The Letters of Lord Nelson to Lady Hamilton, Vol. I. by Horatio Nelson
H >>
Horatio Nelson >> The Letters of Lord Nelson to Lady Hamilton, Vol. I.
Pages:
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
6 THE
Letters
OF
LORD NELSON
TO
LADY HAMILTON;
WITH A
SUPPLEMENT
OF
_INTERESTING LETTERS_,
BY
Distinguished Characters.
IN TWO VOLUMES.
VOL. I.
* * * * *
London:
Printed by Macdonald and Son, Smithfield,
FOR THOMAS LOVEWELL & CO. STAINES HOUSE,
BARBICAN;
AND SOLD BY ALL THE BOOKSELLERS.
1814.
ADVERTISEMENT.
In presenting to the Public the Letters of LORD NELSON to LADY
HAMILTON, something may justly be expected elucidatory of them.
Their mutual attachment is so generally known, that for the Editors
to have given notes, however desirable and explanatory, might not,
perhaps, have been deemed perfectly decorous.
They now stand on their own real merits. Some parts (though not very
numerous) have been suppressed, from the most honourable _feelings to
individuals_, as they would certainly have given pain.
That portion of Letters now offered to the BRITISH NATION, written
by the first of her _Naval Commanders_, will shew his most private
sentiments of _men_ and _measures_, of _countries_ and their _rulers_.
It is the duty of the Editors to state, that every letter has
been most accurately transcribed, and faithfully compared with the
_originals in their possession_.
Should our IMMORTAL HERO have expressed an erroneous opinion of some
individuals and of things, let us ever remember, they were written
(_often under the feelings of sickness and of disappointment_) by
him who so repeatedly fought, and almost as frequently bled, for _our
country_--for his "DEAR ENGLAND;" and let us never forget, that to him
we owe more than to any man for our existence as a great and powerful
Nation.
His country has truly honoured him; and it is not presumptuous in the
Editors to affirm, that his deeds will be remembered, not _only in
name_, but in _their consequences_, by our remotest posterity.
Were we to dedicate them, unto whom should we?--To the BRITISH NAVY;
as the genuine sentiments of a _true seaman_--the _first_ even of
their own _Heroes_; for NELSON could forego all private feelings, _all
selfish motives_, for that which will ever be the first object of a
truly great and brave man--the _glory and happiness of his country_.
Our task, which has, from various causes, been attended with more
difficulties than could be imagined, is thus far accomplished; and we
have the pleasure to inform the public, that a very large collection
of LORD NELSON'S _most important public and private correspondence_,
&c. with the most distinguished characters (_at home and abroad_) is
now in preparation for the press. Many of the documents will certainly
throw a light on political transactions at present _very imperfectly
understood_; and those which we intend to present to the world, we
doubt not, will be found more than usually interesting.
CONTENTS.
* * * * *
VOL. I.
* * * * *
LETTERS FROM LORD NELSON TO LADY HAMILTON.
LETTER I. Page 3
II. 7
III. 9
IV. 11
V. 13
VI. 15
VII. 18
VIII. 20
IX. 23
X. 28
XI. 32
XII. 34
XIII. 39
XIV. 44
XV. 48
XVI. 53
XVII. 58
XVIII. 60
XIX. 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. Thomson_.
LETTER I. Page 173
II. 175
_Letters from Lady Hamilton to Lord Nelson_.
LETTER I. Page 181
II. 185
_Letters from the Reverend Edmund Nelson, (Lord
Nelson's Father) to Lady Hamilton_.
LETTER I. Page 189
II. 191
_Letters from the Reverend Dr. Nelson, now Earl
Nelson, to Lady Hamilton_.
LETTER I. 195
II. 199
III. 202
IV. 206
V. 210
VI. 213
_Letters from the Earl of St. Vincent to Lady Hamilton._
LETTER I. Page 217
II. 219
III. 222
IV. 225
V. 227
_Letters from Sir Alexander John Ball to Lady
Hamilton._
LETTER I. Page 233
II. 236
_Letters from the Earl of Bristol, Bishop of Derry
in Ireland, to Lady Hamilton_.
LETTER I. Page 241
II. 243
III. 245
IV. 248
V. 249
VI. 250
VII. 252
VIII. 253
IX. 255
X. 257
_Letter from the Honourable Charles Greville, Nephew
of Sir William Hamilton, to Lady Hamilton_.
Page 265
_Letters from Lady Hamilton to the Honourable
Charles Greville_.
LETTER I. Page 269
II. 273
THE
Letters
OF
LORD NELSON
TO
LADY HAMILTON.
THE Letters OF LORD NELSON TO LADY HAMILTON.
LETTER I.
Vanguard, off Malta,
Oct. 24, 1798.
MY DEAR MADAM,
After a long passage, we are arrived; and it is as I suspected--the
ministers at Naples know nothing of the situation of the island. Not
a house or bastion of the town is in possession of the islanders; and
the Marquis de Niza tells me, they want arms, victuals, and support.
