LETTER LVIII.
Victory, March 9th, 1805.
I do assure you, my Dearest Emma, that nothing can be more miserable, or unhappy, than your poor Nelson.
From the 19th of February, have we been beating from Malta to off Palma; where I am now anchored, the wind and sea being so very contrary and bad. But I cannot help myself, and no one in the fleet can feel what I do: and, to mend my fate, yesterday Captain Layman arrived—to my great surprise—not in his brig, but in a Spanish cartel; he having been wrecked off Cadiz, and lost all the dispatches and letters.
You will conceive my disappointment! It is now from November 2d, that
I have had a line from England.
Captain Layman says—he is sure the letters are sunk, never to rise again; but, as they were not thrown overboard until the vessel struck the rock, I have much fear that they may have fallen into the hands of the Dons.
My reports from off Toulon, state the French fleet as still in port; but, I shall ever be uneasy at not having fallen in with them.
I know, my dear Emma, that it is in vain to repine; but my feelings are alive to meeting those fellows, after near two years hard service.
What a time! I could not have thought it possible that I should have been so long absent; unwell, and uncomfortable, in many respects.
However, when I calculate upon the French fleet's not coming to sea for this summer, I shall certainly go for dear England, and a thousand [times] dearer Merton. May Heavens bless you, my own Emma!
I cannot think where Sir William Bolton is got to; he ought to have joined me, before this time.
I send you a trifle, for a birth-day's gift. I would to God, I could give you more; but, I have it not!
I get no prize-money worth naming; but, if I have the good fortune to meet the French fleet, I hope they will make me amends for all my anxiety; which has been, and is, indescribable.
How is my dear Horatia? I hope you have her under your guardian wing, at Merton. May God bless her!
Captain Layman is now upon his trial. I hope he will come clear, with honour. I fear, it was too great confidence in his own judgment that got him into the scrape; but it was impossible that any person living could have exerted himself more, when in a most trying and difficult situation.
March 10th.
Poor Captain L. has been censured by the court: but, I have my own opinion. I sincerely pity him; and have wrote to Lord Melville, and Sir Evan Nepean, to try what can be done. All together, I am much unhinged.
To-morrow, if the wind lasts, I shall be off Toulon.
Sir William Bolton is safe, I heard of him this morning. I hear, that a ship is coming out for him; but, as this is only rumour, I cannot keep him from this opportunity of being made post: and, I dare say, he will cause, by his delay, such a tumble, that Louis's son, who I have appointed to the Childers, will lose his promotion; and, then Sir Billy will be wished at the devil! But, I have done with this subject; the whole history has hurt me. Hardy has talked enough to him, to rouze his lethargic disposition.
I have been much hurt at the loss of poor Mr. Girdlestone! He was a good man; but there will be an end of us all.
What has Charles Connor been about? His is a curious letter! If he does not drink, he will do very well. Captain Hilliar has been very good to him.
Colonel Suckling, I find, has sent his son to the Mediterranean; taking him from the Narcissus, where I had been at so much pains to place him. I know not where to find a frigate to place him. He never will be so well and properly situated again. I am more plagued with other people's business, or rather nonsense, than with my own concerns,
With some difficulty, I have got Suckling placed in the Ambuscade, with Captain Durban, who came on board at the moment I was writing.
March 31st.
The history of Suckling will never be done. I have this moment got from him your letter, and one from his father. I shall say nothing to him; I don't blame the child, but those who took [him] out of the most desirable situation in the navy. He never will get into such another advantageous ship: but, his father is a fool; and so, my dear Emma, that ends.
The box which you sent me in May 1804, is just arrived in the Diligent store-ship.
I have sent the arms to Palermo, to Gibbs. The clothes are very acceptable; I will give you a kiss, for sending them.
God bless you! Amen.
April 1st.
I am not surprised that we should both think the same about the kitchen; and, if I can afford it, I should like it to be done: but, by the fatal example of poor Mr. Hamilton, and many others, we must take care not to get into debt; for, then, we can neither help any of our relations, and [must] be for ever in misery! But, of this, we [will] talk more, when we walk upon the poop at Merton.
Do you ever see Admiral and Mrs. Lutwidge? You will not forget me when you do.
To Mrs. Cadogan, say every thing that is kind; and to all our other friends: and, be assured, I am, for ever and ever, your's, and only your's,
NELSON & BRONTE.
As I know that all the Mediterranean letters are cut and smoaked, and perhaps read, I do not send you a little letter in this; but your utmost stretch of fancy cannot imagine more than I feel towards my own dear Emma.
God bless you! Amen.
LETTER LIX.
Victory, off Plymouth, September 17th, [1805.] Nine o'Clock in the Morning. Blowing fresh at W.S.W. dead foul wind.
I sent, my own Dearest Emma, a letter for you, last night, in a Torbay boat, and gave the man a guinea to put it in the Post-Office.
We have had a nasty blowing night, and it looks very dirty.
I am now signalizing the ships at Plymouth to join me; but, I rather doubt their ability to get to sea. However, I have got clear of Portland, and have Cawsand Bay and Torbay under the lee.
