chronicle/' vol. x. pp. 70 81,
 
 /EX. 45.] LETTERS. 217 
 
 nothing from England of a later date. The Spaniards begin 
 to be very uncivil : I suppose this forbodes a Spanish War. I 
 only hope to get early information. Since I have joined the 
 Fleet we have not seen one Frenchman on the sea, but we are 
 waiting for the sailing of their Fleet, which we hope will not 
 be much longer deferred ; for we are a little impatient. Your 
 kindness, my dear friend, in sending me out pamphlets and 
 magazines has been so uniform, that I shall only say how truly 
 acceptable they are. I have only a moment to write thus 
 much, but only believe, my dear Davison, that I feel myself 
 ever your most sincere and faithful friend, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 Hardy desires his kind regards. Make my best com- 
 pliments acceptable to Lord Moira, whose character I most 
 highly esteem. 
 
 TO CAPTAIN RICHARD 11USSEY MOUBRAY, H.M. SHIP ACTIVE. 
 [Order-Book.] 
 
 Victory, off Toulon, 28th September, 1803. 
 
 Having received information that there are two of the 
 Enemy's Frigates to the Eastward of Toulon, You are hereby 
 required and directed to take his Majesty's Ship named in the 
 margin 4 under your command, (whose Captain is directed to 
 put himself under your orders,) and proceed immediately to 
 the Eastward of Toulon, in search of the said French Frigates, 
 looking into the Bay of Nice, from thence to Genoa, and 
 strictly examine any Bay between that and Leghorn, in which 
 you may judge it most likely to fall in with them. Not finding 
 them at any of the before-mentioned places, you are to call at 
 the Island of Elba, where it is probable they may' touch? 
 Should your endeavours be ineffectual to fall in with the 
 Enemy, in the course of fourteen days from the date hereof, 
 you arc to return and join me on my Rendezvous off this place 
 at the expiration of that time. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE.
 
 218 LETTERS. [1803. 
 
 TO COMMISSIONER OTWAY, GIBRALTAR. 
 
 [Autograph, in tlie possession of Bear -Admiral Inglefield, C.B.] 
 
 Victory, off Toulon, September 29th, 1803. 
 
 My dear Sir, 
 
 The Halcyon is going to put herself under the orders of Sir 
 Richard Strachan, but I have directed Captain Pearse 5 to 
 carry the Gibraltar mail to Lisbon, and to bring back the 
 mail for Gibraltar. The Monmouth I expect every day from 
 Naples. She is to go to Gibraltar to fit out the Ambuscade, 
 and probably to carry her home with the Convoy, which will 
 sail from Malta about the middle of October. The Prevoyante 
 is gone to Malta, and when she has delivered her stores, will 
 proceed to Gibraltar. I have been expecting either the Bittern 
 or Termagant for this month past, and also something from 
 England, but they seem to have forgot us. I am, my dear 
 Sir, your much obliged and faithful, humble servant, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO ALEXANDER DAVISON, ESQ. 
 
 [Autograph, in the possession of Colonel Davison.] 
 
 Victory, off Toulon, October 4th, 1803. 
 
 My dear Davison, 
 
 Your kind letter of August 1 5th, via Lisbon, I received on 
 the 1st, and was the first line I have had from England since 
 the first week in July. Everything relative to yourself makes 
 me truly comfortable. The King, I hope, will make you a 
 Baronet, or a Peer, in the stead of a simple Knight. You 
 know my answer to such dirty dogs as wanted to pull you 
 
 down they be d d. You are, my dear Friend, too wise 
 
 a man at this time of day to run any risk of being a poor man. 
 Recollect the epitaph, ' / ivas well, but would be better.' But 
 whatever you do, will have my sincere good wishes, arid you 
 know enough of the world not to be careful. I am truly 
 sensible of your good wishes for my prosperity. I believe I 
 
 * Captain Henry Whitmarsh Pearse was Lord Nelson's Flag-Lieutenant, and was 
 promoted into the Halcyon on the 12th of August, 1803: he died a Post-Captain 
 and a Companion of the Bath, in November 1832.
 
 JET. 45.] LETTERS. 219 
 
 attend more to the French Fleet than making captures ; but 
 what I have, I can say as old Haddock 6 said, ' it never cost a 
 Sailor a tear, nor the Nation a farthing.' This thought is 
 ^ar better than Prize-money ; not that I despise money 
 quite the contrary, I wish I had one hundred thousand 
 pounds this moment, and I will do everything consistent with 
 my good name to obtain it. We are healthy beyond example, 
 and in great good humour with ourselves ; and so sharp-set, 
 that I would not be a French Admiral in the way of any of 
 our Ships for something. I believe we are in the right fighting 
 trim, let them come as soon as they please. I never saw a 
 Fleet altogether so well Officered and manned. Would to 
 God the Ships were half as good, but they are what we call 
 crazy, 
 
 You will have had the Power of Attorney for the Dutchman, 
 and I suppose she will be given up to us. Of course, you will 
 do what is right, and keep my Prize-money to help to pay my 
 debt, which I am every month increasing. I do not write to 
 Lord Moira, because I can only tell him that I am looking 
 for the French Fleet. They must come out very soon. I was 
 sorry to see his Lordship had a very severe fall. I hope he is 
 perfectly recovered, and I beg that you will make my respectful 
 compliments acceptable. I send a little parcel for Lady Hamil- 
 ton, directed under cover to you. Pray, forward it to Merton, 
 where I hope my dearest Lady Hamilton is well, comfortable, 
 and happy. I hope next summer to be able to build the 
 room, and I must write to Linton about the field, which I 
 wish to have to make the new entrance, &c., &c., provided 
 she stays to manage the improvements. I will admit no 
 display of taste at Merton, but hers. She bought it, and I 
 hope will continue to improve and beautify it to the day, at 
 least, of my death. Believe me ever, dear Davison, your most 
 faithful and affectionate friend, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE* 
 
 Sir Richard Haddock, Admiral of the Fleet in the reign of King William the 
 Third.
 
 220 LETTERS. [1803. 
 
 TO THE RESPECTIVE FLAG-OFFICERS, CAPTAINS, AND COM- 
 MANDERS OF HIS MAJESTY'S SHIPS AND VESSELS ON THE 
 
 MEDITERRANEAN STATION. 
 
 [From a Copy, in the Elliot Papers."] 
 
 Victory, at Sea, 4th October, 1803. 
 
 His Majesty having been pleased to order the Blockade of 
 Genoa and Port Especia, 7 You are hereby required and di- 
 
 " Downing Street, 23rd August, 1803. 
 7 " My Lord, 
 
 " In consequence of the information contained in your Lordship's letter to Mr. 
 Addiugton of the 28th June 9th July, [vide p. IOC, ante,] and confirmed by various 
 circumstances, it has been judged indispensably necessary for his Majesty's Service, 
 to give immediate orders that the Ports of Genoa and Spezzia should be placed in 
 a state of Blockade; and the regular notification thereof having been made to the 
 Ministers of the different Neutral Powers residing at this Court, your Lordship will 
 receive the necessary instructions for your guidance by this opportunity from the 
 Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty. 
 
 " The hostile conduct of the Government of Algiers towards the Maltese, since 
 they have been under the protection of his Majesty, renders it necessary that 
 ' your Lordship should immediately take measures for demanding that all Maltese 
 captured by the Algerine Cruizers dining that period, should be forthwith released, 
 and delivered up to whomsoever you may depute to receive them ; and in the 
 event of the Regency of Algiers refusing to comply with your demand, I am com- 
 manded by his Majesty to direct that your Lordship do adopt the most vigorous and 
 effectual measures for taking or destroying all Ships and Vessels belonging to the 
 said Regency, or to the Subjects thereof; and that you do pursue every mode of 
 distressing that State, until the Dey shall manifest a disposition to comply with the 
 just demand which your Lordship is hereby directed tn make, in his Majesty's 
 name, on behalf of the Maltese People living under the protection of his Majesty's 
 Government. 
 
 " The very judicious observations contained in your Lordship's letter to Mr. 
 Addington upon the Political state of the South of Italy, and the opinions which 
 you have detailed in your correspondence with his Majesty's Minister at the Court 
 of Naples, Lave been fully considered by his Majesty's confidential sen-ants ; and I 
 have much satisfaction in acquainting your Lordship that the line of conduct which 
 you have suggested for the Court of Naples to pursue, under the critical circum- 
 stances of its present situation, has been highly approved ; and Mr. Elliot will be 
 instructed by Lord Hawkesbury to continue to communicate with your Lordship 
 upon every occasion relative to that subject. 
 
 " I am likewise to desire that your Lordship's correspondence upon thcs:c, and 
 all other Political subjects, should be addressed to me, that I may be enabled to lay 
 them before the King, and to convey to you his Majesty's commands thereon. It 
 having been thought advisable to take measures for recruiting among the Swiss, 
 and Mr. Gardner having been sent to Switzerland for that purpose, I am to desire 
 that your Lordship will give orders to the Commanders of his Majesty's Cruizers. 
 under your command to receive on board any such recruits, in order to their being 
 conveyed to the Island of Malta, or to Gibraltar. I have the honour to be, &c., 
 HOBABT," Original,
 
 JET. 45.] LETTERS. 221 
 
 rected, on foiling in with any Merchant Ship or Vessel of what- 
 ever description or Nation, bound to either of those Ports, 
 which may have sailed from any Port or place after such 
 Blockade was publicly known, to detain and send them into 
 Port for adjudication ; and you are also, on falling in with any 
 Ship or Vessel bound to Genoa or Port Especia, whose Masters 
 have not received information of the Blockade of those Ports, 
 to acquaint them thereof, and to notify the same upon their bill 
 of health, or other public paper ; and you are also to acquaint 
 the Masters of such Ships or Vessels, that if, after this public 
 notification, they shall be found on the West Coast to the 
 Northward of Cape Del Melle, or on the Coast of Tuscany 
 to the Northward of Leghorn, their Vessels and Cargoes will 
 be sent into Port for adjudication, for a breach of Blockade. 
 
 You are also to receive from each Master of the Vessel spoke, 
 an acknowledgment of having received such a notification. The 
 notification is to be wrote on the bill of health, or other public 
 paper, and the acknowledgment thereof to be kept. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO CAPTAIN , H.M. SLOOP 
 
 [Letter-Book.] 
 
 Victory, at Sea, October 4th, 1803. 
 
 Sir, 
 
 I have received from Mr. Falcon, his Majesty's Consul at 
 Algiers, a letter, of which a copy is herewith enclosed, to- 
 gether with your correspondence with him ; and I beg leave 
 to have your reasons in writing for throwing any impediments 
 in his way of coming to me, more especially as you demanded 
 of him a copy of my letter to him, which desired him to join 
 me on His Majesty's Service. Your not bringing Mr. Falcon 
 
 in his Majesty's Sloop under your command, is at this 
 
 moment very prejudicial to His Majesty's Service. I am, 
 &c., 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE.
 
 222 LETTERS. [1803. 
 
 TO COMMISSIONER OTWAY, GIBRALTAR. 
 
 [Autograph, in the possession of Rear- Admiral Inglefield, C.B.] 
 
 Victory, October 4th, 1803. 
 
 My dear Sir, 
 
 On October 1st, I was favoured with your several letters, 
 and you will, of course, supply the Ambuscade with no more 
 stores than is barely necessary to carry her to England ; and 
 as she will only be wanted to carry herself safe to England, I 
 should hope that her rigging and sails taken in her will fully 
 answer that purpose. 
 
 I have wrote, on my first arrival, recommending a Commander 
 to be appointed to the Prison-Ship at Gibraltar. The French 
 having at Toulon refused any communication with us, I do 
 not think that we can liberate their Seamen. Those from 
 Gibraltar would assist to man L'Aigle at Cadiz, and the Ships 
 at Ferrol ; but, probably, the Ship expected with dispatches 
 for the Mediterranean will bring out some directions concern- 
 ing them. If they were put in a Cartel, they would never 
 go to England : that could not be expected ; and if they were 
 not in a Cartel, they would carry off the Ship as a good Prize. 
 If it comes necessary to send them, it must be in a Cartel 
 with a false destination say Brest, and to carry them into 
 Falmouth or Plymouth. The Master or Officer to have public 
 and secret orders. We have 400 at Malta. 
 
 As I send you a very fine Brig, 6 I hope the Gut will be 
 kept clear of French Privateers. All English seamen will, I 
 hope, be secured for the Ships, who are between 7 and 800 
 short of their complements. As Captain Hart has just come 
 from Naples, he will tell you all the Italian news. He goes 
 to fit out, and man the Ambuscade. I am, dear Sir, with 
 great respect and esteem, your most obedient and faithful 
 servant, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 6 The Halcyon, Captain Pearse.
 
 MT. 45. J LETTERS. 223 
 
 TO ADMIRAL THE EARL OF ST. VINCENT, K.B. 
 [Autograph, in the possession of Vice- Admiral Sir William Parker, Bart., G.C.B.] 
 
 Victory, off Toulon, October 5th, 1803. 
 
 My dear Lord, 
 
 I have put Captain Durban, who I never saw till this day, 
 into the Ambuscade; I trust the Admiralty will highly approve 
 of it. His services appear to me to have been very great, and 
 never rewarded, but his merits confessed by all. I am don't 
 laugh dreadfully sea-sick this day, and as it blows a Levanter, 
 I must not keep the Monmouth, who joined from Naples last 
 night. Mr. Layman your Lordship knows very well : I have 
 put him into the Weazle. I am always, my dear Lord, most 
 
 faithfully yours, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO SIR EVAN NEPEAN, BART, ADMIRALTY. 
 [Original, in the Admiralty.] 
 
 Victory, off Toulon, October 5th, 1803. 
 
 Sir, 
 
 I have taken no steps to commission the Ambuscade till I 
 saw Captain Durban, 8 which was not until this morning. 
 From the copies of letters from you, approving, by order of 
 their Lordships, his conduct on many occasions, and from 
 several individual letters from Members of the late and present 
 Admiralty, I think that their Lordships will most highly 
 approve of my embracing this opportunity of promoting so 
 deserving an Officer. I have appointed Lieutenant William 
 Layman to command the Weazle, and appointed two Lieuten- 
 ants to the Ambuscade. This is all the establishment I shall 
 give her for her passage to England, as she will be manned 
 from his Majesty's ship Monmouth, and I hope that both will 
 be ready to proceed to England with the next Convoy. I 
 have the honour to be, &c., 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 8 Captain William Durban. This zealous and scientific Officer, who was made 
 an Honorary Doctor of Laws, died a Rear-Admiral of the Blue on the 9th of 
 February Ib37, a few weeks after he attained his Flag.
 
 224 LETTERS. [1803. 
 
 TO ....... MASTER OF II. M. SLOOP 
 
 [Letter Book.] 
 
 Victory, off Toulou, 5th October, 1803. 
 
 Sir, 
 
 I have received your letter of the 3rd instant, requesting, 
 for the reasons therein mentioned, that I will order a Court- 
 
 Martial on Captain , Commander of his Majesty's 
 
 Sloop : in answer to which, I have to acquaint you, 
 
 that as you have not mentioned any particular case or instance 
 
 of Captain 's cruelty or oppression to you, I do not 
 
 feel justified in complying with your request upon such loose 
 charges as you allege against him in your aforesaid letter. I 
 am, &c., 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO THE RIGHT HONOURABLE HENRY ADDINGTON. 
 
 [Autograph, in the Sidmouth Papers.] 
 
 Victory, off Toulon, October Cth, 1803. 
 
 My dear Sir, 
 
 Some of our Ships chased two Frigates into Calvi, in 
 Corsica, and two Corvettes have been chased into Hieres. 
 The French Admiral mounted yesterday morning his Sea- 
 Vane, a thing which a landsman would not notice ; but it 
 gives a certainty to my mind that they wish to put to sea, and 
 never was a Squadron of British Ships more anxious to meet 
 them. I can have no excuse, nor do I want my Country to 
 make any for me : if I see the Enemy, my exertions shall be 
 used to lay the Squadron well in, and the event, with the 
 blessing of Providence on a just cause, we have no reason to 
 fear. Till the Battle is over I hope to write to you no more ; 
 whether I survive it or not, my name shall never bring a blush 
 on the cheeks of my friends. May God bless you, my King 
 and Country, and believe me ever your most attached and 
 faithful friend, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE.
 
 JET. 45.] LETTERS, 225 
 
 TO CAPTAIN WILLIAM LAYMAN, H.M. SLOOP WEAZLE. 
 
 [From a Copy in the Admiralty.] 
 
 Victory, off Toulon, 6th October, 1803. 
 
 Having ordered that his Majesty's Sloop Weazle, under 
 your command, may be taken into the Mole at Gibraltar so 
 soon as Commissioner Otway has completed the Ambuscade's 
 defects, You are hereby required and directed to cause the 
 utmost exertion to be used (so far as the same may depend 
 upon you) in getting the Weazle's defects made good, and 
 the said Ship fitted for sea with all dispatch ; and, so soon as 
 she is in all respects ready, you are to proceed and cruise very 
 diligently in the Gut, for the purpose of keeping the com- 
 munication between Gibraltar and the Coast of Barbary open, 
 proceeding (as circumstances of information respecting the 
 Enemy's Privateers may render necessary) for the purpose of 
 protecting the Trade of his Majesty's Subjects, and destroying 
 the Enemy's Privateers and Cruisers which are stationed there 
 to intercept our commerce, attending most strictly to my order 
 of the 30th May last, (which will be delivered to you by Cap- 
 tain Durban,) respecting the non-interruption of the Trade of 
 his Catholic Majesty's Subjects, and the Neutrality to be 
 observed with the Powers in amity with Great Britain. 
 
 You are never to exceed to the Westward of keeping the 
 limits of Cape Spartel in sight on any account ; and in the 
 execution of this service, you are to pay due regard to such 
 desires as Lieutenant-General Sir Thomas Trigge 8 may find 
 necessary to require of you for the protection of the Boats 
 employed in bringing the necessary refreshments to the 
 Garrison, or otherwise, as his Majesty's Service may require 
 calling once every week on the Lieutenant-Governor to know 
 his desires, and to receive such orders as I may find necessary 
 to send you. You are to continue on this service till other- 
 wise directed, acquainting me, from time to time, as oppor- 
 tunity may offer, with an account of your proceedings. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE, 
 
 N.B. The Halcyon under similar orders. 
 
 Lieutenant-Governor of Gibraltar. 
 VOL. V. Q
 
 226 LETTERS. [1803. 
 
 TO SIR ALEXANDER JOHN BALL, BART., MALTA. 
 [Autograph, in the possession of Sir William Keith Ball, Bart.] 
 
 Victory, off Toulon, October 6th, 1803. 
 
 My dear Ball, 
 
 Your friendly council and advice is always most acceptable, 
 and the wisdom of the measures you propose is undoubted, 
 and should be followed had I the means. The state of Egypt 
 is deplorable ; and I have no doubt that the French have 
 made a treaty with the Mamelukes, or will with the Turks. I 
 have not only wrote it, but impressed it on Mr. Addington's 
 mind, the necessity of his steering such a course as would 
 neither throw the Mamelukes or Turks into the arms of 
 France. Whether they attend at home to these things, I very 
 much doubt and deplore. I hope the Capitan is, long before 
 this, in Egypt not that I believe the Turks will ever be 
 what they call masters of that Country again. The wish I 
 have of sending a small Ship now and then to Egypt is 
 frustrated, for I have them not. I want to place a good Sloop 
 to guard our Currant Ships, and to look about the Republic 
 of the Seven Islands. I want also to place a Ship above 
 Ancona. How far Captain Cracraft will be able to accom- 
 plish these things with his small Squadron, I am not sure ; 
 but he shall have a letter to attend to your wants for Convoy 
 to both the Morea and Adriatic, for which purpose I shall add 
 for the present the Arrow to his Squadron, and send Bittern, 
 with 24-pounders, in the room of Troubridge's son-in-law. 1 
 
 I had intended sending Sir Richard Bickerton to Malta to 
 arrange these and other matters, and, amongst others, to look 
 at the place for the Naval Hospital, and to get an estimate of 
 the expense of fitting it up ; but I believe, from appearances, 
 that the French Fleet are so near putting to sea, that it would 
 be cruel in me to send so excellent an Officer and friend 
 away, at a moment we may expect so glorious a harvest. I 
 would give a good deal for a copy of the French Admiral's 
 orders. Report says it is Decres, as he fought the Guillaume 
 Tell so well. If he is a fighting man so much the better. I 
 hope he will not run away ; we may want heels to catch 
 
 1 Captain Richardson, of the Juno, step-son of Sir Thomas Troubridge.
 
 ^T. 45.] LETTERS. 227 
 
 [him] that is the only fear I have. My friend Colonel 
 Stewart's brother is most heartily welcome, if it is at my 
 disposal, to live in the Navy House. Apropos, Mr. Taylor 
 has wrote to me about the houses belonging to the Naval 
 Yard. Will you do what is proper on this occasion ? If we 
 have an Arsenal, the Officers certainly should have their 
 houses. Mr. Elliot, I find, thinks Sicily quite safe, and 
 Naples almost fit to bid defiance to all Buonaparte's power. 
 I laugh at what I read. I know them well, and so do you. 
 This beating off the Tunisians 2 will have a very good effect, 
 and dispose them to resist other invaders. Again and again, 
 only tell me your wants and wishes, and they shall be com- 
 plied with as fast as my means will allow ; being ever, my 
 dear Ball ever your faithful friend, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO J. B. GIBERT, ESQ., HIS BRITANNIC MAJESTY'S CONSUL AT 
 BARCELONA. 
 
 [Letter-Book.] 
 
 Victory, off Toulon, Gtli October, 1803. 
 Sir, 
 
 In obedience to his Majesty's orders, notified in the ' Lon- 
 don Gazette' of the 16th August last, for the Blockade of 
 the Ports of Genoa and Especia, I have to inform you, that 
 I have issued to the Fleet under my command the order, 3 of 
 which I inclose a copy, and you will have the goodness to 
 communicate it to the Governor where you reside, and to all 
 the Foreign Consuls, and others interested, in order that none 
 may plead ignorance of the Blockade, or the consequences of 
 the breach of it. I am, &c. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 * Some Ships belonging to Tunis, with which State Naples was at War, appear 
 to have been repulsed in attempting to land in Sicily. 
 
 * Vide p. 219. 
 
 Q2
 
 228 LETTERS. [1803. 
 
 TO CAPTAIN SCHOMBERG, H. M. SHIP MADRAS, MALTA. 
 [From Clarke and M' Arthur, vol. ii. p. 827.] 
 
 Off Toulon, 7tli October, 1803. 
 
 At this distance it is impossible for me to regulate every 
 thing with exactness; therefore I can only repeat to you, 
 Captain Cracraft, and any other your Seniors, that it is my 
 earnest desire to give every possible expedition in getting our 
 Trade safe to and from the Adriatic and Levant, and aifording 
 Sir Alexander Ball and General Villettes Convoys for bullocks 
 and corn. . . We must all in our several stations exert ourselves 
 to the utmost, and not be nonsensical in saying, ' I have an 
 order for this, that, or the other,' if the King's service clearly 
 marks what ought to be done : I am well convinced of your zeal. 
 I am, &c., 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO LIEUTENANT WILLIAM PEMBERTON, RESIDENT AGENT OF 
 TRANSPORTS, MALTA. 
 
 [From a Copy in tlie Admiralty.] 
 
 Victory, off Toulon, 7th October, 1803. 
 Sir, 
 
 I have received your letter of the 27th ultimo, acquainting 
 me that a Transport had sailed to Corfu, and that two were 
 ready to proceed to Tunis, for cattle for the Army and Island ; 
 also, that General Villettes had expressed a wish to have two 
 Transports, for the sole purpose of bringing cattle for the use 
 of the Army at Malta ; I have therefore to desire that you 
 will wait upon Sir Alexander Ball and know from him what 
 Transports he will require for the use of the Island, and after 
 having received his instructions on that head, you are to appro- 
 priate the number he may judge necessary for bringing cattle 
 for the use of the Island, and also two Transports agreeably 
 to General Villettes' desire, for the sole purpose of bringing 
 cattle for the use of the Army. The Transports for the 
 service of the Fleet will, eight months out of the year, be at 
 the disposal of the General and Sir Alexander Ball ; there- 
 fore, take this into the calculation in consulting with them, 
 which you are to acquaint General Villettes of, immediately
 
 J2T. 45.] LETTERS. 229 
 
 on receipt hereof, as it is my particular wish that the inha- 
 bitants and Army should have every necessary accommoda- 
 tion afforded them ; and in doing so, that Government should 
 not be put to undue expense, or the Transports for the above 
 service remain unemployed. I am, &c., 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO SIR EVAN NEPEAN, BART., ADMIRALTY. 
 
 [Original, in the Admiralty.] 
 
 Victory, off Toulon, 7th October, 1803. 
 
 Sir, 
 
 I have had the honour of receiving your letter of the 27th 
 August, desiring me on the Ambuscade's being purchased, to 
 appoint Captain Durban to the rank of Post- Captain, Lieu- 
 tenant Yarker 4 to be Commander, and Mr. G. Greensill 5 to be 
 Lieutenant. I was sorry that having waited till the 5th of 
 October, I then appointed Captain Durban to the Ambuscade 
 and Lieutenant William Layman to the Weazle, which I trust 
 (not knowing their Lordships' wishes respecting any other 
 Officers) that they will be pleased to confirm ; but their 
 Lordships may be assured that the very first vacancy (which 
 I trust will not be many days) Lieutenant Yarker and 
 Mr. G. Greensill shall be appointed. As I am sure their 
 Lordships know the very happy consequences of a Fleet 
 looking up to a Commander-in-Chief for promotion, that they 
 will excuse my not having reduced Lieutenant Layman from 
 the Acting rank I had given him, as he would not have been 
 with me had he not been an Officer of acknowledged abilities 
 and merit. I am, &c., 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE, 
 
 P. S. The Commissions shall be delivered to Captain 
 Stuart and the Hon. Captain Elliot, and the fees received for 
 them as marked thereon. 
 
 4 Lieutenant Eobert Yarker was made a Commander in 1805, was Posted in April 
 1808, and died between 1816 and 1820. 
 
 * Lord Nelson appointed Mr. George Greensill, who was a Midshipman of the 
 Donegal, to be a Lieutenant of that Ship on the 10th of October 1803 : he was 
 promoted to Commander in February 1812, and died in that rank between 1820 arid 
 1822.
 
 230 LETTERS. [1803. 
 
 TO NATHANIEL TAYLOR, ESQ., NAVAL STOREKEEPER, 
 MALTA. 
 
 [Letter-Book.] 
 
 Victory, off Toulon, 7tli October, 1803. 
 
 Sir, 
 
 I have received your letters of the 4th and 23rd ultimo, with 
 the Instructions, &c., therein mentioned, and must desire 
 whenever you may judge it necessary, consistent with the said 
 Instructions, to muster the Crews of his Majesty's Ships and 
 Vessels, as they arrive at Malta, that you will apply to the 
 Captains thereof to furnish you with a Boat for that purpose, 
 and that I do not feel justified to make any addition to your 
 establishment of Clerks. Having so recently left England, 
 those things ought to have been perfectly understood and 
 settled by the Navy Board, to whom you must make applica- 
 tion on the circumstances above mentioned. On the subject 
 of the sails and other stores mentioned in your said letter of 
 the 23rd ultimo, being damp, owing to the Storehouses being 
 in bad repair, I am to desire that you will use every means 
 necessary to put the Storehouses in a proper condition for 
 keeping the sails, &c. dry, as serious losses and consequences 
 may arise from their being otherwise. But in making this 
 repair which you have represented as absolutely necessary, 
 you are to pay the most strict regard to economy, and procure 
 such vouchers for so doing as will satisfy the Navy Board 
 with the correctness thereof, and that Government has not 
 been put to any unnecessary or improper expenses. I cer- 
 tainly think that English weights are preferable to Maltese, 
 and ought to be used for his Majesty's stores, provided the 
 alteration is not attended with inconvenience to the Inha- 
 bitants who you may have occasion to deal with. I observe the 
 propriety of the Officers of his Majesty's Yard at Malta being 
 accommodated with houses contiguous to their duty, and 
 have wrote Sir Alexander Ball on the subject. I am, &c., 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE.
 
 JET. 45.] LETTERS. 231 
 
 TO SIR EVAN NEPEAN, BART., ADMIRALTY 
 [Original, in the Admiralty.] 
 
 Victory, off Toulon, 7th October, 1803. 
 Sir, 
 
 Yesterday evening I received their Lordships' order of the 
 24th August last, directing that the complements of His 
 Majesty's Ships and Vessels under my command may be 
 forthwith completed to the War establishment, and to enter 
 and bear as many more men in addition to their present 
 complements as may be necessary for that purpose. You will 
 please to acquaint their Lordships that directions shall be 
 given accordingly; but upon this subject I must beg to 
 observe that there is but little probability of procuring men in 
 this Country, as there appears no inclination in the Maltese 
 to enter into the Navy. The means to induce them shall, 
 however, be held out, and everything done that remains with 
 me, for that purpose. 
 
 I enclose you for their Lordships' information, extracts of 
 three letters from Sir Alexander Ball on this subject, together 
 with a Proclamation issued at Malta for the purpose of pro- 
 curing Maltese for the Fleet ; but I am sorry to observe that 
 there are not more than four in the Squadron at present off 
 this place, nor is there, as their Lordships will observe, from 
 the extracts above mentioned, any probability of procuring 
 more Maltese for the Navy, so that the very considerable 
 number of Seamen wanted to complete the complement of the 
 Ships here, must be looked for from some other quarter. I 
 am, &c., 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO SIR EVAN NEPEAN, BART., ADMIRALTY. 
 
 [Original, in the Admiralty.] 
 
 Victory, off Toulon, 7th October, 1803. 
 Sir, 
 
 I received, by the Childers, fifty-four printed Admiralty 
 orders, dated the 30th June last, with the two additional In- 
 structions under His Majesty's Signet and Sign Manual, dated 
 the 24th of that month, therein mentioned, directing the 
 Commanders of His Majesty's Ships and Privateers, not to
 
 232 LETTERS. [1803. 
 
 detain or molest any Ships or Vessels belonging to any State in 
 amity with His Majesty, on account of their having on board 
 organzine, thrown, and raw silk, the growth and produce of 
 Italy ; or any Neutral Vessels which shall be carrying on 
 trade directly between the Colonies of the Enemy and the 
 Neutral Country to which the Vessel belongs : you will 
 please to acquaint the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty 
 that the said orders shall be issued to the respective Flag- 
 Officers, Captains and Commanders of His Majesty's Ships 
 and Vessels under my orders. I am, &c., 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO SIR EVAN NEPEAN, BART., ADMIRALTY. 
 [Original, hi the Admiralty.] 
 
 Victory, off Toulon, 7th October, 1803. 
 
 Sir, 
 
 I yesterday received by the Childers their Lordships' order 9 
 of the 26th August last, (together with copy of Lord Pelham 
 and Mr. Falcon's letters therein mentioned,) directing me to 
 send a discreet Officer to Algiers, with instructions to demand 
 from the Dey, in His Majesty's name, immediate restitution 
 of the Maltese Vessels mentioned in the said letters, together 
 with their cargoes and the release of their respective crews : 
 
 You will please to acquaint their Lordships that I will take 
 
 8 " Whereas, the Right Honourable Lord Pelham, one of his Majesty's Principal 
 Secretaries of State, hath, with his letters of the 15th instant, transmitted to us a 
 copy of a letter with its Inclosure, which his Lordship had received from Mr. 
 Consul Falcon, by which it appears that several Maltese Vessels have been captured 
 by the Algerines, and their Crews sent into slavery ; aud, whereas, his Lordship 
 hath, at the same time, signified to us his Majesty's commands, that the necessary 
 instructions should be sent to the Officer commanding his Majesty's Fleet in the 
 Mediterranean, to demand the immediate restitution of the said Vessels, and their 
 Cargoes, and the release of their Crews ; We send your Lordship herewith transcripts 
 of the said letter and its iuclosure, and do hereby require and direct you (in addition 
 to our order of the 7th of July last) to take the first opportunity of sending one of the 
 Ships of your Squadron, under the command of a discreet Officer, to Algiers, with 
 instructions to him to demand in his Majesty's name from the Dey, the immediate 
 restitution of the Maltese Vessels above-mentioned, together with their Cargoes, 
 and the release of their respective Crews accordingly. Your Lordship will direct 
 the Officer you may employ on this service to be careful, on his arrival off that 
 place, not to subject himself, or the Ship under his command, to the risk of capture, 
 in case any hostile views towards this Country should be entertained by that 
 Eegency. Given under our hands the 26th of August, 1803.- WM. ELLIOT, T/ 
 TBOUBBIDGE, J. MABKHAM." Original,
 
 JET. 45. J LETTERS. 233 
 
 a very early opportunity of sending a proper Officer to Algiers 
 with instructions conformable to their orders, to demand of 
 the Dey immediate restitution of the Maltese Vessels and 
 cargoes, and the release of their respective Crews, and shall 
 direct the Officer sent on this service not to subject himself 
 or the Ship under his command to the risk of capture on his 
 arrival off Algiers. I am, &c., 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO SIR EVAN NEPEAN, BART., ADMIRALTY. 
 
 [Original, in the Admiralty.] 
 
 Victory, off Toulon, 7th October, 1803. 
 
 Sir, 
 
 I yesterday received your letter of the 13th August last, 
 with transcript of a dispatch from Mr. A'Court, his Majesty's 
 Charge d'Affaires at Naples, therein mentioned, respecting 
 two French Vessels which were attacked by the Boats of the 
 Cyclops and Experiment in the Bay of Naples, and beg to 
 refer you to the extracts to Sir John Acton, Bart., mentioned 
 in my letter to you of the 8th July last; and also to request 
 you will be pleased to acquaint their Lordships, that the other 
 Vessel was liberated by my directions at Malta, and sent back 
 to Naples under the authority of my protection; that the 
 most strict orders have been issued to prevent similar pro- 
 ceedings ; and that my marked disapprobation was signified 
 to the Commanders of the Cyclops and Experiment, the 
 moment I was made acquainted with their conduct. You 
 will also please to acquaint their Lordships that the Vessel 
 taken by the Spider has been delivered up, and that I have 
 
 very severely reprimanded Captain of the , for 
 
 the captures he made under the Spanish batteries; which have 
 also been given up. I am, &c. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO SIR EVAN NEPEAN, BART., ADMIRALTY. 
 
 [Original, in the Admiralty.] 
 
 Sir, Victory, off Toulon, 7th October, 1803. 
 
 Yesterday I received their Lordships' order of the 20th 
 August last, containing directions respecting the Ports of
 
 234 LETTERS. [1803. 
 
 Genoa and Especia ; and you will please to acquaint their 
 Lordships that I had anticipated their order, from the Gazette 
 of the 16th of that month, and given the necessary directions 
 to the respective Flag-Officers, Captains, and Commanders 
 under my command, in consequence ; a copy of which is here- 
 with transmitted. The Active, Phoebe, and Childers are 
 under orders, and will proceed from hence to-morrow to block 
 up those Ports. You will also please to acquaint their Lord- 
 ships, that I have received forty-eight printed orders, dated 
 the 24th August, addressed to the respective Admirals, Cap- 
 tains, Commanders, and Commanding Officers of his Majesty's 
 Ships and Vessels, directing them to seize and destroy all 
 Ships and Vessels belonging to the Countries styling them- 
 selves the Italian and Ligurian Republics; which shall be 
 issued to them respectively. I am, &c. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO SIR EVAN NEPEAN, BART., ADMIRALTY. 
 
 [From a Copy in the Nelson Papers.] 
 
 Victory, off Toulon, 7th October, 1803. 
 Sir, 
 
 You will please to acquaint their Lordships, that I have 
 placed a Squadron outside the Straits, for the protection of 
 the Trade of his Majesty's subjects, and destruction of the 
 Enemy's Privateers and Cruisers ; and that there are also two 
 Sloops of War stationed between Cape Spartel and Ceuta, for 
 protecting our commerce in the Gut. I am, &c. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO SIR EVAN NEPEAN, BART., ADMIRALTY. 
 [Original, in the Admiralty.] 
 
 Victory, off Toulon, 7th October, 1803. 
 
 Sir, 
 
 I have received their Lordships' order, dated the 16th of 
 June last, directing me not to carry or send any Ships or 
 Vessels which may be taken as Prizes, into the Ports of 
 Portugal (except compelled so to do by stress of weather,) or 
 to use any of the said Ports as Naval Stations for the purpose 
 of carrying on from them hostilities against his Majesty's
 
 2ET. 45.] LETTERS. 235 
 
 Enemies. You will please to acquaint the Lords Commis- 
 sioners of the Admiralty, that I shall give the necessary direc- 
 tions to the respective Captains and Commanders of his 
 Majesty's Ships and Vessels under my orders, agreeably 
 
 thereto. I am, &c. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO HIS EXCELLENCY MR. JACKSON, MINISTER AT TURIN. 
 [From Clarke and M'Arthur, vol. ii. p. 329.] 
 
 8th October, 1803. 
 
 I will write to Mr. Drake the moment the Battle is over ; 
 caution him not to believe reports : the French have taken, I 
 suppose, an invisible English Frigate in the Adriatic, or the 
 Levant, or off the Coast of Genoa ; but unfortunately for their 
 news-makers, I have lost none. I am, &c. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO HIS EXCELLENCY HUGH ELLIOT, ESQ. 
 
 [Original, in the Elliot Papers.] 
 
 Victory, off Toulon, 8th October, 1803. 
 
 Sir, 
 
 I herewith transmit for your information, a copy of an order 
 of the 4th instant, issued to the Fleet under my command, for 
 the Blockade of the Ports of Genoa and Port Especia, and 
 request your Excellency will have the goodness to order the 
 same to be communicated to the Foreign Ministers and Con- 
 suls at Naples, &c. I have the honour to be, &c., 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO NATHANIEL TAYLOR, ESQ., NAVAL STOREKEEPER AT MALTA. 
 
 [Order-Book.] 
 
 Victory, off Toulon, 8th October, 1803. 
 
 Whereas the Squadron under my command are much in 
 want of small cordage, twine, &c., and it being judged for the 
 benefit of his Majesty's Service, as well as a great saving to 
 Government, to have those necessary articles made on board 
 the respective Ships, You are hereby required and directed to
 
 236 LETTERS. [1803. 
 
 send, by the first Transport coming to join the Fleet, eighty- 
 four butts, well-packed and filled with hemp, if you have 
 them in store. You are to prepare a Transport (if hemp 
 cannot be purchased reasonably at Malta) to be sent up the 
 Adriatic, for the purpose of bringing a load of hemp for his 
 Majesty's Service, acquainting me, or Captain Schomberg, the 
 Senior Officer at Malta, when such Transport shall be ready, 
 that a Convoy may be ordered for her accordingly. All the 
 cordage wanted for the Fleet, at three inches and upwards, 
 must be made at Malta, with the hemp of this Country, (at 
 least, what may be wanted more than the supplies from Eng- 
 land,) which will certainly be a very great saving to Government, 
 as well as a ready accommodation to the Ships, as they have 
 occasion for it. You are, therefore, to turn your mind to these 
 circumstances, that ready supplies may be had, and upon the 
 most reasonable terms, and if it can be had cheaper than in 
 England, to purchase a supply for Gibraltar, and even the 
 Dockyards in England. NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO HIS EXCELLENCY HUGH ELLIOT, ESQ. 
 [Autograph, in tlie Elliot Papers.] 
 
 (I-) 
 My dear Sir, Victory, off Toulon, October 8th, 1803. 
 
 Your Excellency's letters by the Monmouth came to me on 
 the 4th, at night, and I feel truly sensible of your kindness, 
 and the trouble you have taken in detailing to me all the 
 means of precaution, which his Excellency Sir John Acton 
 has taken respecting Sicily, and I fully rely that those measures 
 will be continued, and that neither Sicily nor Naples will 
 want our assistance. God knows, we have occasion enough 
 for our Troops without begging them to be received, and 
 nothing but the strong order I brought out 7 would have induced 
 General Villettes to part with a man from Malta. General 
 Villettes writes me the same good accounts from Messina as you 
 have done. The information of Captain Durban relative to the 
 Tunisians, by wise precautions, has led to such a happy result, 
 that I trust my Countrymen in Sicily will soon cruize against 
 the Barbary States. I am sure they could soon be brought to 
 it. However, I have been so pleased with Captain Durban 
 
 1 Vide p. 96, ante*
 
 MT. 45.] LETTERS. 237 
 
 for this, and other wise conduct on several occasions, that I 
 have made him a Post-Captain, and given him the command 
 of the Ambuscade Frigate. I verily believe, my dear Sir, 
 that you are much mistaken about Sir A. J. Ball's opinion of 
 Sir John Acton. I believe he has the very highest one of 
 him, and that his loss to Naples would at this moment be the 
 ruin of the Country ; but he has thought that Sir John has 
 had difficulties to struggle with, in giving his opinions, that 
 sometimes thwarted his wishes. I sincerely hope it is not so. 
 Dear Sir William, who was Sir John's firm friend, against all 
 opposition, to the day of his death, has often told me that it 
 was so. I sincerely hope he has no opposition, neither in 
 public nor private. The impudence of Buonaparte I am not 
 surprised at. The Crowned Heads of Europe have to thank 
 themselves. Our Country will ever resist ; and the King of 
 Naples is the only King who has shown any spirit. He has 
 felt like a King. Would to God he had been as powerful as 
 I wish him ! Ever yours, faithfully, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO HIS EXCELLENCY HUGH ELLIOT, ESQ. 
 
 [Autograph, in the Elliot Papers.] 
 (20 
 
 My dear Sir, Victory, October 8th, 1803, 
 
 The Childers Brig arrived from Plymouth on the 6th ; and 
 by her, I have had a full and entire approbation of my con- 
 duct, both public and private; 8 but, at the same time, I am 
 desired to guard, and to communicate those cautions to Sir 
 John Acton and yourself, that we are not lulled into a fatal 
 security: therefore, notwithstanding the favourable appear- 
 ances of the French withdrawing from the Kingdom of Naples, 
 I have strengthened our Squadron in the Adriatic, and the 
 Coast of Calabria. It now consists of the Ships as by list on 
 the other side, under Captain Cracraft 
 
 Anson .... 44 . . , . 24-pounders. 
 
 Juno 36 .... 12 do. 
 
 Arrow .... 22 .... 32 do. 
 
 Bittern .... 18 .... 24 do. 
 
 Morgiana ... 18 .... 18 do. 
 
 8 Vide p. 219, ante.
 
 238 LETTERS. [1803. 
 
 And I have recommended Captain Cracraft, if possible, to 
 communicate with Manfredonia, and to offer to Sir John 
 Acton and yourself any accommodation in his power, by 
 taking a Messenger, &c., for Vienna. In short, my dear Sir, 
 you may rely, that whatever man can do for the safety and 
 comfort of the Two Sicilies, none can have more desire to do 
 it than myself. You will keep the Gibraltar as long as you 
 want her, or until I can relieve her ; and I am sure Captain 
 Ryves saw the Troops safe to Messina. The English Merchants, 
 if any remain besides Mr. Noble, I believe, would have been 
 more correct in applying to me for Convoy, than through 
 your Excellency ; but it is curious he has not sent you a 
 list of the English Vessels waiting for Convoy, nor have I 
 heard of any being at Naples. If they find Trade, it is my 
 business to find Convoy ; therefore, let them send a list of 
 Vessels to the Senior Officer at Malta, or to me. I should 
 be very happy to receive authentic intelligence of the destina- 
 tion of the French Squadron their route, and time of sailing. 
 Anything short of this is useless ; and I assure your Excellency, 
 that I would not, upon any consideration, have a Frenchman 
 in the Fleet, except as a prisoner. I put no confidence in them. 
 You think yours good : the Queen thinks hers the same : I 
 believe they are all alike. Whatever information you can get 
 me, I shall be very thankful for ; but not a Frenchman comes 
 here. Forgive me ; but my mother hated the French. I am 
 ever, your most faithful and obliged, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO HIS EXCELLENCY HUGH ELLIOT, ESQ. 
 
 [Autograph, in the Elliot Papers.] 
 (3.) 
 
 My dear Sir, Victory, October 8th, 1803. 
 
 I am glad that your family begins to collect around you, 
 and that you stand a chance of seeing Mrs. Elliot. Your 
 taking Harriman 9 is certainly a real act of charity ; and what- 
 ever you can do for him, I believe he will be truly grateful to 
 you. By his letter he speaks of you as he ought. He is most 
 
 9 Vide vol. ii. p. 71 ; and vol. iii. pp. 899, 405.
 
 JET. 45.] LETTERS. 239 
 
 sincerely to be pitied. The remains of Lord Bristol 1 are 
 gone in the Monmouth for England. If you will direct, 
 agreeable to Lord Hawkesbury's desire, his effects at Naples 
 to be collected together, and give me an idea of the quantity, 
 I will send a Ship of War or Transport for them, and if Mr. 
 Jackson, or Lord Bristol's factotum at Rome, will send the 
 effects from thence to either Civita Vecchia, or Naples, and 
 will let me know when they are at the sea-side, and ready, I 
 will send for them. 
 
 Two French Frigates have had a narrow escape. They have 
 been chased twice once into Corsica with the Troops, by 
 the Agincourt 64; and on Sunday last, by two Frigates, 
 Active and Phoebe, into St. Tropes ; but these fellows will not 
 fight, if they can help it. Never was health equal to this 
 Squadron. It has been within ten days of five months at 
 sea, and we have not a man confined to his bed : therefore, 
 if these fellows wait till we are forced into Port, they must 
 wait some time. 
 
 May I presume to request of your Excellency to present 
 my humble duty to the King and Queen, and assure them of 
 my eternal attachment to their Royal persons, and to all their 
 Family, and any other civil speeches you may be so good as to 
 say for me. To be a Courtier is your trade, and I know 
 myself to be a cobbler at that work. But I am ever, with all 
 sincerity of heart, my dear Sir, your most faithful humble 
 servant, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 This will be presented to you by my nephew, Sir William 
 Bolton ; you will be so good as to present him to Sir John 
 Acton. He was Lieutenant of both Vanguard and Fou- 
 droyant. Do not keep the Childers ; she has secret orders to 
 execute. 
 
 N. AND B. 
 
 Your letter from Lord Minto was left behind by some 
 mistake. 
 
 1 Frederick Augustus, 4th Earl of Bristol, and Bishop of Derry, died at Naples on 
 the 8th of July 1803. Mr. Elliot wrote to Lord Nelson, that knowing the superstitious 
 dread of sailors of having a corpse on board their Ship, he had caused Lord Bristol's 
 body to be packed and shipped as an antique statue !
 
 240 LETTERS. [1803. 
 
 TO CAPTAIN RYVES, 2 H.M. SHIP GIBRALTAR, NAPLES. 
 [Autograph, in the possession of his son, Captain George Frederick Ryves, C.B.] 
 
 Victory, October 8th, 1803. 
 
 Dear Sir, 
 
 I am much obliged by your letter of September 20th, and 
 for the trouble you have taken about the wood at the Mada- 
 lena Islands. His Excellency Mr. Elliot will request you to 
 see the Neapolitan Troops safe to Messina; which, if not 
 already performed, I am sure you have, or will have complied 
 with. We have had nothing but severe gales of wind since 
 you left us, but we get on very well. The Monmouth was 
 only five days to Cape Sicie, but we were blown off. I am, 
 dear Sir, with real esteem, your much obliged and obedient 
 servant, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 The Childers is not to be detained on any account. 
 
 TO SIR JOHN ACTON, BART., NAPLES. 
 [From a Copy in the Nelson Papers.] 
 
 Victory, off Toulon, October 8th, 1803. 
 
 My dear Sir John, 
 
 I was honoured by your Excellency's letter of Septem- 
 ber 25th, by the Monmouth, and you will readily believe how 
 pleased I have been with the means of precaution which you 
 have so vigorously pursued (detailed in Mr. Elliot's letters) 
 for the preservation of Sicily. Independent of my duty, your 
 Excellency will give me credit for going far beyond that cold 
 line in supporting your wise plans, and for preserving the Two 
 Sicilies for our good Sovereigns. Only tell me how I can 
 
 * Captain George Frederick Ryves, of the Gibraltar, an Officer of reputation, hnd, 
 when in the Agincourt, commanded a small Squadron sent by Lord Keith in 1802, 
 to take possession of Corfu, and thence to the Madalena Islands, to do all in his 
 power without using force, to prevent the French from taking possession of them. 
 There not being any Chart of those Islands, he constructed a very accurate survey, 
 of which Lord Nelson often spoke in his Letters in terms of high commendation. 
 For his services to the King of Naples, His Majesty presented him with a diamond 
 ring. Captain Ryves obtained his Flag in 1825, and died in May 1826.
 
 JET. 45.] LETTERS. 241 
 
 most be useful to them, as a public and private man, and they 
 and your Excellency may rely upon me. Notwithstanding- 
 some favourable appearances for the removal of the French 
 Troops in the Kingdom, I have reinforced Captain Cracraft 
 with two fine Vessels of thirty-two and twenty-four pounders, 
 and I have directed him to communicate with Manfredonia, 
 and to write to your Excellency to offer any services in his 
 power, and to bring down the Adriatic any Messengers from 
 Vienna which might come to Trieste or Venice. The force 
 in the Adriatic, under Captain Cracraft, is, the Anson, 44 
 twenty-four pounders; Juno, 36 twelve pounders; Arrow, 
 22 thirty-two pounders; Bittern, 18 twenty-four pounders; 
 Morgiana, 18 eighteen pounders ; entirely independent of the 
 Vessels appointed for the protection of Malta towards Sicily. 
 I have the pleasure, also, to inform your Excellency of his 
 Majesty's most full and entire approbation of my conduct, 
 and that he places full confidence in all my actions for the 
 honour of his Crown, and the advantage of his faithful 
 Friends. The testimonies of private confidence and approba- 
 tion from the other Members of the Cabinet, are too flatter- 
 ing for me to repeat; therefore I shall only request your 
 Excellency to lay me with all humility at the feet of the 
 King and Queen, and assure them of my eternal fidelity and 
 vigilance for their safety, and I am, my dear Sir John, your 
 attached and faithful friend, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO CAPTAIN FOLEY. 
 [From Clarke and M'Arthur, vol. ii. p. 330.] 
 
 [Apparently about October, 1803.] 
 
 How little, my dear Foley, do we know who is to go first : 
 gracious God, I am sure, to all appearance he 3 was more 
 likely to see us pass away, than we him ! My dear Foley, I 
 only desire that you will always charge yourself in reminding 
 
 a Captain Foley's brother, Richard Foley, Esq., a Police Magistrate, \\ ho died on 
 the 9th of July 1803. A long eulogium on his character is in the Gentleman's 
 Magazine, vol. Ixxiii. p. 883. 
 
 VOL. V. R
 
 242 LETTERS. [1803. 
 
 me of your nephew: 4 in whatever station I may be, I should 
 be most ungrateful, if I could for a moment forget your public 
 support of me in the day of Battle, or your private friendship, 
 which I esteemed most highly ; therefore, as far as relates to 
 you, your nephew, and myself, let this letter stand against 
 me. I was glad to see that Fremantle had got his old Ship 
 again. 5 If you are employed, I think the Mediterranean 
 would suit you better than the Black Rocks, North Seas, or 
 West Indies ; and I shall be truly happy to have you near 
 me, and to have frequent opportunities of personally assuring 
 you how much I am, my dear Foley, your faithful and affec- 
 tionate friend, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO J. B. GIBERT, ESQ., HIS BRITANNIC MAJESTY'S CONSUL AT 
 BARCELONA. 
 
 [Letter- Book.] 
 
 Victory, off Toulon, 10th October, 1803. 
 
 Sir, 
 
 I received by Captain Swaine your letters of the 26th 
 ultimo ; the Seaman and Boy mentioned in one of the said 
 letters, were brought to the Fleet by the Raven. It is rather 
 remarkable that the Vessel with wine, which you acquaint me 
 is gone to Leghorn, should have missed the Fleet off Toulon, 
 as we have been but little distance from that place, since the 
 beginning of August last. I am very much obliged by your 
 sending the Gazette and Newspapers, and will feel particu- 
 larly thankful for the most early information respecting our 
 situation with Spain, and beg you will be good enough to for- 
 ward any dispatches which may arrive from Mr. Frere or Mr. 
 Hunter for me, and to send them, as early as possible, the 
 accompanying letter for the last-mentioned gentleman. 
 
 I shall not fail to pay due attention to the supplies you 
 
 4 Mr. Richard Foley, son of Captain Foley's deceased brother. He entered the 
 Navy as a Midshipman of the Elephant, under his uncle's command, in 1800, was 
 afterwards in the Ambuscade, Captain Durban, was made a Lieutenant in April 
 1807, a Commander in May 1812, Posted in June 1814, and died on the 23rd of 
 December, 1829. 
 
 5 Captain Fremantle had been lately appointed to the Ganges, which Ship he 
 had commanded at Copenhagen.
 
 JET. 45.] LETTERS. 243 
 
 mention for the Fleet (through Neutral bottoms to Malta) in 
 the event of a War with Spain ; and shall send extracts of your 
 proposals to the Agent Victuallers at Malta and Gibraltar, 
 that they may avail themselves thereof, and give the prefer- 
 ence to the most advantageous terms for Government. In 
 case of the continuance of Peace with Spain, (which I still 
 hope may be the case,) it would be desirable to fix the precise 
 mode of having the Fleet under my command regularly sup- 
 plied from Rosas or Alfaquez, with live bullocks, onions, and 
 a few sheep now and then, on an average of fifty bullocks a 
 week, taking into account the uncertainty of the weather at 
 this season of the year, which perhaps might prevent commu- 
 nication with either of those places for a fortnight together. 
 I, therefore, beg you will let me know if such supply can be 
 had at Rosas or Alfaquez, and what the average price of the 
 pound of beef will cost Government under the circumstances 
 above-mentioned, for any given time, or from one month to 
 another, during the winter season, payment thereof to be 
 made by bills on the Victualling Board, as often as may be 
 required ; and in the event of the Fleet leaving this place un- 
 expectedly, a reasonable allowance will be made for any live 
 bullocks remaining on hand in consequence of the agreement 
 which may be entered into. I am, &c. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO MR. D. WALSH, MERCHANT, AT BARCELONA. 
 
 [Letter-Book.] 
 
 Victory, off Toulon, lOtli October, 1803. 
 
 Sir, 
 
 I have received your letters of the 29th and 30th ultimo, 
 and have read with much attention the proposal therein con- 
 tained, for supplying his Majesty's Ships and Vessels under 
 my command with wine and brandy, under the present existing 
 circumstances, and in the event of a War with Spain, for which 
 I am very much obliged. The Fleet, at this moment, are per- 
 fectly complete in those articles; but I shall send copies of your 
 letters to the Agent Victuallers at Malta and Gibraltar, that 
 they may avail themselves of your kind offer, whenever their 
 necessities may make it necessary. I shall be obliged by your
 
 244 LETTERS. [1803. 
 
 informing me whether you can supply the Fleet with live 
 bullocks, hay, onions, &c., at Rosas, during the present tran- 
 quillity, and also in the event of a rupture with Spain, and 
 what terms they could be procured upon. I am, &c. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO ADMIRAL SIR THOMAS PASLEY, BAHT. 
 
 [Autograph, in the possession of William Collyns, Esq., of Kenton in Devonshire.] 
 
 Victory, off Toulon, October 13th, 1803. 
 My dear Sir Thomas, 
 
 I was not favoured with any letter from you, previous or 
 since my leaving England. The conversation I had with you 
 respecting Mr. Tailour, was at your house in Welbeck Street ; 
 and there his name stands on my list, I am sorry to say, 
 beyond what I can form any hopes of reaching by the limited 
 promotions allowed by the present Admiralty. They seem 
 disposed to fill up all captured Ships, and all those Captains 
 who go home ill. My list is full for such vacancies, and is 
 daily adding; therefore, I only look for deaths, unless as a 
 favour from the Admiralty, for this climate is so healthy that 
 only two Captains died, in ten years, natural deaths. I can 
 only say, that I have all the inclination to be useful to any 
 friend of yours. Captain Briggs 5 1 have the highest regard 
 for, and you cannot be more anxious to promote his welfare 
 than I am. I have received a letter from your protege, Mr. 
 Nairholm of the Belleisle, and I will not be unmindful of 
 htm. The taking of the French Fleet may do much for my 
 clearing the way, but I have more than fifty to make Lieu- 
 tenants. Admiral Campbell was very well when we parted. 
 He is gone to look for water for his Ship in Sardinia; for 
 Malta is at such an immense distance, that I can send nothing 
 there that I may want under six or seven weeks. I am, my 
 dear Sir Thomas, with many thanks for your good wishes, 
 ever your much obliged, and faithful servant, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 * Of the Agincourt, now Vice-Admiral Sir Thomas Briggs, G.C.M.G.
 
 JET. 45.] LETTERS. 245 
 
 TO ADMIRAL SIR PETER PARKER. 
 [From Clarke and M'Arthur, vol. ii. p. 330.] 
 
 14th October, 1803. 
 
 Your grandson 6 came to me, with your kind letter of 
 August 20th, on October 6th ; nothing could be more grate- 
 ful to my feelings than receiving him. I have kept him as 
 Lieutenant of the Victory, and shall not part with him until 
 I can make him a Post Captain ; which you may be assured 
 I shall lose no time in doing. It is the only opportunity ever 
 offered me, of showing that my feelings of gratitude to you 
 are as warm and alive as when you first took me by the hand: 
 I owe all my Honours to you, and I am proud to acknowledge 
 it to all the world. Lord St. Vincent has most strongly arid 
 kindly desired your grandson's promotion; therefore I can 
 only be the instrument of expediting it. Believe me ever, 
 my dear Sir Peter, your most grateful and sincerely attached 
 friend, NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO 
 
 [From the "Naval Chronicle," vol. xxxix. p. 131. The blanks in this letter are 
 in the printed copy, and it is not in the Editor's po\ver to fill them up.] 
 
 Victory, off Toulon, October 14th, 1803. 
 
 Your letter of July 21st, came to me in the Childers, Sir 
 William Bolton, and I assure you that I feel very much obliged 
 by your kind hint, but I do not believe one word of your in- 
 formation : malicious liars are always travelling about doing 
 evil. If he comes out here, I shall be heartily glad to see 
 
 him. I well know his reasons for coming out ; and even , 
 
 was he an ill-disposed man, could that hurt me? Can my 
 mind be turned against my King by any beings on the earth ? 
 Besides, what is there to find out here ? Only what he 
 knows, and every man in England and the Fleet knows that 
 I will fight the Frcncb Fleet, the moment I can get at them. 
 I have no plans to divulge ; and if I had, I should not put it 
 
 Mr. Peter Parker, before-mentioned, (vide vol. iii. p. 328,) afterwards Captain 
 Sir Peter Parker, Bart., who fell gallantly at the storming of an American camp, 
 near Baltimore, on the 30th of August, 1814.
 
 246 LETTERS. [1803. 
 
 in any man's power to give information. In finis, I believe 
 the gentleman to be as loyal and attached to the King and 
 Country, as you or I are ; if he is not, why do not Ministry 
 
 take him up ? My dear , some d d backbiting rascals 
 
 are, in our turns, pulling us to pieces; you, I, him, and 
 others. I shall close by my old expression they be damned! 
 
 
 
 In the Fleet I have not seen a French flag since my joining ; 
 nor do I expect it, unless the Enemy put to sea. Our gales 
 of wind are incessant ; and you know that I am never well in 
 bad weather; but patience, I hope, will get me through it. 
 Sir Alexander Ball is very well, but I should rather think he 
 would be glad to be in the Navy again. I am at this moment 
 confoundedly out of humour. A Vessel has been spoke that 
 says she has seen a Fleet six days ago off Minorca; and 
 it is so thick that we cannot get a look into Toulon, and 
 blowing at this moment a Levanter. Imagine my feelings ; 
 but I am, my dear , most truly, your obliged and faith- 
 ful friend, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO JOHN PALMER, ESQ. 
 [Autograph, in the possession of Mrs. Palmer.] 
 
 Victory, off Toulon, October 14th, 1803. 
 
 My dear Sir, 
 
 I was favoured with your letter of August 26th, by your 
 son,* on October 7th. My time here has been so very short, 
 and you will conceive that I came out well loaded, that in 
 truth I do not see my way for even clearing the Victory once ; 
 and I have upon my list twenty to be made Captains. Mr. 
 Palmer is the third recommended to me by the Duke of 
 Clarence, and I sincerely wish it may be in my power to pro- 
 mote them all, more especially the son of an old acquaintance. 
 The capture of the French Fleet will make an opening for 
 promotion, which I shall readily embrace. You may rely, 
 my dear Sir, that I will not miss an opportunity, when I am 
 at liberty, to be useful to your son. I am much obliged for 
 your sending me the Correspondence of the Prince of Wales. 
 
 7 Afterwards Captain Edmund Palmer, C.B., before mentioned.
 
 JET. 45.] LETTERS. 247 
 
 I suppose there must be some strong reasons for not comply- 
 ing with his Royal Highness' gallant wishes. 8 
 
 I think I see that the King intends to have the Prince and 
 his Regiment attached to his person. As a man and as a 
 Soldier, there can be no reason why his Royal Highness 
 should not be promoted, if he wishes it ; but I believe we are 
 now so well prepared, that the French will not venture the 
 attempt at landing in England. Ireland is their object, and 
 Egypt. I am ever, my dear Sir, with every good wish, your 
 most obedient and faithful servant, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 I have received Lord William Gordon's 9 note, enclosing Mr. 
 Kemble's note to Lady Hamilton ; time may do much, and 
 I have the inclination. 
 
 TO HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS THE DUKE OF CLARENCE. 
 [From Clarke and M'Arthur, vol. ii. p. 330.] 
 
 Off Toulon, 15th October, 1803. 
 
 I am absolutely, Sir, beginning this letter in a fever of the 
 mind. It is thick as butter-milk, and blowing a Levanter ; 
 and the Narcissus has just spoke me to say, ' She boarded a 
 Vessel, and they understood that the men had seen, a few 
 days before, twelve Sail of Ships of War off Minorca. It was 
 in the dusk, and he did not know which way they were steer- 
 ing.' This is the whole story, and a lame one. On the 8th, 
 the French Fleet, as counted by Captain Boyle, was eight 
 Sail of the Line, four Frigates, and some Corvettes. On the 
 9th, it blew a tremendous storm at N.W. which lasted till the 
 12th, since which time, although Seahorse and Renown are 
 endeavouring to reconnoitre, it is so thick that I do not think 
 they can either see into Toulon, or find me if they do. Your 
 Royal Highness will readily imagine my feelings, although I 
 cannot bring my mind to believe they are actually out; but 
 to miss them God forbid ! They are my superior in num- 
 bers, but in everything else, I believe, I have the happiness 
 of commanding the finest Squadron in the world Victory, 
 
 8 The Prince of Wales' celebrated Letters to the King, soliciting higher rank in 
 the Army than that of Colonel. 
 
 9 Second son of Cosmo George, third Duke of Gordon : he was Receiver-General 
 the Duchy of Cornwall, and died in May 1823.
 
 248 LETTERS. [1803. 
 
 Kent, Superb, Triumph, Belleisle, and Renown. Admiral 
 Campbell is gone to Sardinia, and I have been anxiously ex- 
 pecting him these ten days. If I should miss these fellows, 
 my heart will break : I am actually only now recovering the 
 shock of missing them in 1798, when they were going to 
 Egypt. If I miss them, I will give up the cudgels to some 
 more fortunate Commander; God knows I only serve to 
 fight those scoundrels ; and if I cannot do that, I should be 
 better on shore. 
 
 October 16th. The Seahorse spoke me in the night; and 
 made known that the Enemy were in the same state as when 
 last reconnoitred on the 8th. I believe this was the only 
 time in my life, that I was glad to hear the French were in 
 Port. I think Captain Keats is very much better in his 
 health ; he is a most valuable Officer, and does honour to 
 your friendship. Every day increases my esteem for him, 
 both as an Officer and a man. I am, &c. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO THE RIGHT HONOURABLE LORD HOBART, SECRETARY 
 OF STATE FOR THE WAR DEPARTMENT. 
 
 [Autograph, in the Colonial Office.] 
 
 Victory, off Toulon, October 16th, 1803. 
 
 My Lord, 
 
 I send you my correspondence with the Bashaw of Tripoli, 
 and your Lordship will observe, that he is, as usual, most 
 friendly disposed towards us. During the time of Buonaparte's 
 greatest success in Egypt, that he gave up to me, as prisoners, 
 the French Consul, and every Frenchman in his Dominions, 
 amounting to fifty-seven, and that his Arsenal was always open 
 for the supply of our Ships. I have not thought it, however, 
 proper to notice the indirect application for gunpowder and 
 grape-shot, on account of his War with the Americans, with- 
 out the approbation of Government. Although the Bashaw is 
 fully entitled to every act of kindness from us, yet it will strike 
 your Loi'dship, as it has me, that it might give cause for a 
 discontent on the part of the Americans, which it must be our 
 wish to avoid. I have, &c., 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE.
 
 JET. 45.] LETTERS. 
 
 TO THE RIGHT HONOURABLE LORD IIOBART. 
 
 [Original, iu the Colonial Office.] 
 My Lord, Victory, off Toulon, October 16th, 1803. 
 
 On the arrival of the Childers on the 6th, the blockade of 
 Genoa and Port Especia immediately took place, and the 
 Southern parts of France, and the Ligurian and Italian Re- 
 publics, will, I trust, severely feel the effects of it. There 
 was certainly a difference between the situation of the poor 
 Tuscans and those other Powers ; the former will always be 
 ready to assist us against the French, whenever they can do 
 it with safety to themselves. By letters from Mr. Elliot and 
 Sir John Acton, I am glad to find that some active measures 
 are taking for the security of Sicily, and putting Messina in 
 such a state of defence that it cannot be taken by surprise. 
 I have told them some truths ; but I am sure they are truly 
 sensible that I have no further views in doing so, than to urge 
 them to do what is right for the security of the Royal Family 
 and Sicily. I will not touch on Mr. Elliot's mission. He 
 believes that he is fully acquainted with the whole machinery 
 which governs Naples: I own I doubt that he knows more than 
 they wish him ; but if they do what is right for their security 
 I am content. I have always kept a Ship at Naples for the 
 personal security of the Royal Family; and I have strengthened 
 the Squadron which watches the French Army in the Heel of 
 Italy, in case they should wish to cross to the Morea, which 
 many think is their intention. What the real destination of 
 the French Fleet may be is very difficult for me to guess. Mr. 
 Elliot thinks they will try to have Sicily previous to their going 
 to Egypt ; others think they may go direct to cover the 
 Army across to the Morea; others, that in the present un- 
 settled state of Egypt, they may push with ten thousand men 
 to Alexandria, and they may be bound outside the Mediter" 
 ranean. Plausible reasons may certainly be given for every one 
 of these plans ; but I think one of the two last is their great 
 object ; and to those two points my whole attention is turned. 
 If they put to sea, I hope to fall in with them, and then I 
 have every reason to believe that all their plans will be frus* 
 trated, I have, &c., 
 
 NELSON AND
 
 250 LETTERS. [1803. 
 
 P.S. I have given directions for the reception of the Swiss 
 recruits on board his Majesty's Ships. 
 
 I transmit a letter from our Consul at Minorca, and the 
 infamous Edict decidedly against us. In short, our difficulties 
 in the Spanish Ports are next to an exclusion I ought rather 
 to say, amount to an exclusion. 9 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO THE RIGHT HONOURABLE LORD HOBART. 
 
 [Autograph draught, in the possession of the Rev. Henry Girdlestone.J 
 
 Victory, off Toulon, 16th October, 1803. 
 
 My Lord, 
 
 I was honoured with your Lordship's letter of August 23rd, 
 on the 6th instant, by the Childers Sloop of War : and I have 
 sent for Mr. Falcon to come to me, that I may consult with 
 him on the properest mode of proceeding, in order to make 
 the Dey of Algiers conduct himself with becoming respect 
 for his Majesty's Government, and all under his protection. 
 Your Lordship may rest assured that I will not suffer, in the 
 reparation I may demand, either the dignity of his Majesty to 
 be insulted with impunity, nor those under his protection to 
 be captured. At the same time, it will become my duty to 
 take care that I do not rashly plunge our Country in a War 
 with such a Power, and who, notwithstanding all which has 
 been said, I have good reason to believe is friendly disposed 
 towards us, and hates the French. 
 
 On the subject of Mr. Falcon (your Lordship will forgive 
 the freedom of my remarks) he was Secretary to the former 
 Consul, and such persons, however elevated their rank with 
 us, are held very low in estimation with the Moors. There- 
 fore he never was really well received, or looked upon by the 
 Dey; therefore I can readily believe he did not think the 
 turning away Mr. Falcon (in the ignominious manner he did) 
 the same as if he sent away any other Consul. The crime which 
 was committed in Mr. Falcon's house was the very greatest. 
 
 Reports have reached me, that just before the Vessel's 
 sailing with Mr. Falcon, reflection came over the Dey, 
 and that he sent for Mr. Falcon to return. Although this 
 
 9 This paragraph was added in Lord Nelson's own hand.
 
 JET. 45.] LETTERS. 251 
 
 would not have done away the whole of the insult, yet it 
 would have opened a door for immediate reparation ; but as 
 Mr. F. has not mentioned this circumstance certainly very 
 important it may not be true. With respect to the reported 
 taking of Maltese Vessels with Passports, notwithstanding the 
 circumstances are so accurately detailed, even to the Number 
 of the Passport, I have still very great doubts ; for, notwith- 
 standing the apparent public notoriety of the said captures, 
 and the American Consul's letters, sent me from all quarters, 
 even from Sir Alexander Ball, yet on my desiring of Sir Alex- 
 ander Ball all the circumstances of where these Vessels were 
 going, to whom their cargoes belong, &c. &c., all I have yet been 
 able to obtain is the letter, of which I transmit a copy, stating 
 viz., 'I think it necessary to apprise your Lordship, that it has 
 occasionally been found necessary (in consequence of the 
 scarcity of Maltese Vessels) to grant British passports to Sicilian 
 Vessels for one voyage only, for the purpose of supplying the 
 Island ; and as there is reason to believe that they have some- 
 times abused this privilege, by selling or otherwise misapply- 
 ing these passports, it is possible that the Vessels alluded to 
 in Mr. O'Brien's letter, may have been captured under such 
 circumstances.' And to this day I have never heard from Sir 
 Alexander Ball of the capture of any Maltese. I have now 
 sent to him to demand from the Senate, who, I understand, 
 regulate these matters, the names of the Vessels, to whom 
 belonging, Masters' names, and the name of every man com- 
 posing the crew, &c. &c. &c., that I may proceed upon strong 
 grounds. 
 
 The orders from your Lordship, signifying the King's 
 commands, are so perfectly clear, that if I cannot procure all 
 the satisfaction which Mr. Falcon's case and these captures 
 demand, hostilities will be the consequence; but if it be 
 necessary to resort to that measure, I shall certainly not give 
 the Dey the advantage of securing his Cruizers, which at this 
 season are all in Port. They usually begin to fit out in 
 February, and sail the beginning of April, returning for the 
 winter in September ; therefore I shall, if possible, not resort 
 to actual hostilities, until I can strike a blow, the same day, 
 on all his Vessels, from one end of the Mediterranean to the 
 other. I have the honour to be, &c. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE.
 
 252 LETTERS. [1803. 
 
 TO THE REVEREND DR. NELSON, HILBOROUGH. 
 
 [Autograph, in the Nelson Papers.] 
 
 Victory, off Toulon, October 18th, 1803. 
 
 My dear Brother, 
 
 Accept my thanks for your kind letter of July , which 
 
 I received by the Childers. I sincerely hope that Canterbury 
 will prove as profitable to you as to your predecessor last 
 year : perhaps, if I take another French Fleet they may make 
 you a Bishop : therefore, I shall try hard whenever they give 
 me the opportunity. They are our superiors in numbers 
 they being eight to six, which is the force I can count upon 
 being off Toulon ; for one must be in turn in harbour water- 
 ing, and I have Cadiz to watch with another, and one always 
 at Naples, in case of accidents, for the security of the Royal 
 Family ; therefore, although the Admiralty may say, I 4iave 
 ten at my orders, the fact is I can never count upon more 
 than six. If I am so fortunate on the day of Battle to have 
 the seventh, I shall be very fortunate. For two days last week 
 I was in a fever. A Frigate spoke a Spanish Vessel in the 
 night, who said that he had seen a Fleet of twelve sail of 
 Men-of-War off Minorca, steering to the Westward. It was 
 thick for two days and our Frigates could not look into 
 Toulon : however, I was relieved, for the first time in my life, 
 by being informed the French were still in Port. They have 
 a number of Troops ready for embarkation, but as to their 
 destination that is a secret I am not entrusted with. The 
 Fleet has been five months at sea this day, and in two days 
 I [shall] have been as long, but we are remarkably healthy 
 and in fine order to give the French a dressing. I shall try 
 and do a little better with the Victory than Admiral Keppel. 1 
 We are not remarkably well manned but very well disposed 
 people. I have wrote to Dr. Fisher 2 to congratulate him on 
 his preferment, and if he offers his services you may be sure 
 I will then clinch him for Mrs. Nelson's brother. I think 
 
 1 Admiral Keppel's flag was flying in the Victory in his Action with the Count 
 d'Orvilliers, off Brest, in July 1 778 ; his conduct on which occasion became the 
 subject of two celebrated Courts Martial. It would seem that Lord Nelson's opinion 
 was unfavourable to Keppel. 
 
 2 Dr. John Fisher was elected Bishop of Exeter in 1803 ! he was translated to 
 Salisbury in 1807, and died in 1825.
 
 JET. 45.] LETTERS. 253 
 
 this mode will be more likely to succeed than attacking him 
 the moment of his appointment, and I assure you that I am 
 anxious to mark my attention for good Mrs. Nelson, whose 
 kindness I am truly sensible of. I am sorry for Mr. Rolfe : 
 if young Mott does not do something handsome for him, he 
 is a beast. I had wrote to Lord Hood long ago to thank him. 
 If Sir William Fawcet had not given us his vote he would 
 have forfeited his word, and should the Phoenix come in my 
 way I will notice Lieutenant , but I cannot make 
 
 him a Captain. I have twenty-six on me at this moment, and 
 sixty to make Lieutenants. It is not one French Fleet will do 
 me service, and I shall be sure to offend more than I can 
 oblige. However, if I take one more Fleet somebody else 
 must take the others. With very sincere and affectionate 
 wishes for you and yours, believe me ever, with the greatest 
 truth, your most affectionate brother, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO LADY HAMILTON. 
 
 [Extract from " Lord Nelson's Letters to Lady Hamilton," vol. i. p. 150.] 
 
 Victory, off Toulon, October 18th, 1803. 
 
 My dearest Emma, 
 
 Your truly kind and affectionate letters, from July 17th, to 
 August 24th, all arrived safe in the Childers, the 6th of this 
 
 month Here I am, one day precisely like the other ; 
 
 except the difference of a gale of wind, or not. Since Sep- 
 tember 1st, we have not had four fine days ; and, if the French 
 do not come out soon, I fear, some of my Ships will cry out. 
 .... I have just had a letter from Gibbs, of which I send you 
 a copy. You see what interest he is taking about Bronte. I 
 begin to think, without some assistance like his, that I never 
 should have touched a farthing. It will be 1805, before I 
 touch the estate. Neither principal or interest of the seven 
 thousand ounces have been paid ; and, it is now eight thousand 
 ounces debt. 
 
