The letters of Lord Nelson to Lady Hamilton; with a supplement of interesting letters

Front matter

.. fa-J ji~-y~

THE

OF

LETTER I Page 3 III 9

IV Jl

VI 15

vn is

VIIL 20

IX 23

XI 32

XH 34

xin 39

XIV , 44 xvn 58

XVIII 60

LBTTER

I CONTENTS.

LETTER XIX Page 65

XX 69

XXI 74

XXII 77

XXIII 82

XXIV 84

XXV 88

XXVI 89

XXVII 91

XXVIII 96

XXIX 101

XXX 104

XXXI. 108

XXXII 113

XXXIII 124

XXXIV 130

XXXV 133

XXXVI 135

XXXVII 147

XXXVIII 152

XXXIX. 155

SUPPLEMENT.

Letters from Lord Nelson to Mrs. ITiomson.

LETTER I Page 173

CONTENTS.

Letter* from Lady Hamilton to Lard Nelson.

LETTER L Page 181

Letters from the Reverend Edmund Nelson, (Lord Nelson's Father) to Lady Hamilton.

LETTER L -Page 189

Letters from the Reverend Dr. Nelson, now Earl Nelson, to Lady Hamilton.

LETTER I Page 195

Letters from tie Earl of St. Vhuxnt to Lady Ha-

LETTER I. Page 217

Xli CONTENTS.

Letters from Sir Alexander John Ball to Lady Hamilton.

LETTER I Page 233

Letters from the Earl of Bristol, Bishop of Derry in Ireland, to Lady Hamilton.

LETTER I Page 241

III 245

VII 252

VIII 253

Letter from the Honourable Charles Greville, Nephew of Sir William Hamilton, to Lady Hamilton.

Letters from Lady Hamilton to the Honourable Charles Greville.

LETTER I Page 269

THE

OF

TO

LADY HAMILTON.

irtttts

TO

LADY HAMILTON.

LETTER I.

Vanguard, off Malta,

Oct24, 1798.

MY DEAB MADAM,

AFTER a Inng passage, we are arrived; and it is as 1 suspected— the ministers at Naples know nothing of the situation of the island. Not a house or bastion of the town is in possession of the islanders; and the Marquis de Niza tells me, they B 2 want want arms, victuals, and support. He does not know, that any Neapolitan officers are in the island ; perhaps, although I have their names, none are arrived ; and it is very certain, by the Marquis's account, that no supplies have been sent by the governors of Syracuse or Messina.

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

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

I hope

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

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

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

May God bless you and Sir William ! and ever believe me, with the B 3 most most affectionate regard, your obliged and faithful friend,

HORATIO NELSON.

I may possibly, but that is not certain, send in the inclosed letter. Shew it to Sir William. This must depend on what I hear and see; for I believe scarcely any thing I hear.

Once more, God bless you!

TO LADY HAMILTON.

LETTER II. [May 12, 1799.) MY DEAR LADY HAMILTON

ACCEPT my sincere thanks for your kind letter. Nobody writes so well : therefore, pray, say not you write ill ; for, if you do, I will say— what your goodness sometimes told me — u You 1 — e!" I can read, and perfectly understand, every word you write.

We drank your and Sir William's

health. Troubridge, Louis, Hallowell,

and the new Portuguese Captain, dined

here. I shall soon be at Palermo;

B 4 for

J6 LX)feD NELSON'S LETTERS

for this business must very soon be settled.

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

NELSON.

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

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

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

Pray, present my humble duty and gratitude to the Queen, for all her marks of regard; and assure her, it is not thrown away on an ungrateful soil.

TO LADY HAMILTON.

Letter III

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

LIEUTENANT Swiney coming on board, enables me to send some blank passports for vessels going to Procida with corn, Sec. and also one for the courier boat.

To tell you, how dreary and uncomfortable the Vanguard appears, is only telling you, what it is to go from the pleasantest society to a solitary cell ; or, from jthe dearest friends, to no friends. I am now perfectly the great man — not a creature near me. From

my my heart, I wish myself the little man again !

You, and good Sir William, have spoiled me for any place but with you. I love Mrs. Cadogan. You cannot conceive what I feel, when I call you all to my remembrance. Even to Mira, do not forget your faithful and affectionate

NELSON.

LETTER IV. May 20, 1799

MY DEAR LADY HAMILTON,

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

My letters from Lord St. Vincent are May 6th. He says — " We saw the 6i Brest squadron pass us yesterday, " under an easy sail. 1 am making " every effort to get information to " Lord Keith ; who I have ordered " here, to complete their water and " provisions. I conjecture, the French

" squadron

" squadron is bound for Malta and " Alexandria, and the Spanish fleet " for the attack of Minorca/'

1 must leave you to judge, whether the Earl will come to us. I think he will : but, entre nous, Mr. Duckworth means to leave me to my fate. I send you (under all circumstances) his letter. Never mind ; if I can get my eleven sail together, they shall not hurt me.