I intreat, my dear Emma, that you will chear up; and we will look forward to many, many happy years, and be surrounded by our children's children. God Almighty can, when he pleases, remove the impediment.
My heart and soul is with you and Horatia.
I got this line ready, in case a boat should get alongside.
For ever, ever, I am your's, most devotedly,
NELSON & BRONTE.
Mr. Rose said, he would write to Mr. Bolton, if I was sailed; but, I have forgot to give him the direction: but I will send it, to-day. I think, I shall succeed very soon, if not at this moment.
Wednesday, September 18th, off the Lizard.
I had no opportunity of sending your letter yesterday, nor do I see any prospect at present. The Ajax and Thunderer are joining; but, it is nearly calm, with a swell from the westward. Perseverance has got us thus far; and the same will, I dare say, get us on.
Thomas seems to do very well, and content.
Tell Mr. Lancaster, that I have no doubt that his son will do very well.
God bless you, my own Emma!
I am giving my letters to Blackwood, to put on board the first vessel he meets going to England, or Ireland.
Once more, Heavens bless you! Ever, for ever, your
NELSON & BRONTE.
LETTER LX.
Victory, October 1st, 1805.
MY DEAREST EMMA,
It is a relief to me, to take up the pen, and write you a line; for I have had, about four o'clock this morning, one of my dreadful spasms, which has almost enervated me.
It is very odd! I was hardly ever better than yesterday. Freemantle stayed with me till eight o'clock, and I slept uncommonly well; but, was awoke with this disorder. My opinion of its effect, some one day, has never altered. However, it is entirely gone off, and I am only quite weak. The good people of England will not believe, that rest of body and mind is necessary for me! But, perhaps, this spasm may not come again these six months. I had been writing seven hours yesterday; perhaps, that had some hand in bringing it upon me.
I joined the fleet late on the evening of the 28th of September, but could not communicate with them until the next morning.
I believe, my arrival was most welcome; not only to the commander of the fleet, but also to every individual in it: and, when I came to explain to them the Nelson touch, it was like an electric shock. Some shed tears, all approved—"It was new, it was singular, it was simple!" and, from Admirals downwards, it was repeated—"It must succeed, if ever they will allow us to get at them! You are, my Lord, surrounded by friends whom you inspire with confidence." Some may be Judas's; but the majority are certainly much pleased with my commanding them. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
SUPPLEMENT.
INTERESTING LETTERS,
ELUCIDATORY
OF
Lord Nelson's Letters
TO
LADY HAMILTON,
&c.
VOL. II.
LETTERS
FROM
LORD NELSON,
TO
MISS HORATIA NELSON THOMSON,
NOW
MISS HORATIA NELSON,
(Lord Nelson's Adopted Daughter;)
AND
MISS CHARLOTTE NELSON,
(Daughter of the present Earl.)
Letters
OF
LORD NELSON, &c.
TO
MISS HORATIA NELSON THOMSON.
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 & BRONTE.
TO MISS CHARLOTTE NELSON.
Victory, April 19th, 1804.
MY DEAR CHARLOTTE,
I thank you very much for your kind letters of January 3d, 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 & BRONTE.
LETTERS
FROM
ALEXANDER DAVISON, ESQ.
TO
LADY HAMILTON.
LETTERS OF ALEX. DAVISON, ESQ. &c.
I.
[1804.]
MY DEAR MADAM,
I have, equally with yourself, felt extremely uneasy all night, thinking on the letter, which is a very serious one; and, until we receive our next dispatches, I shall still feel every day more and more anxious.
I rely on that kind Providence, which has hitherto sheltered him under every danger, upon the occasion.
He was on the eve of engaging, for protection—and preservation—It is, indeed, an anxious moment!
I have long thought, a plan was in agitation regarding the Toulon fleet being given up; but, whether it was in contemplation at the period the last letter was written, I know not. I am rather disposed to think otherwise.
The next packet will explain the whole; and, I trust, will relieve our minds of that burden, hardly supportable at present.
I shall, this evening, go quietly into the country, and return to town about noon to-morrow: as I require air, and a little relaxation; for I am, actually, overpowered with business.
Your's, most truly,
ALEX. DAVISON.
Thursday Morning.
II.
[1804,]
MY DEAR MADAM,
Yesterday, I wrote to you just in time to save the post: but, whether that letter, or even this, reach you, I have my doubts—if they do not, you have only yourself to blame; for I cannot, for the soul of me, make out the name of the place. You have been in such a hurry, when writing it, that it really is not legible; and I do not sufficiently know Norfolk, to guess at it.
I did yesterday, as I shall this—imitate your writing, leaving it to the Post-Office gentlemen to find it out.
I acquainted you, that I would take care to obey your wishes, and hold back your check on Coutts and Co. till such time as it would be quite convenient to yourself, and you tell me to send it for payment.
