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STANFORD  UNIVERSITY  LIBRARtES 


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•} 


THE 


DISPATCHES  AND  LETTERS 


or 


VICE  ADMIRAL 

)ED   VISCOUNT  NELSON 

WITH  NOTES  BY 


I  XICHOLAS  HARRIS  NICOLAS,  G.C.M.G. 


Nation  expected,  and  wu  entitled  to  expect,  that  while  Citlei  vied  with  e«ch  oth«r 
n\lnt  Statues  in  marble  and  brass  to  the  memory  of  our  Nelson,  a  Literary  Monu- 
uM  r  e  erecteil,  « hicli  should  record  his  deeds  for  the  Immortal  honour  of  his  own 
in.i  the  a<linlratJon  of  the  rest  of  the  World."  —  Qcabteslt  Review. 


THE  SECOND  VOLUME. 
1795  TO   1797. 


LONDON: 
ENRY     COLBURN,    PUBLISHER, 

GREAT   MARLBOROUGH    STREET. 
MDCCCXLV. 


^ 


^ 


6^ 


DISPATCHES  ASD  LETTEllS 


or 


VICE  ADMIBAL 


.ORD   VISCOUNT  NELSON 


!• 


WUH  KCfSBB  BT 


SIR  NICHOLAS  HAKBIS  NICOLAS,  G.C.M.G. 


«■<  «M  MiMlM  to  cqpMt,  «■«  «UI*  CMm  vtod  vilh  (Ml)  oOmc 
^aHMMttac  •!■«■■•  taoMrtie  ml  teMBto  the  mnoiy  of  ear  MBMir,  a  Utanty  Moan* 
■■I  tirii  to  wwetod,  vblah  ahooM  i«eard  Us  daafb  Car  tlM  imaaortalhaiMmr  of  hbown 
0MDti7.  BBfi  tfac  ailinlntkn  of  the  reit  of  th*  yfoM."  —  Q,VJamLt  Bxthw. 


THE  SECOND  VOLUME. 
1795  TO  1797. 


LONDON: 
HENRY     COLBURN,    PUBLISHER, 

GREAT  MARLBOROUGH  STREET. 
MDCCCXLV. 


/:-   . 


PREFACE. 


rais  Volume  contains  the  Dispatcees  and  Letters  of 
)K  from  the  beguming  of  the  year  1795  to  the  end 
year  1797.     They  relate  principally  to  Admiral 
\mns  Actions  with  the  French  Fleet  on  the  13th 
14th  of  March,  and  13th  of  July  1795:   to  his 
when  in  command  of  a  small  Sqnadron  on 
Coast    of  Genoa,  acting  in   co-operation  witJi  the 
m  General  de  Vins ;  to  the  Blockade  of  Leghorn ; 
the  Capture  of  Porto  Ferrajo  in  July,  and  of  the 
of  Caprnja  in  September  179G;  to  the  Evacna- 
of  Corsica;  to  tlie  Action  with,  and  Capture  of,  a 
ilsh  Frigate  in  December  of  that  year ;  to  the  Battle 
St.  Vincent  in  February,  the  bombardment  of  Cadiz, 
engagement  with  the  Spanish  Gun-boats,  and  to  the 
^onsnooedsful  attack  on  Santa  Cruz  in  Teneriflfe,  in  July 
[797,  where  he  lost  his  right  arm.     Some  of  the  events 
pilieil  In  theije  Letters  are  among  the  most  brilliant 
interesting  of  liis  Life. 

a2 


IT 


Daring  thii?  period  Nelson  was  promoted  to  the 
of  Commodore  of  the  Second,  then  of  the  First  C 
and  afterwards  to  that  of  Rea£*Admibal,  was  made 
EiriGHT  OF  THE  Bath,  and  obtained  a  Pension  for 
wounds  and  services.     He  returned  to  England  for 
recoTery  of  his  health  in  September  1797,  and  re 
on  shore  until  March  following,  when  he  hoisted 
Flag  in  the  Vanguard,  and  commenced  a  new  ci 
glorj,  by  his  unparallel«?d  Achievement  at  the  Ni 
August  1798,  the  particidars  of  which  will  be  founi 
his  Correspondence  in  the  next  Volume. 

Although  it  is  by  no  means  wished  that  the  Noi 
this  work  should  be  of  a  controversial  nature,  it 
nevertheless  l>een  thought  expedient  to   shew  that 
statement  in  James's  "  Naval  History  of  Great  Brit 
respecting  the  proceedings  of  the  "Agamemnon,"  Ne 
Ship,  in  Admiral  Ilutham's  Action  on  the  13th  and  1 
of  March  1795,  is  both  imperfect  and  imjust;  and  t 
his  implied  derogation  from  tlie  merit  of  Nelson's  exploit! 
at  tlie  Battle  of  St.  Vincent,  is  altogether  unfounded,      j 

It  will  be  seen  that  numerous  Letters  in  this  Volume 
were  addressed  to  Admiral  Sir  John  Jervis,  K.B.,  (afteri 
wards  Earl  of  St.  Vincent,)  then  Commander-in-Chief  UJj 
the  Medit^iiTanean,  and  that  the  only  authority  for 
of  them  is  Clarke  and  M'Arthur's  "  Life  of  Nelson." 

The  incorrect  manner  in  wliich  tht>se  Writers 
jirinted  documents,  imposed  upon  the  Editor  tlie  du 
using  every  means  in  his  power  to  inspect  the  origini 


PRBPACE, 


Ibi  feete  it  due  to  the  Public  and  to  himself  to  prove 

he  did  not  neglect  it,  in  a  case  where,  from  the 

and  importance  of  the  Letters,  it  wa«,  perhap*;, 

Dcoessary  than  in  any  other. 

making  application  to  various  members  of  the 

fEarl  of  St.  Vincent's  family,  in  reply  to  which  he  was* 

that  tile  Papers  were  not  in  their  possession,  he 

that  they  belonged  to  the  Countess  of  St.  Viucent'« 

r,  Vicsc- Admiral  Sir  William  Parker,  Bart.  G.C.B., 

It  they  ■were  in  the  hands  of  Jedediali  Stephens 

r,  Esq.,  the  author  of  "  Memoirs  of  Admiral  the 

I  of  St.  Vincent."    As  Sir  William  Parker  was  abroad, 

Editor  wrote  to  Mr.  Jedediah  Tucker,  stating  his 

«nd  pointing  out  the  importance  of  enabling  him 

iTffify  the  Letters  given  in  Clarke  and  M^ Arthur's 

in  justice  alike  to  the  Earl  of  St.  Vincent,  to  Lord 

fldfloa,  and  to  the  Public.    Mr.  Jedediah  Tucker's  reply, 

October  last,  stated  tliat  he  was  unable  to  inform  him 

the  address  of  any  relative  of  Lord  St.  Vincent,  who 

kay  have  letters  from  Lord  Nelson,  except  Sir  William 

barker,  '*  neither  can  Mr.  Tucker  place  the  Letters  he 

'ii»y  po»8e88  from  Lord  Nelson  in  Sir  Harris  Nicholas's 

haudst  for  Mr.  Tucker  does  not  think  it  advisable  that 

'Sir  Harris  Nicholas  should  publish  them.     Attention 

*  is  given  to  the  state  in  which  the  Letter  from  Lord 

'StVinoent  appear,  and  should  it  be  thought  expe- 

*dient  to  take  any  steps,  the  proper  ones  will  be  re- 

'Kffted  to." 


VI 


PREFACE. 


From  the  Writer  of  a  Note  in  which  little  was  intelU' 
gible  except  discourtesy,  it  was  obvious  that  nothing 
useful  could  be  expected. 

On  the  return  to  England  of  Vice- Admiral  Sir  Willi 
Parker,  the  Editor  lost  no  time  in  writing  to  him ;  and 
though  he  did  not  succeed  iu  ubtiiining  access  to  the 
Papers,  he  received  a  courteous  ans^vcr,  the  purport  of 
which  was,  that  though  the  Earl  of  St.  Vijiceut  had 
bequeathed  tu  Sir  William  Parker  Lord  Nelson's  Cor- 
respondence, yet,  from  particular  circumstances,  thoN 
Letters  had  never  been  actually  in  his  possession,  that 
they  were  then  in  a  distant  part  of  the  country,  that  it 
was  absolutely  necessary  that  he  himself  should  peruse 
them  before  they  could  be  published,  and  that,  whenever 
it  might  be  in  his  power,  he  woidd  gladly  aftbrd  any  assist 
auce  to  the  Editor,  as  no  individual  existed  who  could 
be  more  anxious  to  promote  any  authentic  work  which 
would  enliance  the  reputation  of  those  bright  examples 
of  the  Naval  Profession.  This  reply  precluded  all  hoi)€ 
of  accomplishing  the  Editors  object,  at  least  imtil 
remote  and  indefinite  period,  and  compelled  him,  though 
with  indescribable  reluctance,  to  print  many  Letters  o 
the  greatest  importance  to  the  fame  of  two  of  England's 
most  celebrated  Admirals,  written  at  the  most  eventfu 
period  of  their  services,  exactly  as  he  found  them,  wel 
knowing  as  he,  and  the  possessor  of  the  originals  do,  that 
the  copies  to  which  he  is  obliged  to  trust,  are  intcrpo 
lated,  and  imperfect. 


PREFACB. 


vn 


mce  of  there  l>eiiig  a  fe^v  Letters  in  Clarke 

jULrthnr's   work,  from  Nelson  to  the  late  Eai'l 

[wldle  First  Lord  of  the  Admiralty,  the  Editor 

ted  the  preaeut  Earl  to  permit   liim   to   see  the 

}i\  but  Uis  Lordship  informed  him  that  he  has  uo 

from  Lord  Nelson  which  could  he  of  any  use  to 

fff  he  would  willingly  allow  him  to  see  them. 

In  the  '*  Advertisement"  to  the  Second  Edition  of  the 

Volume,  the  Editor  expressed  liis  obligations  to 

ipenMius  for  contributions  siuce  its  publication;  and 

It  List,  and  to  the  List  in  the  Preface,  he  now  adds, 

f  ery  great  satisfaction,  the  name  of  Eakl  Nelson, 

interest  in  the  fame  of  the  Great  Founder  of  his 

Jours  is  alike  earnest  and  becoming.     The  Editor  also 

leave  to  thank  Rear- Admiral  Samuel  Hood  lugle- 

C.B.,  for  some  valuable  Letters. 

The  rapid  sale  of  the  First  Volume  of  this  Work 

(I  made  it  necessary  to  reprint  it,  advantage  was 

uf  the  circumstance  to  insert  in  the  new  Edition 

Letters  as  had  been  sent  to  the  Editor  since  its 

inoe;  but,  in  justice  to  the  purchasers  of  the  First 

iition,  all  tlkose  Letters  have  lx;en  reprinted,  and  are 

I,  with  the  "  Advertisement"  to  the  new  Edition, 

Ute  end  of  this  Volume.    It  may  be  proper  to  add  that 

large  impression  which  has  been  struck  of  tlie  pre- 

It,  and  will  be  taken  of  the  subsequent  Volumes,  renders 

ivf  Edition  of  them  improbable. 


Tornnffion  Square, 

Uth  February,  1845. 


Kttbon 


B.K«jUf(m Flownao,  1 7th  January 

.R.H.  the  I>ake  of  ClAn>n<!e    .     .     .     Fiorenzo,  Idtb  Jnuturv 

lkl!T«1»ot)  . Finrenzo,  3  bt  January 

rBKiBi  (>'  T->ii         Aj^memnoti,  Fiorenzo,  l»t  Februarj' 

boiMal''  .    ^Vgiuiiemnon,  6th  February 

imfiMa  SuuUIin^,  Emj  .     St.  Fiorenzu,  7th  Febninry 

St.  Fiorenzo,  7th  Febniury 

I     .     ,     .  I^hom,  25th  Febninry 

ilHamis  E*4.  .  LeKhorn,  iTth  February 

OD   board  bi»  i^lnjeitty'»  Ship  Agamemnon,  and  of  the 

•»  M«n  and  known  by  Captain  Nelxon, 

From  the  8th  to  the  14fh  March 

A^ftmemnon,  at  Sea,  10th  March 

il  (rocMlall Apunomnon,  12th  March 

.     .     .     .      Agnmeinnon,  luth  Afarch 

'  lapetice lith  March 

i,»«j.     Agtniienin«ji>,  Porto  Espceia,  '21st  March 
..Esq..  Agamemnon,  Porto Especia,  '22nd  March 
Hmt.  Mr.  Nelson,  Hilboroufrh 

Axwnvmnoii,  Porto  Flnpecia,  25th  March 

PoUard,  Btq Agamemnon  (torn) 

FiorensQ,  1st  April 

Elliot,  Vlc«-Roy  of  Conricn 

Agamemnon,  St,  Fiorenzo,  2th  April 

Ri^  Hon.  Sir  Gilbert  Elliot 8th  April 

K«l»«n St.  Fiorenjscs  12th  April 

t  Ilnn r.nrabla  Sir  Gilbert  Elliot,  Agamemnon,  Ifith  April 
ufClarenc*  .  St.  Fiorejiso,  16th  April 

'  "t'CUrence 

Agamemnon,  of  Cape  Corse,  24th  April 


10 
17 
Iti 
19 
19 
^0 
22 

28 
26 
25 

27 
28 
28 
30 
30 

.11 


CONTENTS. 


1795,  cottUnued. 

To  the  Hev.  Mr.  Nelson,  Bath      .    Agamemnon,  at  Sea,  24th  Ap 
To  William  Suckling-,  Esq.      .     .     Agamemnon,  at  Sea,  '24th  Af 

To  Mrs.  Nelson Leghorn,  28th  Apr 

To  William  Locker,  Esq.    .     .     .    Agamemnon,  Leghorn,  4th  Ma 

To  William  Suckling,  Esq lyeghoni,  4th  Ma 

To Leghorn,  5th  M 

To  Daniel  Williams,  Esq.  .     -     .    Ag.imeranon,  Leghorn,  3th  Majj 

To  Thoma3  Pollard,  Esq 22nd 

To  Mr*.  Nelson Off  Minorca,  29th  Ma| 

To  Thomaa  Pollard,  Esq 29th  Majj 

To  William  Suckling,  Esq Off  Port  Mahon.  7th  Juii 

To  the  Right  Hon.  William  Windham,  Secretary  at  War,  8th  Jb 
To  the  Rev.  Mr.  Nelson,  Hilborough     .     .      Off  Minorca,  8th  Jur 

To  Thomas  Pollard,  Esq 8th  Ju 

To  William  Locker,  Esq Off  Minorca,  18th  Ji 

To  "William  Suckling,  Esq Off  Minorca,  20th  Ji 

To  the  Rev.  Dixon  Iloste Off  Minorca,  22nd  Jn 

To  the  Rev.  Mr.  Nelson,  Hilborough, 

Agamemnon,  off  Minorca,  22Qd  Jui 

To  Mrs.  Nelson St.  Fiorenzo,  1st  Julj 

To  William  Locker,  Esq.    .     Agamemnon,  off  Cape  Corse,  8th  Jul, 

To  H.  R.  IL  the  Duke  of  Clarence 13th  Julj 

To  his  Excellency  Francis  Drake,  Esq.,  Minister  at  Genoa 

Agamemnon,  Genoa  Mole,  1 8th  Juljrl 
To  Earl  Spencer,  First  Lonl  of  the  Admiralty  ....  19thJulyJ 
To  Admiral  llotham      .     .     .     Agamemnon,  Vado  Bay,  22nd  July^f 

To  Mrs,  Nelson Off  Vado  Bay,  24th  July 

To  the  Right  Hon,  Sir  GUhert  Elliot 

Agamemnon,  Leghorn,  27th  July 

To  William  Suckling,  Esq Leghorn,  27th  July 

To  Admiral  llotham  Agamemnon,  Leghorn  Roads,  28th  July 

To  the  Rev.  Mr.  Nelson,  Hilborough 

Agamemnon,  Oulf  of  Genoa,  29th  July 

To  Mrs.  Nelson Vado  Bay,  2nd  August 

To  Francis  Drake,  Esq 4th  August 

To  Francis  Drake,  Esq 6th  August 

To  Captain  Cockburn 8th  August 

To  the  Right  Hon.  Sir  Gllliert  Elliot   .     .    Va<lo  Bay,  LSth  August 

To  William  Locker,  Esq Vado  Bay,  19th  vVugusf 

To  J.  Harrintan,  Esq Vado  Bay,  2.3rd  August 

To  the  Commander  of  a  French  Corvette  Alassio,  26th  August 

To  Admiral  Ilnthain Vado  Buy,  27th  August 

To  Admiral  llotham  .  ,  Agamemnon,  at  Sea,  27th  August 
To  Admiral  Hotham  .  .  Agamemnon,  Vado  Bay,  30th  August 
To  Captain  Collingwood Vado  Bay,  31st  August 


CONTENTS. 


Zl 


1 7Q5.  fontinued- 

I 
r,  Esq.    .  .    .     Vado  Btj,  .'list  August 

.Kttaoa   .     .  ....   Vadii  Bay,  1st  Sept eraber 

I  Dnlce,  EA4.  Aganieninon,  at  Sea,  9th  September 

>  wsl  to  Gn>er»l  de  Vins     ....     About  9th  .September 

ktbExeelkwy  Baron  de  VifM 

Agamemnon,  Vado  Bay,  14th  September 

bKeben    .  VaJo  Buy.  12th  September 

I  ie  Vitu .  .  Genoa  Mole,  1 7th  September 

Botbam Genoa,  17th  September 

cj  FraDcia  Drake,  Esq. 

Agamemnon,  Genoa  Mole,  18th  September 

lletliam 20th  September 

.Jithoa 21st  September 

I  Bigbt  HoQ.  Sir  Gilbert  EUlot 

Agamemnon,  Leghorn,  24th  September 
tBer.  Mr.  Neboo,  Bath  ....  Leghorn,  29th  September 
lOaBBnaderof  the  Neapolitan  Flotilla     .     .     .     ht  October 

.  Hriwn Yado  Bay,  oth  October 

SockUng.  £»q.      ...      Off  Marseilles,  27th  October 

...  ...  Agamemnon,  Vado  Bay,  6th  November 

|iCi«aBi]  Coant  Wallia,  of  the  Aattrian  Army 

Agamemnon,  Vado  Bay,  7th  November 
iBmaifeVloA  .  .  .  Agamemnon,  Vado  Bft3%  8th  November 
lUtBMaa  Drake,  Eiq.  .  Agamemnon,  Vndo  Bay,  12th  November 
U'Arthnr,  En*].,  John  Udney,  l\,iq.,  and  Thomas  Pollard, 
tEa%,  Priac  Agents  .  Agsuiiemnnn  Viuli>  Bay,  12th  Novcml>er 
i  Ntpaan,  Esq.,  Sec'retary  to  the  vVdniiralty 

Agamemnon,  Genoa  Mole,  13th  November 
.R.IL  ibe  Duke  of  Ciarvnce,       Genoa  Roads,  I8th  Noveml)er 

.R.n.  th»«  Duke  of  Clarence 19th  November 

>  TM»-.-Vdmiral  Sir  Hyde  Parker, 

Agamemnon,  Genoa  Road,  20th  November 
Grf«vll}«,  Secretary  of  State  for  Foreign  Aflairs 

Agnmemnon,  Genoa  Road,  23rd  November 
)B«rerciu1  Mr.  NeW)Q,  UUborough 

Agamemnon,  Genoa  Road,  25  th  November 

Ik  AJmoal  Sir  Jolm  Jertrb,  K.B About  2oth  November 

T^\k  EueUeney  FrancU  Dra}<e,  E.sq. 

Agamemnon,  Genoa  Road,  27th  November 
TtJ^im  Wnijam  Brame,  Esq.,  Conitul  at  Genoa  .     'lOth  November 

NeU>« 2nd  December 

-Admiral  Sir  Hyde  Parker 2nd  DecemVier 

r&»  Right  Hon.  Sir  Gilbert  Elliot 

Agamemnon,  at  Sea,  4th  December 
'» lui  EieriJeocy  Francis  Drake,  »4     .  Leghorn,    8th  De»-'ember 


98 


102 


103 


xu 


CONTENTS. 


1795,  eonHnwd. 

To  Mi*.  Thomas  Pollard Leghorn,  10th  December 

To  the  Rev.  Dixon  Hoste  .     Agamemnon,  Leghorn,  r2th  December 
To  hb  Excellency  Francis  Drake    .     .     ■  Leghorn,  16th  Deceml«f 

To  Mrs,  Nelson 18th  December 

To  Admiral  Sir  John  Jervis,  K.B.,  Commander-in-Chief  in  the  Me- 
diterranean       Leghorn  Road»,  21st  December 

To  the  Beverend  Mr.  Nelson,  Hil  borough 

Agamemnon,  Leghorn,  26th  December 


1796. 

To  ^£rs.  Nelson Agamemnon,  Leghorn,  6th  Jannaiy 

To  Mrs.  Nelson     .     .     .     Agnmemnon,  St.  Fiorenito,  20th  Jonuaiy 

To  Admiral  Sir  Jolm  Jenis,  K.B 23rd  January 

To  Mrs.  Nelson Gnlf  of  Genoa,  27th  January 

To  Mrs.  Nelson    .........  Le^om,  12th  February 

To  Tliomas  Pollard,  Esq Leghorn,  1 7th  February 

To  the  Hon.  John  Trevor,  Minister  at  Turin.  Alwut  the  2nd  March 
To  H.  R.  H.  the  DnWe  of  Clnrenoe  .  .  .  Genoa  Mole,  3rd  March 
To  William  Locker,  Esq.  .  Agamemnon,  Genoa  Mole,  4th  Alarch 
To  the  Rev.  Mr.  Nelson,  Hilborough  .  .  Genoa  M(jle,  4th  March 
To  the  Hon.  John  Trevor    .     Agamemnon,  Genoa  Mole,  4th  INIarch 

To  Admiral  Sir  John  Jervis,  K.B Leghorn,  10th  March 

To  the  Right  Hon.  Sir  Gilbert  Elliot,  Bart.  Leghorn,  1 0th  March 
To  the  Right  Hon.  Sir  William  ILimilton,  K.B.,  Minister  nt  Naples 

Agamemnon,  Leghorn,  11th  March 
To  Francis  Dn»ke,  Esij.,  Minister  at  Genoa    ....    15th  March 

To  Admiral  Sir  John  Jervis,  K.B At  Sea,  16th  March 

To  Admiral  Sir  John  Jervis,  K.B 16th  March 

(In  continuation)     .     .     Off  the  Hieres  Islands,  18th  March 

To  Uis  Excellency  Francis  Drake,  Esq 25th  March 

To  Jlrs,  Nelson 25lh  March 

To  Admiral  Sir  John  Jervis,  K.B.  .  .  Agamemnon,  28th  March 
To  his  Excellency  Francis  Drake,  Esq.     .     .     .      Genoa,  Gth  April 

Tn  Admiral  Sir  John  Jervis,  K.B Off  Genoa,  7th  April 

To  Admiral  Sir  John  Jervis,  K.B. 

Agamemnon,  Gulf  of  Genoa,  8th  April 

To  Admiral  Sir  John  Jervis,  K.B Genoa,  9th  April 

To  General  Beauliou,  Commander-in-Chief  of  the  Austrian  Army 

About  9th  April 

To  his  Excellency  Francis  Drake,  E.«q 11th  April 

To  Admiral  Sir  John  Jervis,  K.B 13th  April 

To  Admiral  Sir  John  Jervis,  K.B 15th  April 

To  Captain  ColUngwood Genoa,  16th  April 

To  Admiral  Sir  John  Jervis,  K.B.  .     .    .    Genoa  Mole,  18th  April 


L 


B.  tiw  I>like  of  Clarroce 

AgsnMmnon,  off  Genoft,  ISUi  April  ISC 

l>nk«i,  £*q.       .      AgamcouMo,  Genoa  Rua<i,  19tfa  April  127 

lb  Dnke,  £sq.       .  Asamemaan,  off  Vadu  Baj,  22nd  Apri)  129 

IsA.  Jdm  Treror                            22nii  April  160 

...                              GtilforG«iM)^  24th  April  ISl 

John  Jervt»^  K.B.                    Off  Loono,  2Sth  April  161 

John  Jervis,  KJi.                      ...      2(Jth  April  16S 

l5t  May  163 

John  Jerris,  KJ) G«ik»  Hole,  1st  May  164 

StecOenrj  Franca  DTak<>,  Esq Nu  dal«  168 

kdnl  Sir  John  Jervb,  K.B.                <  >fr  Cope  NoU,  4tb  May  167 

bxal  Sir  John  Jertls,  K.B.                      ...    .8th  Hay  167 
■adorn  dcHvend  to  Mr.  Bnunc,  liritLih  Coiuul  at  Gpooa 

AUiut  15th  May  170 
«  Bigk  Hon.  Sir  Gilbert  Elliot  Bart. 

AgAmemnon,  at  Sea^  1  Gth  May  1 7 1 

lA^ial  Sir  John  Jerm,  KJ3.     ,     .  Leghorn  Roads,  18th  May  173 

tnuKeitan Leghorn,  20th  Sitay  173 

tMtal  Str  Julin  Jervia,  R.B 2:)rd  May  174 

bininl  Sir  John  Jervis,  K.B 30tli  May  175 

iifabal  Sir  John  Jerri«,  K.B. 

Agamemnon,  I'rt'Oneglia,  31  »t  May  176 
Ltcf  rnuataketi  b«twe«n  the  1*t  of  June,  171)4,  and  Uie  Ist  of 

JttN  1796 178 

UnirBl  Sir  John  Jenris,  K  J}.                    .    Off  Nice,  2nd  Jane  179 

Umbll  Sir  John  Jerris,  K J).                    ....      Srd  June  180 

SeoMi  PoOsrd,  Esq St.  Fiorenzo,  4tb  June  181 

tdminl  Sir  John  Jenris,  K.B Fiorenzo,  4th  .Tune  181 

bhanl  Sir  John  Jervis  K  B.                               .     .      5th  June  182 

In  Bglrt  ilon.  Sir  Giltxrrt  Kltiot,                         .     .      9th  June  193 
bBiglkt  Hon.  Sir  Gilbert  Elliot 

AgtimetnnoD.  San  Fiorenso,  10th  .Tuno  183 

b  Siglit  Hon.  Sir  Gilbert  Elliot      .    .     ■   Captain,  12th  June  1K4 

ieLNelsao Captain  ot  Sea,  1 3th  Jane>  184 

linUkin  Locker,  £s«] Captain  at  Sea,  20th  June 


U  Bet.  Mr.  NelsiW),  Ililborough 
l»  Pmich  Minister  at  Genoa   . 

Sir  John  Jervb,  KB. 

Sir  John  Jervis,  K.B. 

S5r  John  Jcrris,  K.B. 

ly)  Francis  Drake,  Esq. 
I  Sir  John  Jenrla,  K.B. 


Captain  at  Sea,  20th  June 

Genoa  Mole,  22Dd  June 

Genoa  Mole,  23rd  June 

Captain  at  Sea,  24lh  June 

.     .     .    25  th  June 

About  25th  June 

Lt'glwjrn  Roads,  28tli  June 


OllbBrt  Kiriot     ....      Ci^Jtain.  San  Fiorenzo.  1st  July 
aent  to  tlw  preceding  Letter 

b 


XiV 


CONTEFTS, 


1796,  eonHmud. 

To  Sir  Gilbert  Elliot  Captain,  Sad  Fiorenio,  3od  Jviy 

To  Sir  Gilbert  Elliot  .  .  C&ptain,  San  Fiorcnzo,  2rd  Jolj,  /iJt 
To  Adniinl  Sir  John  Jervis,  K  K.  Captiun,  San  noreruto,  3rd  July 
To  David  Hfsatly,  E*').  .       Captain,  San  Fiorenxo,  4th  July 

To  Sir  Gilbert  Elliot  Captain,  Son  Finrenxo,  5th  July 

To  Sir  Gilbert  Elliot    ,     .     .     ,      Captain,  San  Fiorenzo,  5th  July 

To  Admiral  Sir  John  Jerris,  K.B Atli  July 

To  Jo6(^h  Bramc,  Esq Captain  at  8eA,  6th  July  j 

To  the  ConraU  of  tho  difTerent  Nations  at  Leghorn 

Captain,  off  Leghorn,  7th  July 
To  Sir  Gilbert  Elliot  .  .  .  Captain,  off  Porto  Ferrajo,  ftth  Julv 
To  Admiral  Sir  John  Jervis,  K.B.,  Captain,  Porto  Fermjti,  (>th  July 
To  Admiral  Sir  John  Jervis,  K.B.,  Captain,  Porto Fcrrajn,  lOlli  July 
To  Sir  Gill)ort  Elliot  ....  Captain,  Porto  Fprrajo,  1 0th  July 
To  his  Excrflency,  the  Uon.  William  F.  Wymlham 

Captain,  Porto  Ferrajo,  11  th  July 
To  Admiral  Sir  John  Jerris,  K.B.    Captain,  off  Leghorn,  loth  July 
To  Sir  GilWrt  Elliot    ....      Captain,  off  L^honi,  15tb  July    Slf 
To  tho  Danish  Consul  at  Leghorn 

Captain,  Leghorn  Roadfl,  17th  July  ^14 
To  Sir  Gilbert  Elliot  .  .  .  Captain,  Leghorn  Road^  18tli  July  il$ 
To  Admiral  Sir  John  Jervis,  K.B.  Leghorn  Roads,  18th  July    316 

Memorandum About  the  20th  July    217 

To  H.  E.  H.  the  Duko  of  Clarence 

Captain,  Leghorn  Roads,  30th  July  318 
To  the  Right  Hon.  Sir  Gilbert  Elliot .       Cajitatn  at  Sea,  26th  July    il 

To  Admiral  Sir  John  Jervia.  K.B 27lh  July    39S 

To  the  Right  Hon.  Sir  Gilbert  Elliot,  Bart. 

Captain,  Leghorn  Roads,  28th  July    221 

Memorandum       Captain,  Leghorn  Roads,  3 1st  July 

To  Captain  CoUingwiNxl     .     .     Captain,  Leghorn  Rovls,  1st  August 

To  Admiral  Sir  John  Jervis,  K.B Ist  August 

In  continuation 2nd  August 

In  continuation         3rd  Augtist 

To  Sir  Gilbert  Elliot    .    .    .   Captain,  Leghorn  Road.s  1st  August    SS' 
List  of  Commodore  Nulsoa'a  Squadron,  and  how  disposed  of 

I  at  August    SSl 
To  William  lacker,  Esq.         Captain,  Leghorn  Roads,  2Dd  August    8S 

To  Mrs.  Nelson 2nd  August    39 

To  the  Marquis  dc  Silvsj,  Naplos 3rd  August    28 

To  Sir  Gilbert  EUiut     .     .    .  Captain,  Leghorn  Roads,  3rd  AngTi't    2S' 
To  the  Right  Hon.  Sir  Gilbert  Elliot  .  Leghorn  Roads,  4th  A),  l 
To  Sir  Gilbert  Elliot     .     .     .  Captain,  Leghorn  Roads,  5th  Aiu 
To  Sir  Gilbert  Elliot    .     .     .  Captain,  Leghorn  Roads,  5lh  An. 
To  Admiral  Sir  John  Jervis,  K.B.   .    .  Leghorn  Roods,  5th  Au. 


a 

2£ 


CONTENTS. 


XT 


1796,  00»«haadL 

.     .      Cftptain,  Leghorn  Ro&ds,  5th  Augnat 

- '  '        '  .    Captain,  Leghorn  RoadK,  1 0th  Augu^tt 

.    Captiuii,  Leghorn  Roiuiii,  1 1  th  August 

akr  John  Jen-is,  K.B lath  Aagiut 

Appsvntly  in  coutinu&tion  ....      ButU,  17th  August 
Ife  BCT.  Mr.  Nelson,  Hilborotigh 

Captain,  between  Bostia  and  Ivegfaonit  18tb  August 
Boo.  Sir  Gflb«rt  Elliot .  Cnptain,  at  Sea,  l»th  August 
Gilbert  Elliot  ....  Ctptain,  off  Boatia,  16th  August 
tb*  Biiv.  Mr.  NoUon,  Bath  .....  Captain,  19th  August 
lUi  EuyMl  Highne^o  tbi^  Duke  of  Clarence  .    .     .    liHh  Augiut 

fiwaJiah  Consul  at  L«ghum 20th  August 

<3tib«rt.  Klliot      .     .     Captain,  Leghorn  Roods,  20th  August 
Bir  Juhn  J^rviii,  KM.        Leghorn  Roads,  20tli  August 

ApfarBiitljr  in  oontinoatioa 2:2Dd  August 

SlgMT  J»]n««  de  Lavelett«<,  Governor  of  Leghorn 

Leghorn  Roads,  32nd  August 

iGftbtft  Elliot     .    .     Captain,  Leghorn  Roads,  22nd  August 

.  Kalian    ,.....>     Leghorn  Roads,  23rd  Augui^t 

'GabeTtK'  ,  r.^ghom  Roads,  23rd  August 

^<ir  GL'bcrt  K  .        -  Leghorn  Roads,  25th  August 

Hot     .    .     Captain,  off  the  Gorgoiia,  27th  August 

i.Iliot     .     .  Captain,  Leghorn  Roods,  3rd  Soptemlwr 

Sir  John  Jervis,  ILB.     Leghorn  Roads,  3rd  September 

to  tlie  Genoese  Government 

Captain,  Mole  of  Genoa,  4tb  Scftetbhet 
to  the  Genoese  GuvRrninent,  About  September 

lit  Kxpallmc/  Francis  Drake,  Esq !>th  Stipteiulier 

Om  GmMM  Secrvtury  of  State 

Captain,  Genoa  Mole,  10th  Septemlier 

Mra.NaUaa 10th  September 

AAa^nl  Sir  John  Jorviii,  K.B. 

Captain,  off  Genoa,  1 1  tb  September 
Adbninl  Sir  John  Jervia,  K.B. 

Cftptain,  off  Genoa,  11th  September 
Omne,  Es4}.,  British  Consul  at  Gcaioar      11  th  Septf^mber 
hit  conduct  towards  the  Genoese  Govemmpnt 

nth  September 
kb  ExadlflMj  Fnoou  Dnk«,  £»]. 

Captun  at  Sea,  12th  September 

AAainl  Sir  John  Jervis.  K.B 1 4th  September 

In  oan^uatioti  .    .     .    1 5th  September 

(About  17th  September) 

AtLsind  Sir  John  Jervis,  K4). 

Captain,  Ilartioor  of  Capmjo,  I9th  September 
b2 


2C2 
2G4 

200 


270 


^^^^^^B 

^^H 

^^^^^^P             \7ii6^  evHtinued. 

^1 

^^^H 

Hbal  Duo  Juan  Morino    .   Appnrently  about  *24th  December 

316          ^^H 

Hiial  Sir  John  Jcn-i*,  K,D 24th  December 

^^M 

mhti  S4r  John  Jt^rvut,  K.B 24tb  L>eccrobe'r 

317          ^^1 

^^ight  Ilonoarablc  Sir  GillxTt  Elliot 

^^^1 

^^H          L«  Mioerv«,  £iiat  side  of  Sardinia,  24th  December 

318          ^^M 

^^^k Apparently  '24tb  Decemlier 

^^H 

^^^fet  KUiot Lti  Miiienre,  27th  December 

^^H 

^^PSir  J.  Jervu,  K.B 29tb  December 

^^1 

HS^un  General  of  CurthiigAnii 

^^H 

H                              La  Miiicrve,  r«rt  Femgo,  29th  December 

321          ^H 

Kind  Sir  Joha  Jerri;).  K.B. 

^^H 

B                               Lu.  Miuervi-,  Port  Ferraj(s  29th  December 

^^M 

Kliiiiiit  Pi 1  de  Burgh 29th  December 

^^M 

Klmaot-GeDcnJ  de  Burgh   .     .  La  Minerve,  SOth  December 

^^M 

^K 

H 

323          ^^1 

^^^Kvnd  Edmund  Nelson   .    .     .  La  Minerve,  1st  January 

^^^Bbgn Purto  Fcrrftjo,  13th  Juuu&r}' 

^^1 

^PKvmd  Mr.  Nelaon,  Ililborouijfh 

^^H 

Lu  Mimrve,  Port  Ferrajo,  13th  January 

326          ^^M 

^^M 

llraaDt'O^^i'TuI  •lt>  Burgi. 

^^^M 

328          ^^M 

ttiml  Fir  Jiihii  Jcrvis,  K.B. 

^^H 

La  Minerve,  Porto  Ferrajo.  2otIi  January 

^H 

^  . .                       27th  Jonuary 

^^H 

r»r:                  Esq.,  Private  Secretary  to  Sir  Gilbert  Elliot 

La  Minerve,  1  Ith  Foliruary 

^^M 

BefliftHi*  mlatiTfl  to  royself,  in  the  Captain,  in  wliicli  my 

^^H 

■dflct  w^               "  the  mont  glorious  Valentine's  Day,  17'J7 

340          ^^M 

Btfourti                   t>)  myself,  in  the  Captain,  in  whivli  my 

^^H 

^•daat  »»  t1\-iu^  OH  the  mo-^t  glurir>ur<  Valentine's  Day,  1797 

^H 

Mn  C<»IJtngwo.x)^  U.  M.  Ship  Exocllent 

^^1 

"                                                      Irrvsistihie,  loth  February 

347          ^H 

<?iH.»*  P1f;.^t  r?„r»           .     .    .     Irresistible,  IJth  February 

^H 

.     .     .    Irresistible,  16th  February 

^^1 

r.tv.  .,ir  .Mi-uri         irresistible,  Lfl|af«is  Bay,  17th  February 

^H 

Brr.  Dixon  Ilotte,      Irresistible,  Lnp»  Bay,  17th  February 

^^M 

Iht;-  "              Tv*q.    .    Irre.".ii>tibk-.  Lagos  Buy,  21  nt  February 

^^H 

ivi.               . ,  Eaq^  Irri'sistibUs.  iff  Lagos  B»iy,  23rcl  February 

^^M 

liuBt  Wiiiiihtun,  E*q.,  W.P.  for  Norwich 

^^H 

Irresi^'tibU^  off  Lisbon.  26th  Februivry 

236          ^^1 

Ml^ar  of  Norwich   .   Lrrei«i*tible,  off  Lislion,  26Ui  February 

^^1 

lU  1         I      I    |L 

r«  fiiri  EfMM;  nn  Laid  «r  the 

fn  irii.  drcy  St  MayX ! 
T«  B.  B.  B.  Ac  Oake  of  Otfwce 

X*Ma.Vctea 

T»  ffcr  B«T.  Mr.  Kcba%  Bah««i«h 

Cbftain,  off  Cif»  8t  Vsneanrt,  ( 
r«  Jcka  M'Aillw,  Enq.  C4tni,a0^Cafis,l< 

tJdaM'ArtlHr.Biq.  Cspteiii,  offCwfix,  1< 

)^«teV'Anliv.£«q.     .    .    . 

iJUainlSv Jotm Jernii.K.B.  .    nth. 

Tw  tfae  Amoicu  and  Danlih  Consolt  at  Cifliz 

Caf)tsix^ofirC■dix,  Uth. 
r«  liie  Gi|tiiH  nd«r  Um  Ords»  «fB«ir- Admiral  Nelson 

Off  Cadiz,  nth 

To  Adminl  Sir  John  Jerris  K.B.     .    : I2th. 

To  Sir  Jvoat  S«tuiuu«z,  CoauBander  of !»  Mi^esty's  Ship  < 

Ciptaio,  ofT  Cadiz,  I2tb  i 

Tu  AdmLnU  Sir  John  Jervis,  K3 21st, 

To  n.  B.  IL  the  Dake  of  CUrence     Off  Cape  de  Gatte,  SOth . 
To  Admiral  Sir  John  Jervis,  KLB.,  Capt^n»  off  Cape  Pallas,  1st  ] 
To  JanaM  SiinpAon,  Esq.,  American  Consul  at  Malaga 

Gibraltar,  20tli 
To  Cairtnin  RalpJi  Willctt  MJUor  .  .  .  VilJe  tie  Paris  24th 
Toll.  K.  H.  tlw  Dukr  <«fnari«Ko    .     .     -      Oft"  Cadiz,  iCth 

To  Mn..  NflMHi       ;     •    • 271 

T.  \.l...in.l  H".  X«»'f^^  W*****^^*^*      •    Thcscos,  30tlll 

,  '^  " ThcMos,  3h 

i,  Apparently  written  in  ilayor^ 

'-•«• Tlieseus,  l«t  Ju 

Ih  .»-..•   •-..      >f**  ^''V**^  ^^™'  Majesty's  Ship  Orion 

Thesfius,  Irt  Ja. 

,^  Sir  Jo»»n  Jorvis,  K-B ^bout  6th  Jar 

,1  Sir  John  JerrLsILB 7th  Jun« 

'     ^  ,  •     111  Moreno,  of  the  Spaniah  Navj-,  Theseus,  8th  Jud« 


CONTENTS. 


SIX 


\797,  <»niiimd. 

1  Six  John  J«nrU,  K-B.    ....     TImmu,  Oth  Jtmc 
m  BraBHurez        ...  .    .  9th  Jane 

I  Slit  John  JcrvU,  K.B.  ■      loth  Janu 

I  Ssx  John  Jcrvis,  K.D.    .  U.  M.  8.  Tlirsvus,  I'illi  June 

1  Six  John  Jurrik,  K3. 13th  June? 

Sir  John  Jitvu,  K^.    .  H.  M.  8.  TbMCW.  l»th  June 

b«B 15th  Juue 

Sir  John  Jervi>,  K^ Tbetetu,  2lBt  June 

i  Sir  John  Jsrm,  KJB.  '^(>th  June 

Imd      ......  idth  Jutiu 

:  VmxloT,  Emj.,  York  Herald,  uim  t  the  Order 

tfdi»Batfl Tlw     ..  •  i'Oth  June 

ikBiv.  DizonHoka iiu  .Tunc 

I Adminl  Dnn  JomC dfl  Musaredo  "iiJune 

»Adaifil  &ir  Joho  Jcrvis,  KJi.    .  ....  3rd  July 

Sir  JoliD  JcnriB,  K3 Tlicien»,  4th  July 

tJUirinI  Sir  John  Jervia,  K.B «th  July 

lAtelnl  Sir  John  Jenb,  K.R   .    .  H.  M.  S.  Tbesaus  7th  July 

Sir  John  Ji-ni*,  K.B Tbesvus,  9th  July 

!{■  Bobvrt  CaUcr,  Kfiight,  First  C^itain  to  Admiral  the  £url 

dSL  Vifujent,  BLB Thweu*,  9th  July 

Uaixai  Sir  John  Jorvis,  K^ lUh  July 

»iMnl  Sir  John  Jerris,  KJi Thewa*,  lOth  July 

iSr  JmM  Soiununt     .......     .  Thnms,  10th  July 

lCi|4ib  John  KicholMH  Inglefiekl .  11th  July 

Keboo 12th  to  14th  July 

aim  rcupcetiag  the  tJtttcTt  on  Tenexiflfe  .    . 
[lUrTiiiilHiii  reipeetiiig  the  attack  on  Tcneriffe    . 

I  wUdi  BpfMX  to  htTO  l>een  submitted  to  one  ur  mure  of  the 
Ciptafau  c^iiae  Sqwlraa  deitinDd  to  attack  TenerifTe   .... 

flplaioat  tttptc^ang  the  tttock  on  SantA  Crux       

Ilaaai  Tfvmbfidg*,  Eiq^  Capt&in  of  II.  M.  Ship  CuUoden,  and 
Coomaiukr  of  the  Forces  ordered  to  Iw  landed  for  taking  Hanta 

Cnu Th^»eu»,  at  Sea,  20th  July 

I  MmiihiiiIiiiii  relative  to  TeneriAe The«euti,  20th  July 

|ftLii«tNiaai  Bajmeo,  Hoyal  .\rtillcry,   .    .    .  'Hicseu*-,  20th  July 
[l^nfttlii  Tboiaw  Oldfield,  Senior  Captain  ot  t)io  Marines  ordered 

toCMinhark ThcoeuB,  20th  July 

[Ttdaa  Gonmor  or  Commaiuiini;  OiBMr  of  Sontft  Cruz 

TbeseoB,  20th  July 
Sir  Joha  Jervit,  K.B. 