He does not know, that any Neapolitan officers are in the island;
perhaps, although I have their names, none are arrived; and it is very
certain, by the Marquis's account, that no supplies have been sent by
the governors of Syracuse or Messina.
However, I shall and will know every thing as soon as the Marquis is
gone, which will be to-morrow morning. He says, he is very anxious to
serve under my command; and, by his changing his ship, it appears
as if he was so: however, I understand the trim of our English ships
better.
Ball will have the management of the blockade after my departure; as,
it seems, the Court of Naples think my presence may be necessary, and
useful, in the beginning of November.
I hope it will prove so; but, I feel, my duty lays at present in the
East; for, until I know the shipping in Egypt are destroyed, I shall
never consider the French army as completely sure of never returning
to Europe.
However, all my views are to serve and save the Two Sicilies; and
to do that which their Majesties may wish me, even against my own
opinion, when I come to Naples, and that country is at war. I shall
wish to have a meeting with General Acton on this subject.
You will, I am sure, do me justice with the Queen; for, I declare to
God, my whole study is, how to best meet her approbation.
May God bless you and Sir William! and ever believe me, with the most
affectionate regard, your obliged and faithful friend,
HORATIO NELSON.
I may possibly, but that is not certain, send in the inclosed letter.
Shew it to Sir William. This must depend on what I hear _and see_; for
I believe scarcely any thing I hear.
Once more, God bless you!
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--"You l--e!" I can read, and
perfectly understand, every word you write.
We drank your and Sir William's health. Troubridge, Louis, Hallowell,
and the new Portuguese Captain, dined here. I shall soon be at
Palermo; for this business must very soon be settled.
No one, believe me, is more sensible of your regard, than your obliged
and grateful
NELSON.
I am pleased with little Mary; kiss her for me. I thank all the house
for their regard. 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.
LETTER III.
Vanguard, May 19, 1799,
Eight o'Clock. Calm.
MY DEAR LADY HAMILTON,
Lieutenant Swiney coming on board, enables me to send some blank
passports for vessels going to Procida with corn, &c. and also one for
the courier boat.
To tell you, how dreary and uncomfortable the Vanguard appears, is
only telling you, what it is to go from the pleasantest society to a
solitary cell; or, from the dearest friends, to no friends. I am now
perfectly the _great man_--not a creature near me. From my heart, I
wish myself the little man again!
You, and good Sir William, have spoiled me for any place but with you.
I love Mrs. Cadogan. You cannot conceive what I feel, when I call you
all to my remembrance. Even to Mira, do not forget your faithful and
affectionate
NELSON.
LETTER IV.
May 20, 1799.
MY DEAR LADY HAMILTON,
Many thanks to you and Sir William for your kind notes. You will
believe I did not sleep much, with all my letters to read, &c. &c.
My letters from Lord St. Vincent are May 6th. He says--"We saw the
Brest squadron pass us yesterday, under an easy sail. I am making
every effort to get information to Lord Keith; who I have ordered
here, to complete their water and provisions. I conjecture, the French
squadron is bound for Malta and Alexandria, and the Spanish fleet for
the attack of Minorca."
I must leave you to judge, whether the Earl will come to us. I think
he will: but, _entre nous_, Mr. Duckworth means to leave me to my
fate. I send you (_under all 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.
February 3, 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, 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, my dear Lady; and be assured, I ever am, and shall
be, your obliged and affectionate
BRONTE NELSON.
LETTER VI.
Off La Valette, Feb. 20, 1800.
MY DEAR LADY HAMILTON,
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 was taken on the coast of his father's kingdom, and by as
faithful a subject as any 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 your 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, make my best regards acceptable to Mrs. Cadogan, Miss Knight,
little Mary Re Giovanni, Gibbs, &c. &c. and ever believe me your truly
faithful and affectionate
BRONTE NELSON.
LETTER VII.
June 16, [1800.] Seven o'Clock.
MY 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, 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.
LETTER VIII.
January 28, 1801.
What a fool I 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
to-morrow'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 morning, before she can sail for Torbay.
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 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
affectionate,
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 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 _first_, 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 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 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 ship; 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
friendship 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, God 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 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 interesting your letters are! You cannot write too much, or be too
particular.
* * * * *
Though ----'s polish'd verse superior shine,
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 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.
[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 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 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 not
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 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 diminished. My hearty endeavours
shall not be wanting, to improve and to give US NEW 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 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 love-begotten 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 is not my intention to set my foot out of the ship, except to make
my take-leave bow to Admiral Milbank. I have been much pressed to dine
ashore: but, no; never, if I can help it, till I dine with you.
Eleven o'Clock.
Your 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, your'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.
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 DEAREST EMMA,
Did not you get my letter from Sheerness on Thursday morning, telling
you I was just setting off for Deal; as I have no letter from you of
yesterday, only those of Wednesday, which went to Sheerness? It has
been my damned blunder, and not your's; for which I am deservedly
punished, by missing one of your dear letters. They are my comfort,
joy, and delight.
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.
Pages:
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
6