Your mind may be perfectly at ease on that score: as, indeed, it may in every thing in which you have to do with me—though we do, now and then, differ a little in trifles; but, not in essentials: having one, only one, object in mind, that of the comforts, and ultimate happiness, of our dear—your beloved Nelson; for whom, what would you or I not do?
What a world of matter is now in agitation! Every thing is big with events; and soon, very soon, I hope to see—what I have long desired, and anxiously [been] waiting for—an event to contribute to the glory, the independency, of our Nelson.
I still hope, ere Christmas, to see him: that hope founded on the darling expectation of his squadron falling in with a rich Spanish flotilla. I think, too, that the French fleet will now come out.
I have written to our dear friend every information I have been able to collect, and have sent him a continuation of all the newspapers.
It affords me particular pleasure, to hear you feel so happy in Norfolk. How is it possible it can be otherwise! seated, as you are, in the midst of the friends of your best friend; enjoying every kindness and attention in their power to shew to the favourite of their brother.
I shall be very much rejoiced, when you come back, to talk over very interesting objects which our dear friend will now have to pursue.
My best respects to your fire-side; and believe me, most sincerely, your's,
ALEX. DAVISON.
III.
Saturday, 22d September 1804.
MY DEAR MADAM,
Ever obedient to your lawful commands, I have implicitly obeyed your orders, in the purchase, this morning, of Messrs. Branscomb and Co. four quarter lottery-tickets—
{ No. 593.} { 10,376.} { 14,381.} { 20,457.}
Each, I hope, will come up prize; and be entitled to receive, at least, on the whole, twenty thousand pounds! I paid eighteen pounds eight shillings for them; and I have written upon the back of each—"Property of Lord Nelson, 22d September 1804. A.D."
When I have the pleasure of seeing you, I shall deliver the trust over to you, to receive the bespoken said sum of twenty thousand pounds. What a glorious receipt will it be!
I am glad you received my letters, though I could not make out the name of the place; the Post-Office runners are expert at it.
What do you say to a Spanish war? I think, now, the breeze begins to freshen; and that the flames, at last, will succeed.
I sent off, last night, a very long epistle to our dear Nelson. I am truly distressed at his not receiving my letters; though I can pretty well guess how to account for it, and in whose hands they were detained. Experience teaches us how better to guard against similar misfortunes; and, in future, I shall be cautious to whom I give my letters.
So that I know the Hero of heroes is well, I care the less about letters; knowing that writing, delivering, or receiving them, will not, either in him or me, make the least alteration, or lessen our attachment or affection.
I am pleased to see how happy you are in Norfolk. I wish you may not find it so fascinating, that the arrival of "Lord Nelson" at Merton would not induce you to [quit] the county!!!
I beg you will make my best respects acceptable to every friend (real) of that invaluable man, Lord Nelson.
Your's, most truly,
ALEX. DAVISON.
Letter
from
Lady Hamilton
TO
ALEXANDER DAVISON, ESQ.
INCLOSING
Her Ladyship's Verses on Lord Nelson.
Letter OF Lady Hamilton, &c.
Clarges Street,
[26th January 1805.]
I have been very ill, my Dear Sir; and am in bed with a cold, very bad cold indeed! But, the moment I am better, I will call on you.
I am invited to dine with Mr. Haslewood to-morrow, but fear I shall not be able to go.
I am very anxious about letters; but Admiral Campbell has told me, he thinks my dear Lord will soon be at home. God grant! for, I think, he might remove that stumbling-block, Sir John O! Devil take him!
That Polyphemus should have been Nelson's: but, he is rich in great and noble deeds; which t'other, poor devil! is not. So, let dirty wretches get pelf, to comfort them; victory belongs to Nelson. Not, but what I think money necessary for comforts; and, I hope, our, your's, and my Nelson, will get a little, for all Master O.
I write from bed; and you will see I do, by my scrawl.
I send you some of my bad Verses on my soul's Idol.
God bless you! Remember, you will soon be free; and let that cheer you, that you will come out with even more friends than ever. I can only say, I am your ever obliged, and grateful,
EMMA HAMILTON.
I long to see and know Nepean! Why will you not ask me to dine with, him en famille?
{Yes.}
{A.D.}
* * * * *
EMMA TO NELSON.
I think, I have not lost my heart;
Since I, with truth, can swear,
At every moment of my life,
I feel my Nelson there!
If, from thine Emma's breast, her heart
Were stolen or flown away;
Where! where! should she my Nelson's love
Record, each happy day?
If, from thine Emma's breast, her heart
Were stolen or flown away;
Where! where! should she engrave, my Love!
Each tender word you say?
Where! where! should Emma treasure up
Her Nelson's smiles and sighs?
Where mark, with joy, each secret look
Of love, from Nelson's eyes?
Then, do not rob me of my heart,
Unless you first forsake it;
And, then, so wretched it would be,
Despair alone will take it.
Letter
from
Lady Hamilton
TO THE
RIGHT HONOURABLE HENRY ADDINGTON,
NOW
VISCOUNT SIDMOUTH.
Letter of Lady Hamilton, &c.