Th««eui>,  off  Santa  Cru*,  24th  July 

lEinflaaoy  Don  Antonio  Gutierrez,  Commandant-Genera)  of 

Caairy  Uanda  H.  M.  Ship  Theaens,  26th  July 


XX 


CONTENTS. 


1797,  continued. 

m 

To  Admiral  Sir  John  Jervis,  K^.,  Thewu&,  off  Santa  Crux,  27th  July 
Link  of  Killed,  Wounded,  Drowned,  und  Missing,  in  Storming  Santa 

Crust,  in  Teneriffe,  on  the  night  of  the  24th  July,  1797      .     .    .  ^^ 
A  Detail  of  the  Froceeding^  of  the  Expedition  agitinst  Santa  Crae, 

in  Tenerifft! 

Journal  of  Proceedings  of  II.  M.  Ship  Theseus    .    14th  to  'iJ7th  July  41 

To  Admiral  Sir  John  Jervis,  K.B Theseusi,  27th  July  434 

To  Admiral  Sir  John  Jerris Tbeaeus,  16t]t  August  49f 

To  Lady  Nelson Theseus,  at  Sea,  3rd  to  16th  Angort  438' 

To  Rear- Admiral  William  Piirkir l»th  August  4» 

To  Admiral  Sir  John  Jervis,  K.B. 

Between  the  20th  and  30th  August  43« 

To  William  Suckling,  Es4j.      .     .    Seahorse,  off  Scilly,  30th  Auyust  4W 

To  Evan  Kopean,  Esq Seahorse,  Spithead,  1st  September  438 

To  John  Pnliner,  Esq.    . Bath,  4tli  September  440 

To  the  Rev.  Mr.  Nelson,  Ililborough    .     .     .     Bath,  6th  September  440 

To  11,  R.  H.  the  Duke  of  Clarence 7th  September  441 

To Manley,  Esq Bath,  8th  September  44S 

To  the  Rev.  Dixon  Iloste Bath,  Sept€rober  44» 

To  Sir  Andrew  Snupe  Ilamond,  Bart.     ,     .     ■  Bath,  8th  September  44S 

To  Admiral  the  Ewl  of  St.  Vincent,  K.B.,  London,  18th  September  44|r 

To  Major  Suckling      ....  Bond  Street,  about  24th  September  446 

Memorial  to  the  King About  October  441 

To  Admiral  the  Earl  of  St.  Vincent,  K.B.  .     .  London,  6th  October  445 

Til  Evan  Nept-an,  Esq.,  Admiralty     .     .     .      London,  9th  October  448 

To  Lieutenant-Governor  Locker 11th  October  449 

To  the  Lonl  Chancellor Bond  Street,  I'ith  October  449 

To  John  Halkett,  Esii-,  Secretary  to  the  Lord  Chancellor 

Bond  Street,  23rd  October  450 

To  the  Rer.  Mr.  Weatherhead,  Sedgeford,  Norfolk  451 

Bond  Street,  31st  October  461 

To  Captain  Knight,  H.  M,  Ship  Montagu     .     Aljout  1st  November  451 
To  the  Rev.  Henry  Crowe,  Smallburgh,  Norwich 

Bond  Street,  IGth  Novemlicr  45-J 

To  the  ChambcrLiin  of  the  City  of  London    .     .     .    22nd  November  452 

To  Captain  Edward  Berry,  R.N 28th  November  458 

To  Evan  Nep<>iin,  Esq.,  Atlmiralty      .     .     London,  28th  November  454 

To  the  Lord  Chancellor Bond  Street,  2nd  December  455 

Thanksgiving  in  St.  George's  Church,  Hanover  Square,  8th  DcccmlKT  455 

To  Captain  Edward  B«'rry,  R,N stii  December  456 

To  Captain  Ralph  Willett  Miller 1 1  th  l>eceralH?r  456 

To  the  Rev.  Mr.  Morris 11th  December  457 

To  Captain  AUiemarle  Bertie     .     .     .  Bond  Street,  1 1  th  December  438 
To  William  Marsden,  Esq^  Secretary  to  the  Admiralty 

13th  December  458 


CONTENT8L 

IT 97,  anUittued. 

l^glMuieni  of  tho  Ailnibnls  serving  under  the  Earl  of  St. 
*■  •   '      Lejifol  rrcN;c«dutg«  for  the  r^corery  of 

»od  '.  l.nrv    .     .     .  Octtiber  and  13th  December 

ijfepn  !\\ty 14th  December 

iSftnctu  :  the  Admiralty,  About  18th  December 


XXI 


APPENDIX. 

ribr  t^fj^  (M  iin?  Agamemnon  on  the  13th  and  Nth  Miirch  1 705  463 

■  of  C«pUiD  Ralph  Willett  Miller 465 

tlie  Order  of  the  Bath 407 

Sir  William  Parker's  Letter  und  Statement  respecting 

Brttle  of  St.  Vincent 470 


HKaCXTZD  W  TBS  fSCOJTD  CDITIOK  Of  TITE  FUST  VOLCltE, 
WHICH  PO  HOT  OCCVti  IH  TH*  FIBAT  EDITIOX,  VIZ.  : — 

Bcfit  to  the  Second  Edition  of  the  First  Yolume  ....  475 

1784. 

.  Sockling.  Es<i .  14th  January  481 

1793. 

Linaee 24th  October  481 

1794. 

Ixtrd  Hood  .    .  Porto  Koro,  8th  February  480 

Loni  Hood  .  AgTUnemnon,  2*2nd  February  481 

Lord  lIiX)d  ...  Agninemnon,  7th  June  483 

Lord  IIii^h]     .     .      Agamemnon,  neur  Calvi,  1 9th  Jane  484 

Lord  Ilood Camp,  Slst  June  485 

Lord  Hoo<l Camp,  23rd  June  487 

Um.  Ltruti?nant>G«lieral  Stuart        23rd  June  488 

L«ri  Hood Camp,  25  th  June  489 

Lord  Hfio^l  Camp,  30th  June  490 

^dninl  Lord  Hood  .     .      Battery,  31st  July  401 

Lord  Hood Camp,  2nd  August  402 

ji^antl  Lord  Tlood,  Agamoninon,  Genoa  Slole,  23rd  September  493 

I  M^^rtbllr,  Eih|.        Agamemnon,  Leghorn,  28th  Norember  494 


ANALYSIS 

or  TBB 

LIFE     OF     NELSON, 

FBOM  1795  TO  1797. 


ilKAS.  MOSTH.  FAOTS. 

1795-  Ib  command  of  ihe  Agcmemnon. 

—  JantiM^  17th     I    ^.^jj  jjj^  pj^^  ^^^  Admiral  Uotham  at 

_  - _^.       f       St.  Fioreiuo  in  CJorsica. 

Fehmaxy  7tb      J 

—  —  —    Cruising  with  the  Fleet. 

—  February  24th    ^ 

to  V  ...With  the  Fleet  at  Leghorn 

March  6th  j 

—  March  6th  Sailed  in  Pursuit  ofthe  French  Fleet. 

^      Present  in  Admiral  Hothom's  Action  with  the 
>        French  Fleet,  and  distinguished  himself  on 
4th         J         ^^^  jgjjj  jjj  engaging  the  9a  Ira. 

—  —      21st         ^ 

to  V . . .  At  Port  Especia. 

—  —      25th         J 

—  —      30th         -x 

to  >...At  St.  Fiorenzo. 

—  April  16th  J 

—  —      4th  Ordered  to  Hoist  a  DisTlNOTJiSHiNa  Pemdast. 

—  —    25th  Off  Cape  Corse. 

—  —    28th  ^ 

to  >... At  Leghorn. 

—  May  5th  J 

—  —    22nd  ^ 

to  V .. .  With  the  Fleet  off  Minorca. 

—  June  22nd  J 

—  —     1st Appointed  Colonel  of  Marinesi 


^^m 

^W 

ANALYSIS.          ^^^^^^H 

^^H 

MOVTR. 

tACTS.                                        ^M 

^H 

eontimud , 

,.  In  command  of  the  Agamemacn,  wcifl 
Dl8ting:utshing  Pendant.           ^^^M 

H 

July  1st 

..At  Fiorenzo.                                 ^^^| 
..  Off  Cape  Corse.                               ^^H 

—     8th 

H 

—     13th  

..Present  in  Admiral  Hotham's   secoa^H 
with  the  French  Fleet.                        H 

^^^H 

—     Ifith  

..Sent  with  a  small  Squadron  to  co-op^^| 

^^^K 

the  Austrian  General,  Do  Vina,  a^l 

^^^^V 

Enemy,  on  the  Coast  of  Genoa.     ^H 

■    = 

—     18th  

..At  Genoa.                                           ^| 
...Off  y ado  Bay                              ^^M 

~    22nd           -t 
—    24th 

^^m 

—     27th   

..At  Leghorn.                                        ^H 

^^H 

—    20th   

..Li  the  Gulf  of  Genoa.                         H 

^H 

August  2nd         -] 

■ 

^^H 

to             [. 

...In  Yado  Bay.                                     H 

^^H 

—        28rd       ) 

H 

^k  ~ 

—      nth 

..Appointed    a  Commodouk,  with    a  q| 
undeT  hira. 

^r  ~ 

—       26th  

..Captured  a  French  Corvette,  some  Gun-1 
Qud  their  Convoy  at  Alassio. 

L  ~ 

—        29th   

..Sent  his  Bouts  to  cut  out  a  Ship  at  One 
meeting  three  Turkish  vessels  on  their 
they  boarded  them,  but  were  defeated 
grreatloes. 

^L  - 

—        30th  

September  1st      *) 

..In  Yado  Bay.                                     ^^ 

^^^^H 

to       [. 

..In  Vado  Bay  or  its  vicinity.         ^^^| 

^^^^^" 

—              15lh  ) 

^^^M 

^^V 

—        inu .... 

..At  Genoa.                                     ^^^| 

^^H 

—             24th  -J 

^^H 

^^1 

to      I. 

..At  Leghorn.                                 ^^^| 

^^H 

—             29lh  J 

^^^M 

^^^R 

October  .>th     

...In  Vado  Bav.                                ^^^H 

^L  - 

—         27th  

..OffManeilles.                              ^^M 

November  6th     1 

^^^^B 

to       I. 

..In  Vado  Bay.                               ^^| 

^^^^V 

—               12lh  J 

^^^1 

^^H 

—              18th  ■> 

^^^H 

^^H 

to      I. 

..At  Genoa.                                   ^^M 

^^H 

—             27th  J 

^^^M 

^^^^^ 

December  Mh 

^^H 

^^^^t 

to 

..AtL«gbon.                              ^^H 

^         1796 

,  Jmxvmtj  6th 

^^^1 

^m 

—          20th 

..At  St.  Fiorenio.                            ^^^^| 
..In  the  Golf  of  Genoa.                     ^^^H 

—        arth 

^ 

F«i«M"v>-^iK       .. 

ANALYSIS.  XXV 


ITM,  tnmtimmd In  command  of  the  Agamemnon,  weuing  a 

Broad  Pendant 


■BAB.  lUntTB. 


FebmarylTth  Off  the  Hieres  Islands. 

March  2nd  -^ 

to  >  ...At  Genoa. 

—  4th  J 

—  ******  I  ...At  Leghorn. 


—  —       11th 

—  —       16th At  Sea. 

—  —       18th Off  the  Hieres  Islands. 

>-    ApfOeth  ) 

to  v.. .Off  Genoa. 

—  —     24th  J 

—  —    25th  Attacked  and  brooght  out  some  Vessels  at 

Loaao. 

^    —    May  1st  At  Genoa. 

[    ^      —   4th Off  Cape  Noli. 

—  —    8th Took  two  Vessels  fh>m  imder  the  batteries 

oflKetra. 

—  —    18th   At  Leghorn. 

—  —   31st Attacked  and  Captured  a  Ketch,  Gun-boats, 

and  Transports,  at  Torre  deU'  Arena. 
I     —    Jane  2nd Off  Nice. 

—  —    4th  ^ 

to  >...St.  Fiorenzo. 

—  —     10th  j 

—     11th  Shifted  his  Broad  Pendant  from  the  i4^<nR<i»- 

nott  to  the  Captain. 

—  —    13th  At  Sea. 


22°d  {...At  Genoa. 

23rd  > 


—  —    24th  At  Sea. 

—  —    28th  At  Leghorn,  which  Port  he  was  employed  in 

blockading. 

—  July  Ist  ■\ 

to  >  ...At  St.  Fiorenzo. 

—  —    5th  j 

—  —    6th At  Sea. 

—  —    10th   Took  Porto  Ferrajo  in  Elba. 

—  —    10th  -x 

to  > . . . At  Porto  Ferrajo. 

_      —    11th  j 

—  —    15th  \ 

to            >... Off  Leghorn. 
_       —    20th           J 
_      —    2l8t    Proceeded  to  Genoa. 


zzviii  AltALTSffi. 

TUB.  HOKTB.  FACTk. 

1797,  eomtumed 

—    Se{)iteinber  Irt 


ember  In    ) 
to  \.. 

boat  15th     ) 


At  Beth. 
About  15th 

—  18th. Inlxndan. 

—  27th Imreeted  with  the  Enagns  of  the  Order 

theBith. 

December  17th  Went  to  Chatham  to  inspect  the  Vaagm 

74,  the  Ship  i^ipcunted  to  recdre  his  IV| 

—  19Ui  Attended  the  Ceremooj  of  the  King's  retn 

ingthanla  at  St  Ftal's  for  the  NaTal  V] 
tones. 


ILLUSTRATIONS  TO  VOL.  H. 

Fao-simile  of  Nelson's  Antpgn^  in  Angost  1797,  soon  after  he  lost 
his  arm    TofiuietheTI 

Fac-simile  of  Nelson's  Autograph,  in  Jnly  1797,  immediately  before 
he  lost  his  arm        TofiKxp.    ^ 

Fac-simile  of  Sir  Horatio  and  Lady  Nelson's  Autograft  in  October 
1797 To&cep.    * 


LETTERS. 


1795— JT.  36. 


TO    MRS.   NELSON. 
^From  C'lurkf  •nil  M'ArUiur.  vol.  i.  p.  109.] 


ITtli  Jti 


\',9^. 


D   have    had   nothing  but  gales  of  wind,  but  in   Aga- 

lion  vre   mind  tlieni  not :  she  i.s  tlie  finest  Ship  T  ever 

itn,  and,  were  she  a  seventy-four,  nothing  shoultl  iiuUice 

rleavc  hor  wliilst  tlie  war  lasted:  fur  not  an  hour  this 

I ,  if  possible,  be  out  of  acUvc  service ;  much  as  I 

:l  being  so   long  parted  from  you,  still  we    must 

py«»nd  ilie  present  day»  and  two  or  three  months  may 

e  ihc  iliflerence  of  ever>'  comfort,  or  otherwise,  in  our  in- 

iB«     I  hop4*  we  have  many  happy  years  to  live  together ; 

if  we  can  bring  £2000  round,  I  am  determined  to  pur- 

le  sotuc  neat  cottage,  which  we  should  never  have  occasion 

•.     As  for  Josiah,'  1  have  no  doubt  but  he  will  be  a 

•  both  of  us:  his  understiinding  is  excellent,  and  his 

u  really  good:  he  is  a  seamaii  every  inch  of  him. 

•t  IS  on  the  eve  of  going  to  sea  again,  to  cover  our 

ii-'iifs.  Yours,  &.C. 

Horatio  Nrlson. 


lO  Bte  ROYAL  IIIGnXF-SS  THE  DUKE  OF  CLARENCE. 

^Froio  Clarke  and  M'Ariltiir,  vol.  i.  |i.  108.] 
if  Kioreuzo,  li)lb  .Innimry,  I' OS, 

liut  cnitAC  from  2 1st  December  1704,  to  January  the 
we  arrived  in  this  Port,  was  such  a  genes  of  storms 
111*  »up  son,  A miiUliipnian  of  the  AjriUBemuon.  Vi<l«  vol.  i.  [i.  il',. 
B 


LETTERS. 


[11 


and  heavy  seas,  as  1  never  before  experienced  :  the  Fleei 
twelve  days  under  storm  stay-sails.     Our  Shi]}&)  although 
of  complement,  are  remarkably  healtliy,  as  are  tJie  Troops  i 
Island.     Tliere  is  already  a  difference  to  be  perceived 
cultivation  of  the  land  since  last  year.     Many  hundred 
of  piusturc  are  now  covered  with  wheat ;  and  as  the  C 
will  liud  a  ready  sale  for  their  com,  wine,  and  oil,  (the 
articles  the  French  suppressed  as  much  as  possible,) 
yeai-  will  doubtless  increase  tlic  growtli.     The   Fleet 
sea  on  tlie  22ud  or  2.Srd,  thirteen  Sail  of  the   line, 
French  have  fifteen  in  the  outer  road  of  Toidon,  and  fifg 
of  large  Transports  ready  at  Marseilles ;  tliereforc  it  is 
tliey  have  some  Expedition  just  ready  to  take  place, 
have  no  doubt  but  Porto  Espccia  is  their  object.     We 
soon  to  be  joined  b}-  some  Neapolitan  Ships  and  Fri| 
I  have  no  idea  we  shall  get  tuurh  good  from  them  :  th( 
not  seamen,  and  cannot  keep  the  sea  beyond  a  passage. 

I  beg  your  Royal  Highness  to  believe,  lliat  I  ever  am  yo 
most  faithfiU  scnant, 

Horatio  Nslson. 


TO  MRS.  NELSON. 
[From  CUrlce  aod  M'Anhnr.  toI.  i.  p.  1  DP.] 

FiorpDao,  Slot  Janntfy,  17M 

It  is  with  inexpressible  pleasure  I  have  received  within  the 
two  days  ])ast  your  letters,  with  our  fallier's  of  January  the  1 
I  rejoice  that  my  conduct  gives  yon  jdeasurc,  and  I  trust 
shall  never  do  anything  which  will  bring  a  blush  on  your  fai 
or  on  that  of  any  of  my  friends.  It  is  very  trae  that  I  ha 
ever  served  faithfully,  and  ever  has  it  been  u)y  fate  to  1 
neglected ;  but  that  shall  not  make  mc  inattentive  to  my  dot 
1  have  pride  in  douig  my  duty  well,  and  a  self-approbatio 
which  ifit  is  not  so  lucrative,  yet  perhaps  ailbrds  more  plea.sic 
sensations.  I  tnist  the  time  will  come  when  I  may  be  rewaidei 
though  really  I  dmi't  flatter  tnysclf  it  is  near.  Lonl  Hou 
told  mo  that  my  loss  of  an  eye  should  be  represented  to  ti 
King.    Lord  Chatliam  carried  my  papers  to  the  King;  bi 


M 


LETTERS. 


rtt  out,"  all  liopes  will  be  done  away.    My  eye  is  grown 
e,  uid  18   in    almost  total  darkness,  and  very  painful  at 
HL-ver  ixiiwd,  1  can  see  very  well  with  dio  oUier. 
R»c  I  sliall    inform  Lord  Ho<id,  what  I  never  told  liiin 
after  cvcrytliing  was  fixed  for  tlie  attack  of  liasda,  I 
ition  given  ine  of  tlji>  vnonnous  nmnbor  of  Tmops 
to  oppose    us  ;    but  niy  own  iiunour,  Lord    Hood's 
,  anil  Oie  bonoiir  of  our  Country,  mu»t  Imve  all  been 
liad  1  mentioned  wliat  I  knew;  therefore,  you  will 
what  must  liave  been  my  feelings  during  ilie  whole 
,wlicn  1  had   often  proposals  made  to  me  by  men,  now 
I,  to  write  to  Lord  Hood  to  raise  die  Siege.     Remem- 
kindly  to  our  friends  at  Bristol.     I  also  beg  to  present 
conipUiuents  at  Wolterton.     Yours,  &c. 

Horatio  Nelson. 


TO  WILLIAM  SrCKLLNO,  ESQ. 


[From  "  The  Atliensmm."] 


Asmkefflnoo,  Fiorcnzo,  FebrQwy  lot.  \7fi!>, 
ilear  Sir, 

loiter,  witliout  date,  but  which  I  guess  to  be  written 
C1irisUna.s,  I  received  two  days  ago  ;  and  although  I  have 
iT€iy  frequently  been  favoured  with  a  sight  of  your  writing, 
on  ilic  outside  of  letters,  yet  I  am  always  sure  of  your 
regard  for  uie,  a  circumstance  whicli  1  ever  hold 
•,  and  which  it  will  ever  be  my  pride  to  deserve.  1  don't 
,  ai  j'resent,  Agamemnon  has  any  chance  of  coming 
me  are  too  inferior  to  the  Enemy.  Our  Admiral'  is 
1  of  u«,  and  will  not  sufler  a  line-of-Batde  Ship  to  get 
fifltts  sight.  We  Rail  tlje  day  after  to-moiTOw,  but  I  do 
I  to  do  any  good.  I  liave  taken  advantage  of  your 
d  enclose  a  letter  for  Mrs.  Nelson,     With  kindest 


vaA  ■tir'^HMili'J  M  Fint  T^itJ  of  llic  Admirnli).  by  Kul  Spciict-r, 

1)2 


J 


LETTERS. 


remembrances  to  Mrs.  Suckling,  Miss  Suckling,  and  fami 
believe  me  ever 

Your  niucli  obliged  and  affectionate 

Horatio  Nelson. 
Best  respects  at  Ifanipstead. 


TO  THOMAS  POLLARD,  ESQ.,  LEGHORN. 

[Anlogropli,  m  ilie  porsscKsiou  of  John  Luxforrl,  Enij.1 

Agiuuemuou,  FtbnJAi-y  fllU,  17M^ 


Dear  Pollard, 
We  shall  never  get  out  of  tliis  i\- 


-d  place  :*  1  Imd  ra 


remain  at  sea  for  ever  than  return  here,  where  nothing 
be  had  for  love  or  money.  Lord  Beauclcrk*  \nll  allow  a 
trifles  to  be  received  on  board,  for  1  liavc  sent  back  the  foW 
coop  by  him.  I  have  y\'xt)le  you  by  Tartar,  and  all  may  hav 
sent  letters  ;  God  knows  if  they  arrive.  Reports  are  cu 
with  everybody  that  we  retuni  to  Leghorn  after  a  short  cruisi 
I  sincerely  hope  it.     Believe  me  ever  your  mucli  obliged, 

Horatio  Nelso: 


TO  WILLIAM  SUCKLING,  ESQ. 

[AiitognpU,  in  Uie  poss«saion  of  Jolm  Y'oiutg,  Eh^.] 

Agamemuou,  Si.  Fioreuaio,  Fcbrnnry  7ili,  ITrtV 
My  dear  Sir, 

This  day  twelvemontli  saw  the  British  troops  land  at  dn 
jtlace,  for  the  purpose  of  turning  tlie  French  out  uf  ilu;  Islan 
and  tlie  more  I  see  of  its  produce,  and  convenient  Ports  fo 
our  Fleets,  the  more  T  am  satisfiocj  of  Lord  Hood's  great  wisdo 
in  getti)ig  )»osscssion  of  it;  for  had  his  Lunlsliip  not  con) 
forward  with  a  hold  plan,  all  our  trade  and  political  conse 
quence  would  have  been  lost  in  Italy  ;  for,  after  the  evacuatia 
of  Toulon,  to  what  place  were  we  4o  look  for  shelter  for 
Fleet,  and  tlic  numerous  attendants  of  Victuallers,  Store-ship 
and  Transports  ?     Genoa  was  inimical  to  us,  and,  by  treat] 

*  Port'i  Frnajo  in  Kllid. 

■  TLf  presi'iit  A<lmirHl  I^onl  Ameliiifi  BrUtcierk,  G.C.B.,  wlio  was  tli«n  Caplabl 


e 


LETTERS. 


everywhere  Avitli  only  a  stick.    This  day  I  have  walked 
300  acres  of  line  wheat,  which  last  year  only  sened  to  ft 
few  goats  ;  aiul  if  these  great  alterations  are  to  be  seen  in 
least  fertile  part  of  tlie  Island,  what  must  be  the  change  in 
more  fruitfid  ? 

And  when  I  reflect  that  I  was  the  cause  of  re-:'; 
Bastia,  after  our  wise  Generals  gave  it  over,  from  not  !..: 
the  force,  fancj-ing  it  2000  men  ;  that  it  was  I,  who,  Ian 
joined  tlie  Corsicans,  and  witli  only  my  Ship's  party  of  Marin 
drove  the  French  under  the  walls  of  Bastia ;  that  it  was  I,  wl 
knowing  the  force  in  Bastia  to  be  upwards  of  4000  men,  U 
have   now   only   vcnlmod    to  tell   Lord  Hood,  landed 
only    1200  men,   and  kept   tlie  secret  till   within   this 
past ; — what  I  must  have  felt  during  the  whole  Siege  msgr 
easily  conceived.     Yet  I  am  scarcely  mentioned.     I 
forgive,   but  cannot  forget.     This  and  much  more  ought 
have  been  mentioned.     It  is  known  that,  for  two  mow 
blockaded  Bastia  with  a  Squadron :  only  fifty  .sacks  of 
got  into  the  Town.     At  St.  Fiorenzo  and  Calvi,  for  two  m 
before,  nothing  got  in,  and  four  French  frigates  could  n 
out,  and  arc  now  ours.     Yet  my  diligence  is  not  mcnti' 
and  others,  for  keeping  succoius  out  of  Ctdvi  for  a  few  s 
months,  are  handsomely  mentioned.     Such  things  are. 

I  have  got  upon  a  svibject  near  my  heart,  which  is  full  wbi 
I  think  of  tlie  treatment  I  have  received :  cvury  man  who  h: 
any  considerable  share  in  tlie  reduction,  lias  got  some  pi 
or  other — I,  only  I,  am  without  reward.  The  taking  of  Corsica 
like  the  taking  of  St.  Juan's,*  has  cost  me  money.  St.  Juan' 
cost  near  £o00 ;  Corsica  has  cost  me  £300,  an  eye,  and  a  cu 
across  my  buck  j  and  my  money,  I  iind,  cannot  be  repaid  me. 
Nothhig  but  my  anxious  endeavour  to  sene  my  Coimtry  make 
mc  bear  up  against  it ;  but  1  sometimes  am  ready  to  giv 
all  up. 

We  are  just  going  to  sea,  and  I  hope  to  God  wc  shall  mee 
the  French  Fleet,  which  may  give  us  all  gold  Chains' — y<\» 

*  Vi(l«  vol.  i.,  p.  fl,  ante. 

*  Medals  with  gold  Chftins  wer«  givi^n  to  the  AdmiralH  present  at  Lurd  How*' 

victoij-,  of  the  Isl  of  Jnniv  1T91;  «t»I  sonio  of  tlin  Ciiptainn  received  n  McJol,  »ii» 

pended  from  a  riband,  white,  wilL  blue  edges,  wliicU  wiia  worn  at  llie  ballt'ii-LoI 

of  their  luiiform  cottl*. 


m 


LETTERS. 


I?   RememlMiT   too  most  kindlj  to  Mrs.  Suckling,  and 
iSocUiDg',  and,   l>eliere  me,  in  every  situation,  I  fool 

Yowr  much  obliged  and  afl'ectionate 

Horatio  Nelson. 
t  respects  lo  Mr.  Rumsev  and  family,  and  to  Mr.  Mentz. 
ttluk letter :   I  have  said  a  great  deal  too  much  of  mysell*; 
,  tt  is  all  too  true. 


TO  MRS.  NELSON. 

[.From  Clwke  and  M'Artliar,  Tol.  1.  p.  100.] 

St.  Fioronzo,  "ith  F<?bru»ry,  1T05. 

day  twelve  months,  my  dear  Fanny,  our  Troops  landed 
)  attempt  the  conquest  of  the  Island,  at  least  of  those 
i  which  tl)e  French  were  in  possession  of;  and,  however 
the  acquisition  of  Corsica  may  be  deemed  by  many  in 
),  yet  I  take  upon  me  to  say,  it  was  a  measure  founded 
r^ieai  wisdom  ;  and  diunng  tlie  wai'  must  be  ever  of  the 
rsxcutial  service  to  us,  and  verj*  detrimental  to  om* 
Eaconos.  AAcr  the  evacuation  of  Toulon,  we  had  ntj  place 
vbterer  of  our  own  for  the  Fleet  to  anchor  in :  Tuscany  was 
Rfrring,  and,  although  since  declared  for  its,  yet  we  are  not 
fotiin  of  her  alliance  Irom  one  day  to  another.  Tlic  French 
Ooaml  at  Leghorn,  though  not  reccivtMl  ofFicially,  has  never 
fBUed  that  place,  and  we  know  that  attempLs  have  been  made 
•»  get  Tiukaiiy  again  acknowledged  by  the  French  as  a  Neu- 
i  Power ;  in  which  case  what  security  have  we  for  our  Fleet, 
Ithe  uiimeroaH  Victuallers  and  Store.ships  attendant  on  it.? 
Caraica  has  always  supjjlied  Toulon  widi  all  the  straight 
beams,  decks,  and  sides  for  their  Ships ;  they  are  now 
red  of  that  supply,  wliich  would  have  enabled  them  by 
[fame  to  hare  built  a  small  Fleet ;  and  besides,  the  Cor- 
and  hemp  formed  by  no  means  an  inconsiderable 
I  lor  the  dock-yard  at  Toulon.  Moreover,  all  our  trade, 
4t  of  our  AUies,  is  obhged  to  make  die  Coasts  of  this 
the  Ports  of  which  would  have  been  so  full  of  Row- 
that  no  commerce  could  have  been  cairied  on :  uor 


8 


LETTERS. 


could  oiir  Meu-of-War  have  prevented  the  evil,  for  ha 
twculy-four  hours  is  calm,  when  these  Vessels*  would 
Mcrchaut-uieu,  though  the  whole  of  llie  British  Navy 
sighl.     So  much  for  the  value  uf  Corsica — 1  have  done  ;j 
recollection  of  one  short  year  brings  it  to  my  mind.     It 
Lord  IJood's  plan,  and  it  was  accomplished  chiefly  by 

Yours,  &c., 

Horatio  Ni. 


TO  MIU?.  NELSON. 


[From  Cliu-kc  wiil  M'ArUiu,  vnl.  j.  p.  2mi.] 

Leghorn,  '^'iili  Felinmjr. 

We  arrived  here  last  night  after  a  very  bad  cruise. 
Coinilry,  I  imderstaiid,  will  iit  a  very  few  days  declare  its 
trality  ;  therefore,  as  all  I'owcrs  give  up  the  contest,  for 
has  England  to  fight  ?     1  wish  most  heartily  we  had  pe; 
tliat  all  our  Troops  were  drawn  from  the  Continent,  and 
NaA'al  wai-  carried  on,  the  war  where  England  can  alone 
a  figure. 

Mnrch  2iul.  The  French  have  one  luindrcd  and  twenly 
four  TransporUi  full  of  Trr)o]>s  ;  something  they  certainly  meal 
to  attempt.  Tuscany  has  just  cuncluded  a  peace,  and  thi 
Port  is  now  n]>cn  to  the  French,  as  well  as  oiu'sclves,  Th( 
Berwick  is  rclittcd,"  so  we  are  again  fourlecn  Sail  of  the  Lin* 
and  one  Neapolitan  Sliip  of  ihe  Line*  has johicd  us;  we  aH 
llierefore  strong.     I  wish  Lurd  Hotnl  would  make  haste  out. 

Leghorn,  Jfarch  (Jth.     The  Admiral  has  just  got  some  in 
fonnation  which  has  induced  him  to  goto  sea  immediately.' 
sincerely  hojjc  it  is  fur  a  good  purpose.     We  are  taken  rath 

■  Vide  Till.  i..  [..  .tl8. 

•  Tlw  Tnncreili,  coniraniulpil  liy  Cnptaiii  Ciuwpicili,  irliosc  WTetcbed  fiilc  is 
«t'll  known. 

'  III  litis  DiKpntrli  uf  Uic  mill  iif  Mnrcli.  Ailinimi  Hiitlinin  slalpd  tlmt  on  tli«  6i 
lip  reivivrd  All  cxpn^iss  fnmi  Cit'ium,  nunraiiiring  ihnl  llic  French  flci't  frani  TonUi 
rriiiiistiiig  iif  fittrcil  Snil  of  llir  Linr  mirl  Oirrp  Vripnlrs,  liiul  been  "ppii  nfC  ihe  IMc 
.Marffnerite,  mul  n."  tlitil   iiitrtli(}eiir*  ('r)rr«'S]v>ndcil  with  a  sipiitl  from  the  MocoU 
thru  in  the  of&  '''^tiu  the  N.W.  iiunrliT,  he  iiiinipdiitU'ly  vaiiM-d  the  Sqiis4rV 

to  be  nnraoota  gUl  uu  the  fullowiiig  morning  titer  put  to  wk. 


LETTERS. 


9 


Imt   are    got   off  pretty  tolerably  as  to  order.    My 
rfcclly  goo«l,  as  is  JoHiairs.     UcmembtT  me  to  my 
fT.      I  liave  otily  to  pray  Gud  to  bless  you. 

Yours,  &c- 

HoRATio  Nki-son. 


JIEL  WllXlAMiS  ESQ.,  CHURCH  STREET,  SPlTALFItLDS, 

LtW  "  CuTTT|peiui  Miu:a<>iie."  vol.  xlix.  ]>.  101.  Lt«>n>«uanl  CliitrleH  D»vid 
I.  (ttt  oC  Dttikiel,  «flKr«Bni»  Sir  Dnuirl,  Williiuii!.,  n  I'Dlicr  Mii|^Mriil4\  |  tlipii 
LH  tke  Agtunentuou.  «tid  luid  wliortljr  before  lieoit  taken  prifioiirr  under  iLn 
I  flKiitioiird  in  this  LrlKrr.] 

g0f  §if  LcglKirn,  I'rbriiWN  '2Tlli,  17fl.'i. 

aly  received  your  letter  of  December  '2yi}i  yesterday^  on 
of  the  Fleet  from  »ca. 

some  time  learnt  with  pleasure  that  your  son  was  a 
BW,  and  not  lost,  which  I  feared  was  the  case  from  the 
t  account  I  had  heard  of  the  Vessel.     I  ut  that  time  made 
i  if  any  little  money  could  be  got  to  him  ;  but  was  told 
place  it  was  imposjfiible :  however,  I  will  make  further 
IT,  and,  if  possible,  get  a  remittance  to  him.    I  shall  have, 
II,  great  pleasure  in  doing  it  on  your  .sun's  account, 
ry  good  young  man,  and  who  at  a   future  time  I 
I  be  glad  to  serve.     I  need  no  reference  to  any  person  for 
•  duoractcr ;  Mr.  Prcstwood's  recorameudation  of  him  to 
|vtB  jsifTicient  for  every  jiurpnse. 
cin  acquit  myself  of  his  misfortune.     I  was  at  sea ;  and 
fih  Consul  thought  fit,  which  1  never  should  liavc 
to,  to  desire  your  son  and  others,  belonging  t*i  the 
anon   and   other    >Ships,   to   navigate   a   Vessel   with 
ck.<*  to  Toulon  ;  a  Vcnsel  by  no  means  projier  for  the  piir- 
i;  and  left  no  doubt  in  my  mind  of  his  being  lost,     1  low- 
in  case  we  cannot  send  him  money,  his  case  i.s  not 
;  a  great  number  of  English  are  in  the  same  situation, 
t  willingly   miss  the  post,  although  it  may  be  long  in 
you ;  and  you  shall  hear  from  me  again  before  I  Jicave 
son™.     I  beg  my  compliments  to  Mr.  Prestwood ;  and  be 
ircl,  Dear  Sir,  I  am, 

Your  very  faithful  Servant, 

HouATio  Nelsos. 


JSACTIONS  ON  BOARD  HIS  MAJESTY'S  SHIP  AGAMEMM  >, 
ID  OF  THE  FLEET,  AS  SEEN  AND  KNOWN  BY  CAPTAIN 
SLSON.  ' 

*ograpIi,  in  tbe  NcImu  Papers.     Tliougb  this  NarratiTe  was  printed  hy  C1«U 
'Arthur,  and  is  referred  to  br  Soiuhey,  yet  Mr.  James, in  Lis  " KtTid Hision* 
yhomier,  vol.  i.  pp.  MSti — 'MVA,)  has  disregnnled  it.    The  omission  is  iLe  mi>i» 
rdinary,  nince  Mr.  Juues  jiiHtly  uouiplaiued  of  the  want  of  precision  iu  A< 
in's  Dispatch,  and  sneers,  mon-  siw,  at  ulher  writers,  for  not  Wing  pi 
eJ  on  the  snbject.     Ilia  occonnt  of  ilie  Agamemnon's  service*  fteenu 
wilftUly  UBJUNl ;  and  it  Lilm,  thercfort-.  liReii  thought  right,  in  co 
tementa  in  Nelson'^  Narrative,  and  in  liia  Letter?,  lo  insert  a  copy  of  th« 
ni's  Log  of  the  13th  and  I4th  of  Miu-ch,  UM,  and  Likeirise  the  accounJ 
pnweediiigs  on  those  davB  by  Mr.  Ilonte,  one  of  her  Midsliipnien,  in  A 
hlher.     Vide  Note  A,  at  the  end  of  iliis  volume,  where  Mr.  James'  ««( 
•ir  will  also  be  found.]  ' 

From  the  8th  to  the  t4lli  of  Nath,  V 

Sunday,  Marcli  8tl],at  five  p.M.,tlie  Mozelle*  being 
?orgona,   made  the  signal  for  a  Fleet  to  the  wesfw 
Aidmiral    made  the   signal   to  imnioor,  and  to  prei)i«" 
gh  after  dark. 

the  9th  at  fi^'c  a.m.,  the  signal  to  weigh,  the  wind  blowV 
hieeze  ^om  the  eastward.     At  eight  o'clock,  every  Si 
itliout  the  JVIelora,     Signal  for  the  Inconstant*  to  K 
i'".S,W.  IVjfeleager,*  N.W.,  and  the  Tarlcton^  to  irvoc 
Fiorenzo     ^^  order  the  Berwick  to  join  tlie  Fleet. 
,M.,  Cape  Coi-sc  W.S.W.  four  or  five  leagues ;  little  wi 
Bet  hauled  "P  ^''  *^^  ^AV.     At  half-pa.st   five  tlie  }er' 

made  tli<?  •'5'en»al  fur  the  Eneniy'.s  Fleet,  eighteen  Sj^^, 
tt,  tlie  A(ln*"'^^  made  the  signal  that  the  Enemy's  Fl« 
apposed  to  be  near. 

th  lOth. At  dayhght,  the  Tarleton  joined,  and  ga'-^^:^ 

ation  that  a  l>oat  came  ofl'  from  Cape  Corse,  and  10"-^^^-^ 
hat  the  Berwick  had  been  taken  on  Saturday,  the  lit^"^ 

eUo,  'ii.  Captain  Ciiarlea  Dudley  I'atcr:  he  died  a  Flug  officer. 

URUnt,  :J0,  Captain  FrcmnnUe,  alterviudii  Vice  Admiral  Sir  Thomas  Fraa<^' 

le.  Bart.,  O.C.B. 

eager,  :i-i,  Cnftlaio  George  Coekburn,  now  the  Bight  Hon.  Admiral  8^ 

Dockbum,  G.C.B.  ^^ 

ktoM,  Fireship,  Cnptmn  Urishane,  oftcrwivnl*  Rear  AdmiruJ  Sir  Chjirle*  Bi»^^ 

,C.B.     He  died  ia  December,  Ih-JQ.  « 

,  Berwick  wn«  c«pt,ired  b,  ,(,«  French  Flee^  after  a  gnllaul  rcsistunce.  bi^*^^J^     ^ 

,  UlUejohn.  being  sl«i„  ;  ••  i,,  ^^^,^  „,i,f,.rtune  his  Maje.ly  ba.  lo.t  n  mo.--^  T^* 

;*nd  e  Jfficer,  wi.o  ba«  hn  «  widow  and  four  ^aioil  cluldrcu"-^' 


J] 


LETTERS. 


11 


half-past  uuie  a.m.,  signal  for  all  Flag  OHicers :  at 

,  the  Mozclle  made  the  signal  for  a  Fleet,  twenty <>fivo 

the  N.W. ;  signal  for  a  general  cha.se  in  tliat  quarter. 

rcTT  light  airs :  in  the  evening  a  light  breeze  westerly, 

'   fire  p.aj.,  the  Mozelle  made  the  Signal  that  the 

nv  wrruapon  a  void  on  tlie  starboard  tack.     At  six  signal 

in  tiro  divisions.     Stood  to  the  northward  till  midnight, 

the  Admiral  made  the  signal  to  form  in  the  Order  of 

11  ih. — At  daylight  nothing  in  sight.     All  day,  light 

[nid  rariable,  with  a  heavy  swell  from  the  S.W.     In  the 

saw  a  French  brig  to  the  westward  making  signals.' 

ealm  oil  night,  but  at  times  the  wind  all  round  tlie 

lairh  12th. — At  daylight  saw  near  us  the  Princess  Royal," 
itudc,'  and  Egmont ;'  at  tlie  distance  of  four  or  five  miles 
northward,  Captain,'  Illustrious,'  and  Tancredi :'  to 
|£.S.£.  a  number  of  Ships  with  the  foot  of  their  topsails 
the  water ;  and  south,  a  number  of  Ships,  tlieir  hulls 
Insttg  out  of  the  water.  At  six,  the  Egmont  made  the 
ifioT  a  strange  I'leet ;  at  the  same  time  the  Princess  Royal 
the  idgnal  for  tlic  Enemy's  Ilcct,  south.  We  endea- 
to  join  the  Piincess  Royal,  which  we  accomplished  at 
light  aii»,  southerly :  the  Enemy's  Fleet  nearing 
IfuL,  mir  Fleet  nearly  becalmed.     At  a  quarter  pOAt 

«i.  i?ii!  ihr   I  III  !«<'•«  Fieri  were  descried  in  tlie  nilciuouu  of  the  llUi, 
by  the  Princess  Rojral,  tnA  sevcrd  Stiips  tlieu  ueor 

..-..   ..      >  ; liooi  tlif  nmin  tioily  iif  our  Fleet. — (Knval  liittory, 

-)     .\ilniml  llolhatu,  ill  hix   DtSpiilch,  Mitv^,  "  AUlKiugti  tbc  FrcQcli 

MB  bf  oar  tdriuiccti  Frignrf  diiilr,  yn  the  two  Sqntdrons  did  not 

of  tath  oilier  nntil  liic   VMu  when  lliat  of  the  Lnemy  wu  discorered 


I  ItMal.  IK).  C*pt«ln  John  Child  Piuris,  bearing  the  FUg  of  Vic«- Admirml 
H  "1110  GovdoH. 

I  Yonng,  (lUterHimU  Admi/ftl  Sir  Willioin  Yonngt  O.Cfl.) 
n .  1  Sir  FTyHr  Piu-kcr. 

'  fppTnt  ■.  ,  ftft(?^w»l^l»  .\dmiral  Sir  Jolm  SuUod,  K.C.B. 

'  Reeve :  lie  with  iutul'.<  n  lirBrAdmirnl  of  the  Bed, 
MlmitiU  of  the  While,  in  Mat,  INOa. 
M>»,  14.  i.B|>iAtu  i  bi>iiiii<i  Lrnnt  Fruderick,  who  conunuided  the  Blea- 
>M  llt»  baltiv  of  Ht.  Vtiic«nt.  iind  died  *  Flag  DfTiccr. 
I  i  Kcai^iiuii  7  i,  rotiuniind^d  hj  Caiilfio  CM«ccioli. 


