The Letters of Lord Nelson to Lady Hamilton Volume I Part 2

San Josef, February 8th, 1801.

MY DEAR LADY,

Mr. Davison demands the privilege of carrying back an answer to your kind letter; and, I am sure, he will be very punctual in the delivery.

I am not in very good spirits; and, except that our country demands all our services and abilities, to bring about an honourable peace, nothing should prevent my being the bearer of my own letter. But, my dear friend, I know you are so true and loyal an Englishwoman, that you would hate those who would not stand forth in defence of our King, laws, religion, and all that is dear to us.

It is your s.e.x that make us go forth; and seem to tell us--"None but the brave deserve the fair!" and, if we fall, we still live in the hearts of those females. You are dear to us. It is your s.e.x that rewards us; it is your s.e.x who cherish our memories; and you, my dear, honoured friend, are, believe me, the _first_, the best, of your s.e.x.

I have been the world around, and in every corner of it, and never yet saw your equal, or even one which could be put in comparison with you.

You know how to reward virtue, honour, and courage; and never to ask if it is placed in a Prince, Duke, Lord, or Peasant: and I hope, one day, to see you, in peace, before I set out for Bronte, which I am resolved to do.

Darby's is one of the s.h.i.+ps sent out after the French squadron; I shall, therefore, give the print to Hardy. I think, they might come by the mail-coach, as a parcel, wrapped up round a stick; any print shop will give you one: and direct it as my letters. The coach stops, for parcels, at the White Bear, I believe, Piccadilly.

Pray, have you got any picture from Mrs. Head's? I hope, Mr. Brydon has executed the frames to your satisfaction; the bill, he is directed to send to me.

Only tell me, how I can be useful to you and Sir William; and believe, nothing could give me more pleasure: being, with the greatest truth, my dear Lady, your most obliged and affectionate friend,

NELSON & BRONTE.

I am told, the moment St. George arrives, that I am to be tumbled out of this s.h.i.+p; as the Ville de Paris is going to Plymouth, to be paid, and the Earl will hoist his flag here: and if I am as fortunate in getting a fresh-painted cabin, (which is probable) I shall be knocked up. At all events, I shall be made very uncomfortable by this hurry.

It has been very good, and friendly, of Mr. Davison, to travel upwards of two hundred miles, to make me a visit.

I rather think, the great Earl will not much like his not having called on him; but his manner of speaking of Mr. Davison, for his friends.h.i.+p to me, in the matter of the law-suit, Lord St. Vincent states to my solicitors as offensive to him. Why should it? only that Mr. Davison wishes that I should have justice done me, and not to be overpowered by weight of interest and money.

Once more, G.o.d bless you and Sir William.

N. & B.

Sir Isaac Heard has gazetted Troubridge's, Hood, &c.'s honours; but has not gazetted mine: and he has the King's orders for mine as much as the others.

LETTER X.

No 2. San Josef, February 16th, 1801.

MY DEAREST FRIEND,

Your letters have made me happy, to-day; and never again will I scold, unless you begin. Therefore, pray, never do; My confidence in you is firm as a rock. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

I cannot imagine, who can have stopped my Sunday's letter! That it has been, is clear: and the seal of the other has been clearly opened; but this might have happened from letters sticking together.

Your's all came safe; but the numbering of them will point out, directly, if one is missing. I do not think, that any thing very particular was in that letter which is lost.

Believe me, my dear friend, that Lady A. is as d.a.m.ned a w---- as ever lived, and Mrs. W---- is a bawd! Mrs. U---- a foolish pimp; eat up with pride, that a P---- will condescend to put her to expence. Only do as I do; and all will be well, and you will be every thing I wish.

I thank you for your kindness to poor dear Mrs. Thomson. I send her a note; as desired by her dear good friend, who doats on her.

I send you a few Lines, wrote in the late gale; which, I think, you will not disapprove.

How interesting your letters are! You cannot write too much, or be too particular.

Though ----'s polish'd verse superior s.h.i.+ne, Though sensibility grace every line; Though her soft Muse be far above all praise.

And female tenderness inspire her lays:

Deign to receive, though unadorn'd By the poetic art, The rude expressions which bespeak A Sailor's untaught heart!

A heart _susceptible_, sincere, and true; A heart, by fate, and nature, torn in two: One half, to duty and his country due; The other, _better half_, to love and you!

Sooner shall Britain's sons resign The empire of the sea; Than Henry shall renounce his faith, AND PLIGHTED VOWS, TO THEE!

And waves on wares shall cease to roll, And tides forget to flow; Ere thy true Henry's constant love, Or ebb, or change, shall know.

The weather, thank G.o.d, is moderating.

I have just got a letter from the new Earl at the Admiralty, full of compliments. But nothing shall stop my law-suit, and I hope to cast him.

I trust, when I get to Spithead, there will be no difficulty in getting leave of absence.

The letters on service are so numerous, from three days interruption of the post, that I must conclude with a.s.suring you, that I am, for ever, your attached, and unalterably your's,

NELSON & BRONTE.

I shall begin a letter at night.

LETTER XI.

[March 1801.]

You say, my Dearest Friend, why don't I put my Chief forward? He has put me in the front of the battle, and Nelson will be first. I could say more; but will not make you uneasy, knowing the firm friends.h.i.+p you have for me.

The St. George will stamp an additional ray of glory to England's fame, if Nelson survives; and that Almighty Providence, who has. .h.i.therto protected me in all dangers, and covered my head in the day of battle, will still, if it be his pleasure, support and a.s.sist me.

Keep me alive, in your and Sir William's remembrance. My last thoughts will be with you both, for you love and esteem me. I judge your hearts by my own.

May the Great G.o.d of Heaven protect and bless you and him! is the fervent prayer of your and Sir William's unalterable friend, till death.