April 13th. [1803.]
SIR,
May I trouble you, and but for a moment, in consequence of my irreparable loss; my ever-honoured husband, Sir William Hamilton, being no more! I cannot avoid it, I am forced to petition for a portion of his pension: such a portion as, in your wisdom and noble nature, may be approved; and so represented to our most gracious Sovereign, as being right. For, Sir, I am most sadly bereaved! I am now in circumstances far below those in which the goodness of my dear Sir William allowed me to move for so many years; and below those becoming the relict of such a public minister, who was proved so very long—no less than thirty-six years—and, all his life, honoured so very much by the constant friendly kindness of the King and Queen themselves: and, may I mention—what is well known to the then administration at home—how I, too, strove to do all I could towards the service of our King and Country. The fleet itself, I can truly say, could not have got into Sicily, but for what I was happily able to do with the Queen of Naples, and through her secret instructions so obtained: on which depended the refitting of the fleet in Sicily; and, with that, all which followed so gloriously at the Nile. These few words, though seemingly much at large, may not be extravagant at all. They are, indeed, true. I wish them to be heard, only as they can be proved; and, being proved, may I hope for what I have now desired?
I am, Sir, with respect more than I can well utter, your obedient servant,
EMMA HAMILTON.
Letters
FROM
SIR WILLIAM HAMILTON, K.B.
TO
LADY HAMILTON.
Letters OF SIR WILLIAM HAMILTON, K.B. &c.
I.
Persano, [Wednesday]
Jan. 4, 1792.
We arrived here, yesterday, in little more than five hours, and had nearly began with a disagreeable accident; for the King's horse took fright at the guard, and his Majesty and horse were as near down as possible. However, all ended well; and he was as gay as possible, yesterday.
Our first chasse has not succeeded; though there were two wolves, and many wild boars, in the Mena: but the king would direct how we should beat the wood, and began at the wrong end; by which the wolves and boars escaped, and we remained without shooting power. However, ten or twelve boars have been killed, some how or other, and some large ones.
The King's face is very long, at this moment; but, I dare say, to-morrow's good sport will shorten it again.
I was sorry, my dear Em. to leave you in affliction: you must harden yourself to such little misfortunes as a temporary parting; but, I cannot blame you for having a good and tender heart. Believe me, you are in thorough possession of all mine, though I will allow it to be rather tough.
Let us study to make one another as comfortable as we can; and "banish sorrow, till to-morrow:" and so on, every day.
You are wise enough to see the line it is proper for you to take; and have, hitherto, followed it most rigorously: and I can assure you, that I have not the least doubt of your continuing in it.
Amuse yourself as well as you can, as I am doing, whilst we are separate; and the best news you can give me is, that you are well and happy.
My cold is already better for having passed the whole day in the open air, and without human seccatura.
Adieu! my dear, dear Emma. I am, with my love to your good mother, your's ever, and faithfully,
W.H.
II.
Persano, Thursday,
[Jan. 5th, 1792.]
We got home early, and I have not yet received your Daily Advertiser.
No sport, again! In the midst of such a quantity of game, they have contrived to carry him far off, where there is none. He has no other comfort, to-day, than having killed a wild cat; and his face is a yard long.
However, his Majesty has vowed vengeance on the boars to-morrow, and will go according to his own fancy; and, I dare say, there will be a terrible slaughter.
The last day, we are to keep all we kill; and, I suppose, it will be night before we get home.
Yesterday, the courier brought the order of St. Stephano, from the Emperor, for the Prince Ausberg, and the King was desired to invest him with it. As soon as the King received it, he ran into the Prince's room; whom he found in his shirt, and without his breeches: and, in that condition, was he decorated with the star and ribbon by his Majesty, who has wrote the whole circumstance to the Emperor.
Leopold may, perhaps, not like the joking with his first order. Such nonsense should, certainly, be done with solemnity; or it becomes, what it really is, a little tinsel, and a few yards of broad ribbon.
The Prince, entre nous, is not very wise; but he is a good creature and we are great friends.
I have wrote to Mrs. Dickinson. I forget whether you have, or not: if not, pray do it soon; for, you know, she is a good friend of your's.
I have just received your good letter. I am glad they have taken the Guarda patana's son-in-law. I insist upon Smith's letting the Regent of the Vicaria know of his having stabbed my porter. He ought to go to the gallies; and my honour is concerned, if this insult offered my livery is unnoticed. The girl had better cry, than be ill-used, and her father killed.
Adieu, my sweet Em. Your's, with all my heart,
W.H.
III.
Persano, Friday Evening.
[Jan. 6th, 1792.]
I Inclose our friend Knight's admirable letter to you. I could not refrain reading it; and, I am sure, it was his intention I should do so, having left it unsealed. He is a fine fellow; it was worth going to England, to secure such a sensible friend.
You will probably have seen General Werner last night; this is Friday night, and he will have told you I am well.
We have been out all day in the rain; I killed none, and the King and party but few. Such obstinate bad weather I really never experienced, for so long a time together.