12 


LETTERS. 


nine,  Achiiiral  Goodall  made  the  signal  for  the  Sliips  n 
form  alicaJ  and  astcni  of  him,  as  most  convenient: 
Holhaui'  made  the  same  signal.     The  Egmont  stood  fr< 
Ui  join  Ailmiral  llotham.     Our  Shijis  endeavouring  to  f< 
junction,  the  Enemy  pointing  to  separate  us,  hut  under 
easy  sail.     Tli«;v  did  not  appear  to  me  to  act  like  O/ficc; 
knew  anytliing  of  tlieir  profession.     At  Noon  they  be| 
form  a  Line  on  the  larboard  tack,  which  they  never  a 
plished.     At  two  r.M.  they  bore  down  in  a  Line  ahead, 
brfure  the  wind,  but  not  more  than  nine  .sail  formed* 
then  hauled  the  wind  on  tlie  larboard  tack  ;  about  three 
from  us,  the  wind  southerly,  Genoa  Light-house  N.N.E. 
iive  leagues ;  saw  the  Town  very  plain.     At  a  quarte 
tlircc  r..M,,  jifined  Adniind  Iloiham,  who  made  the  si 
Pie]>are  for  Battle,  the  body  i>f  die  Enemy's  Fleet  about 
or  four  miles  distiuit.     At  si.\  minules  past  four,  signal  to 
tlie   Order  of  Batdc  on  the  larboard  tack:    half  past  ft 
signal  for  each  Ship  to  carry  a  light  during  the  night, 
sixteen  minutes  pa.st  five,  signal  for  each  Ship  to  take 
stations  for  their  mutual  su]iport,  and  to  Engage  the  Ene 
they  came  up.     Our  Fleet  at  thin  time  was  tolerably 
frunned,  and  with  a  fine  bree/e  easterly,  which,  had  it  li 
half-an-hour,  would  certainly  have  led  us  through  the  Eneni/ 
Fleet  about  four  Ships  from  the  Van  ship,  which  was  sej); 
from  the  Centre  about  one  mile.     At  three-quarters  past' 
the  Fleet  hoisted  tlieir    Colours.     At  dark,   the    wiud 
fresh  from  the  westirard.     At  fifty-five  minules  past  si 
signal  to  wear  together.     .\  fresh  breeze  all  night :  st 
the  southward  all  night,  as  did  tlie  Enemy. 

Maixh  I'Jth. — At  daylight  the  Enemy's  Fleet  iu  the 
about  three  or  four  leagues  \ndi  fresh  breezes.  Signal 
General  chase.  At  eight  a.m.  a  French  Ship  of  the  Line*  canif 
away  her  main  and  fore  topmasts.  At  a  quarter-past  nine,  ti 
Inconstant  frigate  fired  at  the  disabled  Ship,  but  receivia 
many  shot,  was  obliged  to  leave  her.  At  ten  a.m.,  tacked  at 
stood   towards  the    disabled  Shif*,   and   two   odier  Shij 

•  TLe  Coinruftiiiler  in  Cliii'f,  in  Uic  Britjuuiin. 

•  'lUe  C^«  Ir«  ran  fmil  of  Im  Victoiro,  and  durictl  (iw«y  Uer  owu  fore  i 

tOpiUMll. 


LETTER& 


13 


Tlie  lUsaViled  Sbij)  proved  to  be  the  C;a  Tra  of 

\%a  ...  -J-l  ...  1-2  Pounders  French  weight)      1300 

{\^  ...  27   ...  14       do.  English  do.  J     men; 

Calotte,  ouo   Uundrcd  and  twenty  guns ;  and  ilic  Jean 

1,^  aevenly-fuur  guus.     We  could  have  fetched  the  Sons 

l>y   i>a&sing  the  t,'a  Ira  to  windward,  but  on  looking 

I  saw  uo  Sliip  of  the  Line  wiUiin  several  miles  to  su])- 

;tat*:  iIjc   Captain  was  the  nearest  on  our  lee  quarter.     I 

crmhietl  to  direct  uiy  attention  to  the  (^'a  Ira,  who, 

**-pa&t  tt'n,  was  taken  in  liiw  by  a  Frigate ;  the  8.0118 

and  Jeaii  Ban-as  keeping  about  gini-shot  distance  on 

vetther   bow.      At  twenty   niinutes  past  ten  the  (^'a  Ira 

I  firing  tier  8t(>m- chasers.    At  half-jiast  ten  the  Inconstant 

us  to  leeward,  standing  for  tlie  licet.     As  we  drew  up " 

I  the  Enemy,  so  true  did  she  tire  her  stem-gnus,  that  not  a 

,au»sed  some  part  of  the  Ship,  and  latterly  the  masts  were 

cvcrj"    shot,  which   obliged   me  to  open   our  lire  a  few 

sooner  than  I  intended,  for  it  was  ray  intention  to 

'.  tuticlied  his  stern  before  a  shot  was  fired.     But  seeing 

from  the  situation  of  the  two  Meets,  the  impossibility 

lig  sup^MjiU'd,  and  in  case  any  accident  hajipencd  to  our 

,  the  certainty  of  being  severely  cut  up,  I  resolved  to  fire 

IS   I   llionght  we  had  a  certainty   of  hitting.     At  a 

afore  eleven  a.m.,  being  within  one  hundred  yards  of 

tj'a  Ira's  Ktem,  I  ordered  the  helm  to  bo  put  a-starboard, 

driver  and  after-saibi  to  be  braced  up  and  shivered, 

the  Ship  fell  off,  gave  her  our  whole  broadside,  each 

in  (iloable-Hliotted.    Scarcely  a  shot  appeared  to  miss.     The 

Bl  all  were  lired,  braced  up  our  after-yards,  put  the  lielm 

and  stood  after  her  again.     This  manujuvro  w*:  prac- 

iD«n. 

ii^aI  ma/t  nmAe  for  •  General  cIiohi?,  in  the  coiir«e  of  wliich,  the  wriuliii 

,  aiitl  liliiWLij;,'  Very  frcnli,  we  ili.sciivrri'J  hup  of  llipir  I.iuciif  UdttU 

>  itt  «:i|«<iiit  Ui'r  t(i]iiiii«HtM,  wliicli  atri>n|i:tl  lr»  Cn|ilmn   l-'reniiuilW,  oi'  tlie   In- 

f'ri^c  (mIiii  wibi  tlieii  fur  utlvnneotl  on  llie  ■■liimc)  nil  ii|i{K>rtitnity  ofslipw- 

1  fg^iar  itf  British  i-iiler|)riHc,  by  liM  altuckiiig,  rukiiig,  and  hunLtsiiig  Ii#r 

'  fmattlg  ii|i  of  llie  A|fHnii'Uiuiiii,  whvn  hu  whn  inoxt   ubly  NtriiiiiilcMl  by  Cup- 

ah,  who  tlid  her  !tn  ranch  iliuiiniro  as  to  ditnble  her   frmii    piitlitiK  henrif 

•  li^U  ;  but  ihvy  in<re  nt  lliix  linii:-  s<o  ftir  •h'tnvhvd  from  niir  own  Flrct,  tlial 

ilil^il  la  niiii  her,  on  nUici  ShijM  of  the  Eliciliy  wcrv  oontlllg  ll|i   to  her 

ifcy  ooir  of  which  i>he  wm  soon  after  tukvn  in  tow." — J'ice-Jilniirui  Mi*- 


14 


LETTERS. 


tiscd  till  one  P.M.,  never  tUlowing  tlie  Qa  Ira  to  get . 
Rini  from  either  side  to  fire  on  us.    They  attempted 
their  afier-gims,  but  all  went  far  ahead  of  us.     At  this 
{^'a  Ira  was  a  perfect  wreck,  her  sails  hanging  iu  tattei 
topmast,  mizen  topsail,  and  cross  jack  yards  shot  av 
one  P.M.,  the  Frigate  hove  in  stays,  and  got  tlie  1,'a  Iral 
As  the  Frigate  iirst,and  tlien  tlie  (^a  Ira,  got  theirgiuuj 
each  opened  her  fire,  and  we  passed  within  half  piat 
As  soon  as  our  after-guns  ceased  to  bear,  the  Ship  wa 
in  stays,  keei)ing,  as  she  came  roimd,  a  constant  lire. 
Ship  was  worked  with  as  much  exactness,  as  if  she 
turning  into  Spithead.     On  getting  round,  I  saw 
Cnlotto,  who  had  before  wore  with  many  of  tlie  Enemy'al 
under  our  lee  bow,   and  standing  Ui  pa.ss  to  leeward] 
imder   top-gallant   sails.      At   half-past    one    P.M., 
miral  made  the   signal  for  tlie  Van-ships  to  join  him. 
stantly  bore  away,  and  prepared  to  set  all  our  sails. 
Enemy  having  saved  their  Ship,  hauled  close  to  the 
opened  their  fire,  but  so  distant  as  to  do  tis  no  harm ;  i 
shot,  I  believe,  hitting.     Our  sails  and  rigging  were  ver 
cut,  and  many  shot  in  our  luill  and  between  wind  and ' 
but,  wonderful,  only  seven  men  were  wonnded.     The 
as  they  passed  our  nearest  Ships  opened  their  lire,  but 
shot,  that  I  saw,  reached  any  Ship  except  the  Captain,  wl 
had  a  few  passed  through  her  sails.     Till  evening,  cmploj 
Bhifting  our  topsails  and  splicing  our  rigging.     At  dark,  iu 
Station :  signal  for  each  Ship  to  cany  a  liglit.     Little 
south-westerly  all  night :  stood  to  tlie  westward,  as 
Enemy. 

March  14th. — At  daylight,  taken  aback  with  a  fine 
at  N.W.,  which  gave  us  the  weather-gage,  whilst  the  Ei 
Fleet  kept  the  southerly  gage.     Saw  the  Ca  Ira,  and  a  lifiwl 
Battle  ship'  who  had  her  in  tow  about  three  and  a  half 

*  The  fi^Uowing  patAAgfe,  in  N«hou'«  liMid,  ooours  u  •  Note  lo  the  K( 
— N  D.    I  obserroii  the  g<ia«  of  the  <^a  Ira  to  1>^  much  elevntej,  doMliUew^ 
for  our  rigging  and  diatant  .shots,  iiud  when  «lie  opened  Imr  fin;  in  pa-Hstin^r,  the  i 
vniinii  iitii  lieii>g  lUtercd,  rUmoHt  every  shot  |i(k4HCii  over  u«,  vprj'  few  »iiikin|r 
Am//.     Thf  rniuiuii  of  tUi<  g»  Jrn  udil  Aduiirul  Goiuhill  uud  myself,  Uioi  wcj 
killoil  II  Liiudr*d  and  ten  men,  iiud  so  cul  Itia  rigf^ng  lo  pie 
!•  w»*                             "  10  Bi-t  up  ntlMir  liipmiuts. 

•  "  M  u.(W't'"'  ""•  I'ti  rooming,  (ilio  \hii,)  being  nboul  six  orscvoD  let 


LETTER& 


^«S  »lie  body   of   the  Enemy's  Fleet  about  five  miles. 
post  tax.  A.M.,  bigiml  for  the  Line  of  Battle,  S.E.  and 
r'ort),'   luiuuies  past  six,  for  tlic  Captain  anil  Bedfurd' 
U>e  Enemy.      At  seven  a.m.,  signal  for  Uic  Bedford 
close  ;    Bedford's  signal  i-epeated  for  close  Action, 
minutes   pai>t   seven,  for  die  Captain  to  engage  close, 
's  and  Bedford's  signals  repeated  :  at  this  time,  tlie  shot 
I  Uic  Eueuiy  reached  us,  but  at  a  great  distance.     C^uarter- 
•even,  eigtial  for  tlie  Fleet  to  come  to  tlie  wind  on  the 
rd  laclc.      This  signal  threw  us  and  tlie  Princess  Koyal 
^leeward  of  the  IllustriouH,  Courageux,'  and  Britannia. 
it\-    niiuuics    past    seven   the   Britannia   hailed,   and 
nic  to  go  to  the  assistance  of  die  Captain  and  Bedford. 
all  sail :  Captain  lying  like  a  log  on  the  water,  all  her 

•  <l  tlio  t'ueinj'*  Jiwftlilod  Sliip,  widi  llic  one  thai 

•  u'ori],  itntl  Aopanitod  from  th«tr  own  Squadron, 
Ik4  m  feuXmiMUf  cliiu*c«  ijI  our  oultiug  thcin  off.     The  opportiiuity  was  itbl 

■11  Mil  yrm  rnnrli*  tn  effect  iliRi  |iiirpo^r,  wliioU  reduced  the  ICtiPin}'  to  tlie 
lofatNUi!  '  3Uip»,  or  ciiniiiig  10  lialilr.     Alihoiigii  ilie  tatt«r  did 

'  la  W  tl  .  i\iey  jet  ciujjp  d<twii  (on  the  contnuy  lAck  to  which 

iwm)  vult  Utv  WW  of  rappoTtin^  ihem ;  t>ut  die  CapUin  umI  fi«<l/ord, 

Ui  tUUmk  ihe  Eiirm.r'H  diaablid  Ship  aud  her  coidjuiiuod,  «rere  lo^ 

wai  *o  Gln««)j  sapporlcd  lij  lliv  otLrr  SUipn  of  oiur  ran,  as  to  cut  lliem 

rftam  aa;  aKAhlAnec  tliat  roiild  hn  given  iliom;  tlie  conflict  ended  in 

ft  afcridniilin:  tliem,  and  flring  upon  mir  Line  at  the y  passed  with  a  light  air 

TImi  rwo  Shi{m  that  Ml,  prnvcd  to  be  the  Ca  Ira,  ^fonncrlj-theCoiironne,) 

i.l  iU«  Cerweur,   of  wvnnt^-fow.     Our  Vaii-sliipn  suflbrvd  ao 

-A.  putifiUiU'l.v  the  Illiisiriou!"  and  Conragoux,  (having  each  Io«t 

nd  isisrn- masts, )  ihnt  it  iK'Oune  imposHible  for  anything  further  to 

I  harvr,  Itowrrcr.  f[ood  reason  10  hope,  flrom  tho  Enemy's  ntccring  to  the 

,  ttUt  tiiif  ins  patkcd  our  I'leet.  thai  whatever  might  havo  been  tlieir  desiftn. 

•OK  are  for  the  jiresCIil  fruatral<»il." — Virg-Aiimirnt  Hothnm'i  DujMlch. 

74,  Ctftjun  Gonld.  who  rcrtntnanded  the  Audncioutt  at  the  Battle  of  tho 

'  Alaural  Sir  Davidge  Gmild,  rj.C.B. 

7i,  Captain  Aug^mln*  Nfoiitpomrry :  he  died  in  command  of  the 
,iir«bnur7  I'.Ufl. 

iCltii""  li'f  in  f'liirf     >o  alliLiian  to  ihift  onier  occurs  in  Admiral  Ho. 

tl  iiitiiher  ilii"  Agamemnon  nor  Captain  Nelson  are  men- 

.■Kil  niln'iujy  (f<^'''">  de-M'ribinp  the  e>nRngement  with  the  ("^'n 

rwo*  ti«>.  wltfrruM  ii  ii|i|ii'sir>  ilinl  so  cousiiicnoiia  were  the  jterviee*  ofj 

Ml  liii*   14ili,  thm  Itoih  die   (,«  Ira  and  Lc  CenAcnr,  74,  snrren- 

•m   uken  pot»<>«ition  of   liy   her.     Admirid   Motham'«  reason    fur 

rtiT  '*3^tidti  wUii  hail  di»tlDgni«h(-d  liimitelf,  eicept  hia  Flai;  Captain. 

-prewitig  hia  "cordial  commendation  of  all   ronlLs  collrc- 

iiAeult  tn  apeeify  particular  de«ert  where  emulation  wom  eont- 

J  for  bit  Mtyeaty'B  service  iLe  general  deaeription  of  tho  I'leeU" 


10 


LETTERS. 


tl79J 


sails  and  rigging  shot  away :  Bedford  on  a  wiud  on  Uie  lar 
board  tack.  Quarter  past  seven,  signal  to  annul  coming  ta 
tlie  wind  on  tlie  lai-bfurd  tack.  Thirty -live  minutes  pea 
seven,  signal  for  the  Illustrious  and  Courageux  to  make  inoit 
sail.  Forty  nunutes  past  seven,  <liito  signal  rejwated.  Forty 
two  minutes  ]M\st  seven,  Bedford  t*>  wear,  Coiu"agcux  to  gv»t  h 
her  station.  At  tliis  time,  passed  the  Captain  ;  hailed  Admin 
Goodall,  and  told  liiiu  Adniivid  Ilotham's  orders  and  desirw 
to  know  if  I  should  go  ahead  of  him  ?  Admiral  Goodall  il« 
sired  me  to  kee])  close  to  his  stem.  Tlie  Illustrious  an 
Courageux  took  their  slutinns  ahead  of  the  Princess  Roya 
the  Britannia  placed  herself  astenx  of  me,  and  Tancre< 
lay  on  tlie  Britannia's  Ice  quarter.  At  eight  a.m.,  th 
Enemy's  Fleet  began  ii)  pass  our  line  to  windward,  an 
the  (j'a  Ira  and  Lc  Censeur  were  on  our  lee  side  j  tlten 
fore  tlie  llhistrinus,  Courageux,  Princess  Royal,  and  Agl 
memnon  were  obliged  to  fight  on  both  sides  of  the  Ship.  Th 
Enemy's  Fleet  kcjit  the  southerly  wind,  which  enabled  thej 
to  keep  their  distance,  which  was  very  great.  From  eight  i 
ten,  engaging  f»ii  both  sides.  About  thrt'e-<|uarters  past  eigh 
the  lUustiiou.s  lost  her  main  an<l  niizeji  nia-sls.  At  a  quaiU 
past  nine,  the  Courageux  lost  her  main  and  mizcn  masts,  i 
twenty-five  minutes  ]nist  nine,  the  C,'a  Ira  lost  all  her  mast 
and  fired  >  ery  little.  At  tun,  1  a*  Censeur  lost  her  main-niast.  A 
five  minutes  past  ten  they  both  stnxck.  Sent  Lieutenant  Geon 
Andrews*  to  board  them,  who  hoisted  English  colours,  an 
carried  the  Captains,  by  order  of  Admiral  Holham,  on  boai 
of  the  Princess  Royal,  to  Admiral  Goodall.*  By  computatiti 
the  tj'a  Ira  is  supposed  to  have  about  three  hundred  and  fift 
killed  and  wounded  on  both  days,  and  Le  Censeur  about  ivi 
hundred  and  fifty  killed  and  wounded,  p'rom  the  lightness  < 
the  air  of  wind,  the  Enemy's  Fleet  ai\d  our  Fleet  were  a  vei 
long  lime  in  passing,  and  it  was  past  one,  r.M.,  before  all  firin 
ceased,  at  which  time  the  Enemy  crowded  all  possible  sail  i 

•  Vido  vol.  i.  p.  01. 

*  .lM»ea  18  u  Kilpiit  Bit  Adniirut  Ilotliiiin  itboiit  tlic  siiri'<>n>lt'r'  of  ihe  T'k  |rt« 
Lc  t"en»eDr.  tnd  bis  wliulo  ncrnitiu  of  Uie  FU-tfis  nu  ib«'  14lb  of  Afnrub,  is  rerv  « 
Knlisftitlory.  Ilr  sci-iiw  to  buvf  jiiilgrJ  of  ibe  c(inJiii-l<if  our  SbipK  by  the  n«lgiir« 
crroueuiis  CHliiiifttt;  uftbeir  losses;  ami  be  iloc?i  uot  t-vt-ji  muuitou  Ibp  AgKtucmtu 


LCTTER^  ^^r  17 

1,  OUT  Fleet  laying  wilh  llieir  hcad^  to  tlic  south 


,  «jf  Killed  and  Wounded  in  o«r  Fleet : 
lytkrce      killed :      two     liundred    and 


seventv-two 


Its  Railibone  and  Miles ;    Masters,  Wilson,   and 
dUtuni,  and  Hawker,  wounded.' 


kCXQLlSU  FLEET. 


m  Rof  al 
imnon 

lOQS 

eeox  . 

nt.    .    . 

ur  Cafitle 

ID    .       • 

wnse  . 

1000 


Men. 


FRENCH  PLRET. 

Lo  DuqutJsne    . 
La  Victoirc 
Le  GuerriiT 
Le  Conquoraut 
Le  Mercure 
Le  Barras    ,     . 
liC  Tonnant 
Le  Sans  Calotte 
Lc  Tiinok'on    . 
Lc  Geuercux    . 
Le  Heurenx 
Le  Ceuseur 
L'Alcide      .     . 
Le  Souverain    . 
Le  (^'a  Ira    .     . 


10,000  Men. 


1171 


TO  MRS.  NELSON. 
[Ffrtm  Clarke  and  M'Arthur,  vol.  i.  p.  200.] 

Agniiientnon  at  Sen,  lOtli  Murrli,  1705. 

Ilie  just  in  Right  of  the  French  Fleet,  and  a  stjjnal  is  nut 
general  chase.     Wo  have  hul  little  wind,  and  unfor- 

pOAcU  B#tun).  I>y  Vic«  Ailni'mU  Hoilinm,  gnve  Hcvfnu-GTt'  Lillfil,  mid  two 
Oil  tiSlttf  woaQ«M. 

"*'>~  - '-I  "vrc,  t.ipiiUrnatila  IColHfrt  IIon<»vinaii,  of  tbf  St.  OcorgP", 

•  ■r  <-'ii.-<il«>;  and  Afilex,  of  ilio  Uedfonl :  luid  Mi-ssim. 
■  Mini'.    ,,•,.,,  ...n.  •.^tini,  ami  John  Wilnon,  MuHlers  of  tli><  C'liptnhi,  Coii- 
KgtamtuaoR. — ImhUhii  OazctU. 
VL  C 


18 


LETTERS. 


tunaiely  ihe  Enemy  arc  in-shorc  of  us ;  however,  I  hope 
Admiral  will  allow  lis  to  go  on,  atid  if  the  French  do  not 
under  llieir  batteries,  1  trust  we  shall  give  a  good  acci 
them.     Whatever  may  be  my  fate,  I  have  no  doubt  in 
mind  but  that  my  conduct  will  be  such,  as  will  not 
blush   on  the  face  of  my  friends  :  the  lives  of  all  are  in^ 
hands  of  Him,  who  knows  best  whether  to  preserve 
not;  to  His  will  do  I  resign  myself.     My  character  an< 
name  are  in  my  own  keeping.     Life  mtli  disgrace  is 
A  glorious  death  is  to  be  envied  ;  and  if  anytliiug  hap] 
me,  recollect  diat  death  is  a  debt  we  must  all  pay,  and 
now,  or  a  few  years  hence,  can  be  but  of  Utile  cou 
God  bless  you,  and  believe  me  ever  your  most  fa; 
affectionate  husband, 

UoRATio  Nllsok. 


TO  VICE-ADMIRAL  GOODALL.* 


[AutognipL,  in  tlie  )>o<i6esaion  of  Jokn  Dillon,  Esq.  Tlkia  letter  wnn  imU«a 
sight  of  the  Frcucli  Fleet.  The  Agaiucnmon  belonged  to  Vice- Admiral 
Division,  and  woa  next  in  snecesnion  to  hi*  Flug-Ship,  th«  PrinoeM  Dojril.] 

Agamemnon,  Mu-cb  12tli,  ItHA 
My  dear  Admiral, 
I  most  heartily  congratulate  you  on  our  being  go  near 
Enemy's  Fleet,  and  have  only  U)  assure  you  that  the  Ag 
niemnon  shall  ever  must  faithfully  .supjiort  you.  I  wish 
had  a  hundred,  or  at  least  should  have,  iifty  good  men.  Shou 
any  of  our  Frigat^^s  get  near  you,  I  hope  you  will  order  so: 
men  for  us,  even  should  Adjuiral  Holham  forget  us.  Behc 
me  ever,  but  never  more  than  on  tlic  present  occasion. 

Your  most  faithful 

HniuTio  Nelson. 

*  Vice-Admiral  fioodnll  left  the  Mcdileirttiiean    towarde    tlir-    end    of   ihe 
I7W.1,  being  much  hurt  iliat,  on  Aduurol   lliitbam's  leaviuf;  the  Station,  the  < 
mand  ww  not  eiirriKiled  to  him.     He  died  an  Admiral  of  the  While,  in  IWlL 


LBTTBBa. 


19 


TO  VICE-ADMIRAL  COODAI.L. 
rAntograjiii,  iu  the  pcwatsaion  of  JoUa  DilJun,  Esq.] 

AgAmcmnon,  Much  15Ut,  I  TOO. 

dear  Adtmra], 

1  have  »eni  Officers  aud  men  to  get  the  powder  out  of  the 

r,  and  you  may  be  assured  I  will  afford  her  all  aasist- 

ny  power,  consistent  >viUi  the  greater  object  of  putting 

ion  in  good  order  again.     We  are  rather  short  of 

>poiiDd»  twentj'-fouT  pound  and  nine-pound  shot,  not 

taitro  than  six  hundred  of  each  of  the  twu  furmer,  and 

few  of  the  latter.    If  Illustrious  or  Courageux  could  spare 

eighteen-pound  shot,  it  would  be  useful ;  but  unless 

Ships,  or  Diadem,'  can  give  us  twenty-four  pound 

,  none  are  to  be  hail  in  thia  coiwtry.     I  have  sent  a  list  of 

nded  men,  some  of  whom  are  vcn.-  bad,  dislinguidiing 

'ircpc  wounded   on  the  ISth,  and  which  on  the  14tli; 

I  ov  defects. 

\  hope  you  are  quite  well.  The  Enemy  are  fled  and  we  are 
Innnring  after  iliem :  their  orders,  from  what  I  hear,  were  to 
the  English  Fleet  if  they  chose  to  fight,  and  then  to 
and  retake  Corsica.  Tlie  C,'a  Ira  has  the  carriages 
■  the  battering  cannon  on  board  :  ten  tliousand  men  are  em- 
00  board  the  Transports  at  Toulon. 

wc  shall  get  rid  of  these  Prizes  and  Lame  Ducks  tJiJs 
kd  get  to  ilie  westward  to  secure  our  Convoy,  wliich 
f,  nuiwitltstanding  our  victory,  be  in  great  danger. 
Believe  me,  ever  your  most  faithfid, 

Horatio  Nelson. 


TO  ins  ROYAL  HIGHNESS  THE  DUKE  OF  CLARENCE. 
[Frt>t&  CUrke  aud  M'ArtLur,  vol.  i.  p.  203.] 

Mnrch  15th,  lior,, 

^.Oar  Fleet  clo«ed  with  f^'a  Ira  and  Censeur,  who  defended 
Itcs  in  the  most  gallant  manner  ;  the  former  lost  400, 
330  men  ;  the  resi  of  the  Enemy's  Ships  behaved 
ill.    Martini,  the  Admiral,  and  St.  Michael,  the  Commis- 

' '  lliiat,  Ci,  C«puin  Tvl«r,  nftcnrarda  Adiuinl  Btr  Charles  Tyler,  O.C.B.    Vide 

c2 


-20 


LETTBBa 


sioucr,  were  on  board  a  Frigate.    Tlic  orders  of  ibe  Ft 
were,  to  defeat  us,  and  to  retake  Corsica :   I  believe  thej 
in  no  respect  obey  their  orders.    Every  Ship  fired  red-hotj 
but  we  now  know,  from  experience,  they  are  useless  on 
Ship.     Fi-ederick  beha\ed  exceedingly  well,  as  did  Mo 
uiery  in  the  Courageux,  and   Reeve  in  the  Captain ; 
must  not  forget  Goodall,  who  is  as  gallant  an  Oflicer  as\ 
lived.     Tliese  Ships  being  the  van,  had  more  than  their 
of  the  Action.     Every  Officer,  I  am  sure,  would  have 
haj»py,  had  the  Enemy  given  them  equal  opportunities. 
French  bore  away  towards  Toulon  in  the  altemoon, 


now  out  of  sight.      I  am,  &c. 


HoiL\Tio  Nei 


TO  WLLFAM  IX>CKER,  ESQ.,  LIEUTKNAXT-GOVERXOR 
OREEN'WICH  HOSPITAL- 

[.\iiiogTA]tIi,  ill  the  Locker  Papers.] 

Agnmemuon,  Porto  Especiit,  Muvh  21at.  If 

My  dear  Friend, 

You  will  have  heard  of  our  brush  widi  the  French 
a  Battle  it  cannot  be  called,  as  the  Enemy  would  not 
an  opporliuiity  of  chising  with  them  ;  if  they  had,  I  ha* 
doubt,  from  llie  zeal  and  gidlantrj-  endeavoured  to  be 
by  each  individual  Captain,  one  excepted,  but  we  should! 
obtained  a  most  glorious  cuiinupst.    Admiral  Ilotham  llG 
much  to  contend  with,  a  Fleet  lialf  manned,  and  in  every  re 
inferior  to  the  Enemy ;'  Italy  calling  him  to  her  defence 

*  Jmies  gircs  the  annexod  TaUe  of  tbe  ConixinitiTe  Force  of  tbe  two 
tlie  IQtti,  I3rli,  Mid  mil  of  MiircU;  but  b«  do4>s  uot  iiiclnde  tlie  troops  < 
iu  tbe  I-Velich  Sbifis. 

COUPAIIATIVB   FOKCK    OF  THE   TWO    FlSBTS. 


SbilM   .        , 

lli'OiuLsiilr  (iiinit 

frewn       .     . 
Siix     -     .     . 

.     ...   No. 

No. 

•     •    I   lb«. 

.     .     Agg.  No. 

Tnna 

Biitisb. 

Freucb. 

J 

Mntcb.                 ^H 

12 

13 

U^ 

11 

ri.',; 

l->7  1 1 

SNltl 

sauMt 

10 

r>s7 

145H7 

U 
l:iU8i> 

1(XI>0 
87212 

1.1 

11MI 

1-^:)«I7 

LETT  H  us. 


21 


fcdrctl  King<luiu'  calling  niiglil  ami  main,  otir  rcin- 
imts  and   Convoy  hourly  expected  ;  and  tJl  to  be  duqc 
,  Viy    any   means  adequate  to  it.     The  French 

b  for  eertain  conquest;  their  orders  were  positive 

out  our    Fleet,  and  to  destroy  lis,  of  which  they  liad 

if  we  presiimcd  to  come  to  Action  witli  theiu  ;  then, 

.  were   to   have  been  landed,  and  Corsica  retiUieu : 

I,  thank   God,  all  is  reversed.     1  firmly  believe  they 

|*ould  have   foiir^lit  us,  liad  not  the  Qa.  Ira  lost  her  top- 

i«»hieh  emiblftl  the  Agamemnon  ajid  Inconstant  to  close 

>  her,  and  bo  cut  her  up  that  she  could  not  get  a  top- 

tup  during   the   night,  which  caused  our  little  bmsh  the 

tilav.     Provideijce,  in  a  most  miraculous  manner,  preserv- 

Ijr  iK>OT  brave  fellow.s,  who  worked  the  Ship  in  nianiruvring 

.Ma  tslem  and  <iuarters,  with  as  much  exactness  as  if  she 

[been  working  into  Spithcad.     The  Action  never  ceasing 

of  two  hours,  one  hundred  and  ten  of  tlic  Enemy 

ikiQed  and  wounded  on  that  day,  and  only  seven  of  ours 

led.      Agamemnon  had  only  tliree  lmn<lrcd  and  forty- 

I  St  quarters,  myself  included.     1  am  ilattered  by  receiring 

p|irubaiion  of  my  own  Fleet,  as  well  as  tlic  luindsomest 

ly  by  our  Enemies.     The  Sans  Culotte  at  last  bore 

rhen  tlie  A<Imiral  called  me  off.     A  gale  of  wind  came 

'        .iftcr  the  Action,  which  forced  us  in  here,  and  most 

It  the  IllustJ'ious  on  shore,  where  she  lays  in  great 

Our  Fleet,  except  Courageux  and  Illustrious,  is  jicr- 

refittcd,  and  ready  for  sea  ;    we  sail  to-morrow  for  Leg- 

ili<  jf>in  Hlenheim,*  and  Bombay  Castle,'  when  the  Admiral 

1  immediately  put  to  sea,  to  see  if  we  can  frnd  any  of  these 

fellows  ;  for  some  went  off  towed  by  Frigates,  and 

tthotit  bowsprits.    The  Sans  Culott*.-  is  in  Genoa,  others 

lb  Vado  Bay.    1  tliink  we  ait?  quite  up  again  in  these  seas, 

had  wc  only  a  breeze,  I  have  no  doubt  but  we  should 

given  a  destniclive  blow  to  tlio  Enemy's  Fleet :  however, 

•  itny  mdl.     I  beg  my  best  and  kindest  remembrances  to 


•  Corxicn. 
rintdey :  Ik*  ilieil  a  Flnpf-offlfer. 
I    CLnrles  CliaiiilK-rlnyur :    lie   wn<i  wtAv  * 
llfetf*^  Ml«;«uig,  luiil  ilirtl  lui  Atlinintl  of  tli«  Blur  in  l^<1ii> 


Reor- 


all  your  fkinily. 
fellow. 


LETTERS. 


[" 


Josiali  is  a  fine  voung  man,  and  a 

Believe  me  ever 

Your  most  faithful  friend, 
Horatio  Ni 

All  the  Enemy's  SWps  nre  fitted  with  forges,  and  fire 
some  guns  constantly  hot  shot  and   sheUs,  but  they 
a&hamed  of  their  orders,  which  are  positive  firom  the  Coorei 
and  find  nothing  superior  to  the  old  mode  of  fighting.    I 
[wish]  some  of  tlieir  own  Ships  wiU  suffer  by  having 
furnace  in  their  cockpit,  which  will   end  such  a  dial 
practice.     If  you  see  Admiral  Lutwidge,  or  ever  write . 
luill,  rcmembor  me  to  him,  as  also  to  Mr.  Bradley. 


TO  WILLlAAl  SUCKLING,  ESQ. 

[From  '•  TUc  Atitcweqin."] 

AgtmaaBon.  Porto  EsfvoU,  Mnrch  22iid> 
My  dear  Sir, 

'riie  event  of  our  brush  with  the  French  Fleet  you  wiU 
long  before  tliis  reaches  you,  and  I  know  you  will  partid 
in  tlie  pleasure  I  must  liave  felt  in  being  the  great  cause  of 
success.  Could  I  have  beeu  suppurtcd,  I  would  ha\e  ha 
C^'a  Ira  on  tlie  13th,  which  might  probably  have  increased  ot 
success  on  the  next  day.  The  Enemy,  notwiihstanding  ihi 
red-hot  shot  and  shells,  must  now  he  satisfied  (or  wc  are  i"Ja< 
to  give  them  further  proofs)  that  England  yet  reigns  Mistre 
on  the  Seas ;  and  I  verily  believe  our  seamen  have  lost  uoi 
of  their  courage ;  and  sure  I  am,  that  had  the  breeze  continue 
so  as  to  have  allowed  us  to  close  with  tlie  Enemy,  we  shoii 
have  destroyed  tlicir  whole  Fleet.  They  came  out  to  fight  u 
and  yet,  when  they  found  us,  all  their  endeavoure  were  us< 
to  avoid  an  Action. 

But  accidents  will  happen  to  us  as  to  others :  a  few  da; 
after  the  action  we  met  with  a  very  heavy  gale  of  wind,  whi( 
has  driven  the  Illustrious*  ou  shore ;  but  we  have  some  £u 


•  Tbe  Illustrious,  Ik,  Captain  Frr^icrick,  InWng  lost  her  tniiin  anil  mixrn 
iu  the  Action,  was  takrn  iu  tuxr  bj  the  \U-lpagcr,  oud  fvparatod  trum  tb<i  >1ret  ii 
violent  gale,  on  the  night  of  tLe  I'tb  of  March.     The  tow-rofie  bT'ik«,  aad 


88,] 


LETTERS. 


i  ahe  may  yet  be  saved.     Our  Piizes  are  almost  refitted  ; 

lo*inonx>w   we   s^ail   for  Corsica.     I  beg  leave  to  trouble 

I  with  a  letter  for  Mrs.  Nelson,  and  have  to  beg  you  will 

!  nj  kindest  remeiubrauces  to  Mrs.  Suckling,  Mis»  Suck- 

I  and  all  the  family,  not  forgetting  Mr.  ilumsey  and  iaiuily. 

Believe  me  erer  your  most  afiectiunate, 

II0EA.T10  Nelson. 


TO  THE  REV.  am.  NELSON,  IIILBOROUOH. 

[Aatograpli,  iu  Uie  Nelson  Pupers,] 

Agtaiemnon,  Pono  Etpccia,  March  25di,  ITOft. 
My  dear  Brother, 
.\l(hougb  you  vNill  have  read  as  much  of  our  late  Action 
I  the  French  Fleet  as  I  can  tell  you,  yet  I  know  from  expe- 
ibere  is  no  pleasure  equal  to  Uiat  of  hearing  from  our 
al  a  distance,  tliercfore  I  take  uj)  the  pen  merely  to  say 
1 1  ant  most  perfectly  well,  as  is  Josiah,  and  tliat  Agamem- 
DCD  is  ivs  ready  as  ever  to  give  the  French  another  meeting ; 
lad  I  really  believe  the  Convention  will  again  force  lliese 
people  out  to  fight  us.     Sure  it  is  that  tlie  Enemy  hod  no  idea 
uf  our  meeting  them  on  ihc  seas,  if  it  was  possible  to  have  got 
inki  p.irt,  and  so  certain  were  they  of  oiu  vany  con(juest,  tJiat 
itt  Hayor  and  all  the  MunicipaUty  of  Basda  were  on  board 
I  i»  Sattft  Calotte  to  resume  their  Stations  at  tliat  jdace — not 
[Alt  I  am  certain  Corsic^i  Is  s;ife,  if  they  luulortiike  tlie  Expe- 
dition villi  proper  spirit.     Ilie  Enemy's  Fleet  are  anchored  in 
HJrTc>  Bay,  where  iu  a  week  or  ten  days  we  shall  be  also. 

I^innne  in  this  late  affair  has  favoured  me  in  a  most  extra- 
unliuary  manner,  by  giving  me  an  opportiuiity  wliieli  seldont 
(•ffera  of  being  the  only  Linc-of-Battle  Ship  who  got  singly  into 
Acdftn  on  the  13ih,  when  1  had  the  honour  of  engaging  the 
f,'*  In.,  al»S4jlutely  large  enough  to  take  Agamemnon  in  her 
boW.    1  never  saw  such  a  Ship  before.     That  Being  who  has 

!(■  aluire  in  VaJenci>   Dny.  between  Speiia  nud  Lpgborn,  ou  the  18tb,  and  it 

j  fmfOmiUe  to  get  ber  ofl'i  Wu  net  on  ftrc  ku<1  destroyed.     Tins  partioularei 

m  tomd  m  the  Xaval  CUronicU,  vol.  xxxvU.  p.  ').'»'>.     Captain  Frederick  and 

m  (k»  Ik  iikumIj  tried  by  a  Court-mariiul  for  ilie  loss  of  their  Shipi 

( hoBouniblj'  acquitted. 


2i 


LLTTEKS. 


[13 


ever  in  a  most  wondcrlUl  niauncr  protected  me  duriug  tiM 
many  dangers  1  Iiavc  encountered  this  war,  still  sliieldingj 
me,  and  my  bravo  Ship's  company.  I  cannot  acc"! 
vvlial  1  saw  ;  wliole  broadsides  witliin  half-pistol  shot 
my  little  Ship,  whilst  ours  was  in  tlie  fullest  eflfcct.  Tlie  French 
Captrtin  has  paid  mo  the  highest  compliments — much  more 
flattering  than  those  of  u\y  own  Fleet,  as  ilic_v  must  have  hwn 
true.  Wc  killed  on  board  (,'a  Ira  on  the  13ih,  one  hundml 
nnd  ten,  whilst  only  seven  were  slighdy  wounded  on  hoaid 
Agamemnon.  On  the  14th,  akhough  one  of  the  Van-8hips,aad 
in  close  Acdon  on  one  side  and  distant  Action  on  the  other  for 
upwards  of  three  hours,  yet  our  neighbours  suffered  most  ex- 
ceedingly, whilst  we  comparatively  suffered  nodiing.  We  Lad 
only  six  men  sliglitly  wounded.  Our  sails  were  ribbons,  and 
all  our  ropes  were  ends.  Had  our  good  Admiral  have  followed 
the  blow,  wc  should  probably  have  done  more,  but  the  risk  ivas 
thought  too  great.  If  you  sec  Iloste's  father  in  your  travclsi 
1  beg  you  w  ill  say  what  a  good  young  man — I  love  him  dearly, 
and  both  liiui  and  Josiah  arc  as  brave  fellows  as  ever  walkwL 
CertJiin  it  is  Agamemnon  has  given  experience  to  her  crc«; 
five  times  my  Ship  has  been  engaged,  three  at  sea,  two  tigainrf 
Hastia,  three  Actions  in  boats,  and  two  Sieges,  ought  tu  make 
us  stand  fire,  but  we  are  too  far  from  home  to  be  noticed.  Oiff 
Actions  are  not  known,  beyond  this  comitry  and  our  iniin<J' 
diate  friends.  Mow  does  Mrs.  Nelson,  my  Aimt,  and  all  oitf 
Swanijam  friends  .?  Is  Robert  Rolfo  married : '  Remeuibcl 
me  kindly  to  all,  not  forgetting  Charlotte*  and  my  namesake* 
Beheve  me  ever 

Your  most  affectionate  brother, 
UonATio  Nelson. 

Blenheim  and  Bombay  Castle  joinedi 

St.  Fioreu/.o,  March  30ih. — Wc  are  got  here,  and  ai'c  fitting 
our  Ships  for  sea,  where  we  shall  be  in  about  one  week. 

We  arc  all  well. 

'  His  Coiutiii,  llie  present  Rdv.  RoLi;n  RnUe,  of  Norwich,  wliom,  wlien   mfulc  A 
Perr,  lie  a|))K>inlO(l  one  of  liin  Clinpliiiila. 
"  Mr.  Nclmxi*  lUiigliler,  tlie  present  Lttdy  Bridiiort. 
•  His  son,  Horatio,  afterwRrds  Vi«iooaat  TrafiUgnr. 


LETTERS. 


25 


TO  THOMAS  POUARD,  ESQ.,  LEGIIOUN. 
i'lulbt  |>nsa«s.<«ivn  or.loluiLusfpnl,  Esq.    Indorsed,  "31  Mnrcli,  170'V] 

AgunemnoD,  [torn.] 

'  My  dear  Sir, 

re  had  a  meeting  yesterday  to  norniuatc  Agents  for  our 

taken  nn  llic  l4ih,  und  the  majority  urCa])(ains  in  tliis 

',}»ve  tiominatAi'd  tlie  four  Admirals'  Secretaries  und  the 

si,  only  CajMaiii  Foley'  and  myself  adding  you  to  the 

nnmber;  but  as  tlie  Captains  and  Admirals  can  only  dis- 

of  their  o\m  Agency,  1  still  hupv  you  will  be  nominated 

ll)c  Lieutenants'  Class,  and  probably  Warrant  Officers.    All 

Claxses  in  die  Agamemnon  are  for  in.scrting  yc)ur  name, 

Ifyou  must  know  that  the  majority  in  each  Cla.s.s  have  the 

of  nomination.     I  consider  myself    ....     [torn] 

both  by  you  and 

tul,  that     .     .     .     should  have  felt  a     .     .     .     .     not  to 

remembered  both  on  the  ])re.sent  occasion :  to  be  sure, 

[amount  witli  six  .Agents  ^^ill  not  be  much,  but  the  compli- 

would  have  been  the  same ;  but  wc  shall  take  more,  and 

^pCjrou  will  be  considered.     You  know  what  my  dctermi- 

was  respecting  Agency  long  ago :  and  had  I  taken  a 

»te  or  Man  of  War  by  myself,  tlic  Commander-in-Chief's 

ary,  the    Consid,   and   yourself,   I    intended   to  fix   as 

att.    1  ha\  c  thought  it  right  to  say  thus  much,  that  you 

not  for  a  moment  suppose  uie  ungrateful  for  your  many 

88  to  [for«  o/f.] 