 You will see, Gibbs, at last, has fixed on sending his 
 daughter home ; and I shall be glad of so good an opportunity 
 of obliging him, as it will naturally tie him to my interest . . . 
 . . To me, it is nothing. Thank God ! there can be no tales 
 told of my cheating ; or, I hope, neglecting my duty. Whilst
 
 254 LETTERS. [1803. 
 
 I serve, I will serve well, and closely ; when I want rest, I will 
 go to Merton. You know, my dear Emma, that I am never 
 well when it blows hard. Therefore, imagine what a cruize 
 off Toulon is ; even in summer time, we have had a hard 
 
 gale every week, and two days' heavy swell The other 
 
 day, we had a report the French were out, and seen steering 
 to the Westward. We were as far as Minorca, when the alarm 
 
 proved false I have received your letter, with Lord 
 
 William's and Mr. Kemble's, about Mr. Palmer : 3 he is also 
 recommended by the Duke of Clarence ; and, he says, by 
 desire of the Prince of Wales. I have, without him, twenty- 
 six to be made Captains, and list every day increasing. It is 
 not one whole French Fleet that can get through it. I shall pro- 
 bably offend many more than I can oblige. Such is always the 
 case : like the tickets those who get them, feel they have a 
 right to them ; and those [who] do not get them, feel offended 
 for ever. But, I cannot help it : I shall endeavour to do what 
 is right, in every situation ; and some ball may soon close all 
 my accounts with this world of care and vexation ! . . . . The 
 Secretary Scott is a treasure ; and I am very well mounted : 
 Hardy is every thing I could wish or desire. Our days pass 
 so much alike that, having described one, you have them all. 
 We now breakfast by candle-light, and all retire, at eight 
 o'clock, to bed. Naples, I fancy, is in a very bad way, 
 in regard to money. They have not, or pretend not to have, 
 enough to pay their Officers ; and, I verily believe, if Acton 
 was to give up his place, that it would become a province of 
 France. Only think of Buonaparte's writing to the Queen, 
 to desire her influence to turn out Acton ! She answered, 
 properly at least, so says Mr. Elliot, who knows more of 
 Naples than any of us ; God help him ! and General Acton 
 has, I believe, more power than ever. 
 
 By Gibbs's letter, I see, he has sent over about my accounts 
 at Bronte. He can have no interest in being unfriendly to 
 me. Why should he ? I want no great matters from him ; 
 and he can want nothing from me, that it is not my duty to 
 give his Sovereigns : therefore, why should he be against us ! 
 
 8 Mr. Palmer is mentioned in p. 246, ante. " Lord William," was Lord William 
 Gordon. Vide p. 246, ante,
 
 JET. 45.] LETTERS. 255 
 
 For my part, my conduct will not alter, whether he is or 
 not. Our friend, Sir Alexander, is a very great Diplomatic 
 character; and, even an Admiral must not know what he 
 is negotiating about : although you will scarcely believe, 
 that the Bey of Tunis sent the man at my desire. You 
 shall judge viz., ' The Tunisian Envoy is still here, ne- 
 gotiating. He is a moderate man; and, apparently, the 
 best disposed of any I ever did business with.' Could even the 
 oldest Diplomatic character be drier ? I hate such parade of 
 nonsense ! But I will turn from such stuff. Poor Mr. Este, 4 
 how I pity him ! but what shall I do with him ? How 
 ever, if he comes, I shall show him all the kindness in my 
 power. 
 
 October 22nd. 
 
 The Vessel is just going off. I have not a scrap of news ! 
 Only, be assured of my most affectionate regard. Remember 
 me kindly to Charlotte : shall always love those that are 
 good to Horatia. I will write her by another opportunity. 
 Remember me to Mrs. Cadogan. You may be sure, I do not 
 forget Charles, who has not been well ; Captain Capel is very 
 
 good to him 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO HIS EXCELLENCY COUNT WORONZOW. 
 
 [From Clarke and M'Arthur, vol. ii. p. 333.] 
 
 19th October, 1803. 
 
 The Count Mocenigo has sent me a complaint that three 
 Vessels, one under Russian colours, and two under those of the 
 Republic of the Seven Islands, have been taken by some 
 English Ships, and carried into Malta, and that the only 
 answer the Consul of Malta has obtained, was, ' The Judge 
 of the Vice-Admiralty Court is not yet arrived.' Without 
 entering into the merits of the case, of which I can know 
 nothing but from the reports sent me of Ships detained or 
 captured, whereof I send you a copy, your Excellency may 
 rely there was great cause of suspicion that the Vessels or 
 cargoes, or both, were belonging to Enemies, and were merely 
 covered with Neutral papers ; and it even strikes me as odd in 
 
 * Pr. Lambton Este : who will be particularly noticed.
 
 256 LETTERS. [1803. 
 
 the complaint, they are stated as only bound to Messina, and 
 that the other optional destination, Genoa, should be omitted : 
 what occasion was there for concealing anything in an upright 
 transaction? And there is another curious circumstance 
 lately come to light, which is, I believe, that on board the 
 Ship carrying Russian colours, the whole set of French papers 
 have been found ; however, your Excellency knows, that 
 under such suspicious circumstances none but a Judge can 
 decide. My orders are positive for the respect due to the 
 Neutral Flag; and with regard to Russia, I- have repeated 
 the orders for the strict observance of the seventh Article of 
 the Treaty signed at St. Petersburgh, the 5th (17th) of June 
 1801. I shall only lastly observe, that one hundred and 
 seventy French Vessels were in the Black Sea at the com- 
 mencement of hostilities, and that by a magic touch of Mer- 
 chants, they became in a moment Russians, Imperials, lonians, 
 Ragusans, and not one French Vessel remained ! Bravo ! 
 But allow me to assure your Excellency, that I ever am, with 
 the highest respect, your most obedient and faithful, humble 
 
 servant, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO HIS EXCELLENCY HUGH ELLIOT, ESQ. 
 [Autograph, in the Elliot Papers.] 
 
 Victory, off Toulon, October 19th, 1803. 
 
 My dear Sir, 
 
 Allow me to introduce to your notice, and I may add, to 
 your friendship, Mr. Abram Gibbs, now at Palermo. He was 
 lately the partner of Mr. Falconet, and was always the intimate 
 household friend of dear Sir William and Lady Hamilton, 
 and, give me leave to add, my friend. I believe I am to call 
 Mr. Gibbs a banker. Whatever kindness your Excellency 
 may show him, will ever be esteemed a favour conferred upon, 
 my dear Sir, your most faithful servant, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE.
 
 ^ET. 45.] LETTERS. 257 
 
 TO GEORGE NAYLER, 5 ESQ., YORK HERALD. 
 
 [Autograph, in the possession of Albert William Woods, Esq., Lancaster Herald.] 
 
 Victory, off Toulon, October 19th, 1803. 
 My dear Sir, 
 
 You will receive herewith a letter from Sir Richard Bicker- 
 ton, relative to his being gazetted for wearing the Order 
 of the Crescent. I believe that this matter is in your line, 
 and, therefore, recommended you to him. At the same time, 
 I told him that Government was to pay the expenses of the 
 warrant, &c. &c., as had been done for all the other Officers; 
 therefore, if Government will not pay you all and every ex- 
 pense, do not undertake the task without a further correspond- 
 ence with Sir Richard, or I shall get into a scrape. I have 
 sent to Sicily for the Arms of Bronte, and the Herald's College 
 there has sent for my English Arms, in order that they may 
 be enrolled amongst those of the Sicilian Nobility ; therefore, 
 you will be so good as to send me out the same sort of thing 
 which I sent to Germany. I very much doubt that I ever 
 paid for chat, and several other things which you have done 
 for me ; therefore, I desire (for in a man's trade there are no 
 compliments) that you will send me out your regular bill, for 
 I suppose you cannot live upon air; and if you are never 
 paid, how is the pot to boil ? When I take the French Fleet, 
 which I hope to do before Christmas, I suppose there will be 
 more alterations. I am, dear Sir, with every good wish, your 
 most obliged and obedient servant, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO THE RIGHT HONOURABLE LORD HAWKESBURY, SECRETARY 
 OF STATE FOR THE HOME DEPARTMENT. 
 
 [From Clarke and M' Arthur, vol. ii. p. 333.] 
 
 20th October, 1803. 
 
 I am happy in having anticipated your Lordship's wishes, 
 by corresponding with Constantinople. The French Fleet 
 from Toulon has as many destinations as there are Countries ; 
 
 5 Afterwards Sir George Nayler, K.H., Garter Principal King of Arms : he died 
 in October 1831, 
 
 VOL. V. S
 
 258 LETTERS. [1803. 
 
 for it is certainly by no means sure that Buonaparte always 
 makes War upon his Enemies. It is more to his advantage 
 sometimes to attack his Friends, especially if they are weak, 
 and wish to defend themselves. I have lately added to our 
 Force, destined principally to watch the French Army in the 
 Heel of Italy, and it is under a very intelligent Officer, Captain 
 Cracraft, Anson, 44; Juno, 32; Arrow, 20; Bittern, 18; 
 Morgiana, 18. With this force, I think we have done all that 
 is possible to save the Morea and the Seven Islands, and to 
 prevent that Army passing to Egypt. I am, &c., 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO HIS EXCELLENCY JOHN HOOKHAM FRERE, MADRID. 
 [From Clarke and M'Arthur, vol. ii. p. 333.] 
 
 [Apparently about 20th October, 1803.] 
 
 I trust that Spain will be too wise to go to War with us. 
 We ought, by mutual consent, to be the very best friends, and 
 
 both to be ever hostile to France As probably this 
 
 letter will be read before it gets to you, I can only tell the 
 reader, that a British Fleet never was in higher order, health, 
 and good humour, than the one I have the happiness to 
 command ; and if the French do not rue the day when we 
 get alongside of them, it will not be the fault of the Captains, 
 Officers, or Men, but must be [that] of your Excellency's most 
 obedient servant, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO THE RIGHT HONOURABLE LORD HOBART, SECRETARY OF 
 STATE FOR THE WAR DEPARTMENT. 
 
 [Autograph, in the Colonial Office.] 
 
 Victory, off Toulon, October 20th, 1803. 
 
 My Lord, 
 
 I transmit your Lordship a copy of my last letter from 
 Corfu, which will inform you of the state of those Islands and 
 the Morea. . 
 
 I have added to the Squadron which I had already stationed 
 to watch the French Army, two more fine Sloops of War, and
 
 JET. 45.] LETTERS. 259 
 
 ordered Captain Cracraft, the Senior Officer, and a very able 
 Sea Officer, to give his attention to the Republic of the Seven 
 Islands, and the Mouth of the Archipelago. His Squadron is 
 now composed of the 
 
 Anson .... 44 Guns .... 24-pounders. 
 
 Juno 32 do 12 do. 
 
 Bittern .... 18 do. .... 24 do. 
 
 Morgiana . . . 18 do 24 do. 
 
 Arrow .... 20 do 24 do. 
 
 Therefore, it is clear that I have kept myself very short of 
 Frigates, in order that other services should not be pinched. 
 I have, &c. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO CAPTAIN SIR EDWARD BERRY. 
 
 [Autograph, in the possession of Lady Berry.] 
 
 Victory, off Toulon, October 20th, 1803. 
 
 My dear Sir Edward, 
 
 I received your kind letter, by the Childers, on the 6th 
 instant. You are right to be as quiet as you can, although it 
 is vexing to be unemployed at such a moment ; but it is use- 
 less to fret oneself to death, when the folks aloft don't care 
 a pin about it. Although we have constant and very hard 
 gales of wind, yet this place is certainly very healthy much 
 preferable for an invalid to either Channel or North Seas. 
 Young Forster 6 has gone with Captain Layman in the Weazle : 
 this Ship was too large. The Seahorse is with me, and you may 
 be assured Mr. Steele 7 shall be put upon some Quarter-deck. 
 I will mention your wishes to Lord St. Vincent within these 
 two minutes : what effect it will have, time must show. It 
 will have my sincere good wishes ; for I am ever, my dear Sir 
 Edward, ever yours, faithfully, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 * Mr. William Forster, son of Thompson Forster, Esq., a Surgeon in London, 
 and first cousin of Sir Edward and Lady Berry : he was acting as Lieutenant in the 
 Colossus, at Trafalgar, and was so severely wounded that he died at Gibraltar a 
 week after the Battle. 
 
 7 Mr. Steele did not enter the Naw. 
 
 s2
 
 260 LETTERS. [1803. 
 
 TO MISS HORATIA NELSON THOMSON. 
 
 [Autograph, in the possession of Mrs. Horatia Nelson Ward.] 
 
 Victory, off Toulon, October 21st, 1803. 
 
 My dear Child, 
 
 Receive this first letter from your most affectionate Father. 
 If I live, it will be my pride to see you virtuously brought up ; 
 but if it pleases God to call me, I trust to Himself: in that 
 case, I have left Lady H. your guardian. I therefore charge 
 you, my Child, on the value of a Father's blessing, to be obe- 
 dient and attentive to all her kind admonitions and instructions. 
 At this moment I have left you, in a Codicil 7 dated the 6th of 
 September, the sum of four thousand pounds sterling, the 
 interest of which is to be paid to your guardian for your mainte- 
 nance and education. I shall only say, my dear Child, may God 
 Almighty bless you and make you an ornament to your sex, 
 which I am sure you will be if you attend to all Lady H.'s kind 
 instructions ; and be assured that I am, my dear Horatia, your 
 most affectionate Father, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO ALEXANDER DAVISON, ESQ. 
 [Autograph, in the possession of Colonel Davison.] 
 
 Victory, off Toulon, October 21st, 1803. 
 
 My dear Davison, 
 
 Your original letter of the 15th of August I received by the 
 Childers, and I have not seen a single Vessel since, that could 
 
 1 The following is a copy of the remarkable Codicil to his Will, dated on the Gth 
 of September, 1803, in which Lord Nelson made the bequest to his daughter : 
 
 " I give and bequeath to Miss Horatia Nelson Thomson (who was baptized on 
 the 13th day of May last, in the Parish of St. Mary-le-bone, in the County of 
 Middlesex, by Benjamin Lawrence, Curate, and John Willock, Assistant-Clerk, and 
 whom I acknowledge as my adopted daughter) the sum of 4000 sterling money of 
 Great Britain, to be paid at the expiration of six months after my decease, or sooner, 
 if possible ; and I leave my dearest friend Emma Lady Hamilton, sole guardian of 
 the said Horatia Nelson Thomson, until she shall have arrived at the age of eighteen 
 years ; and the interest of the said 4000 to be paid to Lady Hamilton for her 
 education and maintenance. This request of guardianship I earnestly make to Lady 
 Hamilton, knowing that she will educate my adopted child in the paths of religion 
 and virtue, and give her those accomplishments which so much adorn herself, and 
 I hope make her a fit wife for my dear nephew, Horatio Nelson, who I wish to 
 marry her, if he should prove worthy, in Lady Hamilton's estimation, of such a 
 treasure as I am sure she will be."
 
 JET. 45.] LETTERS. 261 
 
 give me the least news. We are looking out for a Spanish 
 War, and for the sailing of the French Fleet, both very great 
 events to us. Our weather has never been good, but it is now 
 terrible. Such a place for storms of wind I never met with, 
 and I am unfortunately in bad weather, always sea-sick. We 
 ought to be amply repaid some day for all our toil. I trust 
 before next winter that we shall have Peace, and be all quiet at 
 home. By a Vessel just spoke from Marseilles, they report 
 that 40,000 Troops are marching into the South of Italy, but 
 we can believe nothing these Neutrals say ; and yet it may be 
 true enough, if they intend to cross to the Morea, or Egypt. 
 I am ever, my dear Davison, most affectionately yours, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 Hardy desires his compliments. 
 
 TO COUNT MOCENIGO, RUSSIAN ENVOY IN THE IONIAN 
 ISLANDS. 
 
 [From Clarke and M'Artlrar, vol. ii. p. 334.] 
 
 22nd October, 1803. 
 
 I have been honoured with your Excellency's letters respect- 
 ing the detention of three Vessels, belo'nging, as was reported 
 to your Excellency, to the Republic of the Seven Isles, with 
 cargoes the property of Subjects of other Powers, the Vessels 
 being chartered ; and that the Papers were not delivered to 
 the Consul of the Republic of the Seven Isles at Malta. I 
 have been positively ordered to give directions for observing, 
 not only the Neutrality of the Seven Isles, but, in case of 
 need, to assist them against the French. These orders I 
 notified on my first arrival ; and your Excellency will believe, 
 that I did not fail to give the very strictest directions to his 
 Majesty's Fleet for their being observed. 
 
 Admitting the statement of your Excellency to be just, as 
 to the mode of procedure of the Captain of the Frigate, in not 
 delivering the Papers to the Consul of the Seven Isles at 
 Malta, your Excellency will, I am sure, agree with me, that 
 it has been, in that respect, perfectly correct ; for the Captor 
 is obliged to make oath, that he has] delivered every Paper 
 found, to the Commissioners appointed by the High Court of
 
 262 LETTERS. [1803. 
 
 Admiralty, and has allowed no person to have them in his 
 possession. This law is so just, that not a word can be said, 
 and all Nations must approve of such a regulation ; for, with- 
 out it, Papers might be kept back, or altered for purposes 
 contrary to justice. 
 
 With respect to the original detention of the Vessels, that 
 must be deferred, on the belief that the Vessels and Cargoes 
 are Enemy's property, or that either the Vessel or Cargo is 
 Enemy's property ; in either case, the necessity of carrying 
 the Vessel into Port is obvious. This is a tax which Neutrals 
 are subject to ; but if it should turn out that there was no 
 just cause for detention, the Vessels are liberated by the 
 Judge of the Admiralty Court, after a trial, and such damage 
 awarded as the case may require. This Tribunal being 
 acknowledged by all Nations, and more particularly by our 
 august Sovereigns in the late Treaty of St. Petersburg, 
 nothing can be more regular than bringing the cause before 
 it as soon as possible. I am aware it may be said, why was 
 not this done immediately? To which I can only answer, 
 that I am very sorry the Judge of the Admiralty appointed by 
 his Majesty for the Island of Malta, from some cause unknown 
 to me, was not arrived. It is to this circumstance that both 
 the Neutral Power and the Captors have equally to regret the 
 not being able to obtain an earlier decision. But wherever 
 the fault or accident of his non-arrival may lie, your Excel- 
 lency will agree with me, that it does not rest with the 
 Captors ; and we can neither of us say, that any one has done 
 wrong in bringing these Vessels to adjudication, until it is 
 proved so. I have every inducement, both of a public and 
 private nature, to wish much prosperity to the commerce of 
 the rising Republic, fostered under the special protection of 
 your august Sovereign ; between whom and my Royal Master 
 so happily subsists such a perfect good understanding and 
 harmony. I send your Excellency the report of the Captain 
 making the seizure, on which only I can form my judgment, 
 It appears, if that be correct, that there was great cause to 
 suspect, at least, the Cargoes being Enemy's property. I 
 am, &c., NELSON AND BRONTE.
 
 JET. 45.] LETTERS. 263 
 
 TO SPIRIDION FORESTI, ESQ., HIS MAJESTY'S MINISTER TO THE 
 REPUBLIC OF THE SEVEN ISLANDS. 
 
 [Autograph draught, in the possession of Earl Nelson.] 
 
 Sir, [Victory, off Toulon, 22nd October, 1803.] 
 
 I have been honoured with your letter of 23rd September, 
 enclosing one to you from the Prince President, relative to 
 the detention of some Vessels belonging to the Republic of 
 the Seven Isles. 
 
 Although I have answered Count Mocenigo fully on this 
 matter, yet I shall do the same to you, in order that it may 
 come regularly before His Excellency the Prince President. 
 You communicated to the Government of the Republic that 
 I was entrusted to aid and assist them to the utmost of my 
 power, in case of an attack from the French j and I gave the 
 very strictest order to the whole of His Majesty's Fleet under 
 my command, to respect their Neutrality : therefore, in those 
 respects, as far as related to me, I have done all which the 
 Republic could possibly wish or desire. 
 
 The detention of the Vessels alluded to, I am confident, 
 must have been made by an impression on Captain [Richardson] 
 that either the Vessels and Cargoes belonged to our Enemies, 
 or that one or other did do so; for certainly no Captain would 
 knowingly either risk his commission by disobedience of orders, 
 or ruin himself by being obliged to pay for making an illegal 
 seizure. I send you Captain Richardson's report of two of 
 the Vessels. The third, I have had no report of. I suppose, 
 from your letter, that she must have been taken by the Braakel, 
 who is stationed in the Archipelago. 
 
 From the report sent to me, of which I send you a copy, it 
 appears that the Parthenope and St. George belonged 
 either Vessels or Cargoes, or both to our Enemies, and 
 although under Ionian colours and Passes, lawful objects of 
 seizure ; and the Cargoes being admitted by the President not 
 to belong to Subjects of the Republic, I cannot conceive 
 under what pretence he interferes for the Cargoes, whatever 
 he may for the Vessels. They, by his own account, he can 
 know nothing of, but what he is told. Captain Richardson 
 supposes them to belong to Genoese ; and on that belief, he 
 was not only justifiable in sending them into Port if the
 
 264 LETTERS. [1803. 
 
 Vessels were proved to belong bond fide (and not covered for 
 purposes contrary to Neutrality) to subjects of the Republic. I 
 sincerely wish they had been liberated. But Captain Richard- 
 son seems to have conducted himself, by the President's ac- 
 count, and no other has reached me, in strict conformity to 
 the laws and regulations of the High Court of Admiralty, in 
 refusing the Ionian Consul the Papers ; for it is justice, and 
 the law of Nations, that must finally decide these matters, and 
 not the pleasure of any individual, however high his rank. 
 Justice presides in the British tribunals, and even the Monarch 
 is not suffered to interfere. I trust the President will be 
 satisfied with this information, respecting our laws; and I can 
 only re-assure him, and the Republic, that as far as my situa- 
 tion will allow me to interfere, in any manner beneficial for 
 them, it will never be omitted by, Sir, &c. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO HIS EXCELLENCY HUGH ELLIOT, ESQ., H.M. MINISTER 
 PLENIPOTENTIARY AT THE COURT OF NAPLES. 
 
 [Original in the Elliot Papers.] 
 
 Victory, off Toulon, 22nd October, 1803. * 
 
 Sir, 
 
 I have the honour to transmit your Excellency a letter from 
 Captain Hillyar of his Majesty's Ship Niger, dated the 1 9th 
 instant, and to mention my regret that the Ports of Sicily 
 afford shelter to the Privateers of our Enemies, so foreign to 
 the laws of Neutrality, by which our Trade from Malta has 
 already materially suffered; and unless some strict prohibition 
 is issued against the French Privateers taking our Trade from 
 the Sicilian Ports and Shores, as mentioned in the said letter, 
 as well as by His Majesty's Consuls, who have complained to 
 me of similar depredations, the Trade of Malta and others 
 passing Sicily must inevitably fall into the Enemies' hands ; 
 I therefore trust your Excellency will see the necessity of 
 adopting such measures as may tend to prevent this serious 
 evil. I have the honour to be, &c., 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE,
 
 JET. 45.] LETTERS. 265 
 
 TO COMMISSIONER OTWAY, AT GIBRALTAR. 
 
 [Letter-Book.] 
 gir 3 Victory, off Toulon, 22nd October, 1803. 
 
 Gover's Gun-carriages furnished his Majesty's Ship Nar- 
 cissus some time ago, having many of them broke, and ren- 
 dered the Ship almost in a state of distress for carriages, I 
 have to request you will be pleased to consult with the 
 Military Ordnance Store-keeper (and if necessary, Lieutenant 
 General Sir Thomas Trigge) respecting some new ones being 
 made, agreeable to the model sent herewith, as early as 
 possible, for the said Ship; but if found impracticable to be 
 done at Gibraltar, you will have the goodness to forward the 
 model by the first opportunity to the Lords Commissioners of 
 the Admiralty, in order that they may give the necessary 
 directions respecting them, or the Narcissus being furnished 
 with other Gun-carriages in their stead. I am, &c., 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO J. B. G1BERT, ESQ., VICE-CONSUL, AT BARCELONA. 
 
 [Letter-Book.] 
 gi rj Victory, off Toulon, 22nd October, 1803. 
 
 Your attention in sending wine for the service of the Fleet, 
 and refreshments, was certainly very praiseworthy ; and as it 
 ought to have been with me early in August, the Fleet never 
 being off its station for many months, I still am at a loss to 
 account for the conduct of the Patroons of the Vessels not 
 coming to the Fleet : at the same time, I admit it is very 
 hard that you should be a sufferer for such misconduct; 
 what your recompence should be, I must leave to the Com- 
 missioners for Victualling His Majesty's Navy. I wanted the 
 wine and waited a month for it before I sent to other places, 
 and it might have been on board our Ships in ten days at 
 farthest, but that, I suppose, is no fault of yours. I send you 
 a letter for the Commissioners of the Victualling, which I 
 hope will produce the desired effect, and afford you all the 
 satisfaction the case requires. I am, &c., 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 P.S. I have sent the letter to the Commissioners for 
 Victualling His Majesty's Navy under a flying seal, that you 
 may make the proper use of it, and transmit them copies of the 
 letters therein alluded to.
 
 LETTERS. [1803. 
 
 TO THE COMMISSIONERS FOR VICTUALLING HIS MAJESTY'S 
 NAVY, LONDON. 
 
 nr [Letter-Book.] 
 
 Gentlemen, Victory, off Toulon, 22nd October, 1803. 
 
 In July last, I desired Captain Gore of the Medusa, in his 
 way to Gibraltar, to call off Barcelona, and to say to our 
 Consul, Mr. Gregory, that a hundred tuns of good Catalonian 
 wine, with onions arid other refreshments, would be very ac- 
 ceptable to the Fleet. The Consul being in England, the 
 Memorandum was delivered to Mr. Gibert, the Vice-Consul. 
 It appears by Mr. Gibert's account, that he sent wine on the 
 30th of August to the Fleet, but the Vessels never came to 
 the Fleet from that day to this. The reasons are set forth in 
 the several letters of August 30th, September 12th and 18th, 
 and October 7th, of which I have desired him to send you 
 copies. Mr. Gibert feels the hardship of having shipped' 
 this wine to serve our Country, and that he is likely to be a 
 loser by his zeal, which he certainly ought not to be. I 
 must, Gentlemen, on your considering every circumstance, 
 leave it to your judgment what to allow him, as I cannot 
 possibly be a judge of these matters. His Patroons have cer- 
 tainly behaved very ill, for the Fleet has never been for two 
 days together, without some one being in the sight of Toulon ; 
 but, as I observed before, Mr. Gibert, although he has been 
 unfortunate in his selection, ought not to be a suiferer for his 
 zeal and ready attention to my wishes. I am, &c., 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO J. B. GIBERT, ESQ., VICE-CONSUL, BARCELONA. 
 
 [Letter-Book.] 
 
 gj r Victory, off Toulon, 22nd October, 1803. 
 
 I am very much obliged by the news communicated to me 
 in your letter of the 7th instant, and sincerely desire that 
 Spain, for her own sake, may preserve her Neutrality ; and I 
 have also to hope that the Fleet under my command will not 
 meet with any unnecessary impediment in getting bullocks, 
 and other refreshments, at the different Spanish Ports or 
 places they may be ordered to. I am, Sir, &c., 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE.
 
 JET. 45.] LETTERS. 267 
 
 TO J. B. GIBERT, ESQ., VICE-CONSUL, AT BARCELONA. 
 
 [Letter Book.] 
 
 Victory, off Toulon, 22nd October, 1803. 
 
 Sir, 
 
 I have received your son's letter of the 16th instant, with 
 the translation of an official Note from the Captain General of 
 Barcelona therein mentioned, respecting a Catalonian Barque 
 plundered by a Privateer under English colours : in answer 
 to which, if the said Privateer belongs to Gibraltar, I would 
 recommend sending the complaint to his Excellency, Lieu- 
 tenant General Sir Thomas Trigge, in order that the Com- 
 mander of her may be punished as the law directs. The 
 Master's name being known, the verification can easily be 
 made at Gibraltar. I am, &c., 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO J. B. GIBERT, ESQ., VICE-CONSUL, BARCELONA. 
 
 [Letter-Book.] 
 
 Victory, off Toulon, 22nd October, 1803. 
 Sir, 
 
 I have received your letter of the 7th instant, acquainting 
 me with the supplies of bullocks which can be had for the 
 Fleet under my command, at Alfaquez ; but as it will not be 
 practicable to take them from that place, there not being 
 sufficient water to carry the Squadron there with safety .for 
 that purpose ; I must, therefore, with expressing myself much 
 obliged by your ready attention to my wishes in [this respect, 
 decline using Alfaquez for the supply of bullocks, from the 
 reasons above mentioned, as well as the very high charge 
 made for them. The Fleet under my command can be sup- 
 plied from different quarters on much more reasonable terms. 
 I am, &c., NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO THE COMMISSIONERS FOR VICTUALLING HIS MAJESTY'S 
 NAVY, LONDON. 
 
 [Letter-Book.] 
 
 Victory, off Toulon, 22nd October, 1803. 
 Gentlemen, 
 
 I herewith transmit for your information, copy of my letter 
 to your Board of this date, sent to Mr. Gibert, His Majesty's
 
 268 LETTERS. [1803. 
 
 Vice-Consul at Barcelona, together with copies and extracts 
 of four letters from him on the subject of the wine, &c., said 
 to be shipped for the Fleet under my command, as therein 
 mentioned, in order that you may take the same into con- 
 sideration, and make such allowance, for the losses he may 
 have sustained, as you judge proper, which, notwithstanding 
 what he sets forth, may not be so considerable, as it is natural 
 to suppose men in business would have taken the precaution 
 of insuring the safe delivery of their cargoes. Political reasons 
 may, however, induce this last mentioned circumstance to be 
 regarded in another point of view, and not to influence your 
 decision against him. I am, &c., 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO SIR EVAN NEPEAN, BART., ADMIRALTY. 
 
 [Letter-Book.] 
 
 Victory, off Toulon, 22nd October, 1803. 
 
 Sir, 
 
 You will please to acquaint the Lord Commissioners of the 
 Admiralty, that judging it necessary for the good of His 
 Majesty's Service that some person should be appointed to the 
 Ambuscade, to take charge of the provisions as Purser, I have 
 appointed Mr. John Sullivan, late Clerk of His Majesty's 
 Ship Belleisle, who has been upwards of six years in the 
 Service, and recommended to me as a deserving young man. 
 
 I am, Sir, &c., 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO THE PRINCIPAL OFFICERS AND COMMISSIONERS OF HIS 
 MAJESTY'S NAVY, LONDON. 
 
 [Letter-Book.] 
 
 Victory, off Toulon, 22nd October, 1803. 
 
 Gentlemen, 
 
 Several Seamen having deserted from the Fleet under my 
 command, at the Bay of Rosas, where the Ships have gone to 
 wood and water, &c., I directed Mr. Gibert, his Majesty's 
 Vice-Consul at Barcelona, to give forty shillings for each 
 Deserter which might be apprehended, and acquainted him 
 that the usual allowance of nine-pence per day would be
 
 JET. 45.] LETTERS. 269 
 
 made for their subsistence during the time they remained in 
 custody. These sums Mr. Gibert receives from Mr. John 
 Hunter, his Majesty's Consul- General at Madrid, who will 
 draw upon your Board for the amount, and transmit the 
 regular vouchers at the same time : the forty shillings will be 
 charged against each of such Deserters, when they join their 
 respective Ships. I am, &c., 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO JOHN HUNTER, ESQ., HIS MAJESTY'S CONSUL-GENERAL. 
 MADRID. 
 
 [Letter-Book.] 
 
 Victory, off Toulon, 22nd October, 1803. 
 
 Sir, 
 
 I have received your letter of the 8th instant, and beg to 
 observe that it is on the Navy Board you are to draw for the 
 forty shillings allowed for apprehending each Deserter, as well 
 as for subsisting them afterwards. I have wrote to the Com- 
 missioners of the Navy upon this subject, in order that the 
 Bills you may have occasion to draw upon them for this ser- 
 vice, may be duly attended to. The necessary vouchers for 
 such disbursements must be regularly transmitted to that 
 Board. I am, Sir, &c., 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO SPIRIDION FORESTI, ESQ., CORFU. 
 [Autograph draught, in the possession of Earl Nelson.] 
 
 Victory, off Toulon, 22nd October, 1803. 
 Sir, 
 
 I have received by the Niger, Captain Hillyar, duplicate of 
 your letter of August 23rd, and triplicate of yours of July 
 25th, for which I am much obliged to you; and also your 
 letter of September 23rd. In reply to the first part of your 
 letter, I beg leave to acquaint you, that I have enlarged the 
 Squadron destined to watch the French at Otranto, Brindisi, 
 &c. &c., and have given Captain Cracraft, the Senior Captain, 
 orders to call occasionally at Corfu, and to afford every assist- 
 ance to the Republic of the Seven Isles, which I am sure he 
 will do.
 
 270 LETTERS. [1803. 
 
 To the second part of your letter : You say that you would 
 ' write to AH Pacha, that your Lordship had transmitted his 
 letters, &c.' I 'am very sorry for my omission, but I trans- 
 mitted them to Mr. Ad . . . . m [Addington ?] the moment I 
 received them, the 24th August I am really much interested 
 for Ali Pacha ; for he has always been a stanch friend to the 
 English, and most particularly kind to me ; and if I ever 
 should go to Corfu, I shall certainly, if he is within a few 
 days' reach, go and see him. I am very happy to find that 
 the powder and ball sent by the Arab has been seized, and 
 some of the troublesome Greeks removed. 
 
 I have given Captain Cracraft such directions for the pro- 
 tection of our commerce, as cannot fail of the desired effect, 
 unless the Republic allow the Enemy's Privateers to be shel- 
 tered in their Ports, and from thence make depredations, as 
 has, I am sorry to say, been the case in Sicily. Your attention 
 to every part of your duty leaves me nothing to recommend, 
 and I only beg that you will assure the Government of the 
 Republic of my sincere good wishes for its prosperity, and be 
 assured I am, with the highest respect, Sir, your most obedient 
 humble servant, NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 You will be so good as to forward my letters; and you 
 mentioned sending the two letters from his Excellency Mr. 
 Drummond : I only received one dated July 13th. 
 
 TO WILLIAM WILLIAMS, ESQ., PLYMOUTH DOCK. 
 [From a Fac-simile.] 
 
 Victory, off Toulon, October 23rd, 1803. 
 
 My dear Sir, 
 
 I return you many thanks for your kind remembrance of 
 me, and I feel very much obliged by your present of Scilly 
 ling, which Mr. Chapman delivered on the arrival of the 
 Guilders. I am watching and praying for the sailing of the 
 Enemy's Fleet, and, with the Ships with me, I have no fear 
 but we shall give a very good account of them. I sincerely 
 condole on your loss ; but some of us are always called before 
 the others, and we know not whose turn may be next. We 
 none of us can escape the grim gentleman. I beg you will
 
 JET. 45.] LETTERS. 271 
 
 give my remembrances to any of our joint friends at Plymouth. 
 I have not time to answer Captain Spicer's 7 kind letter. Believe 
 me ever, my dear Sir, yours most faithfully, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO REAR-ADMIRAL MACNAMARA RUSSELL. 8 
 
 [From Clarke and M'Arthur, vol. ii. p. 336.] 
 
 October, 1803. 
 
 Here I am, waiting the pleasure of these fellows at Toulon, 
 and we only long to get fairly alongside of them. I dare say, 
 there would be some spare hats, by the time we had done. 
 You are a pleasant fellow at all times ; and, as Commodore 
 Johnstone said of General Meadows, * I have no doubt but 
 your company would be delightful on the day of Battle to your 
 friends, but damned bad for your enemies.' I desire, my dear 
 Russell, you will always consider me as one of the sincerest of 
 the former. I am, &c., 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO HIS EXCELLENCY HUGH ELLIOT, ESQ. 
 [Autograph, in the Elliot Papers.] 
 
 Victory, off Toulon, October 23rd, 1803. 
 
 My dear Sir, 
 
 Be so good as to send my letter to Mr. Jackson, and answer 
 such parts as relate to the Gibraltar, and if she can be spared 
 for a few days to carry the Sardinian Galley with his Royal 
 Highness over to Cagliari, I am sure Captain Ryves on being 
 asked to do it, will perform this service with much pleasure. 9 
 We are all well, and ever, my dear Sir, your faithful and 
 obedient servant, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 7 Captain Peter Spicer, then a Post Captain, who was a Lieutenant of the Aga- 
 memnon, and the Captain, under Lord Nelson's command. Vide vol. i. 300, vol. ii. 
 271. He died about 1830. " 
 
 8 Rear-Admiral Thomas Macnamara Russell. A Memoir of this Officer, who died 
 an Admiral of the White in 1823 or 1824, will be found in the Naval Chronicle, 
 vol. xvii. 
 
 9 The Gibraltar did convey the Sardinian Prince to Cagliari ; for which service 
 the King of Sardinia presented Captain Ryves with a gold snuff-box.
 
 272 LETTERS. [1803, 
 
 TO CAPTAIN DONNELLY, H.M. SHIP NARCISSUS. 
 
 [Autograph, in the possession of the late Adam Bromilow, Esq.] 
 
 Victory, off Toulon, October 21th, 1803. 
 
 Sir, 
 
 I am going with the Squadron to the Madalena Islands to 
 water, and shall return to the Rendezvous as soon as possible ; 
 but I think it will be about fourteen days from this time ; 
 you will, therefore, with the Seahorse under your command, 
 remain off Toulon, and occasionally on the Rendezvous, till my 
 return, taking every care in your power that the French Fleet 
 do not put to sea without your knowing it; and, in case of their 
 coming out, you will send the Seahorse direct to me, to let me 
 be acquainted with it; and you will endeavour yourself to 
 ascertain their intended route, by which time I may be able 
 to have the Fleet ready for putting to sea. I expect the 
 Termagant with dispatches from Gibraltar; you will, there- 
 fore, direct her Commander to come to me at the Madalena 
 Islands, cautioning him not to entangle himself with the 
 Islands, unless he is assured, by sending his boat on shore to 
 the town of Madalena, or excuanging signals with the Fleet, 
 that it is safe to approach. Should you fall in with either the 
 Canopus or Renown, you will acquaint Admiral Campbell 
 and Captain White 1 where I am, and of my desire for their 
 immediate junction with me. Should certain circumstances 
 occur, which I cannot forsee, I rely on your ability and zeal 
 for acting in the properest manner for his Majesty's service ; 
 and I am, Sir, with great respect, your most obedient servant, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 1 Captain John Chambers White, of the Renown : he died a Knight Commander 
 p of the Bath, Vice-Admiral of the White, and Commander-in-Chief at Sheemess, in 
 January 1845.
 
 JET. 45.] 
 
 LETTERS. 
 
 273 
 
 PRIVATE JOURNAL, 2 FROM OCTOBER 25TH TO OCTOBER 31ST, 
 
 1803. 
 
 [From Clarke and M'Arthur, vol. ii. p. 336.] 
 
 October 25th, saw Corsica and Cape Longo Sardo; from 
 noon to daylight next morning, we had a heavy swell with 
 squally weather. During the whole of the 26th, lost ground 
 
 2 This private Journal lias not been found ; but two small Books are preserved 
 in which Lord Nelson daily entered, in his own hand, the state of the Barometer, 
 Weather, and Wind twice, three times, and occasionally four, five, and even six times 
 in every twenty -four hours, from the 24th of October 1803, to the 13th of May 1805. 
 A few extracts from these entries may be considered interesting: 
 
 "STATE OF THE WEATHER BY THE BAROMETER, 1803. 
 
 Week day. 
 
 Month Day. 
 
 Time taken. 
 A.M. and P.M. 
 
 Rise & Fall of the Barometer 
 
 State of the Weather and 
 Wind. 
 
 Degrees. 
 
 Lines. 
 
 Tenths. 
 
 
 October 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Monday 
 
 24 
 
 7 A.M. 
 
 29 
 
 9 
 
 9 
 
 A heavy swell from N.W. 
 
 
 
 Noon. 
 
 80 
 
 1 
 
 " 
 
 Light airs. Variable. 
 
 
 
 7 P.M. 
 
 30 
 
 1 
 
 7 
 
 Fine weather. Wind North. 
 
 Tuesday 
 
 25 
 
 7 A.M. 
 
 30 
 
 1 
 
 7 
 
 Wind E.N.E. Fine breezes 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 and clear. 
 
 
 
 Noon. 
 
 30 
 
 2 
 
 
 
 Calm, and at times fresh 
 
 
 
 4 P.M. 
 
 80 
 
 1 
 
 6 
 
 breezes ; but very fine. 
 
 
 
 10 P.M. 
 
 30 
 
 2 
 
 2 
 
 Fresh breezes, and a swell 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 at East. 
 
 
 December 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Saturday 
 
 10 
 
 7 A.M. 
 
 30 
 
 I 
 
 7 
 
 Strong breezes, N.N.W. 
 
 
 
 2 P.M. 
 
 
 
 
 
 9 
 
 Ditto weather. Anchored 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 under Cape Tolari, in 29 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 fathoms water, opposite a 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 sandy Bay, the Cape bear- 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 ing W.S.W. by compass. 
 
 N.B. From Friday morning the Barometer has been 
 
 
 rising, and yet, for two days and one night, I never saw 
 
 
 such a succession of heavy squalls of wind, hail, and 
 
 
 rain. 
 
 
 
 February 
 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 
 [1804] 
 
 
 Never so high. 
 
 
 Monday 
 
 23 
 
 7 A.M. 
 
 30 
 
 5 
 
 1 
 
 Fine weather. Wind E.N.E. 
 
 
 
 7 P.M. 
 
 
 
 4 
 
 9 
 
 Fine weather. Wind West. 
 
 
 October 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 1804 
 
 Never rose so much in a given time. 
 
 
 Wednesday 
 
 31 
 
 7 A.M. 
 
 30 
 
 
 
 o 
 
 Nearly calm, North. 
 
 
 
 8 P.M. 
 
 30 
 
 
 
 8 
 
 Light airs, S.S.W. 
 
 1 At P.M. of the preceding day, the Barometer was 29 7' 6". EDITOR. 
 VOL. V. T
 
 274 LETTERS. [1803. 
 
 all day. The next day, we had strong breezes at E.S.E., 
 directly through the Straits, and found we had gained two 
 points to the Eastward in the night. Throughout the ensuing 
 night we had strong gales, and were under reefed courses. 
 At six o'clock the next evening, having split many sails, we 
 found ourselves abreast of Isle Rosso. All night strong gales. 
 
 Saturday, October 29th, found ourselves about five leagues 
 directly to leeward of the place we left last night. At day- 
 light, made sail under close-reefed topsails and reefed courses, 
 with a very strong current against us ; but the Fleet being 
 absolutely in distress for water, I am determined to persevere, 
 notwithstanding all the difficulties. At one P.M., fetched 
 Castel Sardo, a small Town in Sardinia, rounded in stays 
 three miles from the shore : beating alongshore all night about 
 three miles from the Coast. 
 
 October 31st. Not being able to clear the Levisena Islands, 
 stood towards Shark's Mouth, tacked, and fetched the Northern- 
 most of Martha Islands. N.B. The Straits of Bonafaccio lie 
 between the Martha and Levisena Islands, the last of which 
 belong to Corsica. When near the Southernmost, Martha 
 Island, we opened the little one to the Westward of the Island 
 Spanioti, close to the ledge of rocks, and weathered them 
 about one mile; we then tacked under Sardinia, and stood into 
 a beautiful little bay, or rather harbour. After various tacks, 
 and being close to the two rocks in Captain Ryves' Chart, and 
 abreast of the rocks where he was, the whole Squadron 
 anchored by six o'clock in the evening, without any accident, 
 in Agincourt Sound, under the Sardinian shore. 
 
 TO HIS EXCELLENCY HUGH ELLIOT, ESQ. 
 
 [Autograph, in the Elliot Papers. " 31st October, P.M. At 3-10, came to with 
 the best bower in Agincourt Sound, and moored Ship. November 1. Saluted the 
 Governor of Madalena with nine guns on coming on board." Victory's Log.] 
 
 Victory, Madalena Islands, November 1st, 1803. 
 
 My dear Sir, 
 
 The Fleet being very much in want of water, I have taken 
 the opportunity of the moonlight nights to come here, in order 
 to obtain it, and some refreshments for our crews, who have
 
 JET. 45.] LETTERS. 275 
 
 now been upwards of five months at sea. But our health and 
 good humour is perfection, and we only want the French 
 Fleet out. This day week they had eight Sail of the Line 
 ready, and a ninth fitting ; so that we shall surely meet them 
 some happy day, and I have no doubt but that we shall be 
 amply repaid for all our cares and watchings. I have left 
 Frigates to watch them. The Raven goes to Naples in order 
 to obtain candles, and other things of which we stand in need, 
 and I hope she will be favoured with the winds, and catch us 
 here. 
 
 I have not a word of news from any quarter, and I have 
 only to hope that all goes on well in the Two Sicilies. I 
 should be happy, was it in my power, to communicate 
 oftener with you, and dire necessity only obliges me to send 
 the Raven, and I am left without a small Vessel. Pray, tell 
 me, can I write to England through Naples with safety? 
 How do your dispatches go ? I am ever, my dear Sir, your 
 Excellency's most faithful and obliged servant, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 Captain Murray, Hardy, and Dr. Scott, desire their com- 
 pliments. My letters I send as I can, generally to Gibraltar. 
 The other routes are uncertain, and I have no spare Vessels. 
 I feel even parting with the Cameleon, and he has strict 
 orders to join me as soon as possible. 
 
 TO ARCHIBALD MACNEILL, ESQ., NAPLES. 
 
 [Letter-Book.] 
 Victory, Madalena Islands, Sardinia, 1st November, 1803. 
 
 Sir, 
 
 By your letter of the 26th September last, you offered to 
 supply one or two hundred head of oxen when wanted : I 
 now beg that you will be pleased to inform me when you can 
 have one hundred head of prime oxen either at Gaeta or 
 Salerno, (the former place in preference, as it is a better 
 anchorage in this season,) and fix as nearly the time they 
 will be ready as possible, in order that the Ship I may 
 send for them may not be delayed. It will also be necessary 
 to have provender for the cattle for at least one month ; and it 
 
 T2
 
 276 LETTERS. [1803 
 
 would be very desirable to have twelve tons of onions for the 
 use of the Fleet, which, with care at this season, will, I should 
 imagine, keep perfectly good. The price and weight of the 
 bullocks being stated in your letter of the 26th July last, it 
 only remains for me to observe, that the Captain sent on this 
 service will receive the bullocks, onions, and hay, and give 
 you bills on the Commissioners for Victualling his Majesty's 
 Navy for the amount, I am, &c., 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO MR. niCHARD BROMELEY, PURSER, H.M. SHIP BELLE1SLE. 
 
 [Order-Book.] 
 Victory, Madelena Islands, 1st November, 1803. 
 
 Having judged it necessary to proceed to this place for 
 the purpose of completing the wood and water of His Majesty's 
 Ships named in the margin, 2 and as the health of their Com- 
 panies very much depends upon as frequent supplies of fresh 
 beef, onions, &c. as can be procured ; it is my intention 
 that every means shall be used to effect this purpose, and to 
 procure as many live bullocks, &c. as can be had ; I shall, 
 therefore, gladly accept of your very disinterested offer of 
 service on this occasion. Finding, however, that it is morally 
 impossible to purchase any kind of refreshment for the 
 Squadron at this place without ready money, (bills on the 
 Victualling-Board not being negotiable) Captain Hardy, of his 
 Majesty's Ship Victory, has very handsomely offered to lend 
 such a number of dollars as may be wanted for the above 
 purpose : You are, therefore, hereby required and directed to 
 purchase as many live bullocks and onions as you can procure 
 for the use of the said Squadron, together with two hundred 
 head of sheep for the use of the sick on board the different 
 Ships, as I find from the Governor of Madalena (to whom I 
 wrote this morning on the subject of supplies, and also, to 
 afford you every facility in his power) that it will be very diffi- 
 cult to procure the number of bullocks wanted for the Ships 
 on so short notice ; and as the sheep at this place are very 
 small, meagre, and inferior in quality, you are to supply them 
 
 * Victory, Kent, Canopus, Superb, Bejleisle, Triumph, Eenown, Stately, Cameleon.
 
 JET. 45.] LETTERS. 277 
 
 as beef, and a Memorandum will be given directing the dif- 
 ferent Pursers to charge themselves with the produce as fresh 
 beef, and issue them to the sick, accordingly. In making the 
 above purchase, the strictest attention is to be paid, that the 
 bullocks, sheep, onions, and fodder, so procured for the use of 
 the Squadron before mentioned, are good of their kind, and fit 
 for His Majesty's Service, and that the sum paid for them is 
 the lowest, and the market price usually charged; for the pay- 
 ment thereof, you will receive hard, or Spanish dollars from 
 Captain Hardy of the Victory, giving him a receipt for the 
 number you may require for the said purpose. You are to 
 charge yourself with the whole of the bullocks, sheep, &c. 
 so purchased, as Purser of His Majesty's Ship Belleisle, and 
 supply them to the different Ships, agreeable to such di- 
 rections as you shall receive from the Captain of the Fleet, 
 taking the necessary receipts from the Pursers for the bul- 
 locks, sheep, &c., they may be respectively supplied with; 
 and you are to dispose of all the bullocks' hides and sheep- 
 skins which may be slaughtered, during our stay here (if pos- 
 sible) to the most advantage for Government, taking care that 
 the best possible use is made of the ready money, and that the 
 whole and every individual article is procured on the most 
 reasonable terms, and that the vouchers for the said purchase 
 are regularly and correctly made out, and the prices authenti- 
 cated by the Governor and other principal inhabitants at 
 Madalena; a set of which, including the receipts from the 
 different Ships, you will transmit to the Commissioners of the 
 Victualling Board by the first opportunity, and two sets to 
 me, for purposes which I may judge necessary. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO CAPTAIN RYVES, II. M. SHIP GIBRALTAR. 
 [Autograph, in the possession of Captain George Frederick Kyves, C.B.] 
 
 Victor}', November 2nd, 1803. 
 
 My dear Sir, 
 
 We anchored in Agincourt Sound yesterday evening, and I 
 assure you that I individually feel all the obligation due to you 
 for your most correct Chart, and directions for these Islands;
 
 278 LETTERS. [1803. 
 
 We worked the Victory every foot of the way, from Asinara to 
 this anchorage, the wind blowing from Longo Sardo, under 
 double-reefed topsails. I shall write to the Admiralty stating 
 how much they ought to feel obliged to your very great skill 
 and attention in making this Survey. This is absolutely one 
 of the finest harbours I have ever seen. I am, dear Sir, your 
 obliged and obedient servant, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO CAPTAIN CRACRAFT, H.M. SHIP AXSON. 
 
 [Letter-Book.] 
 Victory, Madalena Islands, Sardinia, 5th November, 1803. 
 
 Sir, 
 
 Although it is my sincere wish to observe the strictest 
 Neutrality in Sicily, yet it is certainly justifiable to attack 
 any Vessel in a place from whence she makes her attack. 
 Two Vessels were given up at Naples on this principle, being 
 taken by the Boats of the Cyclops and Experiment, who were 
 sent from the anchorage. We have shown our complaisance 
 in giving up one Privateer, but the conduct of the French is 
 so contrary to all Neutrality that they must be punished, and 
 I hope that the Neapolitan Government will approve of our 
 proceedings. I have wrote a complaint to Mr. Elliot on the sub- 
 ject of the unwarrantable conduct of these Privateers, on a com- 
 plaint of Captain Hillyar's. The conduct of Captain Rayns- 
 ford 3 appears from his account to have been perfectly proper, 
 and I am very much pleased with the spirited conduct of 
 Lieutenant Lawrence, 4 which I beg you will communicate to 
 him. I am, with great esteem, &c., 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 * Captain Robert Rayusford. This unfortunate Officer commanded the Athenienne, 
 (34:, when that Ship was lost on the Esquerques, in the Mediterranean, on the 
 27th of October 1806, and, together with 347 of her crew, perished. " I urged 
 Captain Raynsford," said one of the surviving Officers in his Narrative, " to save 
 himself by swimming to the Launch, but in vain ; he declaring to me that he was 
 perfectly resigned to his fate, and was determined not to quit his post whilst a man 
 remained." Naval Chronicle, vol. xvi. p. 101. 
 
 4 This Officer has not been identified.
 
 JET. 45.] LETTERS. 279 
 
 TO CAPTAIN CRACRAFT, H.M. SHIP ANSON. 
 
 [Letter-Book.] 
 Victory, at the Madalena Islands, 5th November, 1803. 
 
 Sir, 
 
 I have just received your letter of October 6th, telling me 
 that Captain Richardson had fallen in with an Algerine 
 Squadron of eleven Sail. I suspect they are not Algerines 
 but Tunisians ; but as each Corsair is obliged to produce a 
 Certificate from our Consul, the truth of who they belong to 
 is very easily ascertained, and I wish it to be done on every 
 occasion on falling in with these gentry. I approve very 
 much of your going up the Adriatic, and when you call at 
 Corfu, you will see the necessity of paying great attention to 
 the safety of our Ships in the Currant trade. I am, with 
 great esteem, &c., 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO LIEUTENANT WILLIAM PEMBERTON, RESIDENT AGENT FOR 
 TRANSPORTS, MALTA. 
 
 [Letter-Book.] 
 Victory, at the Madalena Islands, Sardinia, 5th November, 1803; 
 
 Sir, 
 
 You did right to send Lieutenant M'Culloch home ; he 
 could not be wanted here. I am glad the Vessel with water 
 is ready, and you will receive an order to load a Vessel with 
 provisions, which I beg may be done as expeditiously as pos- 
 sible. The Returns of Transports, and how they have been 
 disposed of, I have received. I am, Sir, &c. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO NATHANIEL TAYLOR, ESQ., NAVAL STOREKEEPER, MALTA. 
 
 [Letter-Book.] 
 Victory, Madalena Islands, 5th November, 1803. 
 
 Sir, 
 
 I am favoured with your letter of October 29th. The hemp 
 in butts must be put in one of the Transports coming to the
 
 280 LETTERS. [1803. 
 
 Fleet. I am glad that you have prepared a Transport to send 
 up the Adriatic, and I judge she is sailed before this time. With 
 respect to the making of rope, none under three-inch is 
 necessary to be made for the Line of Battle Ships, and we 
 can make as far as four-inch. The rope principally to be 
 made at Malta is upwards of four-inch, our braces are four and . 
 a half inch, and lifts the same size ; the Master Attendant will 
 teach them in a day. Our Master-Ropemaker is a child of 
 thirteen years of age, and the best Ropemaker in the Fleet. 
 I am glad to receive the Cameleon so completely refitted, 
 and if the Spider is in the miserable state she is represented 
 to me, I desire she may be surveyed by the Master- Attendant 
 and Builder, and if found so, to be refitted. We shall be very 
 glad of more twine and slops ; for this cruizing in the Gulf 
 of Lyons is very bad for our sails, and warm slops will be 
 truly acceptable. Something must be done to keep the water 
 free under the Shears, The Officers of the Yard must take 
 care of this, and repair the Punt, and employ proper people 
 to clear it. In the time of the Order, the sale of the mud 
 paid, I understand, the expenses. However, it must be cleared 
 away, and speedily ; for some of us will want to go under the 
 Shears very soon. I am, &c., 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO PATRICK WILK1E, ESQ., AGENT VICTUALLER, MALTA. 
 
 [Letter-Book.] 
 Victory, Madalena Islands, Sardinia, 5th November, 1803. 
 
 Sir, 
 
 I have received your letter of October 26th, and you will 
 receive directions from Captain Murray, for loading a Vic- 
 tualler with supplies for the Fleet ; and I sincerely hope that 
 no weevily bread will be sent, as the Fleet is free from those 
 insects at present ; and I beg that every exertion may be used 
 in loading the Transport, as far as depends upon you. I am, 
 Sir, &c. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE.
 
 JET. 45.] LETTERS. 281 
 
 TO CAPTAIN SCHOMBERG, H. M. SHIP MADRAS, MALTA. 
 [Letter-Book.] 
 
 Victory, Madalena Islands, Sardinia, 5tli November, 1803. 
 
 Sir, 
 
 The Raven will be put particularly under your orders for 
 the various services which may be wanted, and not to exclude 
 her from being sent to me if you should want to send her. 
 She must immediately convoy the two Transports to the 
 most secret Rendezvous herewith sent, and moor them in 
 safety under the Fort, giving directions to the Masters to 
 lake care of their Ships and wait for my further orders ; and 
 I need not tell you to keep the Raven active. She sails so 
 fast that no Privateer can get from her, I am sure ; but you 
 must caution Captain Swaine, 4 and very strictly, in your orders, 
 to keep his Convoy close in passing the Faro, if you have 
 occasion to send him to Naples. 
 
 Convoys for the Archipelago and Adriatic, I trust, Captain 
 Cracraft will furnish ; for my wish is to confine the Raven as 
 much as possible to the service of Malta, and this you will say 
 to Sir Alexander Ball. With respect to bearing supernu- 
 merary Officers and men for the Packets, I do not conceive 
 that you can bear any Officers by rank for wages and victuals. 
 The fifty desired by Sir Alexander Ball, are borne, I suppose, 
 for wages and victuals on board the Madras, and lent from 
 her to the Packets : farther than that, I don't believe we can 
 do with propriety. With respect to the petition of the Maltese, 
 it is not mentioned where the Vessels are blockaded, nor 
 dated : I cannot understand it. If it is in the Morea, Captain 
 Cracraft has liberated them long before this time. I con- 
 gratulate you on being confirmed, 5 and when I can, com- 
 patible w T ith my other engagements, I shall certainly be glad 
 to put you into a good Frigate, or to do anything else in my 
 power to serve you, being with real esteem and regard, &c., 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 4 Captain Spelrnan Swaine was Posted in May 1810, and is still living. 
 * Captain Schomberg's commission as Post-Captain was dated on the 6th of 
 August, 1803.
 
 282 LETTERS. [1803. 
 
 TO THE RIGHT HONOURABLE WILLIAM DRUMMOND, 
 AMBASSADOR AT CONSTANTINOPLE. 
 
 [From Clarke and M'Arthur, vol. ii. p. 338.] 
 
 [Apparently about 5th November, 1803.] 
 
 The particular situation of our Country at this moment, 
 prevents the Admiralty from furnishing me with Frigates and 
 smaller Vessels ; therefore I must equally regret with your 
 Excellency the not being able to send any directly to Con- 
 stantinople. I feel very happy that my conduct is still satis- 
 factory to the Sublime Porte, my zeal and activity they may 
 fully rely upon ; but it may be possible, that, notwithstanding 
 all ray care and attention, the French Fleet will escape me, 
 and get to Egypt or the Morea before I can come up with 
 them ; that they are bound there I have very little doubt : 
 therefore I would strongly recommend the Turkish Govern- 
 ment to be upon its guard ; being at Peace with so treacherous 
 a people as the French, is no security against an attack. The 
 last report was, October 26th, eight Sail of the Line ready for 
 sea, six Frigates, and five or six Corvettes : they had been 
 pressing in every part to get men, and 5000 Troops are ready 
 for embarkation. Every hour I expect to hear of their sail- 
 ing. I am, &c., 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE." 
 
 TO SIR ALEXANDER JOHN BALL, BART., MALTA. 
 [Autograph, in the possession of Sir William Keith Ball, Bart.] 
 
 Victory, Madalena Islands, November 7th, 1803. 
 
 My dear Ball, 
 
 Captain Staines delivered me your kind letter two days 
 ago. As I expect Mr. Falcon every moment, I shall take 
 the first opportunity of settling our business with the Dey of 
 Algiers. The documents which I have received from you 
 are perfectly regular. I wish we may be able to get over the 
 Sicilian Vessels, but that I doubt being able to accomplish. 
 
 
 
 " 7th of November. I had the comfort of making an old Agamemnon, George 
 Jones, a Gunner into the Cameleou Brig." Private Diary, in Clarke and M'Arthur.
 
 jet. 45.] LETTERS. 283 
 
 Apropos, our Vessels make so many mistakes, and call every 
 Barbary Cruizer an Algerine, that I fear, if we should go to 
 war with that State, that some untoward mistakes may happen. 
 But I believe each Cruizer is obliged to produce a Certificate 
 from our Consul of the State she belongs to ; pray tell me if I 
 am correct. I am glad to find that you are so well pleased 
 with the Minister from Tunis. I send you an extract of my 
 letter to Mr. Elliot, in answer to his about a coolness between 
 you and Sir John Acton; and also an extract of a letter from 
 Madrid, and Captain Swaine was at Barcelona on October 
 13th, therefore I do not think a Spanish War so near. We are 
 more likely to go to War with Spain for her complaisance to 
 the French ; but the French can gain nothing, but be great 
 losers, by forcing Spain to go to War with us ; therefore, I 
 never expect that the Spaniards will begin, unless Buonaparte 
 is absolutely mad, as many say he is. What ! he begins to find 
 excuses ! I thought he would invade England in the face of 
 the Sun ! Now he wants a three-days' fog, that never yet hap- 
 pened! and if it did, how is his Craft to be kept together? He 
 will soon find more excuses or there will be an end of Buona- 
 parte, and may the Devil take him ! 
 
 Our two last reconnoiterings : Toulon has eight Sail of the 
 Line, apparently ready for sea, five or six Frigates, and 
 as many Corvettes they count twenty-two Sail of Ships 
 of War; a Seventy-four is repairing; whether they intend 
 waiting for her I can't tell, but I expect them every hour 
 to put to sea, and with Troops, but their destination ? is 
 it Ireland or the Levant? That is what I want to know. 
 However, out they will come, and, I trust, we shall meet 
 them. The event, with God's blessing on our exertions, we 
 ought not to doubt ; I really believe that we are the ' strong 
 pull and pull together.' With thisTorce opposed to me, I can- 
 not with prudence leave myself with less than six Sail of the 
 Line, and from various circumstances, Ships going to water, 
 &c., I am too often with only five Frigates, and Smaller 
 Vessels I am most distressed for. However, I send the Raven 
 to be under Captain Schomberg's particular orders, for upon 
 every occasion I had rather leave myself bare than have my 
 friends complain. iJord St. Vincent's words are, ( We can send 
 you neither Ships or Men, and with the resources of your
 
 284 LETTERS. [1803. 
 
 mind, "you will do without them very well.' Bravo, my Lord ! 
 I have all the inclination in the world to send Sir Richard 
 Bickerton to Malta, but I dare not do it at this moment not 
 so much for the want of the Ship, but. from my sincere esteem 
 for the- Admiral, and in charity to them both ; for if the 
 Battle took place and Sir Richard absent, they would have 
 reason to curse me' for ever. But you may assure her Lady- 
 ship 7 that I know what attachment is, and that the Admiral 
 shall be the first detached after the Battle ; and if I can, on 
 any belief that the Enemy are not coming immediately to sea, 
 he shall go before the Battle. Remember me kindly to 
 Macaulay 8 and all our friends at Malta. I admire your Malta 
 Gazettes; it is the custom, and a very bad one, for the 
 English, never to tell their own story, and you have put it 
 well together. This Anchorage is certainly one of the best I 
 have met with for a Fleet water, brooms, sand, onions, some 
 beef, plenty of sheep, and but little of aqua denta; but I sup- 
 pose the French will take it now we have used it. I am 
 ever, my dear Ball, most sincerely and faithfully yours, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 No wonder Neutral Powers complain, when we do not 
 send out a Judge of the Admiralty : it is cruel both to the 
 Detainer, and the Neutral. 
 
 TO THE RESPECTIVE CAPTAINS AND COMMANDERS OF HIS 
 MAJESTY'S SHIPS AND VESSELS ON THE MEDITERRANEAN 
 STATION. 
 
 [From a Copy in the Nelson Papers.] 
 
 Victory, MadaJena Islands, 7th November, 1803* 
 
 Memorandum. 
 
 Lord Nelson is very sorry to find that notwithstanding his 
 forgiveness of the men who deserted in Spain, it has failed to 
 have its proper effect, and that there are still men who so far 
 forget their duty to their King and Country, as to desert the 
 Service, at a time when every man in England is in arms to 
 
 ' Lady Bickerton, who was then at Malta. She wa Anne, daughter of James 
 Alhill, Esq. of Antigua. 
 ' Mr. Alexander Macaulay, Treasurer of Malta.
 
 JET. 45.] LETTERS. 285 
 
 defend it against the Trench. Therefore Lord Nelson desires 
 that it may be perfectly understood, that if any man be so in- 
 famous as to desert from the Service in future, he will not 
 only be brought to a Court-Martial, but that if the sen- 
 tence should be Death, it will be most assuredly carried into 
 execution. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO MAJOR-GENERAL VILLETTES, MALTA. 
 [From Clarke and M'Arthur, vol. ii. p. 338.] 
 
 7th November, 1803. 
 My dear General, 
 
 I certainly think that the Navy ought to have had a regular 
 Hospital at Malta, and not to have thrown the trouble of 
 attending our Seamen on the Medical skill of the Army ; and 
 whenever Sir Richard Bickerton and Dr. Snipe go to Malta, 
 I intend they shall examine the large house on the opposite 
 side to you, which will be a very fit place for a Marine 
 Hospital. I am very much obliged to you for the 100 shells, 
 I have no doubt we shall have occasion to use them ; if the 
 Enemy run into Port, I shall not be very delicate where the 
 place is. Your kindness, my dear General, I have experienced 
 on every occasion, and your readiness to serve us is acknow- 
 ledged by all the Fleet ... I agree with you, that unless 
 Buonaparte is absolutely mad, and that the people about him 
 are so likewise, he will not wish to throw Sicily entirely into 
 our hands, in order to revenge himself of the King of Naples, 
 much less force Spain into a War which must so much injure 
 the French cause ; to us it matters not being at War with 
 Spain. We may be forced to go to War with her for her 
 complaisance to the French ; but I never can believe, that 
 Buonaparte's counsellors are such fools as to force Spain to 
 begin, and of course give us all her riches and commerce. 
 The War would not cost us one farthing more than at present. 
 I intend to leave this anchorage on Wednesday, and get home 9 
 again : although I have two good Frigates watching them, 
 yet I like to be at hand in case of need. I am, &c., 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 Off Toulon.
 
 286 LETTERS. [1803. 
 
 TO ARCHIBALD MACNEILL, ESQ., MALTA. 
 
 [Letter-Book. " Thursday, 10th November, 5 A.M. Weighed and made sail to 
 the Eastward, with the Fleet in company." Victory's Log. ] 
 
 Victory, at Sea, November 10th, 1803. 
 
 Sir, 
 
 I have been favoured with your letters of November the 4th 
 and 6th. I own I very much doubt the possibility of taking on 
 board cattle from an Enemy's Coast ; the French keep too good 
 a look out. As for communicating with Mr. Grant, that will 
 take up all the winter ; but I am sure it is impossible for our 
 Ships to go upon that Coast in the winter. I know every part 
 of it most perfectly. When you can have the bullocks to ship 
 at Gaeta, it may be a consideration, but I look even for that 
 as so uncertain, that I am this day sending the Transport to 
 Malta; but if you think you can get one hundred good bullocks 
 for us at Gaeta, and will, mention the time when they can be 
 shipped, and will send me word by the Transports coming to 
 the Fleet with provisions, I will send for them ; but we are 
 by no means in distress, and never was a Fleet in better 
 health. In our very uncertain state, I cannot recommend any 
 speculation in Sardinia : I may never go there again. I am 
 very sorry for the trouble you have taken in writing to Tus- 
 cany. If you had asked any Seaman used to that Coast, he 
 would have told you of the impossibility of a Ship's waiting 
 on that part of the Coast. I have the honour to be, &c. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO SIR EVAN NEPEAN, BART., ADMIRALTY. 
 
 [Original, in the Admiralty. On the 13th of November, the Fleet anchored in 
 Figaroui Roads, on the North Side of Corsica, and sailed on the ]5th.j 
 
 Victor>% at Sea, November ICth, 1803. 
 
 Sir, 
 
 I herewith transmit you, for the information of the Lords 
 Commissioners of the Admiralty, a copy of a letter from Cap- 
 tain Cracraft, of his Majesty's Ship Anson, together with a 
 copy of the one therein alluded to, from Captain Raynsford of 
 the Morgiana, giving an account of the capture of a French 
 Privateer, on the Coast of Sicily, which, under all the circum-
 
 ^ET. 45.] LETTERS. 287 
 
 stances, I have approved of. And I am sorry to observe that 
 the Enemy's Privateers make a very improper use of the Sici- 
 lian Ports, from whence they commit depredations on our 
 Trade. I have wrote Mr. Elliot, his Majesty's Minister at 
 Naples on this subject, and desired that an official complaint 
 may be made to that Court on the occasion. I am, Sir, &c. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO SIR EVAN NEPEAN, BART., ADMIRALTY. 
 
 [Original, in the Admiralty. " Wednesday, 16th November, A.M. Stately in 
 chose of a Brig, S.S.W., and the Cameleon in chase of a Schooner, S.W. ; brought 
 them to ; which proved to be a French Schooner, Le Eenard, from Calvi, having 
 the Brig under convoy, with French Troops." Victory's Log.~\ 
 
 Victory, at Sea, November 16th, 1803. 
 
 Sir, 
 
 You will please to acquaint the Lords Commissioners of 
 the Admiralty, that this morning the Squadron under my 
 command captured Le Renard, French National Schooner, 
 mounting twelve four-pounders, with six swivels, and manned 
 with eighty men ; also Le Titus, Transport, having on board 
 ninety-six soldiers from Corsica, bound to Toulon. The 
 Schooner and Transport are gone to Malta under charge of 
 the Stately. I am, Sir, &c. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE.' 
 
 1 On the 22nd of November, the following " Memorandum," was addressed " To 
 the respective Captains and Commanders of his Majesty's Ships and Vessels on 
 the Mediterranean Station :" 
 
 " If a Pendant be shown over Signal No. 36, [i. e., to ' Engage the Enemy on 
 their Starboard or Weather side,'] it signifies that Ships are to engage on the 
 Enemy's starboard side, whether going large or upon the wind. 
 
 " If a Pendant be shown in the like manner over Signal No. 37, [i. e., to ' En- 
 gage the Enemy on their Larboard or Lee side,'] it signifies that Ships are to 
 engage on the Enemy's larboard side, whether going large or upon a wind ; these 
 additions to be noted in the Signal Book in pencil only. 
 
 " Saint George's Ensigns are to be worn by every Ship in Action. 
 
 " GEO. MUBHAY." Order-Book.
 
 288 LETTERS. [1803. 
 
 TO CAPTAIN CRACRAFT, H. M. SHIP ANSON. 
 [From a Copy, in the Nelson Papers.] 
 
 Victory, off Toulon, 23rd November, 1803. 
 
 Sir, 
 
 You will take every means in your power for the effectual 
 protection of our Trade in the Adriatic, and in the Mouth of 
 the Archipelago, and give such Convoys as may be wanted, 
 not only from Malta, but also from Trieste, Venice, Fiume, 
 Patras, Zante, &c. The French Fleet are ready for sea, but 
 where they are bound I cannot tell you. Some reports say 
 to the Morea, or Egypt; others out of the Mediterranean. 
 
 I am, &c. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO SIR EVAN NEPEAN, BART., ADMIRALTY. 
 
 [Original, in the Admiralty.] 
 
 Victory, off Toulon, 24th November, 1803. 
 
 Sir, 
 
 I have received your letter of the 5th September last, 
 together with the copy of the one therein mentioned, from 
 Messrs. Holland and Co. of Trieste, respecting the capture of 
 three Merchant Vessels bound from that Port to London, 
 and signifying their Lordships' direction to make some arrange- 
 ment for affording protection to the Trade in the Adriatic ; 
 in answer to which you will please to acquaint the Lords 
 Commissioners of the Admiralty, that the strictest regard has 
 been paid to the protection of our Commerce in the Adriatic, 
 and every other part in these Seas, as you will observe by my 
 letter of the 2nd September, and the Disposition of the Fleet 
 under my command, which accompanied my letters of the 
 6th September, and the 8th ultimo. You will also please to 
 acquaint their Lordships that I have directed Captain Cra- 
 craft to afford Convoy to the Trade of his Majesty's Subjects 
 from the different Ports in the Adriatic, bound to Malta, when- 
 ever he shall learn there are any in want thereof, and on no 
 account to suffer them (so far as it depends upon him) to sail 
 without protection, for which and other services mentioned 
 in the Disposition of the 8th September, the Ships and Ves-
 
 JET. 45.] LETTERS. 289 
 
 sels named in the margin 4 are placed under his command. 
 But it is to be observed that the Masters of the Merchant- 
 men frequently proceed when they judge proper, without 
 either applying or waiting for the necessary Convoy, and I 
 have reason to believe that the Ships alluded to in your 
 before mentioned letter, fall under that description. 
 
 As I feel the protection of our Commerce a very essential 
 and important part of my duty, their Lordships may be 
 assured that everything which remains with me shall be done, 
 to prevent any of the Trade of his Majesty's Subjects from 
 falling into the hands of the Enemy. I am, Sir, &c. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO SIR EVAN NEPEAN, BART., ADMIRALTY, 
 [Original, in the Admiralty.] 
 
 Victory, off Toulon, 24=th November, 1803. 
 
 Sir, 
 
 I yesterday received your letter of the 24th September, 
 acquainting me that it was their Lordships' intention, in 
 order to enable me to apply a sufficient force to watch the 
 French Squadron at Toulon, and attend to other services, to 
 order the Excellent to take charge of the outward-bound 
 Convoy from Portsmouth, and to follow my orders ; and that 
 it is also their Lordships' intention to send out Line of Battle 
 Ships with any future Convoys, to enable me to send home, 
 in the same manner, any of the two-decked Ships under my 
 command which, from their long continuance abroad, or other 
 circumstances, may be rendered inefficient. You will please 
 to acquaint the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty, that 
 due regard shall be paid in sending home all future Convoys 
 under Ships of the above description, and that none shall be 
 kept in this Country but what may be absolutely necessary 
 for watching the Enemies' Ships in Toulon and in Cadiz, and 
 for the protection of our Commerce in these seas. I am, Sir, 
 your most obedient, humble servant, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 4 Anson, Juno, Arrow, Bittern, Morgiana. 
 VOL. V. U
 
 290 LETTERS. [1803. 
 
 TO SIR EVAN NEPEAN, BART., ADMIRALTY. 
 
 [Original, in tlie Admiralty.] 
 
 Victory, off Toulon, 24th November, 1803. 
 
 Sir, 
 
 You will please to acquaint the Lords Commissioners of 
 the Admiralty, that the Honourable Captain Boyle of the 
 Seahorse, who reconnoitred the French Squadron at Toulon 
 yesterday, acquainted me that there are eight Sail of the 
 Line, eight Frigates, and five or six Corvettes in the Outer 
 Road, all newly painted, and apparently in a perfect state of 
 readiness for sea, with their sails bent ; and that there is, in 
 his opinion, one or two Sail of the Line in the Arsenal 
 equipping (he judges from the distance between the topmasts). 
 The weather being perfectly clear, Captain Boyle's account 
 may be depended upon, particularly as it corresponds with the 
 information formerly received. I am, Sir, &c. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 P.S. 2nd December. The Enemy's Squadron at Toulon, 
 reconnoitred to-day, remain the same as stated above. 
 
 TO SIR EVAN NEPEAN, BART., ADMIRALTY. 
 [Original, in the Admiralty.] 
 
 Victory, off Toulon, 24th November, 1803. 
 
 Sir, 
 
 The Fleet being very short of wood and water, you will 
 please to acquaint the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty, 
 that I judged it better to go to the Madalena Islands in order 
 to obtain it, than to separate the Fleet, as by experience it is 
 found almost impossible, in the continued gales of wind at 
 this season, for any Ship to be certain of joining in any given 
 time ; I therefore left Frigates off Toulon, and proceeded to 
 the Madalena Islands, where having procured wood and 
 water and some refreshments, I returned to my Rendezvous. 
 The Chart of Captain Ryves, which the Board has received, 
 is the most correct thing I ever met with. The Fleet worked 
 up from Asmara, with a strong East wind, to the anchorage,
 
 .ET. 45.] LETTERS. 291 
 
 with perfect ease, from the Chart and directions ; and Cap- 
 tain Ryves deserves the greatest credit for the accuracy of his 
 Chart and remarks. The remarks I send you, and I would 
 recommend their insertion on the Chart. I am, Sir, &c. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO HIS EXCELLENCY HUGH ELLIOT, ESQ., NAPLES. 
 [Autograph, in the Elliot Papers.] 
 
 Victory, off Toulon, November 24th, 1803. 
 