You did perfectly right in buying the lamps; and I am glad the Prince asked to dine with you. I am sure, he was comfortably received by you.
You see what devils [there are] in England! They wanted to stir up something against me; but our conduct shall be such as to be unattackable: and I fear not an injustice from England. Twenty-seven years service—having spent all the King's money, and all my own, besides running in debt, deserves something better than a dismission!
The King has declared, he will return to Naples next Saturday se'n-night; so you know the worst, my dear Emma. Indeed, I shall embrace you most cordially; for I would not be married to any woman, but yourself, on earth, for all the world.
Lord A. Hamilton's son, you see, recommends a friend of his; who, I suppose, is arrived: if so, receive him well.
Adieu, again! Your's, ever,
W.H.
IV.
Persano, Saturday Night,
[January 7th, 1792.]
This has been one of the cruel days which attend the King's chasse.
All the posts—except the King's, Prince Ausberg, D'Onerato, and
Priori—bad.
We have been out all day, in cold rain, without seeing a boar. The King has killed twenty-five, and a wolf; and the other good posts, in proportion.
Why not rather leave us at home, than go out with the impossibility of sport? But we must take the good and bad, or give it up.
Lamberg is too delicate for this business; he has been in bed, with a slight fever, all to-day.
You will have another boar, to-day; which boar being a sow, I have made a bull! The sows are much better than the boars; so you may keep some to eat at home, and dispose of the rest to your favourite English.
I am glad all goes on so well. I never doubted your gaining every soul you approach.
I am far from being angry at your feeling the loss of me so much! Nay, I am flattered; but, believe me, the time will soon come, that we shall meet. Years pass seemingly in an instant; why, then, afraid of a few days?
Upon the whole, we are sociable here; but we go to bed at nine, and get up at five o'clock. I generally read an hour, to digest my supper; but, indeed, I live chiefly on bread and butter.
Salandra desires his compliments to you, as does Lamberg and Prince
Ausberg.
Adieu, my dear Emma! Ever your's, and your's alone,
W.H.
I send you back your two letters. Dutens was very satisfactory. I send the papers to Smith; who will give them to you first, if you have not read them.
The cold and fatigue makes my hand something like your's—which, by the bye, you neglect rather too much: but, as what you write is good sense, every body will forgive the scrawl.
V.
Sunday Night, [Jan. 8th, 1792.]
We are come in late; and I have but a moment to tell you we are well, and I have killed three large boars, a fox, and four woodcocks.
Nothing pleases me more, than to hear you do not neglect your singing.
It would be a pity, as you are near the point of perfection.
Adieu, my dearest Emma! Your's, with my whole soul,
W.H.
VI.
Persano, [Monday]
January 10th, [9th] 1792.
Your letter of yesterday, my Sweet Em. gave me great pleasure; as, I see, all goes on perfectly right for you at Naples.
Your business, and mine, is to be civil to all, and not enter into any party matters. If the Wilkinsons are not content with our civilities, let them help themselves.
We have had a charming day, and most excellent sport. More than a hundred wild boars, and two wolves, have fallen. I killed five boars, truly monsters! and a fox.
Vincenzo could not follow me to-day; he cannot walk two steps, without being out of breath. However, I load the guns myself; and, with the peasant I brought from Caserta, and another I hire here, I do very well. I fear, poor Vincenzo will not hold long. If he chooses it, I mean to send him to Naples, to consult Noody [Nudi.]
General Werner, Prince of Hesse, and Count Zichare, are here since last night; they brought me your compliments. Lamberg is still confined.
Amuse yourself, my dearest Emma, and never doubt of my love. Your's, ever,
W.H.
VII.
Persano, [Tuesday]
Jan. 10th, 1792.
The day has been so thoroughly bad, that we have not been able to stir out; and the King, of course, in bad humour. I am not sorry to have a day's repose, and I have wrote my letters for to-morrow's post.
Lamberg is still in bed with a fever, and Prince Ausberg's eyes are a little inflamed with cold and fatigue. My cold was renewed a little yesterday; but a good night's rest, and quiet to-day, has set all to rights again.
Vincenzo was so bad, yesterday, that he could not follow me, and was blooded. He is better, to-day; but he will never serve more, except to load my guns at the post. He cannot walk a mile, without being out of breath.
I am glad you have been at the Academy, and in the great world. It is time enough for you to find out, that the only real comfort is to be met with at home; I have been in that secret some time.
You are, certainly, the most domestic young woman I know: but you are young, and most beautiful; and it would not be natural, if you did not like to shew yourself a little in public.
The effusion of tenderness, with regard to me, in your letter, is very flattering; I know the value of it, and will do all I can to keep it alive. We are now one flesh, and it must be our study to keep that flesh as warm and comfortable as we can. I will do all in my power to please you, and I do not doubt of your doing the same towards me.
Adieu, my dearest Emma! Having nothing interesting to write, and as you insist upon hearing from me every day, you must content yourself with such a stupid letter as this.