TO  Mils.  NELSON. 

[From  ClwVc  and  M'ArUinr,  toI.  i.  p,  806.] 

Fiorcnzo,  I»t  April,  1705, 
am  absolutely,  my  dearest  Fanny,  at  this  moment  in  the 
Drs,  frjiring,  from  our  idling  here,  that  the  active  Enemy 
liJ'  send  out  two  or  tlircc  Sail  of  the  Line,  and  some  Frigates, 

[Wlhie  St  Omrgc,  IW,  aftirnanls  Admiinl  Sir  Tboranf)  Folry,  G.C.D.,  wbo  wm 
I  Flag-CtpUui  At  Co]<enli«gcii. 


LETTBBfL 


lo  inlercepc  oar  Coiitot,  vlndi  is  nonentazily  expected 
tbart,  I  vish  to  be  an  Adminl,  and  in  the  command  of 
S^l^ak  Fleet;  iifaoiild  tot  aoon cither  do  much,  or  ben 
Mj  £i^MMiiBOii  mnr^  bear  tame  and  slow  measures.  Sun, 
am,  had  I  cumauded  oar  Fleet  on  the  14tli,  tliat  either 
mbtM  FieDch  FlevI  wnold  hare  graced  my  triouiph,  or  I 
bftre  beeo  in  a  coafonnded  sctape.  I  went  ou  board  A 
Hotham  as  soon  as  oar  firing  grew  slack  in  the  \'an,  and 
^a  Ira  and  Censear  bad  stnick,  to  propose  to  him  leading 
two  crippled  Ships,  the  tvo  Frizes,  and  four  Frigates, 
themsdres,  and  to  panne  tbe  Enemy ;  but  be,  much  c 
than  myself,  said,  *  We  tatist  be  contented,  we  have 
Tcry  veil/  Nov,  had  ve  taken  ten  Sail,  and  had  allowed 
eleventh  to  escape,  vhen  it  had  been  possible  to  have  got 
her,  I  could  never  have  called  it  well  done.  Goodall  b 
me ;  I  got  him  to  write  to  the  Admiral,  but  it  would  uot  do: 
ve  should  have  had  such  a  day,  as  I  believe  the  Aiinalsofj 
England  never  produced.  I  verily  think  if  the  Admiral  can 
get  hold  of  tliem  once  more,  and  he  does  but  get  us  cloifrj 
enough,  that  wc  shall  have  the  whole  Fleet.  Nothing  dSJ 
slop  the  courage  of  English  seamen. 

I  may  venture  to  tell  you,  but  as  a  secret,  that  I  have  a 
tress  given  to  me,  no  less  a  Personage  than  tlic  Goddess 
lona  i  so  say  the  French  verses  made  on  me,  and  in  tliem 
am  so  covered  witli  laurels,  that  you  would  hardly  find  Vif 

low  face.     At  one  period  I  am  *  the  dear   Nelson,' 
'amiable  Nelson,'  *  the    fieiy   Nelson :'   however  uonsensi 
these  expressions  are,  they  are  better  than  censure,  and  we 
all  subject  and  open  to  flattery.     Tlie  French  Admiral  is  lo 
tried,  and  some  of  the  Captains  arc  under  arrest :  it  is 
])orted  tliat  the  Captain  of  the  Sans  Culotte  has  run  awa; 
The  Tnuloiicsc  will  not  allow  the  French  Fleet  to  enter  their  po] 
but  make  them  remain  in  Hieres  Baj',  telling  Uieni, '  To  g( 
out  and  execute  their  former  orders,  or  never  to  enter  the  porl 
of  tlie  Republic'     They  were  very  much  alarmed  in  Corsic 
at  the  appearance  of  the  Enemy's  Fleet.     So  certain  were  ihi 

*  "1  can,  entrc  now,"  HOid  Sir  Willinot  iluuiiliixi.  in  u  Li'itoi-  to  CapLiiu  Kelao 
"pcrrcivp  thai  niv  olil  friciKl,  l-luiljiiii),  i*  noi  quite  nniiki?  enough  for  mii.'Ii  »  «-oi 
nuiii]  M  tlmi  of  the  Dritlnh  V\vv{  iu  tht<  Medjlvrnmeuu,  tlUiou^  lie  is  the  bi 
creaturo  unKguiabk'."— ^ouM<-^'<  L\fe  qf  Nelton. 


LETTERS. 


87 


eh  of  defeating  us,  that  the  Mayor  and  all  tlic  Munici- 
ly  of  Bttstia  were  oii  board  the  Sans  Cidottc,  to  resume 
Stations. 

^'ours,  &c. 

Horatio  Nelson. 


THE  RIGHT  HONOITIABLE  SIR  GILBERT  ELLIOT,  BART., 
VICEROY  OF  CORSICA. 

[Antogniplj,  ia  Uie  Miato  Papen,] 

Agftmemnon.  St.  Fioreuio,  April  50i.  17D&. 
Mj  dear  Sir, 

jOur  Worthy  young  man,  Lieutenant  George  Andrews,'  has 

ivtid  letters  from  Jiis  friend  iu  England,  who  recommended 

to  Mr.  Pelham,  and  was  the  cause  of  Mr.  Pelham's  recom- 

jdabdu  of  him  to  you,  that  Lord  Spencer  had  been  spoken 

and  that  it  was  probable  he  woidd  be  recommended  to 

Bind  Hotham,  which,  if  it  was  to  give  him  tlic  first  vacancy, 

It  be  well ;  but  if  at  this  dme,  to  go  youngest  into  the 

ptannia,  llie  pros|)t'ct  of  ])romotion  is  too  distant  oven  for 

pe.    Mr.  .\ndrews  is  fearfid  tliat  Mr.  Pelhanj,  not  knowing 

uir  inabilitj-  to  serve  him  in  this  Country,  shoidd  suppose  that 

had  not  merited  yoiu-  notice.     He  re<iuests,  therefore,  if, 

what  you  have  heard  of  him,  you  think  him  wortliy  of  your 

rest,  tliat  yuu  will  write  Mr.  Polhani  tliat  it  has  been  want 

[alilHty  and  not  want  of  inclination.     You  know  my  opinion 

[Mr.  Andrews  too  well  to  render  it  nocessar}-  for  rac  to  speak 

of  his  merits,  but  I  nuist  add,  that  if  the  conduct  of  the 

ion  on  the  1 3ih  was  by  any  means  the  cause  of  our 

on  the  14th,  tiiat  lieutenant  Andrews  has  a  priiicipal 

iu  Uic  merit,  for  a  more  pro]ier  ojvinion  was  never  given 

fan  Officer  than  the  one  he  gave  me  on  the  13ih,  in  a  .situa- 

of  great  di^culty. 

Believe  me,  dear  Sir, 
Your  most  faithful,  humble  servant, 

Horatio  Nelson. 

TUt  ttiL  i.  p.  01,  Sincr  llie  pnbliruinn  of  th<>  Fint  Voliirop,  ito  whirli  tbia 
'  *toW  prwpCTJjr  Mong,)  it  h*^  Jwjrii  Haecniiiiicd  iLftt  iLe  Miss  Andrcwji  to 
I  SrlKin  wax  uiMcheA  in  ITHH,  married,  ftr»t,  ■  clergymtin  of  iho  niuue  of 
'.  mii  ■ep«nJ,  Colonel  Winif ,  of  ilio  KiM  India  Conpiuiy's  Stnier,  and  died 


LETTERS. 


29 


saUKfied ;  but  I  fuar  my  interest  is  not  equal  to  get 
1   win  never  allow  iljat  any  man  whatever  lias  a 
[isapeTii  >T  to  myself/'    Wc  have  just  got  the  thanks  of  the 
in*  PaiUauient  and  \ict'rov,  for  our  gallant  and  good 
:t  ou  ihc  13th  and  1 4th  day  of  Maich,  which  they  say, 
Illy,  lias  saved  them  from  an  invasion.     The  Mceroy'.s 
letter   to  me  has  a  very  Mattering  compliment,  that 
I  but  be  ])lea.sing  to  you :  '  1  certainly  consider  the  bnsi- 
Ihe  ISili  of  March  as  a  very  capital  feature  uii  the  late 
contest  with  the  French  Fleet ;  and  the  part  which 
^gauieninoQ  had  in  it  must  be  felt  by  every  one  to  be  one 
istances  that  gave  lustre  to  this  event,  and  rendered 
;    useful,  but  peculiarly  honourable  to  tlic  British 
1  need  not  assure  you  of  tlio  pleasure  with  which  I 
ly  see  your  namie  foremost  in  everjtLing  that  is  credit- 
serviceable;  nor  of  ray  sincere  regard  ;uid  affection.' 
far,  all  hands  agree  in  giving  me  those  praises,*  which 
lot  but  be  comfortable  to  me  to  the  last  moment  of  my 
The  time  of  my  being  left  out  here  by  Lord  Iluod,  I  may 
[well  spent ;  had  I  been  absent,  how  morliticd  should  I 
e.     AVTiat  has  ha]>pcned  may  never  happen  to  any  one 
that  only  one  Shiji  of  the  Line  tjut  of  fuuitet'n,  should 
ito  Action  widi  the  French  Fleet,  and  i'ur  so  long  a  time 
hours  and  a  half,  and  with  such  a  Ship  as  the  t^'a  Ira. 
been  supported,  I  should  certainly  have  brought  tlic 

I  Sckon  WW  iLrn  wilLiii  fboljr-Bix  of  tlit<  tr>p  uf  the  liitt  of  PoRt  Captnina, 
'  «aBip«i«»  biR  ovu  nenicea  willi  thoae  ofllie  Captuius  wbo  stood  above 

b  *^4ik,  17110,     "  All  lii«  Mnjvitty's  fuitlifiil  ^iilijectH  hi  liiJH  Kiugdum 

:i  (liix  MOi'WHxftil  ocriM^itin,  llie  i>owerfiil  luiiuifiopncf  of  lla'  Kiitjt,  and 

m  m  Miiuilur  ilcgrrti  ^uiLtilile  of  the  Higini)  iiicrit-s  of  the  Vior-AiUriinil. 

lUm  Thanks  uf  the  IJuiibC,  &c.     Sj^iicil,  Uiiitfrri,  I'rrfiJrut.     Miis^clli, 

r/tf  uml  M\4rlliiir, 

iwltiehart'  aluavs  ilcoresl  tii  a  sou's   heart — tltose  of  his  father — 

fti  to  him  til  a  leltcr  A-oui  Balh,  ou  t)ir  Olh  of  Miiy,  ilM — "  1  cnii  ixiw, 

ti«,  aJilrrBw  j-ou   it>  tite  lanj^iin^^e  of  our  iJnivorsily,  Betw  tt  opliml 

\  I  do  moiit  hfoftily  n-juice  at  your  acqiiUitiuii  of  h  fieali,  uevi-r-ladiiig 

ned  In  a  con»riousncs«  of  ha\tug  dischrtrged  l)i»'  duties  of  your  station, 

S(iaa*  Ki-rwi'  of  tliiU  urt^r-rulitip  I'rovidencc  who  ninkf  ih  lUI  lliiiit^s  Hurk 

tu  tlime   «hu  lute  lliiii.     It  is  Hitid  vitli  conOdcucc,  lliul  Lord 

'  to  U»c  Mcdit4.'iTftii('itn  :  liaTing  rt-in-hed  St.  Ilrlcn'^,  he  \»  ri-tiirnfd 

bi  Ihv  tieim  of  the  day.     (J ihI  hle^^  you  !  FiurwiOt."— t'/trfX'c 


80 


LETTERS. 


&ms  Cnlottea  to  battle,  a  moBt  glorious  prospect,     A 
man  runs  no  more  risk  than  a  coward,  and  AgamenmoQ 
miracle  has  sufl'ered  scarcely  anything :  Uireo  or  four j 
wounded  are  dead,  the  others  are  in  a  fair  way  of  dob 
Wo  have  got  accounts  of  the  French  Fleet,  the 
landed,  and  their  Expedition  is  given  up  ;  the  Slu| 
ftuflered  much,  many  at  this  time  are  shifting  their 
Fleet  was  never  in  better  order.     My  kindest  rei 
to  my  father. 

Yours,  &c. 

Horatio  Ni 


TO  THE  RIGHT  HONOTTUOLE  SIR  GILBERT  ELUOT, 
VICEROY  OF  CORSICA. 

[Antograpb,  ia  the  Minto  Fapen.] 

AguaemDuti,  April  lOUi,  IT 
Dear  Sir, 

From  tlic  present  prospect  of  afiairs,  it  is  not  impossible! 

an  attack  may  be  made  on  this  Island ;  and  sliould  Ad 

Hotliara  judge  it  most  advisable  to  remain  at  anchor  to 

in  tlie  defence  of  it,  I  beg  leave,  should  no  otlier  person] 

judged  more  proper,  to  offer  myself  for  the  command  of  i 

seamen  as  might  be  judged  proper  to  be  lauded.     Believe 

dear  Sir,  ever,  but  never  more  than  in  a  time  like  the  pres( 

Yours  most  faithfully, 

Horatio  Neuo; 

Ris  Exoellency  tbe  Viceroj. 


TO  HIS  ROYAL  HIGHNESS  THE  DUKE  OF  CLARENCE. 
[From  Ckrlw  and  M'ArUiiu-,  vol.  i.  p.  207.] 

St.  FioKiuo,  lOlli  Apnl,  1* 

Sir, 

The  arrival  of  a  reinforcement  from  Brest,  at  Toulon,  of  ^ 
Sail  of  the  Line,  two  Frigates,  and  two  Cutters/  has,  for 
present  moment,  rather  altered  the  complexion  of  aflaii 

•  Under  Retf-Ailimnl  Bfindndin:  lUey  uriTed  a(  Tonlon  on  tli«  4ih  of  Ai 


I.ETTERS, 


Contrary  winds  have  kept  us  here,  and  crery  moim'nt  vfm 
pect  the  Enemy's  Fleet  to  heave  in  sight.     We  ai' 
English  Sail  of  tlic  Line,  and  two  Neapolitan  sevi  i 
one  of  which  joined  this  morning;  and,  I  ain  sorr)-t' 
matter  of  exultation  to  au  English  Hect:  the  Courageux  u 
yet  ready  to  join  us. 

I  Ijope,  and  helieve,  if  we  only  get  three  Sail  from  ! 
tliat  we  shall  prevent  this  Fleet  of  the  Enemy   from 
further  service  in  the  MediteiTanean,  nottv itbstaudiug  the 
liot  shot  and  combustibles,  of  which  they  have  had  a  fair 
and  found  them  useless.     Tlicy  believed  that  we  si; 
ihem  no  quarter;  and  it  was  wiili  some  difficulty  we  1j— : 
combustibles,  which  are  ti.xed  in  a  skeleton  like  a  carctssj 
they  turn  into  a  liquid,  and  water  will  not  extinguish  it. 
say  tlie  Convention  sent  diem  from  Pmis,  but  that  thej 
not  use  any  of  them,  only  hot  shot. 

I  am,  &c. 

Horatio  Nei 


TO  THE  REV.  MR.  NELSON,  BATH. 

[.\utogn4>h,  ill  llic  Nelson  Papers.] 

Aguurmnon,  at  Set,  April  24th,  V 
My  dear  Failier, 

I  received  your  letter  of  March  '20di,  several  days 

llierefore  I  hope  the  channel  of  communication  is  again  o|ieo 

and  thai  you  will  more  frequently  hear  of  us  than  of  late 

We  are  proceeding  to  look  out  for  Lord  Hood,  fur  alUiough 

have  doubts  that  the  Enemy,  superior  as  they  are,  could  mak 

any  impression  ujjou  an  llnglish  Ileet  of  our  numbers,  how 

ever,  all  must  wish  to  have  diat  force  as  almost  to  make  a  vie 

tory  on  our  Mde  certain.     What  the  new  Lords  of  the  Adini 

rally  are  after,  to  allow  such  a  reinforcement  to  get  out  her< 

suqirises  us  all.     Lord  Chadiam  did  better  than  this  sleepinj 

N<Jthing  this  war  has  ever  been  half  so  badly  managed  a*  w 

find  tlie  new  Admiralty.     As  I  writ*?  you,  and  die  signal  i 

just  thrown  out  for  a  Sliip  to  go  to  Leghorn,  1  .«chall  not  writ 

Mrs.   Nelson  this  day.     After  tliis  campaign  we  must  hav 

peace  at  all  c\  ents :  next  autumn  shall  carry  me  to  Englant 


86.] 


LETTERS. 


33 


mr  brother  tvill  like  liis  purchase,  and  that  it  wilJ  be 

mutual  beactit  of  all  parties  concerned.     We  are  in 

|of  news,  and  anxious  to  hear  of  Lord  Hood's  sailiug  from 

Remember  me  with  the  sincerest  affectiou  to  my 

[wife,  and  say  Josinh  is  very  well,  and  a  very  good  boy. 

Mather,*  Lead,  &c.,  arc  all  well.     Believe  me^ 

Ever  your  most  dutiful  son, 

Horatio  Nelson. 


TO  WILLIAM  SUCKLING,  ESQ. 

[From  "  TLp  Alheawiim."] 

Agrawawon,  u  Set,  April  ^tli,  ITOd. 
Iff  dear  Sir, 

signal  is  just  made,  signif^nng  tliat  a  Frigate  will  be  sent 
jhoru  tliLs  aAcmoon ;  therefore,  I   cannot  allow  her  to 
u»  without  wriluig  you  a  line  to  say  we  are  yet  in  being, 
I  not  iw  allowed  up  by  the  French. 

put  to  sea,  not  only  as  being  more  honourable,  but 

juch  safer,  than  skulking  in  Port ;  nor  do  1  thmk  ihat 

Fleet  would  be  a  very  easy  conquest ;  but  our  zeal 

not  iu  ilie  least  justify  tlie  gross  neglect  of  the  new  Ad- 

hy  Board.      Lord  Chatham  was   perhaps  bad :  in   tliis 

we  find,  from  woiiil  experience,  that  this  is  ten  times 

.    Our  Merchants  are  ruined  for  want  of  Convoy,  which 

never  been  in  oiu-  power  to  grant  them.     Had  not  our 

Action  proved  more  distressing  to  the  Enemy  than  the 

\ty  had  any  right  to  suppose,  we  shoidd  before  tliis 

have  been  driven  out   of  the    Mediterranean.     Every 

1  expect  to  see  the  Enemy's  Fleet;  for  they  must  be 

lly  managed  as  ourselves,  if  they  do  not  embrace  the 

It  favourable  moment  for  any  enteq)rise  they  may  have 

heads.      We  hope  soon  to  see  Lord  Hood,  or  some 

reinforcement :  the  junction  of  a  single  Neapolitan  Ship 

Line  has  tlus  morning  been  to  the  English  Fleet  abso- 

nnUer  for  exidtsilion — so  much  neglected  and  forgotten 


\lj  WlUiftm  Mather,  «rbo  wu  ina*l«  a  Lieuteiuul  ia  1709,  anil  «li<i<l  a 


LETTERS. 


W 


yet    tbe    six  Ships  of  the  Enemy  left  BreKt  last 

pt'tikk    tbe    Grand  Fleet,  and  have  been  arrived  six 

fo-ulcm    liarlioiir ;  and  but  fortunately  we  so  much 

&  uiastB  of  tlie  Enemy  in  tliu  Action,  we  should  liavc 

ere  in  a  very  inferior  state.     The  King  of  Naples 

I  one  more  Seventy-four,  and  the  Courageux  will  be 

a-inorrow,  or  we  should  only  ha\e  fourteen  Sail  of 

tt  twenty,  now  we  shall  be  sixteen — fourteen  English, 

Dlitans.      But  if,  as  reported  by  the  French  Minister 

1  that  tlie   preliminaries  of  |)eace  are  actually  signed 

in,*  we  ahall  of  coutrc  lose  our  Naples  friends,  which 

llir  present  state,  be  a  ver)'  heavy  stroke  upon  us  ;  for 

iaXat  at  Naples  tells  us,  '  as  do  Spain,  so  do  Naples.' 

of  the  day  say,  that  the  French  Heet  sailed  on  the 

t«y  from  Toulon,  eighteen  or  twenty  Sail  of  the  Line  ; 

bear  wore,  if  it  is  true,  in  twenty-four  hours :  if  only 

ler,  I  have  no  doubts  but  we  sliall  obtain  a  complete 

i  if  Uie  latter,  we  cannot  expect  it ;  and  what  is  worse, 

'nihout  a  complete  iictor>-  is  destruction  to  us,  for  we 

anotVier  mast  tliis  side  Gibraltar:  but  Providence 

ottlcT  all  for  the  best.     We  are  likely  to  get  an 

^  «>f  pna<iner8 ;    and  Vessels  are  ready  to  sail  from 

^'^h  English,  who  are  to  be  exchanged  at  this  place; 

Certainly  from  here  on  Friday  Uie  Bth,  even  sliould 

■<^h  Heel  be  still  in  port,  and  are  to  proceed  to  the 

"'  look  for  Lord  Hood,  or  some  reinforcements. 

('ntjcTn  your  iM)n  John  having  wrote  roe  a  letter  ;  I  am 

lave  received  it.     Pray  remember  me  kinilly  to 

L.  .      ■■"i«ith  the  rest  of  the  family.  Admiral  Hotham  is 

¥f\  I  .  /  ^dwvc  heartily  tired  of  his  temporary  connuand  ; 

,,  ''  is  intended  by  nature  for  a  Commander-in- 

'/n/rcfi    n  man  of  more  active  turn  of  mind. 

^^t'K"/?^'"»d,  Ciod  knows !     I  have  in  the  present 

^^^  f/t^t<.'rtniuc(\  on  staying  here  till  the  autumn, 

,  /cos  place,  when  all  acti\o  service  will  jjro- 

'.i«?«<5    seas.     Remember  me  to  our  Naval 


''''^„' 


^-J 


et» 


inquire  after  me,     I  tiatter  my  sell',  if 


'■*   franco  luiil  8paiu  wm  «igntd  nt,  BrnsMln  on  ilie 

D  a 


^1 


LETTERS. 


37 


h,  aiid  two  Nca]Hilitans,  is  our  force.     We  arc  waiiiiig 

:nt\y  for  more  authentic  accounts,  which  twenty-four 

certaln]y  give  us. 

can  the  new  Board  of  .Admiralty  be  after  ?     Hotham 

much  displea!»e(l  with  thcni,  and  certainly  with  reason. 

Ships  left  Brest  in  December  last  with  the  French  Grand 

had  the  Fleet  at  Toulon  only  waited  for  this  reinforce- 

%)iat  a  state  we  should  have  been  in  I  at  tliis  time  most 

ly  hare  lost  Corsica,  and  the  French  would  certainly 

been  at  Rome,  and  our  Fleet  retired  in  disgrace.     Pro\i- 

has  ordered  it  otherwise,  and   e\'ery  scheme  of  the 

IT  has  hitherto  been  defeated  in  this  Country ;  and  I  hope 

rundnuc  so,  for  it  cannot  be  verj-  long  before  Lord  Hood 

es» 

be  Enemy  haxe  a  great  many  small  Privateers  at  sea,  and 
f  our  Merchant- ships  are  taken:  one  from  Zante  to 
has  just  been  brought  in  by  a  row-boat  Privateer,  and, 
westward,  great  numbers  are  carried  into  Marseilles  and 
We  are  just  on  the  eve  of  an  exchange  of  prisoners  ; 
Ve«9e]»,  full  of  Englbh,  being  ready  U)  sail  from  Toulon 
place,  where  the  exchange  is  to  be  made :  they  will  bo 
gnat  use  to  our  weak  Fleet.  The  French  Minister  at 
ha*  given  out  that  the  preliminaries  of  peace  widi  Spain 
ttgned — if  so,  I  sujipose  it  is  the  same  with  Naples,  and 
•f  •haD  lose  our  two  Sail  of  die  Line,  which  will  be  a  heavy 
tfnke  upon  us  at  tlie  present  m<nncnt. 

Phnr  rrmeinber  nic  kindly  to  Mrs.  Suckling,  Miss  Suckling, 
■Dii  fimiily,  al«o  at  Hampstead  ;  and  believe  me  ever 
Your  most  aflectionate  and  obliged 

Horatio  Nelson. 
1  bare  sot  written  to  Mrs.  Nelson  by  this  post. 


To 

My  dear  Sir, 
Vwf  be  so  food  as  lo  aend  the  enclosed  to  Mr.  Williams : 


88 


LETTERS. 


it  is  jusl  to  say  that  1  expect  liis  son*  here  ever}-  day  i^ 
Cartel  from  Toulon,  to  be  exchanged  for  tlie  people  take 
our  IMzcs.    We  expect  tlie  French  Fleet  to  be  at  sea 
hour. 

1  am,  dear  Sir,  &c. 

IIoBATio  Nbi 
If  any  of  my  old  friends  in  the  Office  recollect  me, 
remember  me  to  tliem. 


TO  DANIEL  WILLIAMS,  ESQ. 
[AmogTtpb,  in  tUe  possession  of  Williom  UpcoU,  Esq.    Vide  p.  P,  «nle.' 

Aifiuuenuiou,  Legborn,  Maj  Stk,  17 

Dear  Sir, 

The  last  time  I  was  here,  the  neutrality  of  Tuscany 
but  just  settled,  I  could  not  send  to  your  son  the  £20, 
you  desired,  and  which  1  should,  liad  it  been  possible, 
had  the  gi'eatcst  satisfaction  in  seuding  ;  and  at  Uiis  time 
Cartels   arc   expected  from   Toxdon    [widi]    sick   prisoi 
amongst  whom  I  hope,  and  have  little  doubt,  is  yoiu:  son* 
therefore  have  not  seat  the  money,  but  have  desired  Mr.  U( 
the  Consul,  to  advance  him  £20  immediately  on  his  arrival,! 
get  him  those  things  which  he  must  want ;  and  assure  you  ( 
shall,  with  his  other  friends,  be  very  glad  to  see  liim.     1 
that  this  account  of  your  sou  will  be  acceptable. 

1  am,  dear  Sir,  &c. 

IIoRATio  Nelson. 

t  beg  my  compliments  to  Mr.  Prestwood. 


TO  THOMAS  P0LLARD,_ESQ.  LBGHOllN. 
[Auto^^apli,  in  the  poasessiou  of  Joltu  Luxfonl,  Esq^.j 

May  22ai,  17 
Dear  Pollai'd, 

I  should  have  liked  to  have  heard  by  La  Fleclie,  who  j< 
yesterday,  that  you  were  quite  recovered,  but  I  hope  youl 

•  Vjde  p.  0,  KDtc. 

*  Lfl  Fli^clic,  11,  CHptain  Gore,  ofterwBrOa  Vioe-Adnund  Sir  John  Gore,  K.C 


LETTERS. 


80 


waidng  off  Miuorquc,  doing  nothing,  waiting  for  Lord 

and  with  continued  foul  winds  for  bis  Lordship,  from 

IT  of  our  sailing  from  Leghorn  :  tlie  moment  he  arrives  we 

[be  off  for  Toiilon,  and  only  have  to  hope  we  shall  fall  in 

|ibe  Euemy^s  Fleet  before  tbey  do  any  harm,  for  I  must 

re  they  are  at  sea.     We  chase  nothing,  although  we  see 

Vessels  who  may  be  French  for  aught  we  can  tell.    Pray 

I  the  eoclosed  and  let  me  hear  from  you,  and  if  possible 

\  me  a  newspaper. 

Believe  me  ever  your  obliged 

HoiuTio  Nelson, 


TO  MRS.  NEI^ON. 

[Fram  Cluke  and  M'Anhor,  toI.  L  p.  210.] 

Off  MiDorc*,  2»tl»  May,  [to  June  16lh,]  1798. 

we  liave  no  accoimts  of  Lord  Hood's  having  actually 

tm  St.  Helen's  :  and  what  they  can  mcau  by  sending 

I  only  five  Sail  of  the  Line,  is  truly  astonishing ;  but 

are  alike,  and  we  in  this  Country  do  not  find  any 

jdment,  or  alteration,  from  the  old  Board  of  Adnoiralty. 

should  know  that  half  the  Ships  in  this  Fleet  require  to 

[to  England,  and  that  long  ago  they  ought  to  have  reiu- 

nd  us.     At  this  moment  our  operations  are  at  a  stand,  for 

lit  of  Ship-s  to  support  the  Ausirians  in  getting  possession  of 

Sea-coast   of  the  King  of  Sardinia ;    and   behold,   our 

does  not  feel  hunself  equal  to  shew  himself,  nuich  less 

»e  assistance  in  tlieir  operations. 

7th. — We  have  been  off  here  verj'  nearly  u  month,  ex- 
cling  first  Lord  Hood,  then  Admiral  Dickson.     We  have 
much  by  Lord   Hood's  going  to    England,    and   much 
e,  probably,  by  his  not  returning. 

uc  I5ih. — Yesterday,  Admiral  Man^  joined  us,  witli  a 
in  from  England.  Lord  Hood  enclosed  me  a  copy  of 
from  Lord  Spencer  about  me,  acknowledging  my  pre- 


ItAen  Mku,  Rnt  Adsunkl  or  the  Blup,  whose  Fla(;  kaa  Hying  ia  the  Coid- 
li,  CapMin  fitinholomew  Stmuel  £owley.  Xlie  S^uadxoB  coaauted  of 
iMclUwLJDc. 


40 


LETTERS. 


tensions  to  favour  and  distinctiou,  when  proper  opportiii 
offer.     This  letter  was  written  before  the  account  of  our  At 
had  arrived  ;  tliat  may  throw  an  additional  weight  into  the 
for  me.     However,  I  hope  to  save  my  pay,  which,  with  n 
addition,  will  buy  us  a  ver\-  small  cottage,  where  1  shall 
happy  as  in  a  house  as  large  as  Holkham. 

Yoius,  &c. 

Horatio  Nei 


TO  THOMAS  POLLAIID,  ESQ.  LEGHORN. 
[Autograph,  in  tli«  poairessiou  of  JoLn  Lnsford,  Esq.] 

May  20Ul,  1! 

Dear  Pollard, 
Pray  be  so  good  as  to  forward  the  enclosed  for  mo.     I 
cerely  hope  you  are   quite  recovered.     I  hear  from  a 
the  Fleet,  who  johied  the  Fleet  by  La  Fleche,  that  in  the; 
Office  are  h  ing  throe  letters  for  me  ;  be  so  kind  as  to  in^ 
[and  get]  hoklof  them.    The  Argo*  joined  yesterday, bat; 
of  U.S,  except  the  Admiral,  has  any  communication  with 
tliereforc  we  are  ignorant  if  she  has  any  letters  for  us.     I 

you  by  La  Fleche. 

Believe  me,  ever  yours  tndy, 

Horatio  Nelsox. 

If  any  opportunity  offers,  you  will  be  so  good  as  to  order] 
me  some  green  almonds,  and  whatever  else  will  keep :  all  willj 
be  acceptable. 

TO  WILLLUtf  SUCKLING,  ESQ. 
[From  "TLe  AtheiiBum."] 

June  7t}i,  off  Port  Ma 
My  dear  Sir, 
I  have  really  not  a  moment  to  say,  '  pray  send  the  endc 
to  Mrs.  Nelson,  as  probably  she  ha.s  left  Bath.'    No  reinfa 
raents,  nor  do  wc  hear  of  any  arriving,  yet  in  the  Met 


•  The  Argo,  -14,  Capiain  RicUurd  RuDilcU  Burge««,  who  W(u  alaiu  in  c« 
of  ihx  Ardent,  at  Camperdowii. 


LETTERS 


41 


'Vhe  Frencli  have  not  yet  sailed  from  I'oulon,  but  all 
— tweuly-OTie  Sail  of  the  Line,  thirteen  Frigates.  Txv\y 
»m  I  that  Ijortl  Hood  does  not  eonimiuid  ns :  he  is  a 
iccT  ;  and  were  he  here,  we  should  not  now  be  skullt- 
itli  kiudest  remembrances,  believe  me 

Your  aflectionate 

Horatio  Nelson. 


RlGirr  HON.  WILLIAM  WINDHAM,  SECRETARY  AT  WAR. 
[^AatagrB|ih  driuigkt,  in  Ui«  Nelnon  Piqiers.] 

8Ui  .June,  1703. 

1  liave  been  in  wailing  for  Lord  Hood's  arrival  in  these  seas, 
||Mhu  Lordship  mi^ht  have  sujiported  m}'  ajiplication  for  an 
jftmrance,  which  I  believe,  from  my  great  length  of  ser\icc  on 
will  be  considered  as  just. 
landed  on  tlie  4ih  of  April,  [1794,]  to  command  tlie 
assisting  in  the  reduction  of  Bastia,  and  remained  in 
Command  till  every  cannon  and  store  was  crabarkcd  for 
■iegeofCalvi,  which  was  the  6th  of  June,  [1794.]  Between 
day  and  the  lOih,  I  went  in  tlie  Command  of  my  Ship 
Lord  Hood  in  search  of  the  French  Squadron  then  at  sea, 
b  got  into  Gonijean  Bay,  when  Lord  Hood  sent  mc  to 
otx  the  expedition  in  concert  with  General  Stuart  against 
I  embarked  the  Troops  &c.  from  Bastia,  and  landed 
them  and  a  number  of  seamen  under  my  Command  on 
lOtli  of  .lime,  and  served  on  shore  until  the  surrender  of 
place  ;  and  on  the  I2dj  of  August,  I  embarked  by  order  of 
Hix»d  with  tlie  seamen,  and  sailed  from  Calvi  so  soon  as 
,  in  obedience  to  my  orders  from  liis  Lordship,  embarked 
garrison  for  Toulon.  I  trust  I  do  not  ask  an  improper 
when  I  request  that  the  same  allowance  may  be  made  to 
ae  t»  would  be  made  to  a  laud  Officer  of  my  rank,  which, 
KtBated  as  I  was,  woidd  have  been  that  of  a  Brigadier  General, 
oraty  addiuonal  expenses  paid  me. 


•  TUc  trinforcemenl  Bnived  on  tlie  J4tli  of  .Tune.    Vide  p.  30,  ante. 


49 


LETTERS. 


[U 


I  have  stated  my  case,  Sir,  plainly,  and  leave  it  xo 
wisdom  to  act  in  it  as  is  proper.' 

I  am,  Sir,  &c. 
Horatio  N. 

[Tbe  followiog  purAgrnpb  also  occurs  uu  tlte  some  draagkt,  bat  it  k  iiui  i 
lliAt  it  fonned  port  of  Uie  letter  iUclf : — ] 

Tliis  is  my  case,  which  I  have  stated  plainly,  and  have 
to  request  lliat  the  saaic  allowance  may  be  made  to  u\e  as 
have  been  to  a  I^nd  Officer  of  equal  rank,  which  I  ol 
stand  is  tliat  of  Brigadier  General,  the  same  as  Sir 
Curtis  had  at  Gibraltar. 


TO  THE  REV.  MR.  NELSON,  inLBOROUGH. 

[Autograph,  in  »l»e  Nelson  Papers.] 

.time  8tli,  1709,  off  the  Idtad  of 
My  dear  Brother, 
We  have  been  cruising  off  here  for  a  long  month,  every i 
ment  in  expectation  of  reinforcements  from  England, 
hopes  aie  now  entirely  dwindled  away,  and  1  give  up  all  ci- 
pectation  :  tlien  comes  accounts  of  Lord  Hood's  resignatiaoJ 
Oh,  miserable  Board  of  Admiralty  !  They  have  forced  A 
first  Officer  in  our  Semce  away  from  his  command.  H 
late  Board  may  have  lost  a  few  Merchant- vessels  by  the! 
neglect :  this  Board  has  riske<l  a  whole  Fleet  of  Men-of-Wil 
Great  good  fortune  ha&  liithei'to  saved  us,  what  none  in  tltt 
Fleet  could  have  expected  for  so  long  a  time.  Near  tm 
months  we  have  been  skulkiug  frum  them.  Had  they  not  go 
so  much  cut  up  ou  the  I4ih  of  March,  Corsica,  Rome,  aui 
Naples  would,  at  this  moment,  ha>  e  been  in  their  possession 
and  may  yet,  if  these  people^  do  not  make  haste  to  help  us. 
am  out  of  spirits,  although  never  better  in  healtli.  Wit 
kindest  regards  to  Mrs.  Nelson  and  my  Aunt,  believi 
ever 

Yoiu:  most  afl'ectionate  brother, 

Horatio  NelsonT 

'  He  wiu  informed  hj  Mr.  Windlinm,  on  ilir  'ilM  of  JuJj,  1795,  in  replr  to 
letter,  "  Tlitd  no  pay  lias  ever  been  iasiieil  nuder  ihc  dixectiou,  or  to  the  knuwled^  i 
this  Offlcp,  to  ()lBei;rs  of  the  Nav)  scnlng  wiib  tUe  Amay  on  shore.'" — Onytnui, . 
the  Nchou  Papers. 

*  Vide  p.  -J^,  ouie.  '  The  Admiralty. 


88.] 


LETTEBa 


48 


TO  THOMAS  POLI^RD,  ESQ. 
[ Aotogropb,  in  the  posieesion  of  Josiali  Frettcb,  Esq.] 

JuneStb,  irOft. 

I>ear  Pollard, 
BO  good  as  to  send  the  inclosed  as  directed,  aiid  you 
ly  forty  zcchins  on  the  Ist  of  July>  as  by  my  order  sent 
;  but  before  that  I  hope  we  shall  have  defeated  the 
r*«  Fleet,  and  I  shall  be  at  Ijeghoni. 

Believe  me  ever  your  obliged 

Horatio  Nelson. 


TO  WILUAil  LOCKER,  ESQn  LIEUT.-GOVERNOB,  ROVAL 
HOSPnAL,   GREENWICH. 

[Autogrftpli,  to  the  Looker  Ftpen.] 

Off  Minorca,  Juiie  IStii,  170fi. 

My  dt-ar  Friend, 

|]  received  your  kind  letter  of  April  15,  on  the  14th  of  Juno, 

beu  Admiral  Man  joined,  and  my  friend  Williams  yesterday, 

a  book,  by  Mr.  Summers,*  who  I  sliall  be  glad  to  be 

itivc  to.     Great  changes  have  taken  j)lace  in  this  Fleet, 

more  are  on  the  eve  of  taking  place,  as  the  Admiral 

a  messenger  every  day,  M-ith  the  accoimt  of  the  promo- 

of  Kcveral  Captains  here  :  perhaps  die  Admiralty-  may 

sion  me  for  some  Ship  here ;  if  so,  pro'»ided  they  give 

Marines,  1  shall  feel  myself  bound  t<j  take  her,  much 

1 1  oJyect  lo  serving  another  winter  campaign  without  a  little 

We  are   now   waiting   for   the  Convoy's  arrival   from 

Khreltar,  and  as  tlie  winds  hang  easterly,  they  may  be  some 

ae  before  they  arrive.    The  French  say  they  will  tight  us 

ain,  provided  wc  arc  not  more  than  two  or  three  Ships  supe- 

•;  I  can  hardly  believe  they  are  such  fools  :  pray  God  they 

AH  is  squabbles  at  Toulon,  one  i>nrty  in  possession  of 

great  Fort,  Le  Malgue,  tlie  Jacobins  uf  the  Arsenal  and 

The  Fleet  came  to  sea  for  two  days,  but  are  gone  back, 

joiued  the  Jacobins ;  the  Austrians  and  Piedmontese  are 

*  Hi.  Jtmt»  Sonmeni  who  wu  mode  a  Licntennnt  in  the  foliowiag  jtu. 


41 


LETTERS. 


179& 


waiting  onlj  for  our  getting  to  the  eastward  to  take  Vado  Baj. 
which  will  be  a  fine  anchorage  for  u».  We  hare  our  wants  UM 
our  wishes  in  tlie  Fleet ;  but,  upon  the  whole,  I  believe  we  arc 
much  more  comfortable  than  the  Home  l-leet,  and  our  peojda 
veiy  healthy  ;  the  scuny  not  known ;  we  eat  very  little  sift 
meat.  From  the  little  I  hare  seen  of  Mr.  ChamockV  book,  I 
think  it  a  good  tiling.  It  will  perpetuate  the  name  of  manyi 
brave  Officer  whose  services  would  be  forgot.  I  intend  to  seal 
[by]  ilie  Argo,  or  one  of  the  Ships  of  the  Convoy,  y 
quarter-cask  of  sherr^-,  but  how  it  is  to  be  got  from  Portsmouill 
to  Greenwich  is  the  greatest  difficulty.  I  shall  keep  this  IciW 
open  till  I  hear  of  a  Vessel  going  to  Leghorn ;  but  our  A 
gives  us  but  verj*  little  notice. 

Jtuie  IDth. — Mr.  Summers  is  recommended  by  Lord 
to  Admiral  Hothani,  and  HoUoway  has  put  your  good 
for  the  young  man  against  his  name ;  and  he  will  ce 
very  soon  made  a  Lieutenant. 

June  20th. — A  Vessel  going  to  Leghorn,  no  Convoy  in 
With  kindest  remembrance  to  your  family,  aud  Mr.  B 
believe  me  ever  your 

Most  obliged,  affecUonale 

Horatio  NelsoI 

Uotham  desires  his  compliments. 


TO  WILLIAM  SUCKLING,  ESQ. 
[From  "  Tlic  AUieii«niB."] 

Off  MluorcA,  June  SOtli.  K 
My  dear  Sir, 
I  am  almost  afraid  that,  by  the  new  regulations  of 
may  be  wrong  to  send  you  an  enclosure  :  if  so,  will  you 
the  goodness  to  tell  me  r     Our  reinforcements  of  Men-of- 
joined  us  on  the  1 4th;  but  we  are  now  awaiting  the  Cor 
which,  as  the  wind  is  fair,  may  be  every  hour  expected. 

•  "Diugni|i)iin  Niiv«li»,  or,  Impartinl  Memr>irs  of  the  Lms  aod  CI 
Offlrers  of  the  Savy  of  Greftt  BriUin,  from  Uje  yew  WtlO  lo  tbe  pr«8eiit 
.lolin  Cliiiruook,  Ksq."  Six  \oIqjbc»  8vo.    The  flr«l  voliimo   of  liic  "  Bingrnpbij 
NaTolin"  was  |iubl»licd  in  1791 ;  the  Bcrouil,  in  171)0  ;  lUo  tliird,  fourtli,  aud  . 
In  1797;  ■•«'  "-iiiitlli,  in  179P. 


LETTERS. 


45 


tEuemy  will  come  out,  although  we  have  got  our  rein- 
:  if  so,  I  do  not  think  they  vnll  all  go  back  again — 
id  us  a  good  and  speedy  meeting !  1  have  some 
to  expect  I  shall  have  the  Marines,  or  my  Flag.  If 
re  n»e  the  Last,  T  shall  be  half  ruined :  unless  I  am  im  - 
ely  employed  in  this  Country-,  I  should,  by  the  tiu^e  I 
iu  England,  be  a  loser,  several  hundred  of  pounds  out 
tket.  The  former  would  be  verj-  pleasant,  as  it  would 
jj^ne  additional  pay,  and  not  take  mc  from  actual  service, 
^^  would  distress  me  much,  more  especially  as  I  ahnost 
Hrt  these  people  will  be  mad  enough  to  come  out ;  for  I 
Pnothing  could  give  me  more  pleasure  than  a  good  dnib- 
ibg  to  them  ;  and,  in  Agamemnon,  we  are  so  used  to  service, 
hit  there  is  not  a  man  in  the  Ship  but  what  wishes  to  meet 
km. 
How  is  Mr.  Riunsey  ?  Remember  me  kindly  to  him  ;  tlie 
^orer,  I  shall  have  great  pleasiue  in  taking  him  by  the 
My  best  wishes  attend  Mrs.  Suckling,  Miss  Suckling, 
every  part  of  your  family,  and  believe  me  ever 
Yoiur  most  affectionate  nephew, 

HoKATio  Nelson. 