God bless you, Sir William, and all our joint friends in your house; Noble, Gibbs, &c. and believe me ever, for ever, your affectionate friend,

NELSON.

LETTER V. Februarys, 1800

MY DEAR LADY HAMILTON,

HAVING a Commander in Chief, I cannot come on shore till I have made my manners to him. Times are changed ; but, if he does not come on shore directly, I will not wait.

In the mean time, I send Allen to inquire how you are. Send me word, for I am anxious to hear of you. It has been no fault of mine, that I have been so long absent. I cannot command; and, now, only obey.

Mr. Tyson,

Mr. Tyson, and the Consul, have not been able to find out the betrothed wife of the Priore ; although they were three days in their inquiries, and desired the Neapolitan Consul to send to Pisa. I also desired the Russian Admiral, as he was going to Pisa, to inquire if the Countess Pouschkin had any letters to send to Palermo; but, as I received none, I take for granted she had none to send.

May God bless you, rny dear Lady; and be assured, I ever am, and shall be, your obliged and affectionate

BRONTE NELSON.

LETTER VI. Off LaValette, Feb. 20, 1800

HAD you seen the Peer receive me, I know not what you would have done; but, I can guess. But never mind ! I told him, that I had made a vow, if I took the Genereux by myself, it was my intention to strike my flag. To which he made no answer.

If I am well enough, I intend to write a letter to Prince Leopold, and to send him the French Admiral's flag; which I hope you will approve of, as

it

16 LORD NELSON'S

it was taken on the coast of his father's kingdom, and by as faithful a subject, as an}r in his dominions.

I have had no communication with the shore ; therefore, have seen neither Ball, Troubridge, or Graham : nor with the Lion ; when I have, I shall not forget all jour messages, and little Jack. I only want to know your wishes, that I may, at least, appear grateful, by attending to them.

My head aches dreadfully, and I have none here to give me a moment's comfort.

I send the packet to General Acton ; as I think it may go quicker, and he will be flattered by presenting the flag and letter to the Prince.

Malta, I think, will fall very soon, if these other corvettes do not get in.

Pray,

Pray, make my best regards acceptable to Mrs. Cadogan, Miss Knight, little Alary Re Giovanni, Gibbs, &c. &c. and ever believe me your truly faithful and affectionate

BRONTE NELSON,

Letter VII

June 16, [1800.] Seven o'CIock. Ml DEAR LADY HAMILTON,

WHAT a difference — but it was to be — from your house to a boat!

Fresh breeze of wind, the ship four or five leagues from the mole; getting on board into truly a hog-stye of a cabin, leaking like a sieve, consequently floating with water. What a change!

Not a felucca near us. I saw them come out this morning, but they think there is too much wind and swell.

Pray,

Pray, do not keep the cutter ; as I have not a thing, if any thing important should arrive, to send you.

Only think of Tyson's being left!

May God bless you, my dear Lady; and believe me, ever, your truly affectionate and sincere friend,

NELSON.

Lady Hamilton — Put the candlestick on my writing-table.

c « LETTER

Letter VIII

WHAT a fool 1 was, my dear Lady Hamilton, to direct that your cheering letters should be directed for Brixham! I feel, this day, truly miserable, in not having them ; and, I fear, they will not come till tomorrow's post.

What a blockhead, to believe any person is so active as myself! I have this day got my orders, to put myself under Lord St. Vincent's command : but, as no order is arrived to man the ship, it must be Friday night, or Saturday day morning, before she can sail for Torbaj. Direct my letters, now, to Brixham.

My eye is very bad. I have had the physician of the fleet to examine it- He has directed me not to write, (and yet I am forced, this day, to write Lord Spencer, St. Vincent, Davison about my law-suit, Troubridge, Mr. Locker, &c. but you are the only female I write to;) not to eat any thing but the most simple food; not to touch wine or porter; to sit in a dark room; to have green shades for my eyes — (will you, my dear friend, make me one or two ? Nobody else shall;) — and to bathe them in cold water every hour. I fear, it is the writing has brought on this complaint. My eye is like blood ; and the film so extended, that I only see c 3 from from the corner farthest from my nose. What a fuss about my complaints! But, being so far from my sincere friends, I have leisure to brood over them.

I have this moment seen Mrs. Thomson's friend. Poor fellow! he seems very uneasy and melancholy. He begs you to be kind to her; and I have assured him of your readiness to relieve the dear good woman : and believe me, for ever, my dear Lady, your faithful, attached, and affection ate,

NELSON & BRONTE.

I will try and write the Duke a line. My brother intended to have gone off to-morrow afternoon; but this half order may stop him.