 My dear Sir, 
 
 The Raven joined from Naples, as we were weighing from 
 the Madalena Islands ; and yesterday the Excellent; seventy- 
 four, joined from England. I send Sir John Acton's dis- 
 patches, via Malta, to Messina, and so overland ; for I have 
 no Vessel which I can send to Naples. Your letter from Lord 
 Minto at least, the letter which I supposed came from him, 
 was sent in your packet either by Gibraltar or some Vessel 
 before her. It had * Evan Nepean' wrote on the outside and 
 was a short thick letter. 
 
 Lord Hobart writes me 5 in confidence that they would not 
 
 s The following is a Copy of Lord Hobart's Letter to Lord Nelson : 
 
 " Private and Confidential. " Downing Street, Sept. 22nd, 1803. 
 
 " My dear Lord, 
 
 " I am to acknowledge your Lordship's private letter of the 18th of July, and 
 although I much regret that General Villettes had not felt himself at liberty to hold 
 out the expectation of his being able, at the time he ivrote to your Lordship, to 
 spare a larger force than one thousand men for the defence of Messina, I should 
 hope it would not be very long before it might be in his power to increase it. With 
 every deference, however, for your opinion, I cannot think I should have been 
 justified in leaving no discretion with General Villettes in the execution of the order 
 in question. In the course of a few days the Chasseurs Britanniqnes will embark 
 from Jersey for Malta. They are rather more than four hundred and forty strong ; 
 and to that extent will add to the means of detaching from that Island, and as we 
 gain strength at home, which we are doing very fast, we shall augment our forces in 
 the Mediterranean. 
 
 " It would certainly have been desirable not to have brought away so large a pro- 
 portion of the troops that had served in Egypt ; but the state of our Army at home 
 rendered it absolutely unavoidable. The official communication you will receive 
 from me upon the subject of the Pacha of Yanina, if the information of Mr. Hamilton 
 be correct, may lead to important consequences; but the management of the busi- 
 ness will require the full exercise of all your discretion. The first object, of course, 
 must be to ascertain how far the Port of Panormo, and the advantages it is stated 
 to be capable of producing, be such as they are described. The next, the practice- 
 
 u2
 
 292 LETTERS. [1803. 
 
 have drawn all the Egyptian Army from the Mediterranean, 
 but that it was necessary in the state of England as to Troops, 
 and the preparations of the Enemy, had they profited of the 
 moment, but that as they get strength in England, they will 
 send troops here. 500 are coming out, and Dillon's is to be 
 're-established : therefore, your Son's 80 men will be a good 
 beginning. The French force, yesterday, at two o'clock, was 
 correctly ascertained eight Sail of the Line, eight Frigates, 
 and five or six Corvettes, perfectly ready, and as fine as paint 
 can make them. A ninth Ship is visibly getting forward. I 
 only hope in God we shall meet them. Our weather-beaten 
 Ships, I have no fears, will make their sides like a plum- 
 pudding. As to news, I can tell you none. We have 
 nothing later than September 29tb, from Portsmouth. I 
 am ever, my dear Sir, your most faithful servant, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 bility of maintaining a position there, without the application of greater means than 
 it may be in our power to furnish. Satisfied upon these points I should hope it 
 would not he difficult for you to enable Mr. Drummond to convince the Porte that 
 we can have no object in looking for an establishment at Panormo, but that of 
 having it more effectually in our power to protect European Turkey against the 
 intrigues and eventual attacks of the French. Whilst, however, the Turkish 
 Government are thus secretly apprised of the steps we are taking, it would probably 
 be advisable for them to appear ignorant upon the subject, as in that case, they will 
 avoid being in any shape committed with the French, on account of the measures 
 we may pursue with the Pacha, whose notorious independence of the Porte (though 
 nominally subject to it) would easily exculpate that Government from the charge of 
 being a party to the transaction. The Pacha must also be managed, and the whole 
 business, as far as the Turkish Government can be effected, be made to appear to 
 originate with us. You will observe that it is his wish that we should make no 
 communication of our intentions to Constantinople. 
 
 " Our intercourse with Eussia continues friendly, but it is difficult to anticipate 
 the effect of the French intrigue, which is carried on with uncommon activity, and 
 not without success. Mr. Frere will apprise you of the situation of things in Spain. 
 From Lisbon, you will, I take for granted, have heard that General Lannes has ob- 
 tained a complete ascendancy, and that we are to look for nothing at that Court, 
 but implicit obedience to the dictates of France. 
 
 " I am afraid even the circumstance of some of your Ships being crippled will not 
 induce your friends at Toulon to come out. It was the Port from whence they took 
 their departure for Aboukir ; and whilst the memorable events which took place there 
 remain impressed upon their minds, they will not encounter a Fleet under the 
 command of Lord Nelson, if they can avoid it. With those ideas which naturally 
 suggest themselves in the contemplation of that subject, believe me ever, my dear 
 Lord, with the most sincere respect and regard, most faithfully yours, " HOBART. 
 
 " P.S. Mr. Addington desires me to say he will write in a few days by another 
 opportunity." Autograph.
 
 JET. 45.] LETTERS. 293 
 
 I have given my friend Doctor Nudi a letter of intro- 
 duction to you. He is a good man, a clever man, and was a 
 great friend of Sir William and Lady Hamilton. Your kind 
 notice of him will much oblige me. 
 
 November 25th. I send you a copy of a letter sent me, 
 that you may see the conduct of the French Privateers. 
 
 N. AND B. 
 
 We are in a hard gale of wind. 
 
 TO SIR JOHN ACTON, BART., NAPLES. 
 [From Clarke and M' Arthur, vol. ii. p. 339.] 
 
 Off Toulon, 24th November, 1803. 
 
 On the 9th, I sailed from the Madalena Islands. We have 
 had a very bad passage, and much blowing weather, but our 
 Ships have not suffered any material damage. The French 
 Fleet yesterday at two o'clock, was in appearance in high 
 feather, and as fine as paint could make them ; eight Sail of 
 the Line, eight Frigates, and several Corvettes were ready for 
 sea. One Ship of the Line was fitting in the Arsenal, her 
 topmasts on end. This is their state ; but when they may sail, 
 or where they will go, I am very sorry to say is a secret I am 
 not acquainted with. Our weather-beaten Ships, I have no 
 fears, will make their sides like a plum-pudding. Lord Hobart 
 says, as they increase in force at home, which is doing rapidly, 
 that they will not forget an additional one for the Mediter- 
 ranean. The general orders to support the King of Naples 
 are repeated; and I shall only assure your Excellency, that 
 the defence of their Majesties and their Kingdoms is always 
 nearest my heart. The Excellent, 74, Captain Sotheron, 6 has 
 joined me from England. I am, &c., 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 * Captain Frank Sotheron, of the Excellent, has been already mentioned; 
 Vide vol. iv. p. 381 : he died an Admiral of the White, in 1 February 1839i
 
 294 LETTERS. [1803. 
 
 TO HIS EXCELLENCY HUGH ELLIOT, ESQ. 
 [Autograph, in the Elliot Papers.] 
 
 Victory, at Sea, November 24th, 1803. 
 
 My dear Sir, 
 
 I beg leave to introduce to your Excellency, Doctor Nudi, 
 who is not only a good man, but a most able professional 
 man. He is a great friend of mine, and was always so of 
 dear Sir William and Lady Hamilton. Any kindnesses your 
 Excellency may show him will ever be esteemed a favour 
 conferred upon your most obliged and obedient servant, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO CAPTAIN CRACRAFT, H.M. SHIP ANSOX. 
 [Letter -Book.] 
 
 Victory, off Toulon, 25th November, 1803. 
 
 Sir, 
 
 You will take every means in your power, for the effectual 
 protection of our Trade in the Adriatic, and in the Mouth of 
 the Archipelago, and give such Convoys as may be wanted, 
 not only from Malta, but also, from Trieste, Venice, Fiume, 
 Patras, Zante, &c. ; the French Fleet are ready for Sea, but 
 where they are bound I cannot tell you; some reports say to 
 the Morea, or Egypt ; others, out of the Mediterranean. I 
 am, Sir, &c., 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO DOCTOR JOHN SNIPE, PHYSICIAN TO THE FLEET. 
 [Letter-Book.] 
 
 Victor}-, off Toulon, 25th November, 1803. 
 Sir, 
 
 The Commissioners for taking care of Sick and Hurt 
 Seamen and Marines, having acquainted me that they had 
 appointed Mr. John Gray to be Surgeon of a Naval Hospital 
 intended to be established at Malta, I am, therefore, to desire 
 you will proceed immediately, in his Majesty's Ship Narcissus, 
 to Malta, for the purpose of examining the situation and neces- 
 sary accommodations of such Hospital, previous to its being
 
 ^3T. 45.] , LETTERS. 295 
 
 occupied as such ; and, as it lias been mentioned to me by the 
 Admirals and Captains who have served in the Mediterranean 
 for some considerable time, that the situation of the former 
 Naval Hospital at Malta was particularly unhealthy, it is my 
 directions that you do not suffer that house to be received as 
 an Hospital, or any other which, from situation, you may judge 
 improper ; but endeavour to procure a convenient and well- 
 appointed house, in an airy and healthy situation, for a Naval 
 Hospital pro tempore, until such time as Government shall 
 take the necessary measures for building, or otherwise pro- 
 viding, a convenient and proper Hospital. If such accommo- 
 dations cannot at present be had, you will beg Major-General 
 Villettes to allow Mr. Gray the use of the Wards in the 
 Military Hospital at present appropriated for the Seamen, 
 until the necessary arrangements can be made for their recep- 
 tion into some other place. I am, &c., 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 P.S. You will order Mr. Gray to transmit to the Commis- 
 sioners for Sick and Wounded Seamen an account agreeable 
 to the letter and form herewith inclosed; also similar Returns 
 to be made to me for my information. The letter and form 
 you will bring with you, and deliver to me on your return by 
 the Narcissus. 
 
 TO SPIRIDION FORESTI, ESQ., CORFU. 
 
 [From Clarke and M'Arthur, vol. ii. p. 340.] 
 
 Off Toulon, November 25th, 1803. 
 
 I should wish to know whether 7 has the power to 
 
 grant us any particular privileges in trade, and if so, what 
 they are ? I am told he has the finest forests for building 
 Ships of the Line, and that vast quantities of hemp may be 
 grown in his Government ; and I should be glad to know what 
 of our manufactures he could take, and to what amount. I 
 have desired Captain .... to look at the Port, and ascertain 
 whether it be capable of holding the Fleet under my command, 
 and of supplying all our wants. I am really much interested 
 
 7 The names and places left blank iu this letter, may be ascertained from Lord 
 Nelson's letter to Lord Hobart, in p. 325, post.
 
 296 LETTERS. [1803. 
 
 for .... : he has always been a staunch friend to the Eng- 
 lish, and most particularly kind to me ; and if I should ever go 
 to Corfu, I shall certainly, if he be within a few days' reach, 
 go to see him. As I have done before, so I have again written 
 to Mr. Hammond, 8 and desired him a second time to speak to 
 Lord Hawkesbury on the subject of at least making good your 
 losses, and that, in my opinion, you ought to be rewarded for 
 considerable sufferings, and for your unshaken attachment to 
 Great Britain. Your attention to every part of your duty, 
 leaves me nothing to recommend. I am, &c., 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO CAPTAIN SCHOMBERG, H.M. SHIP MADRAS, MALTA. 
 [Letter-Book.] 
 
 Victory, off Toulon, 2otli November, 1803. 
 
 Sir, 
 
 If the Raven has not sailed with the Transports to join me, 
 1 have directed either Stately or Narcissus to take them under 
 their Convoy, in order that the Raven may be at your disposal 
 for the various services required of her. I have wrote to 
 Captain Cracraft to give every facility in Convoys ; and we 
 must endeavour that our Commerce, both in the Adriatic and 
 Levant, is kept in circulation, and protected from the French 
 Privateers. I am, &c. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO CAPTAIN PARKER, 9 H.M. SHIP AMAZON. 
 
 [From a Copy, in tlie Nelson Papers.] 
 
 Victory, off Toulon, 25th November, 1803. 
 
 Sir, 
 
 The Jalouse will probably be wanted to see the Ship bound 
 to Smyrna to her destination ; but I hope some of Captain 
 Cracraft's Squadron will be in the way to see our Convoy 
 safe up the Adriatic, for I am so much in distress for Frigates 
 that the Amazon will be a most important acquisition, espe- 
 
 8 George Hammond, Esq., Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, after- 
 wards Minister Plenipotentiary in America. 
 
 9 Now Vice-Admiral Sir William Parker, Barh, G.C.B.
 
 JET. 45.] LETTERS. 297 
 
 cially as the French Fleet is attended by no less than eight 
 Frigates ; therefore, I shall rejoice to see the Amazon. I 
 am, Sir, &c., 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO J. B. GIBERT, ESQ., HIS MAJESTY'S VICE-CONSUL, BARCELONA. 
 
 [Letter-Book.] 
 
 Victory, off Toulon, 25tli November, 1 803. 
 
 Sir, 
 
 Captain Staines of his Majesty's Sloop Cameleon, will 
 deliver you two letters, and three for his Excellency Mr. 
 Frere and Mr. Hunter, which you will be good enough to 
 forward by the first opportunity to Madrid. I must beg you 
 will be so obliging as to give me all the political news with 
 respect to the situation of our two Countries, which I am very 
 anxious to know, and hope they remain in every respect 
 friendly to each other. Captain Staines is good enough to 
 undertake the execution of some commissions for me in the 
 stock way, and I shall be much obliged by your friendly 
 assistance in procuring the several articles. I am, &c., 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO J. HOOKHAM FRERE, ESQ., MINISTER AT MADRID. 
 [From Clarke aiid M'Arthur, vol. ii. p. 340.] 
 
 28th November, 1803. 
 
 I have the honour to enclose, for your Excellency's informa- 
 tion, two letters which will mark the conduct of the Spaniards 
 towards us, and of which I doubt not but you will seriously 
 complain. I trust that we shall be received in the Spanish 
 Ports in the same manner as the French. I am ready to 
 make large allowances for the miserable situation Spain has 
 placed herself in; but there is a certain line beyond which I 
 cannot submit to be treated with disrespect. We have given 
 up French Vessels taken within gun-shot of the Spanish shore, 
 and yet French Vessels are permitted to attack our Ships 
 from the Spanish shore. Your Excellency may assure the 
 Spanish Government, that in whatever place the Spaniards
 
 298 LETTERS. [1803. 
 
 allow the French to attack us, in that place I shall order the 
 French to be attacked. The old order of 1771, now put in 
 force against us, is infamous; and I trust your Excellency 
 will take proper steps, that the present mode of enforcing it 
 be done away it is gross partiality and not Neutrality. I 
 am, &c., 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO LIEUTENANT 
 
 [From Clarke and M'Artlmr, vol. ii. p. 339.] 
 
 November, 1803. 
 
 I have just received your letter, and I am truly sorry that 
 any difference should arise between your Captain, who has 
 the reputation of being one of the bright Officers of the 
 Service, and yourself, a very young man, and a very young 
 Officer, who must naturally have much to learn; therefore 
 the chance is that you are perfectly wrong in the disagreement. 
 However, as your present situation must be very disagreeable, 
 I will certainly take an early opportunity of removing you, 
 provided your conduct to your present Captain be such, that 
 another may not refuse to receive you. I am, &c., 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO HIS EXCELLENCY THE FRENCH ADMIRAL. 
 
 [Letter-Book.] 
 
 Victory, at Sea, December 4th, 1803. 
 Sir, 
 
 Although my Flag of Truce was treated so unkindly 9 when 
 I wished to send you a letter relative to an Exchange of 
 Prisoners, by being kept several hours under Sepet, and then 
 ordered off in a very uncivil manner, which I am sure must 
 have been unknown to you, yet, when the comfort of so many 
 individuals is at stake, I again take this opportunity of offering 
 an Exchange of Prisoners of War ; therefore, whenever you 
 please to send to Malta any number of English Prisoners of 
 
 8 Vide aiit.
 
 MT. 45.] LETTERS. 299 
 
 War, I will direct as many French to be returned, and I shall 
 be glad of this occasion of allowing of a number of your 
 Officers to return on their parole of honour until they shall be 
 regularly exchanged by an arrangement between our Govern- 
 ments. I have the honour to remain, c., 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO SIR EVAN NEPEAN, BART., ADMIRALTY. 
 [Original, in the Admiralty.] 
 
 Victory, at Sea, 4th December, 1803. 
 
 Sir, 
 
 I herewith transmit you a Report of Survey on the main 
 and mizen rigging belonging to his Majesty's Ship Excellent, 
 together with a memorandum from Captain Sotheron attached 
 to the said Report, which you will please to lay before the 
 Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty for their information. 
 It is much to be lamented that a Ship so recently from Eng- 
 land, and coming direct abroad from a King's Yard, should 
 have sailed in such a state ; the Master-Attendant at Ports- 
 mouth must either have been blind to the situation of the 
 rigging, or not have given himself trouble to discover its 
 miserable state. I am, Sir, &c., 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 P.S. Inclosed is a letter from Captain Conn of the Cano- 
 pus, to the Captain of the Fleet, by which their Lordships will 
 observe how bare of the necessary stores that Ship is, and that 
 she has no shroud-hawser on board. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO CAPTAIN MOUBRAY, H. M. SHIP ACTIVE. 
 [Letter-Book.] 
 
 Victory, at Sea, 5th December, 1803. 
 
 Sir, 
 
 I have to desire that you will proceed off Toulon, with the 
 Ships under your orders, immediately on receipt of this 
 letter ; but if you have any particular object that you may 
 judge it necessary to keep a Frigate for a few days longer in 
 the Gulf of Genoa, in that case you are at liberty either to
 
 300 LETTERS. [1803. 
 
 stay yourself, or leave the Phoebe for that particular service. 
 Herewith you will receive the present probable Rendezvous of 
 the Squadron. You will find orders for your further proceed- 
 ings on your arrival off Toulon, on board the Frigate watching 
 the Enemy at that Port. I am, &c., 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 P.S. Immediately on receipt of this, I am to desire you 
 will dispatch Sir William Bolton, in his Majesty's Sloop 
 Childers, to join me at St. Pierres, near the Island of Sar- 
 dinia. 
 
 TO CAPTAIN MOUBRAY, H.M. SHIP ACTIVE. 
 [Order-Book.] 
 
 Victory, at Sea, 5th December, 1803. 
 
 Secret. 
 
 Whereas it is of the utmost importance that the Enemy's 
 Squadron in Toulon should be most strictly watched, and that 
 I should be made acquainted with their sailing and route with 
 all dispatch, should they put to sea, You are therefore hereby 
 required and directed to employ his Majesty's Ship Active, 
 under your command, on the above service, together with the 
 Phoebe or any other Ship which may join you from Malta ; 
 and as it is my intention to proceed with the Squadron im- 
 mediately to St. Pierre's, near the Island of Sardinia, (where 
 I shall remain till about the 14th of this month), you will in- 
 stantly on receipt of this, dispatch His Majesty's Sloop Childers 
 to join me at St. Pierre's ; and as the Squadron will leave that 
 Island as soon after the 14th as possible, and proceed direct to 
 the Rendezvous herewith transmitted, where I shall remain, 
 unless deemed necessary to proceed off Algiers in which 
 case the Squadron will not be longer absent from the enclosed 
 Rendezvous than two or three days at furthest, should the 
 Enemy's Squadron, or any part of it, put to sea in the mean- 
 time, or you obtain any intelligence necessary for my im- 
 mediate information, you are to dispatch a Frigate to St. 
 Pierres, near the Island of Sardinia, with an account thereof, 
 where instructions will be left for her Commander where to 
 find me, should I have quitted that anchorage. And you are 
 also to proceed immediately in the Active to the enclosed
 
 MT. 45.] LETTERS. 301 
 
 Rendezvous, where the Squadron will be found, unless, as is 
 before-mentioned, it should become necessary for me to make 
 my appearance off Algiers for a day or two. You are only to 
 keep the Active and another Frigate for this service, and dis- 
 patch any other Ship or Vessel which may join you off 
 Toulon, to St. Pierres, or to the Rendezvous which accompa- 
 nies this, should you judge that I have left the former place. 
 You are to continue on this service until relieved, or you 
 receive my orders for your further proceedings. I have 
 directed the Honourable Captain Boyle to join me at St. 
 Pierres, the moment he is relieved from watching the Enemy 
 at Toulon. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 N.B. The Rendezvous, No 97, alluded to in the above 
 order, is transmitted to you in my letter of this date. 
 
 TO COMMISSIONER OTWAY, AT GIBRALTAR. 
 [Letter-Book.] 
 
 Victory, at Sea, 6th December, 1803. 
 
 Sir, 
 
 I have received your letters of the 2nd ultimo, on the sub- 
 ject of the scarcity of stores at Gibraltar Yard, which I am 
 very well aware must be the case ; but before any could be 
 returned you in the William, Store-Ship, from Malta, the Hin- 
 dostan will have arrived from England, when you must take 
 a small quantity of such articles of cordage, &c., as may be 
 wanted for the use of His Majesty's Ships in your vicinity; 
 and as the Ships watching the Enemy off Toulon are much 
 in want of spars and sails, the Hindostan must be held in 
 readiness to join me off that place, or on such other Rendezvous 
 as I may find expedient. The Convoy sent for her will have 
 my instructions on that head. I am, &c., 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE.
 
 302 LETTERS. [1803. 
 
 TO SIR EVAN NEPEAN, BART., ADMIRALTY. 
 
 [Original, in the Admiralty.] 
 
 Victory, at Sea, 6th December, 1803. 
 
 Sir, 
 
 I herewith transmit you a letter from Mr. Joseph King, 1 
 Boatswain of the Guerrier, Sheer-hulk at Gibraltar, dated the 
 3rd ultimo, requesting for the reasons therein set forth, that 
 I would appoint him Boatswain of the Dock-Yard at that 
 place, which you will please to lay before the Lords Com- 
 missioners of the Admiralty for their consideration ; and to 
 say that 1 believe Mr. King to be a very deserving good man. 
 I am, &c., 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS THE DUKE OF CLARENCE. 
 [From Clarke and M'Arthur, vol. ii. p. 341.] 
 
 Off Toulon, December 7th, 1803. 
 
 The French Fleet keep us waiting for them during a long 
 and severe winter's cruise ; and such a place as all the Gulf of 
 Lyons, for gales of wind from the N.W. to N.E., I never saw; 
 but by always going away large, we generally lose much of 
 their force and the heavy sea of the gulf. However, by the 
 great care and attention of every Captain, we have suffered 
 much less than could have been expected. I hope now to be 
 allowed to call Keats my friend. He is very much recovered, 
 and cheerful ; he is a treasure to the Service. By the French 
 Papers, which we have to November 19th, we are in mo- 
 mentary expectation of Buonaparte's descent upon England ; 
 and although I can have no fears for the event, yet there is, 
 I hope, a natural anxiety to hear what is passing at so critical 
 a moment, when everything we hold dear in this world is at 
 stake. I trust in God, Buonaparte will be destroyed, and that 
 then the French may be brought, if the Powers of Europe 
 have either spirit or honour, to reasonable terms of Peace : 
 that this may be soon, and with honour to our Country, is my 
 fervent prayer, and shall ever be my most ardent endeavour. I 
 am, c., NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 1 Vide vol. i. p. 257.
 
 JET. 45.] LETTERS. 303 
 
 TO SIR EVAN NEPEAN, BART., ADMIRALTY. 
 
 [Original, in the Admiralty.] 
 
 Victory, at Sea, 10th December, 1803. 
 
 Sir, 
 
 Having judged it necessary to proceed with the Squadron 
 to the Madalena Islands, in order to complete the wood and 
 water of the respective Ships, and to procure such refresh- 
 ments for their Companies as the place would afford, you will 
 please to acquaint the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty, 
 that, from the very handsome supply of dollars from Captain 
 Hardy, of the Victory, and the disinterested services of Mr. 
 Richard Bromley, Purser of the Belleisle, the Companies of 
 the Ships named in the margin 2 were supplied with as many 
 bullocks, (sheep for the use of the sick,) and onions, as our 
 short stay would admit of, under the circumstances which 
 they were to be procured. I feel much indebted to Captain 
 Hardy for supplying money for that purpose, (bills on the 
 Victualling-Board not being negotiable,) and particularly so 
 to Mr. Bromley, whose trouble on the occasion has only been 
 rewarded by my approbation ; I therefore take the liberty of 
 mentioning him as very deserving of promotion, and hope 
 their Lordships will bear him in recollection as a candidate 
 for a First or Second Rate. 
 
 Complete vouchers for the whole of this purchase are gone 
 to the Commissioners of Victualling, who will no doubt 
 signify their approbation of the transaction. I am, Sir, &c., 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO THE RESPECTIVE CAPTAINS AND COMMANDERS OF H. M. 
 SHIPS AND VESSELS ON THE MEDITERRANEAN STATION. 
 
 [Order-Book.] 
 
 Victory, at Sea, 10th December, 1803. 
 
 Whereas, Robert Dwyer, a Private Marine belonging to 
 His Majesty's Ship Belleisle was, by the sentence of a Court- 
 Martial held on him the 4th ultimo, to receive 500 lashes for 
 
 2 Victory, Kent, Canopus, Superb, Belleisle, Triumph, Renown, Stately, Came- 
 leou,
 
 304 LETTERS. [1803. 
 
 disobedience of orders and insolence to his Superior Officer, 
 crimes of the most serious nature, and for which the delinquent 
 no doubt looked forward to the awful sentence of death being 
 pronounced upon him, instead of the corporal punishment 
 above-mentioned: and, although the said Robert Dwyer has 
 received only part of his punishment, yet it being the first 
 offence of a public nature which has been brought to trial 
 since my taking upon me the command of His Majesty's Fleet 
 in the Mediterranean, and the respective Captains having par- 
 ticularly mentioned to me the very orderly conduct and good 
 behaviour of their Ships' Companies, I am, therefore, induced 
 from these circumstances to remit the remainder of the said 
 Robert Dwyer's punishment ; but I must desire it to be per- 
 fectly understood, and to warn the respective Ships' Companies 
 against the commission of crimes of a similar or any other 
 nature, as well as against the shameful disgraceful crime of 
 Desertion, as the sentence of the Court-Martial for either of 
 these offences, be it death or otherwise, will most certainly be 
 
 inflicted without mitigation. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO THE CAPTAIN OF ANY OF HIS MAJESTY'S SHIPS WHO MAY 
 BE IN SEARCH OF ME. 
 
 [Letter-Book. " Saturday, 10th December. At 3-15 P.M. the Fleet anchored iu 
 Tolare Roads, on the South side of Sardinia.] 
 
 Victory, Gulf of Palma, December llth, 1803. 
 
 Sir, 
 
 I am at anchor in the Gulf of Palma, which I prefer to St. 
 Pierres: indeed, we were not able to get in for the bad 
 weather. In your passage round you must not pass between 
 the Vacca and Antioco, but may safely pass between Toro 
 and Vacca. I am Sir, &c., 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 N.B. If you have intelligence of importance to communi- 
 cate, a Boat can come through the bridge of Antioco, at the 
 North end. The Boat must be a small one. 
 
 To be put under a cover and left for any other Ship which 
 may come to St. Pierres in search of me.
 
 JET. 45.] LETTERS. 305 
 
 TO ALEXANDER DAVISON, ESQ. 
 
 [Autograph, in the possession of Colonel Davison.] 
 
 Victory, Gulf of Palma, December 12th, 180:3. 
 
 My dear Davison, 
 
 By the Excellent I received all your truly kind and friendly 
 letters, and duplicate of one by Lisbon, with all your kind 
 present of pamphlets, &c., for which I am truly obliged to 
 you; and I only wish I had the power of returning your 
 continued kindness in any manner, but that is impossible. I 
 rejoice to hear such good accounts of your new House, 3 and I 
 wish I could pass fifty thousand pounds through it. However, 
 my name shall stand in it, if only for 10, and I sincerely hope 
 every success will attend it. You deserve everything which 
 your most sincere friends can wish you. Your letter of July 
 13th only arrived in the Excellent, with a packet of news- 
 papers sent to Plymouth. I have signed the Proxy for Lord 
 Moira, and in doing it, I have broke through a resolution I 
 made, never to give a Proxy; nor could anything have induced 
 me to swerve from it, but to such a man as Lord Moira. 
 Whether he is in or out of Office, my opinion of him is formed 
 for ability, honour, and strict integrity, which nothing can 
 shake, even should ever we unfortunately differ on any par- 
 ticular point. 
 
 I wish, my dear Davison, that I had the power, as I have 
 the inclination, to have named you Agent for the Prizes taken 
 by the Victory, but they all know my wishes ; and if they will 
 not, I cannot help it. It has fretted me not a little. My 
 Secretary, Mr. Scott, who is a good man, perfectly understands 
 that if we take any part of the French Fleet, and I am offered 
 to name the Agent, which I do not expect, that I shall name 
 you, and that although his name will not appear in the 
 Agency, that I had settled with you that a part of the Agency, 
 such as I thought just, should go to him for his trouble in this 
 Country ; and if he was satisfied to do all the business in this 
 Country, that the Agency being five per cent, on the nett pro- 
 ceeds, two per cent, should go to him for his trouble, and three 
 per cent, to you for making the distribution, and that sum 
 
 * The Banking House of Alexander Davison, Noel, Templer, Middleton, Johnson, 
 and Wedgwood, 34, Pall Mall. 
 
 VOL. V. X
 
 306 LETTERS. [1803. 
 
 you would pay him, with which he seemed perfectly satisfied, 
 and so I hope will you ; but I assure you I do not expect any 
 offer of the kind will be made me. They are all nearly 
 strangers to me, and have their own friends and connexions. 
 
 Dear Lady Hamilton tells me of all your kindness to her, 
 and I am truly sensible of it. I shall not enlarge on that 
 topic ; you know what I must feel. 1 wish I could be useful 
 to Mr. Lucas, who Mr. Sparrow has recommended, but the 
 Sceptre is gone to the East Indies : so finishes that matter. 
 
 You will remember me kindly to Nepean. I hope your 
 news from that quarter is correct. My crazy Fleet are getting 
 in a very indifferent state, and others will soon follow. The 
 finest Ships in the Service will soon be destroyed. I know 
 well enough that if I was to go into Malta, I should save the 
 Ships during this bad season ; but if I am to watch the 
 French, I must be at sea, and if at sea, must have bad weather; 
 and if the Ships are not fit to stand bad weather, they are 
 useless. I do not say much ; but I do not believe that Lord 
 St. Vincent would have kept the sea with such Ships. But 
 my time of service is nearly over. A natural anxiety, of 
 course, must attend my station; but, my dear friend, my 
 eyesight fails me most dreadfully. I firmly believe that, in a 
 very few years, I shall be stone-blind. It is this only, of all 
 my maladies, that makes me unhappy ; but God's will be done. 
 
 If I am successful against the French, I shall ask my retreat; 
 and if I am not, I hope I shall never live to see it ; for no 
 personal exertion on my part shall be spared. I can only 
 again and again thank you for all your kindness; and to beg 
 you to believe me for ever, with the sincerest friendship, 
 yours most faithfully, NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 Be so good as to order my account to be made up, that I 
 may know what I am in your debt. 
 
 TO ADMIRAL THE EARL OF ST. VINCENT, K.B. 
 [Autograph, in the possession of Vice-Admiral Sir William Parker, Bart., G.C.B.] 
 
 Victory, Gulf of Palma, December 12th, 1803. 
 
 My dear Lord, 
 
 I have received your kind letters by the Excellent, who 
 joined me on the 24th of November, Captain Sotheron
 
 MT. 45.] LETTERS. 307 
 
 having very properly, when off Minorca, left the Convoy to 
 join me. I shall only say, that all your wishes respecting 
 Officers shall be complied with, and, occasionally, I hope to 
 be allowed to put in some of rny followers ; for as to deaths 
 in this country, they cannot be expected ; and dismissals by 
 Court Martials, I hope never to experience. The station I 
 chose to the Westward of Sicie, was to answer two important 
 purposes : one to prevent the junction of a Spanish Fleet from 
 the Westward ; and the other, to be to windward, so as to 
 enable me, if the Northerly gale came on to the N.N.W. 
 or N.N.E., to take shelter in a few hours either under the 
 Hieres Islands or Cape St. Sebastian ; and I have hitherto 
 found the advantage of the position. Now Spain, having 
 settled her Neutrality, I am taking my winter's station under 
 St. Sebastian, to avoid the heavy seas in the Gulf, and keep 
 Frigates off Toulon. From September, we have experienced 
 such a series of bad weather that is rarely met with; and I am 
 sorry to say, that all the Ships which have been from England 
 in the late War, severely feel it. I had ordered the Transports, 
 with provisions, to meet me at St. Pierre's, but as yet they 
 have not made their appearance ; and although this day we 
 average three months' provisions, yet I wish to keep them 
 complete to near five months. You will see by the Admiral's' 
 letter that the Kent has suffered so severely that she is going 
 to Malta, and I much doubt our getting her to sea again 
 under six weeks or two months, and the passage from Malta 
 is hardly to be made with any Ship. The Amazon, who I 
 have not seen but heard of, was three weeks from Malta as far 
 as Minorca. In short, my dear Lord, if I was to allow this 
 Fleet to get into such a Port as Malta, they had better be at 
 Spithead. I know no way of watching the Enemy but to be 
 at sea, and therefore good Ships are necessary. The Superb is 
 in a very weak state ; but her Captain is so superior to any 
 difficulties, that I hear but little from her. Triumph and 
 Renown complain a good deal. The next Convoy will pro- 
 bably be the Braakel and Agincourt. The Donegal I am 
 ordering to join me, and the French L'Aigle 6 must take her 
 chance till I can get something more about me. However, 
 
 * Rear- Admiral's ir Richard Bickerton. s Keats, * At Cadiz.
 
 308 LETTERS. [1803. 
 
 you may rely that all which can be done by Ships and men 
 shall be done ; whilst it pleases God to give me strength of 
 health, all will do well, and when that fails, I shall give the 
 cudgels to some stouter man ; but I hope to last till the Battle 
 is over, and if I do that, it is all I can hope for, or in reason 
 expect. Sir Richard Bickerton is a very steady, good Officer, 
 and fully to be relied upon ; George Campbell you know ; 
 and I am ever, my dear Lord, with the greatest regard, most 
 faithfully yours, NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO JOHN TYSON, ESQ. 
 [Autograph, in the possession of Edwin Beedell, Esq.] 
 
 Victory, Gulf of Palma, December 12th, 1803. 
 
 My dear Tyson, 
 
 I am very much obliged by your kind attention. The 
 things you was so good as to send me are all arrived safe. I 
 only beg that you will regularly debit me with the amount ; 
 and on those conditions only I shall accept your kind offer of 
 service. I have to thank you for my account of what has 
 been paid for the Guillaume Tell and Genereux ; and I beg 
 you will, as soon as convenient, let me know how my account 
 stands with you. 
 
 Mr. Tucker's account to you I can put no credit in. His 
 conduct towards me has been illiberal in the greatest degree, 
 for I can never suppose it to have been Lord St. Vincent's 
 orders. As for Digby's 7 claiming, he may whistle. I suppose 
 Mr. Tucker has put him upon it. With respect to Lord 
 Bridport, 8 that is a distinct consideration, and I shall be very 
 careful how I get involved in another lawsuit. But the new 
 Proclamation is so involved in doubt, that it is impossible to 
 comprehend it ; but to prevent disputes, Sir Richard Bickerton 
 and myself agreed in writing, that I should share from the 
 30th May, the day I passed Cape Finisterre, and he shares 
 with me for all Prizes taken by my orders to the day I joined 
 him, which was July 8th. 
 
 7 Captain Henry Digby, apparently as Captain of the Alcmene : he commanded 
 the Africa, 6-4, at Trafalgar, and died an Admiral of the Blue and Knight Grand 
 Cross of the Bath, in August 18-12. 
 
 ' Admiral Lord Bridport became Comniander-in-Chief of the Squadron off Brest, 
 in April 1799.
 
 ^T. 45.] LETTERS. 309 
 
 Buonaparte has, I think, certainly attempted a landing 
 before this time, and, I trust in God, been cut off, and this 
 will give us Peace. At Toulon, the Enemy are perfectly 
 ready to put to sea, and they must soon come out ; but who 
 shall [say] where they are bound. My opinion is, certainly, 
 out of the Mediterranean. 9 Malta is useless to me, and when 
 I am forced to send a Ship there, I never see her under two 
 months. I am sure Toulon would be better watched from St. 
 Helen's than from Malta. Our Ships are not in very good 
 plight, and we want sails and spars for topmasts for Seventy- 
 fours : there is not, I believe, one in this country. 
 
 The William is gone to Malta, and, therefore, I know 
 not her cargo ; but our weather has been so bad that sails 
 cannot stand it, more especially with the very bad canvas 
 made at present for the Navy. I have my usual luck about 
 Prize-money : if I pay my expenses it is as much as I expect ; 
 but the French Fleet will, I trust, repay me for all my toil 
 and trouble. Captains Hardy and Murray are both very well, 
 and desire their remembrances ; and believe me ever, my 
 dear Tyson, your much obliged and sincere friend, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO JAMES CUTFORTH, ESQ., AGENT VICTUALLER, GIBRALTAR. 
 [Letter-Book.] 
 
 Victory, Gulf of Palnia, 13th December, 1803. 
 Sir, 
 
 As rice and sugar are but poor substitutes for butter and 
 cheese, and, in general, not much liked by the Ships' Com- 
 panies, I am to desire you will (if the price 'does not exceed 
 that of rice and sugar) purchase cocoa and sugar, in lieu of 
 butter and cheese, for the Fleet under my command at least, 
 for occasional supplies, and provided the stores under your 
 
 9 Mons. Thiers says, in liis " History of the Consulate and the Empire," that 
 " to deceive Nelson was quite possible, for that great Seaman, full of the genius of 
 Battle, had not always a perfectly correct judgment; and, moreover, his mind was 
 continually disturbed with the remembrance of Egypt:" and he represents him as 
 being so " constantly engrossed" with the idea that Egypt was the destination of 
 the French Fleet,- as to have had no conception that it was intended to leave the 
 Mediterranean! Forbes' Translation, vol. v. pp. 07, 98.
 
 310 LETTERS. [1803. 
 
 charge are not over-stocked with rice, in which case you will 
 submit my letter to the Commissioners of the Victualling for 
 their direction. I am, &c., 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. , 
 
 TO MR. J. DALTON, 1 ON BOARD THE RENOWN. 
 
 [From Clarke and M'Arthur, vol. ii. p. 342.] 
 
 December UtL, 1803. 
 
 As Mrs. Lutwidge 2 sends me word, that you have admired 
 some of my Naval Battles, I think that you will like to receive 
 from me a Medal, which was struck by the partiality of my 
 friends in remembrance of one of those Actions : at least, it 
 will serve to remind you, that on the 13th December 1803, I 
 had first the pleasure of being known to you. A wish to 
 imitate successful Battles, is the sure road, by exertion, to 
 surpass them, which that you may do, for your own honour, 
 and the advantage of your Country, is my sincere wish. I 
 am, &c., NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO MR. CHARLES CONNOR, H.M. SHIP NIGER. 
 [From Clarke and M'Arthur, vol. ii. p. 34'.!.] 
 
 [Apparently December, 1803.] 
 
 Dear Charles, 
 
 As Captain Hilly ar has been so good as to say he would 
 rate you Mid., I sincerely hope that your conduct will ever 
 continue to deserve his kind notice and protection, by a strict 
 and very active attention to your duty. If you deserve well, 
 you are sure of my assistance. Mr. Scott will furnish you 
 with money to begin your mess, and I shall allow you thirty 
 pounds a year, if it be necessary, which Captain Hillyar will 
 supply you with. And as you from this day start in the 
 world as a man, I trust that your future conduct in life will 
 prove you both an Officer and a Gentleman. Recollect that 
 
 1 Query, if the present Retired Post Captain James Robert Daltou, who was 
 made a Lieutenant in November IbOO, and a Commander in April 1810 ? The 
 Medal was probably one of those struck by Mr. Davison to commemorate the Buttle 
 of tbe Nile. 
 
 \Yife of his friend, Admiral SkeJfiugton Lutwidge, so often mentioned,
 
 JET. 45.] LETTERS. 311 
 
 you must be a Seaman to be an Officer, and also, that you 
 cannot be a good Officer without being a Gentleman. I am 
 always, with most sincere good wishes, your true friend, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO THE REVEREND DR. NELSON. 
 [Autograph, in the Nelson Papers.] 
 
 Victory, December 14th, 1803. 
 
 My dear Brother, 
 
 Your letter of September 23rd I received November 24th 
 from Captain Strachey, 8 who wants to be made a Post-Captain. 
 I thank you much for your letter, and am always sure of your 
 unalterable regard and affection. Most certainly, if you send 
 out Charles Brown, I will, (if he has served his Time during 
 my stay here,) if opportunity offers, promote him ; but next 
 Christmas, please God, I shall be at Merton ; for, by that 
 time, with all the anxiety attendant on such a Command as 
 this, I shall be done up. The mind and body both wear out, 
 and my eye is every month visibly getting worse, and, I much 
 fear, it will end in total blindness. The moment the Battle 
 is over, if I am victorious, I shall ask for my retreat if, unfor- 
 tunately, the contrary, I hope never to live to see it. In that 
 case, you will get an early Seat in the House of Lords. If 
 Mr. Addington does not give me the same Pension as Govern- 
 ment gave to the rich Lord St. Vincent and Duncan, I shall 
 consider no great favour done me, and the Country never 
 could avoid giving the Pension to you : therefore, unless the 
 other is tacked to it, I would not give thanks or sixpence to 
 have it brought before Parliament to benefit Lord St. Vin- 
 cent's heirs, and certainly, from circumstances, not mine. 
 The putting the stone over poor Maurice 4 was well done, and 
 I approve very much. I do not know that you owe me 
 anything respecting Hilborough ; but if you do, I fully acquit 
 you of the debt, and so let it be considered. 
 
 The Ministers ought to have done more for you ; but if 
 you are made more comfortable, that is well. I have wrote 
 
 3 Captain Christopher Strachey, who was made a Commander in April 1603 : he 
 was not Posted until June 1814. 
 
 4 Their eldest brother. Vide vol. iv. pp. 378*
 
 312 LETTERS. [1803. 
 
 to Horace* at Eton, as I suppose his holidays will be over 
 before this letter gets to Canterbury. I desire my kindest 
 regards to Mrs. Nelson ; and believe me ever your most affec- 
 tionate brother, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO SIR EVAN NEPEAN, BART., ADMIRALTY. 
 
 [Original, in the Admiralty.] 
 Victory, in the Gulf of Palma, 14th December, 1803. 
 
 Sir, 
 
 Having frequently since my arrival in this Country as Com- 
 mander-in-Chief, had occasion to forward dispatches by ex- 
 press, and otherwise to disburse sums of money for particular 
 services, I am to request you will please to communicate 
 the same to the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty, that 
 such a sum of money may be ordered me, for the above and 
 other various purposes, (which the Service may occasionally 
 demand,) as their Lordships may judge proper, and which 
 may have been furnished Commanders-in-Chief in these Seas 
 for their contingent expenses. I am, Sir, &c. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO THE COMMANDERS OF HIS MAJESTY'S SHIPS STATELY, NAR- 
 CISSUS, AND TERMAGANT, ON THEIR ARRIVAL AT ST. PIERRES. 
 
 [Letter-Book.] 
 
 Victory, Gulf of Palma, 17th December, 1803. 
 Sir, 
 
 I am very much disappointed at the Transports from Malta 
 not having arrived before this at St. Pierres, and as I judge 
 it necessary to proceed with the Squadron from hence, I 
 am to desire you will, immediately on receipt of this, make 
 the best of your way, with his Majesty's Ship under your 
 command, together with the Transports which may be under 
 your protection, off Cape St. Sebastian, where you will find 
 the Squadron, or instructions for your proceedings. But 
 should you from circumstances of bad weather, be unable to 
 
 * Dr. Kelson's only sou, afterwf>r Is Viscount Trafalgar.
 
 JET. 45.] LETTERS. 313 
 
 proceed off that place, you will make the best of your way to 
 the Madalena Islands, where you will remain with the Trans- 
 ports till you receive further orders, sending to me an account 
 of your arrival by any Vessel of War which you may fall in 
 with ; but you are on no consideration whatever to leave the 
 Transports or Victuallers unprotected. I am, &c. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 N.B. Should it so happen that before you can get so 
 far to the Northward as Asinara, you are overtaken by a 
 gale of wind from the Northward, in that case you are to 
 anchor in the Gulf of Palma, sending to St. Pierres (to the 
 care of the English Vice-Consul) a letter for me, which will 
 be forwarded by any Vessel of War looking for me. 
 
 N. &B. 
 
 N.B. The Commander of either of his Majesty's Ships 
 before mentioned, is hereby directed to take a copy of this 
 letter, and leave the original, unless he shall be satisfied that 
 the others are gone to join me, in which case he will take this 
 letter with him, and proceed with the Transports as therein 
 directed. N. & B. 
 
 TO CAPTAIN JOHN WHITE Y, H.M. SHIP BELLEISLE. 
 [Letter-Book.] 
 
 Victoiy, Gulf of Palma, 17th December, 3803. 
 Sir, 
 
 I have received your letter of yesterday's date, together 
 with a list of men who are considered to require the benefit 
 of the Hospital, and a letter from Doctor Felix, submitting 
 the propriety of an infusion of bark in wine or spirits being 
 given to the people sent on the watering duty ; in answer to 
 which I am to desire you will refer Doctor Felix to the 29th 
 Article of his Instructions, which, in my opinion, cannot be 
 considered as literally implying an additional quantity of wine 
 to be given men sent on watering parties in Tropical Cli- 
 mates, but as their daily allowance ; and therefore (as you 
 must be the best judge of the number of men sent on those 
 occasions, and the necessity of administering bark in their 
 wine or spirits previous thereto) I request that you will also 
 be governed by the said Article ; and further desire to observe
 
 314 LETTERS. [1803. 
 
 on Doctor Felix's letter, that it is not usual or proper to 
 supply wine to the sick, in addition to their daily allowance, 
 except when beer is constantly issued, a pint of wine being 
 sufficient for almost any sick or convalescent person. I 
 am, &c. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 N.B. The four men mentioned in the list before alluded 
 to, are to be sent on board the Kent, when the Captain of the 
 Fleet gives directions for that purpose. 
 
 TO THE COMMANDERS OF HIS MAJESTY'S SLOOPS CAMELEON 
 AND CHILDERS. 
 
 [Letter Book.] 
 
 Victory, Gulf of Palma, 17th December, 1803. 
 Sir, 
 
 Not having been joined by his Majesty's Sloop under your 
 command, at St. Pierres, and judging it necessary to proceed 
 from hence with the Squadron, I am to desire you will make 
 the best of your way, and join me with the said Sloop, imme- 
 diately on receipt of this, off Cape St. Sebastian's, as directed 
 in my secret Rendezvous, No. 97, dated the 4th instant, which 
 I perceive has been delivered to you by Captain Moubray of 
 the Active. I am, &c. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 N.B. If the above Sloops do not arrive together, the Cap- 
 tain who first anchors at St. Pierres, is to take a copy of this 
 letter, and leave the original for the other, with a note in the 
 margin that he has done so. 
 
 MEMORANDUM FOR SIR RICHARD BTCKERTON TO CARRY INTO 
 EXECUTION AT MALTA. 
 
 [Order-Book.] 
 
 Victory, Gulf of Palma, 17th December, 1803. 
 
 The Braakel is intended to go home with the next Convoy, 
 and the Agincourt to join her at Gibraltar ; therefore the 
 Ships from the Levant, the Currant Ships from Patrass and 
 Zante, the Trade from the Adriatic and Sicily, are to be col-
 
 JET. 45.] LETTERS. 315 
 
 lected as soon as possible. As the Agincourt will not go to 
 Malta, a Sloop of War must be appointed to attend the Con- 
 voy to Gibraltar, and then directed to return and join me on 
 the Rendezvous. Sir Richard Bickerton will give all the 
 necessary orders for carrying the Convoy to England, and for 
 Captain Briggs to put himself under his command, and proceed 
 with the Convoy; and also write a letter to the Senior Officer 
 at Gibraltar to see the Convoy, not only safe through the Gut, 
 but also twenty-five leagues to the Westward of Cape Spartel. 
 Sir Richard is desired during his stay to give all the assistance 
 in his power to our Trade, and, in particular, to take care that 
 the Fish Ships are not delayed for want of Convoy. 
 
 I wrote some time ago to Captain Cracraft, that if he could 
 spare the Juno, I wanted her, being much distressed for 
 Frigates, and if it is necessary, the Jalouse Sloop must be 
 left in her room; but should Sir Richard meet with Cap- 
 tain Cracraft, and he wishes for a change of station, in that 
 case Sir Richard Bickerton is at liberty to transfer the com- 
 mand of Captain Cracraft's Squadron to Captain Richardson 
 of the Juno, and to send the Anson directly to me. Should 
 the Renard be judged fit for the Service, and Maltese got to 
 enter for her, the Kent is to fit her for sea, and the ten men 
 belonging to the Victory are to be left for her, on board the 
 Madras, till her Commander arrives ; and you will receive 
 herewith an order to be delivered to the Officers of the Yard. 
 
 The bread from Malta being very much infested with weevils, 
 Sir Richard Bickerton is requested to inquire into the reason, 
 and to take such steps as may, in some measure, prevent so 
 great a destruction of that species of provisions, by either 
 housing it in clean Store-houses, or putting it up in clean 
 Transports. You will receive a copy of my orders for the 
 regulation of the Victuallers, should you meet them, to come 
 to me under St. Sebastians ; if to the Northward of Asinara, 
 to go to the Madalena Islands ; if to the Southward, to come 
 here, and to take the best means in the Commanders' power 
 to let me know his anchorage, and not to abandon the Trans- 
 ports ; and Sir Richard is desired to make inquiry what could 
 have occasioned the non-arrival of the Transports long before 
 this period. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE.
 
 316 LETTERS. [1803. 
 
 TO REAR-ADMIRAL SIR RICHARD BICKERTON, BART. 
 
 [Letter-Book.] 
 
 Victory, the Gulf of Palma, 18th December, 1803. 
 Sir, 
 
 The state of his Majesty's Ship Kent, bearing your Flag, 
 having rendered it expedient to send her immediately to 
 Malta, I herewith transmit you an order to Captain Stuart for 
 that purpose, and have to request you will be pleased to pro- 
 ceed with her to that place, and on your arrival give such 
 directions to the Officers of his Majesty's Yard at Malta, as 
 you may find necessary to get the Kent put in a state for 
 service. But should it be found impracticable to make good 
 her defects at Malta, so as to render her an effective Ship for 
 the present, or, from other circumstances, you should judge it 
 proper to join me previous thereto, you are at liberty to hoist 
 your Flag on board any Ship coming to the Fleet, and join 
 me on my Secret Rendezvous off Toulon, or on No. 97, dated 
 the 4th instant, under Cape St. Sebastian's, as from the state 
 of the weather you may think proper. I have the honour to 
 be, &c. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 P.S. I am to desire you will be pleased to order a survey 
 to be held at Malta Hospital, on such Seamen, &c. as may be 
 represented fit objects for invaliding, and order them a pas- 
 sage to England in the Braakel. Enclosed is an order for a 
 survey on the remains of medicines, &c. at Malta Hospital, 
 which you will order to be carried into effect. 
 
 N. &B. 
 
 TO SIR EVAX NEPEAN, BART., ADMIRALTY. 
 
 [Letter-Book. " Monday, 19th December. At 0, weighed and made sail out of 
 the Gulf of Palma, as did the Squadron : left the Kent at anchor, aud parted com- 
 pany. Narcissus and Transports from Malta, joined the Squadron." Victory's 
 Log.'] 
 
 Victory, at Sea, 19th December, 1803. 
 
 Sir, 
 
 Having ordered a Transport and Victualler from Malta to 
 rendezvous at St. Pierres, near the Island of Sardinia, you 
 will please to acquaint the Lords Commissioners of the Ad-
 
 JET. 45.] LETTERS. 317 
 
 miralty, that I bore up for that place with the Squadron, the 
 6th instant ; but finding it impracticable, from the excessive 
 bad weather, to gain that anchorage, I proceeded to the Gulf 
 of Palma, and arrived there the llth. It is a most excellent 
 and commodious Bay, with good and safe anchorage for any 
 number of Ships; and having communicated with St. Pierres, 
 and finding the Transport and Victualler had not arrived, I 
 remained in the Gulf of Palma till the 19th instant, when I 
 got under weigh, and was joined by the Narcissus from Malta, 
 with the Transport and Victualler before mentioned, which 
 will nearly complete our provisions, and in some measure 
 supply our wants of stores. The Squadron was only enabled 
 to procure bullocks for ready money, which was done as far 
 as private individuals could contribute, but not sufficiently, 
 although there was great abundance of cattle, and to be had 
 upon reasonable terms. Finding from the Cameleon, which 
 has just joined me, that the Enemy's Ships at Toulon are still 
 in Port, I shall proceed to the Madalena Islands for a few 
 days, to clear the Transports and complete our water, and 
 immediately after return off Toulon. I am, &c. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO SIR EVAN NEPEAN, BART., ADMIRALTY. 
 
 [Original, in the Admiralty.] 
 
 Victory, at Sea, 20th December, 1803. 
 Sir, 
 
 Dr. Snipe, Physician of the Fleet under my command, and 
 Inspector of Hospitals, having returned from Malta (where he 
 went for the purpose mentioned in my letter to you of the 
 24th ultimo,) I herewith transmit you for the information of 
 the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty, his several letters 
 from Number one to five, on the subject of the Naval Hospital 
 at Malta, together with copy of a contract which he has 
 entered into with a Mr. William Higgins, merchant at 
 Valetta, for victualling the Seamen and Marines that may be 
 sent to that Hospital, which appears to be done very consistently 
 for the interest of Government and for the comfort of the 
 sick and convalescent people. I have, therefore, approved the 
 said contract and returned it to Malta to be carried into effect,
 
 318 LETTERS. [1803. 
 
 which I trust will meet their Lordships' approbation. It is 
 only to be observed that Bughay [?] is the fittest situation at 
 Malta for a Naval Hospital. I am, Sir, &c., 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO THE RESPECTIVE CAPTAINS AND COMMANDERS OF HIS 
 MAJESTY'S SHIPS AND VESSELS ON THE MEDITERRANEAN 
 STATION. 
 
 [From a Copy, in the Admiralty.] 
 
 Victory, at Sea, 21st December, 1803. 
 
 Whereas, Doctor Snipe, Physician to the Fleet, under my 
 command, has represented to me by letter of this date, the 
 very great danger attending the health of the Seamen sent in 
 wooding and watering parties, either on the Island of Sardinia 
 or the Madalena Islands, which abound with marshes ; and as 
 a preventive against the effects of disease which the men are 
 subject to on these occasions, at the places above-mentioned, 
 has recommended that a dose of Peruvian-bark, in a prepara- 
 tion of good sound wine or spirits, be given to each man in 
 the morning, previous to his going on shore on either of the 
 above services, and the same in the evening after his return on 
 board, and has, at the same time, stated that two gills of wine, 
 or one gill of spirits mixed with an equal quantity of water, 
 in addition to the usual allowance, is all that is necessary: 
 And as the preservation of the health of the Seamen is on all 
 occasions (more particularly on the present) of the utmost 
 consequence and importance to the Country, You are, there- 
 fore, hereby required and directed, whenever His Majesty's 
 Ship under your command, goes into either the Island of 
 Sardinia, or the Madalena Islands, to order the Purser to 
 supply the Surgeon with two gills of wine, or one gill of 
 spirits per day, for each of the men sent on shore on wooding 
 or watering parties, to be mixed with Peruvian bark, and given 
 to the men in the manner before -mentioned. 
 
 Great care is to be taken by the Captain that no improper 
 use is made of this order, and that none but those who are 
 actually sent on either of the services before-mentioned, are 
 supplied with wine or spirits ; the Commanding-Officer is 
 therefore to deliver a list of the men's names who are to be
 
 JET. 45.] LETTERS. 319 
 
 sent on these services to the Surgeon, regularly signed, whose 
 receipt, approved by the Captain, shall be a sufficient voucher 
 to the Purser. And on the Ship's being completed in wood 
 and water, an account of the quantity of wine or spirits issued 
 to the men as above, in addition to their allowance, is to be 
 sent to me for my information, together with the Surgeon's 
 observations on its effects to the Physician of the Fleet. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO CAPTAIN SIR THOMAS TROUBRIDGE, ADMIRALTY. 
 [From Clarke and M'Artliur, vol. ii. p. 343.] 
 
 Off Corsica, 21st December, 1803. 
 
 Were I, my dear Troubridge, to begin describing all the 
 complaints and wants of this Fleet, it would be exactly the 
 same, I dare say, as you receive from all other Stations ; but 
 as it can be attended with no good effect, I shall save myself 
 the trouble of writing, and you of reading them. The 
 Storekeeper has sent two Ships to the Adriatic to land [query, 
 ship] hemp, and therefore I hope that we shall in time get 
 rope to supply our wants. Every bit of twice-laid stuff be- 
 longing to the Canopus is condemned, and all the running- 
 rigging in the Fleet, except the Victory's. We have fitted the 
 Excellent with new main and mizen rigging ; it was shameful 
 for the Dock-yard to send a Ship to sea with such rigging. 
 The Kent is gone to Malta, fit only for a summer's passage. 
 They are still under such alarm at Naples, that I cannot with- 
 draw the Gibraltar. I have submitted to Sir Richard Strachan, 
 whether the state of the French Ships at Cadiz would allow 
 of his coming to me for six weeks ? for although I have no 
 fears of the event of a Battle with six to their eight, yet 
 if I can have eight to their eight, I shall not despise the 
 equality. 
 
 We are not stoutly, or in any manner, well-manned in the 
 Victory, but she is in very excellent order, thanks to Hardy ; 
 and I think, woe be to the Frenchman she gets alongside of. 
 I have just been to the Southern end of Sardinia, having 
 ordered the Transports with provisions to meet me at St. 
 Pierres ; but it blew such a tremendous storm, that we could
 
 320 LETTERS. [1803. 
 
 not get in. It, however, turned out fortunate, for after the 
 gale we got into the Gulf of Palma, which is without ex- 
 ception the finest open Roadstead I ever saw. I shall send 
 you the plan of it, and soundings taken by the Master of the 
 Victory, 5 an eleve of Hallowell's ; I have him here, to make him 
 a Lieutenant. Lemon-juice we are getting, and much better 
 than we procure from England ; but the difficulty is coming 
 at the price ; and at this distance it is not all our letters that 
 can rectify incorrectness. I have directed Sir Richard Bicker- 
 ton, who is gone in the Kent, to make inquiries into this de- 
 partment : there is no such thing as stopping the baking of 
 bread, although I have accounts of abundance coming from 
 England ; but they like to buy, and so they may ; I will, how- 
 ever, give no order. You will see the reports respecting a 
 Naval Hospital at Malta. It is curious that in a place taken 
 by the close blockade of the Navy, and when the only reason 
 for keeping it was to have a Naval Station, that no spot has 
 been allotted for a Naval Hospital ; and we are upon suffer- 
 ance from day to day. Bughay[?] is certainly the only proper 
 place, as it stands insulated with grounds, and has every means 
 of comfort ; but to complete it for 150 men would cost, besides 
 the purchase of house and grounds, 1000Z., and 2000Z. more 
 to put it in order. Ball says 5000Z. would do the whole ; but 
 I say for 5, read 10,000/. I have six Frigates and Sloops 
 watching the French Army in the Adriatic, and at the Mouth 
 of the Archipelago. I am, &c., 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO CAPTAIN DONNELLY, H.M. SHIP NARCISSUS. 
 
 [Autograph, in the possession of the late Adam Bromilow, Esq.] 
 
 Victory, at Sea, December 21st, 1808. 
 
 Sir, 
 
 Being obliged to go into the Madalena Islands for water, 
 and being very anxious to know if the Enemy's Fleet are 
 still in Toulon, I have to desire that you will immediately 
 proceed off that Port, and either by looking in or speaking 
 any of the Frigates stationed off there, ascertain whether the 
 
 * Mr. Atkinson, afterwards Master-Attendant at Portsmouth Dock Yard.
 
 JET. 45.] LETTERS. 321 
 
 Enemy are in or out of Port. It is probable, supposing the 
 wind Westerly, that I shall not. be able to leave Madalena 
 until Monday the 26th, and you will therefore regulate your 
 movements according to circumstances ; and you will direct 
 every Vessel of War which you may fall in with to join me 
 without loss of time: from Madalena I shall proceed directly 
 under Cape St. Sebastians. The Amazon, Seahorse, Terma- 
 gant and Niger, are the Vessels you are most likely to fall 
 in with. I am, Sir, &c., 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO SIR EVAN NEPEAN, BART., ADMIRALTY. 
 
 [Original, in the Admiralty.] 
 
 Victory, at Sea, 21st December, 1803. 
 Sir, 
 
 The French National Schooner Le Renard, captured. by 
 the Squadron under my command on the 16th ultimo, as 
 mentioned in my letter to you of that date, having been found 
 upon survey, by the Officers at Malta Yard, fit for his 
 Majesty's Service, and Vessels of that description being very 
 much wanted, you will please to acquaint the Lords Commis- 
 sioners of the Admiralty, that I have ordered her to be taken 
 into his Majesty's Service by the same name, and have directed 
 the respective Officers at Malta to fit her for sea with all dis- 
 patch, with a complement of sixty men, including two boys 
 to be borne on the third class. I have appointed Lieutenant 
 Richard Spencer, 5 late of the Cameleon, (who has been for 
 some time in the Triumph,) to command the Renard, and 
 have placed her immediately under the directions of Sir 
 Alexander Ball for the protection of the commerce at Malta, 
 and the various other services of that Island; consequently, 
 have desired Lieutenant Spencer to apply to Sir Alexander 
 for his assistance in procuring Maltese to man the said 
 Schooner, which I hope will meet their Lordships' approba- 
 tion. I am, Sir, &c., 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 s Afterwards Captain Sir Richard Spencer, C.B, K.C.H. : he died Governor of 
 Western Australia, in July 1839. 
 
 VOL. V. Y
 
 322 LETTERS. [1803. 
 
 TO THE RESPECTIVE ADMIRALS, CAPTAINS, AND COMMANDERS 
 OF HIS MAJESTY'S SHIPS AND VESSELS ON THE MEDITERRA- 
 NEAN STATION. 
 
 [Order-Book.] 
 
 Victory, at Sea, 21st December, 1803. 
 
 Having placed His Majesty's Schooner the Renard under 
 the immediate directions of Sir Alexander John Ball, Bart., 
 to be employed for the protection of the commerce of the 
 Island of Malta, or on such other service as the Governor may 
 think proper, You are therefore, hereby required and directed 
 on no account to interfere with the said Schooner, or to give 
 her Commander any order whatever, unless upon consulting 
 with Sir Alexander Ball, you find her service for the time 
 being can be dispensed with, and the urgency of the case 
 shall require it. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO LIEUTENANT WILLIAM PEMBERTON, LATE RESIDENT AGENT 
 OF TRANSPORTS AT MALTA, HEREBY APPOINTED GOVERNOR 
 OF THE NAVAL HOSPITAL AT MALTA. 
 
 [From a Copy, in the Admiralty.] 
 
 Victory, at Sea, 21st December, 1803. 
 
 Whereas I judge it necessary, for the good of his Majesty's 
 Service, that a Governor, or Superintendant Officer should be 
 appointed to the Naval Hospital established at Malta, (by the 
 Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty,) under the charge of 
 Mr. John Gray, Surgeon, You are therefore hereby required 
 and directed to take upon you the charge and employment of 
 Governor of the said Naval Hospital, paying very strict and 
 particular attention to the cleanliness and comfort of the 
 Patients in their different apartments, so far as you may 
 judge necessary, and the Surgeon recommend for their good ; 
 also to use every means to prevent desertions and irregularities 
 of every description, for which purpose you are to apply to 
 the Commanding or Senior Officer in Valette Harbour when- 
 ever you find his interference necessary to carry the same into 
 effect. 
 
 You are to transmit to the said Senior Officer, a list of such
 
 ,T. 45.] LETTERS. 323 
 
 Seamen and Marines as the Surgeon may deem fit objects for 
 invaliding, previous to the sailing of any Ship or Vessel of 
 War for England, in order that a survey may be held upon 
 them, and sent home by such opportunity ; but strict regard 
 is to be paid to this circumstance, and none put on the list 
 for invaliding but such as cannot recover in this Country ; 
 regular lists of which, and the state of the sick in the said Hos- 
 pital, you are to transmit to me monthly, and direct the Surgeon 
 to send an account to the Sick and Hurt Board of the number 
 of Seamen and Marines which may have been received into 
 the Military Hospital, agreeable to the form and instructions 
 left by Dr. Snipe. You are to continue in the employment 
 of Governor of the said Naval Hospital until the pleasure of 
 the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty shall be known, 
 with such an allowance for yourself and servant as is usual on 
 similar occasions ; and, for so doing this shall be your order. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO SIR EVAN NEPEAN, BART., ADMIRALTY. 
 
 [Original, in the Admiralty.] 
 
 Victory, at Sea, 21st December, 1803. 
 Sir, 
 
 Judging it for the good of his Majesty's Service, that a 
 Governor or Superintending Officer should be appointed to 
 the Naval Hospital at Malta, as has been customary in this 
 Country, you will please to acquaint the Lords Commissioners 
 of the Admiralty, that I have appointed Lieutenant William 
 Pemberton (late Agent for Transports at Malta) to be Gover- 
 nor of the Naval Hospital at that place, until their Lordships' 
 pleasure shall be known, which I hope they will approve and 
 be pleased to confirm. Lieutenant Pemberton, from his late 
 situation, requires no recommendation, and it only remains 
 for me to observe, that he is an old Officer, and, in my 
 opinion, very deserving of their Lordships' notice. Inclosed 
 is a copy of his Order, for their information. I am, Sir, &c. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 Y2
 
 324 LETTERS. [1803. 
 
 TO SIR ALEXANDER JOHN BALL, BART., MALTA. 
 [Autograph, in the possession of Sir William Keith Ball, Bart. A Fragment.] 
 
 [About 21st December, 1803.] 
 
 I have to thank you very much for a number of baskets of 
 very fine Malta oranges ; and in the proper season, if you 
 have people that pack them in paper, I wish they should pack 
 some for me, and send the account; for I insist, as the only 
 terms on which I shall take them, that, at least, you, my good 
 friend, are put to no expense. By the Cameleon, who has 
 just joined, 5 1 find that a Cutter from England is hunting for 
 me with dispatches ; and the Niger is also off Toulon, with a 
 mail for Malta. You shall have them as soon as possible, and 
 every other assistance in the power of, my dear Sir Alexander, 
 your most faithful and affectionate friend, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 You will see how Mr. Stone calls out. I have now before 
 me Captain Raynsford's letter, assuring me that there is not a 
 Privateer on that Coast, from whence he is just returned, 
 dated December 6th. 
 
 December 28th, Madalena. We put in here to water and 
 clear the Transports, and are this day moving out. I send 
 you a complete list of the French Fleet, found among the 
 papers of the Renard. 
 
 TO LIEUTENANT WILLIAM PEMBERTON, MALTA. 
 
 [Letter-Book.] 
 
 Victory, at Sea, 22ml December, 1808. 
 
 Sir, 
 
 I have received your letter of the 6th instant, and herewith 
 transmit you an Order to act as Governor or Superintendent 
 of the Naval Hospital established at Malta, agreeable to 
 your wish, and have also wrote the Lords Commissioners of 
 the Admiralty, requesting that you may be confirmed in the 
 appointment ; but, I would at the same time recommend your 
 immediate application to their Lordships on the subject, and 
 
 4 " December 21st. Cameleon rejoined." Victory's Log.
 
 ^ET. 45.] LETTERS. 325 
 
 sincerely hope you may succeed. Mr. Gray, Surgeon of the 
 Hospital, is directed to enter you and servant on the Hospital 
 Books for wages and victuals. I am, Sir, &c., 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO MR, JOHN GRAY, SURGEON OF THE NAVAL HOSPITAL 
 AT MALTA. 
 
 [Letter-Book.] 
 
 Sir, Victory, at Sea, 22ud December, 1803. 
 
 Having approved the contract made by Doctor Snipe, 
 Physician of the Fleet under my command, and Inspector of 
 Hospitals, I herewith return it to you, and desire it may be 
 fully and strictly complied with, and that the Seamen and 
 Marines who are received into the Hospital under your 
 charge, may on all occasions derive the comforts of the said 
 contract; and in case of any failure or non-compliance there- 
 with on the part of Mr. Higgins, that you will immediately 
 acquaint me, that such steps may be taken as the nature of 
 the case shall require. I have appointed Lieutenant William 
 Pemberton, Governor, and Mr. John William Ellice, Surgeon's 
 Mate or Assistant, to the said Hospital under your charge, 
 and desire you will enter them together with Lieutenant 
 Pemberton's Servant, upon the Hospital Books for wages and 
 victuals accordingly. I am, &c., 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO THE RIGHT HONOURABLE LORD HOBART, SECRETARY OF 
 STATE FOR THE WAR DEPARTMENT* 
 
 [Autograph, in the Colonial Office.] 
 
 Victory, off Toulon, December 22nd, 1803. 
 My Lord, 
 
 Your letter of September 23rd, I received by the Excellentj 
 November 24th, and I immediately wrote to Captain Cra- 
 craft, the Senior Captain in the Adriatic, to proceed to 
 Panormo, and, in secret instructions, charged him to examine 
 the Country, its resources, &c., as your Lordship directed ; 
 and I likewise directed him, if the Pasha of Yannina sent to 
 desire a conference with him, that he would go and hear what
 
 326 LETTERS. [1803. 
 
 he had to say : and I wrote to the Pasha in his cipher, to 
 say that Captain C. was gone to Panormo, if he wished to 
 have any conversation with him ; and I have no doubt but 
 Captain Cracraft will execute his mission to your Lordship's 
 satisfaction. 
 
 With respect to raising the Corsican Corps, I shall give 
 every facility in my power, and have on board two Officers to 
 be landed at Madalena; some of the Corsican conscripts 
 taken in their passage to France, have entered into the Corps, 
 and we have picked up some of Dillon's, which I have sent to 
 Malta. Messina, should it be entrusted to our care, shall, 
 you may rely, be well guarded by a Naval defence. I have, &c. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO THE RIGHT HONOURABLE LORD IIOBART. 
 
 [From Clarke and M'Artliur, vol. ii. p. 344.] 
 
 December 22nd, 1803. 
 
 My dear Lord, 
 
 In presuming to give my opinion on any subject, I venture 
 not at infallibility, and more particular information may con- 
 vince me that opinion is wrong. But as my observations on 
 what I see are not unacceptable, I shall state them as they 
 strike me at the moment of writing. God knows, if we could 
 possess one Island, Sardinia, we should want neither Malta, 
 nor any other: this, which is the finest Island in the Medi- 
 terranean, possesses Harbours fit for Arsenals, and of a capa- 
 city to hold our Navy, within twenty-four hours' sail of 
 Toulon. Bays to ride our Fleets in, and to watch both Italy 
 and Toulon, no Fleet could pass to the Eastward between 
 Sicily and the Coast of Barbary, nor through the Faro of Mes- 
 sina : Malta, in point of position, is not to be named the same 
 year with Sardinia. All the fine Ports of Sicily are situated 
 on the Eastern side of the Island, consequently of no use to 
 watch anything but the Faro of Messina. And, my Lord, I 
 venture to predict, that if we do not from delicacy, or com- 
 miseration of the lot of the unfortunate King of Sardinia the 
 French will, get possession of that Island. Sardinia is very 
 little known. It was the policy of Piedmont to keep it in the 
 background, and whoever it has belonged to, it seems to have 
 been tbeir maxim to rule the Inhabitants with severity, in
 
 ;T. 45.] LETTERS. 327 
 
 loading its produce with such duties as prevented the growth. 
 I will only mention one circumstance as a proof: half a cheese 
 was seized, because the poor man was selling it to our Boats, and 
 it had not paid the duty. Fowls, eggs, beef, and every article, 
 are most heavily taxed. The Coast [Court?] of Sardinia 
 certainly wants every penny to maintain itself; and yet I am 
 told, after the wretched establishment of the Island is paid, 
 that the King does not receive 5000 sterling a-year. The 
 Country is fruitful beyond idea, and abounds in cattle and 
 sheep and would in corn, wine, and oil. It has no manufac- 
 tories. In the hands of a liberal Government, and freed from 
 the dread of the Barbary States, there is no telling what its 
 produce would not amount to. It is worth any money to obtain, 
 and I pledge my existence it could be held for as little as 
 Malta in its establishment, and produce a large revenue. I 
 have done ; perhaps you will think it time : I will not venture 
 to give an opinion on the state of the Turkish Empire, 
 although I have a strong one ; but that would be too bad. I 
 am, &c., NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO CAPTAIN SCHOMBERG, H.M, SHIP MADRAS, MALTA. 
 [Letter-Book.] 
 
 Victory, at Sea, 22nd December, 1803. 
 
 Sir, 
 
 By the Narcissus I received your letter of the 30th ultimo, 
 acquainting me with the steps you had taken to forward the 
 provisions and stores for the Squadron, and that the residue 
 on demand should be sent by the first opportunity ; that you 
 had ordered scuttles to be cut in the Raven, so as to enable 
 her to use her sweeps with effect ; that the Spider was com- 
 pletely refitted ; that, in order to enable the Yard Officers to 
 caulk the Juno, it became necessary to remove a great part of 
 the stores on board the William Store Ship, to get at the 
 pitch, and that, in consequence, it was advisable to unload 
 her : in answer to which, I beg to observe, that the whole of 
 your conduct, in the above particulars of service, meets my 
 entire approbation. I am, &c., 
 
 NELSON AND BHONTE*
 
 328 LETTERS. [1803. 
 
 TO NATHANIEL TAYLOR, ESQ., NAVAL STOREKEEPER AT MALTA. 
 
 [Letter-Book.] 
 
 Victory, at Sea, 22nd December, 1803. 
 Sir, 
 
 By the Narcissus I received your letter of the 5th instant, 
 acknowledging my several letters, &c. and requesting, for the 
 reasons therein mentioned, that your instructions may be re- 
 turned ; that you had forwarded by the Eliza and Ellice an 
 additional supply of slops, hemp, &c. ; that the Yard punts 
 were repaired, the Cracker hauled up for that purpose, and 
 two new ones agreed for ; that the Thomas and Mary Trans- 
 port proceeded to Trieste, under protection of the Jalouse, for 
 hemp, which you had desired might be taken from the person 
 in charge of Government hemp and other stores ; and that 
 you had drawn on the Navy Board for 10,200 sterling, for 
 the payment thereofj and sent the bills to be negotiated on 
 the best terms for Government. In answer to which, I here- 
 with return your instructions, and am glad that the slops, 
 hemp, and other stores are arrived, the Squadron being very 
 much in want of them. I approve of the Cracker's being 
 hauled up for repairs, and two others agreed for, as you men- 
 tion ; also of the measures you have taken to procure hemp 
 for the Fleet, and other Naval stores, should they be wanted. 
 I hope supplies of the stores you may soon be in want of, will 
 arrive from England in the Hindostan, time enough to answer 
 your necessities, as purchases must, on all occasions, be avoided 
 as much as possible. I am, &c. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO HIS EXCELLENCY HUGH ELLIOT, ESQ. 
 
 [Autograph, in the Elliot Papers. " Saturday* 24th December. At 9-50, aii- 
 chored in Agiucourt Sound, Madalena Islands, with the Squadron and Transports." 
 Victory's Log.] 
 
 Private. Victory, December 25th, 1803. 
 
 My dear Sir, 
 
 I congratulate you most cordially oh the near approach of 
 Mrs. Elliot and your fine family, who I hope arrived at the
 
 JET. 45.] LETTERS. 329 
 
 time you expected, in perfect health. I suppose some Ships 
 will come out to relieve the crippled ones of this station, but 
 I do not believe they will increase my numbers. I do not 
 credit a word of our taking Guadeloupe. 
 