:  REVEREND  DIXON  HOSTE,  GODWICK  HALL,  NORFOLK. 
[Aall>y|»h,  in  tbe  pouemion  of  Cajitoio  Sir  Williani  Iloiite,  Burt.] 

Agiuitemuon,  off  Minorca,  June  2^Dd,  1799. 
ify  dear  Sir, 

Jiough  your  good  son  writer  tlic  day  of  receiving  a  letter 

I  yoti,  yet  1  will  not  let  the  opportunity  slip  of  sending  a 

tluuik  you  for  your  news.     The  changes  and  politics 

[iniitters  and  men  are  so  various,  that  I  am  brouglit  to 

re  all  ai'C  alike ;  the  loaves  and  fishes  arc  all  the  look  out. 

[in*  and  outs  are  the  same,  let  fliem  change  places.     The 

ordinary  circumi^tance  of  tho   Prince  of  Wales's  debts  is 

,  more  lamentable :  Ids  best  friends  must  be  hurt,  and  the 

are,  as  far  as  I  hear,  as  much  in  debt  as  people  will 

llthem.     Tliey  are  of  an  age  to  know  better,  and  if  they 

lot  pracdso  what  they  know,  they  ought  to  be  punished, 

ting  tliem  feel  that  want  they  are  making  others   so 


46 


LETTERS. 


severely  partake  of.     However,  I  trust  if  this  debt  is 
more  paid,  that  he  ^vil]  be  acquainted  by  the  Nation  they 
pay  no  more  for  liim.     AMiat  a  figure  would   tlio  Du] 
Clarence  have  made  had  he  seiTcd,  out  of  debt  and  bell 
by  the  natiou;  in  short,  oiu-  jirofession,  in  tear,  is  so  pof 
that  he  might  ha\  e  done  what  he  pleased. 

We  have  just  got  accounts  that  the  French  Fleet  is 
twenty -two  Sail  of  the  I»ine,     Sir  Sydney  Smith  did  not] 
them  all* — Lord  Hood   mistook   the  man:  there  is  an^ 
song,  Great  talkers  do  the  least,  we  see.     Admiral  Ho 
is   waiting  here    witli  twenty   English   and    two   Neaj 
Ships   of  the   Line,   for   our  invaluable   Convoy  of  S^ 
Provisions,  and  Troops  from  Gibraltar.     I  hope  the  El 
will  not  pass  us   tn  tlic  westward,  and  take  hold  of 
This   Fleet  must  regret  the   loss  of  Lord   Hood,   the  i 
Officer,  take  him  altogether,  that  England  has  to 
Lord  Howe  certainly  is  a  gi-eat  Officer  in  the  raanageme 
a  Fleet,  but  that  is  all.     Lord  Hood  is  equally  great  ii 
situations  which  an  Admiral  can  l>e  placed  in.     Our  pi 
Admiral  is  a.  worthy,  good  man,  but  not  by  any  means  C( 
cither  Lord  Hood  or  Lord  Howe.     Fame  says  I  am  to 
my  Flag  or  the  Marines ;  1  hope  the  latter.    The  former ' 
most  likely  throw  uie  out  of  service,  which  I  should  very 
regret:    I  long  for  ttne  more  good  Action  with  this  Fleet, i 
then  peace.     I  beg  my  best  respects  to  Mrs.  Iloste,  and 
to  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Coke :'  1  hope  a  sou  will  come  fortli. 
1  am,  dear  Sir, 

Your  very  failhfid  ser^•ant, 
HoiuTio  Nbi 


TO  THE  REVEREND  MR.  NELSON,  HILBOROUGU. 

[AutognpL,  in  Uie  NcIsod  rnpera.j 

Agunumtou,  off  Minorcn,  June  !22n4, 11 
My  dear  Brother, 
I  have  tlvis  moment  received  your  letter  of  May  13th,  j 

*  At  Touloo,  ill  1703.     8ir  Siduey  SmiUi'i  exali«d  opiuJoii  of  bis  own 
(however  justified  by  hi«  undoubted  ^«lliintr)r  and  zoo],)  srenii*  to  have  giveii  i 
to  niaiiy  eaiiucut  OfQi-ers  IkiiIi  of  tlic  Nnvy  luid  Army. 

'  or  Holklioni. — No  Son  did  "  come  forth"  iinill  ttlet  Mr.  Coke's  second  ma 
in  1832,  witli  Lady  Aime  Kcppel,  by  wliom  be  had  the  present  £arl  of  Lcioes 


V.36.] 


LETTERS. 


47 


1300  men. 


M  Aduiiral  has  made  u  Sbip'g  signal  for  Leghorn,  I  write 
jWi  A  line.  I  wrote  you  some  time  ago  about  tJie  Action, 
pi  belicre  Ivavc  wrote  since.  I  shall  only  write  you  heads : 
pdang  (tarticular.  1  need  not  say  1  am  n<»t  Captain  of  tlie 
^  In.  She  required  tou  much  repair  lor  me  to  remain  inac- 
♦hiUt  ahe  was  fiiiiug.  At  present  she  is  a  Prison -sliip." 
Cen»«!UrJ  goes  home  next  Convoy.  The  particulars  of  the 
I  must  defer  till  we  meet  in  England,  when  I  can  shew 
my  account  of  it,  with  plans  &c.  Qa  Ira  is  on  twu-declis, 
84  guns,  3(5 ...  24  ...  12  French  weight 
English   42  ...27...  14 

inoh  killed  and  wounded  110  men,  more  by  seaman- 
llafi  fighting.  We  lost  only  .seven  men  wounded,  tliree  of 
are  since  dead.     Had  not  tlie  Saus  Culotte  bore  down 
mA  fiTvd  on  me,  I  wobld  have  taken  her.     She  is  die  largest 
ker  1  ever  saw. 

liiHl  Man  joined  us  on  tlie   14th,  with  si.\  Sail  of  the 

that  we  axe  now  twenty  Sail  of  the  Line,  English,  and 

politans.     We  have  this  day  accounts  of  tlie  French 

being  at  sea  with  twenty-two  Sail  of  the  Line,  and 

ble  Frigates,  &c.     We  are  wailing  for  our  valuable 

toy  from  Gibraltar,  expected  every  moment ;  are  totally 

t  which  way  the  Enemy's  Fleet  are  gone  :  hope  sincerely 

»ill  not  fall  in  with  oiu-  Convoy,  but  (jur  Admiral  takes 

easy.     Lord  Hood's  absence  is  a  great  National  loss ; 

if  we  have  the  good  fortime  to  fall  in  with  tlie  Enemy's 

Icet,  tile  event  will  be  what  no  Englishman  can  duubt. 

As  you  seem  so  anxious  about  Hilborough,  1  am  triUy  sorry 

y  imyiediment  should  be  in  the  way  of  a  final  settlement. 

rune  sayx  I  am  likely  to  be  an  Admiral;  I  hope  not:  the 

kmclcj-  of  Marines  would  suit  me  much  better  at  present. 

tbanloi  to  Mrs.  Nelson,  my  Aunt,  and  all  our  Swaffham 

for  dieir  kind  congratulations.     If  1  imi  unfortunately 

>  Admiral,  I  sliall  soon  sec  them,  for  we  have  more  already 

i*  wanted.     1  am  glad  to  hear  MissCliarlotte  and  Horace 

got  so  forward  as  to  think  of  going  to  school :  give  my  kind 

e  ki  them.     I  assure  you  I  shall  rettim  again  to  the  farm 


St.  Flnrrnr».     Shr  wn»  Irarat  by  iinrid«ni  on  the  llUi  of  April,  1700. 
'  rkli  tUf  wm  rtukan  off  Cupe  St.  Viiic»'ut,  on  ber  pBsa*^  to  Etiglaad,  by  » 
Tmh  Sfoadroa  on  iIk  <Ui  of  Octobei  foUuwiug. 


48 


LETTERS. 


mtli  no  small  degree  of  satisfactlou :  it  is  the  happiest  of  III 
if  people  will  but  be  contented. 

Believe  me  ever, 

Your  most  aifectionate  Brother, 
HoiuTio  Nelsos, 
I  shall  write  to  Suckling  verj-  soon. 
I  have  to  boast,  what  no  Officer  can  this  war,  or  any  oil 
that  I  know  of,  being,  in  15  months,  110  days  iii  Acdon 
Sea  and  on  Shore. 


TO  MItS»  NELSON. 
[From  Ctu-ke  imi!  M' Arthur,  vol.  i.  p.  211.] 

St.  Fiorenzo,  Isi  Jnly,  ITttr^ 

Our  Convoy  baring  joined  us  on  the  2'2nd,  we  made  u3l 
for  this  Port,  and  arrived  all  safe  on  the  29lh  ;  so  far  we  are 
fortunate.     The  French  Fleet  of  seventeen  Sail  of  dielirti 
are  out,  but  only  to  exercise  their  men,  at  least  our  good  ki 
liral  says  so  :  however,  they  may  make  a  dash,  and  pick  i 
)mething.     We  have  Zealous,  KCvcnty-four,'  and  three 
nance  Ships  expected  daily  from  Gibraltar.     I  hope  they 
not  look  out  for  them.     Two  French   Frigates  were  for 
days  very  near  us,  as  we  are  iiifuinied  by  Neutral  Vessels.    Ij 
requested  the  .Admiral  to  let  me  go  after  them ;  but  he  would] 
not  part  with  a  Ship  of  tlie  Line.     Wheu  tlie  Fleet  bore  awajr  1 
for  tluM  place,  lie  sent  two  small  Frigates,  Dido  and  LowestoftJ 
to  look  into  Toulon  ;  and  the  day  after  they  parted  from  itf, 
they  fell  in  with   the  two  Frigates.     It  was  a  very  handsome  I 
done  thing  in  tlie  Captains,  who  are  Towry  and  MiddletoOi'j 


■  Commodore  ClirLttopher  >[«i!)oii,  (.'aiaiiiu  J.  YoniiB'. 

'  The  following  account  of  Liu.i  gidlant  actiuii  is  given  by  Clarke  and  %r.Utburi] 
from  tbe  Letter  ol  Licrutenoiit  Oeorgi?  Clikrke,  first  Licutenaut  of  the  Lo«-r«to0k.l 
The  Didn  wms  cnnimatiiled  br  Caiitiiin  Gcor)^  Henry  Tii«rry,  and  tbe  LoweMtoflc.  M 
Captain  Robert  (jambier  Midilleion.  "  On  tlie 'Ittli  of  Juno,  179^,  the  DUo.tj 
little  eigUt  tiud  nventy,  of  uiue-iMnmiierr<,  uwl  the  Loirt'iftolTe,  u  two  aiid  tUirty, 
t«elve-]K)undor!i,  bad  to  conteud  with  tbe  suiwrior  force  of  La  Miiicr\«,  forty 
eigbteea  pouader.<),  and  L'Artemise,  of  tlurty-«ix  tweive-poundcrs  :  each  Laviuf  i 
boiinl  ;i'>n  rapH.  Tbf  Dido  biui  '.100,  lb*  Lowpstoffe.  U'iO.  Can  you  credit 
having  gaiued  a  complete  victory,  witli  such  odds  agaiuist  uii '.'  and  further,  that 
LowestoSci  had  not  a  man  hurt  7     Tbe  Dido  bod  six  men  killed,  iind  twenty  i 


LETTERS. 


49 


[ooicb  cre<lit  must  be  due  to  Uiese  Officers,  ami  tlipir  Sliipg' 

God,  tlie   superiority  of  the  Britisli  Na\y  reuiaius, 
hope  ever  will:    I  feel  quite  delighted  at  die  event. 
our  present  THeet  but  one  good  chance  at  the  Enemy, 
conscience,  without  exaggeration,  I  believe  that  if  the 
lind  would  let  us  pursue,  we  shonkl  talte  them  all. 

Yonrs,  &c., 

IIoiuTio  Nelson. 


TO  WILLIAM   LOCKER,   r:SQ.,  LIEI  TENAM-OOVERNOR 
nOVAL   HOSPITAL,   GREENWK^H, 

[Antognipb,  in  the  Locker  Papers,] 

Aguueuiiioii,  oQ'Cspc  Cur^e,  July  BtU,  1709. 

My  dear  Friend, 

,Mr.  Summers  is  now  fourth  Lieutenant  of  the  Agamemnon, 

tf  the  vacancy  is  not  by  death,  but  in  tin;  room  of  an 

invalided,  it  may  be  necessary  to  have  a  friend  to  say  a 

at  tlie  Admiralty  for  his  immediate   coniirniation :  not 

it  is  likely  they  will  send  out  Lieutenants  to  such  va- 

I  told  Admiral  Hotham  of  your  good  wishes  for  the 

man. 

are  now  at  sea,  looking  for  the  French  Fleet,  which 
myself  and  two  Frigates  into  Fiorenzo,  yesterday  aftcr- 
The  Admiral  had  sent  me,  and  some  Frigates,'  to  co- 

I  Um!  was  Um  Commodare,  ami  led  on ;  the  Freuoh  Cominixlnre  ran  aboard 
^b  fOllM^oemic  at  whirh  Uie  Dido's  niizeA-niast  was  carrii'd  uwity ;   uud  iu  tluK 
MfigemeAt,  tb«  diirf  (nut  or  the  nipn  nUuve  tD^iuioucd  vteie  killed    mui 
Al  tliLi  janctnr<>  tli<<   LnweHtoflV  cniue  up,  oiid  ritkcd  th*.>  Fn-iii'liuiaii ; 
■till  al  Uiiii  ou  lluf  lec'bow.     ,\way  «°cut   Miiiervc'fl  ror«-iuiu<i,  Ixivrsjirit, 
laMC,  and   miz«n-nui«t.     The   other  fellow,   a  tno-it  ubomiudLle    coward, 
tfas  •  liitir,  cheered  off,  and  lb<^   LoweNlolfe  mode  after  Uini ;  liut,  owing  \o 
mBinf.  lie  nnlbitiaiatcl/ got  away,     la  the  nii'aiitimo,  th«  Dido,  who  had 
tto  Tvpatr  dooMfsa,  tnnde  onr  signiU  lo  rvtum,  «o  Lowe$^tuf^e  lacked,  and 
io  l«warl»  MuiiTvc ;  when  we  favoured  her  so  plentifiiUv  with  Khol,  that 
tWNaiioiiiil  ilag  to  t»e  xtruck — what  ihrce  hearty  cheers  wc  gave!"     In 
.  Towrys  Official  I.otler,  Admiral  Ilolliaiii  deHcrihed  the  oflnir  as 
'^liirited  ai-Uuij,"  whii-li   "  rellei:Ied   ihe   highest  hoiinur    on  Ike 
aiui  C  rows." 

11  tlir  4lli  Inxliiui  from  Si.  Fiorenaio,  tb«  Sliipa  named  in  Uie 

u.  Meleaerr,  Ariadne,  MoAclle,    Muline,  CutUr,]   under   the 
E 


50 


LETTER& 


u 


operate  with  the  Austrian  General*  in  the  Riviera  of  G 
when  off  Cape  delle  Melle  I  fell  in  with  tlie  Enemj, 
expecting  to  get  hold  of  us,  were  induced  to  chase  us  on 
knowing,  I  am  certain,  from  their  movements,  that  our 
wan  returned  into  Port.*    The  chase  lasted  twenty-four 
and,  omng  to  the  fickleness  of  tlic  winds  in  these 
times  was  hard  pressed  i  but  they  being  neither  Sei 
Officers,  gave  us  many  advantages.     Our  Fleet  had  the 
fication  to  see  me  seven  hours  almost  in  their  possession ; 
shore  »vas  our  great  friend,  but  a  calm  and  swell  prevented 
Fleet  from  getting  out  till  tliis  morning.*   The  Enemy  wei 
yesterday  evening,  and  I  fear  we  shall  not  overtake  them ; 
in  this  country  no  person  can  say  anything  about  winds, 
wc  have  that  good  fortune,  I  have  no  doubt  but  we  shall 
a  very  good  accouiit  of  tlieni,  seventeen  Sail  of  tlie  Lin 
Frigates  ;  we  twenty-three  of  the  Line,  and  as  fine  a  Fli 
ever  graced  the  seas. 

July  14th. — Yesterday  we  got  sight  of  the  French 
our  flyers  were  able  to  get  near  them,  but  not  nearer  than 
gun-shot:  had  the  wind  lasted  ten  minutes  longer,  the 
Ships  would  have  each  been  alongside  six  of  the  Enemy 
Man^  commanded  us,  and  a  good  man  he  is  in  every  sense 
the  wf)rd.*     I  had  everj'  expectation  of  getting  Agamemnon 

orders  of  C'Kptwu  NcUon,  whom  I  directed  to  call  oft  Geno«  for  llio  IncoRiiiant 
SonthMTijiion  Frigntefi  tiiat  were  lying  there,  and  to  take  them  vritL  Lim,  if  from  iM 
int«Uigence  he  might  there  obtain  he  shoald  fiuA  it  necessary.  Ou  the  morning  of 
the  7th,  I  was  mtich  siuxirised  to  learn  Unit  the  ahoAo  Squadron  wa*  •jfti  in  tli» 
nlQng  retiiming  into  Port,  pursued  by  the  Kuemy's  Fleet,  which,  by  Ciriiri«t  it 
VinV  letter,  (the  latest  accrmnt  I  had  reeeived.)  I  had  reagon  to  «tipp"t«  *«« 
certainly  in  Toulon." — Admirai  Hotham't  IHtpatrfi,  Ulh  .Tiily.  ITflft 

'  General  dc  Vina. 

»  St.  Fiorcnio,  in  Comica. 

*  Jttinea  (Kaval  HUlory,  i.,  206,  207,)  atatds  that  the  piiranii  of  the  Fnod 
Fleet  bewail  on  the  Tlh  of  July,  that  they  chased  the  Agamemnon  witliin  wg)R 
of  Admiral  Hothain'»  fleet  in  San  Fiorenio  Bay,  at  0,  illt  a.m.,  on  the  Hih,  but 
tlipy  were  prevented  flrom  floilinif  immeiiiatety,  by  the  wind  blowing  riifht  into 
Bay,  and  by  most  of  (he  Ships  Ik-ihr  employed  in  watering  and  reilttXng.  Wtd 
great  exerttenn,  however,  they  put  lo  sea  at  nine  in  the  evening. 

'  RenrAilmiral  Robert  Man,  who  hniitted  his  Flog  in  the  Viotoryon  that  Od 

*  James  ( i.  900)  ha'*  a<lrled  to  his  own  account  of  thia  nn<inti5ifiiclory,  nr  as  N«]mI 
{p.  08)  rMn  ji,  "mlberoble"  Action,  and   i  p.  '<i>  "  our  very  liiil*  biioineiM 
Note,  written  by  "  a*.  gallaJil  iin  Ailmirtd  n*  tin-  service  tan   boast,"  (,bni  widiholi 
hia  natne.)  who  wo*  ttien  a  lieutenant  ofiho  Victury,  Waring  Admiral  Man's  Fl 
wlilcli  ronuiinti  ««vere  rencctions  on  the  eonduot  of  that  Shiji,  and  conaoqucatly 
the  Ileal -Admiral. 


•longMoean  eighty-gim  Shij>,  widi  a  ring,  nr  Broad 

U ;  but  th«  west  wind  first  died  away,  then  came  east, 

rUdi  gave  tliem  tltc  wind,  and  enabled  them  to  reach  their 

CoMt,  from  which  they  were  not  more  tlian  eight  or  nine 

distant.     Rowley'  and  mysell"'  were  just  again  getting 

ito  c\nse.  Action,  when  the  Admiral  made  onr  signals  to  call 

off-*    The  Alcide,  seventy -foiir,  struck,  but  soon  afterwards 

K^  fir^j,  by  a  box  of  combustibles  in  her  fore-top,  and  she 

up ;  about  two  hundred  French  were  saved  by  our  Ships. 

die  tQomtng  I  was  certain  of  taking  their  whole  Fleet, 

of  six  Sail.     1  will  say  no  Ships  could  behave  better 

toon,* none  worse  than  the  French  ;  but  few  men  aie  killed, 

[Wl  oar  «ails  and  rigging  are  a  good  deal  cut  up.   Agamemnon, 

|«^  her  usual  good  luck,  has  none  killed,  and  only  one  badly 

vTHnifded  ;  by  chance,  for  I  am  siu-e  they  only  fired  high,  tliey 

I  pot  lereral  shot  under  water,  which  has  kept  [us]  ever  since  at 

[tlie  pomps.     The  Enemy  anchored  in  Frejus,  and  wo  are 

ring  for  Fiorenzo. 

Believe  me  ever  yours, 

Horatio  Nelson. 
Ibe  Calloden  lost  his  mala  top-roast  as  he  was  getting  along- 

A  Sefenty-four. 
Victoiry,    Admiral  Man;  Captain,    Reeve;    Agamemnon^ 
fdaon ;    Defence,    Weils ;  Cidloden,  Troubridge ;   Cumber- 
Rowley  ;  Blenheim,  Bazeley ;  I  think  was  every  Sliip.* 
If  1  hftro  omitted  any,  I  beg  their  pardons. 

*  C«|M*i:  w  Bijwuci  Rowley,  of  ilie  Ctunlterttuid,  BeTcnty-four;  be  died 
■I  Aiatiiml  ■■'.                  vrlule  CoDunajidi&g-iu-Chicf  ikt  Jamaica,  in  iMll. 

'  iimtt^  aKj9  tbt  aigiul  ntt  ono«  if  not  twica  reiieaUil  wiih  lUe  C  iimberliuid's 
fmimt^  Mbn  tlut  Ship  would  see  it;  luid  that  the  Bleitbeim,  Gibraltar,  Cai)taiii, 
^  a  lr«r  •tlicr  Ship*,  were  then  cloaing  with  tlic  Enemy'g  nu,  but  lie  dora  not 
%mm  aMtioo  tlte  AKiUDcmaou,  lliuugh  ii  would  appear  that  she  was  as  close  to  the 
Katay  m  ite  Cuiuberloiid. 

•  -  T\,w  ,if  nur  Slu|M  which  were  Q&gn^l  liiid  approached  so  near  lo  tlic  shor«. 
bat   '  I  ro{irr  lu  coll  thviu  olT  br  Aiiptal-" — Admind  Iluthmn*  Diijmlcli, 

.i.^-t   lo*t  one  MidKliipmnn.  and  U'u  seanicn  aud  nuirinet,  aud   oiic 
nil  iwmty-Uirec  snuni-ii  wutiuded.    The  Victor)  Buffered  n»ot>l.    Admiral 
b«  of  "  the  most  ditttinguikhcd  and  honourable  mauncr"  in  which  the 
iliwiy  t>U|M  Mklled  ihcni»clvc«  ot  (bi'ir  ponition;  bat  nout'd  no  oilier  ofllcer  in 
>  Dtifttli  than  Rear  Admiral  Man, 

I  don  not,  ■»  "u  o  famiur  uceosion,  (>idfl  p.'iO,  ante^  make  any  exccpiioa  . 
joMicw  of  Mr,  Jomm's  pointed  censure  of  the  Defence  (i.  20D)  may  b«| 

.«,  tmj  fUtif  «itgaeed  with  the  Enemy. 
E  2 


ii'4 


LETTER8. 


TO  H.  n.  II.  THE  DUKE  OF  CLARENCE. 


[From  Clarke  and  M'ArUiur,  vol.  i.  p.  'ilb.] 


Sir, 


15th  inly. 


Not  Laving  had 


I  stiJfl 


signification  to  tiie  contrar>' 
sutne  to  suppose,  llial  an  acx-otint  from  nic  of  the  operations  i 
this  Fleet  is  acceptable  to  your  Royal  Highne-ss. 

Tl>e  Agamemnon  was  sent  from  Fioreuzo  w-itli  a  sinal 
Squadron  of  Frigates  to  co-o]>eratc  with  the  Austrian  Genen 
de  Vins,  in  driving  tlie  French  out  of  the  Riviera  of  GeDOi| 
at  the  beginning  of  July.  On  the  6th,  I  fell  in  with  the  FreoCi 
Fleet  of  seventeen  Sail  of  the  Line  and  six  Frigates;  tli^ 
chased  me  tvveuty-fonr  hours,  and  close  over  to  St.  FioreitfO| 
but  our  Fleet  could  not  get  out  to  my  assistance.  However,  (S 
the  8th,  in  the  nioming,  Admiral  Hothain  sailed  with  twentf 
tJiree  Siiil  uf  the  Line;  and  on  the  IStli,  at  daylight,  got  si^ 
of  the  Enemy,  about  j^ix  leagues  soutii  of  the  Hicrus  Islondl 
A  signal  was  then  made  for  a  general  chase.  At  noon,  tfai 
Victory,  Admiral  Man,  with  CniUain,  Aganiennuni,  Cumber 
land,  Defence, and  CuUuden,  got  williiu  gun-shot  of  the  Eueny 
when  tlic  west  wind  failed  us,  and  threw  us  into  a  line  ab] 
A  light  air  soon  afterwards  coming  from  the  Eastward,  wi 
our  heads  to  the  northward,  as  did  the  Lneuiy,  and  the  A( 
commenced. 

It  was  imjiossible  for  us  to  close  with  them,  and  the 
from  tliuir  Ships  and  our  own  made  a  perfect  calm ; 
they,  being  to  windward,  drew  in  shore ;  our  Fleet  w: 
calnuul  six  or  seven  miles  to  the  westward.  The  Ble: 
and  Audaciotis  got  up  to  us  during  tlie  firing.  The 
struck  about  half-past  two,  and  niatiy  otliers  were  almost 
bad  a  state ;  but  slie  noon  afterwards  took  fire,  and  onlj 
lutudred  men  were  saved  out  of  her.  At  lialf-past  three  th 
Agamemnon  and  Cmnberland  were  closing  with  an  eigb^ 
gun  shi]i  with  a  Flag,  the  Berwick,  and  Ileureux,  when  A< 
miral  Hotham  diought  it  right  to  call  us  out  of  Action,  tl 
wind  being  directly  into  the  Gulf  of  Frejiis,  where  the  Eneir 
anchored  after  dark. 

llius  has  ended  our  second  meeting  with  these  gentrj'.    1 
the  forenoon  wo  had  every  prospect  of  taking  every   Sb 


LETTERS. 


56 


leet ;  and  at  nooD,  it  wait  almost  certain  we  .should 
d  the  six  near  Ships.  The  French  Admiral,  I  am 
Bot  a  wrise  man,  nor  au  Officer:  he  was  undetermined 
to  tight  or  tu  i\m  away :  however,  1  must  do  him  tlje 
>  say,  he  took  tlie  wisest  step  at  last.  Indeed,  I  be- 
I  Mediterranean  Fleet  is  as  fine  a  one  as  ever  graced 
n. 

iolloway '  is  Captain  of  tlie  Fleet,  a  good  man.     The 

■■n  have  still  twenty-one  Sail  at  sea  in  a  mondi,  but 

^PUJcve  they  can  ever  beat  us  in  their  present  uudis- 

state :    the    prisoners  we    liavc    seen    are    stanch 

Bf  and  I  really  believe  the  war  is  almost  at  an  end. 

ing  to  Genoa,  to  see  Mr.  Drake,  our  Minister,  and  to 

kbout  what  assistance  tbc  Admiral  can  afford  the  Aus- 

iLe  Riviera  of  Genoa.     We  have  just  got  accounts  of 

yr  being  taken  from  the  French. 

tl  am,  &c. 
lIoR.\Tio  Nelson. 


ESQ, 


118    EXCELLENCY    FRANCIS    DRAKE, 
MINISTER  AT  GENOA. 

,  in  llif  posvomion  of  Mn.  Barien,  the  iliuig1it«r  of  Mr.  Drike.] 

Agtunemnon,  Genoa  Mol«,  I8lli  July,  1705. 


llie  conversation  I  had  tlie  honour  to  liold  with  your 
►ncy  l.ist  evening,  it  appeared  to  you,  as  1  own  it  does 
If,  tliat  the  great  use  of  the  co-operation  between  His 

'»  Squadn3n  under  my  command,  and  the  Allied  Array 
teneral  de  Vins,  is  to  put  au  entire  stop  to  all  trade 

Genoa,  France,  and  places  occupied  by  the  .\nnie8 
ce ;  and  without  which  trade  is  stopped,  your  Exccl- 
tDs  me  it  is  almost  impossible  for  tJic  Allied  Army  to 
fis  present  simation,  and  much  less  possible  for  them 
f>rogi"csR  in  dri\-ing  the  French  out  of  the  Riviera 
'  and  by  the  paper  you  gave  me  to  read,  it  also  ap- 

Xm  your  opinion,  that  probably  Nice  itself  might  fall 


Kidlwii  OAmt,  wbo  wu  M  iniimatv  friend  of  Nelsou,  uul  who  died  n 
il,  •  Memoir  h  given  in  the  ninetrrutli  volume  of  the  Xaval  ChnmicU' 


54 


LETTERS. 


for  want  of  a  supply  of  provisions,  forage,  and  ammut 
coming  from  Genoa. 

I  have  the  honour  to  transmit  you  a  copy  of  Admiral 
tham's  orders  to  me,  on  my  coming  on  this  service  :  as,  i 
a  copy  of  an  order  dated  June  17th,'  which,   from  the 
possibility  of  being  complied  with  in  this  Country,  amotmt 
a    j>roliibition  of  similar  orders  which  have  been  giv 
England.     I  beg,  therefore,  to  submit  lo  your  Excel 
whether  it  will  not  be  proper  for  j'ou  to  ;mte  lo  Admiral  I 
thaui  on  this  subject,  stating  tlie  absolute  necessity  of  stof 
all  the  trade  which  may  pass  between  Genoa,  France, 
places  occupied  by  the  Amiics,  and  that  VentimigUa  tob 
considered  as  a  place  under  that  description  ;  for  if  a  Gi 
Vessel  may  pass  with  impunity  to  that  place,  nothing  can] 
vent  their  going  to  Nice,  and  every  French  Port  to  the 
ward  of  it. 

However,  Sir,  so  sensible  am  I  o[  the  necessity  of  vigc 
measures,  that  if  your  Excellency  will  tell  mc  tliat  it  is  fo 
benefit  of  His  Majesty's  sen  ice,  and  for  the  reasons  which] 
have  stated,  that  I  should  stop  aU  trade  between  tlic  Ne 
Towns  and  France,  and  places  occupied  by  the 
France,  considering  Venlimiglia  in  that  situation,  I  will 


'  Ailniinil  liotham's  Ottli-r  of  the   15tU  .hil.v,  17U.'),  niu  in  these  wonb:- 
lux-  hereby  required,  nod  dirfoti-U  to  ]»r<>coe<l  furtliwitL,  in  the  Sliip  you 
with  lliu  ^jllip^<,  Sloo{i,  nud  Culler  naineil  in  tlip  uiHrgin,  [ Meleager,  Ariadne,  T4 
Resolution  CuU«r,  wbojtc  C'tipuiu<!  Imve  my  orders  to  follow  your  dircciia 
Genoa,  whet*,  hjiou  your  oniviU,  you  ore  to  coufer  with  Mr.  Dntir,  his 
Minister  at  that  place,  on  Bach  points  ati  miiy  be  deemed  esbeutial  tuwardit ; 
operating  with  General  de  VIdb,  the  Comnninder-Lu-Cliief  of  tlie  Allied  At 
Italy,  for  the  benefit  of  the  common  Caaae  againit  the  F.nemy,  carrying  ( 
into  execution  m  expoditiously  as  possible.     Yon  ^rill  receive  his  EsMlle 
Drake  on  boaid  the  Agamemnon,  for  his  passage  with  yon  to  Vndo,  shoo 
deairoos  of  it.      Given  on  board  the  Hrttamiin,  Martelln  Bny,  Uie  15lh  day  ( 
17D0.    Vf.  HoTHAJ*." 

Admiral  Hothom's  Order  of  the  17th  June,  lTd"i,  was  fm  follows: — "  (Ch 
In«tmctinus.)  Yon  are  hereby  required  and  directed  to  take  all  posaible  rare  ntt 
give  any  jtist  cause  of  offence  to  the  Foreign  Powers  in  amity  with  Ilia  M^eatj.l 
whenever  any  Ships  or  Vessels  belonging  to  the  Siibject-i  of  those  Power*  shall 
detained  or  brought  l>y  you  into  Port,  you  are  lo  transmit  to  the  Seerelary  of  ( 
A<lmii'alty  a  eoraplete  speoificaliou  of  their  oargoei*.  by  the  first  op|vortunity  that 
offer,  and  not  to  in-'tiliile  any  leyal  proeos-i  ftgainsl  such  Ships  or  Vessels  until  lb 
Lordships'  furtlipr  uleasure  ».hall  be  luiowu.  Given  ott  board  Uio  Britaimia, 
Minorca,  1  '0-     W.  IIotbam." 


86.]  LETTERS.  65 

'  directions  to  the  Squadron  under  my  command  for  that 

I  have  the  honour  to  remain, 
Your  Excellency's  most  obedient,  humble  Servant, 

Horatio  Nelson. 

Il  dnagbt  of  LLis  L«Uer  L<  in  tlie  Nelson  Fnpera,  wlucb,  except  in  a 

.  words,  agree*  with  the  aboYe  ;  bill  after  the  words,  "  for  that  pur- 

!  fbDowiag  paasagm  an  added :— } 

Vessels  and  their  cargoes  lay  in  Vado  Bay,  until  I 
re  my  Commander-in-Chiefs  directions  about  them ; 
kr,  if  your  Excellency  thought  it  proper,  to  send  an  express  to 
id,  until  that  answer  coidd  return. 
He  great  obstacles,  Sir,  which  lie  before  me,  as  a  Captain 
iihi'  >Cavy,  are  briefly,  the  being  liable  to  prosecution  for 
and  damage,  and  the  danger  of  Agents  becoming^ 
>.  Suppose  I  stop  a  Genoese  Vessel,  loaded  witli  com 
e,  or  places  occupied  by  her  Annies,  considering 
jlia  in  Uiat  situation  ;  what  can  I  do  with  her  ?  By 
of  the  17  th  Jime,  I  am  not  to  institute  any  legal 
against  her,  until  their  Lordships'  further  pleasure 
[ribll  be  known  :  I  am  to  send  a  complete  specilication  of  lier 
lorgn  lo  the  Secretary  of  the  Admiralty.  This  is  a  measiue  of 
■posxiliility  in  this  Country ;  for  the  cargoes,  probably  chiefly 
1,  would  be  spoiled  long  befi>re  their  Lordships'  pleasure 
reach  me ;  and  in  case  the  Vessel  and  cargo  should  be 
t  by  their  Lordships*  orders,  it  is  to  me  the  owners  would 
ftir  damages. 

Etoi  supposing  that,  in  consequence  of  your  Excellency's 
fltuemenl,  I  should  stop  the  Vessels  before  described ;  and, 
to  avoid  imnecessar)'  expense,  tliat  1  direct  the  com,  or  other 
jii,  to  be  taken  out  of  such  Vessel,  the  freight  to  be  paid  for, 
the  Vessel  released,  I  might,  notwithstanding,  be  uufortu- 
tn  the  choice  of  an  Agent,  and,  the  value  of  thest;  cargoes 
I  not  fiJTtlicoming,  then  the  Captain  woidd  naturally  be  looked 
to  for  iIm)  money.  Such  things  have  happened;  tlierefore,i 
ttmn  is  only  one  measure  to  be  taken — to  bear  tlie  Oihcer 
btnaleas  from  prosecution  on  tliis  new  occasion — which  is,  that 
dieOfficer  neads  tlie  Neutral  V^essels  and  cargoes  to  such  person 
or  penoas  aa  you  may  ihi"k  proper  to  appoint,  that  he  or  they ' 


LETTERS. 

may  pay  for  the  freight  and  relcaije  the  Vessel,  J»elliu|,'  the  i 
and   holduig  tlie   amount,  until  legal  process  is  had  od 
your  Excellency  pledging  yourself,  that  Government  iru 
prevent  any  prosecution  from  falling  on  ilie  Oflicer,  who 
stop  Vessels  as  before  described.      Should   this   meet 
Excellency's  ajjpnjbation,  I  have  no  objection  to  avoid 
possibility  of  a  bad  choice  of  au  Agent  by  tlie  OflSccr^ 
llie  \'essels  and  cargoes  shoidd  be  delivered  to  sucli 
persons  as  you  may  judge  jnoper  and  responsible  y     _ 
legal  adjudication  can  be  had  on  the  value  of  cargoes 
by  order  of  Administration. 

T  hope  you  vfUl  excuse  the  lengtli  of  this  letter ;  but 
your  Excellency  considers  the  responsibility  of  a  CaptAial 
the  Navy  in  these  cases,  I  trust  you  will  think  it  right  for  1 
to  state  my  opinion  fully. 


TO  EARL  SPENCER,  FIRST  LORD  OF  TlIE  ADWIRALTV. 

[Origitto]  Drauglit,  iu  Ibe  Nelson  Paper*.] 

AguntninoD,  Jiilv  lOUi,  11 

My  Lord, 
1  have  seen  in  the  newspapers  tliat  I  am  appointed  one  of  | 
Colonels  of  Marines,^  an  appointment  certainly  most  Hattcf 
to  me,  as  it  marks  to  the  world  an  approbation  of  my  cone 
To  your  Lordship  I  beg  leave  to  express  my  gratification,  i 

'  On  tbo  Atli  Jan«,  1  <(),").  Cnplain  Nelsou's  appointment  oa  Colonel  of  Marines, 
WM  tUim  anuoimced  to  liim  br  Ium  fatlipr,  iu  a  letter  from  Bath,  on  tbe  4ib  of 
.Tune,  1 T !).*>;—"  Mjr  dear  Horatio,  I  have  tbi(>  monienc  received  full  attthorilv  to 
say,  tbat  jou  are  appointed  one  of  tbe  Colonels  of  Morinen,  ruated  by  Uie  promo- 
lion  to  Flags.  God  ble»s  you  with  all  tbe  prosperity  this  pleasini^  and  much- 
iriflbed-for  erent  oan  bring  Kitb  it.  Tt  markA  yonr  public  conduct  a.^  bigUly  ho- 
nourable, ami  worthy  of  the  notice  of  yonr  Country:  it  is  the  geucnil  Toicc  tiial 
it  WW  well  and  properly  given.  How  ominently  does  Rueb  a  ultuation  appear  abova 
wbatover  is  obtained  by  interest  or  brilwry  !  My^telf  and  your  good  wife  are  fuU  of 
joy,  and  we  often  amuNO  ooTBelves  iu  Bxiug  on  tbe  cottage  retiremmi,  to  wlii'-Ii  ■mii 
are  looking  fnrward.  I.onl  Floml,  you  will  Onil,  ^n  (oiully  retired  ;  yet  I  ' 
lievc  be  came  forward  as  your  friend  in  this  bu«iue«is.  All  aUow  him  j  .„._  _. 
aa  well  as  long  exjverience  in  bia  profe8.«ion.  I  bave  only  to  add,  tbni  j>o  nMrc- 
lionate  a  hod  iiioht>-  all  tbat  a  kind  fatber  can  b€:stow — bis  fervent  prayers  tlial  God 
may  l"iig  preserve  liim.  Farewell,  my  daar  aon. — Edmvkd  Nu,«ox." — Cfarir 
oHii  M'Jitliur,  vol.  i.  p.  'J13. 


LETTERS. 


57 


ly  as*.,  by  a  letter  from  3-our  Lordsliip  to  Ix)rd  Hood,*  yon 

your  inteiitioQ  to  represent  my  services  in  tlic  njost 

:>le  i>uitit  of  vievf  to  the  Kiuf?  ;  for  which  I  beg  leave  to 

,  Totir  Lordship  my  most  sincere  thanks.     In  the  same 

like  doubts  which  had  arisen  respecting  tlie  damage  my 

1  BQStamcd  at  the  Siege  of  Ca]vi,  made  it,  your  Lordship 

table  to  say  whether  ii  was  such  as  amounted  to  the 

■  Uinb.      I  have  only  to  tell  your  Lordship,  that  a  total 

iou  of  sight  for  every  common  occasion  in  life,  is  the 

?nce  of  tlie  loss  of  part  of  the  crystal  of  my  right  eye. 

;  1  mean  not  to  press  on  your  Lordship  the  propriety  of 

DBginy  loss,  I  shall  conclude  by  assuring  you,  that  my 

us  shall  never  he  wanting  to  merit  a  continuance  of 

good  opinion,  and  that  I  shall  ever  considei-  myself  your 

)'«  most  obliged,  humble  servant, 

HoHATio  Nelson. 
ag  appointed  with   a  small   Scjuadron   of  Frigates   to 
ite  with  Uie  Austrian  General  dc  Vins,  I  cannot  allow 
L'ttrr  to  go,  witliout  saying  that  it  appears  to  me  that 
Jcneral  de  V'ini*  Ls  an  Officer  who  perfectly  knows  his  business, 
\lM  JmrcU  disposed  to  act  witli  vigour  on  cvcrv'  jiropcr  occa- 
J-    llie  KiK'uiy  are  throwing  up  strong  wcjrks  near  Albinga  ; 
efote  three  days  are  past,  I  expect  the  Army  will  be  to 
rMirard  of  llietu. 


TO  ADMIRAL  IIOTIIAM. 
\Tma  Clwkc  and  >f*Artlmr,  vol.  i.  j>.  220.] 

Agiuncmiion,  Vmlo  Buy,  '22di1  JiiIv.  I?il5. 

[Sir, 

iTe  the  honour  to  inform  you,  that  I  airivcd  at  Genoa 
"llie  cvtming  of  the    I7tli,  and  found  there  two  French 

uf  Cwl  S|H;nCBi'»  Buswer  to  Lord  Iloud's  ap|i1icntiuu  for  a  pcn^'n^n  for 

I  K«laMU.  Cir  ihr  Itjss  of  lijg  eyo.  Uatfd  i!(iU  of  .Mnrcli,  ITD.'i.  is  in  Ibc  Nclaou 

Albir  eijinrMrng  a  <lonhi  wLellicr  nny  reinuueraiiou  rould  Iw  (,Tmii<'d  for 

i«   wpff  eqiiivnleiit  lo  lUe  loss  of  a  limb,  bin  Liinl^bip  midi'd — 

fn>m  tbr  general  cbnractcr  of  Cnplnin  Ni-lson,  and  bis  nc- 

I  oil  Un)«»,  ibftt  Ub>  Majesty  cannot  full  I"  ii|ipn»e  Li«  bfiug 

dj  iiwuc«4i  uid   I   "liiill  feel  pxtreinely  Imjipy   in   uvniliug   inyKrlf  of 

oppottimtiy  m»y  offer,  lu  testify  the  scDbi-  \tluub   must  bo  cmcr- 

f\i»  preMBBioas  lo  Divoui  luid  dislioctioa." 


W  to  )iave  her  again.  In  respect  to  Vado  Bay,  bad  it 
been  called  a  Bay,  I  should  never  have  named  it  one :  it 

bend  in  the  land,  and  since  I  have  been  here  by  no  means 
il  landing.  Xlie  water  is  deep,  good  clay  bottom,  and 
■^  of  fresh  water  ;  open  from  £.  to  S.  To  the  east  the 
id  i>  at  a  great  distauce  ;  but  I  tliiuk  a  Fleet  may  ride  here 

a  short  time  in  the  summer  moutlis.  General  De  Vius 
hmied  my  risat  yesterday  afternoon,  and  %vas  received  with 

ibe  honour  due  to  his  rank.     I  am,  kc. 