Your Ladyship's commands shall always be punctually obeyed by, dear
Madam, your Ladyship's most obedient and faithful servant,
W. HAMILTON.
VIII.
Persano, Wednesday,
11th Jan. [1792.]
I have just received your letter—and, as I always do—with infinite pleasure.
I hope you received twelve wood-biddies, to-day; and, to-morrow, you will have a wild boar: all left to your discretion.
No talk of returning, yet. We must complete sixteen days shooting, and one day has been lost by bad weather.
We had a good day, and tolerable sport. I have killed two, and one the largest boar I have seen yet here.
Vincenzo, they say, will be well in a day or two, as it is only a cold; I fear, it is more serious.
The King has killed twenty-one boars to-day, and is quite happy.
The Germans all drink tea with me every evening. Lamberg is better.
Adieu, my ever dear Emma! We are always in a hurry; though we have, absolutely, nothing to do, but kill, examine, and weigh, wild boars.
I assure you, that I shall rejoice when I can embrace you once more. A picture would not content me; your image is more strongly represented on my heart, than any that could be produced by human art.
Your most affectionate husband,
W.H.
IX.
Persano, Thursday Night,
[Jan. 12th, 1792.]
Never put yourself in a hurry, my dear Emma.
I have got your two kind letters. Send for Gasparo; and give your orders, that the servants attend your call: and let him discharge them, if they do not. You are my better half, and may command. Translate this part of the letter to him.
We have had good sport to-day, though the bad weather came on at eleven o'clock. Fifty-four wild boars have been killed, I had seven shot; and killed five, three of which are enormous. Dispose of the boar I send you to-day as you think proper.
I always thought Ruspoli a dirty fellow; but what has he done of late?
As to your mother's going with you to the English parties, very well; but, believe me, it will be best for her, and more to her happiness, to stay at home, than go with you to the Neapolitan parties.
The King is in good humour to-day, as I foretold. We continue to dine at eight at night, and have nothing from breakfast to that hour. But I give tea and bread and butter, of which Prince Ausberg and Lamberg partake with pleasure. The Prince, having no opportunity of making love, does nothing but talk of his new flame, which is Lady A. Hatton. I put him right; for he thought she spelt her name with two rr, instead of two tt.
I rejoice at your having Aprile again; pray, tell him so: for I know the rapid progress you will make under his care.
My cold is near gone. The worst is, my room smokes confoundedly; and so do all the other rooms, except the King's.
Adieu, my dear Emma! Amuse yourself as well as you can; and believe me, ever, your's alone, with the utmost confidence,
W.H.
X.
Persano, Friday Night,
[Jan. 13th, 1792.]
We have had a miserable cold day, but good sport. I killed two boars, and a doe; the King, nineteen boars, two stags, two does, and a porcupine. He is happy beyond expression.
I send you Charles's letter; but do not lose it, as I will answer it when I return. You see, the line we have taken will put it out of the power of our enemies to hurt us. I will give up my judgment of worldly matters to no one.
I approve of all you do in my absence; but it would be nonsense, and appear affected, to carry your scruples too far. Divert yourself reasonably. I am sure of your attachment to me, and I shall not easily be made to alter my opinion of you.
My cold is better, notwithstanding the weather.
I have no time to in'gler; so, adieu! my dearest wife.
Your's,
W.H.
P.S. Let Gasparo pay thirty ducats, for the vase, to D. Andrea.
By way of charity, we may give thirty ounces to that shabby dog, Hadrava; though he knows the picture is not worth more than ten at most. His writing to you in such a stile is pitiful indeed. You will often have such letters, if you do not tell him, now, that it is for once and all.
XI.
Persano, Saturday, 14th Jan. [1792.]
MY DEAR EMMA,
I have received a letter from Douglass; with one inclosed, from Mr.
Durno; who, to my surprise, says, he has not received my order on
Biddulph, Cockes, and Co. for one thousand five hundred and ninety
pounds; which, you know, I sent from Caserta.
I find, in my book of letters, 20th of December, that I wrote, that day, a letter to Mr. Burgess, to deliver to Messieurs Biddulph and Co.—to Lord Abercorn—and to Mr. Durno, with the order inclosed.
Pray, send for Smith; and ask him, if he remembers having put such letters in the post, and let him inquire at the Naples post about them: and let him send the inclosed, by Tuesday's post, to Rome.
I certainly will not give another order until this matter is cleared up. I fear some roguery.
We have had a fine day, and killed numberless boars; a hundred and fifty, at least. I have killed four, out of six shot; and am satisfied, as one is a real monster—the King, thirty—D'Onerato, eighteen,—and so on, the favoured shooters.
Vincenzo is rather better, but not able to serve me.
My best compliments to Alexander Hamilton. You did well, to invite
Copley.
Adieu! my sweet Em. Ever your's, in deed and in truth,
W.H.
XII.
Persano, Sunday,
Jan. 15, 1792.
You did admirably, my Dear Em. in not inviting Lady A.H. to dine with the Prince; and still better, in telling her, honestly, the reason. I have always found, that going straight is the best method, though not the way of the world.