 I am sorry that good Mr. Falconet should get into any 
 scrape upon my account, and I never considered the buying 
 a few candles with my money would be construed into sup- 
 plying the Fleet : however, I will be more careful in future. 
 I wish you had employed Nudi*for the sake of your family. 
 He has the only good medicines in Naples, and he does not 
 torment his patients with physic. I enclosed Acton a list of 
 the French Fleet. Numerous as they are, I only wish them 
 out. We should have sailed this morning but for a hard gale 
 of Westerly wind. With respectful compliments to Mrs. Elliot, 
 I am ever, my dear Sir, your much obliged and faithful, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO SIR EVAN NEPEAN, BART., ADMIRALTY. 
 
 [Original, in the Admiralty.] 
 Victory, at the Madalena Islands, Sardinia, 2Gth December, 1803. 
 
 Sii*, 
 
 Mr. Atkinson, Master of his Majesty's Ship Victory, having 
 with much care and attention, in company with Mr. Charles 
 Royer, 6 surveyed the Bay or Gulf of Palma, and taken the 
 particular soundings, as mentioned in a Chart which has been 
 done by the said Mr. Charles Royer, a Midshipman belong- 
 ing to the Victory; and as I judge it to be a very correct and 
 well-executed Plan of the said Bay, I herewith transmit it to 
 you for their Lordships' information ; and beg leave to say, 
 that as Mr. Royer has no friend to bring him forward in the 
 Service, and being a very deserving young man, I mean to 
 take an early opportunity of promoting him to the rank of 
 Lieutenant, which I trust will meet their Lordships' approba- 
 tion. I am, Sir, &c. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 s Mr. Charles Rover was made a Lieutenant, in November ]80i, and obtained 
 his present rank of Retired Commander in February 1838.
 
 330 LETTERS. [1803. 
 
 TO CAPTAIN THE HONOURABLE THOMAS BLADEN CAPEL, 
 H.3M. SHIP PHOZBE. 
 
 [Order-Book.] 
 
 Victory, Madalena Islands, 26th December, 1803. 
 
 You are hereby required and directed to proceed imme- 
 diately with His Majesty's Ship Phcebe, under your com- 
 mand, to my Rendezvous Ng 97, under Cape St. Sebastians, 
 and cruize there till you shall fall in with any of the 
 Squadron ; upon your doing so, you are to communicate 
 to them where I am, at this moment, and that the first change 
 of wind after Wednesday next, the 28th instant, I shall pro- 
 ceed immediately to the said Rendezvous, under Cape St. 
 Sebastians. Should you on your way to that place fall in with 
 either the Seahorse, Niger, or Termagant, on their passage to 
 this place, you are not to order their return to the Rendezvous, 
 but direct their Commanders to proceed to this anchorage with 
 the utmost dispatch. Having performed this service you are 
 to land the Spanish recruits on board the Phcebe, either at 
 Barcelona, or any other place more convenient, and write a 
 letter to the Captain General, impressing upon his mind your 
 great attention to His Catholic Majesty's Subjects, in not send- 
 ing them to Malta, being taken in an Enemy's Vessel ; and also 
 state very particularly the conduct of the party which fired upon 
 the English Boats. You are immediately (after having landed 
 the Spanish recruits as above) to proceed to Gibraltar, and 
 deliver my dispatches for the Admiralty to Commissioner 
 Otway, and those also bearing his address, and use every 
 possible exertion in refitting His Majesty's Ship Phcebe, and 
 in completing her stores, provisions, &c. to the usual time ; 
 having so done, you are to return and join me on my Rendez- 
 vous No. 97, under Cape St. Sebastians, with all dispatch ; 
 and as, it is probable, the Hindostan Storeship may have 
 arrived from England, and being very much distressed for 
 stores, you are to take her under your protection, and bring 
 her with you to the Squadron on the Rendezvous above- 
 mentioned. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE.
 
 JET. 45.] LETTERS. 331 
 
 TO JAMES CUTFORTH, ESQ., AGENT VICTUALLER, GIBRALTAR. 
 
 [Letter-Book.] 
 Victory, Madalena Islands, 2Cth December, 1803. 
 
 Sir, 
 
 As provisions will soon be wanted for the Fleet under my 
 command off Toulon, I am to desire you will load a proper 
 Transport with a proportion of bread for 5600 men, for two 
 months, about six weeks' beef and pork, with every species of 
 provisions in proportion to the bread, except wine, of which 
 a small quantity only will be wanting, as supplies of that 
 article can be had from Rosas, upon more reasonable terms 
 for Government than from your stores. The Victualler to be 
 loaded immediately, and to be held in readiness to join me 
 by the Phcebe, or the first Man-of-War coming to the Fleet. 
 I am, &c. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 N.B. The provisions to be all put in one Transport or 
 Victualler, that the Convoy bringing her may take her in 
 tow; the wine, therefore, to be excepted, if it cannot be 
 stowed. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO HIS MAJESTY THE KING OF THE TWO SICILIES. 
 [From a Copy.] 
 
 Victory, 20th December, 1803. 
 Sire, 
 
 I presume to address your Majesty on the return of this 
 season of the Nativity, and to express my wishes for your 
 Majesty's health, and every felicity which Divine Providence 
 can bestow. I also feel pleasure in renewing my sincere and 
 devoted attachment to your Majesty and your august Family, 
 and to assure you that the last drop of my blood is at your 
 disposal. I have wrote to General Acton respecting the 
 Gibraltar's joining me, yet your Majesty and Family are the 
 great objects of my care and attention; and although she 
 would be acceptable on the day of Battle, yet I trust, with the 
 blessing of God on our just Cause, that we shall give a very 
 good account of the Enemy without her. Therefore, whether
 
 332 LETTERS. [1803. 
 
 the Ship comes or not, entirely depends upon your Majesty's 
 pleasure. I hope that the French have not yet invaded your 
 Capital ; but with such a Nation as the French, who can be 
 sure of them for a moment ? With most respectful and sin- 
 cere attachment, I am for ever, your Majesty's most devoted 
 servant, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN OF THE TWO SICILIES. 
 [From a Copy.] 
 
 Victory, December 2Cth, 1803. 
 
 Madam, 
 
 I know your Majesty's heart so well, that whatever is well 
 meant will be favourably received ; therefore I presume at 
 this season of festivity, to renew to your Majesty my assur- 
 ances of the most devoted attachment to your august person 
 and family, and that I feel all the warmth of the obligations I 
 owe you, for all your goodness to me. Never, as long as I 
 draw breath, will my exertions cease for the comfort of your 
 Majesty, and I only wish that they may be attended with the 
 desired effect. I have sent General Acton a list of the French 
 Fleet, and of ours, and I leave it to the King's pleasure to send 
 the Gibraltar for the Battle or not. The safety of your Royal 
 Family is one of the objects nearest my heart, and the destruc- 
 tion of the French Fleet, in my opinion, more certainly assures 
 that safety which is so dear to me. With every sentiment of 
 the most respectful attachment and devotion, and with my 
 prayers for your Majesty's health and felicity, and that of 
 all your family, I am your Majesty's most dutiful servant, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO HIS EXCELLENCY HUGH ELLIOT, ESQ. 
 
 [Autograph, in the Elliot Papers.] 
 
 Victory, Madalenn, December 27th, 1803. 
 
 My dear Sir, 
 
 The Kent being done up, and gone to Malta, has reduced 
 me from seven Sail of the Line to ten, therefore, I have left it 
 to the King's pleasure to send me the Gibraltar or not ; and
 
 JET. 45.] LETTERS. 333 
 
 so entirely do I wish it to be left to the King, that I request 
 your Excellency will not urge it, as you might naturally be 
 supposed to do, when the superiority is looked at ; but the 
 safety of the Royal Family shall not be risked one moment 
 by me. 
 
 We have had a most terrible winter : it has almost knocked 
 me up. I have been very ill, and am now far from recovered; 
 but I hope to hold out till the Battle is over, when I must 
 recruit myself for some future exertion. I hear there is a 
 Cutter from England looking for me with dispatches: she 
 left Portsmouth the end of November. I have not a scrap of 
 news to tell you ; for we have none. I am ever, my dear Sir, 
 your Excellency's most obedient and obliged, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 Doctor Scott is very well : perhaps he will go to Naples. 
 
 TO GEORGE NOBLE, ESQ. 
 
 [Autograph, in the Elliot Papers.] 
 
 Victory, December 27th, 1803. 
 
 Dear Sir, 
 
 Your letter of October 17th, by the Childers only reached 
 me two days ago. You will find that your idea has been 
 anticipated of a Ship of War being stationed at Naples, by the 
 continuance of the Gibraltar; and she had been at Naples 
 within three days of a month when you suggest the pro- 
 priety of a Ship being stationed for the general protection 
 of the British, should the French advance to the Capital. 
 It is my duty, and I have the satisfaction of knowing that 
 it has been in my power, to take care of all our Commerce in 
 the Mediterranean. I am, Sir, &c., 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO CAPTAIN RYVES, H.M. SHIP GIBRALTAR. 
 [Autograph, in the possession of Captain George Frederic Ryves, C.B.] 
 My dear Sir, Victory, December 28th, 1803. 
 
 The Cameleon merely goes to Naples to inquire how all 
 goes on in that Kingdom. I came here to clear out Trans-
 
 334 LETTERS. [1803. 
 
 ports from Malta and to complete our water, and am now un- 
 mooring. Your old Ship 6 goes home the next Convoy, and I 
 hope, in March I shall be able to send the Gibraltar, which I 
 fancy will not be displeasing to you. We have had a dreadful 
 winter. The Kent is almost done for, and she is going to Malta 
 merely for a passage in the summer. Stately is obliged to 
 have her lower-deck guns taken out, she is so very weak. I 
 now hope that we shall get a little better weather, but we are 
 all in good health, and I hope the air, &c. at Naples, has pro- 
 duced no maladies in the Gibraltar. I am, my dear Sir, 
 with every good wish, your most obedient and obliged Ser- 
 vant, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO MR. THOMAS LOXGSTAFF, MASTER OF HIS MAJESTY'S HIRED 
 TRANSPORT ELL1CE. 
 
 [Letter-Book.] 
 
 Victory, Madalena Islands, 28tli December, 1803. 
 Sir, 
 
 In answer to your letter of this date, to the Captain of the 
 Fleet, representing that you had every species of provisions 
 necessary for victualling the supernumeraries sent on board 
 his Majesty's Hired Transport under your command, for a 
 passage to Malta except wine ; I am therefore to desire you 
 will immediately purchase such a quantity of wine at this 
 place, as may be necessary for the said supernumeraries during 
 their continuance on board the Ellice, which will be re- 
 imbursed your Owners, with the other species of provisions 
 in the manner mentioned to you in my order of this date. I 
 am, &c., 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 N.B. The wine will be purchased about nine-pence per 
 gallon, and, very probably, considerably under. 
 
 6 The Agincourt.
 
 ,ET. 45.] LETTERS. 335 
 
 TO NATHANIEL TAYLOR, ESQ., NAVAL STOREKEEPER, MALTA. 
 [Letter-Book.] 
 
 Victory, Madaleua Islands, 28th December, 1803. 
 Sir, 
 
 I herewith transmit you copies of two Reports of Survey held 
 on board the Ships named in the margin, 7 on slops received 
 from the Ellice Transport, by which you will observe the 
 considerable deficiency of shoes, I must, therefore, desire to 
 recommend the most strict attention to all future supplies of 
 slops, and that the cases of shoes, &c. are particularly exa- 
 mined, previous to their being shipped on board the Trans- 
 port, in order to avoid unnecessary trouble to the Service, as 
 well as to prevent fraud or abuses after they are so shipped. I 
 
 am, &c. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO HIS EXCELLENCY HUGH ELLIOT, ESQ. 
 [Autograph, in the Elliot Papers.] 
 
 Victory, Madalena, December 29th, 1803. 
 My dear Sir, 
 
 Your kind letters of December 10th, and also your private 
 letters of the 10th and llth, arrived at nine o'clock last night. 
 Your news, every part of it, is so interesting, that I read it 
 over and over ; and I am sorry that I cannot send you news 
 in return, of the sailing of the French Fleet our meeting, 
 fighting, and beating them ; but, as yet they have not come 
 out: therefore, I can only thank you for your letters. A 
 Cutter sailed from Portsmouth November 27th, came on 
 my Rendezvous this day fortnight ; but not finding me, has, 
 instead of remaining, run after me, and I know not where she 
 is gone. She sailed without notice, and has only dispatches. 
 The dispatches, the Commander states, (but he can know 
 nothing,) are of great importance. He has fell in with many 
 of our Frigates, who are now with me. 
 
 With respect to Sardinia, I have not the smallest doubt but 
 if we do not, that the French will possess it before two months, 
 
 7 Superb, Canopus.
 
 336 LETTERS [1803. 
 
 and the invasion of Sicily is not difficult from Sardinia. The 
 Viceroy of Sardinia has no means to prevent a descent : he 
 could not send a hundred men here. I have stated my 
 opinion fully to Lord Hobart. If we possessed this Island, it 
 would save Sicily perhaps Italy, certainly Turkey and 
 Egypt. But we shall never point out to the King of Sardinia 
 that he will lose it, until the French have it. I can be of 
 little use in having a Vessel cruising in these Straits. It is 
 only ten miles from Bonifaccio ; and either a calm or a gale 
 of wind renders all our efforts useless. 
 
 The good King of Naples has, under the advice of Sir 
 John Acton, always supported his honour and dignity ; and if 
 other Powers, more powerful, had done the same, they would 
 not now have become degraded by great sacrifices. The 
 Queen is a great woman, and, I think, would hardly commit 
 herself in communicating secrets to a Frenchman. 8 We have 
 had the French papers to December 5th, and the King's 
 speech I sent to Malta. Windham spoke violently on the 
 Address, but there was no opposition to it. The moment 
 I get the Cutter, if there are any dispatches for your Excel- 
 lency, they shall be instantly forwarded ; and I am, my dear 
 Sir, most faithfully yours, NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO HIS EXCELLENCY MR. JACKSON, MINISTER AT TURIN. 
 [From Clarke and M' Arthur, vol. ii. p. 345.] 
 
 Madalena Islands, 29th December, 1803. 
 
 I anchored here to clear my Transports with provisions, 
 and was going to sea this morning, but I am prevented from a 
 heavy gale of Westerly wind. By letters from Mr. Elliot, 
 of December llth, received last night, I find apprehensions 
 are renewed of the invasion of Sardinia from Corsica. The 
 King may be assured, that as far as I am able, I should be 
 happy in preventing it ; but a Vessel cruising in the Straits 
 of Bonifaccio would not have the desired effect ; for either a 
 calm, a gale of wind, or even a night, would preclude any use 
 from such a Cruiser. I only hope that the King will not be 
 
 8 The Queen of Naples was suspected of giving too much confidence to a French 
 Officer, Colonel St. Clair.
 
 JET. 45.] LETTERS. 337 
 
 alarmed. The Sardinians, generally speaking, are attached 
 to us ; yet there are French intriguers amongst them, and I 
 understand they hope to bring about a revolt before this 
 invasion. In whatever I can be useful to their Majesties, 
 they may command me ; but the destroying of the French 
 Fleet is the greatest service I can render to them, to Europe, 
 and our own Country. The Chart of Sardinia which you 
 sent me, is a most excellent one. I am, &c. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE, 
 
 TO SIR JOHN ACTON, BART., NAPLES. 
 [From Clarke and M'Arthur, vol. ii. p. 345.] 
 
 29th December, 1803. 
 
 I am much obliged for all the news you are so good as to 
 tell me, but the assurances of the present French Government 
 are not to be depended upon : their system is to lull those 
 whom they wish to destroy into a fatal security. In no other 
 light can they wish for the disarming of the Calabrians ; they 
 would then have an open road to the Coast opposite to Sicily ; 
 and as I am touching upon this subject, should unhappily the 
 King find it proper to quit Naples, although the Court and 
 the greater part of the Royal Family should go to Palermo, 
 yet the Head-quarters with the King ought to be at Messina, 
 in order to communicate freely with the Kingdom of Naples. 
 So much advantage would arise from it, that I am sure it will 
 strike your Excellency; and with the Calabrians in arms, 
 what good effects may not be expected ! I am fully aware, 
 my dear Sir John, of the delicacy of touching upon this sub- 
 ject, but my heart is with you, and I could not resist it. I 
 observe what your Excellency says respecting the European 
 Powers; it was a desire of aggrandizement in some of the 
 great ones that lost them everything, even much of their own 
 possessions. I have my fears that Russia will not come for- 
 ward as she ought ; but if she and the Emperor were to join, 
 I think Buonaparte would tumble from his station, and Europe 
 get an honourable Peace. That the French should hate you, 
 is the highest compliment they can pay : if you had advised 
 the King to degrade himself, they would have despised you, 
 
 VOL. v. z
 
 338 LETTERS. [1803. 
 
 and his honour would have been lost, which now, thanks to 
 
 your Excellency, is preserved entire I shall conclude 
 
 by merely repeating, that you are sure of me in time of need ; 
 and I hope to be more at my ease after the Battle with the 
 French Fleet. I think they cannot much longer remain in 
 Port, and it would be a very dangerous experiment to leave 
 them, on the presumption that they would not come to sea. 
 I am, &c. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO THE QUEEN OF NAPLES. 
 [From " Recollections of the Life of the Reverend Dr. Scott," p. 113.] 
 
 Victory, December 29th, 1803. 
 
 Madam, 
 
 Yesterday evening I had the honour of receiving your 
 Majesty's gracious and flattering letter of the 10th December; 
 and it is only possible for me to repeat my assurances, that 
 my orders for the safety of the Two Sicilies will be always 
 exactly executed, and to this end my whole soul goes in 
 unison with my orders. The Gibraltar shall not be sent 
 away ; for I would rather fight twice our number of forces, 
 than risk for a moment the seeing your Royal person and 
 Family fall into the hands of the French. I see no hope of a 
 permanent Peace for Europe, during the life of Buonaparte. I 
 ardently wish, therefore, that it would please God to take him 
 from the world. 
 
 Your Majesty's letter to my dear and good Lady Hamilton 
 shall set out by the first opportunity. Her attachment to your 
 Majesty is as lively as ever. Her heart is incapable of the 
 slightest change ; and whether in prosperity, or in adversity, 
 she is always your devoted servant ; and such, permit me to 
 say, remains your faithful, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 I beg to be allowed to present my humble respects to the 
 Princesses and to Prince Leopold.
 
 JET. 45.] LETTERS. 339 
 
 TO CAPTAIN ROSS DONNELLY, H.M. SHIP NARCISSUS. 
 
 [Order-Book.] 
 Victory, Madalena Islands, 29th December, 1803. 
 
 You are hereby required and directed to proceed with all 
 possible expedition in His Majesty's Ship under your com- 
 mand, off the harbour of Toulon, in order to ascertain whe- 
 ther the Enemy's Ships are still in Port, and immediately after 
 join me on my rendezvous No 97, under Cape St. Sebastians, 
 with an account thereof; unless, from the state of the weather, 
 you should judge that the Squadron has not been able to ob- 
 tain that situation, in which case, you will stand over to 
 Asinara, and endeavour to effect a communication with me. 
 Should you fall in with any of His Majesty's Ships, you will 
 acquaint their Commanders with my present anchorage, and 
 that I shall leave this the moment a change of wind takes 
 place, and proceed to Rendezvous No. 97, before mentioned, 
 a copy of which you will give to any of the Captains who may 
 not have received it. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO HIS EXCELLENCY ADMIRAL SIR JOHN WARREN, K.B., 
 AMBASSADOR AT PETERSBURG. 
 
 [From Clarke and M'Arthur, vol. ii. p. 340.] 
 
 [About the end of December, 1803.] 
 
 It would be so much for the honour of Russia to go to War 
 with the Corsican, that I hope the Emperor has decided upon 
 it long before this time. If he does not, his proteges, Naples 
 and Sardinia, will be lost. I am, &c. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO CAPTAIN WILLIAM PARKER, H.M. SHIP AMAZON. 
 
 [Letter-Book.] 
 Victory, Madalena Islands, 30th December, 1803. 
 
 Sir, 
 
 I have this moment received a set of vouchers for five live 
 bullocks, 300 pounds of onions, and six bags of hay, procured
 
 340 LETTERS. [1803. 
 
 for the Company of his Majesty's Ship Amazon, under your 
 command ; and I must desire to acquaint you that the onions 
 ought not to have been purchased without my particular 
 orders for so doing ; and I see no reason for the purchase of 
 hay for bullocks which have been killed so immediately. I 
 am, &c. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE, 
 
 TO MAJOR-GENERAL VILLETTES, MALTA. 
 
 [From Clarke and M'Arthur, vol. ii. p. 347. " Oil the 31st of December, 1803, 
 in an official letter to General Villettes, Lord Nelson expressed a wish to know 
 whether, if the French should possess themselves of those Islands, the General could 
 send a number of men, not exceeding 1000, to retake them, which the Admiral was of 
 opinion would be an easy thing, with such assistance as he could give from the 
 Fleet, if it were done before the French had a sufficient length of time to fortify 
 themselves, or to induce the inhabitants to co-operate. And this was supported on 
 the same day by the following private letter :"] 
 
 31st December, 1803. 
 
 In the request I have made for more Troops, in case the 
 French from Corsica should take possession of these Islands, 
 in order to deprive us of the harbour, I have thought it 
 better to make it entirely official, that it may not be misun- 
 derstood. If you think you can with propriety spare the 
 Troops for such a service, you will of course have them ready 
 for embarkation at the shortest notice ; but I hope that the 
 French will remain quiet. They have, however threatened the 
 Sardinians if they do not shut their Ports to us. I am, &c. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO LIEUTENANT-GENERAL SIR THOMAS TRIGGF., K.B., 
 LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR OF GIBRALTAR. 
 
 [From Clarke and M'Arthur, vol. ii. p. 347.] 
 
 [About 31st December, 1803.] 
 
 I am sorry to be obliged to take Donegal from your vicinity 
 for a few weeks, but the absence of Kent, Stately, and Gibral- 
 tar, which are never likely to be of any service again in this 
 Country, renders it absolutely necessary, with the present 
 Fleet of the Enemy. They are now ten to our seven, and, 
 although I have no fears for the result of a Battle, with our
 
 J3T. 45.] LETTERS. 341 
 
 present force, yet if I could have more, and had not, I should 
 consider myself very reprehensible. The conduct of the 
 French Privateers from Algiers and Tariffa is very blamcable, 
 and calls loudly for reformation. I am, &c. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. S 
 
 TO CAPTAIN FREMANTLE. 9 
 [From Clarke and M'Artlmr, vol. ii. p. 354.] 
 
 About the beginning of January, 1804 
 
 I trust, my dear Fremantle, in God and in English valour. 
 We are enough in England, if true to ourselves, lie may by 
 chance injure us, but can never conquer a determined people, 
 It would be well if the generality of Englishmen would remem- 
 ber that they who know the whole machine, can better keep it 
 going than we who only see a very small part. Although I am 
 naturally anxious for the issue of the attempt, yet I cannot 
 doubt of the final event it will be the ruin of that infamous 
 Buonaparte, and give us an honourable Peace. I should most 
 assuredly rejoice to have you here, but we none of us see the 
 inside of a Port : I have twice taken shelter under the Mada- 
 lena Islands on the North end of Sardinia, which form a very 
 fine anchorage. The Village, I am told, for I have not set 
 my foot out of the Victory, contains forty or fifty small houses. 
 As to Malta, it is a perfectly useless place for Great Britain ; 
 and as a Naval Port to refit in, I would much sooner under- 
 take to answer for the Toulon Fleet from St. Helens, than 
 from Malta ; I never dare venture to carry the Fleet there. 
 I know your friends think differently from me, but they talk 
 of what they know nothing about in that respect, and I know 
 it from dear-bought experience. During the winter, generally 
 
 8 " List of the British and French Fleets in the Mediterranean at the close of 
 180'), as sent by Lord Nelson : FRENCH (as given in a list found on board a cap- 
 tured French schooner) : Neptune, 80; Formidable, HO; Indomptable, 80j Mont 
 Blanc, 74; Scipion, 74; Intrepide, 74; Atlas, 74; Hannibal, 74; Swiftsure, 74; 
 Bervdck, 74. BRITISH: Victory, 100; Cauopus, 80; Superb, 74; Belleisle, 74; 
 Excellent, 74; Triumph, 74; lieiiown, 74. Early in the ensuing year, the Hoyal 
 Sovereign, for the Flag of Sir Richard Bickerton, and the Leviathan, were sent to 
 the Mediterranean." Clarke and M'Arthur, vol. ii. p. 047. 
 
 9 Afterwards Vice-Admirul Sir Thomas Francis Fremantle, who has been so 
 often mentioned.
 
 342 LETTERS. [1804. 
 
 speaking, I cannot get even a Frigate from Malta, the Westerly 
 winds are so prevalent ; and as they approach the Gulf of 
 Lyons, they are blown to the South end of Sardinia. Perse- 
 verance has done much for us, but flesh and blood can hardly 
 stand it. I have managed to get some fresh provisions from 
 Rosas in Spain, which with onions and lemons have kept us 
 remarkably healthy. We are longing for the French Fleet, 
 which is to finish our hard fate. I am, &c. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO CAPTAIN PHILIP LAMB, AGENT OF TRANSPORTS, MALTA. 
 [Letter-Book.] 
 Victory, Madalena Islands, 1st January, 1804. 
 
 Sir, 
 
 Having ordered the Agent Victualler at Malta to ship pro- 
 visions immediately, on board the largest of the Transports 
 named in the margin, 9 for the Fleet under my command, and 
 it being of the utmost consequence to have it all sent in one 
 Vessel, in order that the Convoy which I shall appoint may 
 take her in tow, I am to desire you will particularly inspect 
 the state of their ballast, as I am of opinion the Ellice has a 
 great deal too much on board, as she appears at this moment 
 deeply laden. You will also examine their other accommo- 
 dations that no space may be lost, and render every facility in 
 your power to get this Transport ready. I must also desire 
 your particular attention on all future occasions to the ready 
 dispatch of the Transports or Victuallers employed for the 
 Fleet. I am, &c. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO PATRICK WILKIE, AGENT VICTUALLER, MALTA. 
 [Letter-Book.] 
 
 Madalena Islands, 1st January, IHOi. 
 
 Sir, 
 
 I am to desire you will immediately cause to be shipped on 
 board the largest of the Transports named in the margin, 1 a 
 
 * Ellice and Eliza. ' Id.
 
 ,ET. 45.] LETTERS. 343 
 
 proportion of bread for 5600 men for two months, with every 
 other species of provisions to six weeks, except wine, of which 
 none is wanted ; and should there not be a sufficient quantity 
 of sugar in store for the above purpose, you are not to pur- 
 chase, but send what remains. And as it is of great conse- 
 quence to have all the provisions in one Transport, in order 
 that the Vessel of War which convoys her may take her in 
 tow, you will endeavour to have the provisions all put into 
 one Transport : and, therefore, if it cannot be stowed in such 
 Victualler, you will only send a month's beef and pork, instead 
 of six weeks', as our little supplies of fresh beef will, in some 
 measure, make up the deficiency. You will send me an ac- 
 count of the provisions which you may ship, as before directed, 
 by the first opportunity, as well as a regular account of the 
 remains of every species in store, by any of his Majesty's 
 Ships joining me from Malta, that I may on all occasions 
 know what supplies can be drawn from the stores under your 
 charge. I am, &c. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO CAPTAIN JOHN WHITBY, H.M. SHIP BELLEISLE. 
 
 [Letter-Book. " Monday, 2nd January, 1804. Weighed and made sail out of 
 Agincourt Sound, as did the Squadron. P.M. At 1, carried away the jib-boom in 
 the cap; bore up for Agincourt Sound, and at 2, anchored.' Victory's Log.'} 
 
 Victoiy, Madalena Islands, 3rd January, 1804. 
 Sir, 
 
 I have received your letter of yesterday's date, acquainting 
 me that Thomas Carrol, Quarter- Gunner, belonging to his 
 Majesty's Ship Belleisle, under your command, had given him- 
 self up as a deserter from the Peterel Sloop, having entered for 
 that Vessel previous to her being paid off; in answer to which 
 I am to desire you will, whenever the Belleisle meets the 
 Peterel, if he entered on board her since her being paid off, 
 deliver him up : and you will warn the said Thomas Carrol of 
 the punishment which he merits, and that it is only by his 
 extraordinary good conduct in the Belleisle from this time, 
 that [he] can lessen the punishment which a Court-martial may 
 inflict ; and that if ever he deserts again, he can expect nothing 
 less than to suffer death. I am, &c. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE,
 
 344 LETTERS. [1804- 
 
 TO THE RIGHT HONOURABLE LORD HOBART, SECRETARY OF 
 STATE FOR THE WAR DEPARTMENT. 
 
 [Autograph, in Colonial Office. " Wednesday, 4th January, weighed and made 
 sail out of Madalena, as did the Squadron," Victory's Log.~\ 
 
 Victory, at Sea, January 4th, 1804. 
 
 My Lord, 
 
 Short as my force is of the Enemy's Fleet, which I enclose 
 you a list of, and from the absence of the Kent, I wished to 
 draw the temporary assistance of the Gibraltar, who is sta- 
 tioned at Naples for the protection of the Royal Family, yet 
 receiving from their Sicilian Majesties the enclosed letters, 
 and one from his Excellency Sir John Acton, and from Mr. 
 Elliot, stating the very critical situation of that Kingdom, 
 from the recent insolent threats of Buonaparte, and declaring 
 that they look up in their distress to his Majesty's Fleet, and 
 requesting that I would not withdraw the Gibraltar from their 
 protection, what, my Lord, could I do ? I have ordered the 
 Gibraltar to remain, and my determination never to abandon 
 those faithful Allies of our Sovereign, and sooner than with- 
 draw the Gibraltar from Naples, to fight double our force. 
 My heart, my Lord, is warm, my head is firm, but my body is 
 unequal to my wishes. I am visibly shook; but as long as I 
 can hold out, I shall never abandon my truly honourable post. 
 I am, &c. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO CAPTAIN PARKER, H.M, SHIP AMAZON. 
 [From Clarke and M'Arthur, vol. ii. p. 348.] 
 
 4th January, 1804. 
 
 An invasion of Sardinia is intended immediately on our 
 departure, by the French from Corsica ; it is therefore my 
 direction that you remain at your present anchorage, and 
 use your utmost endeavours in preventing the invasion of the 
 French, and give every aid and assistance in your power to 
 the Inhabitants, should it be attempted. The Cameleon 
 will give similar orders to Captain Staincs, and direct him to 
 remain on this service till further instructions ; and you will 
 get under weigh occasionally, as you may think proper. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE.
 
 JET. 45. 1 LETTERS. 345 
 
 TO THE RIGHT HONOURABLE LORD HO BART. 
 
 [Autograph, in the Colonial Office.] 
 
 Victory, at Sea, January 6th, 1804. 
 
 My Lord, 
 
 Herewith I transmit two letters which were taken in the 
 mail from Antibes to Corsica, which, with many other cir- 
 cumstances, assure me that an early invasion of Sardinia is 
 intended, of which I have transmitted my belief to his Royal 
 Highness the Duke de Genevois, 1 the Viceroy, and offered him 
 all the assistance in rny power, consistent with the other 
 important objects of my instructions. 
 
 I also send you two letters from the Commandants of Ma- 
 dalena and Longo Sardo to my Chaplain and Interpreter. 2 I 
 have, therefore, left a Frigate for their present protection ; for 
 however [great] my distress is, and greater it cannot well be, for 
 Frigates and Sloops, yet I could not allow the most important 
 Island and Naval Station in the Mediterranean to fall, whilst 
 I have any means of preventing it ; and under the keeping of 
 Providence and my own mind, I hope I do all which the 
 warmest wishes of my Country can expect from me. I 
 have, &c. NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 Not having Ships for the Blockade of Genoa, I have been 
 obliged to leave it, till the Admiralty can give me more Ves- 
 sels, for more important services. 
 
 TO CAPTAIN RICHARD GOODWIN KEATS, H.M, SHIP SUPERB* 
 
 [Autograph Draught, in the possession of J. Young, Esq., of Wells, and Copies 
 in the Admiralty, and in the Order-Book.] 
 
 Victory, off Cape St. Sebastians, 9th January, 1804. 
 
 Having received directions 3 to send a discreet Officer to 
 Algiers with Mr. Falcon, his Majesty's Agent and Consul- 
 Geiieral at that place, and to carry into effect the orders and 
 instructions respecting him (as well as the capture and deten- 
 tion of several Maltese Vessels, Cargoes, and Crews,) which 
 
 1 Prince Charles Felix Joseph, Duke of Genevois, (in Savoy,) fourth sou of 
 Victor Amadeus, King of Sardinia; 
 
 * The Rev. Alexander Scott. s Vide p. 232, ante.
 
 346 LETTERS. [1804. 
 
 accompany this, You are, therefore, hereby required and 
 directed to receive the said Mr. Falcon on board his Majesty's 
 Ship Superb, under your command, and proceed with him to 
 Algiers with all possible dispatch. And whereas the Dey of 
 Algiers having, some time ago, by force, sent Mr. Falcon 
 from that place, and since then, his Cruizers having taken 
 several Maltese Vessels and their Crews, being Vessels con- 
 sidered as belonging to his Majesty's Subjects; and the 
 Algerine Cruizers having also taken several Vessels, which, 
 although under Neapolitan colours, yet were under English 
 Passes for the voyage, and carrying provisions belonging to, 
 and for the use of his Majesty's Maltese Subjects, (for as such 
 they must be considered from the time of our possessing 
 the Island, in September 1798,) you will, therefore, inconse- 
 quence of these hostile acts, anchor his Majesty's Ship under 
 your command, out of reach of their batteries, and neither 
 give or receive any mark of honour or kindness from the Dey, 
 until he has made full and complete reparation for the in- 
 dignity offered his Majesty, in sending away Mr. Falcon, his 
 Representative and Consul-General at Algiers. You will 
 herewith receive a letter from me to his Highness the Dey, 
 which you will either send to him by an Officer, and desire 
 him to appoint a time when you can have a conference, in 
 order to the receiving full satisfaction for the acts of hostility 
 against his Majesty and his Subjects. The reparation which 
 1 you are to insist upon in his Majesty's name for the indignity 
 shown to his Representative and Consul-General, must be a 
 written declaration of sorrow for having committed such an 
 act, and an assurance that it shall never happen again ; and 
 on no other terms is the Consul to be landed. 
 
 When this matter is settled, you are to enter upon the hostile 
 act of his Cruizers having taken Maltese Vessels and their 
 Crews, being in every respect Vessels and Crews belonging to 
 his Majesty's Subjects, and you are to insist on the immediate 
 restitution of the Vessels and Crews, and also (if found possible) 
 pecuniary compensation for the damages sustained by this hos- 
 tile act ; and, although you will accept the Vessels, Cargoes, 
 and Crews, yet you are not to consider the matter as settled, 
 but that great injustice has been done to his Majesty's Maltese 
 Subjects. With respect to the seizure of Sicilian Vessels with
 
 /ET. 45.] LETTERS. 347 
 
 English Passports, carrying English cargoes of provisions for 
 his Majesty's distressed Maltese Subjects their taking these 
 Vessels is a most unfriendly act, and you are to use every 
 means of persuasion for their being restored. In order that 
 you may be fully prepared to meet the Dey of Algiers upon 
 the various important subjects of your instructions, I herewith 
 transmit, for your information, copies of two Admiralty orders, 
 dated the 7th of July and 26th of August last, also an extract 
 of a letter from the Right Honourable Lord Hobart, dated 
 the 23rd of August, together with a Memorandum, dated the 
 9th of January instant, for your general guidance on topics of 
 conversation with the Dey, and also the several letters and 
 papers referred to in the orders, &c., above mentioned, from 
 No. 1 to No. 4, which you will return to me, with the result of 
 your mission to Algiers. Having completed (if practicable) 
 the object of your said instructions, you will join me without 
 a moment's loss of time, on my rendezvous, No. 97, under 
 Cape St. Sebastians. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO HIS HIGHNESS THE DEY OF ALGIERS. 
 
 / 
 
 [Autograph Draught, in the possession of James Young, Esq. of Wells, and a Copy 
 in the Admiralty.] 
 
 His Britannic Majesty's Ship Victory, January 9th, 1804. 
 
 Sir, 
 
 When I arrived in last June at Gibraltar, to take upon me 
 the command of his Majesty's Fleet in the Mediterranean, it 
 was with the utmost surprise and sorrow that I found Mr. 
 Falcon, his Majesty's Agent and Consul- General to Algiers, 
 at that place, and that I understood from him that he had 
 been sent from Algiers by force, and in the most indecent 
 manner, by order of your Highness. This insult to the per- 
 son of his Majesty's Representative, I judged of too great a 
 magnitude for my interference, and therefore the statement 
 of Mr. Falcon was sent to England, in order to be laid before 
 the King. 
 
 I need not, I am sure, point out to your Highness, that 
 Mr. Falcon, as Representative of his Majesty, could commit 
 no act in his private capacity, which could subject his Ma-
 
 348 LETTERS. [1804. 
 
 jesty's Representative to receive the smallest insult from the 
 Government of Algiers, and that any insult shown to him, is, 
 in fact, an insult to his Royal Master ; and whether he was 
 or was not privy to receiving (although I am satisfied he was 
 not) the Moorish women into his house, is not a matter of 
 which I can take notice, until reparation be made in the fullest 
 manner to his Majesty for the insult offered to him in the 
 person of his Representative. 
 
 This reparation for the indignity offered his Majesty, I am 
 directed to demand of your Highness ; and I trust from the 
 good sense of your Highness, and from the amity which has 
 always subsisted between his Majesty and your Highness, 
 that you will find no difficulty in giving his Majesty full and 
 complete reparation for the indignity offered him in the per- 
 son of his Representative, Mr. Falcon, and also assurances 
 that a similar insult shall never be offered again. And as it 
 is my intention to mark, by every means in my power, my 
 former regard and respect for your Highness, I annex the 
 words which are the least exceptionable which you can offer, 
 or I accept, for the insult done his Majesty ; and it must be 
 delivered in writing, before Mr. Falcon, his Majesty's Agent 
 and Consul-General, can be landed. For this purpose, I 
 have sent my right trusty friend Richard Goodwin Keats, 
 Esq., Captain of his Majesty's Ship Superb, to your Highness, 
 to settle this matter in the most proper manner ; and whatever 
 he shall state in my name, I beg your Highness to consider as 
 coming from me, 
 
 I sincerely hope that this disagreeable business will be 
 settled in the most amicable manner, and it will give me the 
 very highest satisfaction to convey to my Royal Master the 
 sentiments of real friendship of your Highness. And I assure 
 your Highness that I am, with the greatest respect, your most 
 obedient, humble servant, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 The least exceptionable apology which will be accepted 
 from his Highness the Dey of Algiers, for the insult offered 
 his Majesty : 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 ' I am most exceedingly sorry that, in an unguarded moment 
 of anger, I should have ordered out of the State of Algiers,
 
 MT. 45.] LETTERS. 349 
 
 the Agent and Consul-General of my great Friend his Bri- 
 tannic Majesty; and I declare, upon my faith and word as a 
 Prince, that I will never offer such an insult again to his 
 Britannic Majesty, and will with pleasure receive Mr. Falcon.' 
 
 TO HIS HIGHNESS THE DEY OF ALGIERS. 
 
 f Autograph Draught, in the possession of James Young, Esq., and a Copy in the 
 Admiralty.] 
 
 His Britannic Majesty's Ship Victory, January Oth, 1804. 
 
 Sir, 
 
 It has been with the sincerest sorrow and surprise that I 
 find that the Crui/ers of your Highness have taken several 
 Vessels belonging to the Island of Malta, which is, with its 
 Inhabitants, under the Protection and Sovereignty of his 
 Majesty; and, of course, every Maltese Vessel and Inhabitant 
 is as much British as if owned or born in London. 
 
 The giving up of these Vessels and Crews, and making 
 ample reparation for the damages they may have sustained, is 
 so just, that I will not allow myself to suppose that your 
 Highness will hesitate one moment ; and I also trust that 
 your Highness will direct orders to be given, that all the 
 Vessels which were chartered by the British Government 
 at Malta, to carry provisions for his Subjects in Malta, be 
 restored. The judgment of your Highness will clearly mark 
 the distinction between these Vessels being actually belong- 
 ing to your Enemies, and being for that voyage, in fact, 
 belonging to the British Government, and the Cargoes being 
 bond fide British property ; and your Cruizers could not have 
 met with them, but for the protection granted them by British 
 Officers. I have the honour to be, &c. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 MEMORANDUMS FOR THE GUIDANCE OF CAPTAIN KEATS IN 
 HIS TRANSACTIONS WITH THE DEY OF ALGIERS. 
 
 [From a Copy in the Admiralty.] 
 
 Victory, off Cape St. Sehastians, 9th January, 1804. 
 
 Should the Dey refuse to receive you, unless you return 
 his salute, you will not do it; and acquaint him by letter that
 
 350 LETTERS. [1804. 
 
 you will sail in twenty-four hours ; and you will not receive 
 any letter from the Dey to me, as that would open a negotia- 
 tion which could never end. In your first conversation with 
 the Dey, every sorrow is to be expressed that his Highness 
 should commit such an insult to his Majesty as sending away 
 his Representative, and taking his Maltese Subjects prisoners. 
 To whatever the Dey may urge, and endeavour to turn the 
 conversation to any complaints of his own, you are never to 
 reply., but always to answer by telling him that you were 
 come for reparation of an insult, and not to attend to his com- 
 plaints, which he had sent to England and settled. Although 
 you will never give up the reparation due to his Majesty, 
 yet if he sends off the Maltese, you will receive them ; 
 but you will never recede a tittle from your original demands. 
 
 The Dey will probably, if you are parting with only part 
 of your Mission accomplished, ask you repeatedly, ' Well, are 
 we now at Peace ?' To which, unless you completely succeed, 
 only reply, that you will communicate with me what of our 
 just demands have not been complied with, and that is the 
 only answer you will give. Never appear satisfied with what 
 has been granted, but demand what has not; and leave the 
 question of Peace or War entirely open, so that it may hang 
 over his head. If the Consul is not received, I shall never 
 send again to Algiers ; and more reparation will be demanded 
 if he even wishes to receive the offer now made him. Should 
 the Dey (which I am told is often the case) rise up in a 
 passion and retire, you will signify to him by letter, that you 
 will not submit to be so treated, and that you will never 
 come into his presence again to be insulted ; nor, unless you 
 receive his word of honour, that all your just demands shall 
 be satisfied and finished if you go again to him, and that you 
 will sail in twenty-four hours. 
 
 The Dey may, to our demand for the Sicilian Vessels, 
 reply by asking, 'If one of my Subjects, on my account, freight 
 a French Ship, will you allow her to pass?' The answer 
 would be, ' Yes, under similar circumstances. If your High- 
 ness were driven out of Algiers, and all your Vessels destroyed 
 that you were with your Subjects besieging it, or having 
 obtained it, as was the case with Maltese and British, and you 
 freighted a Vessel with provisions to keep you from perishing,
 
 MT. 45.] LETTERS. 351 
 
 Great Britain would not take an Enemy's Vessel under those 
 circumstances. It would be the most cruel thing in nature to 
 attempt starving our friends on any such pretence ; yet your 
 Highness's Cruizers attempted to starve his Britannic Majesty's 
 Subjects under these circumstances.' 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO CAPTAIN ROSS DONNELLY, H.M. SHIP NARCISSUS. 
 [Original, in the possession of the late Adam Bromilow, Esq., and Order-Book.] 
 Victory, off Cape St. Sebastian's, 9th January, 1804. 
 
 Secret. 
 
 You are hereby required and directed to take his Majesty's 
 Ship named in the margin 4 under you command; and after 
 having waited forty-eight hours on the present Rendezvous, 
 from the receipt hereof, for the purpose of falling in with his 
 Majesty's Ship Amazon, (whose Captain you will order to 
 join me immediately off Algiers, with the intelligence he may 
 have to communicate; but should Captain Parker not find 
 the Squadron or Superb at anchor off Algiers, he is to return 
 immediately to Rendezvous No. 97, under Cape St. Sebastians, 
 and wait my arrival,) you will proceed to the Ba} r of Rosas, 
 for the purposes mentioned in my letter to you of this date ; 
 which, having accomplished, you will take a convenient 
 opportunity of reconnoitring the Enemy's force at Toulon, 
 and of ascertaining whether they are still in Port. You will, 
 immediately after having performed this service, return to 
 Rendezvous No. 97, under Cape St. Sebastians, where you 
 will remain till my return, unless the Enemy's Squadron has 
 put to sea ; in which case, you will make the best of your 
 way off Algiers, and endeavour to join me with an account 
 thereof. You will inform any of his Majesty's Ships who 
 may be in search of the Squadron, where I am gone, and that 
 I shall not be absent from Rendezvous No. 97, more than ten 
 days from the date hereof. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 4 Active.
 
 352 LETTERS. [1804. 
 
 TO CAPTAIN ROSS DONNELLY, II. M. SHIP NARCISSUS. 
 [Letter-Book.] 
 
 Victory, off Cape St. Sebastians, 9tli January, 1804. 
 Sir, 
 
 I am to desire you will deliver the letter which accompanies 
 this to Mr. Edward Gayner, Merchant at Rosas, who has been, 
 some time ago, directed to purchase twenty tons of onions, 
 and one hundred head of oxen, for the Fleet under my com- 
 mand. If the onions before-mentioned are perfectly ready, 
 you will receive them on board for the use of the Squadron ; 
 and if the one hundred oxen are purchased, you will direct 
 Mr. Gayner to have them ready for shipping at a moment's 
 notice ; and you will take such a number of the said hundred 
 oxen as you may judge proper, for the use of your Ship's 
 Company, giving the proper and necessary vouchers for the 
 onions and oxen you may so receive. And it having been 
 mentioned to me, that a Quarantine of fifteen days must be 
 performed by any of his Majesty's Ships going to Rosas, I 
 am to desire you will make particular inquiry respecting this 
 very extraordinary circumstance, and demand of the Governor 
 whether he has orders to prevent our receiving water and 
 refreshments at Rosas ? I am, &c., 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO J. B. GIBERT, H.M. VICE-CONSUL, BARCELONA. 
 
 [Letter-Book.] 
 Victory, off Cape St. Sebastians, 9th January, 1804. 
 
 Sir, 
 
 I have this moment received your letter of the 24th De- 
 cember last, with its enclosures, for which I am much obliged. 
 On the subject of the eighty pipes of wine at Rosas, the ori- 
 ginal price so far exceeds any wine purchased for the Fleet 
 under my command, that I do not feel justified in putting 
 Government to such an additional expense. With respect to 
 a duplicate and triplicate of my letter to the Commissioners 
 for victualling his Majesty's Navy, as requested in your said 
 letter, I have to observe that a copy thereof has been already
 
 JET. 45.] LETTERS. 353 
 
 transmitted to them ; and I shall, by the first opportunity, 
 send another, and also one to you, in case that any accident 
 should happen to the original, which you have received. I 
 am, &c. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO EDWARD POWNALL, ESQ., NAVAL STOREKEEPER, GIBRALTAR. 
 
 [Letter-Book.] 
 
 Victory, at Sea, 10th January, IBOi. 
 
 Sir, 
 
 I am to desire you will immediately on the arrival of any 
 of his Majesty's Ships or Vessels at Gibraltar, muster their 
 Companies very strictly agreeably to your instructions on that 
 head, and that you will weekly (or oftener, as it may be 
 deemed necessary) muster any Ship or Vessel which may 
 remain there and you are to be particularly strict in mustering 
 all the Hired Armed Cutters in his Majesty's Service which 
 may arrive at Gibraltar, that it may be known whether the 
 Officers commanding them cause strict compliance with their 
 Charter Parties, and that the said Hired Vessels arc complete 
 in their Crews, and found in provisions, &c., agreeably thereto, 
 which you will transmit to me through Commissioner Otway. 
 I am, &c., 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO THE PRINCIPAL OFFICERS AND COMMISSIONERS OF HIS 
 MAJESTY'S NAVY, LONDON. 
 
 [Letter-Book.] 
 
 Victory, at Sea, 10th January, 180-i. 
 Gentlemen, 
 
 I yesterday received your letter of the 21st October last, 
 acquainting me with the directions you had given the Naval 
 Storekeepers on the several Foreign Stations respecting their 
 transmitting to your Board their periodical Returns of the 
 remains of stores in the magazines under their charge, 
 and, also, their demands for replenishing the same, in due 
 time, throughout the War, together with every other informa- 
 
 VOL. V. A A
 
 354 LETTERS. [1804. 
 
 tion in their power for enabling you to send out timely and 
 proper supplies for the respective Squadrons, requesting also, 
 that I will from time to time communicate to you the present 
 or expected want of stores for his Majesty's Ships and Vessels 
 under my command. In answer to which, I have to observe, 
 that the Ships in general, at present under my command, are 
 very much in want of cordage, sails, and other stores, and that 
 the temporary supplies which have hitherto arrived from 
 England, are by no means adequate to their indispensable 
 necessities. Commissioner Otway informs me, that they are 
 so bare of stores at Gibraltar as to be unable to supply the 
 Ships cruizing in that vicinity, who are consequently much 
 distressed for almost every article. I am fully aware of the 
 large demand for stores from all quarters ; and, therefore, have 
 to observe, that the utmost care and attention shall be paid to 
 the preservation of every description 'of Naval stores, and as 
 far as is practicable, I shall acquaint you with the probable wants 
 of the Squadron ; but as the Admiralty, who are aware of the 
 force which may be wanted for the service of this Country, are 
 consequently the best judges of the necessary stores to be depo- 
 sited in the magazines at Gibraltar and Malta the latter place, 
 from the Storekeeper's account, is equally bare as the former. 
 
 I must here desire to mention, in justice to the Storekeepers 
 at Gibraltar and Malta, that blame is not imputable to them on 
 that account, as the Ships that were in this Country previous to 
 and during the short interval of Peace, being now obliged to 
 keep the sea, have entirely eat up the stores, and their real 
 wants not half complied with. I have applications from the 
 different Line of Battle Ships for surveys on most of their sails 
 and running rigging, which cannot be complied with, as there 
 is neither cordage nor sails to replace the unserviceable stores, 
 and, therefore, the evil must be combated in the best manner 
 possible. I have some time ago directed the Naval Storekeeper 
 at Malta to purchase a quantity of hemp in the Adriatic for 
 the purpose of making cordage, which shall be done as far as 
 is practicable. I herewith transmit for your information an 
 extract of a letter from Captain Gore of the Medusa, respect- 
 ing the miserable state of that Ship's sails, running rigging, 
 &c., which has obliged him to purchase these stores at 
 Lisbon. I am, &c., 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE.
 
 JET. 45.] LETTERS. 355 
 
 TO COMMISSIONER OTWAY, GIBRALTAR. 
 
 [Letter Book.] 
 
 Victory, at Sea, 10th January, 1804. 
 Sir, 
 
 I am very much obliged by your letter of the 20th November, 
 transmitting me an account of the arrival and sailing of his Ma- 
 jesty's Ships and Vessels and Transports to and from Gibraltar, 
 since the 20th October last : also, by your letter of this date 
 acquainting me that it was necessary, for the reasons therein 
 mentioned, to heave down the Ambuscade to come at the leak 
 in the hudding ends, which was effectually stopped by heaving 
 out only one side, and that she was perfectly ready for sea. I 
 am very glad the Ambuscade's bottom and timbers were found 
 sound and good, and much pleased with your exertions on the 
 occasion, as well as by the ready dispatch the Weazle has met 
 with in refitting, under the present scarcity of stores, and hope 
 she will prove an effective and useful Vessel for the destruction 
 of the Enemy in your neighbourhood. I am, &c., 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO COMMISSIONER OTWAY, GIBRALTAR. 
 
 [Letter-Book.] 
 
 Victory, at Sea, 10th January, 1804. 
 
 Sir, 
 
 I have received your letter of the 26th November, returning 
 the vouchers for the payment of the Caulkers employed in 
 caulking the Victory, which accompanied my letter to you 
 of the 22nd October last ; and as the Carpenter of the Victory 
 (who is a very good, intelligent man) informs me, that he was 
 paid for caulking the Culloden, off Cadiz, by Commissioner 
 Coffin, I shall transmit the said vouchers to the Navy Board, 
 and request the Admiralty to give the necessary orders for 
 their being paid, if such was usual during Lord St. Vincent's 
 command in these seas. I am informed that Mr. Carey, the 
 Builder at Gibraltar, was paid five shillings a day for super- 
 intending the caulking of the Ships off Cadiz, when he was 
 Carpenter of the Victory ; and, therefore, Consider him re- 
 prehensible for not having made you acquainted with such 
 circumstance. I am, &c., NELSON AND BRONTE, 
 
 A A 2
 
 356 LETTERS. [1804. 
 
 TO THE RESPECTIVE CAPTAINS AND COMMANDERS OF ANY OF 
 HIS MAJESTY'S SHIPS, VESSELS, OR HIRED ARMED CUTTERS, 
 WHICH MAY ARRIVE AT GIBRALTAR. 
 
 [Letter-Book.] 
 
 Victory, at Sea, 10th January, 1804. 
 
 Memorandum. 
 
 It is my particular directions that you afford the Naval 
 Storekeeper at Gibraltar every assistance .in mustering the 
 Crews of his Majesty's Ships or Vessels under your command, 
 on their arrival at that place, or at such time as he may judge 
 proper, agreeably to the rules of the Service ; and it is my 
 most positive directions that the Lieutenants or Commanders 
 of any of his Majesty's Hired Armed Cutters or Tenders who 
 shall arrive at Gibraltar, do strictly attend to this Memo- 
 randum, that it may appear on mustering their Crews whe- 
 ther their Vessels are found agreeably to their Charter Parties, 
 which they are hereby directed to produce to Commissioner 
 Otway and the Storekeeper on mustering them. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO THE COMMANDERS OF HIS MAJESTY'S SLOOPS HALCYON 
 AND WEAZLE, OR ANY OTHERS WHICH MAY HEREAFTER BE 
 STATIONED AT GIBRALTAR. 
 
 [Letter-Book.] 
 
 Victory, at Sea, 10th January, 1804. 
 
 Sir, 
 
 As the most active service against the Enemy's Privateers 
 in the Straits of Gibraltar, as well as for the protection of our 
 Trade and the comforts of the Garrison at that place,, is ex- 
 pected of his Majesty's Sloop under your command, and 
 Commissioner Otway being perfectly able to advise you on 
 many points of service, which the present situation of affairs 
 with Spain may render necessary, I am to desire that you 
 will on all such occasions consult with the said Commissioner, 
 as well as receive his advice, respecting any temporary refit 
 the Sloop under your command shall require, which I expect 
 will be seldom, and that when you are taken into the Mole 
 for such purpose, the utmost exertion will be used to repair
 
 JET. 45.] LETTERS. 357 
 
 your defects, in order that you may proceed to sea with all 
 dispatch. I have further to observe, that Commissioner 
 Otway's opinion of your conduct, will have great weight with 
 me, and I shall feel exceedingly obliged by his kind attention to 
 
 my wishes. I am, &c., 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 N.B. This letter to remain in the possession of Com- 
 missioner Otway. 
 
 TO SIR EVAN NEPEAN, BART., ADMIRALTY. 
 [From a Copy, iu the Nelson Papers.] 
 
 Victory, at Sea, 10th January, 1804:. 
 
 Sir, 
 
 I yesterday received your duplicate letter of the 9th 
 November last, with copy of the letter therein mentioned 
 from the Prince of Castelcicala, the Neapolitan Minister at 
 our Court, complaining of the conduct of one of his Majesty's 
 Brigs, and two English Merchant-Ships, in entering the Port 
 of Girgenti, in Sicily, and capturing three English Merchant- 
 ships, which had been taken by two French Privateers and 
 carried into that Port ; signifying at the same time their 
 Lordships' directions to me, to lose no time in inquiring very 
 minutely into the circumstances therein stated, and report the 
 same to you for their information. 
 
 In answer to which, I herewith transmit you the copy of a 
 letter from Lieutenant Shaw of his Majesty's Brig Spider, dated 
 the 30th August last, together with copies of the two letters 
 therein referred to, and also, a copy of my letter of the J 6th 
 September in answer thereto ; 5 and beg further to acquaint you 
 for their Lordships' information, that I have heard no more 
 of this business, nor any complaint against the conduct of his 
 Majesty's Cruisers; but, on the contrary, have received many 
 complaints respecting the reception the French Privateers 
 meet with in the Sicilian Ports, which have been transmitted 
 to our Minister at Naples. I shall, however, in further obe- 
 dience to their Lordships' directions, transmit to Rear- Admiral 
 Sir Richard Bickerton (who is now at Malta, refitting the 
 
 8 Vide p. 505, autCi
 
 358 LETTERS. [1804. 
 
 Kent) a copy of your said duplicate letter and enclosures therein 
 mentioned, and shall instruct him to make a further inquiry 
 into the circumstances of Lieutenant Shaw's conduct on that 
 occasion, which shall be transmitted to you for their Lord- 
 ships' information, agreeable to your request. I am, &c., 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO SIR EVAN NEPEAN, BART., ADMIRALTY. 
 
 [Original, in tlie Admiralty.] 
 Sir, Victory, at Sea, 10th January, 1804. 
 
 I j'esterday received your most secret letter, dated the 21st 
 of November last, communicating to me their Lordships' 
 opinion on the Report of Survey upon the Gibraltar's defects ; 
 also that there was no immediate probability of their being 
 enabled to relieve the Ships named in the margin, 6 but that 
 Line-of-Battle Ships should be sent out with the Convoys, 
 (when the Public Service would admit of it,) to enable me to 
 send home any Ship of that description whose condition may 
 render such measure absolutely necessary, signifying at the 
 same time, the service appointed to the Monmouth and Agin- 
 court ; 7 and acquainting me that it is their Lordships' direc- 
 tions, in the event of those Ships not being able to bring the 
 whole of the arms from Trieste, to make some arrangement 
 for the removal of the remainder; and also to send home such 
 of the said arms as may, by the Commanders of those last-men- 
 tioned Ships, be deposited at Malta. 
 
 In answer to which, you will please to acquaint the Lords 
 Commissioners of the Admiralty, that their directions respect- 
 
 6 Kent, Superb, Triumph, Kenowu. 
 
 7 On the 23rd of November 1803, the Admiralty issued a " most secret" order to 
 Captain George Hart of the Monmouth, stating that measures had been taken for 
 procuring a supply of arms from the Austrian Dominions for his Majesty's Service, 
 and that it was expected about 4000 chests, each chest containing twenty-five 
 muskets, would be sent to Trieste for that purpose ; and directing Captain Hurt to 
 take the Agincourt, Captain Schomberg, under his command, and after putting out 
 the lower-deck guns of those Ships, to go to Trieste, take on board the said arms, 
 and proceed with them to Spithead. Instructions, founded on the expediency 
 which existed of immediately removing as many muskets as possible from the Aus- 
 trian Dominions, were then added for Captain Hart's guidance, in case the Ships 
 could not take on board the whole of the arms. The effort to obtain aims from 
 Austria entirely failed.
 
 JET. 45.] LETTERS. 359 
 
 ing the Gibraltar shall be duly attended to ; and I shall rejoice 
 exceedingly, if the stores sent from England, will enable Com- 
 missioner Otway to make her an efficient Ship : and it shall 
 be my particular object to preserve the Ships under my com- 
 mand, as much as possible, from being exposed to unneces- 
 sary damages in their hulls, masts, rigging, sails, &c., and that 
 the greatest care of every description of Naval stores shall be 
 taken. 
 
 It gives me infinite satisfaction that the Monmouth had not 
 sailed for England with the Convoy, and that she and the 
 Agincourt were at Gibraltar, ready to execute their Lordships' 
 orders of the 21st of November last, (copies of which are in my 
 possession.) Strict regard shall be paid to the important ser- 
 vice those Ships are ordered upon, and a very early oppor- 
 tunity taken of bringing away any of the arms which may 
 remain at Trieste, and of sending them, together with those 
 which Captain Hart may find necessary to deposit at Malta, 
 to England, agreeably to their Lordships' direction contained 
 in your said letter. I am Sir, &c. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO SIR EVAN NEPEAN, BART., ADMIRALTY, 
 [Original, in the Admiralty.] 
 
 Victory, at Sea, 10th January, 1804. 
 
 Sir, 
 
 You will please to acquaint the Lords Commissioners of 
 the Admiralty, that on my return yesterday from the Mada- 
 lena Islands, (where the Squadron went to complete their 
 water, as mentioned in my letter to you of the 19th ult.,) I 
 was joined by the Hired Armed Cutter, British Fair, on my 
 Rendezvous off Cape St. Sebastians, and received their Lord- 
 ships' dispatches brought from England by that Vessel, from 
 the Honourable Captain Boyle, who had fallen in with the 
 said Cutter, and taken them from Lieutenant Price, for greater 
 security. I am, Sir, &c. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE*
 
 360 LETTERS. [1804. 
 
 TO SIR EVAN NEPEAN, BART., ADMIRALTY. 
 
 [Original, in the Admiralty.] 
 
 Victory, at Sea, 10th January, 1804. 
 Sir, 
 
 I herewith transmit you, for the information of the Lords 
 Commissioners of the Admiralty, a copy of my letter of this 
 date to the Commissioners of the Navy, together -with a 
 voucher, and copies of the two letters therein mentioned, and 
 request you will be pleased to move their Lordships to give 
 the necessary directions for the Carpenter of the Victory, 8 and 
 Caulkers who were employed in caulking that Ship, being 
 paid as early as possible. 
 
 It is not necessary to observe that the Victory left England 
 without being caulked; and if great exertion had not been 
 used in having it done at sea, the service of that Ship would 
 have been lost for some considerable time. The propriety of 
 their being paid, therefore, more evidently appears; and I 
 further beg to observe that the Superintending Carpenter 
 and Caulkers employed on similar occasions in this Country, 
 during Lord St. Vincent's command, were regularly paid, and 
 it appears to me a very proper and necessary measure for the 
 good of his Majesty's Service. I am, Sir, &c. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO SIR EVAN NEPEAN, BART., ADMIRALTY. 
 [Original, in the Admiralty.] 
 
 Victory, at Sea, 10th January, 1804. 
 Sir, 
 
 I have received yonr letter of the 24th November last, 
 together with a copy of the one therein mentioned, from the 
 Chairman of the Committee of Merchants concerned in the 
 Trade to Gibraltar and the Mediterranean, respecting the de- 
 predations committed by the French Row-Boats that rendez- 
 vous at Tariffa and Ceuta, acquainting me, by their Lordships' 
 direction, that it is of great importance that some arrangement 
 should be made for the protection of our Trade on its entering 
 
 3 Mr. Bunce.
 
 ^ET. 45.] LETTERS. 361 
 
 the Straits, and to make such a disposition as may, in my 
 opinion, be best adapted for that purpose. In answer thereto, 
 I have to request you will be pleased to acquaint the Lords 
 Commissioners of the Admiralty, that I am perfectly aware of 
 the danger our Trade is exposed to on entering the Straits, 
 from the Enemy's Row-Boats and Privateers, as very justly 
 stated in the inclosure which accompanied your said letter. 
 My first object, therefore, on rny arrival at Gibraltar, on the 
 3rd of June last, was to remedy this evil as much as possible, 
 and for that purpose stationed the Bittern between Gibraltar 
 and Ceuta ; and as soon as I was enabled to afford more pro- 
 tection to our Trade coming into the Straits, the Halcyon 
 and Weazle were sent to relieve the Bittern on that important 
 service, and the most strict orders given to Sir Richard 
 Strachan, the Senior Officer of the Squadron outside the 
 Straits, to afford our Trade, on its entry into the Gut, every 
 protection in his power, and to use the utmost exertion in 
 destroying the Enemy's Row-Boats and Privateers which in- 
 fest that Coast, and from the Spanish Ports commit the most 
 unprincipled acts of piracy. I, however, trust that the Halcyon 
 and Weazle will keep them in check, with the joint exertions 
 of our Cruizers in that vicinity ; and the moment I am enabled 
 to afford more protection to that important service, it shall be 
 done. 
 
 I herewith transmit you, for their Lordships' information, a 
 copy of the orders which the Sloops before mentioned are 
 under, together with a copy of a letter from Captain Gore of 
 the Medusa, and extract of one from Captain Hart, 9 giving an 
 account of the capture of L'Esperance, French Privateer, and 
 the destruction of Le Sorcier, on the 8th ult., and beg leave to 
 express the very high opinion I entertain of Captain Gore's 
 conduct, in putting to sea immediately on the appearance of 
 these Vessels, and his very able manoeuvres in capturing and 
 destroying them. I am, Sir, &c. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 fl These Letters were published in the "London Gazette" of February 1804, 
 together with the last paragraph of Lord Nelson's letter.
 
 362 LETTERS. [1804. 
 
 TO SIR EVAN NEPEAN, BART* ADMIRALTY. 
 
 [Original, in tlie Admiralty,] 
 
 Victor}-, at Sea, 10th January, 1604. 
 
 Sir, 
 
 You will please to acquaint the Lords Commissioners of 
 the Admiralty, that the Enemy's Squadron at Toulon is still 
 in Port, and that by Captain Donnelly's account, who recon- 
 noitred them on the 6th Instant, they are apparently ready 
 for sea ; their force nine Sail of the Line and Frigates, the 
 same as when last reported to you. From the information I 
 have received, there is every reason to believe that the Enemy 
 intend sending a force from Corsica, to take possession of the 
 Madalena Islands, with a view to prevent us from using that 
 place as an anchorage. I have, therefore, left the Amazon 
 to bring me an account of their proceedings, and have ordered 
 the Cameleon to proceed there and remain for the protec- 
 tion of the Inhabitants, and endeavour, if possible, to frustrate 
 the Enemy's intention of landing. I am, Sir, &c. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO THE COMMISSIONERS OF THE TRANSPORT BOARD, LONDON. 
 [Original, in the Record Office, in the Tower of London.] 
 
 Victory, at Sea, 10th January, 1804. 
 
 Gentlemen, 
 
 I yesterday received your letter of the 1 6th September last, 
 acquainting me that you had appointed Captain Philip Lamb, 
 of the Navy, to be Agent for Prisoners of War at Malta, 
 and that you had directed him to communicate his Warrant 
 of appointment and instructions to me immediately on his 
 arrival; that his Warrant appoints him generally as the Agent 
 of your Board ; and that he is also authorized to act as Resi- 
 dent Agent for Transports at Malta, as well as Agent for 
 Prisoners of War at that place. I have also received your 
 printed instructions to Agents for Prisoners of War abroad, 
 together, with copies of a Contract which you have entered 
 into with Mr. William Webb, for victualling the Prisoners of 
 War in health at Malta and at Gibraltar. I cannot allow
 
 /ET. 45. J LETTERS. 363 
 
 Lieutenant Pemberton to be withdrawn from his late situation 
 as Resident Agent for Transports at Malta, without express- 
 ing my full and entire approbation of his conduct. I am, &c. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO MRS. BOLTON. 
 [Autograph, in the possession of James Young, Esq., of Wells.] 
 
 Victory, January llth, 1804. 
 
 My dear Sister, 
 
 Your kind letter of October 9th, is just arrived; and you 
 may rest assured that, although I may not write or make all 
 sorts of professions, which I might never have the power of 
 accomplishing, yet I am not less anxious for your and Mr. 
 Bolton's interest, in every respect. Sir William Bolton has 
 not yet been fortunate ; and if I knew where to place him in 
 fortune's way, he should go. If a Spanish War comes on, he 
 is sure of one, or he must be truly unlucky. With respect to 
 Tom, 1 although I do not know if it be absolutely in my power 
 to say I will entirely keep him at College, yet you may be 
 sure of my assistance ; and when poor blindy 2 goes the way 
 of all flesh, and please God some other vacancies which at 
 present drain my pocket very deeply, I shall be more at my 
 ease in pecuniary matters, and, of course, better able to afford 
 permanent assistance. You know, my dear Sister, how I 
 have teazed and teazed for that paltry Prebendary, 3 and I 
 really believe no Minister would give me a place of .50 
 a-year ; but if I know what Mr. Bolton looks to, I shall then 
 know how to act. My sincere friendship for him, independent 
 of his relationship, would induce me to do everything in my 
 power to meet his wishes, and that, I trust, he is sure of; but 
 he knows I have had, in reality, not an atom of interest. The 
 French having no trade in the Mediterranean, but very little 
 has been done in the Prize way ; indeed, I am afraid my pur- 
 suit lays another way. I never did, or could, turn my thoughts 
 to money-making. With most affectionate regards to Mr. 
 
 1 His nephew, afterwards second Earl Nelson. 
 
 * The widow of his brother, Maurice Nelson. 
 
 * At Canterbury, for his brother, Dr. Nelson.
 
 364 LETTERS. [1804. 
 
 Bolton and all your family, believe me ever, my dear Sister, 
 your most affectionate brother, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 I am glad [to near] such a good account of Mr. Suckling of 
 Wootton. He is most perfectly right to keep his carriage and 
 live comfortably. Remember me kindly to him, and assure 
 him that no person rejoices more at his comfortable situation 
 than myself. 
 
 TO ADMIRAL THE EARL OF ST. VINCENT, K.B. 
 [From Clarke aud M'Artkur, vol. ii. p. 30'2.] 
 
 llth January, 1804. 
 
 I had not, my dear Lord, forgot to notice the son of Lord 
 Duncan. I consider the near relations of Brother Officers, 
 as legacies to the Service. On the subject of promotions, I 
 beg leave to say a few words, because I feel now exactly as 
 you have felt in a similar situation to mine ; and I rejoice 
 that you, my dear Lord, are not only alive, but in Office to 
 bear witness to the truth of my words, which I should have 
 quoted, even if you had not been in Office, * that it was 
 absolutely necessary merit should be rewarded on the moment ; 
 and that the Officers of the Fleet should look up to the Com- 
 mander-in-Chief for their reward : for that otherwise the good 
 or bad opinion of the Commander-in-Chief would be of no 
 consequence.' You always promoted meritorious Officers out 
 of the Victory, and Ville dfe Paris, and many private Ships, 
 for their merit. The good effect was, that whatever was 
 undertaken, succeeded. I, myself, stand in that situation, 
 and Hardy, rewarded by you as Commander-in-Chief. You 
 know, my dear Lord, there is nothing you can desire me to 
 do that I shall not do with pleasure ; and if I had known the 
 intentions of the Admiralty respecting the Lieutenant men- 
 tioned, he would certainly have been appointed ; but having 
 appointed a very gallant and meritorious Officer, who had in 
 a most particular manner distinguished himself on board the 
 Isis at Copenhagen, 4 it would have lowered me in the Fleet, 
 that my follower, who had performed gallant services under 
 my eye, should be displaced. 
 
 4 Lieuteuaut William Layman,
 
 MT. 45.] LETTERS. 365 
 
 I trust you will be so good as to state, what you thought 
 proper for the benefit of the Service to the Admiralty, and be 
 my friend at the Board. I have said enough^ for any friend to 
 act upon, and I rely on your kind support. I shall certainly 
 endeavour to imitate you, when you commanded here with so 
 much advantage to your Country. I shall not trouble you 
 with complaints of Ships, the Board shall be answered. Thank 
 God, the health of the Fleet has been wonderful, and I wish 
 I could add my own ; however, I hope to hold out to meet 
 the French Fleet, and after that I believe my career will 
 finish. In addition to my other cares, Sardinia must be 
 guarded ; the French most assuredly mean to invade it, first, 
 I suppose, under a pretext for keeping us out of it ; and then 
 they will have it ceded to them. I have written to Lord 
 Hobart on the importance of Sardinia, it is worth a hundred 
 Maltas in position, and has the finest Man of War harbour in 
 Europe ; they tell me it is superior to Beerhaven in short, 
 it has nothing but advantages ; the mode of getting it is to be 
 considered by Ministers, but money will do anything in these 
 days. To keep it, could not in the first instance cost half so 
 much as Malta. I can have no reserves I venture my 
 opinion, Ministers are not bound to follow it : I can have no 
 views, but to benefit my Country by telling all I know of 
 situations, and how far they can be useful. 5 I am, &c. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO THE RIGHT HONOURABLE LORD MINTO. 
 [Autograph, in tlie Minto Papers.] 
 
 Victory, at Sea, January lltli, 1804. 
 
 My dear Lord, 
 
 You have allowed the effusion of your good heart to go too 
 far, but I own it was grateful to my feelings ; now, I desire 
 you will never mention any obligation to me again ; I assure 
 you on my word of honour that George Elliot is at this 
 moment, for his standing, one of the very best Officers in our 
 Service, and his Ship in high order. I placed him under Sir 
 Richard Strachan's command, off Cadiz, and he does nothing 
 but praise him in every letter; I hope yet he will make 
 
 5 Vide the Note in page 367, post.
 
 366 LETTERS. [1804. 
 
 10,000, and then I have done with him ; if Lord St. Vincent 
 does not confirm him 4 it will be the cruellest thing in the world, 
 but I cannot bring myself to believe it, and I hope he has got 
 his Commission long since. I beg you will present my respects 
 to Admiral Elliot ; 5 I have had the honour of being introduced 
 to him twenty-two years ago, but never had the pleasure of 
 serving with him ; but his action with Thurot will stand the 
 test with any of our modern Victories. 
 
 Your speech, 6 my dear Lord, was yourself, and there is not a 
 tittle that every man who loves his Country must not subscribe 
 to. I have not heard very lately from Naples, but I expect a 
 Vessel from thence every hour their situation is very critical 
 Buonaparte threatening that if the King does not disarm 
 his Subjects, he will march another Army into his Kingdom ; 
 the King has positively refused. I have letters both from the 
 King and Queen, reposing the greatest confidence in our 
 Country: of my services they are sure. Sardinia, if we do 
 not take it very soon, the French will have it, and then we 
 lose the most important Island, as a Naval and Military sta- 
 tion, in the Mediterranean. It possesses at the Northern end, 
 the finest harbour in the world ; it equals Trincomalee. It 
 is twenty-four hours sail from Toulon ; it covers Italy ; it 
 is a position that the wind which carries the French to the 
 Westward is fair for you to follow. In passing to the South- 
 ward they go close to you. In short, it covers Egypt, Italy, 
 and Turkey. Malta must not be mentioned in the saffle 
 century. I delivered my opinion on the inutility of Malta as 
 a Naval station for watching Toulon. A Fleet would sooner 
 pass from St. Helens to Toulon than from Malta. If I lose 
 Sardinia I lose the French Fleet ; and to keep it, it could not, 
 
 4 Vide p. 184, ante. 
 
 4 John Elliot, then an Admiral of the White, uncle of Lord Miiito. On the 29th of 
 February, 1760, when Captain of the ^Eolus of 32 Guns, and having under his orders 
 the Pallns and Brilliant, he attacked and captured, after a gallant action off the Isle 
 of Man, the Marshal Belleisle of 48 guns, commanded by the celebrated Monsieur 
 Thurot, who was killed ; La Blonde of 30 guns, and La Terpsichore of 26 guns. 
 A memoir of this veteran Officer, who died an Admiral of the Red, on the 20th of 
 September 1808, and an account of Monsieur Thurot, will be found in the 'Naval 
 Chronicle,' vol. ix. p. 42G, et seq. 
 
 6 No speech is attributed to Lord Minto in the " Parliamentary History" of that 
 period.
 
 JET. 45.] LETTERS. 367 
 
 in the first instance, cost half so much as Malta, and be of all 
 the use of Malta, and ten thousand times as much. I have 
 told Lord Hobart fully my opinion on this subject. I can have 
 no reserves. I venture my opinion. Ministers are not bound 
 to follow it. I can have no views but to benefit my Country 
 by telling all I know of situations, and how far they can be 
 useful. 
 