Letter IX

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 c 4 loyal 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 sex 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 sex that rewards us ; it is your sex who cherish our memories; and you, my dear, honoured friend, are, believe me, the fast, the best, of your sex.

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 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 ships sent out after the French squadron; I shall, therefore, give the print to Hardy. I think, they might come by the mailcoach, 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 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 ship; as the Viile 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 freshpainted 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.

1 rather

TO LADY HAMILTOF. 27

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 friendship to me, in the matter of the law-suit, Lord St. Vincent states to my solicitors as offensive to him. Wh v should it ? only that Mr. Davison wishes that I should have justice done me, and not to be overpowered by weight of interest and monev.

3 »•

Once more, God bless you and Sir William.

Sir Isaac Heard has gazetted Troubridge's, Hood, &c/s honours ; but has Dot gazetted mine : and he has the King's orders for mine as much as the others.

28 LORD XELSON'S LETTERS

Letter X

N« 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

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 damned 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

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

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 waves shall cease to roll,

And tides forget to flow ; Ere thy true Henry's constant love,

Or ebb, or change, shall know.

The

The weather, thank God, 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 assuring you, that I am, for ever, your attached, and unalterably your's,

NELSON & BRONTE.

I shall begin a letter at night.

Letter XI

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 friendship 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 hitherto protected me in all dangers, and covered my head in the day of battle, will still*

if if it be his pleasure, support and assist 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 God of Heaven protect and bless you and him ! is the fervent prayer of your and Sir William's unalterable friend, till death.

Letter XII

Friday Night, Nine o'Clock, St. George. [March 1801.]

HAVING, my truly Dearest Friend, got through a great deal of business, I am enabled to do justice to my private feelings ; which are fixed, ever, on you, and about you, whenever the public service does no't arrest my attention.

I have read all, all, your kind and affectionate letters : and have read them frequently over ; and committed them to the flames, much against my inclination. There was one I rejoiced not to have read at the time. It was,

where where you consented to dine and sing with****. Thank God, it was not so ! I could not have borne it ; and, now, less than ever. But, I now know, he never can dine with you; for, you would go out of the house sooner than suffer it : and, as to letting him hear you sing, I only hope he will be struck deaf, and you dumb, sooner than such a thing should happen ! But, I know, it never now can.

You cannot think how my feelings are alive towards you ; probably, more than ever : and they never can be di* minished . My hearty endeavours shall not be wanting, to improve and to give us XEW ties of regard and affection.

I have seen, and talked much with,

Mrs. Thomson's friend. The fellow

seems to eat all my words, when I talk

D2 of of her and his child ! He says, he never can forget your goodness and kind affection to her and his dear, dear child- I have had, you know, the felicity of seeing it, and a finer child never was produced by any two persons. It was, *in truth, a lovebegotten child ! I am determined : to keep him on board ; for, I know, if they got together, they would soon have another. But, after our two months trip, I hope, they will never be separated; and, then, let them do as they please.

We are all bustle and activity. I shall sail, on Monday, after your letter arrives. Troubridge will send it, as an_Admiralty letter. On Tuesday I shall be in the Downs, if we have any wind; and Troubridge will send, under cover to Admiral Lutwidge.

It

TO LADT HAMILTON. 57

It is not my intention to set m j foot out of the ship, except to make my take-leave bow to Admiral Mil bank. I have been much pressed to dine ashore: but, no; never, if I can help it, till I dine with you.

Eleven o'Clock.

Yonr dear letters just come on board. They are sympathetic with my own feelings; and, I trust, we shall soon meet, to part no more !

Monday, I shall be here for letters ; Tuesday, at Deal. Recollect, I am, for ever, y OUT'S; aye, for ever, while life remains, your's, your*s faithfully,

. NELSON & BRONTE.

I charge my only friend to keep

well, and think of her Nelson's glory.

D 3 I have

I have written to Lord Eldon, the Chancellor, as my brother desired.

Pray, as you are going to buy a ticket for the Pigot diamond — buy the right number, or it will be money thrown away.

For ever, ever, your's, only your's.

Kindest regards to my dear Mrs, Thomson, and my God Child.

Letter XIII

Deal— [Shall be on board the Medusa before this letter go from the Downs] — July 31, 1801.

MY DEABEST EMMA,

. . , . DID not you get my letter from Sheerness OD Thursday morning, telling you I was just setting off for Deal ; as I have no letter from you of yesterday, only t|j»ose of Wednesday, which went to Sheerness ? It has been my damned blunder, and notyour's; for which I am deservedly punished, by missing one of your dear letters. They are my comfort, joy, and delight.

D4 My

My time is, truly, fully taken up, and my hand aches before night comes.

I got to bed, last night, at half past nine ; but the hour was so unusual, that I heard the clock strike one. To say that I thought of you, would be nonsense ; for, you are never out of my thoughts.