Horatio  Nelson 


TO  MRS.  NELSON. 


i 


iCtnk^  Bad  M'ATthor,  rol.  I.  p.  221.  Captcin  Nelson  wnii  tent  Tvitb  ■  Riniill 
to  «o-oper«te  witL  tlie  Anstriiw  uid  Sardinian  Armie»,  under  Oenenl  de 
itM»g  lb*  French  ftnm  Uie  Ririsni  of  Oenot.] 

Off  V«do  Bay,  5i4ih  JiJy,  1795. 

changes  in  my  life  of  activity  !     Here  I  am,  having 

oenced  a  co-operation  with  an  old  Austrian  Gcnei'al,  almost 

ig  myself  charging  at  the  head  of  a  troop  of  horse. 

Bg  wiU  be  wanting  on  my  ])art  towards  the  success  of  the 

)n  Cause.     1  have  eight  sail   of  Frigates*  under  my 

;  the  service  I  havj-.  to  perform  is  important,  and, 

il  }-ou  a  few  days  ago  from  Genoa,  I  am  acting, 

ijotit  the  orders  of  my  Commander-in-Chief,  but 

je  measure  contrary  to  them.     However,  I  have  not  only 

JTt  of  his  JIajcsty's   Ministers,  both  at  Turin  and 

but  a  consciousness  that  I  am  doing  what  is  right  and 

for  tlte  lionricG  of  our  King  and  Countr}'.    Political 

in  .in  Officer  abroad  is  as  highly  necessary  as  tnilitary 


abo^-e-l^entioned  Ministers  want  the  Admiral  to  give 

'     '     -car  a  Distinguishing  Pendant.     The  Austrian 

'1  of  32,000  of  the  finest  Troops  1  ever  saw ; 

General  when  he  gets  to  Nice  will  have  tlic  baton  of 

fit,  (.'«iHiun  Fremanile;  Mi'lcagor,  Cupliiin  Cockb>imt 

iiilc  Cliftrles  Kl|t1iiui!(uiiu ;  Suiithiuiipton,  rapuiin  Ed- 

r,  Ari^tif,  I  »(ii«iu    Kohert   Oiuubier  Middlcton.  and  nfterwards  C«p- 

FlMnpim :   Lovtcmnlli-,  Captiun  Bpojiunin  IliUJowrll ;  Koniulns,  C«p- 

Do|«;  BfMdy.Capum  T.  ElpUiuslone ;  aad  Twletuu,  Captun  Clmrles 


d 


lift 


LETTERS. 


a  Fu'Kl-Marshal :  «l»ai  shall  I  get?     However, this  I  c« 
that  all  1  have  obtained  1  owe  to  myself,  and  to  no  one< 
and  to  you  1  may  ad<l,  that  my  character  stands  high 
almost  all  Europe ;  even  the  Austrians  knew  my  name 
fecUy.     When  I  get  through  this  campaign,  I  think 
I  ought  to  rest.     I  hope  to  God  the  war  will  be 
thai  I  may  return  to  you  in  peace  and  quietness- 
farm,  and  my  good  name,  form  all  ray  wants  and  wis 

Yours,  &c. 

Horatio  Nei 


h^ 


TO  THE  RIGHT  HONOURABLE  SIR  GILBERT  ELLIOT, 
VICE-ROY  OF  CORSICA. 

[Antograpk,  in  tlie  Miuto  Paftn,] 

Agdmemnoii,  Legkoru,  27tL  Jaly,  I 
My  dear  Sir, 

A  merchant  in  tliis  ]>lacc  ....  whose  name  T 
confident  yo»i  will  keep  secret,  has  jufit  told  mc,  luid  i-'  "i 
to  tell  Uic  Consul,  that  gunpowder  is  sold  out  of  the  m.. 
at  St.  Fioren/o.  A  Vessel,  he  says,  has  just  arrived,  whidi 
brou}j;ht  over  2000  barrels,  and  that  many  others  have  brougbi 
-small  fiuaiititics.  He  did  not  choose  to  disclose  his  informer'* 
name,  but  I  iiiidei"stood  lie  was  in  the  Vessel.  As  the  informa- 
tion can  do  no  hann  if  false,  and  a  great  deal  of  gcnice  if 
true,  i  think  it  right  to  send  it  your  Excellency. 

A  gale  of  win<l  has  blown  uie  in  liere  fnmj  off  Genoa,  on 
which  Coast  I  am  stationed  to  co-operate  with  tlic  Austrian 
army  ;  the  advanced  jwsts  of  that  Army  are  at  Loana,  12,000 
men,  the  other  part  is  at  Vado,  -20,000  ;  a  finer  body  of  men  1 
ne\-er  saw,  and  the  General  seems  inclined  to  go  forward,  if 
I'-ngland  will  perform  her  part,  which  I  hope  she  will ;  but  the 
co-operation  expected  of  us  is  the  ]mlting  a  stop  to  all  snp* 
plies  going  to  I'rance,  a  measure  Admiral  Hotham  may  pos- 
sibly hesitate  complying  widi.  Mr.  Trevor  and  Mr.  Drake 
have  both  v^Tote  tn  him  on  the  absolute  necessity  of  the 
measure ;  in  the  meantime,  in  consequence  of  similar  repre- 
sentations, I  have  directed  the  Squadron  under  my  orders  to 
detain  all  Vessels,  to  whatever  Nation  they  may  belong,  bound 


LETTERS. 


61 


y  place  occiipied  by  the  aniiies  of  France. 
ci  bas  already  resulted  from  the  measure,  tlmt 
■c  alarmed,  and  will  be  caioful  bow  they  send 
I  an  almost  certain  capture.  Itisiirunce  is  not 
►e  Itad  ;  the  capture  of  a  Tuscan  Vessel  or  two 
1  .oghiini  trade.  The  only  fcurs  tliat  seem  to 
".iii^laiid,  are  of  the  Barbary  States;  but,  Sir,  is 
ive  up  llie  almost  certainty  of  linishing  this  war 
the  fear  of  offence  to  such  beings  ?  Forbid  it 
ry  tic  which  can  bind  a  great  Nation.  If  su])- 
iroin  France  for  six  weeks,  I  am  told,  most  pro- 
an  Anny  will  be  at  Nice,  which  will  be  a  great 
having  guaranteed  the  repos.scssion  of  Nice  to 
irdinia. 

myself;  the  Colonelcy  of  Marines  has  been 

handsome  maimer,  but,  in  good  trutli,  1  uni 

at.     I    find  my  exertions  Iiave   been   beyond 

1  have  a  complaint  in  my  brea^it,  which  will 

me  down  ;  but  please  God  if  I  see  this  cam- 

gamcmnon  does  not  go  to  England,  I  nnist, 

eoplc  tell  me,  be  on  shore  for  a  uioulli  or  two, 

Lhoughts  i)f  scr>ice.     With  kindest  wishes  for  yoiu: 

'»  health, 

Believe  me  ever 
Your  most  faithfiil  and  obedient 
Horatio  Nelson. 

:ttw  Vicv  Roy. 


_T0  WILLIAM  SUCKLING,  ESQ. 
[From  "Tlie  AlLewunm."] 

Leglwni,  July  27lli.  170.V 

I  bear,  so  many  letters  gone  to  the  Fleet  unci  to 

II  hope  to  have  one  of  yours  amongst  them,  and 
[all  my  worthy  friends  at  Kentish  Town  are  well. 

ill  here  yesterday  morning  by  a  heavy  gale  of 
«y  Rtalion  off  Genoa ;  at  which  place  I  am  fixed 
■  with  the  Austrian  Anny,  witli  eight  Frigates  under 


69 


LETTERS. 


my  comtnaad.     The  orders  I  have  ^ven,  by  the  adnce 
Ministers  of  Turin  and  Genoa,  are  strong  ;  and  I  ktjc 
how  my  Admiral  will  ajiprove  of  ihcm,  for  they  are,  iaaj 
measure,  contrar)'  to  tliose  he  gave  me ;  but  the 
quires  strong  and  vigorous  measures  to  bring  the  vrttr  to  fti 
cluwon. 

My  orders  are  to  take  and  detain  all  Vessels  (to 
Nations  they  may  belong)  bound  to  France.     The  G< 
begin  to  quake ;  Tuscany  will  do  the  same  ;  and  the 
Algiers  seems  the  only  Power  which  England  fears;  biitj 
are  to  finish  the  war  with  France,  we  must  not  be  disp 
stop  at  trifles :  it  lias  already  continued  mucli  too  long ; 
by  an  opposition,  and  fear  of  an  opjxisition  at  home, 
want  of  power  in  England.     We  have  much  power  here  ati 
sent  to  do  great  things,  if  we  know  how  to  apply  it.     Ht 
must  get  a  new  head :  no  man's  heart  is  better,  but  tha 
not  do  without  the  other.     If  my  conduct  is  approved 
September  we  shall  be  at  Nice,  and  perhaps  across  the 
for  Provence  will,  I  am  sure,  declare  for  us  the  first 
tunity. 

The  weather  is  turning  moderate,  and  I  hope  to  get 
this  night,  therefore  I  must  conclude,  begging  you  to 
my  kindest  remembrances  to  Mrs.  Suckling,  Miss  Sucl 
and  our  friends  at  Uampstead.     Believe  me  ever 

Your  most  obliged  and  affectionate  j 
Horatio  Nei 


Sir, 


TO  ADMIRAL  HOTIlAftL 
[Autogri^k,  iu  the  Nelson  Pii{>eK.] 

AguuemiiOD,  Legrborn  Itotds,  July  38Ui,  11 


On  the  24th,  in  the  evening,  I  landed  Mr.  Drake*  and 
Trevor*  in  Genoa,  and  kept  towards  Vado  Bay  the  whole  nighu] 
On  the  morning  of  tlie  25th,  a  verj'  heavy  gale  of  wind  cam* 
on  ut  S.W.;  I  endeavoured  to  clear  the  Gulf  by  staac 

•  Fnuicifi  Drake,  Esq-.  Minister  Pleiiipoteiitiir;  at  Oenoa. 

*  The  nunoiir«ble  Jolm  Trevor,  Envoy  Exuiiordiiuuy,  uid  Minister  Pleiiipotenj 
Uwy  at  Turin. 


LETTERS. 

.N.W.,  bat  found  that  was  impossible,  and  it  was  only 

ig  an  extraordinary  press  of  sail  tliat  I  was  enabled 

Cape  Rapollo.     As  I  was  in  great  want  of  wood, 

of  going  into  Port  Especia,  which  I  otljerwise  should 

I  done,  I  made  for  this  place,  where  I  arrived  in  the  night. 

I  Satuniay  aud  Sunday  it  blew  so  hard  that  not  a  boat  has 

Able  to  get  olf  with  our  wood,  oxen,  &c.,  but  as  this 

is  fine,  foiu"  hours  I  hope  will  finish  our  business, 

I   shall  get  away  witli  Inconstant  aud  Ariadne,  ttie 

baring  brought  the  Convoy  from  Genoa.     I  am  die  less 

9t  being  blown  off  my  station  with  a  westerly  than  widi 

]y  gale,  for  in  the  latter  case  the  Enemy  I  fear  woidd 

li«8  in  .^ite  of  us. 

ara  gereral  \'essels  here  loaded  with  com  for  France, 

of  them  under  passports  from  the  Dey  of  Algiers. 

tbey  must  be  stopped  if  met  with  by  the  Squadron 

mj  offders,  and  the  Minislci's  of  Genoa  and  Turin  must 

aiwwerable  for  what  may  be  die  result.     But,  Sir,  the 

of  the  necessity  of  stopping  all  the  V'essels  is  comprised 

[rery  few  words ;  diai,  if  we  will  not  stop  supplies  of  com, 

to  France,  the  Armies  will  return  from  whence  tliey 

I  and  the  failure  of  this  Campaign,  from  which  so  much  is 

1,  wiU  be  laid  to  our  want  of  energ>' ;  for  the  only  use  of 

Taral  co-operation  is  die  keeping  out  a  supply  of  provi- 

wfaicb,  if  done  for  six  weeks,  the  Ministers  tell  me  the 

1  Army  will  be  in  possession  of  Nice,  and  ready  to  carry 

rvinler  cam|)aign  m  Provence.     But  by  that  time  I  pray 

i«v  mar  be  finii^hed. 

me,  Sir,  with  the  highest  esteem,  yotu*most  obedient 


lIoRATio  Nelson. 


THE  REVEREND  MIL  NELSON,  HILBOROUGH. 

[Aalognipb  iu  the  KeUou  Piipere.1 

AgunemnoD,  Gulf  ofGouoa,  July  St^Ui,  ITOn. 

My  dear  Brotlier, 

harr  not,  I  beUevc,  wrote  you  since  our  miserable  Action 
I3th.     'J'o  siiy  how  much  we  wanted  Lord  Hood  at  that 


01 


I.ETTEIUL 


time,  is  to  say,  will  you  liave  all  the  French  Fled 
Action  ?  for  the  scraiiiLliiig  distant  fire  was  a  farce  ;  buti 
ft'U  by  8ucli   a  firo,  what  might  not  have  \teen  exjKCi 
our  whole  Fleet  engaged?     Improperly  as  the   part 
Meet  wliich    fired   got  into  Action,  we  look  one    Ship, 
tlic  subject  ift  unpleasant,  and  I  shall  have  done  with  it. 
now  c<j-operating  with  the  Austrian  Anny,  under  Geni 
\'in»,  :iiid  l)(»pc  we  shall  do  better  there.     If  the  Adniiri 
support  the  measures  1  have  proposed,  I  expect,  by  the 
of  September,  we  shall  be  in  Nice,  and  of  course  hare  the 
boiu"  of  Ville  Franche  for  our  Squadrou.     But  Hothara  hi 
hvnd  for  enterprise,  perfectly  satislled  tliai  each  mouth 
witliout  any  losses  on  our  side.     I  almost,  I  assure  yoti, 
uiVNcIf  an  Admiral,  with  the  conmiand  of  a  Fleet.     Pro! 
when  I  gi"ow  older,  I  shall  not  feel  all  that  alacrity  and  oh; 
for  the  Sen'ico  which  I  do  at  present. 

August  3rd. — I  have  just  received  your  letter  uJ  June 
for  wliieli  1  thank  you.  The  Marines  certainly  came  to 
tlje  nuist  pleasant  way,  unknown  except  from  services^ 
without  iuten'st  or  any  one  to  say  a  word  forme.  But 
not  expect  to  keep  theui  long:  they  are  too  good  not  [to] 
it  certain  they  will  take  the  first  opportunity  of  making 
Admiral.  From  the  vigorous  measures  1  am  taking  wi' 
Cienoese,  I  am  most  uujtujnilar  here.  I  cannot  perhaps^ 
safety,  land  at  Genoa,  but  half  measures  will  never  do 
connnand.  All  war  or  all  peace  is  my  idea,  and  the 
Austrian  General  is  entirely  of  my  way  of  thinking,  llotham 
is  coming  to  look  at  us,  with  ihe  Fleet,  but  tlie  command  restt 
with  uie ;  and  very  probably  I  shall  be  ordered  to  hoist  a  Dis- 
tinguishing Peudatit.  Do  not  be  surprised  if  you  hear  tliai 
we  are  once  more  in  possession  of  Toiilou.  Had  Lord  Hooi 
been  here,  I  have  no  doubt  but  we  should  have  been  tljo 
this  moment. 

1  beg  you  will  give  my  kindest  remembrances  to 
Nelson,  my  Aunt,  and  all  our  Swafl'ham  friends,  and  ki 
love  to  Charlotte  and  uij-  namesake.  He  had  nnich  beti 
a  T'nrson  than  a  Sailor — it  is  a  nnich  quieter  tra<le.  I  am  n 
]n»inted  out  as  having  been  thi;->  war  o/ie  hundred  and  Iwelri 
limes  engaged  against  tlie  French,  and  always  .successfiil  to  i 
certain  degree.     No  Officer  in-  Europe  can  say  as  much.     1 


LETTERS. 


05 


u  Wiclcey*   had  a  Slujj.     He  is  a  jrouJ  mau,  and 
mcUlTerent    ones  are   ein])Ioye(l.     I    expect  this 
A^aiiienutuu  to  England.     Dolitirt;  me  ever 
male  brut  her, 

Horatio  Nklson. 
m'  is  gone  home  [in]  bad  IumIiIi. 


TO  MR.S.  NELSOy. 
Clarke  will  M'AnLiir,  \ol.  i.  p.  *42.S.] 

Vado  Bay,  August  '2uil,  ITfU. 
tamo  we   got  possession   of  it  before,  the  Royalists 
means  so  strong  at  Toulon  as  they  arc  at  this 
I  liave  been  very  negligent,  Fanny,  in  i^rit- 
laiher,  but  1  rest  assured  he  knows  I  would  have 
ogo,  had  you  not  been  under  tlie  same  roof.     At 
lo  not  write  less  than  from  ten  to  twenty  letters 
which,  Avith  the  Austrian  General,  and  Aiile-de- 
m\  own  litUe  Squadron,  fully  enij^hiy  niy  time : 
active  service,  or  none.     Pray  draw  for  £200,  my 
myself  can   settle  our  accounts  when  we  meet ; 
I  believe  I  am  the  richer  man,  therefore  I  desire 
re  my  dear  faUier  that  money. 

Yours,  &e. 

HouATio  Nelson. 


(FBANCI.-*  DFlAKF.  KSQ.,  MINISTER  AT  GENOA. 
[Vnim  Clnilip  ufi«l  M'Arthiir,  toI.  i.  p.  'i'U.] 

llli  August,  llit'i. 

I tiie  French  Ships  sail   from  Ton! nii,  iuul  be  bound 

"upelagD,  ihe  Admiral  will  have  a  very  ij'fiiid  chance 

f'di  diem  ;  but  I  rather  am  inclined  to  hope  they 

Cicijoa,  t«  cover  their  Convoy;  and  if  that  be 

*fuy:  lir  ilied  itii  Ailmirnl. 
I^Uhott;  lie  WHS  not  promoted  uiilil  Octulier,  lH'i.'»,  luul  dieJ  ii 


66 


LETTERS. 


their  intention,  yon  may  rest  assured  they  shall  nerer  do  ht\ 
long  as  Agamemnon  is  above  water.  Should  yon  hear  of  i 
sailing  from  Toulon,  be  so  good  as  to  let  me  know  it,  tbt 
they  are  coming  this  way,  I  may  fight  tliem  before  the  SI 
from  Genoa  join. 

I  am,  &e. 

Horatio  NelsokJ 


TO  FRANCIS  DRAKE,  ESQ.,  MINISTER  AT  GENOA. 
[From  Clarke  und  M'.^rtliur,  vol.  i.  p.  234.] 

GiIj  An^nst,  1' 

The  disposition  and  acts  of  ray  Cruisers  will  soon  prove  1 
contestably  tliat  Gotma  is  nut  blockaded,  as  all  Vessels 
arrive  in  perfect  security  M'liich  are  not  French,  or  laden 
French  property.  Cruisers  off  Cape  Corse,  or  the  Si 
Bonifaccio,  would  not  stop  the  trade  so  well  as  where  I 
placed  thetn ;  were  I  to  remove  tliose  Sliips  on  tljt;  Es] 
side  of  the  Gulf,  notliing  could  prevent  the  escape  of 
French  Squadron,  and  any  Convoy  tljey  might  choose 
carrj'  with  them.  It  ever  has  been  customary  to  endeavour 
intercept  Enemy's  Vessels  coming  from  Neutral  Ports,  and  the 
Cruisers  off  Port  Espccia  are  very  little  nearer  Genoa  than 
Leghorn,  and  are  at  tlie  utmost  extremity  of  the  Genoese  Ter- 
ritory ;  for  I  have  been  most  careful  to  give  no  oSence  to  tfafl 
Genoese  Territory  or  Flag.  Were  I  to  fullow  the  example 
which  tlie  Genoese  allow  ilie  French,  of  having  some  small 
Vessels  in  the  I*ort  of  Genoa,  that  I  have  .seen  towed  out  of 
the  Port,  and  board  Vessels  coming  iu,  and  afterwards  return 
into  the  Mole,  there  might  then  certainly  be  some  reason  to 
say  their  Neutral  Territory  was  insulted  ;  but  llie  conduct  of 
the  English  is  ver>-  different.  I  take  the  liberty,  Sir,  of  writ- 
ing thus  fidly,  which  1  hope  you  will  excuse,  as  it  may  help  to 
furnisli  you  widi  strong  arguments,  should  the  Genneso  Go- 
vemmetit  complain:  and  another  cogent  reason  why  British 
Cnusera  are  necessary,  even  on  the  Coast  and  before  the  Port 
of  Geuoa,  is  tlje  necessity  of  protectiug  our  own  trade,  and 
tliat  of  our  AUies,  from  the  uuui|;rous  IVeuch  privateers,  which 


LETTERS. 


C7 


night  froni  the  Ports  of  the  Republic.     1 
and  it  is  with  very  great  pain  I  write  this 

I  am,  &c. 

Horatio  Nelson. 


'AIN  COCKUL'RN,  H.AI.  SHIP  MELEAGER. 
Clarke  tail  M'AitLiir,  vol.  i.  [i.  'Hi.] 

8t1i  AiiKiiM,  1T03. 

ffe  has  just  joined  me ;  I  shall  order  her  to 

ktr  miles  off  Port  Vado,  to  prevent  the  Prcnclj 

ill- shore,  and  the  Agamemnon  is  kept  ready  to 

V»  notice.     I  have  been  ill  several  days,  and 

^re,  and  that's  all. 

I  am>  &c. 

HoRATTo  Nelson. 


.IGHT  HONOURAULK  nm   GILBERT   ELLIOT, 
VICE-ROV  OF  CORSICA. 

[Anl«grapbi  ui  Uie  Minio  Pupeni.] 

Viulo  B»v,  Angnst  lath,  170.'). 

Sir, 

lellet*  of  the  7tli  I  have  jiust  received,  by  the 
shall  auHwer  those  parts  which  relate  to  business 
Qy  licallli  and  eyes,  which  arc  both  almost  worn 

nr  sii  (.,1).^,.,  Kiijoi  ^njj — •<  uive  me  leave,  my  dear  Sir,  to  con- 

'iim'f  sii|iporiJng  iinifonnly,  on  all  occiuiioufi,  tUe  same 

'-•••.•-  'liHlitig^tiHlicd  lliul  Slup  siiiici-  I  Litve  beou  iu  lb*  Mcdi- 

»liw  "I  ««H  uot  A^iunouuton's  fmilt,  if  more  was  iiot  done  on 

"  ■ HI*  ol**!  lo  ««H<  yiin  »-in|iluytfd  iii  your  pre- 

.1,  iii'livity,  and  n  Niiiril  of  nrcumiiiCMlnlion 

■'   «iHn)   Will    iiiji   be  wanting  in  the  Commodore  of  your 

llw  buiiiiDMn  yoii  nni  hIioiiI,  I  niimu  lUc  expulsion  of  the 

~        '   '■    Miuoutfso  TeiTitorie*!,  »»  ihe  most  imjiortiuit  fco- 

I  von  riinnol  beniDw  ■  grentor  favour  on  me  thnn 

"■    I'l  \Mii\i  is  ifding  fiinviml.  by  O"  nmiiy  ojiporttiuilii'h  u* 

"  '  •iti  IaIi'I)  leiurued  from  ii  -lix  Wfoki."  tour  tliriMi((li 

'tiM  bi^licst  !^nii«fiirtioii,  biitb  fi-om  ibu  improviibln 

•!"•  KriicrAl  ipiril  of  laynllj ,  miil  ult<u<biii('Dl  of  tbe 

I  ItHilLwIirrcver  1  went.     1  nj«\  lull  yu  in  puiilJ- 

¥2 


08 


LETTERS. 


out,  will  allow,  sliall  endeavour  to  tell  you  our  little  occurrencci. 
Corsica  is  never  from  my  thoughts;  I  have  ente»-ed  thirteeuor 
fourteen  very  fine  young  men,  soldiers,  deserters  from  the 
Genoese,  being  Corsicans,  for  Sniitirs  corps.  Mons.  Ssjet 
has  sent  tliree  French  deserters  for  Dillon's  corps,  and  1  luve 
put  these  on  board  the  Tarletoii  Brig,  who  shall  carrj-  iheiu  to 
Corsica  the  first  oj^portunity.  I  received  from  Mr.  Murray, 
when  at  Genoa,  a  few  recniits  for  Smith's  corps,  which  1  sent 
by  Vanneau  froiu  Leghorn,  and  told  liiui,  and  have  told  Mr. 
Drake,  to  send  luc  the  men,  an<l  I  will  take  care  of  theui.  I 
had  letters  from  good  Lord  Hood:  however  WTong  he  might 
have  been  in  writing  so  strongly  (he  allows  he  h.as)  to  thu  Ad- 
miralty, the  Nation  has  suflered  much  by  his  not  coming  to 
this  Country,  for  an  abler  head,  or  heart  more  devoted  ti>  tlw 
service  of  his  Coimtry,  is  not  readily  to  be  met  with.  \Mien  1 
think  of  what  Lonl  Bridport  did  under  L'Orient,*  I  cannot 
but  sigh. 

Respecting    our    movements    here,    they    are    very   slow. 
General  De  Vins  has  been  long  expecting,  but  I  fear  in  vmh, 
an  attack  by  General  Calli  widi  the  Piedraontcse,  near  Onneo, 
directly  back  from  Veniimiglia.     This  is  the  great  i)i»int  to  be 
carried,  as  the  l*iedmonteKe  .\rmy  would  tlien  get  Veutimiglia, 
and,  of  course,  the  Enemy's  very  strong  posts  near  Albcrga  be 
useless,  and  junbaldy,  unless  tliey  are  ^ery  active,  their  retreat 
to  Nice  cut  off.     De  Vins  says  he  has  Jlattered  and  abused 
the  Piedraontese  and  Neapolitans,  hue  noiliing  will  induce  theia 
to  act.     A  plan  is  now  concerted  between  the  General  and  my- 
self, but  unknown  to  even  a  Minister,  tlierefore  })ray  do  not 
mention  it,  to  embark  (if  these  other  people  will  not  act)*5  or 

ilruce.  tliiU  PhoH  liitii  been  i<udc«voiiriiig  to  stir  up  iui.>cLicf,  diinug  my  absience.  ia 
iliU  ]iart  of  ihe  Isliuid ;  niiil  by  Me*,  luiU  inicutionf,  sonii'  tliKtiirbiuiCf  Lba  b«ett 
L-rfttleil  ill  ill?  (li!-trict«  iwljoiuiiig  lu  bis  uwii  renidrncp.  Bin  by  pcrfpct  flniine<4 
iiiid  piyjiH'i-  |eu)i>er  oii  my  piiri,  ibetie  nitprnpLs  lo  dii<tnrb  ns  are  sure  uf  ending  in 
Ibe  diHgriii'c  uf  tlieir  lUicLoi'^,  am  in  iniib  Uiis  oiie  liaK  Hlreudy  i>r«Uy  tirwly  dour. 
It  >«<*r'iii-<  tliut  Pit'di  in  tiol  givat  eiiongb  U>  reconcile  liimii'lr  to  the  hiation  of  ■  pri- 
\Mv  luiiii  aiiil  timl  be  ntill  biiiikvrK  aSler  the  Crowu,  wbicL  he  gnvv  to  ibe  Kiii}(  al  * 
liiuf.  indeed,  when  he  could  no  lunger  keep  it  for  Uimwlf."— Or<^V««/,  iu  lli«  Nelsou 
PnpefR. 

»  l>jnl  nrid|K>r(  nttacked  lUc  FrcucL  Ileet  close  iu  witli  tbe  Port  of  L'Or* 
t  lie  "i  lib  of  J  line,  ITIW,  and  c«4)tnml  L'.ilejouidre,  Le  Fonnidabie.  and  Le 
Nbip^  of  tbe  Liue. 


laen,  and  to  make  a  landing  between  St.  Remo  and  Vcn- 
Sonie  risk  nm.st  be  run,  and  the  General  seems  a 
w!»o  will  venture  when  it  is  proper.  I  tliink  1  need 
Ir  say  tlie  jp-eatest  harmony  subsists  between  us.  Ad- 
iml  HoUiam  is  daily  expected,  and  my  humble  plans  may 
put  imde,  or  carried  into  execution  by  other  Officers,  which 
1  Jioidd  not  altogether  like ;  however,  I  tliiuk  the  Admiral 
tHH  «t«y  here  as  little  while  a.«t  possible.  The  strong  orders 
llrich  I  judged  it  j»roper  to  give  on  my  first  arrival,  have  had  an 
titraordinar\'  good  effect ;  the  French  Army  is  now  supplied 
%tifa  almost  daily  bread  from  Marseilles ;  not  a  single  boat 
tt  psssed  with  corn.  The  Genoese  are  angry,  but  that  does 
Bl  nutter. 

I  am  irnly  concerned  that  Paoli  Hhould  be  troublesome, 
had  heard  it,  btit  could  not  give  credit  to  such  an  a]iparent 
iwml  conduct  on  his  part.  I  fiilly  tnist  and  believe  that 
four  Excellency's  mild  and  e*]iiitidjle  adiiiinistmtion  will 
KVtt  the  good  Corsicans  little  to  hope  or  fear  from  Paoli  and 
^adherent5).  Poor  Agamemnon  is  as  near  woni  out  as  her 
L'aptain :  we  mu.st  both  soon  l)e  laid  up  to  repair.  The 
Marines  have  been  given  to  me  in  the  handsomest  manner. 
JTtt  answer  given  to  many  was,  the  King  knew  no  Officer  who 
Wx\  »encd  so  nuich  lor  them  as  niyjself  This  goes  in  a 
|»»cket  to  Mr.  Drake,  who  I  shall  request  to  forward  it,  I  beg 
Biv  best  remembrances  to  Govenior  Villettes,'  and  that  vou  Avill 
wieve  nie, 

Ever  your  obliged  and  affeclioualc 
HoiuTio  Nklson. 

T»liU  }Jxc«U<fiirj  tli«:  V|iP  )l(,». 


TO  WILLIAM  LOCKER,  ESQ. 
rAiiif»i;ni|ili«  ill  tlip  Lrx'ker  P*)i«n.j 

VihIii  1U>,  AiigwM  lOlIi,  I  "'I*". 

My  dear  Friend, 
1  liavc  received  your  letter  ol'  July  8th,  with  a  very  late 
"fwmpaper.     I  ho]ie  Lord  Bridport's  success  and  the  appear- 
Tlhe  itnigriK  landed  in  Brittany,  will  bring  this  war  t«> 


CMloDfl  VlllrUf*.  fjoternor  of  C»Ivi,  vide  toI.  i.  p,  :i7b. 


at  (laric ;  M\e  Argo  was  then  at  Legnom,  for  a  Convoy: 

Iv  b  ilie  truth,  aud  it  raust  j»iead  my  excuse  for  apparent 

If  on  opportunity  offers,  will  you  have  tlie  goodness 

k«md  nif  Mr.  Charaock's  ntlier  book.*     Do  you  vvat  hear 

KiugHmill?     If  you  write  or  see  liini,  remember  me  to 

•  I  diank  you  for  your  remeiiihrante  of  me  to  Simon 

West  India  affairs  seem  to  look  but  black,  but  I  hojwe 

at  the  worst,  tuul  that  no  more  bloud  will  be  shed 

Admiral  Ford,*  I  am  told,  has  made  £'180,000 — what 

ifortnnc  !     Remember  mc  most  kindly  to  your  sons,  and  all 

|tijt  ^iily ;  and  believe  me,  with  tlie  sincerest  affection, 

Ever  yours  most  truly, 

HofiATio  Nblsom. 


TO  J,   IIARRIMAN,  P.SQ.,  CI.ERK  TO  MR.   UPNEV, 
THE  BRinSII  CONSUL  AT  LEGHORN. 

>  U  tlie  Nelson  Papeiii.     It  ie  ilouliliVi]  if  tUi»  lett«r  was  forwnrdi-d.] 

Vndo  Bny,  August  .i'M,  1T05. 

My  dear  Sir, 

I  return  you  vcrj'  many  tlianks  for  your  kind  letter,  full  of 
c«s,  and  for  the  enclosure  from  England,  which  I  received  at 
;6ne  I  was  most  exceedingly  ill.  But  I  am  now  quite  reco- 
The  Admiral,  I  have  no  doubt,  will  liave  left  I^ghoni 
you  receive  this  letter,  as  Mr.  Drake,  who  is  now  here, 
me  tlie  Fleet  arrived  on  the  ISlli.  No  doubt  but  the  Nea- 
tlotiUa  would  have  been  of  the  greatest  service  here,  as 
It  Vessels  of  tliat  description  very  much,  but  the  season 
t  ibnost  past  for  tlieir  acting.  A  few  weeks  more  and  they  will 
f>t  stay  a  night  at  sea  to  save  an  Empire.  We  are  sorry  to 
ear  »ach  very  bad  accounts  from  the  Coast  of  Brittany,'  but 
Dchow  on  shore  we  have  never  been  successful  for  a  conti- 
lutf  thi."^  war.  But  1  hope  this  Army  will  commence  our 
ccc«  by  land ;  there  is  a  good  man,  and  I  verily  believe  a 
|o«kI  General,  at  the  head  of  it,  but  these  Hedmontcse  will  not 

•  VW -Admirnl  of  tbe  Blue,  John  Ford,  Commander  in-Chirf  at  JunucK. 
'  Tbfl  ftulorc  cf  tbe  Quiberon  expeditiou,  ia  July  of  that  year. 


LETTERS. 

do  Uieir  utmost  to  defend,  or  expel  the  Enemy  from  their  < 
Couutrj',  aud  what  good  can  be  expected  from  acting  for 
a  set  of  people  ? 

I  hope  the  new  Govenior  of  Leghorn  is  a  change  fori 
better:  as  he  has  been  iii  our  sen  ice  and  acting  with  u%j 
must  kuoiv   tlje   disposition  of  die   EngUsh.     I  beg  you ' 
make  my  best  respects  to  the  Consul,  aud 

Believe  me  your  much  obliged 

Horatio  Nbuok. 

AtigiiM  2Tilt.  I'li 

P.S. — I  can  add  a  Postscript  worth  a  hundred  such  letli 
Yesterday,  1  went  wiUi  part  of  my  Squadron  to  Ala!»i<to  i 
LangueUa,  i>laces  in  possession  of  the  French  Army»  »l 
I  did  not  take  the  Vessels  loaded  widi  com,  as   ihts 
landed  it,  but  1  took  one  National  Con  elle,  two  small  (tally's, 
one  hu-ge  Guu-buat,  and  six  or  seven  other  ^'essels,  one  til 
laden.     Had  I  llie  Flotilla,  nothing  should  be  on  this  Cc 
but  the  season  is  almost  p«st  for  their  acting.     Pray  make  I 
best  remembrances  to  Mr.  Uduey.     1  almost  despair  of  svd 
the  Admiral  here. 


TO    lllli  COMMANDER  OF  THE   NATIONAL  CORVETIE. 


Aiitogmiib  drudglil,  ui  ihe  NcImd  Pt)>m.] 


Sir, 


Aganiemiwin,  AliiH»ii>,  Aiipi»(  SOUi,  170). 


The  French  having  taken  jiossession  of  the  Town  and  Coast 
of  Alassio,  1  cannot  but  consider  it  as  an  Enemy's  Coast; 
therefore,  to  prevent  destruction  to  ihe  Town,  and  to  avoid  the 
uunecessiiry  eHlision  of  human  blood,  I  desire  the  immediate 
sturendcr  of  your  Vessel.  If  you  do  not  com|)ly  with  my 
desire,  the  consequences  must  be  with  you  and  not  with 
Your  very  humble  Senant, 

Horatio  Nelson. 


LETTERS. 


73 


TO  ADMIRAL  IIOTIlAM. 

,  ia  tbe  AdminlU' :  pnMiolicJ  in  ilic  I^ndon  QiueUp,  of  Uctoliff  fird, 
JIb  aaaaroirtiitgC'npiuriNrlson's  Dispntcli  fo  the  Admimliy.AdHiiriJ  Ilullioin 
pHt  aSrrrlikr  cundiict   iipou  llxin,  nud,  iudecd,  141011  ever}'  otcottiuu  wlivre 
ralM  forth,  reflecu  upon  him  tlir  lugbe»t  crt>diu"] 

Aguiwmnoti,  Vado  Buy,  Angnsi  27  ib,  UD-^. 

received  information  from  General  de  Vins,  that  a 
or  of  provisions  and  lunuiuuiuon  was  amved  at  Alas^sio, 
in  possession  of  die  French  Array,  1  yesterday  jiro- 
■riili  ihe  Ships  named  in  the  mai-giii'  to  that  jilace, 
witldn  an   hour,  we  took  the  Vessels  named  in  the  en- 
Tiiere  was  but  a  very  feeble  opjMjsititni  from  some 
Binjr's  cavalry,  who  fired  on  our  boats  after  Boarding 
els  near  the  short;,  but  1  liave  tlie  phrasure  to  say  no 
liwas  killed   or  wounded.     The  Enemy  had  two  thousand 
►  aad  foot  Soldiers  in  the  To\>ii,  which  prevented  my  land- 
id  destn>yin^'  tlu'ir  magazines  i>f  piovisions  and  ammu- 
i  sent  Captain  rrcniantle  of  the  Inconstant,  with  tlie 
r,  to  I.anguelia,  a  Town  on  the  west  Bide  of  the  Bay  of 
io,  where  he  executed  my  orders  in  tlic  iiufst  ofTieer-like 
er ;  an<l  I  am  indebted  to  every  Captain  and  Officer  of 
qnadron  for  their  activity,  but  most  puriicLdarly  so  to  hieu- 
Ucorge  Andrews,  first  Lieutenant  of  the  Agamemnon, 
'bis  spirited  and  officer-like  conduct  saved  tlje  French 
''eUe  from  going  on  shore. 

1  have  the  honour  to  be,  Sir, 
With  Ute  highest  respect. 

Your  most  obedient  Servant 

Horatio  Nelson. 


*  lueontum,  Meleager,  SouUiunptou,  TtrUr,  Ariodue,  Siieedy. 


74 


LETTERS 


Inclosure,  No.  1 : — 

A  list  of  Vessels  taken  by  his  Majesty's  Squadron  und 
Coiumaud  of  Horatio  Nelson,  Esquire,  in  the  Ba)  of , 
and  Languelia,  August  26tfaj  1795. 


TElUBir  XAMB*. 


LAAvMlve  (Corraie) 

lA  COMttttlliOB 

1*  Vigi1anU< 
^'■mo  uuknovn 

Ditto 
l4t  (iiiilctin 
Nmiic  unknown 

OiUo 
DvMtmTm] 
Nuuo  ttukuowii 

Ditto 


ROW  aiOttXD. 


Pokcc*  Sbip  J  lUrown 

{  oTerboant 
Gnu-boiU     .     .     ■ 

OtU<*y    .... 

Hulley  .... 
Brig,  100  tons  . 
Biu-k,  70  tout  .  . 
Brig,  lOil  toils 
Ualley,  .V*  tous  . 
Tumui.  iid  toti3 
One. 

Biirk 

Burt 


Guns.  S    Mea. 


U)     4 


1      30 
4      2U 


C     0      4ft 
Srui 

! 
Oott 

1 

B*lL»t  .... 
Powdrr  Bnd  SbeUa 
WinB  .... 
BtUwt  .... 
Wine     .... 

I'owder .... 
Pro>isiou» .     .     . 


HoKATto  N: 
Inclosure,  No.  2: — 
Dimensions  of  the  Resolve : 
Length  from  ilie  after-part  of  the  stem  to  the  ^  i>t.iii«to 


le  V 


10 


fdie-pait  (»f  iln.' stem -post i 

K.vtri'ni<3  broiuith  frou)  outidde  to  outside      .     .      26 

Depth  of  the  hold 11 

Feet.    Inch. 
r»         I .     r       *  f  8       10  Ail. 

Draught  Of  water j^      10  For^^ard. 

206  Tons. 

Guns  on  board: — Four  uine-pouuders,  iron;  four  biu 
swivels.  Hove  overboard — two  twelve-pounders,  four  niiM 
pounders. 

Very  well  stowed. 

V«lo  Bit,  Aiifutl  58lh,  ITIIJ. 


LETTERS. 


76 


TO  ADMIRAL  HOTlfAM. 

[Autognpti  dnuighf,  in  ibe  Nelson  Papers. 


Agsnienuion,  at  Sen,  Angual  2TU),  170)). 

Dear  Sir, 

it  is  perfectly  understood  by  the  Genoese  Republic  tl»at 

of  the  Riviera  in  tlie  possession  of  tlie  French  Array 

be  considered,  whilst  they  remain  in  it,  as  an  Enemy's 

by  the  .\llied  Powers,  I  thought  it  much  better  not 

anytliing  about  it  in  my  Public  Letter,  for  I  do  not 

there  will  be  any  represeutation  from  the  deed  I  did 

ly,  for  not  a  boat  or  message  came  from  the  Tohti, 

my  s*ay.     On  my   approach,  Genoese  colours   were 

on  a  small  batit-ry  of  two  brass  guns,  which  I  laid  the 

nn  within  pistol-shot  of.  ITie  French  lined  the  beach, 

ijbeir  colours  at  the  head  of  their  battAlious,  but  humanit> 

jr  inhabitants  would  not  allow  me  to  fire  on  them. 

motives  induced  me  to  summons  the  Corvette  to 

r,  as  our  fire  must  have  greatly  injured  the  Town. 

Binous  induced  the  crew  to  abandon  her.     Latterly  tlic 

uiralr)'  fired  so  hot  on  our  Boats  at  the  West  end  of 

[Town  that  I  was  obliged  to  order  the  Mclcagcr  to  fire  a 

•iioC  U>  protect  them,  and  I  have  reason  to  believe  tlic 

saflered  some  loss, 

Ari:idne  by  the  great  zeal  of  Captain  Flampiu  to  do 
I  luring  already  taken  the  two  small  Gallies  got  on  shore, 
Idle  was  got  off  witliout  any  damage ;  bitt  it  reuu-ded  our 
a  little,  and  gave  the  Enemy  an  opportunity  of 
more  of  their  cargoes  than  I  intended  by  our  Boats 
iplnyed  in  assisting  her.     The  Conette  is  the  long 
ipolaccaShJp  which  kept  close  alongside  tlie  8aus  Culotte 
tbc  IJkh  of  Jidy,  and  outsails  us  all.     The  Gallies  and 
-boat  I  »hall  sell  to  the  Austrian  General,  or  the  King  of 
if  he  will  buy  them. 
re  only  to  conclude  by  saying  that  Mr.  Drake,  who  1 
•  atVado,  much  ap])roved  of  my  Expedition.     The  Me- 
rjoincd  me  on  the  24di  mth  your  letters,  which  I  corn- 
ed tti  the  General.     He  was  to  set  off  last  night  to 


7« 


LETTERS. 


view  die  Enemy's  ])0!«itiou,  aud  to  return  in  about  Jliree 
when  pnjbably  I  slmll  hear  more  of  Ins  iiiteutions  of  ] 
iiig  to  the  westward. 

1  aiu,  &c. 

IIoBATio  Nei 


TO  ADMIRAL  HOTHAM. 


[OrigiuftI,  in  Ute  Adminlir.] 