 The Turk calls to me might and main, so does Naples, Sar- 
 dinia, (and Malta for to guard Egypt,) but 7 my course is steady, 
 and I hope some day, very soon, to fulfil the warmest wishes 
 of my Country and expectations of my friends, amongst whom, 
 in the first rate quality, I rate you, my old and sincere friend 
 and I only hope you may be able, at some debate, to say, as 
 your partiality has said before, ' Nelson has done more than 
 he has done before ;' I can assure you it shall be a stimulus 
 to my exertion on the day of Battle. I have seven, the 
 French ten, Spaniards sixteen at Cadiz, and going there 
 easily from Carthagena. I am now on my way to settle a 
 little account with the Dey of Algiers ; we had better be at 
 open War than insulted as we have been. Government have 
 reposed great confidence in me, and I hope my conduct will 
 meet their approbation; but, my dear friend, after all, this 
 almost boasting what is man ? a child of the day, and you 
 will scarcely credit, after all I have wrote, that the Medical 
 gentlemen are wanting to survey me, and to send me to Bristol 
 for the re-establishment of my health ; but, whatever happens, 
 I have run a glorious race, and I shall be for ever your most 
 attached and affectionate friend, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 The 20th of this month I have been eight months at sea 
 do not mention my health (it is my concern) I beg of you. 
 
 7 The words from ' My course,' to ' debtite to say," are given by Clarke and 
 M'Arthnr as the conclusion of the ' unfinished* letter to the Earl of St. Vincent, 
 in p. 305, and tho :e words do not occur in tbeir imperfect copy of the above letter 
 to Lord Minto, of which they certainly formed part.
 
 368 LETTERS. [1804. 
 
 TO -REAR-ADMIRAL SIR RICHARD BICKERTON, BART., MALTA. 
 
 [Letter-Book.] 
 
 Victory, at Sen, 12th January, 180-1. 
 
 Sir, 
 
 I herewith transmit you a duplicate Admiralty letter, dated 
 the 9th November last, together with a copy of the one from 
 the Prince of Castelcicala, the Neapolitan Minister at our 
 Court, therein mentioned, complaining; of the conduct of the 
 Commander of one of his Majesty's Brigs, and two English 
 Merchant Ships, in entering the Port of Girgenti, in Sicily, 
 and capturing three English Merchant Ships, which had been 
 taken by two French Privateers, and carried into that Port ; 
 and, in order that the most minute inquiry may be made into 
 this circumstance, I also enclose for your information a copy 
 of a letter from Lieutenant Harding Shaw, commanding his 
 Majesty's Brig Spicier, together with copies of the letters 
 therein referred to ; and desire you will be pleased to call 
 upon the said Lieutenant for a clear and correct statement of 
 the whole of his conduct in this transaction, as well as to beg 
 of Sir Alexander Ball (who is privy to the business) to furnish 
 you with the particulars, as far as may come within his know- 
 ledge, which you will transmit to me by the first opportunity, 
 with the said duplicate Admiralty letter and papers therein 
 mentioned, for their Lordships' information. I have the ho- 
 nour to be, &c. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO NATHANIEL TAYLOR, ESQ., NAVAL STOREKEEPER, MALTA. 
 
 [Letter Book,] 
 
 Victory, at Sea, 12th January, 1804. 
 
 Sir, 
 
 I have just received your letter of the 15th ultimo, trans- 
 mitting an account of the Rcnard's ordnance stores, together 
 with copy of the agreement and plan for building two new 
 punts, which you acquaint me have been approved of by Sir 
 Alexander Ball; communicating to me also that the middle 
 buoy in the entrance of Valetta Harbour had broke loose,
 
 .ET. 45.] LETTERS. 369 
 
 (but afterwards found,) and that the outer buoy had likewise 
 broke loose, and drifted away, owing to the late tempestuous 
 weather. On the subject of Pilotage, mentioned in your 
 said letter, I conceive it a very proper reward to those who 
 pilot such of his Majesty's Ships in and out of harbour as have 
 never been at Malta ; but I am of opinion that the Masters of 
 Ships making frequent use of that harbour ought to be their 
 own Pilots, and save Government at least half of the pilotage. 
 This I desire you will acquaint the respective Captains with, 
 and at the same time inform the Navy Board, that you may, in 
 this, act under their authority and approbation. I have further 
 to desire for your immediate government, that you will consult 
 with Rear- Admiral Sir Richard Bickerton and Sir Alexander 
 Ball, as I have not a sufficient knowledge of the ingress or 
 egress to and from that harbour to judge of the propriety of 
 continuing or disallowing this practice. On your letter of 
 the 19th November, I have to observe, that there could have 
 been no objection to your sending the William Store-Ship up 
 the Adriatic for a cargo of hemp; but the lapse of time is now 
 so great, and Store-Ships being much wanted in England, that 
 I do not consider it advisable to send her on that service, and 
 therefore she must go home with the next Convoy. I am, &c. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO CAPTAIN CHARLES MARSH SCHOMBERG, HIS MAJESTY'S 
 SHIP MADRAS. 
 
 [Letter-Book.] 
 
 Victory, at Sea, 12tL January, 1804. 
 Sir, 
 
 I have just received your letter of the 20th November last, 
 acquainting me with the various Naval occurrences at Malta, 
 amongst others, that the Tender belonging to the Madras 
 was captured by two heavy Privateers, and that a Mate and 
 two men were killed on the occasion. In answer to which, I 
 am sorry for the loss of the Mate and two men mentioned in 
 your said letter. I am, &c. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 VOL. v. B B
 
 370 LETTERS. [1804. 
 
 TO ALEXANDER DAVISOX, ESQ. 
 
 [Autograph, in the possession of Colonel Davison.] 
 
 Victory, January 13th, 1804. 
 
 My dear Davison, 
 
 The Cutter brought me your kind letter of the 24th No- 
 vember, on the 9th ; and as I do not know hardly where to 
 begin thanking you, it's almost as well to say nothing. But 
 your kindness to my dear, good Lady Hamilton, is what I 
 never shall forget. Your packages will come out safely in the 
 Convoy. That every person in Government or out, should 
 know you, is not to be wondered at, and knowing you, not to 
 esteem you, both as a public and private man. I am sure 
 you felt all which the sincerest friendship could do, that jus- 
 tice had triumphed. This event 9 will put me out of debt, 
 and, I hope, build my room at Merton, and leave my income, 
 whatever it may be, unclogged. I suppose my Agents will 
 receive it. They will do what is right. As Mr. Matcham 1 is 
 buying an estate out of the Kingdom, perhaps he will want 
 his 4000. No ; upon reconsideration, it is trust- money. 
 What a speculation he is going upon ! I have no fears for 
 Old England, whilst we are true to ourselves: and in that 
 belief I send your Banking-house a Bill for 1000. I do not 
 know that it will all be mine, but it will serve to open an 
 account. 
 
 Apropos of money ; Hardy desires me to ask you what has 
 been done about the Dutchman : whether you petition as the 
 
 9 The successful termination of his Lawsuit with the Earl of St. Vincent on the 
 14th of November 1803, which is thus reported in the 'Naval Chronicle,' vol. x. p. 
 432 : " Court of King's Bench, November 14. Lord Nelson v. Tucker. The Court 
 pronounced judgment in this cause, the particulars of which have been long before 
 the public. It was an action in the Common Pleas nominally against the defendant, 
 Agent for the Prizes taken by the Mediterranean Fleet, in October 1799, but the real 
 defendant was the Earl of St. Vincent. It was to recover 13,000, one-eighth share of 
 the Prizes taken by Captain Digby, of Lord St. Vincent's Squadron, after his Lord- 
 ship had left his station and returned to England, and when Lord Nelson had the 
 command. Judgment was given for Lord St. Vincent in the Court below ; but upon 
 Writ of Error, Lord Ellenborough delivered it as the opinion of the Court, that the nio- 
 meut a Superior Officer left his station, the right of the next Flag Officer commenced ; 
 and, consequently, that Lord St Vincent having returned to England, the enterprise 
 and conduct of the Fleet devolved on Lord Nelson. Judgment was, accordingly, 
 given in favour of Lord Nelson, who thereby becomes entitled to the whole of the 
 Admiral's share of the Prize-money." 
 
 1 His brother-in-law.
 
 JET. 45.] LETTERS. 371 
 
 Agent, or whether the Captors must petition ? and if so, to 
 send them a form. There is another Dutchman in the same 
 situation at Malta, only laden with wine and brandy. 
 
 I am glad you are known to Mr. Addington : he is a good 
 man. I began a correspondence, or rather ventured an 
 opinion on the state of affairs in this Country, 2 but he had not 
 time to answer me, and turned me over to Lord Hobart, who 
 I now write to occasionally ; but, in fact, I have nothing to 
 write about. That the French are rascals, every one knows ; 
 and that they want Naples, Sicily, Sardinia, and Turkey, and 
 Egypt, and Malta by the way, to write this is no news ; nor 
 that I long most ardently to meet the French Fleet. I think 
 they cannot remain much longer in Port. If they do, they 
 might as well have no Fleet. Whenever you write to Lord 
 Moira, you will not fail to remember me most kindly. I have 
 entrusted him with what I did not believe I would entrust 
 any man ; 3 and I hope he will be a firm supporter of Mr. 
 
 8 Vide pp. 106, 220, ante. 
 
 3 His Proxy. Vide p. 30o, ante. Lord Nelson attached the greatest importance 
 to the use of his Proxy, and gave it very unwillingly, even to Lord Moira. For the 
 following anecdote on the subject, the Editor is indebted to Mr. Haslewood, Lord 
 Nelson's Solicitor : 
 
 " A few days before Lord Nelson last left England, in September 1805, Mr. Hasle- 
 wood accompanied his Lordship to the door of Mr. Pitt's house in Downing -place. Lord 
 Nelson appeared thoughtful, and said, abruptly ' I wish I had never given a Proxy 
 to Lord Moira ; not that 1 can complain of his having used it improperly ; he 
 is a distinguished Officer, an enlightened Statesman, and a man of too much honour 
 to abuse so sacred a confidence ; but I ought to have considered that partiality will 
 cloud the judgment, and that Lord Moira was, or might become, attached to a 
 Party.' 
 
 " The next day, Lord Nelson called on Mr. Haslewood ; and almost immediately 
 said ' I was so full of the subject we were speaking of yesterday, as to continue it 
 in my interview with Mr. Pitt. I gave some, specimen of a Sailor's politics by 
 frankly telling him, that not having been bred in Courts, I could not pretend to a 
 nice discrimination between use and abuse of Parties ; and, therefore, must not be 
 expected to range myself under the Political banners of any man, in place or out of 
 place ; that England's welfare was the sole object of my pursuit ; and where the 
 tendency of any measure to promote or to defeat that object seemed clear, I should 
 vote accordingly, without regard to other circumstances ; that in matters where 
 my judgment wavered, or to the full scope of which I might feel unequal, I should 
 be silent, as I could not reconcile to my mind the giving a vote, without fall con- 
 viction of its propriety. Mr. Pitt listened to me with patience and good humour ; 
 indeed, paid me some compliments; and observed, that he wished every Officer in 
 the Service would entertain similar sentiments.' 
 
 " Lord Nelson afterwards declared more than once, with reference to the above 
 conversation, that ' he felt his miud at ease,' and expressed himself highly pleased 
 with the liberal conduct and language of the Minister." 
 
 BB 2
 
 372 LETTERS. [1804. 
 
 Addington's Administration. You know, my dear friend, 
 that I could not get a Ship with me ; no, not even the Vic- 
 tory. Captain Sothern 4 I never saw but once ; therefore I 
 could not ask for him. Nothing, Sir Andrew ought to know, 
 would give me more sincere pleasure than to have, not merely 
 the Plantagenet, but Captain Hamond. 5 It must be desirable 
 to have our friends round us. I am with perfect strangers, 
 although I believe very good men. For Heaven's sake, do not 
 let him think that I neglect him for a moment, or that I should 
 not, upon every occasion be happy to meet his wishes, upon 
 every subject. Pray explain that I have no influence. It is 
 most true. But never mind : we shall all have our day. 
 
 I do not think we shall have a Spanish War, although they 
 are fitting sixteen or eighteen Sail of the Line at Cadiz. 
 Prizes I never sought for, and I hope never shall. All my 
 object and wish is to meet the Enemy's Fleet, and then I 
 hope to get a little rest ; for I am really fagged always 
 tossed about, and always sea-sick. 
 
 I wish you would get rid of the gout. You will never be 
 able to run after Buonaparte. Are Colonels 6 allowed to ride ? 
 But as sure as he would have come, had we not been pre- 
 pared, so sure he will not come, now we are. If he does, his 
 destruction will give us an honourable Peace. 
 
 I am truly sorry to hear that my friend Nepean 7 has been 
 ill. I hope, from my heart, that he will, far away, weather all 
 his enemies, or false friends. With every sincere good wish 
 for your health and happiness, believe me for ever your most 
 obliged and faithful friend, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 4 Query, it' Captain Frank Sotheron. Vide iv. p. 381. 
 
 * Now Yice-Admiral Sir Graham Eden Hamoud, Bait., K.C.B., son of Sir Andrew 
 Snape Hamond, Bart. 
 
 ' Mr. Davison was appointed Lieutenant-Colonel of the Loyal Britons, a West- 
 minster Volunteer Corps, on the 12th of August 1803. 
 
 7 Sir Evan Nepean, Bart., Secretary to the Admiralty.
 
 ^iT. 45.] LETTERS. 373 
 
 TO SIR ALEXANDER JOHN BALL, BART., MALTA, 
 [Autograph, in the possession of Sir William Keith Ball, Bart.] 
 
 Victory, January 16th, 1804.. 
 
 My dear Ball, 
 
 I have nothing in the shape of a small Vessel, or your 
 letters for Egypt should have been sent from the Fleet. The 
 orders for the Cutter's 8 return to England were most per- 
 emptory, and I cannot bring myself to believe very civil. 
 However, the Vessel was useless ; she sailed so ill that she 
 was always in tow. The Childers carried my letters to Gib- 
 raltar, for I could not trust them in the Cutter. Either Spider 
 or Renard can go to Egypt; and their Commanders have 
 secret orders, not to be opened till the Vessel arrives at a cer- 
 tain place. I feel very much my inability to comply with 
 your wishes in sending a Vessel to Egypt, but I cannot help 
 myself. With respect to a Convoy to Odessa, no Ship of 
 War is to go into the Black Sea, but as there will most pro- 
 bably be Ships in the Convoy, more certainly expected to go 
 up the Levant, the same Ship of War can convoy to the en- 
 trance of the Dardanelles the Vessels for the Black Sea ; and 
 if the time can be nearly fixed when they will arrive at the 
 entrance of the Dardanelles on their return, a Vessel of War 
 shall certainly be ready to bring them to Malta. The Con- 
 voys bound to and from Smyrna, must give and take a little 
 time each with the Malta trade ; therefore, I hope your Ves- 
 sels will be ready to proceed with the Smyrna trade. The 
 Admiralty think I have a great many Vessels to the Eastward 
 of Sicily. Your interrogatories respecting Quarantine have 
 been given out, and a Memorandum to enforce it. The French 
 Fleet being safe, the 5th, I judged it a most convenient mo- 
 ment to stand over to Algiers, to support Keats, who, I 
 expect, arrived there yesterday, with the appearance of the 
 Fleet. My mind is prepared for either alternative. I have 
 left but little to negotiate upon : my demands are as moderate 
 as is possible, considering how we have been insulted, and 
 never will be receded from in the smallest degree ; and I ain 
 sure Captain Keats will conduct himself to my satisfaction, 
 Mr. Falcon has nothing to say in the business till he is rein* 
 stated. 
 
 * The Hired Armed Cutter, British Fair, Lieutenant Pricei
 
 374 LETTERS. [1804. 
 
 It is difficult to say what may be the destination of the 
 Toulon Fleet. Circumstances may even make it necessary 
 to alter its destination by Buonaparte; Egypt or Ireland, 
 and I rather lean to the latter destination. Sardinia is to be 
 taken ; but that will be done from Corsica. Narcissus and 
 Active are off Toulon, and my present distance is nothing, be 
 the Enemy bound either to the Southward or out of the Me- 
 diterranean. I do not believe you will get a single man to 
 garrison Alexandria from our Government. It is not difficult 
 to see, and I wrote Mr. A. 9 so in June, that the Mamelukes 
 going to England will get them into a cleft stick, and it will 
 require much address to keep clear of offending either Turks 
 or Mamelukes. I do not know Mr. Dmmmond, but I am 
 told he is not likely to make the Porte understand the in- 
 tended purity of our Cabinet. My dear Ball, you are fit 
 to govern ; and when we get Sardinia (and if we do not the 
 French will) they ought to make you Viceroy. When we 
 have that Island, we shall hold a fine footing in the Mediter- 
 ranean. I hope we shall not in another Treaty abandon it ; 
 we suffered enough by it in the Treaty of Amiens. The 
 Spaniards are fitting sixteen Sail of the Line at Cadiz rather 
 say assembling; six are gone from Carthagena, and some 
 from Ferrol. I thank you for your papers, which I have 
 turned over to good Captain Hardy. Your caricatures Mur- 
 ray will return. I have no doubt but the circulation of 
 Leibnitz's Memoir 1 will assist in opening the eyes of Europe ; 
 but they are blindfolded, and dare not pull off the bandage. 
 I shall detach the Niger the moment I can guess at the result 
 of my first [visit ?] to Algiers : she has two mails, and is full 
 of stores for the Fleet, which we have not had an opportunity 
 of taking out. I have to thank you again and again for your 
 kind present of oranges, which are very fine. Ever, my 
 dear Ball, yours most faithfully, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 Mr. Addingtou. Vide p. Ill, ante. 
 
 i Apparently an accouut, then lately published in England, of the Memoir ad- 
 dressed by the celebrated German philosopher, Leibnitz, to Louis XIV., recom- 
 mending to that Monarch, the conquest of Egypt as conducive to the establishment 
 of supreme authority over the Governments of Europe.
 
 MT. 45.] LETTERS. 375 
 
 January 10th, 1804. 
 
 The Dey is violent, and will yield no one point ; therefore 
 I have no further business here. Time and opportunity will 
 make him repent. 
 
 N. AND B. 
 
 As the letters from Constantinople may relate to the Greek 
 Vessel taken by Captain Hillyar, or some other interesting 
 topic, you have my full permission to read them, and then 
 forward them to me. Ever yours truly, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 January 19th, 1804. 
 
 TO THE RESPECTIVE FLAG OFFICERS, CAPTAINS, AND COM- 
 MANDERS, OF HIS MAJESTY'S SHIPS AND VESSELS ON THE 
 
 MEDITERRANEAN STATION. 
 
 [Order Book.] 
 
 Memorandum. 
 
 Victory, at Sea, ICth January, 1804. 
 
 The Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty having resolved 
 that a change of the Numeral Flags described in page 14, of 
 the Day Signal-Book, shall immediately take place, I have it 
 in command from their Lordships to send you a painted copy 
 of the Flags as now altered, and to desire that you will paste 
 the same on the 14th page of the day Signal-Book in your 
 possession, and to use the altered Numeral Flags instead of 
 the Numeral Flags at present in use, until you receive further 
 orders. And their Lordships having reason to apprehend 
 that Officers under the rank of Commanders have been per- 
 mitted to take, or have otherwise obtained, copies of the 
 Signals described in the Day and Night Signal-Books above 
 mentioned, direct me to give the strictest injunctions that such 
 improper proceedings may not take place in future, and that 
 you recal such copies of the said Signal-Books as may be in 
 the possession of Officers for whom they are not intended. I 
 am, therefore, to desire you will pay the most implicit obe- 
 dience to their Lordships' direction before recited. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE.
 
 376 LETTERS. [1804. 
 
 TO CAPTAIN KEATS, H.M. SHIP SUPERB. 
 
 [From a Copy, hi the Admiralty. " Tuesday, 17th January, A.M. At 0'30 the 
 extremes of the Coast of Barbary, from S.E. to W. b. S. At 8, Cape Caxiue bore 
 S.S.W., distance six leagues." Victory's LogJ] 
 
 Victory, past 8 A.M., 17th January, 1804. 
 My dear Sir, 
 
 We just see you, although not near enough to communicate ; 
 therefore I put down two or three things as they occur. You 
 will not bring out any person for me to send to England from 
 the Dey, upon any account, nor any letter to England, which 
 may tend to prolong the business. All must now be settled, 
 and if so, you may take a letter for England, or myself. If 
 you do not think that the presence of the Fleet is longer ne- 
 cessary, I am anxious with this wind to return under St. 
 Sebastians. 
 
 You will settle all matters as far as is possible, and leave 
 nothing for any pretence of sending messages to me. You 
 have my confidence. The Consul being received according 
 to my instructions, the collecting all the Maltese together may 
 be a work of some time, which Mr. Falcon can do, if the 
 principle of restitution is agreed iipon. It blows so strong at 
 9 o'clock, that we can see nothing ; therefore I send the Niger 
 with this letter. You need only say, * We go on well or ill ; stay 
 off here, or you may go.' The Dey will not know but every 
 day we may re-appear. I beg my compliments to Mr. Falcon ; 
 there were no letters for him on board the Seahorse. I am 
 ever, my dear Sir, your most faithful servant, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO CAPTAIN KEATS, H.M. SHIP SUPERB. 
 
 [From a Copy in the Admiralty. " Noon, Tuesday, 17th January. The Light 
 House on the Mole Head of Algiers bore S.S.W. J W., distance four or five leagues ; 
 Squadron in Company." Victory's Log.~\ 
 
 Victory, off Algiers, January 17th, 1804. 
 
 My dear Sir, 
 
 I approve very much of all your conduct; but with respect 
 to Mr. Falcon's not being received, that is a point I can never 
 give up ; for if that is given up, he will always remove any 
 Consul who does not please. I can appoint no other ; at the
 
 JET. 45.] LETTERS. 377 
 
 same time, if Mr. Falcon either does not choose to land, or 
 the Dey still refuse to receive him, and yet give up the 
 Maltese, you will receive them, and comply with that part of 
 your instructions viz., not telling him whether we are at 
 Peace or War ; but that you will inform me that his Highness 
 has not given satisfaction for the insult done his Majesty in 
 sending away his Representative. 
 
 If you could make him understand, he might complain of. 
 Mr. Falcon after receiving him, and it is possible his Majesty, 
 as a mark of his friendship, might remove him, you will act 
 properly ; and if nothing can be done, you must come away, 
 but bring nothing to me unless he gives up the Maltese. I 
 am ever, my dear Sir, your most obedient and faithful 
 servant, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO CAPTAIN KEATS, H.M. SHIP SUPERB. 
 
 [From a Copy, in the Admiralty.] 
 
 January 17th, 1804 
 
 My dear Sir, 
 
 If the Minister of the Marine is to send you out a Boat 
 with any message, you can stand in, and to any message send 
 the ultimatum, all our demands must be complied with. If 
 not likely to end to your wishes, do not condescend to go to 
 him, but leave Algiers in doubt of the event. I am ever yours 
 faithfully, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO CAPTAIN KEATS, H.M. SHIP SUPERB. 
 [From a Copy, m the Admiralty.] 
 
 Victory, January 17th, 1804, 7 P.M. 
 
 My dear Sir, 
 
 If you think it may be of any use to stand in to-morrow 
 morning, do so ; if not, join me. I will not give up an iota 
 of my original moderate demand ; I should betray my trust if 
 I did. But leave the question of absolute War, for the rea- 
 sons you know, undetermined. I will have all the claimed 
 Maltese delivered, and Mr. Falcon received. I am, dear Sir, 
 yours faithfully, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE*
 
 378 LETTERS. [1804. 
 
 TO THE RIGHT HONOURABLE LORD HOBA11T. 
 
 [Autograph, in the Colonial Office. On the 1'Jth of January, the Victory and 
 Squadron were lying to, off and on, off Algiers ; in the afternoon, they made sail 
 for their station off Cane St. Sebastians, and arrived there about noon on the 22nd.] 
 
 Victory, at Sea, January 19th, 1804. 
 
 My Lord, 
 
 In obedience to His Majesty's commands, signified to me 
 through the Admiralty of July 7th and August 26th, and 
 through your Lordship on August 23rd, I lost not a moment 
 after the arrival of Mr. Falcon, his Majesty's Agent and 
 Consul-General, to detach His Majesty's Ship Superb, com- 
 manded by a most excellent Officer and sensible man, Captain 
 Keats, to Algiers, with the Instructions No. 1, and Memo- 
 randum No. 2, together with every Paper necessary for his 
 guidance ; and, as I thought the appearance of the Squadron 
 might add weight to the Mission (and the French Fleet being 
 in Toulon on the 6th), I stood over to Algiers, and made my 
 appearance on the 17th. By Captain Keats' letters your 
 Lordship will observe that the Dey was immovable, both as 
 to receiving Mr. Falcon, or giving up those persons the 
 Government of Malta claimed as Maltese; therefore, I have 
 apprised both Sir Alexander Ball at Malta, and Sir Thomas 
 Trigge at Gibraltar, of the failure of our Mission, by the 
 enclosed Memorandum. 
 
 The insolence of the Dey is only to be checked (with due 
 submission to whatever His Majesty may please to direct) by 
 blockading Algiers, and his other Ports of Bona and Oran, 
 and to capture his Cruizers; for the more that is given up 
 to him the more he will demand with insolence in future. 
 Therefore, I should propose, that, on the 28th day of April 
 next, when, if he means to send his Cruizers to sea, they will 
 be out, that, on that day, every Ship under my command 
 should have strict orders (to open on that day) to take, sink, 
 burn, and destroy every Algerine, and that, on that day, the 
 Ports of Algiers should be declared in a state of Blockade. 
 Thus, the Dey could get neither commerce, presents, or 
 plunder ; and, although the other Powers may rejoice at the 
 War with us, yet, my Lord, I am firmly persuaded that it will 
 be most advantageous to us (and humiliating to the other 
 Powers whom he will squeeze) for the next one hundred years.
 
 J3T. 45.] LETTERS. 379 
 
 If I should find his Cruizers at sea before that time, in 
 consequence of what has passed, I shall, of course, take them, 
 but my wish is to make a grand coup. I have, &c., 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 P.S. I am so very unwell, that I have wrote very incor- 
 rectly, which I must request your Lordship to excuse, for I 
 could not write another letter. 
 
 GENERAL MEMORANDUM. 
 [From a Copy in the Admiralty.] 
 
 Victory, at Sea, 19th January, 1804. 
 
 The Dey of Algiers having refused to receive the British 
 Consul, all Ships are cautioned to beware how they approach 
 the Coast of Algiers, or permit themselves to be boarded by 
 the Algerine Cruizers. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO ADMIRAL THE EARL OF ST. VINCENT, K.B. 
 
 [Autograph, in the possession of Vice -Admiral Sir William Parker, Bart., G.G.B.] 
 
 Victory, January 19th, 1804. 
 
 My dear Lord, 
 
 As the wind is Easterly, I hope the Frigate 1 which I send 
 with the result of our Mission to Algiers, will catch the 
 Cutter 2 at Gibraltar, where I was obliged to send her to 
 clean her bottom, and repair her mast, and to send my letters 
 by the Childers. All the time the Cutter was with us, she 
 was obliged to be towed. She sailed worse than any Ship in 
 the Fleet. 
 
 Before the summer is out, I dare say the Dey of Algiers 
 will be sick of his insolence, and perhaps have his head cut 
 off. I have recommended Mr. Falcon to go to England, and 
 then he will be able to explain every part of his conduct ; but 
 it appears to me that Mr. Falcon's conduct has been spirited, 
 but perfectly correct ; and that the two women found in his 
 house was greedily seized as the pretext for getting rid of a 
 clear-headed, spirited man. I should do great injustice to my 
 
 1 The Seahorse. * The British Fair.
 
 380 LETTERS. [1804. 
 
 own feelings, if I did not state my opinion to your Lordship, 
 and other his Majesty's Ministers. I have only a few 
 hours to write all my letters, as the wind is Easterly, and you 
 know that is not to be lost ; but I am ever yours most faithfully, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO CAPTAIN KEATS, H. M. SHIP SUPERB. 
 
 [Letter-Book.] 
 
 Victory, at Sea, 19th January, 1804. 
 
 Sir, 
 
 Having with much attention read over your several letters 
 communicating to me the purport of your conference with the 
 Dey of Algiers, on the subject of his receiving Mr. Falcon, his 
 Majesty's Agent and Consul-General to that place, whom he 
 had so indecently turned out of his Dominions, as well as the 
 several circumstances which you judged necessary to state to 
 him by letter, in farther obedience to the instructions you 
 received from me, I beg leave to express my full and entire 
 approbation of the whole of your conduct, which appears to 
 have embraced every proper and conciliating measure for the 
 purpose of accomplishing the object of your mission to Algiers, 
 and that everything has been done on your part consistent 
 with the honour and interest of his Majesty's Government to 
 bring the Dey of Algiers to a right understanding, which I 
 have communicated to the Lords Commissioners of the 
 Admiralty and his Majesty's Ministers. I have the honour 
 to be, &c., 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO CAPTAIN THE HONOURABLE COURTENAY BOYLKj 
 H. M. SHIP SEAHORSE. 
 
 [Order-Book.] 
 
 Victory, at Sea, 20th January, 1804. 
 
 You are hereby required and directed to receive Mr. Fal- 
 con, his Majesty's Consul, Secretary, and Suite, on board his 
 Majesty's Ship Seahorse under your command, and give them 
 a passage to Gibraltar; and immediately on your arrival at 
 that place, you will deliver the Public dispatches which you
 
 JET. 45.] LETTERS. 381 
 
 
 
 will herewith receive, to Commissioner Otway, to be for- 
 warded to England, as mentioned in my order to the Senior 
 Officer, which accompanies this. You are to use the utmost 
 exertion in completing the provisions, water, and necessaries 
 of the said Ship to the usual time : having so done, you will 
 join me, with all possible expedition, on my Rendezvous 
 No. 97, under Cape St. Sebastians. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO THE CAPTAIN OR COMMANDER OF ANY OF HIS MAJESTY'S 
 SHIPS OR VESSELS AT GIBRALTAR, BOUND TO LISBON. 
 
 [Order-Book.] 
 
 Victory, at Sea, 20th January, 1804. 
 
 Whereas it is my intention that Mr. Falcon, his Majesty's 
 Consul-General at Algiers, shall proceed, with as much expe- 
 dition as possible to Lisbon, in any of his Majesty's Ships or 
 Vessels bound to that place, You are therefore hereby re- 
 quired and directed to receive the said Mr. Falcon on board 
 his Majesty's Ship or Vessel under your command, together 
 with his Secretary, suite, and baggage, and give them a pas- 
 sage to Lisbon, (with every necessary accommodation,) should 
 the communication between us be open. You will also, in 
 the event of my Public dispatches, forwarded by the Seahorse, 
 being too late to go to England in the British Fair, Hired 
 Armed Cutter, receive them on board, and on your arrival in 
 the Tagus you will deliver them to the Post-Master at that 
 place, taking his receipt for the same : having so done, pursue 
 the object of your former instructions. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO THE RIGHT HONOURABLE LORD HOBART. 
 [Autograph, iu the Colonial Office.] 
 
 Victory, January 20th, 1804. 
 
 My dear Lord, 
 
 I have had much conversation with Captain Keats, but the 
 whole of the conference with the Dey, if such a meeting can 
 be called a conference, was nothing but rage and violence on 
 the part of the Dey, and firmness on the part of Captain Keats,
 
 382 LETTERS. [1804. 
 
 the stamp of whose character (if it was not so well known by 
 his actions) is clearly marked by his sensible, clear letters. 
 Amongst other questions, and his swearing that he never would 
 receive Mr. Falcon, he was asked, ' What complaint have 
 you?' his answer was, 'Women in his house.' Captain K., 
 ' That we can prove he was not privy to.' Answer, ' Well, they 
 were in his house and he is answerable ; besides, two years 
 ago, his servant rode over a Moor and killed him.' I merely 
 mention this part of the conversation to show your Lordship, 
 as I am now convinced, that Mr. Falcon has committed no 
 impropriety, but that he is disagreeable by his spirited 
 conduct. Your Lordship will find him a very sensible, clear- 
 headed man. 
 
 After what has passed, it is not for me to suggest any mode, 
 short of hostilities, to the wisdom of His Majesty's Ministers ; 
 the only thing to be done short of hostilities, and even that is 
 in some measure giving up the point, is a declaration that His 
 Majesty will never to this Dey send another Consul to be liable 
 to insult, and to demand what we can prove by name were 
 taken in Maltese Vessels. Mediterranean Passes should be 
 sent out to Malta, as was done to Minorca. 
 
 I shall be very anxious to receive His Majesty's commands, 
 and I will endeavour to withhold from hostilities till they 
 arrive, which, if sent as soon as possible, may be in March. I 
 shall give Mr. Falcon a letter of introduction to your Lordship ; 
 and, I have, &c., 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO SIR EVAN NEPEAN, BART., ADMIRALTY. 
 [Original in the Admiralty.] 
 
 Victory, at Sea, 20th January, 1804. 
 Sir, 
 
 Mr. Falcon, his Majesty's Agent and Consul-General at 
 Algiers having joined me, I detached Captain Keats in the 
 Superb to Algiers, and supported his Mission by showing the 
 Squadron off Algiers on the 17th Instant ; but, as their 
 Lordships will perceive by the enclosed papers, nothing can 
 be done with the Dey at present, by anything but humiliation, 
 which I shall never assent to ; for, if we do, he will treat us 
 in future (as he has often threatened) like the Danes and 
 Swedes. As all his Cruizers are in Port, I have left the
 
 JET. 45.] LETTERS. 383 
 
 business of declaring to the Algerines hostilities, until a more 
 favourable opportunity offers of giving his Marine, which has 
 been allowed to get too powerful, a most severe blow. I have 
 apprised both Sir Alexander Ball and Sir Thomas Trigge, by 
 the enclosed notice, to warn our Commerce. 
 
 I am sure the conduct of Captain Keats has been such as 
 will merit the increased esteem of their Lordships as it has 
 done of, Sir, &c., NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO COMMISSIONER OTWAY, GIBRALTAR. 
 
 [Letter-Book.] 
 
 Victory, at Sea, 20th January, 1804. 
 
 Sir, 
 
 As great circumspection is necessary to prevent our Trade 
 from falling into the hands of the Algerines, in case they 
 should be hostile to us (as you will observe by the enclosed 
 Notice) I am to desire you will be pleased to acquaint the 
 Commanders of all future Convoys bound up the Mediter- 
 ranean to pass, if convenient, to the Northward of Ivica and 
 Majorca ; but should that not be practicable, to pass close to 
 the Southward of Ivica and Majorca, unless under the pro- 
 tection of a Ship of the Line. I am, &c., 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO THE RIGHT HONOURABLE LORD HOBART. 
 
 [Autograph, in the Colonial Office.] 
 
 January 20th, 1804. 
 
 My dear Lord, 
 
 I send you the Queen of Naples and General Acton's last 
 letters. Mr. Elliot's are in the same strain of doubt as to the 
 lot of Naples. I am, &c., 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO SIR ANDREW SNAPE HAMOND, BART. 
 
 [Autograph, in the possession of Vice- Admiral Sir Graham Eden Hamond, Bart., 
 K.C.B.] 
 
 Victory, January 20th, 1804. 
 
 My dear Sir Andrew, 
 
 I received yesterday a packet from our friend Mr. Falconet, 
 at Naples, for you. I should have been truly happy to have
 
 384 LETTERS. [1804. 
 
 been useful to so good a man in any manner in my power, 
 but from the Neutrality of his Country, and having the finding 
 money for the French Troops, nothing is in my power to offer, 
 or his to accept ; but Mr. and Mrs. Falconet are every day 
 executing commissions for me at Naples, as my private wants 
 require. I hear of you occasionally from our friend Davison. 
 I hope Captain Hamond has sufficiently recovered to join his 
 Ship again : I think he would have been better in this Country. 
 The weather is certainly not so raw as a Channel cruize, and I 
 need not say what pleasure it would give me to have him here 
 on the day of Battle, which cannot be much longer deferred. I 
 am ever, my dear Sir Andrew, with the sincerest attachment, 
 your most obliged and faithful friend, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO ADMIRAL THE EARL OF ST. VINCENT, K.B. 
 [From Clarke and M'Artliur, vol. ii. p. 355.] 
 
 20th January, 1804. 
 
 Captain Hillyar is most truly deserving of all your Lordship 
 can do for him, and, in addition to his Public merits, has a 
 claim upon us. At twenty-four years of age he maintained 
 his mother and sisters, and a brother, 3 until I made him a 
 Lieutenant for his bravery a short time ago. For these 
 reasons he declined the Ambuscade, which was offered him; 
 because, although he might thus get his Rank, yet if he were 
 put upon Half-pay, his family would be the sufferers. From 
 all these circumstances, so honourable to Captain Hillyar, 
 independent of his services, which every one thought would 
 have obtained him promotion in the late War, I beg leave to 
 submit, as an act of the greatest kindness, that as the Niger is a 
 very fine fast-sailing Frigate, well-manned, and in most excel- 
 lent condition, she may be fitted with the Madras's 32 carro- 
 nades, which are not so heavy as her present nine-pounders, 
 and that your Lordship would recommend her being considered 
 as a Post Ship, 4 either a thirty-two or twenty-eight. Captain 
 Hillyar's activity would soon complete the additional number 
 
 3 Vide p. 180, ante. 
 
 4 In consequence of this application, the Niger was established as a Post Ship, 
 and a Commission sent out for Captain Hillyar to command her.
 
 JET. 45.] LETTERS. 385 
 
 of men, and she would be an efficient Frigate. I will not 
 venture to say more ; I am sensible of your attention to merit. 
 I am, &c., 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO ALEXANDER DAVISON, ESQ. 
 
 [Autograph, in the possession of Colonel Davison.] 
 
 January 30th, 1804. 
 My dear Davison, 
 
 I have nothing new to tell you, since I wrote you a few 
 days ago. I enclose a list of a few things Mr. Chevalier 5 
 wants, which I will thank you to order from Burgess for my 
 account. I find Mr. Chevalier everything which you re- 
 commended, and I wonder he has not set up some hotel. 
 
 The French Fleet I expect every hour, and that will do me 
 good ; for if I beat them, there can be no objection to my 
 getting a little rest: I have not been very stout. Perhaps 
 you may tumble upon Mr. Falcon, our Consul at Algiers. 
 He is going home by this opportunity the Dey objecting to 
 receive him again. He is a clever man, but too spirited for 
 such a beast, whom the Powers of Europe, to their disgrace, 
 bow down to. I am ever, my dear Davison, with the sincerest 
 friendship, yours most faithfully, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 [From Clarke and M'Arthur, vol. ii. p. 350. In reply to a letter from an Ad- 
 miral, (whose name is not given,) a friend of Admiral Sir John Borlase Warren, 
 requesting Lord Nelson's intercession on behalf of a young Officer who had behaved 
 improperly to his Captain, and who was, in consequence, to be brought to a Court- 
 Martial.] 
 
 [About January, 1804.] 
 
 We would all do everything in our power, to oblige so 
 gallant and good an Officer as our friend Warren ; but what 
 would he do, if he were here ? exactly what I have done, and 
 am still willing to do. The young man must write such a 
 letter of contrition as would be an acknowledgment of his 
 
 4 His Steward. 
 VOL. V. C C
 
 38G LETTERS. [1804. 
 
 great fault, and with a sincere promise, if his Captain will 
 intercede to prevent the impending Court-Martial, never to 
 so misbehave again. On his Captain's enclosing me such a 
 letter, with a request to cancel the order for the Trial, I might 
 be induced to do it ; but the letters and reprimand will be given 
 in the Public Order-Book of the Fleet, and read to all the 
 Officers. The young man has pushed himself forward to 
 notice, and he must take the consequence. We must re- 
 collect, my dear Admiral, it was upon the Quarter-deck, in 
 the face of the Ship's Company, that he treated his Captain 
 with contempt; and I am in duty bound to support the 
 authority and consequence of every Officer under my com- 
 mand. A poor ignorant Seaman is for ever punished for con- 
 tempt to his superior. I am, &c., 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO CAPTAIN WILLIAM PARKER, H. M. SHIP AMAZON. 
 
 [Order -Book.] 
 Victory, off Cape St. Sebastians, '22nd January, 1801. 
 
 You are hereby required and directed to proceed imme- 
 diately in his Majesty's Ship Amazon, under your command, 
 off St. Pierres, near the Island of Sardinia, ai:d send your 
 Boats in for the purpose of bringing out the Transport, (left 
 there by the Termagant) which you are to take in tow, and 
 proceed with her to the Madalena Islands with all possible 
 dispatch, leaving the accompanying letter with the English 
 Consul, for any of his Majesty's Ships or Vessels which may 
 arrive there, and bring with you the letters which were left at 
 that place when the Squadron was left in the Gulf of Palma. 
 Should you fall in with the Termagant, unaccompanied by 
 any Transport or Victualler, you will direct her Commander 
 to proceed to the enclosed Rendezvous No. 97, under Cape 
 St. Sebastians, where he will find orders for his further pro- 
 ceedings. But if the Termagant is accompanied with the 
 Transport from St. Pierres, or any Victualler from Malta, you 
 will take her and such Victuallers under your charge, and 
 bring them with you to the Madalena Islands as before directed, 
 without proceeding to St. Pierres, unless Captain Pettet
 
 JET. 45.] LETTERS. 387 
 
 should acquaint you that the Victualler, which he brought 
 from Gibraltar, is still at the former place. In the event of 
 your falling in with any other of his Majesty's Ships, you will 
 acquaint their Commanders that I am on my way to the 
 Madalena Islands, and recommend their approaching that 
 place with caution, unless they are satisfied of my arrival 
 there, as it is probable the Enemy may have taken possession 
 of them. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE, 
 
 TO THE CAPTAIN OR COMMANDER OF ANY OF HIS MAJESTY'S 
 SHIPS OR VESSELS WHICH MAY ARRIVE AT ST. PIERRES. 
 
 [Letter-Book.] 
 
 Victory, at Sea, 22nd January, 1804. 
 
 Sir, 
 
 I am on my way with the Squadron to Rendezvous No. 60, 
 where I am to desire you will join me in his Majesty's Ship 
 under your command, without a moment's loss of time, toge- 
 ther with any Transport or Victualler which may be under 
 your charge ; and as it is probable the Enemy may have taken 
 possession of the Port to which the above Rendezvous alludes, 
 you will approach it with great caution, unless you learn that 
 I have gained that anchorage. I am, &c. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO HIS EXCELLENCY JOHN HOOKHAM FRERE, ESQ., MADRID. 
 
 [From Clarke and M'Artliur, vol. ii. p. 356.] 
 
 23rd January, 1804. 
 
 If this goes on, 6 you may acquaint them that I will anchor 
 in Rosas with the Squadron, and receive our daily supplies, 
 which will offend the French much more than our staying at 
 sea. Refreshments we have a right to as long as we remain 
 at Peace. I am, &c. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 8 TUe refusal of the Spanish Governors to supply the Fleet with refreshniema, 
 
 cc2
 
 388 LETTERS. [1804. 
 
 TO HIS EXCELLENCY JOHN HOOKHAM FRERE, MADRID, 
 [From a Copy, hi the State Paper Office.] 
 
 Victory, January 23rd, 1804, 
 
 Sir, 
 
 I have just received information that leads me to believe 
 that the French Fleet is either put to sea, or on the eve of it, 
 and bound to the Eastward, towards Naples and Sicily. I am 
 this moment making sail in the direction I think most likety 
 to intercept them. His Majesty's Fleet is in high health, and 
 the event of a meeting ought not to be doubted. I am, &c. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO CAPTAIN ROSS DONNELLY, H.M. SHIP NARCISSUS. 
 [Autograph, in the possession of the late Adam Bromilow, Esq., and Order-Book.] 
 
 Victory, off Cape St. Sebastians, 23rd January, 1804, 
 
 You are hereby required and directed to proceed imme- 
 diately, with his Majesty's Ship Narcissus under your com- 
 mand, into the Bay of Rosas, and endeavour to communicate 
 with the shore, for the purpose of obtaining the latest and 
 most correct information of what is passing in France. Having 
 so done, you will make the best of your way off the entrance 
 of Toulon Harbour, to ascertain the state of the Enemy's 
 Squadron in that place ; and if their Fleet is in Port, you will 
 proceed off the Harbour of Ajaccio in Corsica, and reconnoitre 
 the Enemy's force in that place, and afterwards use your 
 utmost endeavours to join me at the Madalena Islands with 
 the information you may have obtained from the above- 
 mentioned places. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO CAPTAIN RICHARD HUSSEY MOUBRAY, II. M. SHIP ACTIVE. 
 [Order-Book.] 
 
 Victory, off Cape St. Sebastians, 23rd January, 1804. 
 
 Whereas, it is my intention to proceed immediately with 
 the Squadron to the Madalena Islands, You are hereby required
 
 -ST. 45.] LETTERS. 389 
 
 and directed to remain on the present Rendezvous, No. 97, 
 under Cape St. Sebastians, with his Majesty's Ship Active, 
 under your command, for the purpose of acquainting any of 
 his Majesty's Ships which may come on the above Rendez- 
 vous, that I am gone to the Madalena Islands, and to direct 
 their Commanders to proceed and join me there with the 
 utmost possible expedition. You are to continue on this 
 Service till further orders, and upon no account to quit it in 
 chase of any Vessel ; but should you get any positive informa- 
 tion of the sailing of the Enemy's Fleet, you are to join me at 
 Madalena, without one moment's loss of time. If the Ter- 
 magant or Childers join, to direct them, if to be done without 
 much loss of time, to look into either Barcelona, or Rosas, for 
 letters ; and in the course of a week, I have no objection to 
 the Active's calling off Barcelona for any letters, but by no 
 means to anchor. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO CAPTAIN RICHARD BUDD VINCENT, H.M. SLOOP ARROW. 
 
 [Letter Book.] 
 
 Victory, at Sea, January 24th, 1804. 
 Sir, 
 
 By the Termagant I received your letter of the 19th ult., 
 giving me an account of your proceedings with the Trade 
 from Malta up the Adriatic, and the protection afforded them 
 from thence to Valetta Harbour ; also transmitting me copies 
 of the several letters, &c. therein referred to, together with a 
 Log of your proceedings, and a list of the Convoy under your 
 charge. In answer to which, I very much approve of the 
 whole of your conduct on this occasion, and am much pleased 
 with your attention to the Government concerns up the 
 Adriatic, under the direction of Mr. Leard, 1 who has commu- 
 nicated to me the object of his being there ; and transmitted 
 bills of lading of the stores sent in the Mentor, Giuro, and 
 Imperial Schooner Hungary, which last mentioned Vessel I 
 hope may arrive safe at Malta, as the stores she has on board 
 are more particularly wanted than any of the others. I am, 
 Sir, &c. NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 1 Vice-Cousiil at Ragusa.
 
 390 LETTERS. [1804. 
 
 TO CAPTAIN JOHN GORE, H.M. SHIP MEDUSA. 
 
 [From a Copy, iu the Nelson Papers.] 
 
 Victory, at Sea, 24th January, 1804. 
 
 Sir, 
 
 I have this day received your letter of the 27th August by 
 the Termagant, and very much approve of the exertion used 
 in heaving down his Majesty's Ship Medusa under your com- 
 mand, as well as of the precaution taken for preserving the 
 health of your Seamen, by issuing an additional half-pint of 
 wine to each man ; but I would recommend your acquainting 
 the Admiralty with the circumstance, that you may have their 
 Lordships' sanction for so doing ; otherwise the Victualling- 
 Board will most certainly impress your Account for the wine 
 so issued. 
 
 I have received copies of the several orders you found 
 necessary as Senior Officer at Gibraltar to issue, which very 
 fully meet my approbation, as well as the arrangement you 
 proposed making with Commissioner Otway, for the reception 
 of British Seamen as they arrive from Spain. I am, &c. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO J. B. GIBERT, ESQ., HIS MAJESTY'S CONSUL AT BARCELONA. 
 
 [Letter-Book.] 
 
 Victory, at Sea, 24th January, 1804. 
 
 Sir, 
 
 I have received your letter of the 5th instant, together with 
 the enclosures from Madrid, therein mentioned, and also your 
 duplicate letter of the 24th ultimo, with the one from Mr. 
 Frere, acting Consul-General at Madrid, therein alluded to. 
 I am very much obliged by your intentions of sending me the 
 earliest information of any political news respecting our two 
 Countries. Agreeably to your request, I herewith transmit a 
 copy of my letter to the Victualling Board. I am, &c. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE.
 
 ^ET. 45.] LETTERS, 391 
 
 TO REAR-ADMIRAL SIR RICHARD BICKERTON, BART. 
 
 [Letter-Book.] 
 
 Victory, at Sea, 24tk January, 1804. 
 
 Sir, 
 
 This morning I received your letter of the 27th ultimo, 
 with copy of one from Mr. Woodhead, Agent to the Naval 
 Hospital at Malta, requesting, for the reasons therein men- 
 tioned, that you would give your sanction and directions for 
 his having a Clerk. In answer thereto, I perfectly approve 
 of the temporary Assistant- Clerk which you recommended 
 that gentleman to employ, but shall certainly not give my 
 sanction to his having a Clerk allowed him, and therefore 
 have desired him to apply to the Sick and Hurt Board for 
 such Assistant. I have the honour to be, &c. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO MR. WILLIAM BEND, SURGEON OF HIS MAJESTY'S NAVAL 
 HOSPITAL, GIBRALTAR. 
 
 [Letter-Book.] 
 
 Victory, at Sea, 24th January, 1804. 
 
 Sir, 
 
 I have this day received your letter of the 20th October 
 last, (with the statement of the Hospital therein mentioned,) 
 acquainting me, that you had, in consequence of Doctor 
 Snipe's directions, visited the prisoners on board the Guerrier 
 Prison-Ship, and removed such of them as were confined to 
 bed, to the Hospital, to prevent contagion being generated. I 
 am to desire you will, with all future Returns of the Hospital 
 under your charge, transmit me a regular list of the Officers 
 and Men who may die at the said Hospital, stating the Ships 
 they belong to, when received, and the time of their death, 
 that the respective Captains may be made acquainted there- 
 with, and regulate their Books accordingly. I approve of the 
 orders Doctor Snipe gave respecting your visiting the Prisoners 
 on board the Guerrier, and your conduct in consequence. 
 You will bear in mind my directions respecting a Porter for 
 the Hospital gate, and apply to Commissioner Otway to 
 recommend a proper person for that purpose. I am, &c. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE,
 
 392 LETTERS. [1804. 
 
 TO CAPTAIN WILLIAM EDWARD CRACRAFT, H.M. SHIP ANSON. 
 
 [Letter Book.] 
 
 Victory, at Sea, 24th January, 1 804. 
 
 Sir, 
 
 I have this day received your letter of the 13th ultimo, with 
 a copy of the one therein mentioned from Captain Corbett 
 of his Majesty's Sloop Bittern, giving an account of his having 
 run on shore a large Ship near Brindisi, and of his having set 
 fire to her, owing to his not being able to get her off. In 
 answer thereto, from the circumstances mentioned in Captain 
 Corbett's said letter, his conduct appears to have been per- 
 fectly correct, and that the Ship in question, from her suspi- 
 cious manoeuvres, was, most probably, Enemy's property. I 
 am, &c., 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO MR. JOHN WOODHEAD, AGENT TO THE NAVAL HOSPITAL, 
 
 MALTA. 
 
 [Letter-Book.] 
 
 Victor}-, at Sea, 24th January, 1804. 
 Sir, 
 
 I have received a copy of your letter of the 27th ultimo to 
 Rear- Admiral Sir Richard Bickerton, representing the neces- 
 sity of your having the assistance of a Clerk, and requesting, 
 for the reasons therein mentioned, that he would give his 
 sanction and directions to that effect. In answer thereto, I 
 do not feel justified to comply with your request, as the Com- 
 missioners of the Sick and Hurt Board must certainly have 
 known at the time they appointed you, that it was probable 
 upwards of two hundred men might be in the Naval Hospital 
 at Malta at once, (on several occasions,) and, therefore, desire 
 you will apply to the said Commissioners for a person of the 
 description you mention. I am, &c., 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE.
 
 JET. 45.] LETTERS. 393 
 
 TO CHARLES STUART, ESQ., 7 SECRETARY OF LEGATION AT THE 
 COURT OF VIENNA. 
 
 [Letter-Book.] 
 
 Victor}', at Sea, 24th Jauuary, 1804. 
 
 Sir, 
 
 I have received your letter of the 1st September last, 
 acquainting me that every possible reparation has been made 
 by the Austrian Minister for the outrage against the British 
 Flag, and that you had transmitted to Government copies of 
 the several papers which passed between Captain Fyffe and 
 the Commandant of Venice, on the occasion. I am very glad 
 the Austrian Government have seen Captain Fyffe's conduct 
 in its proper light, and that the necessary reparation has been 
 made, as I was perfectly satisfied with the correctness of that 
 Officer's proceedings on the above occasion. I am, &c. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO CAPTAIN SAMUEL SUTTON, H.M. SHIP AMPHION. 
 
 [Letter-Book.] 
 
 Victory, at Sea, 24th January, 1804. 
 
 Sir, 
 
 I have this day received your letter of the 16th October 
 last, acquainting me, for the reasons therein mentioned, of 
 your having gone to Lisbon, and also that, in consequence of 
 the inclosure from Lord Robert Fitz-Gerald, his Majesty's 
 Minister at Lisbon, which accompanied your said letter, you 
 had brought the Duke de Coigny from that place to Gibraltar, 
 in order to his proceeding by the first Frigate to England. In 
 answer to which, I approve of your having gone to Lisbon 
 under the circumstances you represent, and also of your having 
 brought the Duke de Coigny to Gibraltar. I am, &c., 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 P.S. I have received your letter of the 16th October, with 
 the Amphion's state and condition, together with the log 
 therein mentioned. 
 
 7 Afterwards Lord Stuart de Rothsay, G.C.B. : he died on the 5th of November, 
 184o.
 
 394 LETTERS. [1804. 
 
 TO CAPTAIN JOHN GORE, H.M. SHIP MEDUSA. 
 [Letter-Book.] 
 
 Victory, at Sea, 24th January, 1804. 
 
 Sir, 
 
 I have this day received your letter of the 9th October last, 
 together with one from the Captain of the American Sloop of 
 War Siren, dated the 7th of that month, and your answer 
 thereto respecting the three British Subjects named in the 
 margin, 8 who had returned to their duty and allegiance from 
 the said Sloop, on board his Majesty's Ship under your com- 
 mand. In answer thereto, as the Officers of the said Sloop of 
 War declare they knew them to be British Subjects at the 
 time they entered for the Service of the United States, I very 
 much approve of your not having delivered them up, and also 
 of the orders you gave Lieutenant Williams of the Victory, to 
 receive all British Seamen in Gibraltar for the Service of their 
 Country. I am, &c. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO CAPTAIN THOMAS STAINES, COMMANDING HIS MAJESTY'S 
 SLOOP CAMELEON. 
 
 [Order-Book. Thursday, 2Gth January. " P.M. Standing into Agincourt Sound. 
 At 5, came to with the small bower, in 10 fathoms." Victory's Log.~\ 
 
 Victory, Madalena Islands, Sardinia, 20th January, 1804. 
 
 Whereas, it is probable, from the information I have re- 
 ceived, that the Enemy's Fleet may be at Sea, or that some of 
 their Frigates, with Transports, having Troops on board, may 
 be coming this way, You are therefore hereby required and 
 directed to proceed immediately with his Majesty's Sloop 
 Cameleon, under your command, off Monte Christo, and 
 between that and the Mainland, and use your utmost 
 endeavour to speak every Merchant-Vessel which you may be 
 able to fall in with, for the purpose of gaining intelligence of 
 any of the Enemy's Ships or Vessels which may be coming 
 that way from Genoa, or the Island of Elba, either accompa- 
 nied by Transports or otherwise ; and upon gaining such in- 
 formation, you are to join me at this anchorage without a 
 
 8 James Dunbervan, James Pearce, John Cox.
 
 &T. 45.] LETTERS. 395 
 
 moment's loss of time. The Termagant will proceed and join 
 you to-morrow on the above service, in the execution of 
 which you will continue three or four days ; but upon gaining 
 any intelligence, you are to send the Termagant or join me 
 yourself, with an account thereof, without a moment's loss of 
 time. NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO HIS EXCELLENCY HUGH ELLIOT, ESQ. 
 
 [Autograph, in the Elliot Papers.] 
 My dear Sir, Victory, Madalena, January 30th, 1804. 
 
 The non-appearance of the Gibraltar tells me what the 
 answer of Buonaparte has been. Nothing but insolence 
 could be expected from him. My movements are regulated 
 as my intelligence and fancy lead me to suppose the French 
 Fleet will [come] out. Sardinia is certainly to be taken by 
 the French, and I do not believe that I can prevent it. The 
 French Fleet were to have sailed on Friday the 20th, and it 
 was then put off to Wednesday the 25th, but they had not 
 sailed the 27th. I go from here in a few days, and all my 
 hopes are to meet them. 
 
 By your letter No. 2, 1 am glad to find that your dispatches 
 from England have been so agreeable to yourself and where 
 you are placed. No. 3. I have no Vessel to send to Naples. 
 I am kept in great distress for Frigates and smaller Vessels at 
 this critical moment. I want ten more than I have, in order 
 to watch that the French should not escape me. I shall keep 
 this letter till an opportunity offers, of which I see no prospect 
 at present. I have talked to Captain Hardy about your son, 
 and as we have no schoolmaster in the Victory, and the greater 
 part of our youngsters dispersed, we have asked Captain Parker 
 of the Amazon to take him, which he has kindly promised to 
 do. He could be nowhere so well placed on every account : 
 therefore, you may send him when you please. A good 
 Schoolmaster is also in that Frigate. 
 
 I observe what you say in No. 5, and shall pay great atten* 
 tion to it. I hope to hold out till the French Fleet are taken, 
 burnt, or sunk ; and that they shall be, will be the exertion of, 
 my dear Sir, your most obliged friend and servant, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 Doctor Scott is very well.
 
 396 LETTERS. [1804. 
 
 TO SIR JOHN ACTON, BART., NAPLES. 
 [From Clarke and M'Arthur, vol. ii. p. 357.] 
 
 30th January, 1 804. 
 
 I am distressed for Frigates, which are the eyes of a Fleet ; 
 for the terrible winter we have had has obliged me to send 
 three into Port to be refitted: however, I trust we shall 
 fall in with the Enemy, and do the business. Your Excellency 
 knows, that with all the care and attention possible, it has 
 happened that Fleets have passed each other; therefore I 
 need not apprise you, how necessary it is to keep a good look- 
 out for them. I am, &c., 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO CAPTAIN ROSS DONNELLY, H.M. SHIP NARCISSUS. 
 [Autograph, iu the possession of the late Adam Bromilow, Esq., and Order-Book.] 
 Victory, at the Madaleua Islands, 30th January, 1804. 
 
 Secret. 
 
 Having received information that the Enemy intend send- 
 ing Troops from Ville Tranche to the Island of Corsica, and 
 it being of the utmost importance that they should be inter- 
 cepted, You are hereby required and directed to take his 
 Majesty's Ship named in the margin 9 under your command, 
 and proceed with all possible dispatch off Cape Revallata, on 
 the West side of Corsica, where you will take such station as 
 you may judge most likely to fall in with the Enemy, as above 
 mentioned ; and, on doing so, use every means in your power 
 to take or destroy them. It may, therefore, be advisable, 
 under favourable circumstances, first to attack and destroy the 
 Transports with the Troops on board, and afterwards engage 
 the Ships or Vessels of War which may accompany them. 
 
 You will continue on this service for the space of fourteen 
 days from this date, and at the expiration thereof, (should you 
 not fall in with the Enemy,) return without loss of time to 
 this anchorage, where you will find nfe, or orders for your 
 further proceedings. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE* 
 
 9 Juno.
 
 JET. 45.] LETTERS. 397 
 
 TO CAPTAIN ROSS DONNELLY, H.M. SHIP NARCISSUS. 
 [Autograph, in the possession of the late Adam Bromilow, Esq.] 
 
 Victory, at the Madalena Islands, Sardinia, 30th January, 1804, 
 
 Secret. 
 Sir, 
 
 In the event of your falling in with and capturing the 
 Enemy's Ships, with Troops on board, expected from Ville 
 Tranche, as mentioned in my order to you of this date, I am 
 to desire you will bring them to this anchorage; and after 
 having taken the whole of their arms, use every means to 
 secure them on board their respective Vessels and Transports, 
 till such time as an opportunity offers of sending them to 
 Malta, as the service of the Ship you command cannot, at this 
 important season, be spared to accompany them there. I 
 am, &c. NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO REAR-ADMIRAL GEORGE CAMPBELL, H. M. SHIP CANOPUS. 
 [From a Copy in the Admiralty.] 
 
 Victory, at the Madalena Islands, Sardinia, 30th January, ] 804. 
 Sir, 
 
 The two Ships named in the margin 1 being wanted for 
 immediate service, I delivered orders for their proceedings to 
 Captain Donnelly, immediately on his coming on board here 
 after the Court 2 broke up. I have, therefore, to desire you 
 will be pleased to communicate to the Members composing 
 the Court, that circumstances of the most important nature to 
 the Country require the immediate service of those two 
 Frigates. I have the honour to be, &c. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO REAR-ADMIRAL GEORGE CAMPBELL. 
 
 [Letter-Book.] 
 Victory, Madalena Islands, Sardinia, 30th January, 1804. 
 
 Sir, 
 
 As his Majesty's Ships named in the margin l will proceed 
 to sea to-morrow, on secret and important service, if the 
 
 1 Narcissus, Juno. * A Court-Martial oil Lieutenant Wales, of the Renown.
 
 398 LETTERS. [1804. 
 
 weather will permit, (which will be officially announced to 
 you,) I am to desire you will be pleased to order the Judge- 
 Advocate to acquaint the prisoner thereof, in case he should 
 desire to have the evidence of Lieutenant Thompson of the 
 Narcissus, or any person belonging to either of those Frigates, 
 that they may be summoned to-night, and left behind accord- 
 ingly. I have the honour to be, &c., 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO THE CAPTAIN OR COMMANDER OF ANY OF HIS MAJESTY'S 
 SHIPS OR VESSELS WHO MAY ARRIVE AT THE MAD A LENA 
 ISLANDS IN SEARCH OF THE SQUADRON. 
 
 [Letter Book.] 
 Victory, Madalena Islands, Sardinia, 30tli January, 1804. 
 
 Sir, 
 
 I am to desire you will proceed immediately with the Ship 
 or Vessel under your command to a station from twelve to 
 fifteen leagues West of Rendezvous No. 70, and cruize there 
 for the space of seven days, for the purpose of joining the 
 Squadron ; but should you not fall in with it, or gain any 
 intelligence thereof, I am to desire, at the expiration of the 
 above time, that you will proceed to Rendezvous No. 60, where 
 you will find me, or orders for your further proceedings. This 
 letter to be sealed up and left with the Governor under the 
 same address. I am, &c. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO CAPTAIN THOMAS STAINES, H.M. SLOOP CAMELEON. 
 
 [Order-Book.] 
 Victory, at the Madalena Islands, Sardinia, 31st January, 1804. 
 
 You are hereby required and directed to proceed im- 
 mediately with his Majesty's Sloop under your command, and 
 cruize off the North end of Asinara, for the purpose of 
 acquainting any of his Majesty's Ships or Vessels that the 
 Squadron is gone to a station twelve or fifteen leagues West 
 of Rendezvous No. 70. You will also recommend them to 
 cruize for the space of seven days on the said station, and in 
 the event of not gaining any intelligence of me to proceed to
 
 MT. 45.] LETTERS. 399 
 
 Rendezvous No 60, where they will find the Squadron, or 
 orders for their further proceedings. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 Should any Transport arrive off Asmara, I think she could 
 be securely moored in the snug Cove, in the S.E. part of the 
 Island, and would be safe under the protection of your cruizing, 
 until I shall come, or send for her. 
 
 TO CAPTAIN ROBERT PETTET, H.M. SHIP TERMAGANT. 
 
 [Order-Book.] 
 Victory, Madalena Islands, Sardinia, 31st January, 1804. 
 
 Secret. 
 
 Whereas I judge it necessary that his Majesty's Sloop Ter- 
 magant, under your command, should remain at this anchorage, 
 for the protection of such Transports, or Victuallers, as may 
 arrive for the Fleet, You are hereby required and directed to 
 remain with the said Sloop, in the N.W. part of the Bay, at 
 single anchor, and take the Transport which the Amazon may 
 accompany to this place, or any other that may arrive from 
 Malta or Gibraltar, taking care to moor them close to the 
 Termagant, and remain here till you receive my further 
 orders. And as it is probable the French may send Troops 
 from Corsica to take possession of these Islands, you are to 
 cause a look-out to be kept by day on the height immediately 
 to the N. W. of your anchorage, for the purpose of discovering 
 the approach of the Enemy, should they make an attempt; 
 and you will order an Officer to row guard constantly during 
 the night, round the Transports or Victuallers under your 
 charge, that on the least appearance of danger, or capture by 
 a superior force, you may take the necessary measures for 
 their safety, and proceed to sea with them. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 P.S.^ Keep a strict watch during the night, and have your 
 guns loaded with grape. 1 
 
 1 To this Order, the following addition was made by Lord Nelson's Secretary : 
 " Lord Nelson desires yon will give it out at Madalena, that you not only wait 
 here for tho protection of the Transports, but also to acquaint the Gibraltar, ex- 
 pected from Nnples, and others of his Majesty's Ships from Malta and Gibraltar, 
 where his Lordship is gone with the Squadron, JOHN SCOTT,"
 
 400 LETTERS. [1804. 
 
 TO SIR EVAN NEPEAN, BART., ADMIRALTY. 
 
 [Copy, in the Admiralty. Wednesday, 1st February. "A.M. At 7, weighed and 
 made sail; Squadron in company." Victory's Log.] 
 
 Sir, Victory, at Sea, 1st February, 1804. 
 
 I herewith transmit the sentence of a Court- Martial on 
 Lieutenant Richard Wales, 4 of his Majesty's ship Renown, 
 and request you will be pleased to lay it before the Lords 
 Commissioners of the Admiralty for their information ; and, 
 at the same time, acquaint their Lordships that in consequence 
 of my having received information that the Enemy had 
 embarked troops at Ville Tranche, which were to proceed 
 immediately to St. Fiorenzo, in Corsica, for the purpose of 
 taking possession of the Island of Sardinia, I ordered the 
 Narcissus and Juno, who arrived in the afternoon of the 29th 
 ult. (in a heavy gale of wind) to complete their water, &c., 
 with the utmost dispatch, which, from its blowing so excessively 
 hard was found impracticable, till early on the 30th, when the 
 Juno (who was in want of every description of provisions) 
 completed from the Line of Battle Ships. Conceiving, there- 
 fore, that the Court -Martial, which was ordered for the 30th, 
 on the said Lieutenant, would be over in the course of that 
 day (and before the Juno was ready for sea) I suffered it to 
 assemble, under the most perfect conviction that it would so 
 terminate ; and the instant the signal was hauled down on board 
 the Canopus, Captain Donnelly came on board the Victory, 
 and received his orders to proceed with the before-mentioned 
 Frigates off Cape Revellata, for the purpose of preventing the 
 Enemy from landing in Corsica, and of capturing or destroying 
 them on their coming on that Coast. Impressed with the im- 
 portance of this service and the necessity of preventing the 
 Enemy from landing their Troops in Corsica, I felt justified, 
 although the Trial was not over, in ordering the Frigates to 
 proceed immediately, without risking the delay of a moment, 
 or subjecting their Captains to detention by the Court ; and, 
 therefore, wrote a letter to the President 5 (a copy of which ac- 
 companies this) communicating the necessary absence of those 
 Frigates, which I trust will meet their Lordships' approbation. 
 I am, &c., NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 * He was tried for having behaved himself with contempt and disobedience to his 
 Captain. * Vide p. 397, ante.
 
 JET. 45.] LETTERS. 401 
 
 TO CAPTAIN PARKER, H.M. SHIP AMAZON. 
 
 [Order Book. J 
 
 Victory, at Sea, 7th February, 1804. 
 
 Having been prevented by the late blowing weather from 
 reconnoitring the Enemy at Toulon, You are hereby required 
 and directed to proceed, without a moment's loss of time, in 
 his Majesty's Ship Amazon, 2 under your command, off the 
 entrance of Toulon Harbour, for the purpose of ascertaining 
 whether the Enemy's Ships are still in Port, and return and 
 join the Squadron at the Madalena Islands with the utmost 
 possible expedition, with an account thereof, where you 
 will find me, or orders for your further proceedings. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO CAPTAIN WILLIAM PARKER, H.M. SHIP AMAZON. 
 [Letter-Book.] 
 
 Victory, at Sea, 8th February, 1804- 
 Sir, 
 
 When the signal No. 122 3 is made for the Amazon to part 
 company, I am to desire you will proceed with the utmost 
 dispatch off the North end of Asinara, where you will find 
 his Majesty's Sloop Cameleon, and on joining her, deliver 
 Captain Staines the letter you will herewith receive, bearing 
 his address. In the event of not falling in with the said Sloop 
 immediately on her Rendezvous, as above, you are to proceed 
 with all dispatch, and put in execution my order to you of 
 yesterday's date, which also accompanies this. I would recom- 
 mend you, in standing over to Toulon, not to keep more to 
 the Northward than N.W. b N., as the wind at this season 
 hangs very much to the North- West, which prevented the 
 Squadron from reconnoitring the Enemy in that harbour, in 
 our late attempt. You will acquaint any of his Majesty's 
 Ships or Vessels which you may fall in with, that I am gone 
 with the Squadron to the Madalena Islands, where they will 
 find me, or orders for their proceedings. I am, &c., 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 2 The Amazon and Donegal joined the Squadron in the afternoon of the 7th of 
 February. 
 
 3 " Permission is given to part company." 
 VOL. V. D D
 
 402 LETTERS. [1804. 
 
 TO CAPTAIN THOMAS STAINES, H. M. SLOOP CAMELEON. 
 [Letter-Book.] 
 
 Victor}', at Sea, 8th February, 1804. 
 
 Sir, 
 
 I am to desire you will join the Squadron immediately in 
 his Majesty's Sloop Cameleon under your command, at the 
 Madalena Islands, where you will find me, or orders for your 
 further proceedings. You will bring with you any Victualler 
 which may be under your charge to the said anchorage with 
 the utmost dispatch, and acquaint any of his Majesty's Ships 
 or Vessels which you may fall in with, that I am gone to the 
 Madalena Islands. I am, &c., 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 PRIVATE JOURNAL. 
 
 [From Clarke and II' Arthur, vol. ii. p. 358. " Wednesday, 8th February. A.M. 
 At past 11, shortened sail, and came to with the best bower," in the Madalena 
 Islands.] 
 
 8th February, 1804. 
 
 The Fleet ran in [the Madalena Islands] under reefed fore- 
 sails, through the Eastern passage, which looked tremendous 
 from the number of rocks, and the heavy sea breaking over 
 them ; but it is perfectly safe when once known. Captain 
 Ryves' mark of the Pedestal Rock can never be mistaken. 
 
 TO CAPTAIN CHARLES WILLIAM ADA1R, OF THE ROYAL MA- 
 RINES, H.M. SHIP VICTORY, HEREBY APPOINTED INSPECTING 
 OFFICER OF RECRUITS TO BE RAISED FOR THE ABOVE SER- 
 VICE. 
 
 [Order-Book.] 
 
 Victory, at Sea, Oth February,* 1804. 
 
 Whereas I have this day received a letter from Sir Evan 
 Nepean, Bart> dated the 29th November last, acquainting me 
 
 * Sic, but as it occurs in the Order-Book among Orders dated early in Morch, 
 and as it is dated "At Sea" whereas on the 9th of February 1804, the Victory was 
 at Anchor in the Madalena Islauds, the 9th of March is probably the correct date 
 of this Order.
 
 &T. 45.] LETTERS. 403 
 
 that notwithstanding all the exertions of the Recruiting-parties, 
 it has been found impossible to complete the Royal Marines 
 to the number voted by Parliament, and signifying to me their 
 Lordships' direction to authorize the enlisting of any men, 
 natives of any Country excepting France, who may be dis- 
 posed to enter, and may be found in all respects fit for his 
 Majesty's Marine Service, causing them to be paid the usual 
 bounty on their being attested, and letting them know that 
 they will be discharged at the end of the War, and be sent 
 back to the Mediterranean, if they should desire it acquaint- 
 ing me also, that the sum of five guineas is to be paid to each 
 recruit upon his being approved of and attested as before- 
 mentioned, and to cause bills to be drawn upon the Honourable 
 George Villiers, Paymaster of the Royal Marines, for the 
 amount. 
 
 And, whereas, I judge it necessary for the more effectually 
 carry ing their Lordships' instructions into immediate execution, 
 and to prevent imposition of every description, that some person 
 should have the charge of inspecting the Recruits which may 
 be raised, previous to their being paid the bounty, as well 
 as to be answerable to Government for the money drawn 
 for that purpose ; You are, therefore, hereby appointed, 
 Inspecting Officer of Recruits to be raised for the Royal 
 Marine Service, under the before-mentioned instructions 
 who, I shall order to be sent on board His Majesty's Ship 
 Victory for that purpose, and if they are found in every respect 
 fit for the said service, you are to pay each Recruit the sum 
 of five guineas upon his being attested, and to enable you to 
 do so, you are to draw bills (which are to be approved of by 
 me) upon the Honourable George Villiers, Paymaster of the 
 Royal Marines, for such sums of money as you may from time 
 to time find necessary, taking care to acquaint him thereof, 
 and transmit regular vouchers and documents for the disburse- 
 ment to the said Paymaster, and also, to me for my informa- 
 tion. You are to pay the most strict regard to this service, 
 and take every means in your power (in addition to the Public 
 Order which I shall give the respective Captains of the Fleet, 
 under my command) for raising recruits for the Royal Marine 
 Service. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 D D 2
 
 404 LETTERS. [1804. 
 
 TO SIR RICHARD BICKERTON, BART., REAR-ADMIRAL OF THE 
 WHITE, AND SECOND OFFICER IN THE COMMAND OF HIS 
 MAJESTY'S SHIPS AND VESSELS ON THE MEDITERRANEAN 
 
 STATION. 
 
 [Order-Book. Numerous Orders to tlie same effect as the following, which is in- 
 serted to show the form of assembling Courts-Martial, occur in the Order-Book. 
 All the Orders printed in this work commence and end in similar words to those 
 here given.] 
 
 By the Right Honourable Lord Viscount Nelson, 
 
 K.B., &c. &c. &c. 
 
 Whereas you have, with your letter of the 13th ultimo, 
 transmitted me one which you had received from Spelman 
 Swaine, Esq., Commander of his Majesty's late Sloop Raven, 
 dated the 8th day of January last, giving an account of the 
 loss of his Majesty's said late Sloop, having run on shore near 
 Mazzara, in Sicily, at about eleven o'clock on the night of the 
 5th of that month, and was totally wrecked ; and whereas I 
 think fit that the said Captain Spelman Swaine, the Officers, 
 and Company of his Majesty's late Sloop Raven, shall be 
 tried by a Court-Martial, for the loss of the same, I send you 
 herewith your before-mentioned letter, together with the one 
 from Captain Swaine, therein alluded to, dated the 8th ultimo ; 
 and do hereby require and direct you to assemble a Court- 
 Martial as soon as conveniently may be, which Court (you 
 being President thereof) is hereby required and directed to 
 try the said Captain Spelman Swaine, the Officers, and Ship's 
 Compan} 7 , for the loss of his Majesty's late Sloop Raven, on 
 the night of the 5th of January 1804, as mentioned in his letter 
 of the 8th of that month ; and also to inquire into and try 
 the said Captain Swaine, the Officers, and Sloop's Company 
 for their conduct after the loss of his Majesty's said late Sloop 
 Raven accordingly. 
 
 Given under my hand, on board his Majesty's Ship Vic- 
 tory, at the Madalena Islands, Sardinia, the 9th of 
 February 1804. NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 By Command of the Vice- Admiral. JOHN SCOTT.
 
 JET. 45.] LETTERS. 
 
 TO PATRICK W1LKIE, ESQ., AGENT VICTUALLER, MALTA. 
 
 [Letter-Book.] 
 Victory, Madalena Islands, February 10th, 1804. 
 