At this moment, I see no prospect of my getting to London ; but, very soon, the business of my command will become so simple, that a child may direct it.

What rascals your post-chaise people must be ! They have been paid every thing. Captain Parker has one receipt for seven pounds odd, and I am sure that every tiling is paid; therefore, do not pay a farthing. The cartchaise I paid at Dartford.

You need not fear all the women in

this this world; for all others, except yourself, are pests to me. I -know but one; for, who can be like my Emma? I am confident, you will do nothing which can hurt my feelings; and I will die by torture, sooner than do any thing which could offend you.

Give ten thousand kisses to my dear Horatia.

Yesterday, the subject turned on the cow-pox. A gentleman declared, that his child was inoculated with the cow-pox; and afterwards remained in a house where a child had the small-pox the natural way, and did not catch it. Therefore, here was a full trial with the cow-pox. The child is only feverish for two days ; and only a slight inflammation of the arm takes place, instead of being all over scabs. But, do you what you please !

I did

I did not get your newspapers ; therefore, do not know what promise you allude to : but this I know, I have none made me.

The extension of the patent of peerage is going on; but the wording of my brother's note, they have wrote for a meaning to. The patent must be a new creation. First, to my father, if he outlives me; then to William, and his sons; then to Mrs. Bolton, and her sons; and Mrs. Matcham, and her's. Farther than that, I care not; it is far enough. But it may never get to any of them ; for the old patent may extend by issue male of my own carcase: I am not so very old; and may marry again, a wife more suitable to my genius.

I like the Morning Chronicle.

Ever,

Ever, for ever, your's, only your,

NELSON & BRONTE.

Best regards to Mrs. Nelson, the Duke, and Lord William.

I have totally failed for poor Madame Brueys.

Bonaparte's wife is one of Martinique, and some plan is supposed to be carried on.

Letter XIV

Sheerness, August llth, 1801. MY DEAREST EMMA,

I CAME from Harwich yesterday noon ; not having set my foot on shore, although the Volunteers, &c. were drawn up to receive me, and the people ready to draw the carriage.

Parker had very near got all the honours; but I want none, but what my dear Emma confers. You have sense to discriminate whether they are deserved or no.

I came

I came on shore; for my business lays with the Admiral, who lives in a ship hauled on shore, and the Commisioner. Slept at Coffin's : and, having done all that I can, am off for the Downs; to-day, if possible.

As far as September 14th, I am at the Admiralty's disposal ; but, if Mr. Buonaparte do not chuse to send his miscreants before that time, my health will not bear me through equinoctial gales.

I wish that Sir William was returned ; I would try and persuade him to come to either Deal, Dover, or Margate: for, thus cut off from the society of mj dearest friends, 'tis but a life of sorrow and sadness. But, patienza per forza!

I hope you will get the house. If I buy, no person can say — this shall, or

not.

not, be altered ; and, you shall have the whole arrangement.

Remember me most kindly to Mrs. Nelson, the Duke, and Lord William. Write to me in the Downs.

May the Heavens bless and preserve you, forever and ever! is the constant prayer of, my dear Emma, your most affectionate and faithful

NELSON & BRONTE.

The Mayor and Corporation of Sandwich, when they came on board to present me the freedom of that ancient town, requested me [to] dine with them. I put them off for the moment, but they would not be let off. Therefore, this business, dreadful to me, stands over, and I shall be attacked again when I get to the Downs. But I will

not

Dot dine there, without you say, approve; nor, perhaps, then, if I can get off. Oh ! how I hate to be stared at.

LETTER XV. Deal, August 18th, 1801

MY DEAREST EMMA,

YOUR dear, good, kind, and most affectionate letters, from Saturday to last night, are arrived, and I feel all you say ; and may Heaven bless me, very soon, with a sight of your dear angelic face. You are a nonpareil! No, not one fit to wipe your shoes. I am, ever have been, and always will remain, your most firm, fixed, and unalterable friend.

I wish Sir William had come home a week ago, then I should have seen you here.

I have this morning been attending the funeral of two young Mids: a Mr. Gore, cousin of Capt. Gore, and a Mr. Bristow. One nineteen, the other seventeen years of age.

Last night, I was all the evening in the Hospital, seeing that all was done for the comfort of the poor fellows.

I am going on board; for nothing should keep me living on shore, without you were here. I shall come in the morning, to see Parker, and go on board again directly.

I shall be glad to see Oliver: I hope he will keep his tongue quiet, about the tea-kettle ; for, I shall not give it till I leave the Medusa.

You ask me, what Troubridge wrote

me? There was not a syllable about

you in it. It was about my not com-

.ing to London ; at the importance of

E which, which, I laughed : and, then, he said, he should never venture another opinion. On which, I said — "Then, I " shall never give you one/' This day, he has wrote a kind letter, and all is over.