Sir, 


Agamemnon,  Y«do  Bst,  Aagwt  SOlli,  If 


Having  received  information  tliat  a  Ship  loaded  with 
pious  had  arrived  at  Oneglia,  I  yesterday  afternoon 
the  two  small  Gallics  (taken  on  the  2(JtJi)  with  forty 
Ortieers  and  men  from  the  Ajjaniemnon,  and  ten  men 
longing  to  the  Soulhauijitun,  under  the  command  of  liea' 
George  An<hvws  and  Lieutenant  Peter  Spicer,"  of  the 
memnou,  and  t»rdered  Lieutenant  Andrews  to  proce 
Oneglia,  and  to  endeavour  to  take  the  said  Ship.  On  his 
down,  about  nine  oVlock  at  night,  lie  fell  in  with  thrce 
Vessels,  with  lateen  sails,  whicli  he  engaged  at  ten  o'clock, 
of  these  was  carried  by  boarding,  the  men  belonging 
retiring  to  tlie  others,  and  cut  her  adrift  (the  three  Vessels 
made  fast  to  each  other.)  At  half-])ast  ten,  the  attack  on 
oilier  two  was  renewed  with  the  greatest  spirit,  but  tlic  numbe 
of  men  in  the  vessels  was  too  great,  imitcd  with  tlie  height  o 
the  Vessels,  for  our  force ;  and  my  gallant  Officei's  and  men,  afte 
a  long  contest,  were  obliged  to  retreat;  and  it  is  widi  the  grcates! 
pain  I  have  to  render  so  long  a  list  of  killed  and  wounded. 

The  spirited  aud  officer-like  conduct  of  Lieutenants  An 
drews  and  Spicer  I  cannot  sutticicntly  applaud  ;  and  ever 
praise  is  due  to  each  indindual  for  their  exceeding  bravery  an< 
good  conduct. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c., 

Horatio  Nkwon. 

N.B.  The  ^'es8cls  had  no  Colours  hoisted,  but  a  Greek  FU 
has  been  found  on  board  the  Prize. 


*  .VAenr«nls  •  Post-Cii|il)un. 


l^ETTERS. 


77 


List  of  K.illep  and  Wounded. 
Agamkmnon. 
I ;  mortally  wounded,  3 ;  womulctl,  7. 
nanies. — Mr.   Tliomas  Withoi-s,*  Mate,  wounded; 
[l^in  T).  Williauis,  Miclsliiijuian,  muitally  womuledj 
A  Gauible,  -wouuded. 

SOUTHAMPTON. 

;  mortally  wounded,  none  ;  wounded,  3. 
-Killed,  4  ;  inortally  wounded,  3;  wounded,  10. 

HoBATio  Nei^son. 


TO  CAPTAJN  COLLINGWOOD. 

'  to  \he  fouewioa  ottht  Hououroble  Mm.  NewnLain  Collin girood.] 

Vado  B«v,  Aug^URt  ;ilst,  170». 
Icar  Coll., 

»ot  allow  a  Ship  to  leave  me  without  a  line  for  uiy  old 

[*«o  I  sliall  ri'joice  to  see ;  hut  I  am  afraid  the  Admiral 

5»*e   nic  that  plcanure  at  ]iresent.     You  are  so  old  a 

rancaii  inaiutliat  1  can  tell  vou  noUiini?  new  about  the 

*y  <^'oiiimand  here  is  so  far  pleasant  as  it  relieves 

*«  Hiactivity  uf  our  Fleet,  which  is  jj^eat  indeed,  as 

.     '**'•    From  the  event  of  Spain  making  peace, 

'ii'd  for, — perha])8  a  war  with  that  Conntrj' : 

ill  no  beltiT  than  when  our  Allies)  wUl  soon 


Ih, 


tnr. 


lie 


,  y      ^^P<>rLs  here  saVi  they  mean  to  protect  Cienoese 

fr.       '^  ''■""»  search  bv  our  Cruisers,  in  the  Gulf  of 

^*^  «»e  uiuKcr  will  soon  be  brought  to  issue ;  for  I 

—  jj,  ^^''  fhVectiouR  to  search  such  Vessels,  deiiyJn}^ 

k(  g^  "^  •*>/«uiiai-<l  lo  dictate  to  us  what  Slni>s  w*;  shall 

'^''liX),.    .  •      ^'^^    Genoese  are  gohig,  it  is  said,  to 

^pct,!    "^'A  pro^-isions  to  their  Towns  in  the  Riviera  uf 

f'tfi/y*^'*"  "^  **'0  French  Army.     However  cruel  it 

'lo/^./'"*'^®  j>oor  innocent  people  t)f  provisions,  yet 

'<////     "^  '*  ***  l»edone,  for  if  tlic  inhabitants  have 

JCn^tny^  and  therefore  I  have  directed  them 

**•  «*»<^   «  PoH  C«i.Uiii.  ill  184.1. 


LETTERS. 


79 


TO  MR?.  NELSOX. 


[FroB  Clarke  uiil  M'Aitljiir,  vol.  i.  p.  2'3(t.] 

Viuln  Day,  Isl  Scpii-intior.  llftft. 

ihtre  made  a  small  Expedition  \vith  tlie  Squadron,  and 

a  French  Corvette  and  some  other  Vessels,  in  which 

[l  lost  no  men  ;  but  since,  I  have  not  been  so  successful. 

fd  Mr.  Andrews  to  cut  off  a  Ship  from  Oneglia :  on 

9,  he  fell  in  with  three  Turkish  A^essels,  as  it  has 

Ittreed  mit,  who  killed  and  wounded  seventeen  of  my  poor 

Seven  are  already  dead,  and  more  must  be  lost  by 

of  their  wounds ;  and  I  am  sorry  to  add>  tliat  the 

fgot  into  Genoa,  with  six  millions  of  hard  cash  :  how- 

,  ibrT  who  play  at  bowls  must  expect  rubs ;  and  the  worse 

now,  the  better,  I  hope,  another  time.     Our  Fleet  is 

|«t  Leghorn.     Colhngwood  I  hear  is  anivcd  in  the  Excel- 

,7i,  with  the  Convoy  from  England.     I  am  almost  afraid 

.  ibe  cain]iaign  in  this  Coaiitry  will  end  in  a  very  different 

from  what  might  have  been  expected ;  but  I  will  do 

until  it  huishcs. 

Yours,  &c. 

Horatio  Nelson. 


TO  niS  EXCELLENCY  FRANCIS  DRAKE,  ESQ. 
[Ongiiukl.  in  Uie  possea^ioti  of  Mra.  IHiviei.] 

AgKinemuun,  nt  Se>.  Sfptfmlicr  lltli,  1705. 

I'Deir  Sir» 

I  jut  faroured  by  your  letter  of  September  Ist,  by  a  Ship 
V'mIo.     I   wst'i  induced  to  go  to  tlic  westward  for  the 
I  had  the  honour  of  writing  you  before  I  sailed,  and, 
in,  to  make  my  own  observations.     I  send  you  a  copy 
I  sliall  give  to  General  De  Vins,  which  1  hope  you 
»ve.     I  trust  ynu  will   give  me  credit  that  no  idle 
ivc  advantages  are  iu  my  view,  but  that  my  opinion  is 
trom  experience  and  knowledge  of  what  my  Squadron 


f  General  Oe  Vins  will  not  move  to  the  westward,  the  fault 
not  lay  witli  his  Majesty's  I'lect,  who  undertakes  every- 
vhich  cau  be  expected  from  it. 


80 


LETTERS. 


i;.^ 


I  have  no  doiiht  in  my  mind,  but  the  whole  French  Army 
the  eastward  r>f  St.  Reuio  would  fall,  or  they  must  iustoal 
quit  their  strong  works  at  St.  Espirito,  and  retreat,  if  p>smM 
by  the  mountains;  and  Oneglia  coidd  be  retaken  wheriCTf 
the  General  thought  prnjier  to  send  a  body  of  men  which 
could  laud  close  to  it,  and  in  a  situation  which  would  iiistan^ 
connnaml  the  Town. 

On  the  subject  of  the  Genoese  supplying  their  Town  vh 
provisions,  I  will  do  myself  tin*  honour  of  writing  you  a  scpi 
rale  letter. 

1  have  the  honour  to  be,  Sec. 

Horatio  Nelson 


JIESIOLR  SENT  TO  GENERAL  DE  VINS. 
[From  Clarke  uid  M'Artbnr,  tuI.  i.  p.  2-20.] 

[Aboni  Dth  of  Reripmlto.] 

Having  been  down  the  Ctmst  to  the  westward,  as  far  ( 
Nice,  the  following  is  the  result  of  my  observation ;  and  til 
service  which  I  can  undertake  to  perform  with  his  Majesty" 
Squadron,  should  you,  Sir,  be  inclined  to  think  it  right  tog* 
Uj  the  westward  of  your  present  situation. 

I  can  embark  ftnu  or  five  thonsaud  men,  with  their  i 
and  a  few  days'  provisions,  on  board  the  Ships  of  the  Squadrw 
and  will  engage  to  land  tbeni  within  two  miles  of  St.  RenK 
with  their  field-pieces.  It  is  necessary  for  me  to  p4nnt  outlh 
necessity  of  ])o.ssps-siiig  St.  Itenio,  aiul  it.s  siluatinn  with  respM 
to  the  sea ;  as  it  is  the  only  ijlace  between  Vado  and  Vill 
Franche,  where  the  Squadron  can  lie  in  safety.  The  Town  i 
situated  in  die  middle  of  a  small  llay,  where  the  SqnadrW 
can  anchor  in  almost  all  winds  :  in  some  respect*  it  is  as  goo 
as  Vado  Bay  ;  in  others,  for  the  security  of  large  Ships,  it  cef 
taiuly  is  not  so.  It  has  a  iMole,  where  all  small  Vessels  e 
lie  and  load  and  unload  their  cargoes:  an  advantage  which  Va« 
has  not.  Secondly,  resjiecting  provisions  for  the  .\ustrian  ArmJ 
T  will  luidertake  to  provide  sufficient  Convovs,  that  they  shai 
arrive  in  saiety :  and,  thirdly,  tlicre  can  be  no  doubt  but 
embarkation  of  die  Troops,  should  .such  a  measure  prove  nectt 
sary,  might  always  be  covered  by  the  Squadron. 


rr.aa] 


LETTERS. 


81 


■P-  f>ngsession  of  St.  Rcino,  as  Head-qiiarters  for  Magazines 
s  and  provisious,  would  enable  General  do  \'ius  to  (urn 
ny  to  the  eastward  or  westward  ;  the  Enemy  at  Oneglia 
he  cut  off  from  pronsions,  and  a  body  of  men  oonld  be 
to  attack  if,  whenever  it  might  be  judged  necessary, 
tnim  the   \icinity  of  St.  Rcmo>  would  be  conijiletely 

'led  by  sea;  and  the  Biitish  Fleet,  twenty-three  Sail  of 

Ac  Line,  are  now  off"  Toulon. 


TO  HIS  RXCKLLENCV  BAUON  DK  \  l.VS. 

[fnu  •  Copy,  in  tbo  pu«<«MiiiMn  of  Hri.  Dkvie*.  TUu  Luiet  wu  •  r«ply  to 
Omuii  de  Vitis'  nnswer  to  the  prcoeiling  Memoir,  ilali-il  on  iLe  14lli  of  September, 
■■•fcwiB  till?  Genmil  suid,  "  I  Imvc  reci-iveJ  with  inm-li  [ilcivfiire,  your  Mpmoir,  am- 
(fmagta  alLuk  in  tbe  neigbbourhoivl  of  Hi.  Itcnio,  wliielt  you  have  been  pleased 
l>  MUBoai^itte.  You  arc  wrli  uwnro  tlial  iii  all  puterprises  it  i-»  uc?ct<sitry  to 
ClMi<(>  tbe  ■iiv«tujige«  that  wonkl  arvrue,  if  outlrely  succ«H.«fbl,  or  uuly  piirliiUly 
I  l^:  mi  tUa  the  liiHad^aotoges  that  might  arise,  if  it  lenainnied  niiHiiciiessfuIljr. 
'  Tct  My  la  tJui  Mrmuir  that  tiic  Bay  of  St.  Keino  ic  equally  good  with  Ibat  of  Vatlo. 
I J  «  Bnt  •  seaoui»i  hut  from  the  informotioti  1  have  collected  resjjeoting  llie  dilTvmit 
I  aiWi^  olou),'  the  count  of  the  Hivicra,  I  have  been  led  to  coiuludr,  that  VeHsels 
itf««maUi  liie  t'onJd  uot  a|<prritic<h  St.  Remo  ueorer  than  at  th«  di«tiiucc  of  a  niile, 
{■  IA*n«b(iui«i  and  Uiat  even  then  they  were  exposed,  wliiUt  at  uuchor,  to  every 
[^at  thai  Lions;  wLerca.s,  on  the  contrary,  in  V'ndo  Buy,  as  we  hnve  it  uii  record, 
ifla Kagltiih  Fleet,  tindrr  the  ortler*  of  Admiral  Matthews,  pa.H.seit  a  grrout  piirt  of  the 
'■tewthrre.  dnring  the  yenra  174-')  and  1710.  In  the  Military  Comniissiou  that 
iHabnU  at  Mflau  <>n  the  iiui  of  June  1704,  it  was  said  that  the  Allies  ought  to  miilte 
BM^Tts  Moslera  of  llie  Road  and  Port  of  Vado,  it  being  the  only  anchorage  of  the 
^hl%  irlwre  Ul  Knglioll  I'leet  could  remain  during  the-  winter,  uid  prevent  the 
^Ktf  turn  making  any  attempt  on  Italy;  ei  cependoiit  Monakur  le  Cou- 
■akm  Nei«on  est  ffiifntr6  qn'uuo  portie  de  la  Flottc  piiiiue  j  pftssor  I'hiver,  11  u'y 
tmeaa  OMun  aoijnel  je  ne  lu'expo^erui  avec  plai<iir  pour  procnrtr  dea  alms  asaiirea 
mTitrnim  de  S.M.  Britounique." — Clarke  and  M'Arlhtir,  vol.  i.  p.  2^0. J 


Agamemnon,  Vado  Bay,  September  11th,  1705, 


■  Bin  hononrcd  with  your  Excellency's  letter  of  this  day's 
«Me.  mv  reason  for  the  necessity  of  possessing  St.  Romo,  wa.s 
iDl  thai  it  was  a  l)Ctter  anchorage  than  Vatlo,  as  I  say  the 
eqntnoy  in  my  Observations,  but  that  it  i.s  the  best  between 
Vido  and  Nice,  and  perfectly  safe  fur  idl  small  Vessels. 

cannot,  or  do  not,  pretend  to  judge  of  the  movements 
K.xceilcncy  may  tliiiik  proper  to  make ;  bnt  I  wished  to 
you  of  the  support  and  assistance  it  is  in  my  power  to 
>u  n.  G 


8ft 

give  you,  and  on  which  you  may  dfpead  is  anj 
making,  for  getting  to  Uie  westward. 

I  beg  leave  to  transmit  you  a  copy  of  Adoinl  H« 
letter*  U)  inc  of  August  lOdi,  which  I  b«Eere  ba  6U1 
one  part  of  your  letter.     I  beg  leave  to  aamre  yonr  ] 
that  I  am  ever  ready  to  give  you  every  aaritawcw  in  mj  i 
and  Uiat  I  am, 

With  the  greatest  truth,  your  ExceUeocr'a 

Most  faithfid  ol>edient  serrant, 

Horatio  Nei-sotj. 


TO  Rms.  NELSON. 
[From  CUirke  and  M'Artbur,  vol.  i.  p.  3SL] 

Vttdo  Bay,  lOtli  ffijWfcn,  II 
I  um  not,  Funny,  quite  8o  well  pleased  aa  I  expected 
this  Anny,  which  is  slow  beyond  all  description ;  and  I  htffO 
to  think,  tliat  the  Emperor  is  anxious  to  touch  anoUv 
miUions*  of  Kngiish  money.*  As  for  the  German  G» 
war  U  tlioir  trade,  and  ]>cace  h  ruin  to  them ;  therefore  we 
cannot  exj)ect  that  they  Hhould  have  any  wish  to  finish 
war.  1  have  just  made  some  propositions  to  the  Ai 
General  to  sjiur  him  on,  which  I  believe  he  would  have 
full  an  well  pleased  had  I  omitted :  in  »horl,  I  can  hi 
believe  he  means  U)  go  any  farilier  thi.s  winter.     I  am 

•  Clarke  and  M'Artlmt  (I.  227,)  have  giTon  iIia  ftill<jwiiig  copy  of  Admind 
Uiiun'N  \.rUvT  t<»  ('»|>««iii  Ntflsmi,  of  Uie  lOih  uf  AuKiist: — "  1  liare  reeviTed 
lptl«r  of  liiit  MUli,  [tlik*  [.niliT  lias  not  lie(<u  fjiiiut}  iufbrming  me  ofOetumld* 
Vlu»'  dralre,  to  liavo  clear  atisnrers  to  the  pru|iiiHiiioiis  Uieraiii  «tat«4.  To  ibv  flnb 
of  wliichi  vi».  i  •  Will  the  Admiral  relnni  Co  Vwio  from  l^gkoni  V  1  answer,  Ua- 
Mi1«ii> ;  hut  I  rnllier  tliiulc  I  hIiuII  not  tiHvo  an  n(iprirtitnit}-  of  returning  ther«v 
owliiK  to  llip  ini"lliK""iici'  I  have  received  from  llie  Adniindty,  which  rendet« 
tirvnrnoi'  iiiiiiK'dinii'ly  iit-crNKary  in  aTiotluir  pUio«.  To  tbe  Mooiid  propoMtioBi 
■  Will  llit<  AdinlruJ  buMkI,  mid  <.'ovcr  tlic  landing  of  from  mx  to  teu  lliousaud 
tLo  t'oft«l  of  I'rtneiifH' ?'  I  MtiHWitr,  Tlmi  it  will  not  b«  iu  my  power  »o 
nnrounl  of  tlif  KInot  lirliig  reqiiirud  fur  niiotlii>r  xerrice,  an  stMrd  in  tbe 
amwiir.  To  Uin  third  propuiiiiou,  vlti.,  'Will  the  Admii-aJ  undertake  in  firvTent  Uii 
Toiiliin  t1v«t  fW'in  nioUoliug  my  <ipt?ratioii»  ?'     I  anawor.  Yes,  moat  ocrtainly." 

*  Uy  a  *'unNciiliiiu  itiguod  at  Vienna,  nu  the  -llli  of  .May,  )7I1C),  between  Uic  King 
of  Orcat  Hritain  and  the  i;m|>eror,  it  nan  n^Toed  that  4,(IOO,iX)0/.  iihnuld  be  raiacd 
in  Knirlanil  mi  aevuniu  of  hiN  Imperial  Miyesly,  who  cupa^ed  to  Binploy  in  hia  dif- 
fcrcnl  Ainilca  iu  ibit  oantpaign  of  thin  year,  at  least  SOO.rKK)  effectlrc  men. 


fcr.36.] 


LETTERS. 


83 


mU,  on  my  way  to  Geuoa,  to  consult  witli  our  Minister 
on  the  jnactinty  of  the  Aujstrians  ;  and  he  must  take.  »ome 
Mpto  urge  tliese  pcoplo  fonvard.  The  small  Flotilla  from 
Nipleft  has  ju«t  joined ;  but  tlic  season  i»  almost  too  late  for 
Ihdr  acting^.  However,  if  they  will  act,  I  can  find  them  plenty 
of  : '  i(?nt;  thouKh  I  doubt  tlieir  inclination.  I  hope 
&.;  iivr  in  as  well  as  1  sincerely  pray  he  may  be. 

Yours,  &c. 

Horatio  Nelson. 


TO  GENERAI.  DE  VINS, 

{From  CItfke  uul  M'Artliiir,  toI.  i.  p.  J31.] 

Genoa  Mole,  ITtL  Septrmber,  1705. 
Jmr  Excellency  having  doubdess  suggested  a  nuich  better 
than  tlie  debarkation  of  the  Troops  at  St.  Ilemo,  which,  I 
take  the  liberty  of  reminding  you,  was  mentioned  as  tlic 
place  pro]>er  for  landing  stores  and  provisions:  if  you 
have  tlie  goodness  to  let  mo  know  the  time,  and  ilie 
l»er  t)f  Troops  ready  to  embark,  I  will  immediately  disp.itch 
to  Admiral  Uotljam,  to  request  he  will  order  a  sufficient 
of  Transports ;  which,  if  at  Corsica,  I  am  sure  ho  will 
tly  do,  and  I  tniftt  that  your  Excellency's  plan  would  bo 
iftil  in  it«  fiUlest  extent.     Your  Excellency  will  see  by 
idoiiral's  letter  of  August  19th,  of  which  I  had  die  honour 
you  a  copy,  that  the  Admiral  insures  you  from  any 
m  in  your  operations  by  the  French  Fleet. 

I  am,  &c. 

Horatio  Nelson. 


TO  ADMIRAL  IIOTIIAAI. 
[From  Ciuke  nnd  M'Artliiir,  vol.  i.  p.  '-.'31.] 

OtB««.  17lli  September,  170A. 

li*TO  yesterday  morning  for  the  purpose  of  commu- 
witli  his  Majesty's  Minister*  on  several  ver}'  important 

tUw  L^iii  of  SviiiL-iuber,  Mr.  Dnke  wrote  to  Ch|)1iuu  Nelson  :  "Geiiend  de 
■bout  liic  Coun  oi  Tuiiu  Lnviug  lUAde  Feitcc  b  a  mere  pretext :  to 

o2 


84 


LETTERS. 


points,  and,  amongst  others,  on  tlic  appearance  of  the  il 
tinly  of  the  Austrian  General  de  Vins,  who,  at  ray  first  cob 
on  tins  station,  seemed  ver)-  anxious  to  get  to  Nice  ;  and  in^ 
I  liad  very  litde  doubts  as  to  the  acconiplishuient  of  it. 
ever,  week  after  week  has  passed,  without  his  Anny  hi 
removed  one  foot  to  the  westward  of  where  I  found  tlietn. 
know,  Sir,  his  desire  to  have  answers  to  three  questions  I 
the  honour  to  send  you — which  yuu  gave  him;  and,  in  1 
last,  you  declared,  that  the  French  Fleet  shotdd  not  molestl 
operations :  this  answer  was  certaiidy  all  he  could  have  wi« 
As  1  perceived  that  every  idea  of  an  attack  on  the  EneB 
works  at  St.  Espirito  was  given  over,  I  proceeded  downl 
Coast  to  the  wcstiyaid  as  far  as   Nice,  and  tlie  only 
where  I  found  it  i>rat'lieal»lc  to  land  the  Troo])s,  was  near! 
Remu,  a  Genoese  Town  in  posses>sion  of  the  French  tro 
except  the  CitadcL     Yuu  will  see,  the  General's  answer  tol 
letter  goes  totally  wide  from  what  I  cnuld  have  meant, 
had  for  some  time  aiipearod  lo  me  that  the  General  inteiiij 
to  go  no  farther  tiiau  his  present  position,  and  meant  to] 
the  miscaniage  of  die  enteqirise  against  Nice,  which  I! 
always  been  taught  to  believe  was  the  great  object  of.l 
Army,  to  the  non-cooperation  of  the  British  Fleet  and 
Sardinian  Army  j  to  leave  the  CJeneral  no  room  to  insinl 
such  A  want  ou  our  part,  has  been  tlie  <jbject  of  my  Mei 
which  I  hope  you  will  apjirove.     In  enneert  with  Mr. 
I  hav  e  written  this  day  lo  the  General.     If  his  answer  shfl 
be  the  desire,  ivf  Transports,  1  think  we  bai.  e  them — a  pa 
of  twenty -four  hours  is  the  outside ;  but  I  suspect  he  will  i 
find  otlier  excuses,  and  wi-rc  you  to  giant  the  whole  Fleet^ 
Transports,  I  verily  believe  some  excuse   would   be  fo 
This,  Sir,  is  my  public  opinion,  and  which  I  wish  not  lo 
ceal :  happy  shall  I  be  to  find  myself  mistaken,  and  with' 
ardour  would  I  give  the  General  every  support,  should  sue 
favourable  change  take  place.  I  am,  &c. 

Horatio  NelsoiH 

P.S. — I  have  just  received  the   General's   answer  to 


leiivp  liiin  no  lonp  licil<»,  I  have  written  to  Inm   to-day,  tn  ASrstiTe  Lim  formallyi 
ministerialljr.  iJmi  it  in  lint  true ;  and  you  urc  fiiJIy  itt  liberty  to  repeat  to  ibej 
Getifiiil,  in  ilie  strongest  miuincr,  these  iiHMiimiicf^  from  me." 


1st.  38.] 


LETTER?!. 


85 


Irtirt  written  iii  concert  niili  Mr.  Drake.  As  I  know  not  the 
fSacc  nf  debarkation,  I  cannot  say  anything  about  it;  but  be- 
is  between  Nice  and  tlic  Var,  where  the  Country  people 
^  -  a  rer  been  subjected  to  the  French;  and  it  is  expected 
fay  win  iMkc  the  batteries  on  the  Coast,  ami  liold  them  until 
t  Ujuling  is  effected.  If  tlie  General  is  in  earnest,  which  I 
«11  doubt,  I  have  no  fear  for  tlie  success,  and  wc  shall  yet 
kirc  VTlle  Franche. 


TO  HIS  EXCELLENCY  FRANCIS  DRAKE,  ESQ. 

[Antograph,  in  the  posscMiion  of  Jolm  SuUock,  Esq.] 

Agunpmnou,  Cienoa  Wole,  B»ptemb«r  IHili,  1705. 
My  dwiT  Sir, 

1)c  occasion  of  the  luconslant's  having  been  fired  upon  by 
I  Batter)',  as  reported  to  the  Officer  commanding  the  Aga- 
aon  in  my  absence,  by  the  Captain  of  the  Port,  is  as 
T% : — 

when  1  cajne  in  I  was  told  that  no  otlier  Ship  of  War 

enl«»r  the  Port,  to  wliicli  I  said,  none  other  was  coming 

R  that  the  first  gun  was  only  with  powder,  and  as  she  still 

in,  the  other  was  with  siiot  tired  aliead  of  her,  and  tliat 

lieqaested  I  would  make  a  signal  for  the  Ships  not  to  enter 

I  Port.     Ilavinq:  said  this,  he  went  on  shore.     The  Incon- 

i  wanted  [to  have  communication  with  me*J  therefore  stood 

the  Agamemnon.     This  ca.se   can   hardly   be   called 

Btng  Into  port — at  least,  we  do  not  understand  it  so. 

bcse  are  the  facts  as  stated  to  me.     I  should  like  to  know 

thing,  on  which  must  hinge  the  propriety  or  ini])ropricty, 

Flhe  conduct  of  [the]   Kepublic  :  Would  the   Kepiiblic,  in 

iQUiution  of  danger  whatever,  admit  more  tliau  five  Ships 

Jc  the    Mole-head?     If  djey    answer   'No,'  I    have  but 

'jto  Ray  ;  but  if  tJiey  an.swer  '  Ves,'  hoAv  could  tlicy  tell 

Inconstant  was  not  necessitated  from  some  cause  to 

I  for  a  Port  ?    No  inquiries  were  made,  but  the  first  notice 

ishot — to  say,  whatever  may  be  yoiiv  di.stres.s,  you  shall  not 

here,  or  find  ]irotection  in  Genoa  Mole.     [Much  more*] 

r  niigiiul  being  luni  !u  lliene  ]ilHce>),  Uie  Imuiup  are  anppUed  fltim  ibe  cop} 
»l*  ittt  M'ArUtttr.  vol.  i.  p.  'i^'i. 


86 


LETTERS. 


might  be  said,  but  I  am  sure  you  will  do  what  is  right, 
demanding  an  explanation  may  one  day  sene  our  tarn  by ! 
answer  they  may  give. 

If  I  was  to  chase  a  Frencli  Ship  of  War,  and  she  went  I 
Genoa  Mole,  at  a  time  when  there  were  more  than  five 
the  Mole,  and  they  did  not  firo  on  her,  and  turn 
I  would  inntantly  attack  her  ou  their   own  reasontDg,  *] 
will  protect  five,  and  no  more.' 


TO  ADMIRAL  HOTHAM. 

[From  Clarke  uui  M'Artliur,  to),  i.  p.  23-L] 

September  2O1I1,  r 

I  have  had  a  meeting  with  General  dc  \va»  this  m* 
who  informed  me,  that  yesterday  his  Troops  carried  a  F 
the  Enemy  in  tlie  ceuti-e  of  the  moimtain  St.  Espirito, 
that  tlie  Au8trians  are  now  vrithiu  half  musket- shot  of  somtt 
other  point,  which,  if  possible,  he  means  to  attack :  he  is  going 
to  the  advanced  post  himself.  Tlie  General  also  told  mc,  thai 
the  moment  he  knows  the  Transports  are  ready,  he  will  head 
the  Troops,  and  has  no  doubt  of  being  successful. — Four  0* 
five  thousand  peasantry  are  ready  tu  take  a  batter>'  of  eigbl 
gtms,  where  the  landing  is  to  be  efTcclcd  :  for  such  a  short 
voyage,  a  few  Ships  will  carry  the  men  ;  and  if  the  Dolphin  is 
at  hand,  or  tlic  Camel  cleared,  they  would  take  a  great  uumbec 
1  hope,  Sir,  the  General  will  be  left  without  any  excuse 

I  urn,  &c. 

UOBATIO  KBi 


TO  MRS.  NELSON. 

[From  Clnrke  luid  M'ArUiur.  toI.  i.  p.  294.] 

8«Iit«niber  ^Isl,  1' 

1  have  been,  in  concert  wiUi  his  Majesty's  Minister,  ve.^ 

hard  at  work  in  pushing  the  Austrian  General  forward ;  and 

yesterday  morning  got  them  to  make  an  attack,  that  has  been 

successful,  and  tliey  have  carried  the  centre  Post,  on  the  ridg< 


LETTERS. 


8T 


itaios  occupied  by  the  French  Troops.     The  Action 

ten  hours,  and  ti'  the  General  will  carry  one  other  point, 

gain  ihirly-tlirec  miles  of  Country.     Another  plan  is 

I,  which,  if  the  Admiral  will  give  me  Trausporta  to 

A  certain  niunbcr  of  Troops,  will  astonish  the  French, 

ipii  the  English.     The  General,  if  he  con  be  brouglit 

is  an  Oihc-er  of  great  abilities  ;  but  tlie  politics  of  his 

so  coostantly  tie  his  hands,  that  he  cannot  always  do 

,  be  thinks  proper.     However,  if  the  Army  does  not  move, 

'  Ifinuter,  who  is  fixed  at  Head-quarters,  will  endeavour  to 

the  remainder  of  the  Emperor's  loan — say  gift:  this 

lll'powerful  motive  with  a  German  Court,  and  for  which 

I  fires  of  their  Subjects  arc  held  in  no  estimation :  I  am  be- 
^politieian,  almost  lit  to  enter  the  Diplomatic  line. 

94tb. — Iamja«;t  arrived  at  Leghorn,  and  have 
lired  a  most  honourable  testimony  of  my  conduct,  which 
transmitted  from  the  Austrian  Genera]  to  our  Minis- 
has  not,  indeed,  been  in  my  power  to  perform  much  j 

I I  have  done  all  I  could  to  serve  the  Cause. 

Yours,  &c. 

UoRATio  Nelson. 


to  THE  RlGflT  IIONOUIUBLE  SIR  GILBERT  ELLIOT, 
VICK-HOV   OF   CORSICA. 

[Autognpli,  in  tlie  Miuto  ra{ieni.] 

AKmMDaoii,  Leghorn,  8qit«mb«r  24ih,  t  ?».'>. 

My  dear  Sir, 

The  news  I  can  tell  you  is  very  Httle.    Tlie  General  seemed 

•?  eTicuses  for  his  not  going  on,  apparently  to  mc  very 

and  I  am  sure  it  was  his  intention  to  have  laid  part 

^hime  of  the  want  of  success  in  this  campaign  to  the 

(.•••operation  of  the  British  Fleet ;  and  as  it  was,  he  said, 

iKwable  to  force  tlic  Enemy's  works  at  St.  Esprit,  he  seemed 

touch  iucliueil  to  rest  for  the  winter  at  Vado.     However, 

him  without  ati  excase  on  my  part,  I  went  down  the 

Fto  tho  westward,  us  fur  as  Nice,  and  soimded  and  ex- 

*  Vld«  p.  69,  po>t. 


88 


LETTERS, 


[1795. 


amined  every  Port.  On  my  return,  1  offered  to  carry  fire 
thousand  men  at  one  time,  and  to  land  them,  bag  and  bag- 
gage, with  tlicir  field-pieces,  and  to  ensure  their  safe  Convoys 
of  provisions.  This  would  have  cut  off  all  supplies  for  the 
Enemy  to  the  Eastward,  and  they  must,  in  my  opinion,  have 
abandoned  their  stupendous  works  at  St.  Esprit.  To  this 
paper  the  Gcueral  gave  me  anotlier  plan,  which  he  thought 
woidd  be  better  j  but  as  this  requires  a  small  degree  of  assist- 
ance from  Admiral  llotham,  it  cannot  be  carried  into  execu- 
tion till  I  hear  from  the  Admiral.  1  only  want  Transports,  and 
if  he  gave  me  one  Seventy-four,  I  verily  believe  we  shall  yet 
possess  Nice.  Mr.  Drake  }>erhaps  tells  you  how  we  are  obliged 
to  mancEuvre  about  the  f  Jeneral,  but  the  politics  of  Courts  are, 
m}'  dear  Sir,  (I  sec,)  so  iiieau,  that  jnivate  people  would  bt- 
ashamed  to  act  in  the  sauie  way :  all  is  trick  and  finesse,  to 
which  is  sacrificed  the  Cummou  Cause. 

The  General  wants  a  li>o]i-luile,  but  I  hope  he  will  not  have 
one  ;  he  .shall  not,  if  1  can  help  it,  for  I  want  Ville  Francbe 
for  a  good  anchorage  this  winter.  From  what  motives  1  don't 
know, — I  hope,  from  a  good  one, — the  General  sent  orders  to 
attack  the  Enemy's  strougesit  post  at  St.  Esprit.  After  so 
attack  of  ten  hours,  it  was  canied.  Tlic  General  seems 
pleased,  and  says,  if  be  can  cam'  one  other,  the  Enemy  must 
retire,  which  would  give  us  the  Country  as  far  as  Oueglia- 
Then  comes  another  objection,  which  1  am  ])reparing  against— 
viz.,  he  will  say  I  cannot  hold  an  extent  of  Sea-coast  of  forty 
miles.  I  must  give  up  Vado,  for  die  Euemy  at  Oiiuea  are  on 
ray  left  flank,  aud  the  Piedniontese  will  not  attack  them ;  hoff- 
ever,  time  and  opportunity  may  do  mudi. 

Mr.  Drake  has  just  received  his  appointment  to  reside  at 
tlie  ilcad-quarters  of  the  Austrian  Army.  I  rejoice  at  it-  The 
loss  of  the  Austrians  in  the  last  attack  was  1000  killed  and 
wounded.  The  Austrians  have  a  battery  of  six  -.24 -pounders  in 
the  centre  of  tlie  Enemy's  posts.  1  send  over  nine  men  for 
Colonel  Smith's  corps,  which  I  entered  for  him  at  Genoa  and 
Vado.  1  have  on  board,  for  tlieir  passage  to  Leghorn,  ihree 
Officers  of  Dillon's,  who  have  been  obhged  t<i  leave  Genoa. 
It  gives  uie  pain  to  hear  such  bad  accounts  of  tlie  behaviour  of 
many  of  the  Corsicaus.  What  tliey  can  mean,  is  impossible 
for  me  to  guess,  unless  Erench  gold  has  found  its  way  amongst 


0 


LETTERS. 


8ft 


of  their  Chiefs;  but  I  hope  tijcy  will  )ct  he  quiet,  and 
iger  troublesome  to  your  Atluniiistration,  which  has  done 
.'h  for  thorn.  1  beg  my  best  coniphmeuts  to  Governor 
and  believe  me,  dear  Sir, 

Most  faithfully  yours, 

Horatio  Nelson. 


TO  THE  KEVEIiEND  MR.  NELSON,  HATH. 

[Au(ogi«pb,  ia  Uie  Kelson  Paperai] 

Lcgborn,  September  2flili,  1709. 
rear  Father, 
this  moment  receiving  tlie  pleasure  of  your  letter  of 
imbor  3rd,  and  shoidd  be  gtad,  did  circumstances  so  turn 
that  1  could  get  to  England  in  the  Agamemnon,  for  in  no 
oher  way  can  1  get  liume  with  honour  or  propriety  ;  and  I 
say,  except  the  being  at  home,  I  know  of  no  Country 
asant  to  serve  in  as  this,  «>r  wlicre  my  hcdth  is  so  good, 
command  at  ^'ado  is  honorary  though  expensive,  for  all 
ers  only  consider  our  rank  and  not  our  pay.  I  have 
Sitti»fartion  to  have  received  the  handsomest  testimony  of 
net,  and  as  I  know  you  will  partake  with  nie  that  salisfactiou, 
Mtifiyou  a  copy  of  the  Mhiister's  Note  to  the  Admiral — viz., 
^jcannot  in  justice  to  llic  abilities,  judgment,  and  activity  of 
^Main  Nelson,  omit  mentioning  to  your  Kxcellency,  the 
^K  high  opinion  in  which  that  Oflicer  is  held  by  General  de 
^■S*  and  the  other  Austrian  General-Officers ;  and  I  have 
Waghl  it  my  duty  to  transmit  to  his  Majesty's  Ministers  at 

tne  this  handsome  testimony  which  our  Allies  btiar  to  the 
and  good  conduct  of  that  Olficer,  whom  your  Excellency 
pleased  to  select  to  command  the  Squadron  co-operating 
ihcm.  This  unprejudiced  testimony  is  no  less  flattering 
to  CajJtiiin  Nelson  tlian  to  yi)ur  Excellency's  discenmient  in 
Wing  made  choice  of  him  for  this  service.' 

have  nothing  to  write  about  but  myself,  for  none  else 

ipts  to   do  anyUiing.     If  our  plan   can   be  carried  into 

11,  we  shall  take  Nice,   but  much  must  be  left  to 

:  the  plan  well  laid  is  most  likely,  but  ne\'er  certain,  of 

.     1  came  in  here  four  days  past  and  am  now  luider 

for  Vado.      Our    J'leet  has   arrived  at   Corsica  from  a 


90 


LETTERS, 


cruize  ofl'  Toulon,  where  they  permitted  six  Sail  of  the 
aiid  eight  Frigates   to  escape  out  of  Toulon/   and  I 
tlicy  have  left  the  Mediterranean.     Having  talked  of] 
I  have  nothing  more  to  add,  except  that  Admiral  He 
is  just  going  to  send  six  Sail  of  the  Line   after  tlie  Fr 
Ships  escaped   from  Toulon/   and  supposed   to  be  goi 
the  West    Indies.      Josiah  is   well,    never  ill.      Hosto^ 
almost  recovered  his   broken   leg.'      Parted   with  Frank*| 
drunkenness,  and  when  so,  mad :  never  will  keep  a  dr 
another  hour.     Agamemnon  almost  worn  out,  must  goi 
sliortly.     With  best  love  to  my  wife,  believe  me 
Your  most  aflectiouate  and  dutifid  Son, 

HoBATIO  Nl 

I  was  not  much   surprised  to  hear  of  Mr,  Ravcn^s  de 
turc,  but  very  much  of  poor  Edmund  Rolfe.* 


TO  TIIE  COMMANDER  OF  THE  NEAPOLITAN  FLOTILLA. 


[From  Clarke  aiid  M'ArtLnr,  »ol.  i.  p.2;3a.] 


Sir, 


Ist  Oetotar.  11 


The  Enemy's  Gun^boats  having  very  much  aiiuoyed  tbf 
Austrian  Camp,  near  Loano,  I  must  desire  that  you  «ill,  unti 
further  orders,  consider  the  preventing  of  tliese  Boats  from  to 

*  VtAift  Rear-AdinirAl  Riclif  ry. 

*  ionn  tmjr  {.Nmni  /fi»inry,  Tol.  i.  ]i.  Q7.3,)  iliat  Aduunl  liotluin  ItenN  uTtk 
BMipe  of  ILp  Freucli  Sqiiiulnni  t>y  A  Cnri«l,  on  th«  'i'ind  of  Si<iplemb«r ;  and  dial 
WM  not  uiitil  tlie  niL  of  Uoto)K-r  iliat  lie  decacked  Itenr  Admirml  Miui.  wiUi  six  8( 
of  tile  Line,  after  ibem. 

*  Mr.  rioHlu  broku  hiii  \eg  on  boKrd  of  one  of  the  Vessels  tnkra  out  of  Alusi*  < 
Ut« 'JTth  of  AoguM,  by  fiilliug  dovtt  the  (trutile.     He  gvn  m  Uamatom  »Bom 
of  die  accident  in  a  letter  to  lli^  brother,  on  the  Hth  of  September,  wlntein  I 
Maid — "  C'a|iiniu  Kolsou  often  onmes  ilowu  to  sec  me.  and  tella  me  to  gvt  vmy 
tiling  I  want  fiom  him." — Mein»ir$  uf  Sir  WiUlnm  Ifnsff.  vol.  i.  |i  ih 

'  Frank  Lefiee,  his  old  tiorriuit.  Frank  L<'j>f'<?  was  frequently  nientioued  in  Mi 
NeUon'.s  leilern  to  her  ho-sband ;  and  it  np^wam  from  her  letter  of  Uie  lOih  « 
I>eocmber,  17l)-l,  Lliat  be  hml  fallen  into  di.sgra(.'e :  —  "Poor  Fnuik !  I  o' 
I  WHM  afraid  Koniething  wa.s  Uie  matter — that  he  whs  not  fto  good  as  formeriy;  I  i 
wry  oorrj  ihiu  lie  i<i  in  so  dciilornble  a  way ;  1  liojie  he  ncrer  is  with  yon  ;  yvn  nw] 
Iw  aWe  lo  get  liim  in  Greenwich  HospitaJ.     You  arc  »nre  of  Captain  Locker.' 

*  Hio  flnt  tioiuin,  wa  of  the  £evei«Dd  Uobert  Bolfe  bj  AlioeNelBOS,  vide  voL  L 
p.  1«. 


0 


LETTERS. 


91 


the  Austrian  Camp,  as  Uie  greatest  and  only  service 
I  at  present  iri.<ih  you  to  perfonn ;  and  I  hope,  from  tlie 
LtHach  the  Officers  of  the  King  of  Naples  have  always 
,  duU  rou  will  soon  iind  an  opportunity  of  attacking  and 
the«c  Qitn -boats. 

can  spare  any  of  the  Feluccas  from  this  service,  I 
glad  to  have  two  of  them  stationed  between  ^'ado  and 
to  prevent  the  Enemy's  row-boats,  from  Genoa,  mo- 
;  the  Veuels  with  proririons  for  the  Anny  at  Vado. 

I  am,  kc. 

Horatio  Nelson. 


texp" 


TO  MRS.  NELSON. 

[Trotn  CUrk«  uui  M'Artlmr.  vol.  1.  p.  'iOC] 

Vado  Buy,  October  .■iUi.  179!). 
has  occurred,  nuce  I  wrote  last,  except  tlie  sailing 
ich  Squadron  from  Genoa.  As  soon  as  they  knew  of 
ice,  they  made  a  push,  and  I  fear  are  all  got  ofll 
of  our  Frigat«'9  were  seen  firing  at  them  ;  but  1  have  not 
i"Ctfttii>n  of  their  success.  It  wius  a  near  touch,  for  I 
:k  the  next  morning,  after  tliey  had  uailcd  on  the  pre- 
Bg  evening.  I  am  vexed  and  disappointed  ;  but  the  best 
I  »cbenics,  if  obliged  to  be  trusted  to  otlicrs,  will  sometimes 
1  must  submit,  and  hope  for  better  luck  another  time : 
I  ft  Squadron  of  French  Sliips  would  have  so  graced  my 
Bph  !  In  the  opinion  of  the  Genoese,  my  Squadron  is 
wtl}  utfcu(Ui)g  :  »o  that  it  almost  a])pears  a  trial  between 
shall  first  be  tired,  they  of  complaining,  or  me  of  an- 
(heu).  liowevor,  my  mind  is  fixed  ;  and  nothing  they 
will  make  mo  alter  my  conduct  towards  them. 
Armies  are  very  close  to  the  French,  every  hour  I  expect 
them ;  as  the  General,  from  some  cause  or  other, 
now  seem  to  be  in  the  humour  to  begin  the 
-1  have  just  received  a  very  aflectionate  letter  from  hia 
fc^al  Highness  the  Duke  of  Clarence,*  and  he  apjfcars  to 
Wwabw  our  hmg  Jicquaintance  wiih  much  Katisfaction :  one 
of  lot  cxpressioiis  is, '  I  never  part  with  a  letter  of  yours,  they 

•  Vide  p.  tt7. 