 Sir, 
 
 I have received from Rear-Admiral Sir Richard Bickerton, 
 the offers made you for supplying wine and fresh beef, which, 
 he acquaints me, you have accepted, provided the proposals 
 meet my approbation. In answer to which, and to your letter 
 of the 13th ultimo, on that subject, I approve of the offers 
 therein mentioned, under a conviction that the Contract 
 entered into is upon the lowest and most reasonable terms for 
 Government, and that you have maturely weighed the pro- 
 priety thereof, previous to your accepting the conditions. I, 
 however, desire you will communicate the said Contract to the 
 Commissioners of the Victualling, that you may act under the 
 sanction of their authority on the occasion. I am, &c., 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO HIS EXCELLENCY THOMAS JACKSON, ESQ., MINISTER PLENI- 
 POTENTIARY AT THE COURT OF SARDINIA. 
 
 [From a Copy, in the Elliot Papers.] 
 My dear Sir, Victory, February 10th, 1804, Madalena. 
 
 I was honoured on the 8th, on my arrival here, with your 
 letter of January 6th. The storm is brewing, and there can 
 be little doubt but that Sardinia is one of the first objects of 
 its violence. Apropos We have a report that the visit of 
 Lucien Buonaparte is to effect an amicable exchange of 
 Sardinia for Parma and Piacenza. This must not take place, 
 or Sicily, Malta, Egypt, &c. &c., is lost, sooner or later. 
 What I can do to ward off the blow shall be done, as I have 
 already assured His Royal Highness the Viceroy. From Mar- 
 seilles and Nice there are not less than 30,000 men ready for 
 embarkation. Should Russia go to war with France, from that 
 moment I consider the mask as being thrown off, with respect 
 to any Neutrality of his Sardinian Majesty : therefore, if that 
 should be the case, would the King consent to two or three 
 hundred British Troops taking post upon the Madalena? It 
 would be a momentary check against an invasion from Corsica; 
 and enable us to assist the Northern part of Sardinia. You
 
 406 LETTERS. [1804. 
 
 will touch upon this matter in the way you think most prudent, 
 or entirely omit it. But there is only this choice to lose the 
 whole of Sardinia, or to allow a small body of friendly Troops 
 to hold a post at the Northern end of the Island. We may 
 prevent : we cannot retake. Sardinia is the most important 
 post in the Mediterranean : it covers Naples, Sicily, Malta, 
 Egypt, and all the Turkish Dominions ; it blockades Toulon ; 
 the wind which would carry a French Fleet to the Westward 
 is fair from Sardinia ; and Madalena is the most important 
 station in this most important Island. I am told that the 
 revenues, after paying the expenses of the Island, do not give 
 the King 5000 sterling, a year. If it is so, I would give 
 him 500,000 to cede it, which would give him 25,000 a 
 year for ever. This is only my conversation, and not to be 
 noticed but the King cannot long hold Sardinia. 
 
 With respect to the King's desire for me to have a Vessel 
 ready to receive him from some part of the Roman Coast, I 
 can only say, that if I knew the exact time and place of such 
 embarkation, a Vessel should certainly be there to the day 
 and the hour. As the mention stands, it is too indeterminate 
 to answer, except that nothing shall be wanting on my part to 
 meet the wishes of his Sardinian Majesty, as far as is possible. 
 
 With respect to the history about the French Privateers 
 from Ancona, and the conduct of the English Privateers at 
 Fuimesino, I believe you are correct, but our Enemies never 
 adhere to it. They go in and out of the Spanish and Sicilian 
 Ports, at all times, night and day in short, to examine all 
 Vessels passing. But all Privateers are very incorrect, and I 
 sincerely wish there was no such Vessels allowed. They are only 
 one degree removed from Pirates : but, I believe, an English 
 Armed- Vessel never yet trusted his cause to any Court but an 
 English Court of Admiralty. However, I have no power 
 over them. But, certainly, if the custom of the Port of 
 Fuimesino has invariably been not to allow any Corsair to 
 sail out of the Port until the twenty-four hours after the 
 sailing of a Neutral, then our Privateer ought to have been 
 forced to conform. But, I dare say, the French go in and out 
 of Ancona as they please ; and if so, the Court of Rome has 
 no great cause of complaint. I can only again repeat, that 
 over Privateers I have no control. I am ever, my dear Sir, 
 yours most faithfully, NELSON AND BRONTE.
 
 JET. 45.] LETTERS. 407 
 
 TO MR. RICHARD FORD, AGENT FOR VICTUALLING HIS 
 MAJESTY'S FLEET ON THE MEDITERRANEAN STATION. 
 
 [Order-Book.] 
 
 Victory, Madalena Islands, 10th February, 1804. 
 
 The Commissioners for Victualling his Majesty's Navy 
 having, in consequence of instructions from the Lords Com- 
 missioners of the Admiralty, directed their Agent at Gibraltar 
 to supply me with such sums of money as might be necessary 
 for the purchase of provisions for the Ships under my com- 
 mand, till such time as an Agent should be attached to 
 the Fleet, and Mr. Cutforth 5 having forwarded to me some 
 time ago, six thousand hard, or Spanish dollars, for the pur- 
 pose above mentioned, the greater part of which is expended, 
 You are therefore hereby required and directed, in order that 
 the whole receipt and disbursement of the Public money may 
 appear upon the face of one account, to charge yourself with the 
 said six thousand dollars, and to grant me a general receipt for 
 the number supplied the Captains of his Majesty's Ships named 
 in the margin, agreeable to their receipts, from No. 1 to 9, being- 
 four thousand nine hundred and fifty dollars, and also, for the 
 residue of the said sum, being one thousand and fifty dollars. 
 And you are also hereby directed to charge yourself with all 
 future sums of money, which may be sent from Mr. Cutforth 
 for the use of the Fleet under my command, and grant him 
 the necessary receipts for the same, taking care to have con- 
 stantly a sufficient number of dollars in your possession to 
 answer the purpose of your situation, that Government by the 
 use of ready money, may receive the benefit resulting there- 
 from, and that the Fleet may at all times, when fresh beef, 
 &c., can be procured, be well and duly supplied, for which 
 porpose, you are hereby directed to purchase such live bul- 
 locks, &c., as can be procured for the use of the Fleet on the 
 present occasion, and also, such a number of sheep for the use 
 of the sick and convalescent Seamen and Marines, on board 
 the different Ships, as the Captain of the Fleet may judge 
 proper, which, as the price is little more than that of fresh 
 beef, and the quality so inferior to English mutton, you are 
 
 5 Agent Victualler at Gibraltar.
 
 408 LETTERS. [1804. 
 
 to issue to the respective Pursers, pound for pound, the same 
 as beef; and as Frigates are frequently detached from the 
 Squadron to the different places in these seas, where fresh 
 provisions can be had upon much more reasonable terms for 
 ready money, than by bills of exchange, it is also my di- 
 rections that you supply their Captains with such a number of 
 dollars as I may think proper to order, taking proper receipts 
 for the same. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO THE PRINCIPAL OFFICERS AND COMMISSIONERS OF HIS 
 MAJESTY'S NAVY, LONDON. 
 
 [Letter-Book.] 
 Victory, Madaleua Islands, lOlli February, 1804. 
 
 Gentlemen, 
 
 I have this day received your letter of the 9th September 
 last, communicating to me the directions you had given the 
 Naval Storekeeper at Malta, respecting the Cordage lately 
 made at that place, and his means for making it, and whether 
 any articles are wanted for the purpose of making cables and 
 cordage, and likewise to let you know what supplies of other 
 Naval Stores can be procured in that neighbourhood, and to 
 what extent, &c. In answer thereto, I have some time ago 
 directed the Naval Officer at Malta, to use every means in his 
 power for making Cordage, &c., with the hemp lately pur- 
 chased up the Adriatic ; but, I very much suspect, from Mr. 
 Taylor's account of the transaction, that our purchases and 
 supplies from that quarter will be very limited. I have, how- 
 ever, transmitted him an account of the prices of Cordage and 
 other Naval Stores to be procured at Smyrna, in the event of 
 our being obliged to have recourse to that quarter for any 
 future supply. I am, &c., 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE.
 
 MT. 45.] LETTERS. 409 
 
 TO MR. JOHN GRAY, SURGEON OF HIS MAJESTY'S NAVAL 
 HOSPITAL, MALTA. 
 
 [Letter-Book.] 
 Victory, Madalena Islands, 10th February, 1804. 
 
 Sir, 
 
 I have received from Rear- Admiral Sir Richard Bickerton 
 your letter of the 21st January last, with the one from Mr. 
 Higgins, Contractor for Victualling the Naval Hospital therein 
 mentioned, on the subject of supplying milk to the Patients in 
 their tea, morning and evening ; and as it appears that article 
 has not been provided for in the Contract entered into by the 
 said Mr. Higgins, I am to desire you will request him to 
 supply the necessary quantity of milk for the purpose above- 
 mentioned, and so soon as Doctor Snipe, Physician to the 
 Fleet, has returned from Gibraltar, I shall direct him to take 
 the same into consideration, and make such allowance for it 
 as shall by him and the said Contractor be deemed equal to 
 the additional expense incurred by such supply. I am, &c., 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO HIS EXCELLENCY HUGH ELLIOT, ESQ., NAPLES. 
 [Autograph, in the Elliot Papers.] 
 
 Victory, February 10th, 1804. 
 
 My dear Sir, 
 
 I have had no opportunity of sending my letter of the 
 30th ultimo. We have been off Toulon, in most terrible 
 weather, and are drove in here. My accounts from Gibraltar 
 lead me to suppose that the Ferrol Squadron is destined for 
 the Mediterranean. The L'Aigle 74 at Cadiz is ready to join 
 them. But I hope to intercept them ; and if they join, which 
 is very possible for I dare not go so far from Toulon to take 
 a proper station for intercepting them we must look them in 
 the face. 
 
 I received on my arrival here, on the 8th, your Excellency's 
 letter of January 18th, which is very interesting. I only hope 
 that the French Army in Naples will not act until the arrival 
 of the Russians ; but the Northern Powers are slow, and I 
 would rather see a Russian Army than a Russian Fleet in Italy*
 
 410 LETTERS. [1804. 
 
 Your story of Lucien Buonaparte is curious. Reports say, 
 that he is come into Italy to negotiate with the King of 
 Sardinia for an exchange of Sardinia for Parma and Piacenza. 
 If the French get Sardinia it requires not the gift of prophecy to 
 say, that sooner or later Sicily will belong likewise to France : 
 therefore, no countenance must be given to such an exchange. 
 I hope the Galleys will be stationed here it may be useful ; 
 but when you talk of the Militia acting in Sardinia, and a body 
 of Infantry, I recollect there are no Troops in the Island worth 
 mentioning, and no money to put any Militia, if they were 
 inclined to move, in activity. Entre nous, it is not the interest 
 of the Sardinians to remain as they arc. The Peasantry are 
 oppressed with small taxes, and the Nobles are detested. I 
 shall answer Mr. Jackson's letter, and send it open for your 
 perusal ; and I shall only repeat that I am ever, my dear Sir, 
 your most obliged friend, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE.' 
 
 TO NATHANIEL TAYLOR, ESQ., NAVAL STOREKEEPER, MALTA. 
 [Letter-Book.] 
 
 Victory, Madalena Islands, 10th February, 1804. 
 Sir, 
 
 I have received your letter of the 23rd tilt., together with 
 the several papers and documents from Mr. Leard, forwarded 
 by the Kent, as therein mentioned, which I shall give due 
 consideration to ; *but I am hopeful, as the summer season is 
 approaching, that supplies from the Adriatic will not be 
 wanted : at least, for this considerable time, and trust the 
 Hungarian Schooner with the cordage and tar for the stores 
 under your charge, will soon arrive. I herewith transmit you 
 an account of the prices of cordage and other Naval stores at 
 Smyrna, and desire you will compare it with the prices paid 
 for the like articles in the Adriatic, and send me your remarks 
 thereupon. I am, &c., 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE.
 
 JET. 45.] LETTERS. 411 
 
 TO CAPTAIN RYVES, H.M. SHIP GIBRALTAR. 
 
 [Autograph, in the possession of his son, Captain George Frederic Ryves, C.B.] 
 
 Victory, Madalena, February 10th, 1804. 
 
 My dear Sir, 
 
 It is with the sincerest sorrow that I am to be the bearer of 
 such news 6 as will distress you very much, but, for the sake of 
 your dear children, you must bear up against the heavy mis- 
 fortune. To attempt consolation at such a time is, I know, 
 out of the question : therefore, I can only assure you of rny 
 sincere condolence, and that I am, your most faithful friend, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO HIS EXCELLENCY SIR JOHN ACTON. 
 
 [From a Copy in the Elliot Papers.] 
 My dear Sir John, Victory, Madalena, February 10th, 1804. 
 
 Since my letter of January 30th (which has never left the 
 Ship) I have been off Toulon, but it blew such a violent 
 storm of wind and snow, that I was obliged to bear up, and 
 passing round Cape Corse, was glad to get here again, and 
 shall sail the 13th at furthest. 
 
 I am now rather led to believe that the Ferrol Squadron of 
 French Ships will push for the Mediterranean. The French 
 Ship at Cadiz 7 is ready to join them. I shall try to intercept 
 them, but I cannot go so far to the Westward as is necessary ; 
 for I will not lose sight of the Toulon Fleet. What a most 
 zealous man can do to meet all points of difficulty, shall be 
 done. My Squadron is the finest for its numbers in the 
 world, and much may be expected from it; and should 
 superior numbers join, we must look it in the face. Nil 
 desperandum! God is good, and our cause is just. The 
 assemblage of Troops at Nice is going on; and, although 
 Sardinia, Naples, and Sicily, may be some of the objects, yet 
 I have no doubt but Egypt is the favourite and ultimate 
 object of the Corsican tyrant. I beg you will assure their 
 
 6 The death of Admiral Ryves's first wife, Catherine Elizabeth, youngest daughte,. 
 of the Hon. James Everard Arundell, third son of Henry, sixth Lord Arundell of 
 Wardoiir. she died on the 27th of December 1803. 
 
 ? L'Aigle.
 
 412 LETTERS. [1804. 
 
 Majesties that Nelson is Nelson still, and most zealously 
 attached to their service; and I am, my dear Sir John, your 
 Excellency's most faithful friend, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 P.S. I send two letters from Dumouricr. Your Excellency 
 will judge from his character whether he could at any period 
 be useful to Naples : I have a very high opinion of his 
 abilities. I had, to December 29th, letters from Lady Hamilton, 
 who desires me to present her best compliments to your 
 Excellency, and to Lady Acton. N. AND B. 
 
 TO WILLIAM LAWSON, ESQ., MASTER-ATTENDANT, MALTA. 
 [From a Copy in the Nelson Papers.] 
 
 Victory, Madalena Islands, 10th February, 1804. 
 
 Sir, 
 
 Rear- Admiral Sir Richard Bickerton having transmitted to 
 me your letter to him of the llth ultimo, acquainting him that 
 the five and six-inch rope, sent out in the Ellice Transport, 
 for the Fleet under my command, was not manufactured at 
 Malta, but at Trieste, and sent from the last-mentioned place 
 in June last, by Mr. Leard, to the stores under your charge. 
 I am very glad to find that the rope above-mentioned was 
 not manufactured at Malta, and also, much pleased with the 
 improvement you are making in the manufacture of cordage 
 at that Yard, as stated in Sir Richard Bickerton's letter on 
 the subject. I am, &c., 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO REAR-ADMIRAL SIR RICHARD BICKERTON, BART. 
 [From a Copy in the Nelson Papers.] 
 
 Victory, Madalena Islands, 10th February, 1804. 
 
 Sir, 
 
 His Majesty's Ship Juno being ordered upon very im* 
 portant service, and must not on any account be detained 
 from carrying the object of my instructions into execution, I 
 am, therefore, to desire, if the accidental circumstance of her 
 being for the moment forced to her present anchorage, inter-
 
 ^3T. 45.] LETTERS. 413 
 
 feres with the Court-Martial ordered upon the four Seamen 
 belonging to the Victory, that it is put off till she has pro- 
 ceeded to sea, as Captain Richardson cannot divert from the 
 immediate prosecution of my orders. I have the honour to 
 be, &c., 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO SIR ALEXANDER JOHN BALL, BART., MALTA. 
 [Autograph, in the possession of Sir William Keith Ball, Bart.] 
 
 Victory, February llth, 1804. 
 
 Private. 
 My dear Ball, 
 
 Many, many thanks for your kind letters, oranges, &c., &c., 
 as Hallowell 7 has been with you he will tell you all the English 
 news, therefore, I have little to say, except that now all my 
 force, except Gibraltar, is united, and for our numbers none 
 better can be. If the Ferrol Squadron joins the Toulon, they 
 will much outnumber us ; but in that case I shall never lose 
 sight of them, and Sir Edward Pellew 8 will soon be after them. 
 The loss of the Raven is very great, and the Admiralty seem 
 determined not to increase my force. I, at this moment, 
 want ten Frigates or Sloops, when I believe neither the Ferrol 
 or Toulon Squadron could escape me ; the Diana is ordered 
 home from Gibraltar it is shameful : Lord St. Vincent was 
 not treated so. The moment I can possibly part with a 
 Vessel, you shall have another in the room of the Raven. We 
 are, my dear friend, on the eve of great events ; the sooner 
 they come the better; 12,000 men are ready for embarkation 
 at Toulon, and 16,000 at Nice, and as they have not Trans- 
 ports, they must naturally expect more Ships of War ; the 
 Admiralty tells me nothing, they know nothing; but my private 
 letters say, that the Brest Squadron, as well as Ferrol, is bound 
 here if so, we shall have work enough upon our hands. But, I 
 am sure of my present force as far as it will go ; we shall come 
 
 7 Captain, afterwards Admiral Sir Benjamin Hallowell Carew, G.C.B. (vide vol. 
 ii. p. 90) who joined the Mediterranean Fleet in the Argo, hut soon after returned 
 to England. Vide p. 416, post. 
 
 8 Captain Sir Edward Pellew (afterwards Admiral Viscount Exmouth, G.C.B.) 
 then commanded the Tonnant, with a small Squadron under his orders.
 
 414 LETTERS. [1804. 
 
 to no harm. I send a packet for Mr. Drummond ; -when op- 
 portunity offers, pray send it to Patras, Corfu, or Smyrna, and 
 ever believe me, dear Ball, yours most truly and faithfully, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 We are all well. 
 
 TO THE GRAND VIZIR. 
 
 [From Clarke and M' Arthur, vol. ii. p. 358.] 
 
 llth February, 1804. 
 
 If the French unite their Fleets outside of the Mediter- 
 ranean with that at Toulon, it is not the Sublime Forte's being 
 at peace with Buonaparte, that will prevent an invasion of both 
 the Morea and Egypt : your Highness knows them too well 
 to put any confidence in what they say. Buonaparte's tongue 
 is that of a serpent oiled. Nothing shall be wanting on my 
 part to frustrate the designs of this common disturber of the 
 human race. I am, &c., 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO HIS HIGHNESS THE CAPITAN PASHA. 
 [From Clarke and M'Arthur, vol. ii. p. 358.J 
 
 llth February, 1804. 
 
 My letters inform me that you are appointed, by the Grand 
 Seignor, Capitan Pasha, in the room of his late Highness, on 
 which high honour allow an old friend most sincerely to con- 
 gratulate you ; and to wish that you may long live to enjoy it, 
 and increase the splendour of the Ottoman Arms. Your High- 
 ness will soon have to fight the French ; for the perfidious 
 Buonaparte will certainly, if he can, attack some part of the 
 Ottoman Empire. You have my. sincere prayers for a com- 
 plete victory over them. I am, &c., 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE.
 
 JET. 45.] LETTERS. 415 
 
 TO THE MARQUIS OF HERTFORD. 
 [From Clarke and M'Arthur, vol. ii. p. 353.] 
 
 [About the llth of February, 1804.] 
 
 I was honoured with your Lordship's letter by Mr. Sey- 
 mour, 9 the son of my oldest friend ; who would at this moment, 
 if it had pleased God to save his life, have most essentially 
 served his King and Country. I am very much pleased with 
 Seymour, and have given him the first Commission which has 
 fallen since his arrival. I am, &c. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO MR, THOMAS FOTHERINGHAM, MASTER OF HIS MAJESTY'S 
 HIRED TRANSPORT ELIZA. 
 
 [Order-Book.] 
 
 Victory, at the M adalena Islands, 12th February, 1804. 
 
 Having directed the Commander of his Majesty's Sloop 
 Termagant to escort you to the South end of Sardinia, or 
 further, if he shall, from circumstances, deem it necessary, 
 You are hereby required and directed to proceed to sea with 
 the Transport under your charge, in company with the said 
 Sloop, and make all possible dispatch to Valetta Harbour, 
 taking care, after parting with the Termagant, to keep com- 
 pany with the Sea-Nymph, and on no account to separate ; 
 but use your utmost endeavours, if attacked by a Privateer, to 
 defend your Vessels against the Enemy. You are to receive 
 Captain Swaine, the Officers, &c., of his Majesty's late Sloop 
 Raven, together with the eleven recruits named in the 
 margin, on board the Eliza, for a passage to Malta; vic- 
 tualling the former at whole allowance of all species of Pro- 
 visions, and the Recruits at two-thirds only, during their 
 continuance on board. You will obtain a certificate from the 
 
 9 Mr., now Rear-Admiral Sir George Francis Seymour, G.C.H. and C.B., Com- 
 mander-in-Chief in the Pacific, eldest son of Admiral Lord Hugh Seymour, and 
 nephew of Francis, second Marquis of Hertford, to whom this letter was addressed. 
 Lord Nelson promoted Mr. Seymour to a Lieutenancy, in the Madras, on the llth 
 of February 1804.
 
 416 LETTERS. [1804. 
 
 Senior Officer at Malta for the number of days you may have 
 victualled the said people, that the Transport Board may 
 allow for it accordingly, NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO CAPTAIN HALLOWELL, H.M. SHIP ARGO. 
 [Autograph, in the possession of Rear -Admiral Inglefield, C.B.] 
 
 Victory, February 12th, 1804. 
 
 My dear Hallowell, 
 
 Many thanks for your kind letter, and for your goodness 
 in bringing out so many good things for me. I wish on your 
 return you could join the Fleet for a day, to take my letters. 
 You know me enough, to be sure, that I will not keep you 
 from getting to the new Swiftsure, in which Ship I shall re- 
 joice to have you here. I expect to retake your old Ship 2 
 before February expires, and believe me ever, my dear Hal- 
 lowell, your most faithful friend, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO JOHN WILLIAM MAGNON, ESQ., HIS MAJESTY'S CONSUL, 
 CAGLIARI. 
 
 [Letter-Book.] 
 Victory, Madalena Islands, 14th February, 1804. 
 
 Sir, 
 
 I have sent his Majesty's Sloop Termagant for the Midship- 
 man and Seaman belonging to the Phoebe, and also to bring 
 such Deserters from the Fleet under my command, as may have 
 been apprehended at Cagliari, and request you will be so 
 good as to deliver them to Captain Pettet, 3 who will grant a 
 receipt for them ; and if you will send me an account of the 
 number of days each of the said men has been victualled, I 
 will order the sum of 9d. sterling per day to be paid for their 
 maintenance, in addition to 405. for apprehending each of 
 them, to any person you may think proper at this place, or 
 otherwise if more convenient. I am, &c. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 * The Swiftsure, 74, which, while commanded by Captain Hallowell, was taken 
 by a French Squadron, under the command of Vice Admiral Gantheaume, off the 
 Coast of Barbary, on the 24th of June 1801, after a very gallant defence. 
 
 8 Captain Robert Pettet, of the Termagant, was made a Commander in 1804, and 
 died in that rank in November 1833.
 
 ^T.-45.] LETTERS. 417 
 
 TO CAPTAIN JOHN GORE, H.M. SHIP MEDUSA. 
 
 [Letter Book.] 
 Victory, Madalena Islands, 14tli February, 1804. 
 
 Sir, 
 
 I have received your letter of the 14th ultimo, acquainting 
 me of the arrival of his Majesty's Ship Medusa, under your 
 command, at Gibraltar, with the Portuguese Merchant- Ship 
 Lassa, and also with your having ordered the Weazle to exa- 
 mine several Vessels going through the Gut, one of which 
 Captain Layman brought in, as mentioned in the list which 
 accompanied your said letter, and which you had detained 
 for a breach of blockade. I presume the latter will be con- 
 demned to the captors, but the former appears a doubtful 
 case. I, however, hope it may prove otherwise, and am, Sir, 
 your most obedient servant, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO CAPTAIN SAMUEL SUTTON, H.M. SHIP AMPHION. 
 
 [Letter-Book.] 
 Victory, Madaleua Islands, 14th February, 1804. 
 
 Sir, 
 
 I have received your letter of the 3rd ultimo, giving me an 
 account of your having seen the English Convoy clear of 
 Cape St. Vincent, agreeably to Captain Sir Richard Strachan's 
 directions, and also with your having fallen in with a large 
 Ship off Cape St. Mary's, dismasted and abandoned by her 
 Crew, which you had carried into Gibraltar. In answer to 
 which, I am very much pleased with your having seen our 
 Convoy in safety past Cape St. Vincent, and with the circum- 
 stance of your having fallen in with the Merchant-Ship above 
 mentioned, and convoying her in safety to Gibraltar. The 
 list of her cargo, which accompanied your said letter, has also 
 been received. I am, &c. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 VOL. V. E E
 
 418 LETTERS. [1804. 
 
 TO JAMES CUTFORTH, ESQ., AGENT VICTUALLER, GIBRALTAR. 
 
 [Letter-Book.] 
 Victory, Madaleiia Islands, 14th February, 1804. 
 
 Sir, 
 
 I have received your letter of the 1st instant, acquainting 
 me with the arrival of the Victuallers named in the margin, 2 
 at Gibraltar, and that three others are said to have gone to 
 Lisbon with the Sophie ; also that the Nestor and Lady Shaw 
 Stewart wait my orders. In answer thereto, I desire to 
 acquaint you that the Chatham and Latona have completed 
 the victualling of the Ships at present with me, to five 
 months ; and are gone to Malta with some small remains of 
 their cargoes to be deposited there, and afterwards to proceed 
 under the first Convoy to Gibraltar. You will, therefore, 
 order the Nestor and Lady Shaw Stewart to proceed to 
 Malta with the first Convoy, and also one of the three Vic- 
 tuallers expected from Lisbon, in order that the Stores under 
 the charge of Mr. Wilkie, may be equal to the exigency of any 
 future service. I am, &c. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO EDWARD POWNALL, ESQ., NAVAL OFFICER, GIBRALTAR. 
 
 [Letter-Book.] 
 Sir, Victory, Madalena Islands, 14th February, 1804. 
 
 I have received your letters of the 2nd instant and 23rd 
 ultimo, enclosing an account of the twine put on board the 
 Childers by Commissioner Otway's directions, for the use of 
 the Fleet under my command ; also an account of the stores 
 put on board the Donegal, together with a copy of a bill of 
 lading of sails brought out in his Majesty's Ship Diana, 
 which, from their being landed in so very wet and bad a state, 
 you judged it necessary to keep them to dry and repair. I 
 have also received your letter of the 30th ultimo, and from the 
 difficulties you have experienced in mustering the Companies 
 of his Majesty's Ships which have hitherto arrived at Gibral- 
 
 * Thetis, Latona, Nestor, Lady Shaw Stewart. 
 
 8 Mr. Pownall was afterwards Clerk of the Cheque at Sheerness, and died on the 
 2Gtli of February, 1829,
 
 JET. 45.] LETTERS. 419 
 
 tar, as stated in your letter to Commissioner Otway, of the 
 19th December, I have judged it necessary to transmit an addi- 
 tional Memorandum on that subject to the Commissioner, 
 which I trust will obviate the evils you so justly complain of. 
 I am, &c. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 MEMORANDUM TO THE RESPECTIVE CAPTAINS AND COM- 
 MANDERS OF HIS MAJESTY'S SHIPS AND VESSELS WHICH 
 
 MAY ARRIVE AT GIBRALTAR. 
 
 [From a Copy in the Admiralty.] 
 Victory, at the Madalena Islands, Sardinia, 14th February, 1804. 
 
 In addition to my Memorandum of the 10th ult., 4 respect- 
 ing the mustering his Majesty's Ships and Vessels at Gibral- 
 tar, it is my most positive directions that the Commanding 
 Officer of the Ship which the Naval Officer may go on board 
 to muster, immediately turn the people up for that purpose, 
 (meal times excepted) and that he is not delayed by thefri- 
 volous excuse of the Clerk being on shore, or on any pretence 
 whatever; and I am also to desire that the Captain or Com- 
 mander of any of his Majesty's Ships or Vessels arriving at 
 Gibraltar, do furnish the Naval Officer with a copy of their 
 Complete Book, including all the Officers, Widows' Men, and 
 Ship's Company, which may be actually borne upon such 
 Book, with their entries and ratings complete, which is to be 
 signed by all the Signing Officers. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 N.B. This Memorandum to remain in Commissioner 
 Otway's possession. 
 
 TO ADMIRAL LORD RADSTOCK. 
 
 [Autograph, in the possession of Rear-Admiral Lord Eadstock, C.B.] 
 
 Victory, February 14th, 1804. 
 
 My dear Lord, 
 
 Granville 5 is with me. You may rely that I shall be 
 happy in an opportunity of placing him in a vacancy. Many 
 
 * Vide p. 356, ante, * Now Rear-Admiral Lord Radstock, C.B. 
 
 E E 2
 
 420 LETTERS. [1804. 
 
 thanks for your papers and good wishes : some day very soon 
 we shaU'want all the wishes of our friends ; for out the Eneir^ 
 must come, and that they shall go to Spithead, no exertion 
 shall be wanting by, my dear Lord, your old and sincere 
 friend, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO ADMIRAL THE EARL OF ST. VINCENT, K.B. 
 
 [From a Fac-simile iu Tucker's " Memoirs of Earl St. Vincent," vol. ii. p. 348.] 
 
 
 
 Victory, February 14tli, 1801. 
 
 Most cordially do I hail and congratulate you on the return 
 of St. Valentine ; and may you, my dear Lord, live in health 
 to receive them for many, many years. This morning also 
 your nephew, Captain Parker, has very much pleased [me,] (as 
 indeed he always does.) On Sunday, the 12th, I sent him to 
 look into Toulon : as he was reconnoitring under Sepet, he 
 saw a Frigate rounding Porquerolle, the wind was right out of 
 the harbour at North. At first the Frigate seemed desirous 
 to bring him to action ; but the determined approach of the 
 Amazon made him fly with every rag of sail : he ran through 
 the Grand Pass, and got under Bregan9on ; some of the Ships 
 hoisted their yards up. I am rather glad that Parker did not 
 bring her to action, for I think they must have come out and 
 taken him ; but I admire his spirit and resolution to attack 
 her under all the disadvantages of situation ; and such con- 
 duct will, some happy day, meet its reward. 
 
 A Lieutenant belonging to the Madras being invalided, I 
 have put Mr. Seymour 6 into it, but will change him for a more 
 active Ship, the moment the Battle is over, which cannot be 
 much longer deferred. This thought keeps me up under a 
 nasty cough, and which I have always been subject to ; but 
 I am always, my dear Lord, your faithful friend, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 We have not a sick man in the Fleet, except Kent, who 
 has been to Malta. 
 
 Vide p. 314, ante
 
 LETTERS. 421 
 
 TO CAPTAIN JOHN GORE, H.M. SHIP MEDUSA. 
 
 [Letter Book.] 
 Victory, Madalena Inlands, 14th February, 180-1. 
 
 Sir, 
 
 I have received your letter of the 23rd ultimo, together 
 with a log of your proceedings from the 22nd July to thn 
 23rd January last, and also copies of your orders to the 
 Master of the Boyne Transport, and to the Senior Officer of 
 his Majesty's Ships at Gibraltar, enforcing the instructions 
 contained in the Admiralty letter of the 4th November last, a 
 copy of which also accompanied your aforesaid letter. I have 
 also received a copy of your letter of the 24th ultimo, to the 
 Hon. Captain Capel of the Phcebe, and very much approve of 
 the orders and directions you have given as above mentioned ; 
 but apprehend your letter to Captain Capel has, by some 
 mistake been forwarded to me, as there is a large packet ad- 
 dressed to him from the Medusa, with your name in the 
 corner. I am, &c., 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO CAPTAIN HENRY RICHARDSON, H.M. SHIP JUNO. 
 
 [Order-Book.] 
 Victory, Maduleua Islands, 15th February, 1804. 
 
 Whereas, it is my intention to put to sea with the Squadron 
 the moment the wind comes to the Eastward, and proceed 
 direct from hence to Rendezvous No. 97, under Cape St. Se- 
 bastians, You are therefore hereby required and directed to 
 proceed immediately, in his Majesty's Ship Juno, under your 
 command, and make the best of your way off the entrance of 
 Toulon Harbour, for the purpose of ascertaining whether the 
 Enemy's Squadron is still in Port, and join me with an account 
 thereof, on the above Rendezvous, with all dispatch ; but 
 should the wind be to the Westward, the Squadron will pro- 
 ceed on the East side of Corsica, round Cape Corse. You 
 will, therefore, under the above probable chances of the wind, 
 judge where to find me, with any intelligence you may have 
 to communicate. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE.
 
 422 LETTERS. [1804. 
 
 TO CAPTAIN SIR WILLIAM BOLTON, H. M. SLOOP CHILDERS. 
 
 [Order-Book.] 
 Victory, Madalena Islands, ICth February, 1804. 
 
 In order that the French Fleet may not pass without in- 
 formation thereof being communicated to me, You are hereby 
 required and directed to proceed off Monte Christo im- 
 mediately, in his Majesty's Sloop under your command, for 
 the purpose of falling in with the Enemy's Squadron, or of 
 gaining intelligence of them ; and, upon meeting with two or 
 more Frigates, or Ships of the Line, you are to return to this 
 place with an account thereof, without a moment's loss of 
 time, and on no consideration suffer their approach, so as to 
 endanger the Childers to capture. You are not to be absent 
 on this service longer than three days from the date hereof; 
 but, at the expiration of the above time, return to this an- 
 chorage, where you will find me, or orders with the Governor 
 at the Madalena Islands for your further proceedings. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO CAPTAIN SIR WILLIAM BOLTON, II. M. SLOOP CHILDERS. 
 
 [Letter Book.] 
 Victory, Madalena Islands, 17th February, 1804. 
 
 Dear Bolton, 
 
 I shall stand to the N.W., towards Toulon, and from thence 
 towards St. Sebastians. If you have a good opportunity, 
 approach near Ajaccio to see if the French Fleet are there, 
 but do not get near enough to endanger being taken yourself. 
 Ever yours faithfully, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO CAPTAIN GOREj H. M. SHIP MEDUSA. 
 
 [From Clarke and M'Arthuf, vol. ii. j>. 359.] 
 
 17th February, 1804. 
 
 The Admiralty seem to think that the Spaniards may be 
 hostile to us, and therefore have put me on my guard. Do 
 not let it escape your lips I am determined to have the first
 
 -ffiT. 45.] LETTERS. 423 
 
 blow ; even if they come with their whole eighteen, they shall 
 not join the French. If they come up the Mediterranean, 
 and you have a mind for a shooting party, come with your 
 Frigates. Every part of your conduct is like yourself, perfect. 
 Your letters will be answered formally. I am, &c. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO MAJOR LOWE/ 
 
 [Autograph, in the possession of Josiah French, Esq.] 
 
 Victory, February 17th, 1804. 
 
 Dear Sir, 
 
 I am just favoured with your letter of the 5th, from Cagliari; 
 poor King and Princes ! they have neither money or Troops. 
 That Sardinia will be invaded I am sure of; and I only hope 
 that we shall fall in with the French Fleet, and I may reason- 
 ably suppose that we shall frustrate their plans. As you are 
 coining here, I shall probably, after the Battle, have the plea- 
 sure of seeing you. Your Officers here are very attentive. 
 Some Recruits are gone to Malta with Colonel Phillips, who 
 sailed on the 15th. I am, dear Sir, &c. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO LIEUTENANT ROBERT LLOYD, COMMANDING HIS MAJESTY'S 
 PRISON-SHIP GUERRIER. 
 
 [Letter-Book.] 
 
 Victory, Madalena Islands, 18th February, 1804 
 Sir, 
 
 In answer to your letter of the 5th December last, I here- 
 with transmit you an order to bear twenty Seamen, including 
 two Midshipmen, on the Books of the Guerrier Prison-Ship, 
 under your command, which I trust will enable you to carry 
 on the duty of your situation till their Lordships shall think 
 
 7 Afterwards Lieutenant-General Sir Hudson Lowe, G.C.M.G. K.C.B. He was 
 then employed in Sardinia to raise recruits ; and was desired by Mr. Elliot, 
 Minister at Naples, to ascertain the means which that Island possessed of resisting 
 an invasion of the French, and to report on the expediency of assisting the Sar- 
 dinian Government with money. This zealous and intelligent, but ill-treated Officer, 
 so well known as Governor of St. Helena, died on the 10th of January 1844;
 
 424 LETTERS. [1804. 
 
 proper to send you the establishment of the said Ship. I am 
 very much pleased with your conduct in keeping the Guerrier 
 so perfectly clean, as well as with your exertions in assisting 
 the Merchant-Ships coming into Gibraltar in distress, and 
 also with your ready endeavours to prevent their being cap- 
 tured by the Enemy, and hope you may soon be enabled to 
 render them more effectual service. I am, &c. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 P.S. I desire to recommend your applying to the Admi- 
 ralty for the establishment of the Guerrier. 
 
 TO CAPTAIN WILLIAM PARKER, H. M. SHIP AMAZON. 
 
 [Order-Book.] 
 Victory, Madalena Islands, I8tli February, 1804. 
 
 Whereas it is of the utmost importance that I should be 
 acquainted with the movements of the Enemy's Squadron, You 
 are hereby required and directed to proceed, without a moment's 
 loss of time, in his Majesty's Ship under your command, from 
 twenty to twenty-five leagues due W. N. W. of Asmara, 
 where it is probable, if they are bound to the Southward, you 
 may be fortunate enough to fall in with them. And as it is 
 iny intention to put to sea with the Squadron the moment 
 the wind will allow me to do so, and proceed to Rendezvous 
 No. 97, under Cape St. Sebastians, the movements of the 
 Amazon must be governed from circumstances of wind and 
 weather, as you, upon due consideration thereof, may judge 
 proper. But should the wind continue to blow so hard from 
 the Eastward as to prevent the Squadron from putting to sea, 
 and you gain intelligence of the Enemy's motions, you will 
 land an express at Castel Sardo or Porto di Torres, with 
 directions to proceed with an account thereof to me, at this 
 anchorage, with the utmost dispatch ; or send a Boat from the 
 Amazon, if you judge that to be the most expeditious way of 
 communication. You are to continue on this service for the 
 space of three days, or longer, if you think the Squadron is 
 not able to proceed from this anchorage, and afterwards join 
 me on my Rendezvous No. 97, as before-mentioned. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE.
 
 /ET. 45.] LETTERS. 425 
 
 TO CAPTAIN JOHN WHITE Y, II. M. SHIP BELLEISLE. 
 
 [Letter-Book. "Sunday, 10th Febmary. A.M. At G'AO, weighed ami made 
 sail, as did the Squadron, through Agincourt Sound to the Westward."' Victory's 
 Log.-] 
 
 Victory, Madalena Islands, 19th February, 180-i. 
 
 Memorandum. 
 
 As an anchor and cable is of great importance, it is my 
 directions that you remain and weigh the anchor, which his 
 Majesty's Ship under your command parted from in the night 
 of the 17th Instant ; and after having done so, you are to pro- 
 ceed after the Squadron with the utmost possible dispatch, to 
 Rendezvous No. 97, under Cape St. Sebastians, where you 
 will find me, or orders for your further proceedings. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 The Childers will be in to-day. You will not suffer her to 
 anchor, but acquaint Captain Sir William Bolton that he will 
 find a Private letter with the Governor at Madalena, from me, 
 which he will open, and proceed accordingly. The Public 
 one is not meant for him, and therefore desire he will not 
 open it. 
 
 TO SIR EVAN NEPEAN, BART., ADMIRALTY. 
 
 [Letter-Book.] 
 
 Victory, at Sea, 20th February, 1804. 
 
 Sir, 
 
 I have received your letter of the 19th December last, 
 together with a copy of the orders which have been given to 
 Captain Hallo well of the Argo, as also a copy of a secret 
 letter to that Officer ; and you will please to acquaint the 
 Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty that Captain Hallo- 
 well shall be permitted to return to England, agreeable to 
 their Lordships' directions, communicated to me in your said 
 letter. I am, &c ., 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE.
 
 426 LETTERS. [1804. 
 
 TO SIR EVAN NEPEAN, BART., ADMIRALTY. 
 
 [From a Copy in the Admiralty.] 
 
 Victory, at Sea, 20th February, 1804. 
 
 Sir, 
 
 I have received your letter of the 9th November last, with 
 a copy of the one therein mentioned from Mr. James Douglas, 
 Master of the Ship Mentor, respecting the depredations com- 
 mitted by the Enemy's Privateers in the Adriatic. In answer 
 thereto, I beg to transmit you, for the information of the 
 Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty, duplicate of my letter 
 of the 24th November last, and to acquaint you, for their in- 
 formation, that the utmost possible attention has been paid to 
 the protection of our Trade in the Adriatic, as far as the force 
 under my command has enabled me, and, I may add, to a 
 greater extent than comes within my knowledge on any for- 
 mer occasion. I am, &c. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO SIR EVAN NEPEAN, BART., ADMIRALTY. 
 
 [From a Copy in the Admiralty.] 
 
 Victory, at Sea, 20th February, 1804. 
 Sir, 
 
 Lieutenant Robert Lloyd, commanding his Majesty's Pri- 
 son-Ship Guerrier, at Gibraltar, having, with his letter of the 
 5th December, transmitted me a copy of their Lordships' in- 
 structions of the 27th September last, and at the same time 
 requested permission to bear a sufficient number of men to 
 enable him to carry the said instructions into execution, till 
 such time as the Guerrier's establishment shall be sent to 
 him, you will be pleased to acquaint the Lords Commissioners 
 of the Admiralty, that I have directed Lieutenant Lloyd to 
 enter twenty Seamen, including two Midshipmen, and to 
 bear them upon a supernumerary list for wages and victuals, 
 till such time as their Lordships shall think proper to furnish 
 the said Lieutenant with the Guerrier's establishment. I 
 have also directed him to enter as part of the said number, 
 any Seamen who may be invalided at Gibraltar Hospital, as 
 unfit for active service in this Country.
 
 JET. 45.] LETTERS. 427 
 
 It is but justice to observe that the Guerrier, when visited 
 by Doctor Snipe, was found most perfectly clean and in good 
 order, and also that Lieutenant Lloyd's active exertions in 
 going to the assistance of any Vessel in distress, or in danger 
 of capture by the Enemy's Gun-boats, deserve commendation. 
 I am, Sir, &c. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO NATHANIEL TAYLOR, ESQ., NAVAL OFFICER, MALTA. 
 [Letter-Book.] 
 
 Victory, at Sen, 20th February, 1804. 
 
 Sir, 
 
 The Commissioners of his Majesty's Navy, having by their 
 letter of the 17th November last, acquainted me that there 
 are superfluous quantities of some species of Slops 6 at Malta, 
 according to your opinion, and requested that I will order 
 such part thereof to be sent to Gibraltar as may be judged 
 proper, I am therefore, to desire you will send by the first 
 Transport or Ship of War going from Malta to Gibraltar, such 
 superfluous Slops as you may consider unnecessary to be kept 
 in his Majesty's stores under your charge, and that are not 
 likely to be wanted in this Country; but I desire to re- 
 commend you on no account to send to Gibraltar any article 
 of Slops which may be wanted for the Companies of his 
 Majesty's Ships on this station, and that you do also transmit 
 me a list of such Slops as you may send to Gibraltar. I 
 am, &c., 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 8 Slops mean every kind of clothing, hats, shoes, stockings, &c., supplied to 
 Seamen by the Purser, the cost of which are charged against their wages. The 
 word is usually defined to mean trowsers ; but a kind of shoe was called a slop, 
 and the term was also applied 'to some other articles of dress. Palsgrave, in his 
 " L'esclaircissement de la langue Francoyse," printed in 1530, translates " sloppes, 
 hosyn," by " brayes a marinier." See a Note on the word in the " Privy Purse 
 Expenses of Elizabeth of York," p. 20t>.
 
 423 LETTERS. [1804. 
 
 TO CAPTAIN HENRY RICHARDSOX, II. M. SHIP JUXO. 
 
 [Oi-der-Book.] 
 Victory, off Cape St. Sebastian*, '2oth February, 1804. 
 
 Whereas it is my intention to proceed immediately with the 
 Squadron to the station mentioned in the accompanying 
 Secret Memorandum, You are hereby required and directed 
 to remain on the present Rendezvous No. 97, under Cape St. 
 Sebastians, with his Majesty's Ship Juno under your com- 
 mand, for the purpose of acquainting any of his Majesty's 
 Ships or Vessels which may come on the above Rendezvous 
 where I am gone, and to direct their Commanders to proceed 
 and join me, with the utmost possible expedition. You arc 
 to continue on this service till further orders, and upon no 
 account to quit it in chase of any Vessel ; but should you 
 obtain positive information of the sailing of the Enemy's 
 Fleet from Toulon, you are to join me on the above station 
 with the utmost expedition. You will deliver my orders 
 (herewith transmitted) to the Ships and Vessels named in the 
 margin, 6 agreeable to their address, the moment they join, and 
 also deliver the present intended station of the Squadron, 
 which accompanies this, to the Captains of his Majesty's 
 Ships Belleisle, Seahorse, Phoebe, and Niger, who may be 
 hourly expected to arrive at this place, and acquaint them 
 that it is my directions they join me, agreeably thereto, with- 
 out loss of time. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 tO CAPTAIN THOMAS STAINES, II. JI. SLOOP CAMELEON. 
 
 [Order-Book.] 
 Victory, off Cape St. Sebastians, '^olli February, 180-i. 
 
 You are hereby required and directed to proceed imme- 
 diately with his Majesty's Sloop Cameleon, under your com- 
 mand, to the Bay of Rosas, and communicate with Mr. 
 Edward Gayner of that place, or his partner in his absence, 
 
 6 Active, Narcissus, Amazon, Cumeleon, Guilders.
 
 JET. 45.] LETTERS. 429 
 
 for the purpose of obtaining any intelligence of the Enemy's 
 Fleet at Toulon, or of the line of conduct which Spain is likely 
 to pursue, with any other information which you may deem 
 necessary, and join me with an account thereof, on the present 
 intended station of the Squadron, (herewith transmitted,) with 
 the utmost dispatch, bringing with you any letters, &c., which 
 Mr. Gayner may have for me. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO ADMIRAL THE EARL OF ST. VINCENT, K.B. 
 
 [Autograph, in the possession of Vice-Admiral Sir William Parker, Bart., G.C.B.] 
 
 Victory, February 20th, 1804. 
 
 My dear Lord, 
 
 I feel confident that there is not an Officer in the Service 
 that bows with more respect to the orders of the Admiralty 
 than myself; but I am sure you will agree with me, that if I 
 form plans for the sending home our Convoys, and the clear- 
 ing the different parts of the station from Privateers, and the 
 other services requisite, and that the Admiralty in some 
 respects makes their arrangements, we must clash. For in- 
 stance, I judged it necessary, from the force of the Enemy in 
 Toulon, to call the Donegal from watching L'Aigle at Cadiz, 
 and I directed Captain Gore to take the Agincourt, and with 
 her to attend to the French Ship ; for although the Agincourt 
 could not catch her in running, yet she would protect the 
 Trade coming to and from the Mediterranean; but being 
 taken away, I admit on an important service, has left L'Aigle 
 at liberty, although Gore has collected the three Frigates, 
 Medusa, Amphion, and Maidstone, and means to attack her 
 if she puts to sea. But this laudable purpose interferes with 
 the protection it is necessary to give to the Mouth of the 
 Tagus ; and I much fear the Amphion, who was ordered to 
 Lisbon, not going, has exposed our commerce to the depreda- 
 tions of a large French Privateer. Lord Robert Fitz-Gerald 
 calls out, but I have not the means of doing all that is neces- 
 sary. Having also given credit for the Diana's coming to this 
 station, I had ordered the Braakel and Stately home with the 
 Convoy. Had I known she was going back again, I should 
 have saved the Braakel for the next Convoy, in May. The
 
 430 LETTERS. [1804. 
 
 Gibraltar and the worst of the Sloops were intended for that 
 Convoy, but the orders of the Admiralty relative to that Ship 
 will prevent her going home ; so that, in fact, I have not at 
 present any further arrangement to make relative to Convoys. 
 I have been anxious to get all the Troop-Ships home, know- 
 ing they must be wanted. I hope the Gibraltar when fitted 
 will answer the Board's expectation; but I firmly believe, 
 when done, she will only be fit for a summer's passage to 
 England. I shall send her to Otway, 8 when she can be spared 
 from Naples. She is a very fine Ship, and in excellent order. 
 My letter to Sir Evan Nepean, on my first arrival, I find 
 every day was perfectly correct. The Kent is under jury- 
 masts. I had rather have bestowed new masts upon her than 
 the other. However, we must very soon have a Battle, and 
 then we shall all want new masts, &c. I have done. All my 
 wishes are to meet the intentions of the Admiralty as far as I 
 can. 
 
 I am, my dear Lord, happy to hear from Dr. Baird that 
 you are not only well, but your health improved. I wish I 
 could say the same ; but I hope to hold out till after the 
 Battle, when, if successful, I shall probably ask for rest. We 
 have had a most terrible long winter, and from the 26th of 
 January, we have not been twenty-four hours without a gale 
 of wind. The Fleet is healthy beyond anything I have seen ; 
 and if we meet the French, I trust we shall give a very good 
 account of them. With every kind wish, I am ever, my dear 
 Lord, yours most sincerely, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 Captain Murray has been laid up with a bad leg; but 
 Hardy is well, and equal to everything. 
 
 TO SIR EVAN NEPEAN, BART., ADMIRALTY. 
 [From a Copy in the Admiralty.] 
 
 Victory, at Sea, 27th February, 1804. 
 
 Sir, 
 
 I herewith transmit you an extract of a letter from Major- 
 General Villettes, together with a copy of a letter from Doc- 
 
 Commissioner Otway, at Gibraltar.
 
 JET. 45.] LETTERS. 431 
 
 tor Franklin, therein alluded to, which I request you will be 
 pleased to lay before the Lords Commissioners of the Admi- 
 ralty, that such direction may be given thereupon as their 
 Lordships shall judge proper. It only remains for me to 
 observe that much credit is due to the Military Medical gen- 
 tlemen, for their great care and attention to Naval patients at 
 Malta, and that they are certainly entitled to some remunera- 
 tion. I am, &c. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 P.S. Sir Richard Bickerton acquaints me that the Medical 
 gentlemen before alluded to, were paid up to the 24th February 
 1803 ; it is, therefore, to be presumed that they want the 
 payment to be continued from that time till the removal of 
 our Seamen from the Military Hospital, on the 1st January 
 1804. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO CAPTAIN HENRY RICHARDSON, H. M. SHIP JUNO. 
 [Order-Book.] 
 
 Victory, off Cape St. Sebastians, 27th February, 1804. 
 
 You are hereby required and directed to proceed imme- 
 diately in his Majesty's Ship Juno, under your command, to 
 Barcelona, and send a Boat with an Officer on shore to Mr. 
 Gibert, his Majesty's Consul at that place, with my dispatches, 
 and for any letters or intelligence which he may have for me. 
 You are not to anchor, but stand off and on till your Boat returns 
 from the shore, and immediately after, join the Squadron on 
 its present Rendezvous. But should circumstances render 
 my leaving this necessary, previous to your return, you will 
 remain on your station, and put my order of the 25th instant 
 into execution ; and if you receive any information from Mr. 
 Gibert, you will forward it to me by any of the Ships which 
 you may fall in with, and cancel the order to Sir William 
 Bolton. But in the event of the Consul's absence, or you 
 should not be able to procure any intelligence, the Chiiders, 
 in that case, will proceed to Barcelona, in the execution of 
 my orders to her Commander. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE,
 
 432 LETTERS. [1804. 
 
 TO RICHARD FORD, ESQ., AGENT VICTUALLER TO THE 
 MEDITERRANEAN FLEET. 
 
 [Order-Book.J 
 
 Victory, at Sea, 27th February, 1804. 
 
 In order that it may be exactly ascertained what supplies 
 of different species of provisions, wine, and other refreshments 
 can be had for the Fleet under my command at Barcelona and 
 in the neighbourhood of that place, You are hereby required 
 and directed to proceed to Barcelona, and make the most strict 
 inquiry with respect to what supplies of provisions and refresh- 
 ments can be had for the respective Ships' Companies, and upon 
 what terms they are to be procured, the time required for that 
 purpose, and to what extent ? After having obtained such in- 
 formation upon this subject as you may judge necessary to 
 enable you to procure supplies with expedition, you are to 
 proceed to Rosas (where frequent purchases of bullocks, wine, 
 onions, &c., have hitherto been procured for the Squadron), 
 and make the same necessary inquiry on the subject above- 
 mentioned, in order that we may, on all future occasions, know 
 what supplies can be drawn from those places, and to what 
 extent; and as wine is wanted for the Ships you will purchase 
 two hundred pipes, together with thirty thousand oranges, and 
 twenty tons of onions for the respective Ships' Companies, and 
 also, fifty good sheep for the use of the sick and convalescent 
 Seamen of the Squadron, paying for the whole either by bills 
 on the Victualling-Board, or ready money, as you may find 
 most to the interest of Government, which I must desire you 
 will bear constantly in mind on all occasions of purchases and 
 disbursement of the Public money. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO EDWARD GAYNER, ESQ., MERCHANT, ROSAS. 
 
 [Letter- Book.] 
 Victory, off Cape St. Sebastians, 28th February, 1804. 
 
 Sir, 
 
 I have this moment received your letter of the 10th, and 
 note of the 12th instant, and from the circumstance you
 
 .ET. 45.] LETTERS. 433 
 
 mention of onions vegetating at this season of the year, I 
 recommend your not purchasing any more for the Fleet. I 
 trust the Court of Spain will not prevent the Squadron under 
 my command from having a reasonable number of bullocks 
 for its consumption, with every other refreshment necessary 
 for the Seamen, which the Peace subsisting between our 
 Countries entitles me to expect and demand. I have sent 
 you a letter to Dr. 'Scott, who you will soon see, accompanied 
 by Mr. Richard Ford, the Agent- Victualler appointed by 
 Government to the Fleet, who will enter upon the subject of 
 supplying wine for the Squadron from Rosas, and of course 
 arrange the business with you as to the quantity and time 
 required to procure it. If you will be so good as to make out 
 an account of the abatement, which has been made by the 
 Spanish Government, for our former supplies, and also, of 
 the omission in the Superb's voucher, as mentioned in your 
 said letter, Mr. Ford will settle it with you as well as for all 
 future supplies for the Fleet. I am very much obliged for the 
 information communicated in your said letter. I am, Sir, &c., 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO THE CAPTAINS OF EITHER OF HIS MAJESTY'S SHIPS ABOVE 
 [UNDER] MENTIONED, WHICH MAY FIRST JOIN COMPANY 
 WITH THE JUNO. 
 
 [Order-Book.] 
 
 Memorandum. 
 
 Victory, at Sea, 28th February, 1804. 
 
 It is my directions that the Captain of either of his Majesty's 
 Ships named in the Margin, 9 which may first join company 
 with the Juno, in addition to my order of the 25th instant, 
 transmitted to you on that day, proceed off the entrance of 
 Toulon Harbour, for the purpose of ascertaining whether the 
 Enemy's Squadron is still in Port, and afterwards join me, 
 with an account thereof, on the station of the Squadron men- 
 tioned in the said order. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 Active, Narcissus, Amazon, Phoebe, Seahorse. 
 
 VOL. V. F F
 
 434 LETTERS. [1804. 
 
 TO MR. RICHARD FORD, AGENT VICTUALLER TO THE FLEET. 
 
 [Letter-Book.] 
 
 Victorj', at Sea, 2nd March, 1804. 
 
 Sir, 
 
 As wine will soon be wanted for the Fleet under my com- 
 mand, I am to desire you will enter upon the subject with Mr. 
 Edward Gayner, Merchant at Rosas, and endeavour to settle 
 with him for a hundred tuns of good Catalonian wine, upon 
 the most reasonable and advantageous terms for Government; 
 and I am also to desire you will acquaint Mr. Gayner that 
 casks will be wanted for the said wine, and to take care that 
 they are good, well-conditioned, and in proper order, that no 
 loss may happen to Government or the individual, from the 
 wine's leaking out, as it is impossible at this uncertain season 
 to send casks from the different Ships. I am, &c., 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 P.S. As soon as it can be done, the wine casks will be 
 returned. I suppose Mr. Gayner can have no objections to 
 receiving them. You will settle some little error with Mr. 
 Gayner in the Superb's former vouchers, as mentioned in my 
 letter of the 28th ultimo to him. 
 
 TO HENRY CLARKE, ESQ., BRITISH PROCONSUL AT TUNIS. 
 
 [From a Copy in the Colonial Office*] 
 
 Victory, March 2nd, 1804. 
 
 Sir, 
 
 The Bey has asked me for one or two Passports for some 
 Vessel or Vessels which are coming from Holland with his 
 presents, (I suppose from the Batavian Republic.) The request 
 seems to me so reasonable that, if the Vessels had been in 
 the Mediterranean, I should have granted the Passports 
 without the smallest difficulty. Luckily, within two hours 
 after the arrival of the Bey's letter, I was sending a Vessel for 
 England, and I enclosed it to Lord Hobart, strongly recom- 
 mending the granting the Passports. The only difficulty which 
 can occur is Lord Hobart's not knowing how either to describe 
 the Vessels, or to know who to deliver them to ; therefore, I
 
 JET. 45.] LETTERS. 435 
 
 would immediately recommend to his Highness to send to 
 England or Holland for his Agent to communicate with Lord 
 Hobart, for I am anxious that his Highness should be gratified 
 as expeditiously as possible. 
 
 You will also take this opportunity of assuring his Highness 
 of my earnest wish to do everything in my power to accelerate 
 the arrival of the articles from Holland; and also assure him 
 of my high esteem for his person and character. I am, &c., 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE, 
 
 TO CAPTAIN HENRY RICHARDSON, H.M. SHIP JUNO. 
 
 [Letter-Book.] 
 Si rj Victory, at Sea, 2nd March, 1804. 
 
 Being particularly anxious that his Majesty's Ships in search 
 of the Squadron should be immediately informed where it is 
 gone to, I am to desire you will most strictly keep His 
 Majesty's Ship Juno on Rendezvous No. 97, about ten leagues 
 due South of Cape St. Sebastians; and I am to desire in 
 addition to my Memorandum of the 28th ultimo, that you 
 acquaint the Captains of his Majesty's Ships named in the 
 margin 1 (who I understand are together) that it is my directions 
 they proceed off Toulon in company, for the purpose men- 
 tioned in the said Memorandum, in their way to join me. I 
 am, &c., 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO CAPTAIN DONNELLY, H.M. SHIP NARCISSUS. 
 [Autograph, in the possession of the late Adam Bromilow, Esq.] 
 
 Victory, at Sea, 4th March, 1804. 
 
 You are hereby required and directed to proceed im- 
 mediately with his Majesty's Ship Narcissus, under your 
 command, off Cape Corse, and cruize very diligently between 
 that and Port Especia, for the purpose of obtaining informa- 
 tion of the Enemy's movements and expeditions fitting out at 
 Leghorn and Genoa, and also, of their Fleet at Toulon, should 
 it put to sea. Upon your gaining any intelligence which you 
 
 1 Narcissus, Active. 
 F F 2
 
 436 LETTERS. [1804. 
 
 may deem necessary for my immediate information, you will 
 proceed to Rendezvous No. 100, herewith delivered, where 
 you will find me, or instructions where the Squadron may 
 have gone. You will continue on this service till further 
 orders. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO CAPTAIN FRANK SOTHERON, H.TVI. SHIP EXCELLENT. 
 [Letter-Book.] 
 
 Victory, nt Sea, 7th March, 1804. 
 
 Sir, 
 
 I have received your letter of the 28th February, enclosing 
 one from the Purser of his Majesty's Ship Excellent, under 
 your command, dated the 16th of that month, respecting a 
 hogshead of tobacco, which, after issue, was found two hundred 
 and eleven pounds short of its contents. In answer thereto, 
 I am rather surprised, as the hogshead of tobacco in question, 
 when opened, appeared to want six inches of being full, that 
 the Purser did not immediately represent the circumstance to 
 you, that it might have been weighed in the presence of the 
 proper Officers, and the real deficiency ascertained previous 
 to any issue. I shall, however, transmit the before-mentioned 
 letters to the Commissioners for Victualling, for their considera- 
 tion. I am, &c., 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO CAPTAIN MOUBRAY, H. M. SHIP ACTIVE. 
 [Order-Book.] 
 
 Victory, ftt Sea, 8th March, 1801. 
 
 You are hereby required and directed to proceed imme- 
 diately with his Majesty's Ship Active, under your command, 
 to the Bay of Rosas or Barcelona, as may be found most 
 convenient, in order to aiford your Ship's Company every 
 necessary refreshment for the benefit of their health, for which 
 purpose you are to remain at either of the said places for the 
 space of seven days, and during that time you are to cause 
 your people to be supplied with fresh beef every day, with as
 
 /ET. 45.] LETTERS. 437 
 
 many onions, in addition to the quantity allowed by the 
 purser, as you and the Surgeon may deem necessary to 
 remove any taint of the scurvy which may have introduced 
 itself among them. You are, during your stay at the Bay of 
 Rosas, or Barcelona, as before mentioned, to purchase fifty 
 head of good sheep for the use of the sick on board the differ- 
 ent Ships, with a sufficient quantity, of corn and fodder to 
 last them for a month ; and if it is possible to procure thirty 
 thousand good oranges for the Fleet, with onions, or any other 
 vegetables, that will keep about eight or ten days, you will 
 also purchase them, together with as many live bullocks for 
 the Ships' Companies as you can conveniently stow, with 
 fodder to last them during your passage. Having remained 
 the above-mentioned time at anchor, and complied with the 
 purport of this order, you are to return and join the Fleet on 
 its present Rendezvous No. 100, with the utmost expedition, 
 where you will find me, or orders for your further proceedings. 
 You arc to acquaint any of his Majesty's Ships or Vessels 
 which you may fall in with where I am to be found. You are 
 to bring a sufficient quantity of good fresh vegetables for the 
 Active's Company to serve them a fortnight at sea, after your 
 leaving the anchorage. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 N.B. In the event of your going to the Bay of Rosas, you 
 will call upon Mr. Gayner, who was commissioned by Captain 
 Staines to procure ten chords of wood for the Victory, and 
 bring the whole of that quantit}' with you, or such part thereof 
 as the Cameleon may have left, and you can conveniently 
 stow. 
 
 TO DOCTOR MOSELEY, CHELSEA HOSPITAL* 
 [From Harrison's " Life of Nelson," vol. ii. p. -i!8.] 
 
 Victory, llth March, 180L 
 
 My dear Dr. Moseley, 
 
 Yesterday, I received the favour of the fourth edition of* 
 your invaluable work on Tropical diseases, &c., 4 and with it 
 your most kind letter ; and though I know myself not equal 
 to your praises, yet I feel that my honest intentions for the 
 
 1 Vide vol. i. ]>. 7.
 
 438 LETTERS. [1804. 
 
 good of the Service have ever been the same ; and as I rise in 
 rank, so do my exertions. The great thing in all Military 
 Service is health ; and you will agree with me, that it is easier 
 for an Officer to keep men healthy, than for a Physician to 
 cure them. Situated as this Fleet has been, without a friendly 
 Port, where we could get all the things so necessary for us, 
 yet I have, by changing the cruizing ground, not allowed the 
 sameness of prospect to satiate the mind sometimes by 
 looking at Toulon, Ville Franche, Barcelona, and Rosas ; 
 then running round Minorca, Majorca, Sardinia, and Corsica ; 
 and two or three times anchoring for a few days, and sending a 
 Ship to the last place for onions, which I find the best thing that 
 can be given to Seamen ; having always good mutton for the 
 sick, cattle when we can get them, and plenty of fresh water. 
 In the winter it is the best plan to give half the allowance of 
 grog, instead of all wine. These things are for the Commander- 
 in-Chief to look to ; but shut very nearly out from Spain, and 
 only getting refreshments by stealth from other places, my 
 Command has been an arduous one. 
 
 Cornwallis 5 has great merit for his persevering cruise, but 
 he has everything sent him : we have nothing. We seem 
 forgotten by the great folks at home. Our men's minds, 
 however, are always kept up with the daily hopes of meeting 
 the Enemy. I send you, as a curiosity, an account of our 
 deaths, and sent to the Hospital, out of six thousand men. 
 The Fleet put to sea on the 18th of May 1803, and is still 
 at sea ; not a Ship has been refitted, or recruited, excepting 
 what has been done at sea. You will readily believe that all 
 this must have shaken me. My sight is getting very bad ; 
 but / must not be sick until after the French Fleet is taken. 
 Then, I shall soon hope to take you by the hand, and have 
 further recourse to your skill for my eye. 
 
 I am always glad to hear good accounts of our dear Lady 
 Hamilton. That she is beloved wherever she is known, does 
 not surprise me : the contrary would, very much. I am sure 
 she feels most sincerely all your kindness. Believe me for 
 ever, my dear Doctor, your much obliged friend, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 5 His old friend (vide vol. i. p. 30) Admiral the Honourable William C oriiwallis, 
 then commanded the Squadron off UsLnnt*
 
 ^T. 45.] LETTERS. 439 
 
 TO THE RESPECTIVE CAPTAINS AND COMMANDERS OF HIS 
 MAJESTY'S SHIPS AND VESSELS ON THE MEDITERRANEAN 
 STATION. 
 
 [Order-Book.] 
 
 Memorandum. 
 
 Victory, at Sea, 13th March, 1804. 
 
 When any of his Majesty's Ships and Vessels under my 
 command is ordered to return to England, it is my most par- 
 ticular directions that they do not take away with them a 
 greater proportion of provisions, or stores of any description, 
 than may be necessary for the passage. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO LADY HAMILTON. 
 
 [From " Lord Nelson's Letters to Lady Hamilton," vol. ii. p. 10.] 
 
 Victory, March 14th, [1804,] off Toulon. 
 
 Young Faddy, 8 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 
 anything. The Surgeon of the Victory 7 is a very able, excel- 
 lent 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 .... 
 A thousand pounds a year will not go far ; and, we need be 
 
 6 Son of Captain Faddy, of the Vanguard, who was killed at the Battle of the 
 Nile. Vide vol. iii. pp. 54, 59, 127. 
 
 ' Mr. Magrath, now Doctor Sir George Magrath, K.H. Vide vol. ii. p. 443,
 
 440 LETTERS. [1804. 
 
 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. Graefer 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. Grsefer'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 [it] : 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 anything, 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 great 
 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 show Mr. Hasle- 
 wood 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 opportuni- 
 ties of sending to Naples: but, via 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
 
 LETTERS. 441 
 
 British Fair Cutter, I hope, is arrived safe. She has three 
 packets, from me, to England. The expenses of the alterations 
 at Merlon you are not to pay from the income. Let it all he 
 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, ihen, I care for nothing : all my 
 hopes are, to see you, and be happy, at dear Morton, again ; 
 but, I fear, this miscarriage of Pichegru's in France, will pro- 
 long 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 I gave her letter, yesterday, to Bolton. 
 He conducts himself very well, indeed. 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 ; there- 
 fore, 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 expenses. 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, everything is very expensive ; and, even we 
 find it, and will be obliged to economise, if we assist our 
 friends : and, I am sure, we shall 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 riot 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, 8 
 
 * His nieces and nephew, children of his sister, Mrs. Boltou.
 
 442 LETTERS. [1804. 
 
 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 ac- 
 count, 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 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO SIR EVAN NEPEAN, BART., ADMIRALTY. 
 [From a Copy in the Admiralty.] 
 
 Victory, at Sea, 15th March, 1804. 
 
 Sir, 
 
 I have received your most secret duplicate letter of the 13th 
 January, with a copy of the private letter from Mr. Eaton 
 therein mentioned, acquainting me that he had purchased in 
 the Russian Dominions, a certain quantity of Naval stores 
 and provisions for the use of the Fleet on the Mediterranean 
 station, and that he had made his arrangements for embark- 
 ing a part of that supply at Odessa, and signifying to me their 
 Lordships' direction to send two coppered Transports, in the 
 charge of an Agent, under the protection of a Frigate or 
 Sloop, to the above-mentioned place, for the purpose of bring- 
 ing away the articles which may have been so purchased by 
 Mr. Eaton. 
 
 In answer to which, you will please to acquaint the Lords 
 Commissioners of the Admiralty, that a Convoy has just 
 sailed from Valetta Harbour with Ships for Odessa, to bring 
 corn to Malta, which they were ordered to leave at Constan- 
 tinople, in consequence of a Proclamation from the Emperor 
 of Russia, prohibiting all Armed Vessels from entering the 
 Black Sea, as communicated to me in the enclosures from 
 Count Woronzow, the Russian Minister, and from Count 
 Alexander Woronzow, which accompanied your letter to me of
 
 JET. 45.] LETTERS. 443 
 
 the 28th September last. I shall, as early as possible, send two 
 coppered Transports, under the charge of Lieutenant Wood- 
 man, 7 to Odessa, escorted by a Frigate or Sloop of War to 
 Constantinople, for such articles of stores and provisions as 
 Mr. Eaton may have procured at the former place, arid shall 
 direct a proper Convoy to be in waiting to bring them from 
 Constantinople, on their return there, to Malta. 
 
 Lieutenant Pemberton, the late Agent of Transports at 
 Malta, having been some time ago superseded, and ordered 
 by the Transport Board to return to England, was appointed 
 Governor of the Naval Hospital at Malta, as mentioned in my 
 letter to you of the 21st December last, and therefore I judge 
 it expedient to send Lieutenant Woodman (who I understand 
 is a very sensible, intelligent Officer,) to Odessa, in his room. 
 Lieutenant Pemberton is certainly a worthy, as well as an old 
 and experienced Officer, whose services I trust their Lord- 
 ships for the present will reward by a confirmation of his 
 appointment, until something more to his advantage shall 
 offer. I am, &c. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO SIR EVAN NEPEAN, BART., ADMIRALTY. 
 
 [Original, in the Admiralty.] 
 
 Victory, at Sea, 15th March, 1804. 
 Sir, 
 
 I have this day received your duplicate most secret letter of 
 the 13th January last, acquainting me, that in consequence 
 of the hostile preparations which are now making in the dif- 
 ferent Ports of Spain, it has been deemed expedient to re-in- 
 force the Squadron under my command with the Royal 
 Sovereign, and that the Leviathan is to follow her with the 
 Mediterranean Convoy, appointed to sail on the 10th of last 
 month ; and as it is probable Sir Richard Bickerton would be 
 desirous of shifting his flag to the Royal Sovereign, their 
 Lordships conceive it a mark of attention due to his rank and 
 services, that he should be allowed to do so. 
 
 In answer to which, you will please to acquaint the Lords 
 
 8 Lieutenant Henry Frederick Woodman : he died a Lieutenant about 1811.
 
 444 LETTERS. [1804. 
 
 Commissioners of the Admiralty, that Sir Richard Bickerton 
 is to shift his flag to the Royal Sovereign, the moment the 
 weather and other circumstances will admit, and that I shall 
 appoint Captain Malcolm to the Kent, agreeably to their 
 direction. And in farther obedience to their Lordships' 
 instructions, communicated in your said letter, the strictest 
 regard shall be paid to the conduct of Spain; and I have the 
 pleasure to acquaint you that the Squadron under my com- 
 mand is all collected, except the Gibraltar, complete in their 
 provisions and stores to near five months, and in a perfect 
 state of readiness to act as the exigency of the moment shall 
 render necessary. I am, c. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO CAPTAIN ROSS DONNELLY, H.M. SHIP NARCISSUS. 
 [Letter-Book.] 
 
 Victory, at Sen, 15th March, 1804. 
 
 Sir, 
 
 Having directed the Commander of his Majesty's Ship 
 Cameleon to proceed off Cape Corse, and on falling in with 
 the Narcissus, put himself under your command, I am, there- 
 fore to desire you will take him and the said Sloop under your 
 command, and employ her in such manner as you may judge 
 best for the service you are ordered upon. Should you obtain 
 any intelligence of the Enemy's movements or intentions 
 necessary for me to be acquainted with, I am to desire you 
 will join me with the utmost expedition, with an account 
 thereof on Rendezvous No. 100, where you will find me, or 
 information where the Squadron may have gone to. You are 
 to continue on this service for the space of one month from 
 this date ; and at the expiration thereof, join me on the above 
 Rendezvous; or, in the event of not finding the Squadron 
 there, you will proceed to Rendezvous 97, under Cape St. 
 Sebastian. I am, &c., 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE.
 
 ^ET. 45.] LETTERS 445 
 
 TO JAMES CUTFORTH, ESQ. AGENT VICTUALLER, GIBRALTAR. 
 [Letter-Book.] 
 
 Victory, at Sea, 15th March, 1804. 
 
 Sir, 
 
 I have received your letter of the 23rd ultimo, together 
 with a copy of the one therein-mentioned from the Commis- 
 sioners of the Victualling, respecting the further sum of 10,000 
 being sent me in specie, for the general use of the Fleet 
 under my command ; and also directing you to supply me 
 with such further sums of money as I may find necessary for 
 the above purpose. In answer to which, I have to acquaint 
 you, that the 18,000 hard dollars mentioned in your said letter 
 have been received by the Royal Sovereign, and that Mr. 
 Ford, the Agent- Victualler, will grant a receipt for the same, 
 as mentioned in my letter to you of the 10th ultimo on 
 that subject. I approve of your taking advantage of the 
 exchange being under par for procuring the necessary sum of 
 dollars for the future use of the Fleet, and which you will 
 forward in such sums as the Agent- Victualler may find 
 necessary to call for, and take his receipts for it, as before 
 mentioned. I am, &c., 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO CAPTAIN GORE, H.M. SHIP MEDUSA. 
 [Letter-Book.] 
 
 Victory, at Sea, 15th March, 1804. 
 
 Sir, 
 
 I have this day received your letter of the 18th ultimo, 
 together with copies of the orders therein mentioned ; and 
 under the circumstances of information which you received 
 from his Excellency Mr. Frere, his Majesty's Minister at 
 Madrid, I very much approve of the judicious arrangements 
 you have made of his Majesty's Ships named in the margin, 8 
 and also of your having detained the sailing of the Diana and 
 Convoy. But I have extremely to regret that Mr. Frere 
 should have put such a construction on my letter, 9 and inter- 
 
 Medusa, Amphion, Maidstone. ' Of the 23rd of January. Vide p. 387.
 
 446 LETTERS. [1804. 
 
 preted what only amounted to a belief, into a positive certainty. 
 The intention, no doubt, was well meant. The Enemy are 
 still in Port, and there can be little doubt of their intentions 
 of putting to sea the moment they are in all respects ready, 
 and a favourable opportunity offers for that purpose ; but I 
 trust the season of the year will enable me to watch them so 
 closely as to fall in with them soon after their leaving Toulon. 
 
 I am, &e., 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO SIR EVAN NEPEAN, BART., ADMIRALTY. 
 
 [Letter-Book.] 
 
 Victory, at Sea, 15th March, 1804. 
 