You did, also, very well, in asking Madame Skamouski; and not taking upon you to present her, without leave.
In short, consult your own good sense, and do not be in a hurry; and,
I am sure, you will always act right.
We have been at it again, this morning, and killed fifty boars; but were home to dinner, at one o'clock: and this is the first dinner I have had, since I left you; for I cannot eat meat breakfasts or suppers, and have absolutely lived on bread and butter and tea.
As the Prince asked you, you did well to send for a song to
Douglass's; but, in general, you will do right to sing only at home.
The King is very kind to me, and shews every one that he really loves me: and he commends my shooting; having missed but very few, and killed the largest of the society. Only think of his not being satisfied with killing more than thirty, yesterday! He said, if the wind had favoured him, he should have killed sixty at least.
We must be civil to Mr. Hope, as recommended by Lord Auckland; and also to Monsieur de Rochement, and Prince Bozatinsky, as recommended by my friend Saussure. I inclose his letter, as you are mentioned in it; also Knight's, as you desire. God knows, we have no secrets; nor, I hope, ever shall.
We have much business between this and Saturday: and we are to shoot,
Saturday morning; so that we shall arrive late.
What say you to a feet washing that night? O che Gusto! when your prima ora is over, and all gone.
Adieu, my sweet Emma! Ever your's,
W.H.
XIII.
Persano, Monday Night,
[Jan. 16th, 1792.]
For your long and interesting letter, I can only write a line, to tell you I am well.
We have been out, till an hour in the night, from day-break; and I have fired off my gun but once, having had a bad post. The King, and favoured party, have diverted themselves. To-morrow will, probably, be a good day for me.
Pray, let Smith get orders for the Museum, &c. for Lord Boyle and Mr.
Dodge, as they are recommended by Mr. Eden.
Adieu, my lovely Emma! Let them all roll on the carpet, &c. provided you are not of the party. My trust is in you alone.
Your's, ever,
W.H.
XIV.
Persano, Tuesday Night,
[Jan. 17, 1792.]
I told you, my Dear Em. that I expected good sport to-day! I have killed five boars, and two great ones got off after falling; two bucks; six does; and a hare: fourteen in all.
By the bye, I must tell you, that accept and except are totally different. You always write—"I did not except of the invitation;" when, you know, it should be "accept." It is, only, for want of giving yourself time to think; but, as this error has been repeated, I thought best to tell you of it.
Pray, write a very kind letter to our friend the Archbishop; and convince him, that Emma, to her friends, is unalterable. Do not say a word about the telescope; for, I must try it, first, against mine. If it should be better, I cannot part with it, as you know how much use we make of a telescope.
The King has killed eighty-one animals, of one sort or other, to-day; and, amongst them, a wolf, and some stags. He fell asleep in the coach; and, waking, told me he had been dreaming of shooting. One would have thought, he had shed blood enough.
This is a heavy air; nobody eats with appetite, and many are ill with colds.
We shall be home on Saturday; and, indeed, my sweet Emma, I shall be most happy to see you.
To-morrow, we go to a mountain; but no great expectation of sport.
Your's, ever, my dear wife,
W.H.
XV.
Persano, Wednesday,
[Jan. 18th, 1792.]
It was not your white and silver, alone, that made you look like an angel, at the Academy. Suppose you had put it on nine parts out of ten of the ladies in company, would any one have appeared angelic?
I will allow, however, that a beautiful woman, feeling herself well dressed, will have a sort of confidence, which will add greatly to the lustre of her eye: but take my word, that, for some years to come, the more simply you dress, the more conspicuous will be your beauty; which, according to my idea, is the most perfect I have yet met with, take it all in all.
It is long-faced day with the King. We went far; the weather was bad; and, after all, met with little or no game: I did not fire off my gun.
Yesterday, when we brought home all we killed, it filled the house, completely; and, to-day, they are obliged to white-wash the walls, to take away the blood. There were more than four hundred; boars, deer, stags, and all.
To-morrow, we are to have another slaughter; and not a word of reason or common sense do I meet with, the whole day, till I retire to my volumes of the old Gentleman's Magazine, which just keeps my mind from starving.
Except to-day, on a mountain, I have never felt the least appetite; there, I eat the wings of a cold chicken with pleasure.
Hamilton is delighted with your civilities. He has wrote me a long letter. I do not mean to keep pace with him in writing; so, send him a line or two, only, in answer.
I do not recollect the name of Marino Soolania; and, if I received a letter from him, it was in the hurry of my arrival, and is lost: so that Smith may desire the Dutch Consul to desire him to write again, and I will answer.
I always rejoice when I find you do not neglect your singing. I am, I own, ambitious of producing something extraordinary in you, and it is nearly done.
Adieu! my sweet Em. I rejoice that the time of our re-union is so near—Saturday night!
W.H.
XVI.
Venasso, Friday, 27th January 1794.
MY DEAR EM.