 Sir, 
 
 In further compliance with their Lordships' direction, com- 
 municated to me in your duplicate letter of the 9th November 
 last, I herewith transmit you copy of my letter of 12th 
 January, to Rear- Admiral Sir Richard Bickerton, who I had 
 directed to inquire into the circumstances of Lieutenant 
 Shaw's conduct, in entering the Port of Girgenti, in Sicily, 
 and capturing three English Merchant Ships, which had 
 been taken by two French Privateers, and carried into that 
 Port. The Rear-Admiral, not having received my letter 
 above mentioned till after his leaving Malta, sent it to Captain 
 Cracraft of the Anson. I am, therefore, not enabled to send 
 their Lordships the particulars on this subject so fully at 
 present as was my intention; but I conceive it proper to 
 transmit you, for their information, a copy of a letter from 
 Lieutenant Shaw, and, also, a copy of one from Mr. Edmund 
 Noble, a respectable Merchant at Malta, and to acquaint you 
 that the most early opportunity shall be taken of further 
 investigating into this circumstance. It is but justice to 
 mention that the conduct of our Cruizers in these seas, under 
 the particular circumstances they have experienced by the 
 Enemy's Privateers claiming the protection of Neutrality at 
 the different Ports, from whence they have committed un- 
 warrantable depredations on our Trade, has been actuated 
 from the best motives, although perhaps, in some instances, 
 not so perfectly correct. I am, &c., 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE.
 
 ,ET. 45.] LETTERS. 447 
 
 TO SIR EVAN NEPEAN, BART., ADMIRALTY. 
 
 [Original, in the Admiralty.] 
 
 Victory, at Sea, 15th March, 1804.. 
 
 Sir, 
 
 You will please to acquaint the Lords Commissioners of 
 the Admiralty that I have received their order of the llth 
 January last, and agreeably to the instructions therein con- 
 tained, shall give the most strict orders to the Captains and 
 Commanders of his Majesty's Ships and Vessels under my 
 command, whenever they are in want of stores, to apply, if it 
 can be done, to the Naval Officers at Gibraltar and Malta for 
 a supply thereof, and not to purchase any article of stores 
 whatever at Lisbon, unless such purchase shall be absolutely 
 and unavoidably necessary. 
 
 I have every reason to believe that Captain Gore's purchase 
 at Lisbon, mentioned in the extract of his letter of the 4th 
 December last, which accompanies this, was absolutely neces- 
 sary, as, by Commissioner Otway's letters of the 2nd and 30th 
 November, the Magazines at Gibraltar were almost bare of 
 every necessary article of stores. In my letter of the 10th 
 January last, I transmitted the Navy-Board an extract of 
 Captain Gore's before-mentioned letter on the subject of the 
 purchase of stores at Lisbon. I am, Sir, &c., 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO SIR EVAN NEPEAN, BART.. ADMIRALTY. 
 
 [Original, in the Admiralty.] 
 
 Victory, at Sea, 15th March, 1804. 
 
 Sir, 
 
 I herewith transmit you a copy of a letter from Captain 
 Cracraft of his Majesty's Ship Anson, together with a copy of 
 the one therein mentioned from Captain Raynsford of the 
 Morgiana, giving an account of his having taken possession 
 of the French Privateer L'lntrepide, at the Island of Milo, 
 which you will please to lay before the Lords Commissioners 
 of the Admiralty, for their information. I am, Sir, &c., 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE,
 
 448 LETTERS [1804. 
 
 TO REAR-ADMIRAL SIR RICHARD BICKERTON, BART. 
 
 [Order Book.] 
 
 Victory, at Sea, 15th March, 1804. 
 
 Pursuant to instructions from the Lords Commissioners 
 of the Admiralty, you are hereby required and directed to 
 strike your Flag on board his Majesty's Ship Kent, and hoist 
 it on board his Majesty's Ship Royal Sovereign, as soon as 
 conveniently may be. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO CAPTAIN DANVERS, ROYAL MARINES, ILM. SHIP BELLEISLE. 
 
 [Letter- Book.] 
 
 Victory, at Sea, 10th March, ISOi. 
 Sir, 
 
 I have received your letter of the 14th instant, respecting 
 the monthly Returns of the different detachments of Marines, 
 on board the Ships of the Squadron, being made to you, for 
 the purposes therein mentioned. In answer to which as it 
 has hitherto been customary for the Commanding Marine 
 Officers of the different Ships to send their monthly Returns 
 to the Admiralty, I do not wish to make any alteration unless 
 such should appear to their Lordships as necessary, and 
 ordered by them in consequence. I am, &c., 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO THE RUSSIAN GENTLEMEN ON BOARD HIS MAJESTY'S SHIP 
 ROYAL SOVEREIGN. 
 
 [Letter-Book.] 
 
 Victory, at Sea, 10th March, 1801. 
 
 Gentlemen, 
 
 Far removed from your Country and relations, and placed 
 to serve in the Fleet under my command, I desire that you 
 will, on every occasion, both in public and private concerns, 
 consult with me, and let me know your wants and wishes, and 
 always consider me as your sincere friend, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE.
 
 JET. 45.] LETTERS. 449 
 
 TO ALEXANDER DAVISON, ESQ. 
 [Autograph, in the possession of Colonel Davison.] 
 
 Victory, March 17th, [1804.] 
 
 My dear Friend, 
 
 I cannot sufficiently thank you for all your kindness to me, 
 and to my dearest friend Lady Hamilton ; and thanks is all 
 which I can give you. So our friend Nepean 1 is gone from 
 the Admiralty at last ; it will be play, any other station, 
 and I sincerely hope his health will be re-established. All 
 the things you ordered from Turner, at Portsmouth, are safe 
 arrived. We are waiting impatiently for the French sailing ; 
 but the unexpected arrival of the Royal Sovereign 2 may keep 
 them still in Port. A Spanish War seems very uncertain. I 
 hardly think it possible, but I am prepared for all events. 
 My friends need not to fear that I shall be taken napping. I 
 am much pressed for time ; for a new Captain has this morn- 
 ing joined for the Belleisle, and Captain Whitby is ordered to 
 be expedited home to join Admiral Cornwallis. Mr. Marsden 
 will, I dare say, receive my letters, and do the kind things 
 about my letters, &c., as good Nepean did. When you write 
 Nepean, make my kind regards, and also to Lord Moira ; and 
 believe me ever, for ever, whether I write or not, your much 
 obliged friend, NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO THE RIGHT HONOURABLE LORD HOBART, SECRETARY OF 
 STATE FOR THE WAR DEPARTMENT. 3 
 
 [Original, in the Colonial Office.] 
 
 Victory, March 17th, 1804. 
 
 My Lord, 
 
 In obedience to your wishes to be informed of the state of 
 the Sea-ports in the Pachalick of Ali Vizir, I sent a most 
 
 1 Sir Evan Nepean had retired from the Secretaryship to the Admiralty, and was 
 succeeded by William Marsden, Esq. 
 
 * Lord Nelson's Squadron was reinforced, on the 14th of March, by tl;0 arrival 
 of the Royal Sovereign, of 100 gnns, Captain Pulteney Malcolm, afterwards Vice- 
 Admiral Sir Pulteney Malcolm, G.C.B., G.C.M.G., who died on the 20th of July 
 1838. 
 
 * Lord Nelson had then just received the following Letter from Lord Hobart : 
 
 " My Lord, li Downing Street, 7th January, 1804. 
 
 " I am to acknowledge the receipt of your Lordship's dispsUcb.es of the IGth and 
 VOL. V. GO
 
 450 LETTERS. [1804. 
 
 intelligent Officer, Captain Cracraft, upon that service. I 
 send you his account of the Port of Panormo, and also how 
 the Country appeared to him. His Ship running on shore, 
 obliged him to return to Malta. I send an extract of Mr. 
 Foresti's letter, by which your Lordship will observe that he 
 thinks there are many Ports which could contain in safety 
 a number of Ships of War, and that the Country abounds 
 
 20th October, (vide pp. 248, 258, ante,) all of which, with their respective enclo- 
 sures, I have had the honour to lay before the King. 
 
 " The vigilant and zealous attention therein manifested for the Public interests 
 has afforded much satisfaction to his Majesty, and I am particularly commanded to 
 express his Majesty's most gracious approbation of the line of conduct which, under 
 the circumstances represented in your letter of the 10th of October, you have deemed 
 it advisable to pursue towards the Kegency of Algiers, and especially of your in- 
 tention, at all events, not to commence hostilities until you can strike an effectual 
 blow against the Cruizers belonging to that Power. It is, however, without doubt, 
 of the greatest consequence, at the present moment, to obviate the necessity of 
 resorting to measures of force against the Barbary States, provided forbearance can 
 be maintained without detriment to the dignity of his Majesty's Crown, or to the 
 security of those who are placed under the protection of his Government; and 
 as some of the Vessels which have been captured by the Algerine Cruizers, may 
 have been taken with passports whose dates had expired, as is suggested by Sir 
 Alexander Ball, I entertain the strongest hope, that by means of explanation between 
 your Lordship and his Majesty's Civil Commissioner at Malta, and subsequent 
 communication with the Algerine Government, the ground of future complaint 
 will be obviated. If, on the other hand, it should be found absolutely necessary, 
 after such explanation and communication, to establish the authority of the Pass- 
 ports granted in the name of his Majesty, by active measures, I place the most 
 complete dependence upon your Lordship's discretion, energy, and vigour for carry- 
 ing his Majesty's former instructions of the 23rd of August, into full effect. 
 
 "1 am also to convey his Majesty's approbation of your Lordship's correspond- 
 ence, and the system you have in consequence pursued with respect to the Bashaw 
 of Tripoli. The critical situation of the Island of Corfu, and the whole of the 
 Morea, cannot too strongly claim your Lordship's attention, for the defence of which 
 important countries you have already made so excellent a disposition of your 
 Cruizers. Whatever may prove to be the real object of the French Fleet, should it, 
 by any circumstances of wind and weather, be freed from the blockade in which it 
 is held by the Squadron under your Lordship's command, I still entertain the most 
 sanguine expectation, that the measures you make take, upon your apprehension of 
 its probable destination, will enable you to justify the confidence you express of 
 frustrating all its plans. 
 
 " I entirely concur in the propriety of keeping a Vessel at Naples for the per- 
 sonal security of the Royal Family, lest the progress of events should render their 
 retreat from thence indispensable : and I depend much upon the execution of your 
 Lordship's instructions, to receive Recruits on board his Majesty's Ships, for over- 
 coming the difficulties which the activity of the Agents of France have opposed to 
 the progress of the Recruiting Service in Switzerland. I have the honour o be, &c., 
 HOBART." Autograph, in the Nelson Papers.
 
 JET. 45.] LETTERS. 451 
 
 with Ship-timber, and everything else. Our communication 
 with Ali Vizir had, I am of opinion, better be in future car- 
 ried on through him : he is a very intelligent man, and, I 
 believe, fully to be trusted. 
 
 Sardinia will be in the hands of the French, either by 
 compact, exchange, or insurrection. It is the summum bonum 
 of everything which is valuable for us in the Mediterranean. 
 The more I know of it, the more I am convinced of its 
 inestimable value, from position, Naval Port, and resources of 
 all kinds. I am rather led to believe that the French are 
 negotiating very hard for an exchange. Sir Alexander Ball 
 thinks the French are destined for Egypt, and every Power 
 thinks they are destined against them ; but whatever the 
 French may intend to do, I trust, and with confidence, they 
 are destined for Spithead. I am afraid Mr, Frere has created 
 some little alarm that the French Fleet has escaped us. My 
 letter to him 4 was intended to do away any such fears. I beg 
 leave, in justice to myself, to send your Lordship a copy of it. 
 I shall not take up more of your time than to say that I 
 believe the King of Naples, Sardinia, and the Porte, place 
 confidence in us to save them from the French. I am, &c., 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO CAPTAIN GORE, H. M. SHIP MEDUSA. 
 [Letter-Book.] 
 
 Victory, at Sea, 17th March, 1804. 
 
 Sir, 
 
 I have just received your letter of the 5th ultimo, together 
 with the several inclosures therein mentioned, and very much 
 approve of every part of your conduct. I regret that I did not 
 know of the Diana's being ordered to England with the Trade, 
 as I would have detained the Braakel to have assisted in the 
 blockade of L'Aigle. Your intentions of attacking that Ship 
 with the small Squadron under your command are certainly 
 very laudable ; but I do not consider your force by any means 
 equal to it. I must, however, leave your judgment to deter- 
 mine upon this point, as well as with regard to the future 
 
 * Vide p. 387, ante.
 
 452 LETTERS. [1804- 
 
 arrangement of the Ships under your orders ; and only observe 
 that the protection of our Commerce, and the destruction of 
 the Enemy's Privateers and Cruizers, are most essential 
 objects for your consideration. I must desire to refer you to 
 my secret letter of yesterday's date, with respect to the 
 Spaniards, and that you will furnish me with the most early 
 intelligence of the Enemy's Ships, should they escape from 
 Ferrol and be bound into the Mediterranean. I am, &c., 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO CAPTAIN SUTTON, H.M. SHIP AMPHION. 
 [Autograph, in the possession of Captain Ives Sutton.] 
 
 March 17th, 1804. 
 
 My dear Sutton, 
 
 Many thanks for your letter of February 9th, and I assure 
 you that I shall always rejoice in your success, whether I may 
 be benefited or not. The French Fleet will some day or 
 other put to sea, and it shall go hard but that some of them 
 shall visit Spithead. I am ever, dear Sutton, your much 
 obliged friend, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 Hardy writes you. 
 
 TO ADMIRAL THE EARL OF ST. VINCENT, K.B. 
 
 [From Clarke and M'Arthur, vol. ii. p. 359.] 
 
 March 17th, 1801. 
 
 My dear Lord, 
 
 Whilst I have your support, and the Officers of the Fleet 
 look up to me, I can do anything which the number of Ships 
 can allow the warmest wishes of my friends to anticipate. 
 Take that from me, and I am nothing. I am the child of 
 opinion, and the Admiralty can with their breath destroy it. 
 But I rely with confidence upon you, my dear Lord, and that 
 alone keeps me up. My general health, I think, within this 
 last fortnight is better; but my sight is much fallen off, I 
 have always thought I should be blind. If I can but meet 
 the French Fleet, and do the thing well, I shall certainly ask 
 for rest ; it is necessary for me. I have sent your nephew 5 
 
 9 Captain Porker, of the Amazon,
 
 JET. 45.] LETTERS. 453 
 
 this morning, to see if he can lay salt upon the tail of a French 
 Frigate ; I every day see new and excellent traits in him. 
 Hardy is his great pattern about his Ship, and a better he 
 could not have. I have only to hope the restless animal, 
 Buonaparte, will be upset by Frenchmen, and then we may 
 have some quiet. I am, &c., 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO CAPTAIN SIR THOMAS TROUBRIDGE, BART., ADMIRALTY. 
 [From Clarke and M' Arthur, vol. ii. p. 360.] 
 
 ITtli March, 1804. 
 
 My dear Troubridge, 
 
 You must have reading enough, and your letters convey to 
 you only complaints and misery, of Ships and Men. I have 
 none to make: we are all cheerful and healthy, and our ex- 
 penditure of stores has been, comparatively speaking, nothing. 
 The French want to get out, and we want them out. Yester- 
 day two of their Frigates were outside Hieres, peeping to 
 know if we were gone to the Devil. Ball is sure they are 
 going to Egypt; the Turks are sure they are going to the 
 Morea ; Mr. Elliot at Naples, to Sicily ; and the King of 
 Sardinia, to his only spot. Your son 6 cannot be anywhere so 
 well placed as with Donnelly. I am, &c., 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS THE DUKE OF CLARENCE. 
 
 [From Clarke and M'Arthur, vol. ii. p. 300, who state that, " at the conclusion 
 of a long and most interesting Letter to his Royal Highness, in which Nelson 
 pointed out how very erroneous the opinions of some of our ablest Ministers, and 
 even of the French themselves, had been, respecting a thorough knowledge of the 
 Mediterranean," he added:] 
 
 [Query, March, 1804.] 
 
 I have often sat and smiled to hear grave and eminent 
 Senators expatiate on the importance of a place, 7 which I well 
 knew was of no importance to us. I think I have told your 
 Royal Highness enough, to induce you at all times to steer 
 clear of possessing it. I am, &c., 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 e Now Rear-Admiral Sir Edward Thomas Troubridge, Bart., C.B. 
 7 Query, Malta ?
 
 454 LETTERS. [1804. 
 
 TO CAPTAIN RYVES, H.M. SHIP GIBRALTAR. 
 [Letter-Book.] 
 
 Victory, at Sea, 18th March, 1804. 
 
 Sir, 
 
 I have this day transmitted an order to his Excellency 
 Sir John Acton, Bart., directing the return of his Majesty's 
 Ship under your command to join me on the Rendezvous 
 No. 100, as therein mentioned, the moment he shall signify 
 that his Majesty the King of Naples has no further occasion 
 for the services of the Gibraltar. You will herewith receive a 
 List of Rendezvous from No. 97 to No. 101, issued to the 
 Squadron since you left it, together with the Order of Battle 
 and of Sailing. I am, &c., 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO ALEXANDER DAVISON, ESQ. 
 [Autograph, in the possession of Colonel Davison.] 
 
 Victory, March 18th, 1803. 
 
 My dear Davison, 
 
 I have not only personal obligations to yoil out of number, 
 but also a load of pecuniary debt. This latter I must manage 
 and pay off; therefore, I beg that you will let me know how 
 the account stands. We hope the Dutch Ship will be given 
 us ; for it will be very hard that those taken before June 1 3th 
 should not be given to the Captors. We were equally at 
 War. We all look to you, as our Agent, for having petitioned, 
 or done whatever is proper, in order to obtain it ; and if it is 
 given up, you will, of course, keep my proportion, two-thirds 
 of one-eighth, in your hands, and place it to my credit, as also 
 that of Copenhagen, and every day I am asked why it is not 
 paid? At all events, a portion might be reserved for the 
 Army ; but I should think Mr. Falkner could easily get this 
 settled, and Sir Hyde might write [?] about it. At all events, I 
 must try and get out of your debt for money. There is not 
 one farthing of Prize-money stirring here. Except at the 
 first start, I have not got enough to pay my expenses. You 
 will place the 200 sent Mr. Bolton to my account. She 8 is 
 
 * Query, Lady Hamilton.
 
 /ET. 45.] LETTERS. 455 
 
 generous beyond her means, and, therefore, she should not be 
 asked for what is not in her power to spare. I much doubt 
 whether the Pension 9 will ever be given more shame for them ! 
 I am sorry to hear you have not been well, which has 
 grieved me very much. Take care of yourself; for what 
 signifies all the riches of this world! I am ever, my dear 
 Davison, most faithfully yours, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO HIS EXCELLENCY HUGH ELLIOT, ESQ. 
 
 [Autograph, in the Elliot Papers.] 
 
 Victory, March 18th, 1803. 
 My dear Sir, 
 
 The Royal Sovereign has joined me, and the Admiralty, 
 unless our Enemies increase by the Spaniards, will order a 
 Ship to England in lieu of her ; therefore, as the Gibraltar is 
 ordered to be refitted at Gibraltar, I must request that she 
 may leave Naples whenever the King has no further com- 
 mands for her. I have sent orders to Captain Ryves, and 
 shall write to his Excellency Sir John Acton ; for, however 
 displeased the Admiralty may be with me for keeping a Ship 
 of the Line constantly at Naples, yet I have always considered, 
 and do still consider the preservation of the Royal Family a 
 most particular part of my duty. I have no doubts but that 
 the French Fleet would long ago have sailed from Toulon, but 
 for the commotions in France. 
 
 Your Excellency's two packets of January . . . , and February 
 14th, arrived the same day one by Cagliari, the other by the 
 Cameleon. Nothing but Troops can save Sardinia; and if 
 Russia does not send them, she only misleads the King of 
 Sardinia. I believe they are jealous of our doing anything, 
 and will do nothing themselves. 
 
 I have been but very indifferent, but I am much recovered, 
 and I hope to hold out a few months longer, when I shall lay 
 down my Office, which, whoever may take up, however they 
 may carry on the service with greater ability, will never do it 
 with more zeal than, my dear Sir, your faithful and obliged, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE, 
 
 My eyesight is very, very bad. 
 
 * Apparently, to Lady Hamilton.
 
 456 LETTERS. [1804. 
 
 TO THE RIGHT HONOURABLE LORD IIOBART. 
 
 [Original, in the Colonial Office.] 
 
 Victory, March 19th, 1804. 
 
 My Lord, 
 
 I send a letter which I have just received from the Bey of 
 Tunis, and I am sure that your Lordship will think it right to 
 pay attention to his request, but not knowing the name of the 
 Neutral Vessel or Vessels may create some little difficulty ; but 
 I shall assure his Highness of the readiness of his Majesty's 
 Ministers to meet his wishes, and that the moment I receive 
 the passports, they shall be sent to him. I am, &c., 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO SIR EVAN NEPEAN, BART., ADMIRALTY. 
 
 [Letter-Book.] 
 
 Victory, at Sea, 19th March, 1804. 
 
 Sir, 
 
 You will please to acquaint the Lords Commissioners of the 
 Admiralty, that the Enemy's Fleet at Toulon is still in Port, 
 but in a perfect state of readiness to proceed to sea. The 
 Seahorse reconnoitred them on the 17th instant eight Sail 
 of the Line are in the outer Road, and two in the inner. 
 Their Frigates and Corvettes are, apparently, all perfectly 
 equipped. I am, &c., 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO CAPTAIN RICHARDSON, H.M. SHIP JUNO. 
 
 [Letter- Book.] 
 Most Secret. Victory, at Sea, 19th March, 1804. 
 
 Sir, 
 
 As it is probable from the recent accounts I have received 
 from the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty that a rup- 
 ture with Spain may soon take place, I am to desire you will 
 communicate weekly with Mr. Gibert, His Majesty's Consul 
 at Barcelona, in order to obtain the most early information of 
 the intentions of Spain towards our Country ; but, I must
 
 /EX. 45.] LETTERS. 457 
 
 request that you will on no account suffer the least hint of 
 this to escape. In communicating with Barcelona, I must 
 desire you will keep His Majesty's Ship Juno, under your 
 command, well out of reach of shot from the Spanish Forts or 
 Batteries, and send an Officer on shore to Mr. Gibert, to ob- 
 tain the news and such intelligence as he may have to transmit 
 to me, and if you judge it necessary for my immediate in- 
 formation, you will join me on my present Rendezvous, 
 No. 100, herewith enclosed, without a moment's loss of time. 
 I am, &c., 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 N.B. It is to be remembered that Mr. Gibert is a 
 Spaniard ; and, therefore, only request him to send any 
 letters which may arrive from Madrid for me, with any News- 
 papers or other circumstances he may have to communicate. 
 
 TO CAPTAIN LAYMAN, H.M. SLOOP WEAZLE. 
 
 [Letter Book.] 
 
 Victor}', at Sea, 19th March, 1804. 
 Sir, 
 
 It is my direction that you omit no opportunity of raising 
 good men for the Victory as she is very much in want of 
 them, and bear them on a supernumerary list ; and you will 
 produce this order, that no Senior Officer may presume to take 
 them from the Weazle. I am, Sir, &c., 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 You will send them every opportunity 
 
 TO CAPTAIN LAYMAN, H.M. SLOOP WEAZLE. 
 [Letter-Book.] 
 
 Victory, at Sea, 19th March, 1804i 
 
 Sir, 
 
 In answer to your letter of the 20th October last, respecting 
 the complement of His Majesty's Sloop under your command, 
 I am to desire you will increase the complement of the said 
 Sloop to the number it was last War ; and with respect to the
 
 458 LETTERS. [1804. 
 
 other parts of your letter, the Weazle must strictly execute 
 the orders she is under from me, and such as the Senior 
 Officer may find necessary, from time to time, to give in ad- 
 dition. I am, &c., 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO CAPTAIN PHILIP LEWIS ROSENHAGEN, H.M. SLOOP 
 LA SOPHIE. 
 
 [Order-Book.] 
 
 Victory, at Sea, 19th March, 1804. 
 
 You are hereby required and directed to proceed imme- 
 diately with his Majesty's Sloop La Sophie under your com- 
 mand to Rendezvous No. 97, under Cape St. Sebastians, 
 where you will find his Majesty's Ship Juno, and on doing 
 so, you will deliver my most secret letter, which accompanies 
 this, to Captain Richardson ; but should you not fall in with 
 the Juno after cruizing on the above Rendezvous with the 
 utmost activity for the space of forty-eight hours, you are to 
 proceed to Gibraltar, and deliver the whole of my Public 
 dispatches, which you will herewith receive, to Commissioner 
 Otway at that place. After having so done, you will remain 
 at Gibraltar forty-eight hours for such dispatches as Lieu- 
 tenant-General Sir Thomas Trigge and Commissioner Otway 
 may have to send to me, and afterwards proceed, without loss 
 of time, to Rendezvous No. 97, where you will find me, or 
 orders for your further proceedings. In the event of your 
 falling in with a Spanish Fleet or Squadron, either in your 
 way to Gibraltar, or on your return, you are to be very careful 
 in not approaching too near them, and instantly return to 
 me with an account thereof on the above Rendezvous, No. 
 97. You are to receive Captain Whitby, late of the Belleisle, 
 his servant, baggage, &c., with any other person he may have 
 to take with him, and give them a passage to Gibraltar, 
 victualling them, on a supernumerary list, the same as your 
 Sloop's Company during their continuance on board. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE.
 
 JET. 45.] LETTERS. 459 
 
 TO HEAR-ADMIRAL SIR JOHN DUCKWORTH, K.B. 
 
 [From Clarke and M 'Arthur, vol. ii. p. 360.] 
 
 19th March, 1804. 
 
 There is not a man in the world, that rejoices more at the 
 happy conclusion you have given to the French Expedition to 
 St. Domingo, 5 than myself, and for all your well-earned suc- 
 cesses: your perseverance deserves to be amply rewarded. 
 Now, you have done with the French, unless you can get hold 
 by agreement with the sold Spaniards, of their part of St. 
 Domingo, (for I hope in God we shall never attempt to pos- 
 sess any portion of the other part of that Island,) although I 
 see all the danger of a Black Republic, yet I trust we shall 
 be very particular in making a treaty of commerce with 
 them. It is a nice game to play ; but if you are contented, I 
 am sure it is in good and able hands. I hope to hold out, to 
 beat your friend Admiral la Touche Treville, 9 who took the 
 
 8 Rear- Admiral Sir John Thomas Duckworth, K.B., Commander-in- Chief at 
 Jamaica, concluded, in December, 1803, a negotiation with General Eochambeati, 
 the Commander of the French forces at St. Domingo, by which that Officer and his 
 Troops surrendered as Prisoners of War. "From General Eochambeau's extra- 
 ordinary conduct on the public service," says Captain Loriug, in his Dispatch, 
 "neither Captain Bligh nor myself have had anything to say to him further than 
 complying with his wishes in allowing him to remain on board the Surveillante until 
 her arrival at Jamaica, which I very readily agreed to, as also the Commodore." 
 London Gazette, 7th February, 1804. 
 
 6 Vice-Admiral la Touche Treville, Commander-in-Chief of the French Fleet, 
 has become a person of historical importance from the assertion of Monsieur Thiers, 
 that the death of that gallant Officer, in August 1804, saved England from Invasion ! 
 He is again frequently mentioned by Nelson, to whom, on the 14th of February 1804, 
 he wrote the following letter in reply to his letter to the French Admiral, dated on 
 the 10th of December, 1803, in p. 298, ante. Instead, however, of imitating Lord 
 Nelson's example by sending this letter direct, by a Flag of Truce, Admiral la 
 Touche Treville directed it to Malta, and forwarded it through the French Post 
 Office, so that it did not reach Nelson's hands until the end of May or beginning of 
 
 June: 
 
 " A bord du V au le Bucentaure en Bade de Toulon le 28 pluviose, 
 
 (18 Fevrier, 1804) an 12 e de la Republique Francaise. 
 " Le Vice-Amiral la Touche-Treville, de la Legion d'Houneur, Commandant en 
 
 Chef une Escadre dans la Mediterranee, 
 " A Son Excellence Lord Nelson, Due de Bronte, Commandant en Chef lea 
 
 Forces Navales de S. M. Britannique dans la Mediterranee. 
 " Monsieur, 
 
 " J'ai re$u la lettre que votre Excellence a adressee au Commandant de 1'Armee 
 Navale a Toulon, sous la date du 4 X bre dernier. N'ayant pris que depuis peu le 
 Commaudement de cette armee, je u'ai point eu connaissauce de 1'objet de vos 
 reproches, sur lesquels par consequent je ne suis pas fonde a repondre. 
 
 " Je me suis empresse de faire part a mon Gouvernement de ce qui concerne
 
 460 LETTERS. [1804. 
 
 command at Toulon the moment of his arrival there, lie 
 was sent for on purpose, as he beat me at Boulogne, to beat me 
 again ; but he seems very loth to try. I am, &c., 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO SIR EVAN NEPEAN, BART., ADMIRALTY. 
 [Original, iu the Admiralry.] 
 
 Sir, Victory, at Sea, lOth March, 1804. 
 
 I herewith transmit you, for the information of the Lords 
 Commissioners of the Admiralty, a letter from Captain Hardy 
 
 of His Majesty's Ship Victory, respecting Mr , the 
 
 Purser of the said Ship, not having joined ; and, I request 
 you will communicate to their Lordships the great distress 
 Captain Hardy has been subject to, in the purchase of neces- 
 
 Fechange que vous proposez ; aussitot que ses intentions nie seront conmies, je ne 
 mauquerai pas d' avoir 1'honneur de les participer a votre Excellence, et de prendre 
 tons les moyens qui sont en mon pouvoir pour satisfaire au desir qu'elle temoigne, 
 ct aux sentimens d'humanite qui les lui a inspires. J'ai I'liouueur d'etre de votrc 
 Excellence le tres obe'issant serviteur, LA TOBCHE TBEVJLLE." Autograph, in the 
 Nelson Papers. 
 
 Vice- Admiral la Touclie Treville communicated the decision of his Government re- 
 specting the proposed exchange of Prisoners, in the following Letter, dated on the 
 22nd of March, which, like the preceding one, he sent, via Paris, directed to Lord 
 Nelson at Malta ! 
 
 " A bord du Vaisseau de la Republique Francaise le Bucentaure, 
 eurade de Toulon le l* r germinal de Fan 12 (22 Mars, 1804.) 
 
 " A Sou Excellence Lord Nelson, Due de Bronte, Commandant en Chef les Forces 
 
 Navales de S. M. Britannique dans la Mediterranee. 
 " Monsieur, 
 
 "J'ai 1'honneur de faire couuaitre a Votre Excellence les intentions de mou 
 Gouvemement sur ce qui fesait Fobjet de la lettre que vous avez adressee au Com- 
 mandant des Forces Navales a Toulon, et dont j'ai en celui de vous accuser 
 reception. 
 
 " II me charge de mauder a votre Excellence que tout echauge de prisouniers 
 entre les deux Puissances, est devenu impossible par les conditions inadmissible^ 
 que S. M. Britannique a voulu imposer a Fetablissement d'tin Cartel ; et que pour 
 eviter les inconveniens attaches a Fadmission des parlementaires dans un port 
 uniquement consacre aux operations militaires et navales, il avail affecte speciale- 
 ment le port de la Ciotat sur la Mediterranee a les recevoir. C'est done par ce seul 
 port que je pourrai recevoir les communications dont il plairait a Votre Excellence 
 de m'honorer. J'ai Fhonuer.r d'etre, de Votre Excellence le tres obeissant serviteur, 
 L.v TOUCHE TREVILLE, Vice-Amiral, Commandant en Chef les Forces Navales de 
 1A Republique Frai^aise dans la Mediterranee." Autograph, in the Nelson Paper?.
 
 JET. 45.] LETTERS. 461 
 
 saries, and that if it had not been for Mr. Bromley, Purser of 
 the Belleisle, who has on all occasions purchased beef, &c., 
 for the Victory's Company, the Service must have suffered 
 materially. 
 
 I feel much indebted to Mr. Bromley for his attention to 
 
 these particulars, and certainly consider Mr 's conduct 
 
 not only reprehensible, but that he ought not to have any 
 employment in the Service : almost twelvemonths since his 
 appointment, and not yet joined, or any account of him ! I 
 am, Sir, &c., NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO VICE-ADMIRAL BLIGH. 
 [From " Marshall's Naval Biography," Supplement, Part I. p. 431.] 
 
 Victory, March 10th, 1804. 
 
 My dear Admiral, 
 
 Your son is a very good young man, and I sincerely hope 
 that, now your Flag is up, 7 you will be able to promote him. 
 It would give me great pleasure to do it, but I see no prospect, 
 unless we capture the whole French Fleet in Toulon ; there- 
 fore, do you consider about him. You are sure of my regard, 
 but I cannot kill people ; and, I am more likely to go off 
 myself than any one about me. I have many thanks to give 
 
 you I am, &c., 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO DR. BAIRD. 
 
 [From " The Athenaeum."] 
 
 My dear Sir, March loth, 1804. 
 
 Many thanks for your kind letter of 30th October. I am 
 sure no man is more able to place our Hospitals in a proper 
 state than yourself, and that you always bear in mind not to 
 
 7 Vice -Admiral, afterwards Admiral Sir Richard Rodney Bligh, G.C.B., had then 
 lately hoisted his Flag as Commander-in-Chief on the Coast of Scotland. His 
 defence of the Alexander 74, for two hours, against three French Sail of the Line, in 
 November 1794, was one of the most gallant actions of the War : he died an Admiral 
 of the Red iu April 18'21. His son mentioned in this letter was Mr. George 
 Miller Bligh, at that time a Lieutenant of the Victory, who was dangerously 
 wounded in that Ship at Trafalgar : he was made a Commander in January 180C ; 
 Posted in December 1808, and died about 1804,
 
 462 LETTERS. [1804. 
 
 be penny-wise and pound-foolish. A small sum, well laid 
 out, will keep Fleets healthy ; but it requires large sums to 
 make a sickly Fleet healthy, besides the immense loss of per- 
 sonal services. Health cannot be dearly bought at any price 
 if the Fleet is never sickly. By general exertions, we have 
 done well ; but we have not a place that we can be sure of 
 supplies from. Spain will not give us a live animal ; Naples 
 dare not ; and Sardinia ought not : but that is the only place 
 we have a chance for fresh provisions. God knows how many 
 days it will not be many that Island will be out of the hands 
 of the French. 
 
 I hope to hold out till after the Battle ; but, ag you know, 
 mine is a wretched constitution, and my sight is getting very, 
 very bad. I rejoice to hear the Earl 8 is so well. Believe me 
 ever, yours faithfully and obliged, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO SIR JOHN ACTON, BART., NAPLES. 
 
 [From Clarke ami M'Arthur, vol. ii. p. 361.] 
 
 March, 1804. 
 
 Will Russia come forth as she ought, or are her plans only 
 preparative to the taking possession of Greece, and of course 
 Constantinople? This is a subject I have no business at 
 present to enter into, although it is seriously in my mind. I 
 am, &c., NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO SPIRIDION FORESTI, ESQ., CORFU. 
 
 [From Clarke and M'Arthur, vol. ii. p. 361.] 
 
 March, 1804. 
 
 The ultimate views of Russia become every hour more 
 distinct ; how long the mask may be kept on I cannot say, 
 but sooner or later the Morea will belong by conquest to 
 Russia. What part Great Britain may take, the connexions 
 which Russia may form will point out. However, we are at 
 present on the most friendly terms with the Emperor, and I 
 hope we shall always continue so. I have said enough to so 
 sensible a man as yourself. I am, &c., 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE, 
 
 8 Earl St. Vincent.
 
 XT. 45.] LETTERS. 463 
 
 TO CAPTAIN PHILIP LAMB, AGENT FOR PRISONERS OF WAR 
 AND TRANSPORTS, MALTA. 
 
 [From a Copy in the Admiralty.] 
 
 Victory, at Sea, 20th March, 1804. 
 
 Sir, 
 
 I have received your letter of the 28th ultimo, together with 
 the state of the Transports and Prisoners of War at Malta, and 
 I have to desire that you will prepare two coppered Transports, 
 and have them in momentary readiness to proceed to Odessa, 
 for the purpose of bringing stores and provisions from thence 
 to Malta, under the charge of Lieutenant Woodman, when- 
 ever I shall deem proper to order a Convoy for that purpose. 
 The said Transports are to be as commodious as possible, and 
 in every respect complete for the service they are to be em- 
 ployed on. With respect to the others that are not wanted 
 for the service of the Island of Malta and the Fleet under my 
 command, I must desire you will hold them in readiness to 
 proceed to England with the first Convoy ; and on the sub- 
 ject of the number necessary to be kept for those purposes, I 
 desire to refer you to the copy of my letter of the 7th October 
 last, to Lieutenant Pemberton (then Resident Agent of Trans- 
 ports) herewith transmitted, and to which you will pay most 
 implicit obedience, in order that no more Transports may be 
 kept in this Country than what may be absolutely necessary 
 for the services before mentioned. I am, &c. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO WILLIAM MARSDEN, ESQ., ADMIRALTY. 
 
 [Original, in the Admiralty.] 
 
 Victory, at Sea, 20th March, 1604. 
 
 Sir, 
 
 I have to request you will be pleased to acquaint the Lords 
 Commissioners of the Admiralty, that in consequence of Lieu- 
 tenant William Miller (2nd) 1 of the Triumph being appointed 
 an Agent of Transports, and ordered to England by the Com- 
 missioners of that Board, I have given Mr. William Faddy, 2 
 
 1 He became a Retired Commander in July 1839, and died early in 1844, 
 9 Mr, William Faddy died a Lieutenant, about 1811.
 
 464 LETTERS. [1804. 
 
 Midshipman of the Victory, a Commission in his room, (a copy 
 of which is herewith transmitted,) and trust their Lordships 
 will order the appointment to be confirmed. I am satisfied 
 when I call to their Lordships' recollection, that this deserving 
 young man is son to the late Captain of the Marines who was 
 killed on board the Vanguard, in the Battle of the Nile, they 
 will feel as much pleasure in confirming the appointment, as 
 I do in making the request on his behalf. I beg leave also to 
 observe that his widowed mother is alive, with the charge of 
 a large family unprovided for, and naturally looks up to him 
 for assistance. I am, Sir, &c. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 [Added, in Lord Nelson's own hand :] 
 
 Mr. Faddy was a Mid. in the Vanguard, when his father 
 was killed. 
 
 TO CAPTAIN CRACRAFT, H.M. SHIP ANSON. 
 [Letter-Book.] 
 
 Victory, at Sea, 20th March, 1804. 
 Sir, 
 
 I have received your letter of the 23rd January last, to- 
 gether with the one therein mentioned from Captain Rayns- 
 ford, of his Majesty's Sloop Morgiana, giving an account of 
 his having taken possession of the French Privateer L'lntre- 
 pide, which, under the circumstances stated in Captain Rayns- 
 ford's said letter, I very much approve of, and trust that he 
 brought a sufficient number of her crew with him to Malta, to 
 answer the necessary interrogatories by the Vice-Admiralty 
 Court at that place. I have also to acknowledge your letters of 
 8th and 10th ultimo, acquainting me that the false keel and 
 copper were the only parts of the Anson that had received 
 any damage by her having been on shore, and with the orders 
 you had given his Majesty's Sloops named in the margin, 2 
 which also meet my approbation, as I take it for granted that 
 you have directed Captain Vincent 3 to bring all the Trade 
 with him from Smyrna, and the different Ports in the Levant, 
 to Malta. I am, &c. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 Arrow, Morgiaaa, Bittern, 3 Of the Arrow.
 
 .ET. 45.] LETTERS. 465 
 
 TO NATHANIEL TAYLOR, ESQ., NAVAL OFFICER, MALTA. 
 [Letter-Book.] 
 
 Victory, at Sea, 20th March, 1804. 
 
 Sir, 
 
 I have received your letter of the 10th ultimo, on the sub- 
 ject of the stores you had found necessary to purchase for the 
 indispensable repairs of his Majesty's Ships at Malta, and re- 
 questing an order to pay the Bills, and to enable you to pass 
 your accounts at the Navy-Board. In answer to which I 
 herewith transmit you an order for the purpose above-men- 
 tioned, satisfied that you would not have made the purchases 
 in question, but under the most pressing and absolute neces- 
 sity. It is not necessary to repeat my instructions respecting 
 purchases, as I trust none will be made but upon occasions of 
 the most indispensable necessity ; more particularly so as the 
 stores under your charge have lately been recruited from 
 England. I have to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of 
 the 26th, ultimo, with the extract therein mentioned, and am 
 very glad to find the Imperial Schooner Hungaria, with the 
 cordage and tar, is safe arrived at Malta. I am, &c. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 MEMORANDA. 
 
 [Autograph in the possession of the Reverend Henry Girdlestone.] 
 
 [About 20th March, 1804.] 
 
 To Captain Schomberg, or Senior Captain at Malta : 
 The Trade from Naples, Sicily, and the Adriatic to be 
 collected by the middle of April, that they may be ready to 
 proceed to England when the Levant Ships arrive, under 
 convoy of the Monmouth, or Argo, or both. 
 
 A Letter to the Senior Captain at Malta : 
 Should the Agincourt be left in Egypt by Captain H., the 
 Reynard Schooner, or some other fast sailing Vessel, to be 
 sent here with my letter. 
 
 VOL. V. H H
 
 466 LETTERS. [1804. 
 
 TO CAPTAIN SCHOMBERG, H.M. SHIP MADRAS, MALTA. 
 
 [Letter Book.] 
 
 Victory, at Sea, 20th March, 1804. 
 
 Sir, 
 
 Rear-Admiral Sir Richard Bickerton having left Malta 
 previous to his receiving my letter of the 12th January, and 
 paper therein referred to, I herewith transmit you the said 
 letter, and papers therein mentioned, and desire you will 
 consider it as addressed to yourself, and comply with it 
 accordingly. Lieutenant Shaw has sent me his own statement 
 of the circumstances, together with a Letter from Mr. Noble, 
 Merchant at Malta ; but I wish a more particular account 
 from the Senior Officer, and also Sir Alexander Ball's opinion 
 on the occasion, in order that Lieutenant Shaw may be per- 
 fectly clear of any blame. You will please to return the 
 several papers with your report to, Sir, your most obedient 
 humble servant, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO CAPTAIN GEORGE HART, H. M. SHIP MONMOUTH. 
 
 [Order-Book, and Autograph Memorandum in the possession of the Reverend 
 Henry Girdlestone.] 
 
 Victory, at Sea, 20th March, 1804. 
 
 Whereas it is my intention that his Majesty's Ship Mon- 
 mouth, under your command, shall convoy all the Trade 
 which may be collected at Malta by the time the Merchant 
 Ships arrive from Smyrna, which I expect the Arrow is 
 ordered to bring down on her return from Constantinople, 
 You are therefore hereby required and directed to remain in 
 Valetta Harbour until the arrival of the Arrow and Trade 
 from the Levant, when you will make the Signal for, and take 
 under your convoy and protection, the whole of the Trade 
 which shall be collected at Malta, together with the Ships 
 brought from the Levant by the Arrow, and proceed with 
 them as soon as possible to Gibraltar, where you will also take 
 under your convoy all the Merchant Ships from Malaga and 
 Cadiz which may be ready, and whose Masters are desirous 
 to avail themselves of your protection, and proceed with the
 
 JET. 45.] LETTERS. 467 
 
 whole of them, to England as expeditiously as possible, con- 
 sistent with their safety. On your arrival off Plymouth, you 
 will be governed with respect to their future protection as 
 circumstances shall render expedient, and proceed with the 
 Monmouth to Spithead, together with such of the Convoy as 
 are bound to the Eastward, dropping them in your way up 
 Channel as they arrive off their respective destinations. You 
 are to pay the most strict attention to the safety and protection 
 of the Trade under your charge, that none of them may 
 separate from you, or fall into the hands of the Enemy. You 
 are, until the arrival of the Arrow from Smyrna, as before 
 mentioned, to employ the Monmouth in any manner you 
 judge best for collecting the Trade; and in the event of 
 Captain Vincent's not having brought the Trade with him 
 from the Levant, you are hereby directed to proceed imme- 
 diately, with his Majesty's Ship under your command, to 
 Smyrna, and the different Ports in the Levant, for the pur- 
 pose of collecting the Trade, and bring them with you to 
 Malta ; and on your arrival there, proceed with the whole, as 
 before directed. In order to enable you the more effectually 
 to perform this service, I have directed Captain Hallowell of 
 the Argo to put himself under your command. You will, 
 therefore, take him and the said Ship under your orders 
 accordingly. On the Monmouth's arrival off Spithead, you 
 will acquaint the Secretary of the Admiralty thereof, and 
 transmit an account of your proceedings for their Lordships' 
 
 information. 4 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO CAPTAIN BENJAMIN HALLOWELL, H. M. SHIP ARGO. 
 [Order-Book, and Autograph Memorandum.] 
 
 Victory, at Sea, 20th March, 1804. 
 
 Whereas I consider the protection of our Trade the most 
 essential service that can be performed, You are, therefore, 
 
 4 " Should it happen that the Monmouth has left Malta for England, then this 
 order is to he put in full and entire execution by Captain Benjamin Hallowell, of 
 his Majesty's Ship Argo ; for in no manner must the Trade of Great Britain be 
 neglected." Autograph Memorandum. 
 
 H Il2
 
 468 LETTERS. [1804. 
 
 hereby required and directed, in the event of t^ie Monmouth's 
 having proceeded from Malta without the Convoy for Eng- 
 land, to open the letter directed to Captain Hart, (which is 
 also, in such case, intended for you, as mentioned in the said 
 letter in the possession of the Senior Officer,) and consider 
 the order it contains 5 as addressed to yourself, and most strictly 
 and punctually put it into execution. But should the Mon- 
 mouth be at Malta on your return from Alexandria, you are 
 hereby directed to put yourself under the command of Captain 
 Hart, and follow his orders for your further proceedings. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO CAPTAIN THOMAS BRIGGS, H. M. SHIP AGINCOURT. 
 
 [Order-Book, and Autograph Memorandum.] 
 
 Victory, at Sea, 20th March, 1804. 
 
 Whereas I judge proper that his Majesty's Ship Agincourt, 
 under your command, shall proceed to Gibraltar and take in 
 her lower-deck Guns, 6 You are (notwithstanding my orders to 
 the contrary) hereby required and directed to proceed, without a 
 moment's loss of time, in his Majesty's said Ship to Gibraltar, 
 and after having received your lower-deck Guns on board, 
 (which you will cause to be done with the utmost dispatch,) put 
 yourself under the command of Captain Gore of the Medusa, or 
 the Senior Officer at that place, and follow his orders for your 
 further proceeding. But should no Senior Officer be at Gib- 
 raltar, you will proceed, the moment the Agincourt is ready, 
 outside the Straits, and cruize there for the protection of our 
 Commerce, and the destruction of the Enemy's Privateers and 
 Cruizers. You are to continue on this service till further 
 orders, and endeavour as early as possible to communicate 
 with Captain Gore, or the Senior Officer, and be governed in 
 your future proceedings agreeable to the instructions you 
 may receive from him. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 s Vide p. 460, ante. 6 Vide p. 358, ante, note.
 
 .<ET. 45.] LETTERS. 469 
 
 TO CAPTAIN SCHOMBERG, H.M. SHIP MADRAS, 'MALTA. 
 
 [Letter-Book.] 
 
 Victory, at See, 20th March, 1804. 
 
 Sir, 
 
 I have received your letter of the 26th ultimo, acquainting 
 me that you had ordered the Morgiana up the Adriatic with 
 the Fish Ships, that the Sophie Sloop was to join me, and 
 that the only Merchant-ship bound to England (the Hero) 
 sails so well, and is so well armed, as to be able to run it. 7 In 
 answer to which, 1 approve of your having sent the Morgiana 
 up the Adriatic with the Fish Ships, and take it for granted 
 that you have ordered Captain Raynsford to collect and 
 bring with him all the Trade for Malta and England. I must 
 desire in future that you will order the Captains proceeding 
 with Convoys to send you a regular list of the Ships they 
 may have under their charge, to and from Malta, which you 
 will transmit to me as opportunity offers, for my information. 
 On the subject of the Hero's sailing for England without 
 convoy, I cannot give my approbation, and would recommend 
 to you great care in furnishing the Masters of such Ships with 
 certificates under any circumstance. In the event of the Ship 
 in question getting safe to her destination, it will be all very 
 well ; otherwise, the Under-writers will certainly attach blame 
 for sanctioning her sailing. I am, &c., 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 CERTIFICATE. 
 
 [Letter-Book.] 
 
 Victory, at Sea, 20th March, 1804. 
 
 These are to certify that I have no objections to the Greeks 
 belonging to a Ship of that Nation, which was taken by his 
 Majesty's Ship Niger, being liberated ; provided the Proctor 
 of the Vice-Admiralty Court at Malta deems it proper, under 
 the circumstances of their having fired upon the Boats of his 
 Majesty's said Ship, and killed an Officer and one or more of 
 her people. NELSON AND BRONTE, 
 
 7 i. e., To proceed without the protection of a Ship of War.
 
 470 LETTERS. [1804. 
 
 TO LIEUTENANT HENRY FREDERICK WOODMAN, AGENT FOR 
 TRANSPORTS AT MALTA. 
 
 [Letter-Book.] 
 
 Victory, at Sea, 21st March, 1804. 
 
 Most Secret. 
 Sir, 
 
 Admiral Holloway having acquainted me by letter of your 
 arrival in this Country as an Agent of Transports, and also of 
 your being very equal to any important service, from your 
 intelligence and observation; and the Lords Commissioners 
 of the Admiralty having recommended me to send an Officer 
 of that description in charge of the Transports, I have, there- 
 fore, thought proper to send You, and must recommend to 
 your serious attention the circumstances in general that are 
 passing in the Black Sea on the part of Russia, who, it is said, 
 is forming an Armament to a very considerable extent ; and 
 although there is not the most distant idea that this Arma- 
 ment will direct its operations against the interests of Great 
 Britain, yet it is essentially necessary that its real intentions 
 should be discovered as early as possible, and, therefore, you 
 will let no opportunity escape you of obtaining all the informa- 
 tion you may be able to collect on this important subject. 
 
 And I must desire you will endeavour to gain a particular 
 account of the Naval Force which Russia may have at 
 Sebastapol and Cherson, (their two principal Naval Ports in 
 the Black Sea,) and to what extent they are arming there. 
 You will likewise endeavour to. obtain a knowledge of their 
 Fortifications, and what number of guns is mounted on their 
 different Batteries, and whether they are able to protect 
 their Trade. It will be advisable to ascertain whether these 
 Armaments are with a view to check and oppose the measures 
 of the French, should they attempt to possess themselves of 
 the Morea. You will also endeavour to gain information of 
 the trade and manufactures carried on by the Russians in the 
 Ports above mentioned what supplies of provisions and Naval 
 stores might be drawn from that Country, and upon what 
 terms. In order to obtain a perfect knowledge of the local 
 situation of the Russian Territory in the Black Sea, you are to 
 procure a Chart of their Country, which will assist you in
 
 2ET. 45.] LETTERS. 471 
 
 forming a more clear idea of the places of principal importance, 
 and endeavour, by every means, to obtain information of their 
 present and future intentions with regard to England, trans- 
 mitting me a very full and correct account of your observations, 
 &c., on your return to Malta, for the information of the Lords 
 Commissioners of the Admiralty. I am, &c., 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 MEMORANDA. 
 
 [Autograph draught in the possession of Earl Nelson.] 
 
 [About 22nd March, 1804.] 
 
 The Fleet to proceed to Palma, where they will remain as 
 few days as possible ; and when they sail, a letter will be left 
 with the Consul at St. Pierres. 
 
 Orders for Active to take Seahorse, Phcebe, and Amazon 
 under his orders, to look into Toulon every two or "three days 
 at furthest; and in the event of the Enemy's putting to sea, 
 to detach a Frigate to me ; and as it will be of the very 
 utmost importance my being acquainted with it, should the 
 wind prove contrary when on the Coast of Sardinia, an in- 
 telligent active Officer to be sent to me in a Boat, which will 
 probably get along shore faster than the Frigate. 
 
 The Phcebe is expected every hour from Gibraltar. 
 
 Captain Moubray must calculate about the time of the 
 Fleet's return, and keep a good look-out for me. 
 
 Seahorse being in want of wood, to be ordered, when 
 Phcebe joins, to the Island of Asinara, to cut wood, for which 
 purpose she may remain forty-eight hours. In much less 
 time, I am informed the Victory could be wooded. 
 
 To call at Cagliari for two English Ships, and to take them 
 to Malta, 
 
 Niger to proceed to Malta, deliver the stores she has on 
 board, and to return and join me on Rendezvous 100, without 
 a moment's loss of time. 
 
 Is it necessary to give an order for the Invalids to be sent 
 to England in the first Ship of War ?
 
 472 LETTERS. [1804. 
 
 TO CAPTAIN MOUBRAY, H. M. SHIP ACTIVE. 
 [Order-Book.] 
 
 Victory, at Sea, 22nd March, 1804. 
 
 Whereas I judge it necessary to proceed with the Squadron 
 to the Gulf of Palma, for the purpose of completing their 
 wood and water, which will only require a few days, You are 
 hereby required and directed to take his Majesty's Ships 
 named in the margin 7 under your command, and remain on 
 the present Rendezvous No. 100, employing the said Frigates, 
 during my absence, in watching the motions of the Enemy's 
 Fleet at Toulon, by sending one or two of them off the 
 entrance of that Harbour every two or three days, for the 
 purpose of ascertaining whether their Squadron still remains 
 in Port ; and in the event of its putting to sea, you will 
 detach a Frigate to me with an account thereof, directing the 
 Captain to use the utmost exertion to join me ; and as it is of 
 the utmost importance that I should be immediately acquainted 
 with it, you will order the Captain of the Frigate sent on this 
 service, should the wind prove contrary when he arrives on 
 the coast of Sardinia, to dispatch an intelligent, active Officer 
 to me in a Boat, which will probably get alongshore much 
 quicker than the Frigate. You must take into account the 
 circumstances of weather, and calculate the probable time of 
 the Fleet's return from Palma to the present Rendezvous, No. 
 100, and keep a good look out, that you may join me the 
 moment I arrive upon the said Rendezvous. His Majesty's 
 Ship Phoebe is hourly expected from Gibraltar; you will, 
 therefore, the moment she joins, deliver the accompanying 
 order to the Hon. Captain Boyle of the Seahorse, and direct 
 him to proceed in the execution of it accordingly. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO HIS EXCELLENCY HUGH ELLIOT, ESQ. 
 
 [Autograph, in the Elliot Papers.] 
 
 Victory, March 23rd, 1804. 
 
 My dear Sir, 
 
 Yesterday I received a letter from Mr. Frere of March 9th, 
 in which, after having put us so much upon our guard that we 
 
 7 Seahorse, Phoebe, Amazon.
 
 JET. 45.] LETTERS. 473 
 
 expected a Spanish War every day, the name of Spain is not 
 mentioned : therefore, I must suppose his alarm is gone off, 
 or we may be lulled, by his neglect to say anything, into a 
 fatal security. To me it matters not : I am prepared for all 
 events. 
 
 The King, Mr. Frere says, by advices from London of 
 February 26th, is fast recovering. I wish it may be so, but I 
 fear very much the contrary. I believe the Prince will be 
 sole Regent ; and I see, through the French papers 'London 
 News, February 7th' that Lord Grenville had been three 
 hours with Mr. Fox, supposed forming a new Administration. 
 Georges, I see, is also arrested, and he and Pichegru are to 
 be tried by Military Tribunals. The Invasion must be over 
 before this time, which I still hope will overturn Buonaparte's 
 despotic Government. My reports say that the French have 
 taken up at Leghorn a number of Greek Vessels as Transports. 
 If they leave Leghorn without Troops, it is natural to suppose 
 they are destined to take the French Troops from the Coast 
 of the Adriatic. If so, they must either be destined for the 
 Morea or Egypt. Information upon these points is so im- 
 portant, to enable me to form a probable guess at the destina- 
 tion of the Toulon Fleet, that no money or trouble ought to 
 be spared to obtain it. At eight o'clock yesterday morning, 
 our Frigates saw the French Fleet quite safe. I am going to 
 Madalena to get some refreshments ; for I am sorry to say 
 the scurvy has made its appearance in several Ships. 
 
 The Belleisle will stay four days at Naples ; and if the 
 Gibraltar is sent away, I may occasionally, to relieve each 
 other, send Ships : but of this the King shall judge ; for I 
 never will deprive him of the protection and services of an 
 English Ship. Yesterday, I received from Major Lowe a 
 copy of his letter to your Excellency. There will be no 
 resistance in Sardinia worth mentioning, should the French 
 land in any force. Major Lowe is probably with you by this 
 time. 
 
 Captain Hargood 8 of the Belleisle has just joined her from 
 
 8 Afterwards Admiral Sir William Hargood, G.C.B. : he was a Midshipman of the 
 Bristol in 1778 and 1779, when Nelson was a Lieutenant of that Ship. A memoir 
 of this gallant Officer, who distinguished himself in the command of the Belleisle 
 at Trafalgar, and died on the 12th of December, 1839, was privately printed by 
 his widow.
 
 474 LETTERS. [1804. 
 
 England, in the room of Captain Whitby, gone home to be 
 Admiral Cornwallis's Captain. Captain Hargood is a very 
 old acquaintance and Ship-mate of mine, and an eleve of the 
 Duke of Clarence, and, what is better than all, a very good 
 man. I am ever, my dear Sir, your most obedient, faithful 
 servant, NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 I have heard nothing from 888. 
 
 TO CAPTAIN SIR WILLIAM BOLTON, H. M. SLOOP CHILDERS. 
 
 [Order-Book. The Victory and Squadron anchored at the Madalena Islands 
 about Noon on the 25th of March 1804.] 
 
 Victory, at the Madalena Islands, 25th March, 1804. 
 
 You are hereby required and directed to receive the Master 
 of the Victory on board his Majesty's Ship Childers, under 
 your command, and proceed immediately to Terranova, on 
 the South East end of Sardinia, for the purpose of surveying 
 and ascertaining the anchorage of that place, the number of 
 Ships which may ride there in safety, the different soundings 
 and marks for going into the said Bay, what refreshments 
 such as live bullocks, sheep, poultry, onions, &c. are to be had 
 there, and the time required to procure them : also if it is well 
 supplied with wood and water, and what time might be re- 
 quired to complete a Ship of the Line or Squadron with both. 
 You are to remain on this service for the space of three days, 
 and at the expiration thereof, return and join me at this 
 anchorage ; but should I have sailed, you will proceed to Ren- 
 dezvous No. 100, where you will find the Squadron, or orders 
 for your further proceedings. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO CAPTAIN FRANK SOTHERON, H. M. SHIP EXCELLENT. 
 
 [Order-Book.] 
 Victory, at the Madalena Islands, 26th March, 1804. 
 
 You are hereby required and directed to proceed imme- 
 diately with his Majesty's Ship Excellent, under your com- 
 mand, to Rendezvous No. 100, where you will find Captain 
 Moubray of his Majesty's Ship Active, agreeable to my order
 
 ^T. 45.] LETTERS. 475 
 
 to him, dated the 22nd instant, a copy of which is herewith 
 inclosed, (together with copy of the one therein alluded to,) 
 which you will consider as addressed to yourself, and execute 
 it accordingly. And in the event of your obtaining any in- 
 formation of the sailing of the Enemy's Fleet from Toulon, you 
 will send a Frigate to me at this anchorage with an account 
 thereof, (instead of the Gulf of Palma, as directed in Captain 
 Moubray's said order,) bearing in mind that the Squadron 
 will proceed from hence about Monday next, the 2nd of 
 April ; and if the wind is from the Westward, will proceed 
 up the East side of Corsica ; but if from the Eastward, the 
 Squadron will proceed on the West side of that Island to the 
 said Rendezvous, No. 100, so that any Ship coming to me must 
 have this clearly in view, and be governed accordingly. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO ALEXANDER DAVISON, ESQ. 
 
 [Autograph, in the possession of Colonel Davison.] 
 
 Victory, March 28th, 1804. 
 
 My dear Davison, 
 
 Last night, to my surprise, Mr. Chevalier 9 sent to speak to 
 me, and said * I beg pardon, my Lord, but I find myself so 
 disagreeably situated in the Ship, that I beg of your Lordship 
 to send me to England by the first opportunity.' To which I 
 answered, ' Certainly, Mr. Chevalier.' I can have no con- 
 ception to what this is owing. I never said a harsh thing to 
 him, nor any one else, I am sure. He is very much respected, 
 and an excellent servant. He is his own master in all his 
 department ; but was he, if possible, a better servant, I never 
 would ask a servant to stay. It is some vagary or other : so he 
 must follow his own fancy. So much for that. 
 
 Day by day, my dear friend, I am expecting the French 
 Fleet to put to sea every day, hour, and moment ; and you 
 may rely that if it is within the power of man to get at them, 
 it shall be done ; and, I am sure, that all my brethren look to 
 that day as the finish of our laborious cruize. The event no 
 man can say exactly, but I must think, or render great 
 
 9 His Steward.
 
 476 LETTERS. [1804. 
 
 injustice to those under me, that let the Battle be when it 
 may, it will never have been surpassed. My shattered frame, 
 if I survive that day, will require rest, and that is all I shall 
 ask for. If I fall on such a glorious occasion, it shall be my 
 pride to take care that my friends shall not blush for me. 
 These things are in the hands of a wise and just Providence, 
 and His Will be done. I have got some trifle, thank God, to 
 leave those I hold most dear, and I have taken care not to 
 neglect it. Do not think I am low-spirited on this account, 
 or fancy anything is to happen to me. Quite the contrary : 
 my mind is calm, and I have only to think of destroying our 
 inveterate foe. 
 
 April 7th. A Frigate has just brought me an account that 
 she saw the French Fleet outside Toulon thirty-four hours 
 ago, and she does not know that they are returned. I have 
 two Frigates gone for more information, and we all hope for 
 a meeting with the Enemy. Nothing can be finer than the 
 Fleet under my command. Whatever be the event, believe 
 me ever, my dear Davison, your most obliged and sincere 
 friend, NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO ALEXANDER DAVISON, ESQ. 
 
 [Autograph, in the possession of Colonel Davisou.] 
 
 [Apparently, about 28th March, 1804.] 
 
 My dear Davison, 
 
 Since my last, I have received your kind letters by the 
 Thisbe, and the Lawyer's opinion, which is very clear, and 
 there end my inquiries ; and, if ever I command the Channel 
 Fleet, it will be my turn to make money. I [neither] want 
 nor wish for any man's money, but justice is all I ask. I have 
 nothing later than December from you ; but, I am truly sorry 
 to hear from Lady Hamilton that you have been laid up with 
 the gout. Your reports are true about the poor King. I 
 suppose there will be a change of Ministry, and then I shall 
 expect to see you Paymaster-General, if you like the Office, 
 and with a Title ; and I shall, if it pleases God to spare my 
 life, certainly take you by the hand before next Christmas. I 
 wish the intended Invasion was over ; for if the thing is always
 
 JET. 45.] LETTERS. 477 
 
 to hang over the Country, we shall ever be in hot water. 
 I wish the thing decided : I am in no fears for the event. 
 
 Hardy sends you the power of attorney for the Rising Sun, 
 but Captain Sutton must sign, and he may send it, perhaps, 
 to his relation, Mr. Martin. I do not think it was very kind 
 to me. Apropos, if you can be of any. use to Captain 
 Layman, I beg that you will, whether it is to get him 
 confirmed, or to get him a good Sloop. He has not made any 
 Prize-money since his appointment, which I am sorry for, 
 upon his account. If I can, my dear friend, but make enough 
 to pay my debt of money to you, I shall be fully content. Your 
 other favours I can never repay, but I must ever feel myself 
 your much obliged and sincere friend, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 Poor old blind Mrs. Nelson, is, I hear, something in debt. 
 If the sum is not very large, I intend to pay it for her. I 
 have desired dear Lady Hamilton to inquire : therefore, if 
 within bounds, pay it for me. 
 
 N. AND B. 
 
 TO HIS EXCELLENCY HUGH ELLIOT, ESQ. 
 
 [Autograph in the Elliot Papers.] 
 
 Victory, March 29th, 1804. 
 
 My dear Sir, 
 
 Major Lowe being so completely master of everything 
 which can inform your mind respecting the Island of Sardinia, 
 its resources, and the probable means it has of resisting the 
 French, it would be idle and presumptuous in me to say a 
 word. I only sigh, and wish it belonged to Great Britain. 
 The advantages of its position must strike every one who 
 looks upon the Map, and its- resources, called forth by a 
 protecting Power, are certainly very great ; and there is only 
 this certainty, fixed as fate, in my mind, that if it does not 
 belong to England, it will to France ; for the present system 
 cannot last one year, nor, I believe, half that time. 
 
 I shall sail from hence on Monday, wind and weather per- 
 mitting, and shall very soon hope to meet the Enemy. I am 
 ever, my dear Sir, your most obliged humble servant, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE.
 
 478 LETTERS. [1804. 
 
 P.S. What a pack of nonsense about Sardinia ! It could 
 not be likely that I could wish to commit Sardinia, and, God 
 knows, I have no Troops to throw away, where they are not 
 acceptable ! I rather believe a friend of mine wants me to 
 send some troops to Alexandria, but I will neither do that, 
 nor give my sanction to their being sent there. They are 
 entrusted to me to defend Sicily, and to that object they shall 
 be kept till the Court of Naples say, * We do not want your 
 help.' Then it is time enough to think of other things. 
 
 N. AND B. 
 
 TO THE REVEREND DR. NELSON. 
 
 [Autograph, in the Nelson Papers.] 
 
 Victory, March 29th, 1804. 
 
 My dear Brother, 
 
 I received with much pleasure your kind letter of December 
 30th, which, I was too much pressed for time to answer with 
 my last dispatches. If Mr. Charles Brown 9 has served his 
 time, and passed, you may send him out, and when oppor- 
 tunity offers he shall certainly be promoted ; but I doubt very 
 much that any such opportunity will offer during my com- 
 mand, for my health will require a few months' rest, next 
 winter : however, you may be sure I shall do my best to serve 
 him. 
 
 With respect to Horace, you know so much better than I 
 how to educate him that I can say nothing ; and as to what 
 mode of life he is to follow, that must be a matter for future 
 consideration, as events may turn out. A good education and 
 languages fit him for anything. The Corps Diplomatique, as 
 far as I have seen, is the road to ruin. I never knew or heard 
 of any one who made a fortune in it, and it is very easy to 
 spend one : indeed, without much more prudence than is 
 considered right, a Minister cannot exist upon his salary. We 
 must not judge, because perhaps, Lord Elgin at a particular 
 moment got money at Constantinople, and even a Scotchman 
 I dare say would have been richer with his interest if he had 
 set up as a master-tailor. But, you may be sure, that in any 
 
 9 As his name has not been found on the List of Lieutenants, be was probably 
 never promoted.
 
 ,ET. 45.] LETTERS. 479 
 
 way that I can be useful to Horace, whom I really love, 
 nothing will be wanting on my part, as far as is within the 
 the reach of my abilities. I am glad you like Canterbury, 
 and if we may judge of the difficulty of getting there, we 
 cannot expect it very easy to get a removal, but time and 
 chance happeneth to all. I wish the Invasion was over, for 
 until the trial is made our Country never can be at rest. Let 
 who will rule in France, England will always be the object of 
 hatred. 
 
 April 7th. Accounts are just brought me that thirty-four 
 hours ago the French Fleet were outside the harbour of 
 Toulon, and we do not know they are returned, so that 
 a meeting may be expected. The result we ought not to 
 doubt, but I think everything good and great may be expected. 
 I beg my kind regards to good Mrs. Nelson, and believe me 
 ever, your most affectionate Brother, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO HIS EXCELLENCY HUGH ELLIOT, ESQ. 
 
 [Autograph, in the Elliot Papers.] 
 
 Victory, March 30th, 1804. 
 
 My dear Sir, 
 
 I beg leave to introduce to your Excellency's notice Doctor 
 John Snipe, Physician to the Fleet under my command. He 
 is not only a very able Professional gentleman, but a man of 
 most excellent private character. He is naturally anxious to 
 see Naples, Pompeii, Herculaneum, and the Museum of 
 Portici ; as his stay will be short, I will thank you to obtain 
 for him speedily the orders for seeing Portici. I am ever, my 
 dear Sir, with the sincerest good wishes for you, Mrs. Elliot, 
 and your family, your much obliged, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO CAPTAIN SIR WILLIAM BOLTON, H. M. SLOOP CHILDERS. 
 
 [Order-Book.] 
 Victory, Madalena Islands, Sardinia, 30th March, 1804. 
 
 Doctor Snipe, Physician to the Fleet under my command, 
 having represented to me the necessity of supplying the sick
 
 480 LETTERS. [1804. 
 
 and convalescent Seamen on board the different Ships with 
 some nutritive food in addition to the necessaries allowed by 
 Government, and at the same time recommended Maccaroni 
 as a light, wholesome, and nourishing food, and whereas I am 
 perfectly satisfied of the necessity of adopting every measure 
 for restoring the health of the sick and convalescent Seamen 
 on board the different Ships, You are hereby required and 
 directed to proceed immediately with his Majesty's Sloop 
 Childers, under your command, to Naples; and on your 
 arrival there, you will order the Purser of the said Sloop to 
 purchase a thousand pounds of the best large pipe Maccaroni 
 for the use of the sick and convalescent Seamen on board the 
 different Ships taking care that the said purchase is made 
 upon the best and most reasonable terms for Government; 
 for the payment of which you will direct the Purser to draw 
 Bills upon the Commissioners for taking care of the Sick and 
 Wounded Seamen, London, and to procure the necessary 
 vouchers for such purchase, authenticated in the same manner 
 as those for provisions one of which, with a copy of this 
 order, you will transmit to their Board by the first opportunity, 
 and another to me on your return, for my information. You 
 will also certify at the bottom of the Purser's bill for the 
 amount of the Maccaroni, that it was drawn for that purpose, 
 for the use of the sick and convalescent Seamen, and by 
 my order. After having completed this service, you will 
 return and join the Squadron with all possible expedition 
 on Rendezvous No. 100, where you will find me, or orders 
 for your further proceedings. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO WILLIAM MARSDEN, ESQ., ADMIRALTY. 
 
 [Original, in the Admiralty.] 
 
 Victory, Madalena Islands, Sardinia, 1st April, 1804. 
 
 Sir, 
 
 I herewith transmit you a copy of a letter from Captain 
 Layman, giving an account of the loss of His Majesty's late 
 Sloop Weazle, 1 under his command, on the night of the 29th 
 
 1 The Weazle, Captain Layman, was lost by striking on a rock off Cabretta Point, 
 near Gibraltar, on the U9th of February, 1804, in thick foggy weather.
 
 MT. 45.] LETTERS. 481 
 
 February last, together with a letter from Lieutenant General 
 Sir Thomas Trigge, and the paper from the Merchants at 
 Gibraltar therein referred to : also, an extract of a letter from 
 Captain Gore, of his Majesty's Ship Medusa, communicating 
 to me the very high opinion he entertained of Captain Lay- 
 man's conduct, which I request you will lay before the Lords 
 Commissioners of the Admiralty for their information, and, at 
 the same time, to acquaint their Lordships, that from the 
 constant information I have received of Captain Layman's 
 great exertions for the protection of our trade in the Gut of 
 Gibraltar, I consider his appointment to another Sloop on this 
 service would be very beneficial to the Commercial interest. I 
 am, &c. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO THE CAPTAIN OR COMMANDER OF ANY OF HIS MAJESTY'S 
 SHIPS, VESSELS, OR TRANSPORTS, ARRIVING AT MADALENA 
 IN SEARCH OF THE SQUADRON. 
 
 [Letter-Book.] 
 
 Victory, Madalena Islands, 2nd April, 1804. 
 
 Sir, 
 
 The Squadron is proceeding to Rendezvous No. 100, (pass- 
 ing Rendezvous No. 70,) where you will find me, or orders 
 for your proceedings. I am, &c. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 N.B. This letter to be sealed up, and left with the Go- 
 vernor at Madalena. N.B. If the Thetis arrives, she is to 
 remain at this anchorage ; but if the Hindostan arrives, she is 
 to proceed immediately to Malta, and deliver the stores she 
 has on board for that Arsenal, and those for Gibraltar to be 
 kept on board, and wait at Malta my orders. 
 
 TO CAPTAIN , H.M. SLOOP 
 
 [Letter-Book.] 
 gj r Victory, Madalena Islands, 2nd April, 1804. 
 
 The Agent Victualler having acquainted me that you 
 had been making purchases of wine and vegetables for the 
 VOL. v. ii
 
 482 LETTERS. [1804. 
 
 ...... .'s Company, which he has paid; I am, therefore, to 
 
 acquaint you that such purchase was excessively improper, 
 and to desire that you will on no consideration, in future, pur- 
 chase wine or vegetables for the Sloop's Company under your 
 command : and as the wine might have been had from any of 
 the Ships, previous to your leaving the Squadron, and is more 
 than threepence per gallon dearer than what is purchased for 
 the Fleet by the Agent Victualler, I think it's more than pro- 
 bable the Victualling Board will charge the difference to your 
 account, and also the vegetables, as none are allowed by Go- 
 vernment, except to Ships after a long cruize, the Pursers 
 being obliged to find what may be deemed necessary to Ships 
 in Port, or those using harbours frequently. I am, &c. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO CAPTAIN ROBERT PETTET, H. M. SLOOP TERMAGANT. 
 
 [Order-Book.] 
 Victory, Madalena Islands, 2nd April, 1804. 
 
 You are hereby required and directed to put to sea imme- 
 diately with His Majesty's Sloop Termagant, under your 
 command, and if the wind is from the Westward, you will 
 proceed on the East side of Sardinia, and on your arrival off 
 Tavolara, you will open the Secret letter which is herewith 
 transmitted, and act agreeably to the directions therein con- 
 tained, but if the wind is from the Eastward, you will proceed 
 on the West side of Sardinia, and when you arrive off 
 Asinara, you will open the Secret letter, and proceed as 
 before mentioned. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO WILLIAM MARSDEN, ESQ., ADMIRALTY. 
 
 [Original, in the Admiralty. "Monday, 2nd April. At 2-15 P.M., weighed 
 and made sail out of Agincourt Sound into the Eastern anchorage. At 3, shortened 
 sail and anchored. Donegal and Kent at anchor here. Tuesday, 3rd April. At 
 7 A.M., weighed and made sail through the Eastern passage. Left H. M. Ships 
 Canopus, Superb, and Phoebe, at anchor in Agincourt Sound. Termagant rejoined. 
 Noon, strong gales." Victory's Log.~\
 
 JET. 45.] LETTERS. 483 
 
 Sir, Victory at Sea, 3rd April, 1804. 
 
 I have received Sir Evan Nepean's letter of the 22nd 
 December last, together with the inclosures from Mr. Ar- 
 buthnot therein mentioned, respecting a Russian Vessel 
 having been detained by Captain Clarke, 2 of the Braakel, 
 under the plea of her not being navigated by the stipulated 
 proportion of Russian Seamen, her crew being habited in the 
 Grecian dress ; and signifying their Lordship's direction to 
 make a most particular inquiry into the circumstances therein 
 referred to, and also, to give instructions to the Captains and 
 Commanders of His Majesty's Ships and Vessels under my 
 orders, not to detain any Vessel bearing the Russian Flag, 
 under the pretext assumed by Captain Clarke, if they should 
 be otherwise regularly navigated according to the Convention. 
 
 In answer thereto, you will please to acquaint the Lords 
 Commissioners of the Admiralty, that His Majesty's Ship 
 Braakel has some time ago left this Country with Convoy for 
 England, and that I shall, agreeably to their direction, give the 
 necessary instructions to the respective Captains under my 
 orders not to detain any Vessel under the Russian Flag upon 
 a similar pretence. I am, &c., 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO CAPTAIN , H.M. SLOOP 
 
 [Letter-Book.] 
 Sir Victory, at Sea, 3rd April, 1804. 
 
 I have received your letter of the 4th February last, toge- 
 ther with the Report of Survey therein mentioned, and am 
 sorry that any circumstance whatever should have detained 
 
 the so long at Lisbon, and left our Trade so much 
 
 exposed to the Enemy's Privateers and Cruizers in the Gut ; 
 and I must desire that you will most strictly attend to the 
 object of my orders, and on no account whatever remain in 
 Port longer than may be absolutely necessary. I am, &c. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 * Captain George Clarke, of the Braakel. He was accidentally drownel ,by the 
 upsetting of a Boat in Woolwich Reach, on the 1st of October 1805. A notice 
 of Captain Clarke will be found in the Naval Chronicle for that year, vol. xiv. 
 p. 287. 
 
 n2
 
 484 LETTERS. [1804. 
 
 T O WILLIAM MARSDEN, ESQ., ADMIRALTY. 
 
 [From a Copy at the Admiralty.] 
 
 Victory, at Sea, 3rd April, 1804. 
 
 Sir, 
 
 By his Majesty's Ship Phoebe, which joined on the evening 
 of the 31st ultimo from Gibraltar, I have received your printed 
 letter of the 19th December, (together with the several letters 
 and orders acknowledged under this date,) signifying to me 
 their Lordships' direction not to allow any Tenders in future 
 to be employed by any Ship or Vessel under my command, 
 and if any Tenders should be now employed, to cause them 
 to be instantly discharged, and their Crews to be taken on 
 board their respective Ships ; and also to apprise the Captains 
 of the penalties they will be subject to, in case of their failing 
 to pay immediate attention to the orders on this subject. 
 
 In answer to which, you will please to acquaint the Lords 
 Commissioners of the Admiralty that their instructions shall 
 be duly attended to, and the necessary orders issued to the 
 respective Captains and Commanders in consequence. I am, 
 Sir, &c. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO CAPTAIN GORE, H.M. SHIP MEDUSA. 
 [Letter-Book.] 
 
 Victory, at Sea, 3rd April, 1804. 
 
 Sir, 
 
 I have received your letter of the 20th February last, toge- 
 ther with a Log of your proceedings, and list of Vessels spoke 
 with, as therein mentioned, acquainting me, also, that you 
 had, for the reason stated in your said letter, given up the 
 object of watching the Straits of Gibraltar, for the purpose of 
 attending to L'Aigle, 3 in order to render the approach of the 
 Hindostan's Convoy secure. In answer to which, I very 
 much approve of your cruizing off Cadiz, for the purpose of 
 attending to L'Aigle, and securing the approach of our Con- 
 
 8 L'Aigle of 74 Guns was a French Liue-of Battle Ship in Cadiz, and formed part 
 of the Fleet at Trafalgar, on the 21st of October 1805, when she was wrecked near 
 Rota.
 
 JET. 45.] LETTERS. 485 
 
 voy, as well as of all the arrangements you have made with 
 your little Squadron, which entitle you to much credit, and 
 fully meet my approbation. With respect to your attacking 
 L'Aigle, I must desire to refer you to my letter of the 17th 
 ultimo. 4 I am, &c. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO CAPTAIN GORE, H.M. SHIP MEDUSA. 
 
 [Letter-Book.] 
 
 Victory, at Sea, 3rd April, 1804. 
 
 Sir, 
 
 I have received your letter of the 19th ultimo, together with 
 the Report of Survey, and copies of the orders you have given 
 the Amphion and Maidstone, and also the paper of intelli- 
 gence from Mr. Duff. 4 I approve of the orders given the 
 Ships above mentioned, and am exceedingly pleased with 
 Captain Elliot's conduct and exertions in keeping the sea 
 with the Maidstone in her present bad state, and request you 
 will be so good as to tell him so. The loss of the Weazle 
 will, no doubt, be much felt at Gibraltar, but I am glad to 
 find that Captain Layman's conduct has so fully met your 
 approbation. I have ordered the Agincourt to proceed and 
 join you from Malta ; and it is my intention, the moment the 
 Sophie returns from Gibraltar, to order her on the late 
 Weazle's station, and trust the exertions of Captain Rosen- 
 hagen, 5 with the assistance of the Halcyon, will keep the Gut 
 perfectly clear of Privateers, and secure our Trade a safe 
 passage through it. It will then become your object to direct 
 the three Frigates to cruize very diligently outside the Straits, 
 within the limits of the Mediterranean Station, for the pro- 
 tection of our Commerce, and destruction of the Enemy's Pri- 
 vateers and Cruizers, which, I understand, are particularly 
 destructive to our Trade passing the skirts of the station ; and 
 you will direct Captain Briggs, upon the Agincourt's joining, 
 to cruize off Cape Spartel, in order to cover and protect our 
 Commerce on its entrance into the Straits. The watching 
 
 4 Vide p. 4oO, ante. 
 
 4 Mr., afterwards Sir James Duff, British Consul at Cadiz. Vide vol. ii. p. 469. 
 
 5 Captain Philip L. Rosenhagen : he was Posted in 1806, and died in April 1813.
 
 486 LETTERS. [1804. 
 
 L'Aigle, except to furnish me with the most early intelligence 
 of her sailing, cannot be of consideration, as the whole of 
 your force is certainly by no means equal to attack her with 
 effect. I am fully satisfied with your endeavours to destroy 
 the French Privateer mentioned in your said letter, and am 
 well aware that no one can act with more zeal for the Service 
 than yourself. I approve of your returning to Gibraltar, and 
 hope the stores in that Arsenal will enable you to refit the 
 Medusa and Amphion with effect. I do not hear of the 
 Halcyon : I hope Captain Pearse is kept on the alert. Do 
 not suffer that Sloop to be a moment inactive, and acquaint 
 me of her proceedings. I am, &c. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO WILLIAM MARSDEN, ESQ., ADMIRALTY. 
 
 [Original, in the Admiralty.] 
 
 Victory, at Sea, 3rd April, 1804. 
 
 Sir, 
 
 I have received Sir Evan Nepean's letter of the 24th De- 
 cember last, together with a copy of a letter from Mr. Secre- 
 tary Yorke 6 therein mentioned, suggesting that a notification 
 should be made by me to our Consuls at the several Barbary 
 States, of his Majesty's expectation that the Vessels furnished 
 with the new Mediterranean Papers should be respected, and 
 signifying their Lordships' direction to me to do as therein pro- 
 posed. In answer to which, you will please to acquaint the 
 Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty that, in obedience to 
 their Lordships' direction, I have dispatched the Termagant to 
 Tunis, with a notification to our Consul at that place, agree- 
 ably to the instructions above mentioned, and also one to be 
 forwarded by him to his Majesty's Consul- General at Tripoli ; 
 but I have not, for the present, deemed it proper to make any 
 notification to the Dey of Algiers. I am, &c. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 6 Mr. Yorke succeeded Lord Pelham as Secretary of State for tlie Home Depart - 
 mnte, in August 1803.
 
 XT. 45.] LETTERS. 487 
 
 TO ADMIRAL THE EARL OF ST. VINCENT, K.B. 
 
 [Autograph, in the possession of Vice-Admiral Sir William Parker, Bart., G.C.B.] 
 
 Victory, April 6th, 1804. 
 
 My dear Lord, 
 
 I cannot allow Captain Layman 7 to present himself before 
 you without bearing my testimony to his abilities and active 
 conduct during his command of the Weazle ; and I am sure 
 his re-appointment to the Gibraltar station would give general 
 satisfaction to the Rock, which you have always (and I con- 
 tinue it) endeavoured to please. I am always, my dear Lord, 
 most affectionately yours, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO REAR-ADMIRAL SIR RICHARD BICKERTON, BART. 
 
 [From Clarke and M'Arthur, vol. ii. p. 360.] 
 
 7th April, 1804. 
 
 As the Enemy's Fleet has been out, 9 and may still be at sea, 
 and as I should be very sorry to baulk their inclinations of a 
 Battle by your superiority of numbers, You will, therefore, 
 whenever I make the signal, haul from us to the Southward, 
 furl your top-gallant sails so as not to be discovered from the 
 shore, and just keep sight of us from the masthead ; and make 
 
 7 Captain Layman having been acquitted by a Court-Martial of all blame for the 
 loss of the Weazle, he was soon after appointed to command the Eaven Sloop, as will 
 appear from subsequent letters. In the Memoir of that Officer in Marshall's " Naval 
 Biography" (vol. iii. p. 327) is the following passage : "On the 2nd of April 1804, 
 Nelson, then unaware of the disaster which had befallen his protege, wrote to a 
 mutual friend, as follows : ' I hope the Admiralty will confirm Layman ; for he is 
 not only attached to me, but is, indeed, a very active Officer. It was his venturing 
 to know more about India than Troubridge did, that made them look shy upon him. 
 His tongue runs too fast. I often tell him neither to talk nor write so much.'" 
 
 9 In his letter to Mr. Rose, written on the 8th April, (vide p. 488,) Lord Nelson 
 said, that, in the preceding week, two Sail of the Line came outside Toulon, and 
 that on Thursday the 5th, in the afternoon, they all came out. On that day the 
 Victory was off Cape Corse, on her way to her station off Toulon, and Lord Nelson 
 appears to have been informed of the circumstance on the morning of the 7th, when 
 he was rejoined by the Superb, Canopus, and Active. Clarke and M'Arthur (vol. ii. 
 p. 360) say that Lord Nelson, when informing Mr. Frere of these movements of 
 the French Fleet, added " If they go on playing out and in, we shall some day get 
 at them."
 
 488 LETTERS. [1804. 
 
 the signal for your Division, (except Excellent, who is going 
 towards Toulon,) and do you call in Belleisle, unless I should 
 call her by signal to me. I am, &c., 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO THE REVEREND ROBERT ROLFE. 
 
 [Autograph, in the possession of the Reverend Robert Rolfe.] 
 
 Victory, April 7th, 1804. 
 
 My dear Mr. Rolfe, 
 
 I am just favoured with your kind letter of January 5th, 
 and you may be assured that if it is in my power, I will most 
 assuredly promote Mr. Bedingfeld j 1 and if it should not, 
 that I will leave him as a legacy to my successor. I must 
 apprise you that we have no deaths in this fine climate, and 
 the French Fleet will not give us an opportunity of being 
 killed off. I am well aware of your obligations to Sir R. 
 Bedingfeld, and of the pleasure it must afford to show your 
 goodness of heart. I will not say all which I could on this 
 subject. Remember me most kindly to your good mother, my 
 Aunt ; 2 and believe [me] ever, my dear Rolfe, your most 
 affectionate cousin, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO TPIE RIGHT HONOURABLE GEORGE ROSE. 
 
 [Autograph, in the possession of the Right Honourable Sir George Rose, G.C.H,] 
 
 Victory, April 8th, 1804. 
 
 My dear Sir, 
 
 I was favoured with your kind letter of December 15th, a 
 few days ago. I have not as yet heard a word of the entailing 
 the English pension ; and if common justice is done me, Parlia- 
 ment ought to give me the ^1000 a-year that your Admi- 
 nistration gave to Lords St. Vincent and Duncan ; but, if our 
 reports are true about the King, very great alterations must 
 take place. 
 
 1 Mr. Thomas William Bedingfeld, second son of Frank Bedingfeld, Esq., was 
 distantly related to Sir Richard Bedingfeld, Bart. He was wounded in the hand 
 in an attack made by the Boats of the Narcissus, Seahorse, and Maidstone, on some 
 French Vessels in Hires Bay, in the night of the llth of July 1804 ; was imme- 
 diately made a Lieutenant, and died in July 1811. 
 
 * Vide vol. i. pp. 17, 18.
 
 JT[. 45.] LETTERS. 489 
 
 We are on the eve of great events. Last week, at different 
 times, two Sail of the Line put their heads outside Toulon ; 
 and on Thursday the 5th, in the afternoon, they all came out. 
 We have had a gale of wind and calm since; therefore, I do not 
 know whether they are returned to Port or have kept the sea. 
 I have only to wish to get alongside of them with the present 
 Fleet under my command ; so highly officered and manned, 
 the event ought not to be doubted. That event shall, if 
 possible, be useful to your recommendation, Captain Strachey, 
 who I shall be glad of an opportunity of promoting. With 
 many thanks for your obliging offers of service, for which I 
 hope to thank you soon in London, believe me ever, my 
 dear Sir, your much obliged friend, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO CAPTAIN SOTHERON, H.M. SHIP EXCELLENT. 
 
 [Letter-Book. " Monday, 9th April. At Noon, Cape Sicie bore N.W., distant 
 five leagues. P.M. Amazon took possession of a French Merchant brig between 
 Cape Sepet and Porquerolle. Observed the batteries at Sepet firing at the Amazon, 
 and that three Frigates came out of Toulon, and stood for the Amazon and her 
 Prize. Donegal's and Active's signals made to close the Amazon. Observed four 
 more of the Enemy's Ships coming out of Toulon round Sepet ; the Prize standing 
 off the land for the Squadron. At 6-30, the Enemy's Ships tacked, and stood into 
 Toulon. Superb closed the Donegal, Active, and Amazon." Victory's Log.~\ 
 
 Victory, off Toulon, 9th April, 1804. 
 
 Sir, 
 
 I am to desire you will proceed immediately with his 
 Majesty's Ship Excellent, under your command, (taking with 
 you the Frigates named in the margin, 3 ) to Rendezvous No. 
 100, where you will remain until I shall join you with the 
 Squadron, which will most probably be in three or four days 
 from this date. You will detain the Argo, Agincourt, or any 
 other Vessel of War or Transport which may come on the 
 said Rendezvous, till my arrival ; and every two days, or as 
 often as you may, from circumstances or information, judge 
 necessary, send two of the Frigates to reconnoitre the Enemy 
 at Toulon. I am, &c., 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 3 Active, Phoebe, Seahorse, Amazon.
 
 490 LETTERS. [1-804. 
 
 TO J. B. GIBERT, ESQ., HIS BRITANNIC MAJESTY'S CONSUL, 
 BARCELONA. 
 
 [Letter-Book.] 
 
 Victory, at Sea, 10th April, 1804. 
 
 Sir, 
 
 I have received your letter of the 24th ultimo, together with 
 the one therein alluded to, transmitting a packet from Mr. 
 Frere, and am very much obliged by your sending me the 
 several French and Spanish Papers, with the four copies of 
 the Courier de Londres, which have all been received safe. I 
 am aware that a Bill of Health is required from his Majesty's 
 Ships and Vessels using either Barcelona or Rosas, and am 
 sorry to observe that every difficulty and impediment is 
 thrown in the way of our procuring the small supplies of 
 bullocks and refreshments for the Fleet under my command, 
 very unusual between two Nations in peace and amity. I trust, 
 however, that Mr. Frere's remonstrance with the Court of 
 Madrid may do away the necessity of such Bill of Health, 
 and also procure us more liberal supplies of bullocks, &c., 
 free from the immense duties imposed on them. I enclose a 
 letter to the Captain-General on the subject of the Captain 
 of any of his Majesty's Ships giving his word of honour, that 
 his people are in perfect health and pratique, and ought to be 
 received as such. You w r ill, therefore, have the goodness to 
 explain to the Captain-General, that the word of honour of 
 the Captain of a British Man-of-War is as sacred as a 
 Monarch's, and equal to any Bill of Health from me. I am, 
 
 with much respect, &c., 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO WILLIAM MARSDEN, ESQ., ADMIRALTY. 
 
 [Original, in the Admiralty.] 
 
 Victory, off Toulon, 10th April, 1804. 
 
 Sir, 
 
 I herewith transmit you, for the information of the Lords 
 Commissioners of the Admiralty, a copy of the Active's log 
 on the 6th instant, and request you will be pleased to acquaint 
 their Lordships that yesterday forenoon the Squadron under
 
 JET. 45.] LETTERS. 491 
 
 my command stood close in with the entrance of Toulon 
 Harbour and reconnoitred the Enemy's force, the same as 
 mentioned in my letter to Sir Evan Nepean of the 19th 
 ultimo. They are certainly, however, upon the alert, as an 
 Admiral, with four Sail of the Line and three Frigates, came 
 out in the evening, in order to recapture a small Coasting- 
 Vessel taken by the Amazon close under their batteries ; but 
 finding her covered by the Donegal, Superb, and Excellent, 
 they returned into Port. I am, &c., 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO LADY HAMILTON. 
 
 [Extracts from " Lord Nelson's Letters to Lady Hamilton," vol. ii. p. 26.] 
 
 Victory, off Toulon, April 10th, 1804. 
 
 The amorins will go under the care of Captain Lay- 
 man ; 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. 
 Elfi 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 4 will never 
 forget your goodness. My health is so so I I shall get through 
 
 4 His nieces, daughters of his sister, Mrs. Bolton. The former married the 
 Eeverend Henry Girdlestone, and the latter died unmarried in October 1830.
 
 492 LETTERS. [1804. 
 
 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. 
 
 TO THOMAS BOLTON, ESQ. 
 
 [Autograph, in the possession of James Yonng, Esq., of Wells.] 
 My dear Sir, Victory, April llth, 1804. 
 
 Your letter of October 23rd has only just reached me. 
 Your letter for Sir William 5 shall be delivered when he joins 
 the Fleet : he is now on his return from Naples. His conduct 
 is such as not only merits my esteem, but also, that of all the 
 Officers in the Fleet. If I knew where to place him to get 
 some money, I should most gladly do it. I have given him his 
 choice of station, but he rather wishes to keep at hand, in case 
 of something turning up. As to vacancies, unless the French 
 Fleet come out, I see no prospect of promotion ; but time and 
 chance happeneth to all, and so it will to him, if he looks out 
 sharp for good fortune. We have various reports here of the 
 King's illness; of the Invasion having been attempted, and 
 failed, &c. &c. We shall never have a solid Peace until the 
 Invasion is tried and found to fail. My state of health will 
 certainly oblige me to return to England before next Christmas, 
 and I shall always be happy in taking you by the hand, being 
 ever, my dear Sir, your much obliged friend, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO CAPTAIN JOHN GORE, H. M. SHIP MEDUSA, OR THE SENIOR 
 OFFICER AT GIBRALTAR. 
 
 [Order-Book.] 
 
 Victory, at Sea, 12th April, 1804. 
 
 Whereas it is a well known custom in the Service, that 
 after the loss of a Ship or Vessel of War, the Captain, Officers, 
 and Men (who survive) are always considered answerable for 
 their conduct, and cannot be employed until they have been 
 tried by a Court-Martial ; and, whereas, the four men named 
 
 s Captain Sir William Bolton, of the Childers, nephew and son-in-law of Mr. 
 Bolton, to whom this letter was written.
 
 JET. 45.] LETTERS. 493 
 
 in the margin, have been very improperly detained on board 
 the Amphion, You are hereby required and directed to cause 
 the said four men to be discharged from the Amphion, and 
 sent to the Victory by the very first opportunity ; and should 
 either of the men named on the other side hereof be on board 
 the Amphion, or any other of his Majesty's Ships under your 
 orders, you will also cause them to be discharged, and sent to 
 the Victory in the manner above-mentioned, and also the 
 seven men belonging to the late Weazle Sloop (who were sent 
 to the Hospital), on their recovery. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO CAPTAIN SAMUEL SUTTON, H.M. SHIP AMPHION. 
 
 [Letter-Book.] 
 
 Victory, at Sea, 12th April, 1804. 
 
 Dear Sir, 
 
 As the people belonging to His Majesty's late Sloop 
 Weazle ought to have been sent up for Trial with the others, 
 I have sent an order to the Senior Officer at Gibraltar to 
 direct their discharge from the Amphion, that they may be 
 sent to the Victory by the very first opportunity. I am &c., 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 P.S. Should the order above-mentioned come to you, as 
 Senior Officer, at Gibraltar, you will of course comply with it 
 immediately. 
 
 TO WILLIAM MARSDEN, ESQ., ADMIRALTY. 
 [Letter-Book.] 
 
 Victory, at Sea, 13th April, 1804. 
 Sir, 
 
 I herewith transmit you for the information of the Lords 
 Commissioners of the Admiralty, a copy of my order of yester- 
 day's date, for the survey of Lieutenant Robert Stupart, 6 of 
 His Majesty's Ship Triumph, together with a report of that 
 Officer's health in consequence ; and I am to request you will 
 
 * 
 
 6 Lieutenant Eobert Stupart died between 1805 and 1807.
 
 494 LETTERS. [1804. 
 
 please to acquaint their Lordships, that as Lieutenant Askew 7 
 has not yet joined the Triumph, Mr. Faddy continues acting 
 in the room of Lieutenant Miller, as mentioned in my letter 
 to you of the 20th ultimo, and as soon as Lieutenant Askew 
 joins, I have given Mr. William Faddy an order to act in the 
 room of Lieutenant Stupart, a copy of which, is herewith 
 transmitted for their Lordships information, and trust, from a 
 consideration of the circumstances stated in my said letter, 
 respecting Mr. Faddy, their Lordships will be pleased to give 
 him a Commission. I am, &c., 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO JV1ISS HORATIA NELSON THOMSON. 
 [From " Lord Nelson's Letters to Lady Hamilton," vol. ii. p. 107.] 
 
 * 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 AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO CAPTAIN BENJAMIN HALLOWELL, H. M. SHIP ARGO. 
 [Order Book.] 
 
 Victory, at Sea, 14th April, 1804. 
 
 You are hereby required and directed on your arrival at 
 Gibraltar, to make the signal for, and take under your 
 convoy and protection, all the Trade bound from thence to 
 any part of the United Kingdom, and proceed with them as 
 expeditiously as possible, consistent with their safety, off 
 Cadiz, where you will also take under your convoy and 
 protection all the Merchant-Ships at that place, bound for 
 
 7 Lieutenant William Askew died in December 1805 : he was a brother of the 
 
 Kent Lieutenant-General Sir Henry Askew, K.C.B., and of Captain Christopher 
 tenthorp Askew, E.N. Tide Burke's "History of the Landed Gentry," p. 29.
 
 ,T. 45.] LETTERS. 495 
 
 England, and make the best of your way with them to their 
 destination ; and, in order that the Convoy under your Com- 
 mand may be sufficiently strengthened against L'Aigle, or 
 any of the Enemy's Cruizers, You are hereby directed to order 
 the Captain of the Agincourt to proceed in company with 
 you from Gibraltar, and escort you twenty or twenty-five 
 leagues to the Westward of Cadiz ; and afterwards to return 
 to Gibraltar, and follow my orders of the 20th ultimo, which 
 he will find with Commissioner Otway at that place. You will 
 also receive such money on board his Majesty's Ship Argo, 
 under your command, as the Merchants at Gibraltar and 
 Cadiz may have to send to England ; but in receiving the 
 money from the last-mentioned place, I must recommend 
 great caution, and desire that you will take such measures for 
 that purpose as may be perfectly consistent with the safety 
 of the Trade which may be under your protection from 
 Gibraltar. It may, therefore, be advisable to proceed in the 
 Argo to Cadiz for the purpose above-mentioned, as well as 
 for the bringing the Trade with you from that place, and leave 
 the Agincourt to take the Convoy from Gibraltar off Cadiz, 
 in order to its being joined by the Argo, on its appearance 
 off Cadiz, and then proceed as before directed. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO WILLIAM MARSDEN, ESQ., ADMIRALTY. 
 [Original, in the Admiralty.] 
 
 Victory, at Sea, 14th April, 1804. 
 
 Sir, 
 
 I request you will be pleased to acquaint the Lords Com- 
 missioners of the Admiralty, that I have charged Captain 
 Layman, of his Majesty's late Sloop Weazle, with my Public 
 dispatches for the Admiralty, and beg to recommend him to 
 their Lordships as an Officer very deserving their patronage 
 and protection. I am, Sir, &c., 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE.
 
 496 LETTERS. [1804. 
 
 MEMORANDUM. 
 
 [The following Paper was written by Captain Layman, late of the Weazle Sloop, 
 and transmitted to the Admiralty by Lord Nelson on the 14th of April, 1804. "The 
 importance of a Cruizer in the Gut of Gibraltar, in a Naval and Commercial point 
 of view, as well as the consideration of obtaining supplies for the Garrison, seems 
 to require a particular description of Vessel to keep her station in a Channel confined 
 to the space of eight miles, in which, exclusive of the wind and sea being often 
 boisterous and turbulent, there are four strong tides, besides the current ; and, as to 
 effect turning to the westward, against the wind, some tacks do not exceed one mile. 
 It is presumed that a fast-sailing Brig is the best description of Vessel for this service, 
 and as she ought not only to be able to repulse but to take anything in the shape of 
 a Privateer, some of which have from twenty-two to twenty-six guns, with from 
 one hundred and fifty to two hundred men, it would require her to be of such 
 dimensions as to be armed with eighteen 32-pounder carronades, with sufficient 
 space, abaft and forward, to mount a long 18-pounder to fire in all directions; and 
 the better to prevent her being annoyed ill a calm, and to enable her to pursue 
 Privateers or Gun-boats, she should be fitted so as to pull thirty-eight sweeps and 
 two skulls, the advantages of which were evinced in the Weazle. H. M. Ship 
 Victory, April 13th, 1804, W. LAYMAN." From a Copy in the Admiralty.'] 
 
 [Autograph on the above Paper.] 
 
 Victory, April 14th, 1804. 
 
 I agree most perfectly in the propriety of having Vessejs of 
 the aforementioned description, stationed in the Straits of 
 Gibraltar; and I know no man so fit to command one of them 
 as Captain Layman. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO THE MASTERS OF THE MERCHANT SHIPS ZEPHYR, COURIER, 
 OAK, AND HOPE, AT GIBRALTAR. 
 
 [Letter-Book.] 
 
 Victory, at Sea, 14th April, 1804. 
 
 Gentlemen, 
 
 I have received your Petition, dated at Gibraltar the 6th 
 instant, stating, that you had for some time past been detained 
 in the said Bay for want of Convoy ; in answer to which, I 
 am to acquaint you that Captain Hallowell, of his Majesty's 
 Ship Argo, is directed to take the Ships you respectively 
 command, and any others at Gibraltar, under his protection 
 and convoy, and proceed with them to England as early as 
 possible ; but I cannot, at the same time, help expressing my
 
 ^ET. 45.] LETTERS. 497 
 
 astonishment at your detention at Gibraltar for want of Convoy, 
 particularly as his Majesty's Ship Monmouth sailed from that 
 place on the 1st ultimo for England, and I am persuaded 
 Captain Hart would have taken any Trade bound for the United 
 Kingdom under his protection. I am, &c., 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO THE SENIOR OFFICER OF HIS MAJESTY'S SHIPS AND 
 VESSELS AT GIBRALTAR. 
 
 [Letter Book.] 
 
 Victory, at Sea, 14th April, 1804. 
 
 Sir, 
 
 As I wish my Public dispatches in the charge of Captain 
 Layman, of his Majesty's late Sloop Weazle, to be forwarded 
 to Government as early as possible, I am to desire you will 
 (in case the Argo is sailed from England) immediately send 
 a Vessel of War to Lisbon, with Captain Layman and the said 
 dispatches; or in the event of none being at Gibraltar on his 
 arrival, you will receive Captain Layman on board the Ship 
 you command and proceed to Lisbon with him, with as much 
 expedition as possible. Having so done, pursue the object of 
 your former orders. I am, &c., 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO CAPTAIN GORE, H.M. SHIP MEDUSA, OR THE SENIOR OFFICER 
 OF HIS MAJESTY'S SHIPS AND VESSELS AT GIBRALTAR. 
 
 [Letter-Book.] 
 
 Victory, at Sea, 15th April, 1804. 
 
 Sir, 
 
 As the Rendezvous of the Squadron under my command 
 is particularly uncertain, and must ever depend upon circum- 
 stances, I must desire that you will acquaint the Captains or 
 Commanders of any of his Majesty's Ships, Vessels, or Trans- 
 ports ordered to join me, that they are to come to Rendezvous 
 No. 97, under Cape St. Sebastians, mentioned on the inclosed 
 Sheet of Rendezvous, where they will meet a Ship of War 
 stationed for the purpose of falling in with Ships in search of 
 me ; and you will acquaint them that they are on no account 
 
 VOL. v. K K
 
 498 LETTERS. [1804. 
 
 or consideration to leave the said Rendezvous No. 97, but 
 remain there for my further orders. I am, &c., 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 N.B. A letter of the same tenor and date as the above, 
 inclosing a sheet of Rendezvous, sent to Commissioner Otway, 
 Gibraltar. 
 
 TO THE RIGHT HONOURABLE LORD HOBART, SECRETARY OF 
 STATE FOR THE WAR DEPARTMENT. 
 
 [Autograph, in the Colonial Office.] 
 
 Victory, April 16th, 1804. 
 
 My Lord, 
 
 I have been honoured with your letter of January 7th, and 
 it has given me most sincere pleasure that my whole conduct 
 in my Command here has been such as to meet his Majesty's 
 approbation, and which it shall always be my study to deserve. 
 
 Your Lordship will probably hear something of Sardinia 
 through Mr. Elliot at Naples, and Mr. Jackson at Rome. I 
 send your Lordship a copy of my last letter to Mr. Jackson. 
 My line of conduct, in obedience to the spirit of his Majesty's 
 instructions communicated through your Lordship, has been 
 simply this, to conciliate all, to protect all from French 
 rapacity, and I have the satisfaction to think that I have com- 
 pletely succeeded. 
 
 My eye is constantly fixed upon Toulon ; and I have no 
 great reason to believe that the French will escape me, what- 
 ever may be their destination : and it is with real pleasure I 
 can state to your Lordship, and request you will state it to 
 the King, that no Fleet ever was in higher discipline, and 
 health, and good humour, than the one I have the honour to 
 command ; and whenever we fall in with the Enemy's Fleet, 
 (if I do my duty,) the happiest result will, I may venture to 
 say, accrue. I have the honour to be, &c., 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 The French Fleet safe in Toulon this day at noon.
 
 JET. 45.] LETTERS. 499 
 
 TO THE RIGHT HONOURABLE LORD HOBART. 
 [Autograph, in the Colonial Office.] 
 
 Victory, April 10th, 1804. 
 
 My Lord, 
 
 I have the honour to transmit your Lordship two letters 
 from Ali Vizir, Pacha of Yanina. Captain Cracraft or Mr. 
 Foresti have most probably seen him before this time. With 
 respect to the Vessel, there must be some mistake in his 
 Italian writer; but with regard to the Artillery-men, there 
 can be none. Your Lordship will judge how far it would be 
 proper to send them. I shall write to the Pacha about the 
 Vessel. I think he can only mean a small handsome Vessel. 
 Your Lordship is, I dare say, fully aware of the sort of inde- 
 pendence this Pacha holds himself of the Porte, and that it 
 has always been considered, that whenever he could get 
 possession of the Suliotes, he would declare his independence. 
 He has now accomplished his object, and could hold the Morea 
 in spite of all the power of the Porte ; but the times are 
 also changed, and what he could have done easily ten years 
 past, may now be difficult. The Russians, I fancy, resist any 
 Power holding the Morea and European Turkey except them- 
 selves. 
 
 Your Lordship will judge of the Pacha's present intentions, 
 and whether he looks to us for support. I shall write him word 
 that I have referred his letter to your Lordship. Of this we 
 may be sure, that if we do not give him the two Artillery- 
 men and the Vessel, the French will. I am, &c., 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO CAPTATX LEWIS SHEPHEARD, H. M. SHIP THISBE. 
 [Letter-Book.] 
 
 Victory, at Sea, 17th April, 1804. 
 
 Sir, 
 
 I have received your letter of the 31st ultimo, acquainting 
 me that you had detained a Greek Polacca Ship from Smyrna 
 bound to Amsterdam, and that you had carried her into 
 Valetta Harbour, under an idea that her cargo was Dutch 
 
 K K 2
 
 500 LETTERS. [1804. 
 
 property, which, I hope may prove so, to exonerate the 
 detention. I have also to acknowledge the receipt of your 
 letter of the 1st instant, acquainting me, that all the Convoy 
 under your charge had arrived safe, except an armed Polacca 
 belonging to Gibraltar. I am, &c., 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO CAPTAIN SCHOMBERG, H.M. SHIP MADRAS, MALTA. 
 [Letter-Book.] 
 
 Victory, at Sea, 17th April, 1804. 
 Sir, 
 
 I have received your letter of the 17th ultimo, acquainting 
 me, that Lieutenant Cantelo, of the Bombay Marine, had ar- 
 rived at Malta, with dispatches for England, and that you had 
 sent him on board the Agincourt to proceed to Gibraltar : 
 also, that several Transports had arrived in the last Convoy 
 from England, that are fit (with a little alteration) to receive 
 Troops, that you had ordered them to victual and water for 
 two months for their respective complements of Troops, and 
 that embarkation for at least one thousand four hundred men 
 is ready at a moment's notice. In answer to which, I very 
 much approve of every part of your conduct on this occasion; 
 but trust this arrangement has not interfered with the sailing 
 of the two coppered Transports to the Black Sea, under the 
 charge of Lieutenant Woodman, as mentioned in my letter to 
 Captain Lamb, of the 20th March last, and order, to Lieutenant 
 Woodman, of that date. I am, also, to desire you will use 
 every possible exertion in your power, to collect all the 
 Trade from the Levant and Adriatic, in order to proceed to 
 England under the protection of the Agincourt and Thisbe, 
 the moment the former shall arrive at Malta from Gibraltar, 
 where I have sent her to take in her lower-deck guns, previous 
 to her proceeding on this service. The Thisbe is for the 
 moment directed to follow the orders of Captain Donnelly, to 
 bring out Transports to the Fleet, and will return immediately. 
 I have received information that there are three French 
 Privateers (two of them Brigs)' who have taken their station 
 off Tunis, for the purpose of intercepting stragglers from
 
 JET. 45.] LETTERS. 501 
 
 Convoys, or Runners. I must, therefore, desire that you will 
 pay all the attention to the destruction of these Privateers, 
 which may be in your power, and at the same time communi- 
 cate this circumstance to Captain Cracraft of the Anson, that 
 he may also turn his mind to their capture. I am, &c., 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO CAPTAIN SCHOMBERG, H.M. SHIP MADRAS. 
 [Letter-Book.] 
 
 Victory, at Sea, 17th April, 
 Sir, 
 
 I have received your letter of the 31st ultimo, acquainting 
 me with the arrival of the Thisbe, with the Convoy from 
 England mentioned on the list which accompanied your said 
 letter, and that you had in consequence of directions from the 
 Admiralty, communicated in Sir Evan Nepean's letter of the 
 21st December, ordered the Jalouse up the Adriatic with 
 the Trade, and directed Captain Strachey to use his utmost 
 exertions to collect the Ships left by the Morgiana, that they 
 might arrive at Malta time enough to proceed with the 
 Convoy for England ; acquainting me, also, that a great part 
 of the guns and stores belonging to his Majesty's late Sloop 
 Raven, had been saved by Mr. Tough, 8 and that you had re- 
 commended to him not to dispose of them, and that you should 
 take the necessary steps to convey them to Malta. In answer 
 to which, I very much approve of your sending the Jalouse with 
 the Trade up the Adriatic, and also, with the measures you have 
 taken respecting the conveyance of the stores saved from the 
 late Raven Sloop to Malta, when I shall direct the Naval Officer 
 to value them, and make the usual salvage for saving them. I 
 approve of your having sent the Thisbe to pick up her strag- 
 gled Convoy, and am glad to hear from Captain Shepheard 9 
 that they have arrived safe. I am, &c., 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 8 British Consul at Palermo. 
 
 9 Captain Lewis Shepheard of the Thisbe was Posted in October 1810, and died 
 about
 
 502 LETTERS. [1804. 
 
 TO LIEUTENANT ROBERT CORNER. 1 
 [Autograph, in the possession of Peter Smith, Esq.] 
 
 Victory, April 18th, 1804. 
 
 Sir, 
 
 If you are the gentleman who was Second of the Terrible, 
 and afterwards in the Victory, I remember you most perfectly. 
 I am not aware of any opportunity offering for your removal 
 into more active employ ; but, if you can effect an exchange 
 into any Ship here, I can have no objections. I am, Sir, &c., 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO NATHANIEL TAYLOR, ESQ., NAVAL STOREKEEPER, MALTA. 
 
 [Letter-Book.] 
 
 Victor}-, April 18th, 1804. 
 
 Sir, 
 
 Perhaps the hawser-laid rope of six and a half, six, five and 
 a half, five, four and a half, and four, may if the hemp is good 
 be relaid and made serviceable in our present great want of 
 stores. I wish to talk to Mr. Lawson about it, and if it can be 
 done, it will be very desirable. I am, &c. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO CAPTAIN HENRY RICHARDSON, H. M. SHIP JUNO. 
 [Letter-Book.] 
 
 Victory, at Sea, 19th April, 1804. 
 
 Sir, 
 
 Although nothing can be greater than the necessity of his 
 Majesty's Ship Juno, under your command, keeping con- 
 stantly on Rendezvous No. 97 ; and, although, in the absence 
 of the said Ship, the Swift Cutter, 2 with dispatches from the 
 
 1 Lieutenant Robert Corner, who obtained that rank iu 1779: he died a Lieu- 
 tenant about 1820. 
 
 3 The Swift Hired Cutter, of eight four pounders and twenty-three men, under 
 the command of Lieutenant William Martin Leake, who was killed in the Action. 
 was captured by the French Xebec Privateer L'Esperance, of ten Guns and fifty-four 
 men, in the Mediterranean, on the 3rd of April 1804. James says, (" Naval His-
 
 JET. 45.] LETTERS. 503 
 
 Admiralty, has been captured by the Enemy, without being 
 able to save them, I cannot but approve of your conduct 
 in quitting your station, and proceeding to the Bay of Rosas, 
 to assist the Officers and people of the late Hindostan ; 3 but, I 
 must recommend the strictest attention being had to keep the 
 Juno on the said Rendezvous, to protect any Victualler, 
 Transport, &c. from capture by the Enemy. I enclose you 
 Rendezvous No. 102, being the present station of the Fleet, 
 and am to desire you will acquaint any of his Majesty's Ships 
 or Vessels in search of the Squadron, that they will find me 
 there, or orders for their further proceedings. I am, &c., 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO ALEXANDER DAVISON, ESQ. 
 
 [Autograph, in the possession of Colonel Davison.] 
 
 Victory, April 19th, 1804. 
 
 My dear Davison, 
 
 Whatever I might have had in the Hindostan is gone, 
 and also all our letters in the Swift Cutter. She was taken 
 the 5th, and all our dispatches, letters, &c. &c., are gone to 
 Paris. I have only had two dispatches sent me since my 
 leaving England. One, the British Fair, was very near taken 
 in the Gut. The Swift, of the force of twenty-three men and 
 boys, is taken by a thing of fifty-three men and boys. How 
 Government can think of sending Papers of consequence in 
 such a Vessel I cannot imagine. I suppose we shall have a 
 Book of intercepted correspondence, 4 with such additions as 
 
 tory," vol. iii. p. 263) "The Swift, it appears, was carrying dispatches to Vice- 
 Admiral Lord Nelson off Toulon, but which, we rather think, for very few, if any, 
 particulars have been published, were thrown overboard previously to the Cutter's 
 capture ;" and adds, that " it seems strange that important dispatches should be 
 forwarded by a Vessel not equal to a Frigate's Launch, when armed with her car- 
 ronade and proper complement of men." 
 
 ' The Hindostan Store-Ship, Captain (or more properly Commander) John Le 
 Gros, caught fire, and was totally destroyed in the Bay of Eosas, on the 2nd of 
 April 1804. Captain Le Gros was " honourably acquitted of any blame, and the 
 Court-Martial gave him great credit for his conduct in smothering the fire at a dis- 
 tance of twelve leagues from the shore, which saved the lives of the Crew." He 
 died at Jersey, in 1807. 
 
 4 Lord Nelson evidently alluded to an octavo volume which was published in 
 London in 1798, entitled, " Copies of Original Letters from the Army of General 
 Buonaparte in Egypt, intercepted by the Fleet under the command of Admiral Lord 
 Nelson."
 
 504 LETTERS. [1804. 
 
 the ingenious head of a Frenchman can invent. Lieutenant 
 Askew is safe on board the Triumph : he was fortunate to 
 come up in the Thisbe. I see no prospect of my being useful 
 to any one. I shall only repeat that I am ever, my dear 
 Davison, your most obliged friend, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 I have wrote to you before respecting paying poor blind 
 Mrs. Nelson's debts, if within the bounds of reason, and my 
 fortune. 
 
 TO ADMIRAL THE EARL OF ST. VINCENT, K.B. 
 
 [Autograph, in the possession of Vice-Admiral Sir William Parker, Bart., G.C.B.] 
 
 Victory, April 19th, 1804. 
 
 My dear Lord, 
 
 The loss of the Hindostan has been great ; but from our care 
 and attention, I may truly say, of every Captain in the Fleet, 
 we shall get on for the summer. It is an accident, such 
 a Ship must be liable to ; and if Captain Le Gros' account 
 is correct (he is now on his Trial) he had great merit in 
 the order in which the Ship was kept, and it must have 
 arose from either some of the Medicine-Chests breaking, or 
 from wet getting down, which caused things to heat. The 
 preservation of the Crew seems little short of a miracle : I never 
 read such a Journal of exertions. 
 
 Misfortunes seldom come alone. The Juno very properly, 
 hearing of the accident, quitted her station off Cape St. 
 Sebastians the very day the Swift was taken, or that would 
 have been prevented. I send the account I have of that 
 event to the Admiralty. I only hope that no dispatches of 
 any consequence were entrusted in such a Vessel. Whatever 
 they are, they are this day before Buonaparte. Every Jack in 
 Diplomatic affairs is intrusted with a cipher, but an Admiral 
 Commander-in-Chief is not. It will now be corrected. I 
 am ever, my dear Lord, most affectionately yours, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE.
 
 ALT. 45.] LETTERS. 505 
 
 TO LADY HAMILTON. 
 [From " Lord Nelson's Letters to Lady Hamilton," vol. ii. p. 29.] 
 
 Victory, April lOtli, 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 let- 
 ters 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 yours arc 
 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 connexions 
 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 Hin- 
 dostan, 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 enclosed 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 produced nowhere 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 anything else to 
 send you ; but, my dearest Emma, you must take the will for 
 the deed. 1 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
 
 506 LETTERS. [1804. 
 
 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, &c. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 Poor Captain Le Gros had your Note to him in his pocket- 
 book, and that was all he saved. 
 
 Mr. Este 4 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. 
 
 TO MISS CHARLOTTE NELSON. 5 
 
 [From " Lord Nelson's Letters to Lady Hamilton," vol. ii. p. 109.] 
 
 Victory, April 19th, 1804. 
 
 My dear Charlotte, 
 
 I thank you very much for your kind letters of January 3rd 
 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 AND BRONTE. 
 
 4 Now Dr. Lnmbtoii Este, who has been, and will again be mentioned. 
 
 * His niece, only daughter of the Reverend Doctor Nelson, afterwards Earl 
 Nelson. Miss Nelson married, on the 3rd of July 1801, the Honourable Samuel 
 Hood, now Lord Bridport.
 
 .T. 45.] LETTERS. 507 
 
 TO THE RIGHT HONOURABLE LORD HOBART. 
 [Autograph, in the Colonial Office.] 
 
 Victory, April 19th, 1804. 
 
 Private. 
 My dear Lord, 
 
 I rely with confidence that, although the Admiralty for 
 ever send their dispatches, of whatever consequence, without 
 the use of cipher, and trust to their being thrown overboard 
 in case of capture, yet, as I know the other Departments of 
 Government always use cipher if of importance, and although 
 Admirals are never entrusted with ciphers, yet I rely that 
 your Lordship would not trust any dispatch of consequence 
 in a Vessel with twenty-three men, much less commit thfc 
 interests and schemes of other Powers to such a conveyance. 
 This is the only consolation I derive from all the dispatches 
 being this day read by the First Consul ; I wish they were in 
 his throat. I think a great deal on this matter, but it may be 
 prudent to hold my tongue, except to say, I am, &c., 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO WILLIAM MARSDEN, ESQ., ADMIRALTY. 
 [From a Copy in the Admiralty.] 
 
 Victory, at Sea, 19th April, 1804. 
 
 Sir, 
 
 I herewith transmit you the sentence of a Court-Martial 
 held this day, on board his Majesty's Ship Royal Sovereign, 
 for the trial of Captain Le Gros, and the Officers and Com- 
 pany of his Majesty's late Ship Hindostan," which you will 
 please to lay before the Lords Commissioners of the Admi- 
 ralty, for their information ; and at the same time acquaint 
 their Lordships, that, from every information which 1 have 
 received, the exertions of Captain Le Gros, his Officers, and 
 Ship's Company, in the late unfortunate business, deserve 
 great commendation, and that to the cool and collected con- 
 
 6 Captain Le Gros, his Officers, and Ship's Company were honourably acquitted. 
 Vide p. 498, ante.
 
 508 LETTERS. [1804. 
 
 duct of Captain Lc Gros, is to be attributed the preservation 
 of their lives. I am, Sir, &c. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 P.S. Inclosed is a letter from Rear-Admiral Sir Richard 
 Bickerton, (at the request of the Court,) respecting the con- 
 duct of Mr. Banks, Acting-Lieutenant of his Majesty's late 
 Ship Hindostan, which I request you to lay before their 
 Lordships, with a hope that they will grant him a Commis- 
 sion for his very meritorious conduct, as there set forth. 7 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO THE PRINCIPAL OFFICERS AND COMMISSIONERS OF HIS 
 MAJESTY'S NAVY, LONDON. 
 
 [Letter-Book.] 
 
 Victory, at Sea, 19th April, 1804. 
 
 Gentlemen, 
 
 The two Artificers named in the margin, 8 having been de- 
 tained to attend as Evidence at the Court-Martial on Captain 
 Le Gros, the Officers and Company of his Majesty's late Ship 
 Hindostan, are consequently prevented from proceeding to 
 Malta with the others ; and understanding that the Artificers 
 are entitled to certain privileges on their entering upon duty 
 in that Yard, I am to acquaint you that I have ordered the 
 Naval Officer at Malta to consider the said two men as arriv- 
 ing with the others, and pay them the sum they would be 
 entitled to in consequence, and request you will be pleased to 
 give the necessary directions to the Naval Officer accordingly. 
 The conduct of all the Artificers on the late Hindostan's acci- 
 dent, was very meritorious, and met the entire approbation of 
 the Court-Martial, particularly the two men above mentioned, 
 whose exertions were very exemplary. I am, &c. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 ? In reply to this recommendation; Lord Nelson was informed that Mr. Banks 
 " will be considered when an opportunity offers." Mr. Thomas Banks wits made 
 rt Lieutenant on the 23rd of June, 1804 and died about 1810. 
 
 8 Snmuel Follett, Thomas Rogers.
 
 JET. 45.] LETTERS. 509 
 
 TO CAPTAIN THOMAS BRIGGS, H. M. SHIP AGTNCOURT. 
 [Order-Book.] 
 
 Victory, at Sea, 19th April, 1804. 
 
 You are hereby required and directed to return immediately 
 with his Majesty's Ship Agincourt, under your command, to 
 Gibraltar, and on your arrival at that place, you will take such 
 Trade as may be there ready to accompany you to Malta, and 
 proceed with them, with all possible dispatch, consistent with 
 their safety ; and on your arrival at Valetta Harbour, you will 
 make the signal for, and take under your convoy and protection, 
 all our Trade which may be collected there, from the Levant 
 and Adriatic, and proceed with them as expeditiously after as 
 possible, consistent with their safety, to Gibraltar, where you 
 will also take all the Merchant- Ships bound to any part of the 
 United Kingdom under your convoy, and proceed with them 
 to England without delay : and as the Thisbe will be ordered 
 also on this service, you will take that Ship under your com- 
 mand at Malta ; and in the event of any of your Convoy 
 being destined for Ireland, you will order Captain Shep- 
 heard (when it shall be deemed proper to part company) 
 to proceed with the Trade bound to Cork and the Bristol 
 Channel ; and after having seen them in safety to their destina- 
 tion, you will direct the Thisbe to proceed to Plymouth or 
 Portsmouth, as may be most expedient, and continue on your- 
 self, with the rest of the Convoy, to Spithead, dropping such 
 as are bound to Ports in the Channel on your way up; and on 
 your arrival there, you will acquaint the Secretary of the 
 Admiralty thereof and transmit an account of your proceedings 
 for their Lordships' information. The protection of our Com- 
 merce being an object of great importance, ypu are to pay the 
 utmost attention to every Ship under your convoy, and on 
 no account leave them exposed to the Enemy's Privateers or 
 Cruizers. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE.
 
 510 LETTERS. [1804. 
 
 TO WILLIAM MARSDEN, ESQ., ADMIRALTY. 
 [Letter-Book.] 
 
 Victory, at Sea, 20th April, 1804. 
 
 Sir, 
 
 In consequence of *his Majesty's Ship Kent having been 
 reported to me in too leaky and unsafe a state to keep the sea 
 in bad weather, I ordered the Captains of the Ships named in 
 the margin, 9 together with their respective Carpenters, to 
 proceed on board the Kent, and strictly examine into the 
 state of her hull, beams, topsides, &c., in order to ascertain 
 the real state and situation of that Ship. And I herewith 
 transmit you the Report made to me yesterday in consequence, 
 which I request you will lay before the Lords Commissioners 
 of the Admiralty, for their information ; and at the same time, 
 acquaint their Lordships that she this day proceeded to 
 Naples, where I have directed her Captain to remain till 
 further orders. The Gibraltar being greatly in want of 
 cordage for running rigging, &c., I have directed Captain 
 Ryves to purchase what may be absolutely necessary to put 
 that Ship in a state for sea; having so done, to join me 
 immediately, and I shall, as soon after as may be expedient, 
 order her to Gibraltar to get the repairs their Lordships have 
 directed, and hope by that time stores will have arrived from 
 
 England for this purpose. I am, &c., 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO ADMIRAL LORD RADSTOCK. 
 
 [Autograph, iu the possession of Rear Admiral Lord Radstock, C.B.] 
 
 Victory, April 20th, 1804. 
 
 My dear Lord, 
 
 I have just received your kind note of February 2nd, saved 
 from the Hindostan, and also your packet of Patriotic papers. 1 
 &c., which you have been so good as to send me by Mr. 
 
 s Superb, Victory, Canopus. 
 
 1 This was probably a new edition of a small volume, called " The British Fla 
 Triumphant," which Lord Radstock had caused to be printed, at his own expense, 
 iu 1797, and circulated throughout the Fleet, containing the Dispatches announcing 
 all our great Naval Victories.
 
 JET, 45.] LETTERS. 511 
 
 Morier, 2 who fortunately went up in the Thisbe (I suppose) to 
 Malta. You and your friends, my dear Lord, have certainly 
 the greatest merit in turning the minds of the people to a 
 proper and true way of thinking. Without that precaution, 
 arming them might turn to our destruction instead of pre- 
 servation. I wish, on every account, I could announce to you 
 the promotion of your son. If the Admiralty will allow me 
 to follow my intentions, Granville 3 will be promoted next but 
 one, and that one is Mr. Faddy, who was a child in the 
 Vanguard when his father was killed. I have protected him 
 ever since, and he served his time and passed last October. 
 Your excellent heart will, I am sure, accord in this respect 
 with mine. 
 
 1 expect the French Ships from Ferrol, if they can escape 
 our Squadron, and then, probably, they will fight us. Till 
 then they will only try to escape this Squadron certainly, I 
 believe, the finest we have at sea. You will have heard they 
 have been playing in and out of Toulon. They may carry 
 their play further some day than they intend; and that it may 
 be soon (before I am done up) is the sincere wish of, my dear 
 Lord and friend, your ever most faithful and obliged, 
 
 Granville has passed. NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 2 John Philip Morier, Esq., who, in December 1803, had been appointed Consul- 
 General in Albania and the Morea. 
 
 3 On the 25th of April, five days after the date of this letter, the Honourable Gran- 
 ville George Waldegrave (now Rear-Admiral Lord Radstock, C.B.,) was appointed 
 Acting- Lieutenant of the Victory, vice Lieutenant Lackey, invalided, and who died 
 in October following. As Mr. Faddy had been appointed a Lieutenant of the 
 Triumph on the 13th of April, in the room of an Officer who had been invalided, 
 and as Lord Nelson was not sure of his being confirmed by the Admiralty, he 
 meant that he should reserve the first vacancy by death, or Court-Martial, which he 
 had the right of filling up, for Mr. Faddy, if necessary. To Lord Nelson's letter 
 announcing Mr. Waldegrave's appointment, (which, from a delicacy perhaps mis- 
 taken, however honourable to its present possessor, has not been communicated by 
 him to the Editor,) Lord Radstock thus feelingly replied, on the 23rd of July 1804 : 
 
 " The Board behaved very handsomely on this occasion, as a Commission was 
 directed to be made out for my son the very day that your order made its appear- 
 ance. But I cannot, my dear friend, pass over in silence what you say of my son. 
 Great as my joy was at your notification of his advancement, it was comparatively 
 nothing to the delight I experienced on reading what you say of him, both as an 
 Officer and a Man. Snch commendation from such a man as 'yourself, is of that 
 value, that no pen can describe. It will not only be an everlasting spur to himself, 
 but the sight of your letter (for it shall never perish in the family, if I can help it) 
 shall fill the breast even of his son's son with that noble fire, which can alone lead 
 to glorious and immortal actions." Autograph, in the Nelson Papers.
 
 512 LETTERS. [1804, 
 
 TO WILLIAM MARSDEX, ESQ., ADMIRALTY. 
 
 [Original, in the Admiralty.] 
 Sir, Victory, at Sea, 20th April, 1804. 
 
 You will please to acquaint the Lords Commissioners of 
 the Admiralty, that, in obedience to their direction, com- 
 municated to me in Sir Evan Nepean's letter, dated the 13th 
 December last, I shall give a Commission to Mr. Silas Hiscutt 
 Paddon, 4 to be a Lieutenant of his Majesty's Sloop Halcyon ; 
 but I have to express a wish that their Lordships had, at the 
 same time, signified which of the Lieutenants of that Sloop 
 Mr. Paddon was to supersede, as it leaves this very unpleasant 
 business for me to determine. I shall, however, transfer that 
 duty to the Commander of the said Sloop. I am, &c., 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO ADMIRAL THE EARL OF ST. VINCENT, K.B. 
 
 [Autograph, in the possession of Vice-Admiral Sir William Parker, Bart., G.C.B.] 
 
 My dear Lord, victory, April 2ist, ISM. 
 
 Mr. James, 1 Lord Camden's nephew, has delivered me 
 your letter ; but, from his total loss of clothes in the Hin- 
 dostan, he has desired to go to England, and upon consulting 
 Captain Capel, who he has been with, I have consented, and 
 have so wrote to Lord Camden. 
 
 I have, in obedience to Admiralty order, signed a Com- 
 mission for Mr. [Paddon] for the Halcyon, but I wish it 
 
 * Mr. Silas Hiscntt Paddon had greatly distinguished himself in July 1800, when 
 Midshipman of the Viper Cutter, in her Boat, with only 12 hands, under Lieutenant 
 Coghlan, in Lonrding and capturing the French Gun-brig Cerbere, with a cretv of 
 87 men, when he received six wounds. An account of that affair, the intrepidity 
 of which induced Lord St. Vincent to present Lieutenant Coghlan (who died a 
 Post Captain, and a Companion of the Bath) with a handsome sword, will be found 
 in James's " Naval History," vol. iii. p. 4"). Mr. Paddon was confirmed as a 
 Lieutenant on the 20th April, 1804 ; but that gallant and zealous Officer, though 
 often actively employed, (Ibid., vol. v. p. 26,) did not obtain his present rank of 
 Commander until March 1820. 
 
 5 Mr. John James, second son of Sir Walter James James, Bart., by Lady Jane 
 Pratt, youngest daughter of Charles first Earl Caniden. Mr. James's ill health 
 obliged him to leave the Navy, and he was afterwards Secretary of Embassy and 
 Minister Plenipotentiary at the Court of the Netherlands. He died in June 1814, 
 leaving a son, now Sir Walter James, Bart. ; and his widow, Lady Emily, daughter 
 of Robert first Marquis of Londonderry, married, secondly, in 1821, the Right 
 Honourable Sir Henry Hardinge, G.C.B., the present Governor-General of India.
 
 JET. 45.] LETTERS 513 
 
 had been mentioned which Lieutenant he was to supersede. 
 One is an eleve of the Duke of Clarence, the other a very 
 meritorious Officer, Nephew to Captain Donnelly of the 
 Narcissus. I am ever, my dear Lord, yours faithfully, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 We have now had a forty-eight hours' gale, and no signs of 
 its abating. 
 
 TO WILLIAM MARSDEN, ESQ., ADMIRALTY. 
 
 [Original, in the Admiralty.] 
 Sir, Victory, at Sea, 22ud April, 1804. 
 
 I herewith transmit you a letter from Captain Le Gros of his 
 Majesty's late Ship Hindostan, which I request you will please 
 to communicate to the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty, 
 and, at the same time, acquaint their Lordships that, in 
 addition to Mr. Edward Gayner's honest and honourable 
 dealings in supplying the Fleet with wine and other necessary 
 refreshments, which can be procured from no other person at 
 Rosas, every Officer in the Squadron is infinitely indebted to 
 him for his great care and attention in executing their private 
 commissions as well as their public transactions ; and it is but 
 justice to state, that Mr. Gayner has on every occasion fur- 
 nished us with articles prohibited by the Spanish Government, 
 without a motive of pecuniary reward, from want of which 
 the Ships' Companies would have felt a severe loss: therefore 
 beg to mention him to their Lordships as a person very 
 deserving of some consideration for his great exertions for the 
 Public service. 6 I am, &c., 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO LADY HAMILTON. 
 
 [From " Lord Nelson's Letters to Lady Hamilton," vol. ii. p. 34. On the 23rd 
 of April, St. George's day, 1804, a promotion of Admirals took place, when Lord 
 Nelson became a Vice-Admiral of the White the highest rank he ever attained.] 
 
 My dearest Emma, Victory, April 23rd, 1804. 
 
 Hallowell has promised me, if the Admiralty will give him 
 leave to go to London, that he will call at Merton. His spirit 
 
 ' The Lords of the Admiralty consequently presented Mr. Gayner with a silver 
 Cup, value one hundred guineas. 
 
 VOL. V. L L
 
 514 LETTERS. [1804. 
 
 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 Maraschino 
 veritabile of Zara, which I got Jemmy Anderson to buy for 
 me, and twelve bottles of Tokay. I have none for myself 
 being better pleased that you should have it. I am, &c. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 Hallowell parted last night ; but, being in sight, I am send- 
 ing a Frigate with a letter to the Admiralty. 
 
 May God Almighty bless you, and send us a happy meeting. 
 
 TO CAPTAIN RYVES, H. M. SHIP GIBRALTAR, AT NAPLES. 
 
 [Letter-Book.] 
 Sir, Victory, at Sea, 26th April, 1804. 
 
 As Seamen's beds and hammocks are very much wanted for 
 the Fleet, and as, from the loss of the late Hindostan, a supply 
 from England cannot be expected for many months, I am to 
 request you will use every means to find out whether beds 
 can be procured at Naples, the price and quality thereof, and 
 also, upon what notice any number, from one to two thousand 
 beds, may he had. You will also make inquiry if any cotton, 
 &c., can be purchased for hammocks the price per yard, 
 and what quantity may be had for this purpose. It would, 
 therefore, be advisable to bring a bed complete, with a sample 
 of the cotton. The price of the former, I think, ought not to 
 exceed fourteen or sixteen shillings each. I am, &c., 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO HIS EXCELLENCY HUGH ELLIOT, ESQ. 
 [Autograph, in the Elliot Papers.] 
 
 Victory, April 26th, 1804. 
 
 My dear Sir, 
 
 I have been duly honoured with your Excellency's letters by 
 the Belleisle and Childers, and feel very much obliged by 
 your communication of the very interesting news from the
 
 JET. 45.] LETTERS. 515 
 
 various Powers on the Continent. It must, if they are induced 
 to move, be for our advantage that is, I mean against France, 
 and for their own future peace and quietness. If Austria and 
 Russia submit to the invasion of the German Territory, 7 the 
 two young Emperors deserve the worst which can happen. 
 You will be sorry to hear of the loss of the Hindostan with 
 all our stores ; but this being an accident which no human 
 precaution could prevent, I must turn my mind to do without 
 them, and I dare say I shall do tolerably the summer. But 
 the capture of the Swift Cutter of four or six guns and 
 twenty-three men, with all the Dispatches, is a loss which ages 
 cannot do away. I only hope, but I have my great fears, that 
 not only the secrets of our own Country are exposed, but that 
 perhaps Naples, Russia, Sardinia, and Egypt may be men- 
 tioned. How the Admiralty could send out such a Vessel is 
 astonishing! I wish it to be known at Petersburg and Con- 
 stantinople, in case any plan has been agreed upon by our 
 Courts, for the French will, of course, strike a blow instantly. 
 Naples will keep on her guard, for we must prepare for the 
 worst which may have happened. It has made me very 
 uneasy and unwell. 
 
 The Gibraltar is ordered by the Admiralty to be refitted, 
 and, therefore, I have sent the Kent, who is to go home in 
 July, being unable any longer to encounter our dreadful 
 weather off Toulon. As you will see, she is a very fine Ship, 
 and fully equal to convey any important freight to Sicily. I 
 send your Excellency a secret order in case of need. 
 
 The Argo is just sailed for England. You know she is 
 from Egypt. Captain Hallo well thinks the French are destined 
 for that Country. I have not heard from England officially 
 since January, and I only wish they had kept their letters in- 
 stead of trusting them in such a Vessel. You will find Captain 
 Malcolm a very intelligent, good Officer. I am ever, my 
 dear Sir, your most faithful and obedient servant, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 7 Vide p. 518, post. 
 
 LL2
 
 51 G LETTERS. [1804. 
 
 TO HIS EXCELLENCY HUGH ELLIOT, ESQ. 
 [Original, in the Elliot Papers.] 
 
 Victory, 2Gth April, 1804. 
 
 Lord Nelson presents his compliments to Mr. Elliot, and 
 transmits herewith an order to Captain Malcolm of the Kent, or 
 the Senior Officer of his Majesty's Ships in the Bay of Naples, 
 which Mr. Elliot will have the goodness to deliver, should it 
 become necessary ; and also, to forward the accompanying 
 letter to Mr. Jackson at Rome. 
 
 TO CAPTAIN PULTENEY MALCOLM, H. M. SHIP KENT, OR THE 
 SENIOR OFFICER OF HIS MAJESTY'S SHIPS IN THE BAY OF 
 NAPLES. 
 
 [Original, in the Elliot Papers.] 
 
 Victory, at Sea, 26th April, 1804. 
 
 Most Secret and Confidential. 
 
 You are hereby required and directed, on this order being 
 delivered to you, to receive on board, or to convoy them if 
 they embark on board their own Ships, the King, Queen, and 
 Royal Family of Naples, to Palermo, or such other place as 
 the King may choose to proceed to, and you will afford every 
 protection and assistance to all those who may wish to follow 
 their Majesties (and that they approve of). 
 
 And you will also receive his Majesty's Minister and Suite, 
 and afford such other protection as in your power to all 
 British subjects and their property, as the urgency of the case 
 may require. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO HIS EXCELLENCY HUGH ELLIOT, ESQ. 
 
 [Autograph, in the Elliot Papers.] 
 My dear Sir, Victory, April 26th, 1804. 
 
 I am obliged by your suggestions relative to supplying the 
 Fleet with bullocks and vegetables, but the distance is too 
 great to render such a supply certain. It could not be by
 
 JET. 45.] LETTERS. 517 
 
 Neutrals; for they would soon be taken, and the expense 
 would be enormous. I must do as well as I can. I want 
 small Vessels; but instead of the Admiralty increasing my 
 numbers, they are daily diminishing. It would be most 
 desirable to hear from you every week ; for events of great 
 importance may be expected every day to arise ; but I have 
 them not. I must finish ; for a gale of wind is coming on, 
 and the Kent must part company. I do not think I can 
 possibly write Mr. Jackson at Rome. Pray, say so for me ; 
 and that the King of Sardinia need not fear I shall force 
 Troops upon his Territory. Ever, my dear Sir, yours faith- 
 fully, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO J. B. GIBERT, ESQ., HIS MAJESTY'S VICE-CONSUL, 
 BARCELONA. 
 
 [Letter-Book.] 
 
 Victory, at Sea, 26tli April, 1804. 
 
 Sir, 
 
 I have received your letter of the 7th instant, acquainting 
 me with the capture of the Swift Cutter by the French 
 Privateer Esperance, and trust, as the French prisoner landed 
 from the Seahorse, at Rosas, was insisted upon by the Spanish 
 Governor, as free from that moment, that you have, in like 
 manner, insisted upon and obtained the freedom of the Swift 
 Cutter's Crew, (in the event of their having been landed,) and 
 put them on board his Majesty's Ship Juno, as the sending Sea- 
 men to Gibraltar is not only attended with great inconvenience, 
 but contrary to my wish respecting them. I have also to ac- 
 knowledge your letter of the fifth instant, with the circular one, 
 therein mentioned, from Mr. Hunter, forbidding the sale of 
 English Vessels (captured by the French) in any of the Ports 
 of Spain, together with the French Papers which accompanied 
 your said letter, for which I am very much obliged, as well as 
 by the information respecting the King's recovery, and the 
 political circumstances of news from Paris. I am, &c., 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE.
 
 518 LETTERS. [1804. 
 
 * 
 
 TO EDWARD GAYNER, ESQ., ROSAS. 
 
 [Letter-Book.] 
 
 Sir, Victory, at Sea, 26th April, 1804. 
 
 I have received your letter of the 4th instant, sent by 
 Lieutenant Tailour, 8 of his Majesty's late Ship Hindostan, 
 giving an account of the total loss of that Ship by fire, that 
 you propose examining the remains of that Ship to see 
 whether anything can be got out, and that, from the exertions 
 and assistance of Neapolitan divers, several articles of stores 
 might be recovered, upon allowing them a salvage upon what 
 they deliver ; and also acquainting me that you had agreed to 
 pay Pera Marti the sum of two hundred Spanish hard dollars 
 for bringing Captain Le Gros's letter, and other intelligence 
 to the Fleet. In answer to which, I am very much obliged by 
 the kind attention you have paid to Captain Le Gros, the 
 Officers and Company of the late Hindostan, and very much 
 approve of every means being tried to save any article of 
 stores belonging to the said late Ship, for which such salvage 
 shall be made as may be judged proper. I must beg you will 
 be good enough to make up and transmit me your account of 
 the said two hundred dollars, with any other expense which 
 you may have been at on this late occasion, that I may order 
 it to be immediately paid. I am, &c., 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO SIR JOHN ACTON, BART., NAPLES. 
 [From Clarke and M'Arthur, vol. ii. p. '301.] 
 
 2Cth April, 1804. 
 
 The Emperor of Russia will, I hope, get his Troops into 
 Italy. The insult offered his Father-in-Law, cannot, if there 
 is any spirit in a young Emperor, be overlooked; 9 and I should 
 
 8 Lieutenant John Tailour was First Lieutenant of the Hindostan. He was 
 made a Commander for Lis gallant sen-ices, in November 1809, became a Post 
 Captain in October 1813, and died on the 1st of May 1H29. 
 
 9 On the 15th of March 1804, the Duke d'Enghien was seized by a body of 
 French Cavalry at Ettenheim, in the Electorate of Baden, taken to Paris, tried by 
 a Military Commission, and shot. The Emperor Alexander having married a 
 daughter of Charles Lewis, eldest son of Charles Lewis Frederic, Elector of Baden, 
 the insult was offered, not to his father-in law, but to the father of that personage.
 
 JET. 45.] LETTERS. 519 
 
 also hope the Austrian eagle is not humbled. If the Emperor 
 submits, it is not difficult to see that the Imperial diadem will 
 be removed from that family. I am, &c., 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO THE RESPECTIVE CAPTAIXS. 
 
 [Autograph draught in the possession of James Young, Esq., of Wells, and 
 from a Copy in the Nelson Papers.] 
 
 Victory, at Sea, 28th April, 1804. 
 
 Memorandum. 
 
 As it is my determination to attack the French Fleet in any 
 place where there is a reasonable prospect of getting fairly 
 alongside of them, and as I think that in Hieres Bay, Gourjean 
 Bay, Port Especia, Leghorn Roads, Ajaccio, and many other 
 places, opportunities may offer of attacking them, I therefore 
 recommend that every Captain will make himself, by inquiries, 
 as fully acquainted with the above-mentioned places as pos- 
 sible viz., for Hieres Bay, the Petite Passe, Grande Passe, and 
 Passage from the Eastward ; Gourjean Bay, (of which I send a 
 Chart from the latest surveys made,) Port Especia, and, in 
 particular, the Northern Passage into Leghorn Roads, from 
 which side it is only, in my opinion, possible to attack an 
 Enemy's Fleet to advantage ; and with the Gulf of Ajaccio. 
 
 In going in to attack an Enemy's Fleet, it is recommended, 
 if possible, to have the Launch out, and hawsers and stream- 
 anchors in her ; and, with any other Boats, to lay out of gun- 
 shot, ready to act as circumstances may require. Ships, in 
 bringing up, will anchor as the Captains may think best, from 
 circumstances of wind and weather, and the position of the 
 Enemy ; but I would recommend strongly having the four 
 large anchors clear for letting go; because I know, from 
 experience, the great difficulty, with crippled masts and yards, 
 getting an anchor over the side ; and it is probable that it may 
 be necessary to remove the Ship after an Action, and to leave' 
 some of her anchors behind. The Ships will anchor in such 
 a manner as to give each other mutual support for the destruc- 
 tion of the Enemy. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 A Chart of Gourjean Bay to be delivered to each Line-of- 
 Battle Ship.
 
 520 LETTERS. [1804, 
 
 TO 
 
 [Autograph, in the possession of James Young, Esq., of Wells. Neither the 
 name of the Officer to whom this letter was written, nor its date, has been ascer- 
 tained. It is inserted in this place, from its appearing to relate to the previous 
 Memorandum, though it may perhaps have been written at a different time.] 
 
 My dear Sir, 
 
 I scrawl this from recollection : but you may rely upon it I 
 have beat [in], in the Captain in the Night, and gone in, in gales 
 of Westerly wind. The approaching Leghorn must be regulated 
 by what may call our attention. If the French Fleet is in the 
 Southern anchorage you can certainly get within gun-shot of 
 them, and perhaps if they are anchored amongst the Knowls 
 alongside of them ; and at all events you secure a safe retreat 
 for our crippled Ships, for it would be impossible for a crippled 
 Ship with the wind at W.S.W. or even West to clear the shore 
 to the Southward of Leghorn, and if you are sure of passing 
 over the Knowls after an Action, you are sure of a safe and 
 smooth anchorage. Be so good as to return me this paper 
 when copied, as I may add something to it, and at all events 
 it will save me the trouble of writing another. Ever yours 
 faithfully, 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 DIRECTIONS FOR LEGHORN ROADS. 
 
 [Autograph in the possession of James Young, Esq., of Wells.] 
 
 The Knowls are shifting in a space of a mile (at least) from 
 the Mazocco to the Malora. 
 
 The whole shoal of the Malora is surrounded with Knowls, 
 particularly to the South and North ends : therefore, must be 
 approached with caution. You have from twelve fathoms to 
 five at one cast of the lead, and from nine fathoms I have 
 known Ships strike. 
 
 The mark for being clear of the Malora North end is the 
 Guard-House on the Beach, (which has one window to the 
 Westward), on with the last hillock of the nearest ridge of 
 mountains. 
 
 If the weather is hazy and the mountains cannot be seen,
 
 ;ET. 45.] LETTERS. 521 
 
 bring the Guard-House called Mezzo Spiago to bear E.S.E. 
 by Compass, which will clear you of the North end of the 
 Malora. 
 
 If the weather is so hazy that the Guard-House cannot be 
 made out, you may steer with safety towards the Mouth of 
 the Arno : there is no danger in approaching the shore, and 
 you will naturally in such weather haul to the Southward, or 
 approach the shore with caution. 
 
 The leading mark for running in, is the Light-House, on 
 with the further point of Monte Nero, as laid down in the 
 Chart. 
 
 In working in, if you can make out the Church of Monte 
 Nero, which is difficult for a stranger, as it has no steeple and 
 looks like a long Barn in a clump of trees, the mark is per- 
 fectly safe in standing towards the Malora. In standing to 
 the shore to the Northward of the Knowls and the Mazocco 
 (a high white building exactly resembling a Light-House) you 
 may safely stand in until the Light- House forms an Inland, but 
 the soundings are towards the shore so gradual that you may 
 trust to your lead. 
 
 TO CAPTAIN 1 FRANK'SOTHERON, H.M. SHIP EXCELLENT. 
 [Order-Book.] 
 
 Victory, at Sea, 28th April, 1804. 
 
 Having ordered the Honourable Captain Capel to cruize 
 with the Ship and Sloops named in the margin, 7 between the 
 Levant Islands, and the head of the Gulf of Frejus, you are 
 hereby required and directed to proceed immediately in his 
 Majesty's Ship Excellent* under your command, towards the 
 Gulf of Frejus, where you will fall in with some of the said 
 Vessels ; and on doing so, you will direct the whole to join 
 you immediately on Rendezvous No. 102, where you will 
 continue till the return of the Squadron from Rendezvous No. 
 97, under Cape St. Sebastians, to which place I shall proceed 
 this evening, in order to receive the Thetis Transport with 
 wine from Rosas, and immediately after return to the first 
 mentioned Rendezvous. Should the wind come from the 
 
 7 Phoebe, Niger, Childers, Termagant.
 
 522 LETTERS. [1804. 
 
 Eastward, the Cameleon may soon be expected to join ; You 
 will, therefore, send the Childers and Cameleon to me with 
 all dispatch, off St. Sebastians, as they are wanted for par- 
 ticular service, and also any other Vessel which may join you 
 in search of the Squadron. If the wind is Westerly, the Ships 
 and Vessels which may join you are to remain on Rendezvous 
 No. 102, as my absence from that place will be but for as short 
 a time as possible. As the Active, Amazon, and Narcissus, are 
 ordered to join on Rendezvous No. 102, you will, so soon as 
 you have a sufficient force of Frigates, order Toulon to be 
 reconnoitred as often as, from circumstances of the Enemy's 
 motions, you may find necessary.; and in the event of their 
 sailing from Toulon, you will use every effort to communicate 
 the same to me as early as possible, and join me in the 
 Excellent without delay, leaving some Vessel of War on 
 Rendezvous No. 102, for the purpose of acquainting any 
 Ship in search of me with an account of the Enemy's sailing, 
 and where it is probable they may find me. 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 TO RICHARD FORD, ESQ., AGENT VICTUALLER TO THE FLEET. 
 
 [Letter-Book.] 
 
 Victory, at Sea, 28th April, 1804. 
 
 Sir, 
 
 In answer to your letter of the 16th instant, I have ordered 
 120 empty wine-pipes from the different Ships, and sent them 
 by the Seahorse for the purpose of holding the remainder of 
 the last 200 pipes contracted for from Mr. Gayner, which you 
 will order to be filled as early as possible, that they may be in 
 readiness to come by the next Vessel sent for the brandy. As 
 I take it for granted that you have the 290 pipes of wine on 
 board the Thetis, I have ordered her to join me without a 
 moment's loss of time ; and must desire, as the Squadron may 
 soon go where fresh provisions can be had, that you will join 
 me in the Seahorse, which convoys the Thetis to the Fleet, as 
 they cannot be supplied with the necessary refreshments with- 
 out your being on the spot. I am, &c., 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE.
 
 ;ET. 45.] LETTERS. 523 
 
 TO WILLIAM MARSDEN, ESQ., ADMIRALTY. 
 
 [Letter-Book.] 
 
 Victory, at Sea, 20th April, 1804. 
 
 Sir, 
 
 I herewith transmit you, for the information of the Lords 
 Commissioners of the Admiralty, a letter from Captain White, 
 of his Majesty's Ship Renown, together with the list of 
 Proctors' fees, charged in the Vice- Admiralty Court of Malta, 
 on the condemnation of La Babienne, a French Bombard ; and 
 request you will be pleased to move their Lordships to lay the 
 said letter and inclosure before the Admiralty Solicitor, in 
 order that it may be correctly ascertained whether the half fees 8 
 of the Vice-Admiralty Court at Malta, upon so small an 
 amount, are consistent with the charges, on similar occasions, in 
 the Admiralty Court of England, and transmit the same to me, 
 for the information of Captain White, and the other Com- 
 manders of his Majesty's Ships upon this station, who consider 
 these charges as very high and exorbitant. I am, &c., 
 
 NELSON AND BRONTE. 
 
 8 Sic. Query, heavy fees ? 
 
 END OF VOL. V. 
 
 T. C. Savill, Printer, 4, Chandos-street, Covent-ganlen.
 
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