By having grumbled a little, I got a better post to-day; and have killed two boars and a sow, all enormous. I have missed but two shot since I came here; and, to be sure, when the post is good, it is noble shooting! The rocks, and mountains, as wild as the boars.
The news you sent me, of poor Lord Pembroke, gave me a little twist; but I have, for some time, perceived, that my friends, with whom I spent my younger days, have been dropping around me.
Lord Pembroke's neck was very short, and his father died of an apoplexy.
My study of antiquities, has kept me in constant thought of the perpetual fluctuation of every thing. The whole art is, really, to live all the days of our life; and not, with anxious care, disturb the sweetest hour that life affords—which is, the present! Admire the Creator, and all his works, to us incomprehensible: and do all the good you can upon earth; and take the chance of eternity, without dismay.
You must tell the Archbishop, that he will have the Leyden gazettes a week later; as I cannot read them time enough to send by this messenger.
The weather is delightful; and, I believe, we shall have done all our business, so as to return on Thursday.
Pray, find out if the Queen goes to Caserta. Here, all is a profound secret.
I must work hard, myself, at translating, when I return; for I believe the language-master totally incapable of it.
I dined, this morning, at nine o'clock; and, I think, it agreed better with me than tea. I found myself growing weak, for want of a good meal, not daring to eat much at supper.
Adieu, my sweet love! adieu. Divert yourself—I shall soon be at you again. Your's, ever,
W.H.
XVII.
Burford, Eighty Miles from London.
Saturday Night, [July 27th, 1801.]
Here we are, my Dear Emma, after a pleasant day's journey! No extraordinary occurrence. Our chaise is good, and would have held the famous "Tria juncta in Uno," very well: but, we must submit to the circumstances of the times.
Sir Joseph Bankes we found in bed with the gout: and, last night, his hot-house was robbed of its choicest fruit—peaches and nectarines.
Amuse yourself as well as you can; and you may be assured, that I shall return as soon as possible, and you shall hear from me often.
Ever your's, my dear Emma, with the truest affection,
Wm. HAMILTON.
My kindest love to my Lord, if he is not gone.
P.S. Corn, at this market, fell fifteen pounds a load to-day.
Letters
FROM
SIR WILLIAM HAMILTON, K.B.
TO
LORD NELSON.
Letters OF SIR WILLIAM HAMILTON, K.B. &c.
I.
[Written before LORD NELSON'S Elevation to the Peerage.]
Naples, March 26th, 1796.
MY DEAR SIR,
The moment I received your letter of the 11th of March from Leghorn, I went with it to General Acton: and, although I could not, from your letter only, in my Ministerial character, demand from this Court the assistance of some of their xebecs, corvettes, &c. that are the fittest for going near shore; as I think, with you, that such vessels are absolutely necessary on the present occasion, I told his Excellency—that I trusted, as this government had hitherto shewn itself as sanguine in the good cause, and more so, than any of the allies of Great Britain, that he would lay your letter before the King at Naples; and, without waiting for the demand which I should probably receive soon from Sir John Jervis, send you such small armed vessels as his Excellency thought would be proper for the service on which you are employed.
The General, without hesitation, said—that orders should be immediately given for the preparing of such a flotilla, which should join you as soon as the weather would permit. At present, indeed, it is not very encouraging for row-boats.
We wait a courier from Vienna, to decide the march of eight thousand eight hundred infantry, and artillery included, intended to join the Emperor's army in Italy: and, although the Grand Duke of Tuscany has refused the permission for these troops to march through his dominions, the King of Naples has told his son-in-law that, whenever the safety of Italy should require it, he would, nevertheless, march them through Tuscany; a liberty which the Emperor would likewise take, whenever the good of the service required it.
However, the thousand cavalry sent from hence have taken their route, by Loretto, through the Pope's state.
We have had, as I suppose you know, the Admirals Hotham and Goodall here, for some weeks. I can, entre nous, perceive that my old friend Hotham is not quite awake enough for such a command as that of the King's fleet in the Mediterranean, although he appears the best creature imaginable.
I did not know much of your friend Lord Hood, personally; but, by his correspondence with me, his activity and clearness was most conspicuous.
Lady Hamilton and I admire your constancy, and hope the severe service you have undergone will be handsomely rewarded.
When I reported to Lord Grenville, in my last dispatch, the letter I received from you lately, I could not help giving you the epithet of "that brave officer, Captain Nelson." If you do not deserve it, I know not who does.
With our love to Sam, I am, ever, dear Sir, your's, sincerely,
Wm. HAMILTON.
II.
Palermo, February 13th, 1799.
MY LORD,
Having received an application from this government, that they might be supplied with lead from on board the British merchants ships in this harbour, that have that article on board—and that, without the help of about a hundred cantarra of lead, this country, and the common cause, would be much distressed—I am to beg of your Lordship to use your kind endeavours that this urgent want may be supplied as soon as possible: well understood, that the proprietors of this article should be perfectly satisfied with this government, as to the price of the lead, freight, &c.
I have the honour to be, my Lord, your Lordship's most obedient and most humble servant,
Wm. HAMILTON.