,Tho 


93  LETTERS. 

arc  to  nie  highly  valuable.'     He  finds  me  nualtcrablo,  whk 
fancy  he  has  not  always  done  in  tl>oso  he  has  honoured ' 
preference. 

Yours,  &.C., 

HotlATiO  Ni 


TO  WILLIAM  SUCKLING,  ESQ. 

[From  "Tlie  Allieiin'iiiii."     Tin!  Agwneronon  wm  *cnt  to  reconuoitit 
La  conipaDT  wilh  the  Flom,  lowftnlt  tlip  end  of  Orlober,  hut  she  returned  I 
station  offVado  corlj  iu  tlie  following  moulli.] 

Againemuon,  off  Mnrxeillcs,  October  Sitb,  I 

My  dear  Sir, 

Allhniigb  I  seldom  have  the  pleasiu-e  of  hearing  inira 
from  yourself,  yet  Mrs.  Nelson  never  fails  of  telling  uic  of  your 
health,  ilie  goodnes.s  of  wliicli,  she  well  knows,  gfives  me  rail 
satisfaction. 

The  campaign  of  our  Allies,  the  Austiians  and  Picdmi 
is,  I  sujipose,  almost  over,  not  tliat  1  am  in  the  secret  w 
commenced.  3fy  siUiatton  witli  this  Army  has  convinced' 
by  ocular  demonstration,  of  the  futility  of  Continental  AUi 
The  conduct  of  the  Court  of  Vienna,  whatever  may  l>e  saidW 
the  House  <tf  ConimoTis  to  the  ctnitniry,  is  nothing  but  deccp' 
tion  :  I  am  certixin,  if  it  .iippears  to  that  Court  to  be  their  inlewil 
to  make  j>i'ace  wiili  France,  it  uill  be  instanUy  done.  Wliati* 
Austria  better  than  Prussia,  nr  rice  rersd '/ — in  one  res|»Wt| 
Pmssia  perhaps  may  be  better  ihau  Austria:  the  moment  he 
got  our  money  he  fuusherl  the  farce.  Austria,  1  fear,  may  Jn* 
duce  us  to  gi\  e  her  more,  for  to  a  certainty  she  will  not  canj 
on  another  campaign  without  more  money ;  but  it  appears  W 
me  that  the  continuance  or  cessation  of  ihe  war  depends  en' 
tirely  on  the  French  Nation  themselves :  it  will  now  be  sectt 
whether  they  are  \vilUng  to  receive  and  join  the  Count  d'Aftok 
and  have  Royalty  ;  or  if  they  opjiase  him,  that  they  are  detcr-i 
mined  to  be  a  Keimblie.  If  the  lirst,  at  this  moment  of  writing 
all  must  be  nearly  finished :  if  they  destroy  the  Kmigrantl 
landed  at  Charentc,  it  is  clear  the  French  Nation  wish  to  he  II 
Ilepublic  ;  and  the  best  thing  we  can  do,  is  to  raalie  the  bc»l 
and  rpiickest  peace  we  can  :  tlic  landing  the  Emigrants  is  oOl 
last  trial ;  and  if  that  fail,  wc  have  done  our  utmost  to  place 


LETTERS. 


98 


f  upon  the  Tlirone.    To  me,  I  own,  all  Frenchmen  are 

1  ilcftpise  them  all.     They  are  (even  those  who  are  fed 

kJalse  and  treacherous:  even  IjOuis  XVIII.  receives  our 

and  will  not  follow  our  advice,  and  keep  up  tlie  dignity 

King  of  France  at  Verona. 

'^ih  her  wings  and  long  tongue,  has  proclaimed  that 
i ,  of  course,  riches  arc  imagined,)  have  fallen  most 
iiiiy  on  the  Agamemnon.  1  wish  I  could  tell  you  it  is 
!9  if  the  Golden  Fleece  is  condemned,  wliich  I  very  much 
from  tlic  nnmher  who  share  for  her — nine  of  us, — if  I 
5  or  000  potmds,  what  a  valuahle  prize  she  must  be  ! 
'4idien,  although  pretty  numerous,  are  scaicely  anything; 
[I  assure  you,  tliat  if,  at  the  conclusion  of  the  war,  T  save 
pay  f«»r  the  Aj^amemnon,  I  shall  feel  myself  extremely  for- 
Evciythiiig  is  by  comparison :  except  one  or  two 
of  Battle  Ships,  we  arc  the  only  one  who  has  got  a 
id ;  and  they  must,  fi'om  the  exjicuses  of  a  Fleet,  have  spent 
le  fortune — so  far  1  feci  highly  fortunate. 
An  the  Annies  are  quiet,  the  Admiral  has  given  me  directions 
-T  the  French  Fleet  at  Toulon  (whilst  he  lies  quiet  in 
' ; '  lads) ;  and  as  1  know  of  no  person  so  active  as 
f,  here  1  am  with  one  Frigate  oft*  Marseilles — not  a  Vessel 
1^  «ecu  ;  but  l)efore  1  close  my  letter  I  hope  to  say  we  have 
[prize. 

Bctnember  tne  most  kindly  to  Mrs.  Suckling,  Miss  Suckling, 
every  part  of  the  family.     Is  Captain  Suckling  still  on  the 

(.'oiiuoeDt  f  Niivember  '.'ud,' 

|Xo8access,  although  I  have  been  indefatigable.  The  sea- 
i  have  all  deserted  Uie  Ships  in  Toulon,  therefore  as  a  Fleet, 
cannot  come  to  sea  again.  In  Franco  they  had  a  verj- 
'lHaTCJ<it,  and  bread  is  by  no  means  dear  or  scarce.  The 
Vessels  now  fill  Marseilles  witli  every  comfort  and 
Peace,  I  believe,  will  yet  be  with  us  before  next 
Jitesn' ;  at  least  I  hope  so,  if  it  can  be  had  on  honourable 
UmuL    Believe  mc 

Your  most  obliged  and  affectionate  Nephew, 

Horatio  Nfxson. 


^lUMoon,  "  F.Mt  Knd  of  tltf  IkIi!  of  LfTuit,  luiiW  Tuiilon.)  N.W.  \  W.  ais 


LETTERa, 


TO 

[From  "  The  AllienaBum."     The  AdibrsB  of  this  L«tt«r  la  not  ^ 

Agjunemuon,  Vtdo  Bty,  Nwember  Otli«  IT 
Dear  Sir, 

I  have  just  received  your  letter  of  September  29th,  and  K| 
bo  0]>en  and  sincere  in  niv  declaration,  that  I  will  not  attem 
to  come  into  Parliament*  but  in  supjwrt  of  the  real  AVliig  ii 
terest — I  mean  the  Portland  interest ;  and  I  nnist  know  di 
those  piinciples  are  tnily  acceptable  to  that  party  which  yi 
conceive  would  give  me  its  support. 

My  pretensions  are  only  a  long  aeries  of  senices  perfbivi 

for  ray  Country;  and  if  that  pai-t  of  my  Country  whoiM 

lionour  me  Avidi  their  confidenciv  in  Pai"liament,  think  roe  ( 

eligible  person  to  scne  tlieni  in  (he  House  of  Commons, tl 

same  zeal  shall  manifest  itself  there  as  it  has  done  so  repeated 

in  their  scnice  in  Action  against  the  French.     I  have  only 

say,  that  I  have  been  more  lluui  one  hundred  times  actiul 

engaged  in  Batde,  at  sea  and  on  shore,  against  the  French,  sb 

the  commencement  of  this  war,  and  tliat  I  have  been  twii 

wounded.     If  these  geutlenien  are  Balisfied,  the  Duke  of  Pen 

land  must  be  apjilied  to,  through  Lord  Walpole  and  Lwi 

Walpole  ;  for  although  I  have  so  often  Roeu  the  French  shot,y 

tndy  T  have  seen  little  of  their  money.     I  can  have  no  doubt 

Lord  Hood's  good  wishes  to  serve  me,  and  I  will  wTite  to  bii 

on  the  subject;  nor  mil  Admiral  Corawallis,  I  am  confidfiil 

withhold  his  assistance.     Ltn-d  Cunway*  is  my  friend  and  a 

quainta.nce,  and  a  more  honourable  man,  I  am  confident,  da 

not  gi'ace  the  Navy  of  England ;  therefore,  if  I  am  joined  wii 

him,  the  same  Admiralty  iiiU'rest  will  su]>]iort  us  both.     If 

is  necessary  that  I  should  be  in  England,  the  Duke  of  Por 

land  must  make  application  for  the  Agamemnon  to  be  orden 

home  :  but  I  should  bopt'  that,  being  now  actually  in  the  mo 

active  sen'ice  in  the  MediteiTanean,  it  will  not  be  necessar 

(for  I  should  not  nmch  like  a  land  voyage,)  tlierefore,  if  it 

necessary,  I  should  hope  Agamemnon  will  be  ordered  home* 

♦  Notliing  mnnr  ii  knoira  of  the  propoaiiion  to  bruig  Nolaon  into  PnrliniDOat:  I 
nover  mt  in  the  Hou«o  of  Commons. 

•  VifcAdmif-  ■  '■>gh  Seymour  Conwny,  viAe  vol.  i.  p.  3!ia. 


3^37.] 


LETTERS. 


95 


my  dear  Sir,  T  have  been  plain,  and  cannot  well  be 
lerstood.     Believe  me  ever, 

Your  most  obliged,  bumble  servant, 

Hon  ATI  o  Nelson. 


CKNSBAt  COITNT  WALLIS,  OP  THE  AD8TRIAN  ARMY. 
CProm  Clvfee  and  M'ArtLnr,  toI.  i.  p.  29fl.] 


Sir, 


AguuemuoB,  Vado  Bty,  Tib  NovflolxT,  ITO>'i. 


:  I  was  honoured  last  night  with  yoiu"  letter  of  yesterday's 
me,  I  hope  every  General  Officer  in  the  Array  will  give  me 
ptdit  Ibr  my  desire  of  doing  whatever  is  in  my  power  to  ren- 
Hliem  assistance.  I  will  immediately  order  a  Frigate  and 
^Rig  to  cmifie  off  Cape  Noli,  in  order  to  beep  these  Giin- 
IwiWi  in  some  check  ;  but  the  Cajitains  of  the  Ships  who  have 
uu'hored  nff  Pietra  declare  to  me,  that  it  is  impossible  to  lie 
duin;  in  tlic  least  swoU,  as  it  is  a  qnieksand  ;  and  tlie  Fngate 
*nd  Brig  were  with  diflicidty  saved,  when   there  a  few  days 

hdeed,  Sir,  though  I  shall  order  the  Ships  oil"  Noli,  as  you 
iNiD  to  wish  it,  yet  I  must  apprise  you,  that  the  first  strong 
off  the  land  may  drive  them  to  sea,  and  that  the  same 
w  fiivnnrable  to  die  Enemy's  Gun-boat's;  aiid  I  am  sorry 
re,  that  Longuelia  and  Alaasio  are  good  places  to  ride 
cbor  in,  when  the  same  wind  would  drive  any  Vessel  on 
rhich  luay  be  at  Pietra.  Tlie  moment  I  hear  of  an 
It,  you  may  be  assured  1  shall  come  round  in  the  Aga- 
lOD,  and  render  you  every  assistance  in  my  power.  I 
tbe  Neapolitan  G  allies  would  ever  keep  in  Vado  Bay, 
•lien  they  would  be  nearer  to  you,  but  Uiey  are  always  iu 
<„,  -  >f  olr.  I  truly  lament  his  Excellency  General  De  Vins' 
.  of  healUi,  and  1  beg  leave  to  send  my  sincere  wishes 
iw  ins  speedy  recovery. 

I  am,  &c. 

Horatio  Nelson. 


00 


Sir, 


TO  HIS  EXCELLENCY  BARON  DE  VINS. 


[From  a  Copy,  in  ibe  {Kiiisessiun  of  Mrt.  Oariea.] 

Agnmemnoa,  Vado  Buj,  NoT«inber  ^Ih.  11 


As  you  ai'c  in  expectation  of  a  general  attack  by  iIk-  Fi 
and  tliat  the  Eiiciuy's  Gun-boats  may  be  very  truublesouji 
coming  on  your  Hank,  and  as  I  hold  my  Siiips  in  nioini'ottfj' 
readiness  to  conic  to  your  assistance,  1  beg  leave  to  siiggcj;! » 
the  quickest  means  of  my  knomng  of  the  attack,  dmt  Mgmk 
by  guns  (if  jiossible)  may  be  established  from  Pietra  lu  ik 
Fort  in  Vado, 

You  nuay  rest  assured  that  tlie  moment  I  know  of  the  attftd 
that  a  very  short  time  shall  cany  llic  Agamemnon  and  evtay 
Vessel  I  can  collect  to  Pietra ;  for  belie\e  me,  I  have  tlicmort 
sincere  disposition  to  co-operate  with  your  Excellency  in  Oit 
destnictiou  of  our  Eneinies,  and  that  I  am,  witli  the  higlieiC 
respect  and  esteem, 

Your  Excellency's 

Most  Obedient  Senant, 

Horatio  Nelson. 


TO  HIS  EXCELLENCY  FRANCIS  DRAKE,  ESQ. 
[Fr«in  Clarke  and  M'Anlutr,  voL  !.  p.  397.] 

Agauicmiion,  VnJo  Bay,  l2Ui  NuT«ittlier,  ITUl 

My  dear  Sir, 
I  was  only  yesterday  favoured  with  yours  of  the  5th,  encIo*> 
ing  a  Bulletin  relative  to  the  Coast  near  St.  Remo.  1  bat 
yesterday  nioniing  a  letter  from  General  de  Vins,  informing 
me  tliat  Uie  Tartans  were  wiilidrawn  from  Borghetto,  and  tlial 
he  thinks  his  position  too  strong  for  the  French  to  sueceed  i 
any  att^ick  they  may  make.  Nothing,  I  am  sure  you  mil  bo 
lieve,  will  be  wanting  on  the  i>art  of  my  Squadron,  to  cover  Um 
General's  flank  by  sea,  I  liave  requested  the  General  to  eslt 
blish  signals  by  ginis,  when  I  should  be  with  him,  before  thi 
got  well  wann  in  tlie  attack.  Flora  and  n  Brig  are  now  cruis 
ing  off  Noli  and  I*ietra ;  but  I  fear  they  may  be  blown  off  th 
Coast,  llie  weather  is  so  severe,  that  eitlier  the  French  or 
Austrians  u  ^  hills ;  and  as  Konie  Auiitrian  soldieia 


J.ETTERS 


t>7 


died  with  Uic  cold  on  tlieir  posts,  tlie  Enemy  cannot  be 

comfortable.     A  few  days  must,  I  think,  give  a  turn  to 

e  of  affairs.     Kellennan,  I  understand,  visits  eveiy  post 

in  twenty-four  hours,  and  says  everything  to  encourage 

idient.     Last  night  brought  a  roport,  that  the  French 

ei"s  from  Genoa  had  landod  at  A'ttltri,  and  taken  money 

udier  effects  belonging  to  tin;  Au.'.lriuns.      li  lliis  account 

,  it  mitst  alter  the  system  of  Genoese  neutnUity  :  j)ray, 

e  sometliing  about  it :  you  must  of  course  be  infonned  of 

circumstance,  or  know  it  to  be  a  fabrication.     1  am  un- 

:,  and  intend,  if  the  weather  he  ttjlerable,  to  go  to- 

to  Pietra  for  a  few  hours,  to  \\ny  my  respects  to  Gene- 

Vios,  who  has  been  very  ill. 

say,  and  I  believe  it  is  true,  that  Adunral  Ilothani 

"nis  Flag  and  given  up  the  connnanil,  as  also  Admiral 

;  and  that  Sir  Hyde  Parker  commands  the  Fleet  imtil 

John  Jenis's  arrival.     Captain  Fi-eck'rick'^  has  hoisted   a 

juishing  Pendant,  and  commands  the  third  Division  of 

lie  Fleet.     Tliis  cannot,  my  dear  Sir,  but  make  me  feel,  that 

,lain  tlie   first  Officer  commanding  a  Squadron,  destined  to 

I  co-opfTatc  with  the  Austrians  and  Sardinians,  who  has  been 

I  'iihout  a  Distinguishing  Pendant :  most  have  had  a  Broad 

t,*  but  that  I   neidier  expected,  nor  wished  for;  yet  I 

,  ^  1  have  had  the  pleasure  to  give  satisfaction  to  our 

ADiM,  that  the  Ministry,  if  you  thought  proper  to  represent  it, 

1(1  order  tne  a  DLstinguisliing   Pendant  from  my  having 

command,  or  some  other  mark  of  their  favour.     Pray  excuse 

pari  of  tny  letter :  I  am  assured  you  will  do  what  is  right 


I  am,  &c. 

Horatio  Nelson. 

I  Nelsoa  whm  i1i«u  wtiliin  seveu  of  the  top  at  llie  Lint  ot  Post  Capl«in<i, 
of  CftptMiii  Tboina'4  l^iiox  FreJerick  stood  in'xt  liylow  Lis  owu. 
on  itic  kiibject  uf  l-'lujpt,  ni<itin)7niH|iiii!f  PentluiiU.  &f.,  lU  ilio  oiul  of 
iMib(ir<|ntai  Volumv.     Nvlaoa  did  uot  oktiuii  lii^  wi-ili  until  ilti-  fullowing 


)U  II, 


H 


98 


LETTERS. 


[I795w 


TO  JOHN  M'ARTHUR,  ESQ.,  JOHN  UDNEY,  ESQ.,  AND  THOMAS 
POLLARD,  ESQ.,  AGENTS  FOR  THE  CAPTORS. 

[AatograpU,  in  the  po8seǤion  of  John  Luxford,  Esq.] 
Gentlemen,  A^anipmnou,  V»do  Day,  November  liili,  K(W. 

You  will  berewiUi  receive  Jepositions  relative  to  the  taking 
a  Ship  laden  with  com,  bound  to  a  place  occupied  by  the 
Armies  of  France  or  to  France.  If  it  is  ncccssarj',  you  will  send 
these  papers  to  England,  but  really  I  see  but  little  a  Court  of 
Admiralty  has  to  decide  upon.  The  confiscation  of  the  cargo 
docs  not  depend  on  ))rciving  it  the  jiroperty  of  our  Enemies, 
but  by  a  mutual  agreement  between  the  Genoese  Government, 
the  English  Minister  at  Genoa,  and  the  Austrian  General, 
that  all  com  necessary  for  tlie  use  of  the  inhabitants  of  the 
Republic  should  be  allowed  to  pass  without  molestation,  it 
being  certified  by  the  Genoese  Secretaty  of  State,  the  English 
Minister  giving  a  passport,  and  also  the  Austrian  General, — ^all 
other  cargoes  were  t<j  be  considered  as  liable  to  confiscation. 
All  the  com  for  the  use  of  tlie  inhabitants  has  been  passed 
for  two  months  witli  the  proper  papers,  therefore  I  beg  you  to 
consider  what  is  proper  to  be  done  in  tliis  case.  From  what  is 
the  Court  of  Admiralty  to  judge .' — the  freight  is  to  be  paid  by 
an  order  on  the  French  Com-agcnt  at  Genoa,  the  house  of 
Gheraldi ;  mo.st  probably  the  cargo  will  not  be  claimed,  but  if 
it  is,  our  Proctor  must  have  proper  notice  how  matters  stand 
here.  Tlie  Austrians  sell  instantly,  and  share  the  money ;  our 
poor  sailors  are  kept  a  long  time  out  of  their  money.  Is  tliero 
no  Court  of  Admiralty  establisjied  in  Corsica?  England  Ls  a 
great  way  ofl":  Iiowcvlt,  I  trust  you  will  be  as  expeditious  as 
possible ;  the  corn  being  liable  to  be  si>oilc  J,  I  had  it  surveyed, 
and  have  [illegihie']  it  paid  tlie  Master  liis  freight,  and  shall 
liberate  the  \'essi"l  so  soon  as  the  cargo  is  delivered.  Her 
damages,  occasioned  by  our  heavy  fire  on  her,  in  consequence 
of  her  miming  awny  fnnn  us,  I  shall  not  malce  good  ;  the  Cap- 
tain brought  it  on  hiiusclf.  I  have  only  to  hope  you  will  do 
the  best,  and  am  Your  very  humble  servant, 

Horatio  Nelson. 

Mr,  Thomas  Fellows  has  a  great  deal  of  trouble  in  seeing 
the  cargo  delivered,  for  which  I  conceive  he  ought  to  be 
allowed  something  out  of  the  five  per  cent,  agency. 


r,  870 


LETTERS. 


98' 


TO  EVAN  NErtAN,  £SQ»  SECUETARV  TO  THE  ADMlllALn. 
[Fr<'ni  ft  Cupy  i»  tin?  Stan*  I'nrcr  Office.] 
SJf  .SgivniFDiuou,  Genoa  Mole,  November  l.JiL,  179^. 

Aa  Sir  Hyde  Parker  is  sailed  from  Leghorn  with  the  Fleet, 
I  thick  it  my  duty  to  ucquHiiU  yoii,  for  their  Lordships'  in- 
formalioD,  of  the  situation  of  affairs  connected  with  my  com- 
mand on  this  Coast.  The  situation  of  the  French  Army 
&om  Borghettii  Point  along  the  Mountains  of  St.  Esprit,  is 
almost  impregnable,  their  numbers  amounting  to  full  28,000 
men.  The  Austrian  Army  is  likewise  possessed  of  such 
as  to  render  an  attack  on  them  by  the  French  (as 
ral  De  Vins  tells  me)  impracticable,  and  almost  without 

possibility  of  being  successful.  Thus  both  armies  remain  to 
see  who  c«n  stand  the  cold  longest ;  at  present  it  is  intense, 
wh«l  could  not  have  been  expected  iu  this  country,  without 
snow,  but  most  intense  frosts  and  northerly  winds,  blowing 
hArd.  A  few  days  ago,  I  scoured  the  coast  between  Monacoa 
Bod  Borgbetta  so  completely,  that  although  I  was  only  able  to 
t«ke  one  Ship  loaded  with  com,  yet  I  forced  the  others  into 
the  Bay  of  Alassio  and  Languclia,  where  they  arc  so  coni- 
pleiely  imder  the  protection  of  formidaljle  batteries,  that  not 
less  than  three  Sail  of  the  Line  could  attempt  to  take  or 
destroy  them.  1  have  wrote  to  the  Admiral  on  the  subject, 
bul  I  believe  he  was  sailed  before  my  Letter  could  reach  him. 
The  number  of  Vessels  loaded  and  unloaded  at  those  places 
are  near  100,  the  greater  part  loaded  with  corn  und  stores  for 
France.  The  French  General  has  laid  an  embargo  on  them 
all,  and  it  would  not  surprise  mc,  should  any  particular  events 
lake  place,  but  that  he  quits  this  part  of  the  Riviere,  An 
event  new  and  rather  extraordinary  has  called  for  my  pre- 
sence here  ;  on  the  night  of  the  lOth,  the  boats  of  the  Brune 
French  Frigate  and  a  number  of  Privateers,  embarked  about 
300  men  in  this  Port,  and  landed  them  at  a  place  called 
Voltri,  about  nine  miles  from  Genoa,  where  the  Austrians 
bad  a  post  of  a  very  few  men,  and  a  magazine  of  corn :  of 
ccMUSe  they  succeeded  in  possessing  themselves  of  the  com, 
and  also  unfortmiately  of  £'10,000  sterling,  which  the  Aus- 
trian Commissary  was  carrying  from  hence  to  Savona.  On 
the  11th  the  Austrians  regained  the  })ost  and  took  u  Lieu- 
tenant-Colonel, tlie  Commander,  prisoner,  and  pursued  the 
French  to  Su  Pierre  d'Arena,  the  suburbs  of  Genoa.      On 


LETTERS. 


|:1796. 


the  night  of  the  Uth,  the  French  attacked  a  Salt  Magazine 
belonging  to  the  King  of  Sardinia,  within  150  yards  of  the 
guns  of  Genoa,  which  was  plundered,  and  the  contents  given 
to  the  lower  onler  of  Genoese,  who  enjoyed  the  riot.     Yes- 
terday,  an  additional  number  of  men  were  raised  here  by  the 
French,  recruiting  absolutely  on  the  Exchange  at  four  livres 
per  day  for  the  expedition,  and  forty-eight  livres  bounty; 
about  700  men  were  raised  during  the  days  of  the  11th  and 
12th,  and  embarked  in   the  Brune,  a  large  Brig,  and  other 
Vessels.      1000  men  were  to  have  been  sent  from  the  Army 
at  Borghctta,  in  gun-boats  and  feluccas,  and  they  were  to  have 
taken  a  post  between  Savona  and  Voltri,  on  strong  ground, 
and  to  have  fortified  themselves ;  the  Genoese  have  cannon 
near  the  place.    I  don't  think  the  plan  would  have  succeeded, 
but  such  it  was.      1  have  stationed  a  Frigate  at  Vado,  for  at 
this  season  it  is  impossible  to  keep  the  shore  aboard,  without 
anchoring ;    therefore,  should  they  pass,  I  hope  we  shall  have 
them.      After  going  to  Voltri,  I  anchored  here  yesterday 
evening,  which  changed  the  face  of  affairs ;    the  Brune  and 
Transports  were  employed  warping  all  night,  from  the  outer 
to  the  inner  Mole,  juid  now  she  is  without  guns  or  powder, 
and  hauled  inside  ten  or  twelve  Merchant  Ships.     Although, 
His  Majesty's  Minister  has  nothing  to  do  officially  with  tlic 
breach  of  neutrality  committed  against   the  AusLrians   and 
Sardinians,  yet  from  my  situation,  as  co-operating  with  those 
powers,  it  became  necessary  for  me  to  take  steps  that  this 
breach  of  neutrality  and  forfeiture  of  the  Word  of  Honour  of 
the  French  Captain  should  not  be  detrimental  to  our  Allies. 
Mr,  Drake  has  been  with  me  to  the  Austrian  and  Sardiniau 
ISlinisters,  and  they  will  demand  of  the  Republic  that  the 
Brune  shall  be  tlisarmed  and  not  permitted  to  depart  the 
Port,    till  satisfaction    be   given   for   the   glaring   breacJi  of 
neutrality.      If  they  cannot  succeed  in   this  point,  I  must 
either  stay  here,  or  always  keep  a  superior  force  in  this  Port, 
till  General  de  Vins  can  take  such  measures  as  may  be  neces- 
sary to  secure  his  Army  from  having  an  Enemy  in  their  rear, 
I  could  not  think  it  right  to  allow  events  of  this  importance 
to  reach  their  Lordships'  cars  but  from  their  own  Officers ; 
therefore,  as  tlie  Admiral  is  absent,  I  hope  their  Lordships 
wDl  think  I  have  done  right  in  giving  them  this  information, 
without  its  coming  tlirough  the  Admiral,  which  is  the  proper 
channfl  ^e  the  honour  to  be,  &Ci 

UoRATio  Nelson. 


37.1 


LETTERS. 


99 


TO  H.R.H.  THE  UUKE  OF  CLARENCE." 
[From  Cltfke  niul  M'Anhur.  rol.  t.  p.  •i'-W.] 


Sir, 


Genoii  IIoiuIm,  ItitUi  NoTcmb«r,  171)0. 


AlmoNt  every  day  prnduces  such  changes  in  the  prospect  of 
AffairB,  that  in  relating  events  I  hardly  know  where  to 
m.  The  two  Armies  arc  both  so  strongly  posted,  tliat 
leitber  is  willing  to  give  the  attack ;  each  waits  to  see  which 
_cta  endure  tlje  cold  longest.  The  French  General  has  laid  an 
ibai^  on  all  tJie  Vessels  on  the  Coast,  near  a  hundred  Sail, 
id  it  would  not  surprise  me  if  he  is  meditating  a  retreat,  in 
se  Lid  plans  do  not  succeed ;  which  I  hope  Lliey  will  uot,  as 
tie  prevention  of  them,  in  a  great  measure,  depends  on  our 
laral  force  under  ray  orders.  Tliis  has  callc<l  me  here,  where 
,  circumstmice  has  aiisen,  that  ha.s  given  us  tlic  alana  sooner 
lintended. 

Btrian  Commissary  was  travelling  from  Genoa  towards 

Tndo,  with  ill 0,000  sterling,  and  it  was  known  he  was  to  sleep 

at  a  place  called  Voltri,  about  nint;  miles  fi-om  Genoa.     Thi.s 

imptation  wa*  too  great  for  the  French  Captain  of  the  Brunc, 

concert  with  tlic  French  Minister,  to   keep   his  word  of 

lOur;  and  the  Bouts  of  that  Frigate,  with  some  Privateers, 

Ircnt  nut  of  tlie  Port,  landed,  and  brought  back  the  money. 

le  next  day,  the  1  Itli  of  November,  recnuting  was  publicly 

"carried  ou  in  tlie  Town  of  Genoa,  and  numbers  enlisted ;  and 

*  nu  Ro\^  Uiglineits  bail  written  to  Crtplnin  Nelcon  from  St.  Jame«'!<,  on  tlie 
Jt  of  August,  I  lUA. 
••  I>e«r  NcUoii, 

I**  VntirrKtJuiiUng ibiu  a MesseD(;cr  gn«s  to-morrow  cTcnjug  for  Uie  MetiJt«muieao, 
tttsanut  allijw  tliU  opporliitiity  to  escnpo  witltuut  my  writing  ray  old  Friend  afew  linci. 
Irnir  Iett4>ni  nrr  t<i  m?  «o  truly  imer<>stiiig',  tlinl  I  liivc  kopl  overy  oue,  and  iliaJl 
ok  forwMtl  lit  yoiir  fliitirc  roirpsnoiidence  rw  highly  intemHtitt}^. 
"  H«vii>(t  hcva  tlirougU  life  uequttintcd  witli  yun,  1  wil"  not  burpriscd  to  rend  your 
iu  rvcn  iLccniuit  from  Hotliuu,  but  I  rvjoic(<  in  the  dvfenl  ynii  Uave  given 
I^uru>ic"«.  Sitiri'  yottr  litsi  letter,  Spwii  Iihs  tiimlc  peiu'e,  iviid  <;oii»e(niently, 
a»t  inat<>riiil!y  alter  your  iiltiinlJou.  I  tliiiik  if  we  Lnvc  uot  pence  with  Frunze, 
itiod  gmnt '.  wr  muit  Imve  wiirwitli  Spiun,  In  ail  cnsef),  1  rely  ouilie  Mcdi 
Fleet  ituder  HiiIIjjiiu  aiid  llollowtty.  lo  whoui  I  wixli  tu  Ih-  kiitdly  rotufni- 
A«  for  you  I  nay  uulhiin; :  you  well  know  my  opinion  of  yourself,  wliicJi 
■cticiti  of  your*  llilo  witr  hns  strengthened.  Till  we  meet,  adieu ;  wliicb  T 
hofm,  for  the  auk*  iif  tin*  Cftuiatry,  will  be  Hixin  ;  und  ever  believo  nie,  d«Kr  Sir, 
»ljr,  WttLtJLM."'^Auloifraph,  ia  tlie  Nel«oti  Papcns. 

u'2 


100 


LETTERS. 


[1795. 


on  tlic  13tli  at  night,  as  many  uien  as  could  be  collected  were 
to  sail  under  Convoy  of  tlje  Biiuie,  and  to  land,  and  take  a 
sironf?  ]iost  of  tin*  Genoese,  between  Cienoa  and  Savona.  A 
Imndved  men  were  to  have  been  sent  from  tlie  French  Army 
at  Borgbetto,  and  an  insuiTection  of  the  Genoese  peanantry 
was  to  have  been  enconrayed  ;  which  T  believe  would  ha\  e 
succeeded  for  seviTiJ  miles  tip  tlte  t'uuntry.  General  de  Vins 
must  have  sent  four  or  live  thousand  men,  probably,  from  his 
Army,  which  would  have  j^von  the  Pjiiemy  a  fairer  prospect  of 
success  in  their  intended  altiiek.  Tlie  scheme  was  bold,  but  I 
do  not  think  it  wcnild  have  succeeded  in  all  points. 

However,  my  ariiial  liere  on  the  1 3th  in  the  evening,  caused 
a  tola!  ehan{,'e:  ihe  Frigate,  knowing  her  deserts,  and  what 
had  been  done  here  before  with  the  Transports  and  Privateers, 
hauled  from  the  outer  l«)  the  inner  Mole,  and  is  got  inside  the 
jMerchant  Ships,  wilh  her  jiowder  out,  for  no  Ships  can  go 
into  the  inner  Mole  with  powder  on  board  ;  and,  as  I  have  long 
expected  an  onbarkatton  froni  the  French  Army  from  the 
westward,  to  harass  General  de  Vins,  there  I  was  fully  on  my 
guard.  \Mjilst  1  roniain  here,  no  harm  can  hapjjen,  unless, 
Avhich  private  infuiuiation  says  is  likely  to  titko  place,  tliat  foiur 
Siul  of  tlie  Line  and  some  Frigates  are  to  come  here,  and  take 
Agamemnon  and  her  Sfjuadion,  What  steps  the  Austrian 
Generals,  and  Ministers,  will  adojit  to  get  redress,  for  diis  (I 
fear  allowed)  brcadi  of  nentridtly,  on  the  part  of  the  Genoese 
Go^■e^unent,  I  cannot  yet  teU.  It  is  a  very  extraordinary  cir- 
cumstance, but  a  fact,  that  since  my  aiTival,  respect  to  the 
Neuti-al  Port  has  not  been  demanded  of  uie  :  if  it  had,  my 
answer  was  ready,  '  that  it  was  useless  and  impossible  for  me 
to  give  it.'  As  the  breach  of  the  Neutrality  has  not  been 
noticed,  I  fancy  lliey  are  aware  of  my  answer,  and  therefore 
declined  asking  the  question. 

A  superior  force  to  the  French  must  now  always  be  kept 
here;  but,  I  own,  1  think  the  French  will  make  a  push  from 
Toidon  to  drive  us  away,  that  they  may  do  something,  and 
they  have  no  time  to  lose.  Sir  Hyde  Parker  is  gone  to  tlie 
westward,  and  my  force  is  very  much  reduced,  at  a  time  I 
humbly  conceive  it  wants  addition.  Admiral  Hotham  is 
travelling  until  the  spring ;  as  is  .\dmiral  Goodall,  who  feels 
much  hurt  at  not  getting  the  command ;    a  braver  or  better 


37.] 


LETTERS. 


iccr 


IS   jH-hluni  tti  lir  fimiul.     I  am  in  expectation  of  bciiiff 
ircd  lo  Kiiglanil ;  the  Ship,  Sliip'^  compati} ,  and  niysolf, 
at».'  nil  out  of  repair. 

1  b€g  leave  to   subscribe  myself,  your  Royal  Highncss's 
iBO«t  attached  and  faitliful 

Horatio  Nelson. 


TO  H.  n.  n.  THE  DUKE  OF  CLARENCE, 
[from  I'iarkp  aud  M'Aithur,  vol.  i.  p.  230.] 

l!Mb  Novembrr,  1709. 

!c  new  Doge  is  now  elected,  and  we  hope  lo  get  some  an- 
•  from  the  Govenimcnt.  My  situation  is  the  more  awkwaul, 
what  has  happened  docs  not  relate  to  the  English  Minister, 
?ach  of  Neutrality  being  an  Austrian  business  ;  but,  as  I 
•operating  with  the  Austrians,  it  has  made  me  a  pai'ty. 
line  of  conduct  is  very  clear,  as  1  shall  signify  at  a  proper 
le,  *  that  if  the  Genoese  CJovemment  liave  not  the  power, 
nor  the  inclination,  to  prevent  these  Expeditions  sailing  from 
jeir  I'orts,  it  tlien  becomes  my  business,  a*  ftu-  as  in  me  lies, 
prevent  it;  which  must  be  done  by  keeping  a  superior  force 
in  the  Port,  to  sail  witli  tliem,'  I  hope  for  tliebest ;  but  to  say 
the  tnith,  I  think  I  shall  bo  attacked  ven*  soon  by  a  much 
superior  force  from  Toidon,  and  I  have  long  begged  for  two 
Sail  of  the  Line  to  be  added  to  my  -Squadi'Dn  :  certainly  I  had 
DO  more  substantial  reason,  than  what  was  strongly  iiniiressed 
on  my  mind,  from  various  rejjorts  and  conversations.  I  pray 
God  I  may  be  mistaken,  and  that  Sir  Hyde  may  keep  them  hi 
Port.  The  number  of  Cum-boats  collecting,  both  at  Toulon 
and  Nice,  can  hf  fur  nu  other  ]>uq>ose  than  to  force  a  landing 
on  thiK  Coast ;  and  it  would  sur|>rise  me,  should  they  get  a 
S<iuadnni  U}»  here,  if  they  did  not  seize  Genoa  i  and  tlien  foiu:- 
w  11  (lays  would  decide  the  campaign. 

I  am,  &c., 

Horatio  Nklson. 


loa 


LETTERS. 


TO  VICE-ADMIRAL  SIR  HYDE  PARKER.* 


[1795. 


Sir, 


[From  Clorkf  nnd  M'Arthur,  vol.  i.  p.  340.] 

Ag«uu«iDtion,  OcnoB  Hoaxl,  November  !20thi  1790. 


UiTon  consultation  with  his  Excellency  Mr.  Drake,  1  have 
Uctcnuiiietl  uii  studiiig  a  Vessel  to  you,  with  the  enclosed 
reports  of  the  state  of  tlic  Ships  in  ToiUon,  It  is  needless  for 
rue  to  make  any  furtlier  observations  on  their  contents ;  hut  if 
the  Enemy's  Squadron  couies  on  this  Coast,  and  lands  from 
three  to  four  tliousaud  men  between  Genoa  and  Savona,  1  ain 
confident  that  either  the  whole  Austrian  Anny  will  be  defeated, 
or  must  inevitably  retreat  into  Piedmont,  and  abandon  their 
artillery  and  stores.  We  are  acquainted  with  the  French 
plaijs,  iujd  of  the  well-founded  expectadon  they  have  of  raising 
an  insun-ection  of  the  Genoese  peasantry,  in  a  particular  valley 
between  thi.s  and  \'ado,  I  have  not,  which  probably  you  know^ 
been  on  former  occasions  backward  in  I'epresenting  my  thoughts 
to  Admiral  Hotham,  tliat  at  one  time  or  another,  the  French 
would  make  a  push  for  this  Coast,  as  also  my  wishes  for  a  rein- 
forcement of  two  74-gim  Ships,  and  that  tlic  Frigates  should 
not  be  diminished  ;  tlie  latterj  I  am  sorrj*  to  say,  is  done. 

llie  extraordinary  events  which  have  taken  place  here,  and 

tlie  Expedition  wliich  would  now  sail  Irom  tliis  Port,  were  1  to 

mthdraw  the  Agamemnon,  will  always  render  it  a  uieatture  of 

necessity  to  keep  a  suj^erior  force  to  tlie  French  at  tins  place, 

witli  orders  to  attack  the  Enemy,  if  they  ]>resume  to  sail :  ihey 

broke  the  Neutrality,  and  the  CJcnoese  have  not  called  on  me 

for  my  word  to  respect  it. 

November  9I»t. 

I  am  sorry  to  add,  that  the  weather  is  so  verj'  bad  in  this 
Gidf,  tliat  neither  sails,  nor  ships,  nor  people,  can  remain  at 
sea  for  a  long  time.  Tliis  nioniing,  at  daylight,  the  Austrians 
took  possession  of  tlie  French  empty  magazines  at  St.  Pierre 
d'iVrena,  and  the  sentinels  are  now  close  to  the  gates  of  Genoa. 
We  tliink  General  de  Vins  ha.s  done  wrong  in  this  instancei 
He  den»anded  satisfacUon  and  payment  of  tlic  Genoese  Govern- 
ment, and,  without  waiting  for  the  answer,  has  taken  satisfaction 

*  Admind  HotLnni  fttrick  lijs  Flng  on  Uie  Isl  of  November,  when  lUe  Wmpomry 
commaud  o/  ihe  Fleei  devolved  uu  Vice  Admimi  Sir  Hydt-  IVker. 


37.] 


LETTERS. 


103 


Had  the  General  done  so  first,  he  would  have  found 
full  magaKincs,  instead  of  empty  ones :  by  his  conduct  he  has 
3d  the  Genoese  from  their  difEcultios.     You  may  be 
1  shall  pursue  a  steady,  moderate  line  of  conduct. 

I  am,  &c., 

Horatio  Nelson. 


THE  RIGHT  HONOURABLE  LORD  GRENVILLE,  SECRETARY 
OF  STATE  FOR  FOREIGN  AFFAIRS. 

|>b  Dr»4«gh(,  iu  Uie  Nf  Ison  J'ajicrs.     Mr,  Drake  hsvinf;  informwl  Cnptiuu 

I  ihat  a  n'jKirt  w»a  circulated  among  (Lc  Allies,  to  whieli  tbc  King  of  Sardinia 

I  been  unliiood  to  give  credence,  iLat  the  Biitiiili  CniLiers  connived  with  ilic  F.ncray 

p«>rmil  lln«  Coasting  Veosels  to  land  their  CiirgoeB  for  llie  supply  of  the  French 

i>7  in  Ibe  Riviera  of  Genoa,  Neboa  immeditOely  wrote  the  following  indignnnt 

to  r/>rd  Grenville.    Clarke  and  M'Anhnr  do  not  say  where  xhe  Letter  actually 

mm  pre«er\'ed ;  but  tliey  stattt  thut  a.^  it  was  of  sa  delicate  and  extroordi- 

tDaturp,  lltey  had  ileetned  it  expedient,  liefore  publication,  to  submit  it,  tbroiigh 

eaitnte«»  Perceval,  to  Mr.  Trpvor.  who  was  Minister  itt  Turin  at  the  time  it 

iUiey  have  printed  Mr.  Trevor's  reply  to  Lady  Pcrcovil,  which  will 

'  «e.'] 

Agamemnon,  Genoa  Road,  23rd  November,  170&. 
My  Lord, 
Having  received,  from  Mr.  Drake,  a  copy  of  your  Lordship's 
letter  to  him  of  October,  enclosing  a  paper  liiglily  reflecling 

Kthc  honour  of  myself  and  other  of  His  Majesty's  Officers 
tb,  Trettir's  letter  to  the  Vincouniess  rereeval. — "  T  return  to  yon  the  very 
■Wo  Ivttcr  of  my  late  Noble  Friend  :  it  wat  no  donbt  addreoKed  to  Lord  Gren- 
>  from  whom  the  paper  alladed  to  must  hnve  been  officially  sent  to  Mr,  Drake. 
A  •ondaiom  and  calumniating  suspicion  preiailed  at  that  liuie  amongst  the  Allies 
vxuted  a  criminiU  connivanoe  between  the  Rriliish  rnuHei-H  in  Ihr  Mvdi- 
■ad  the  Coasting  vessels  of  the  F.nemy ;  whereby  they  were  pt-nnitted  lo 
Uii4  tbair  cargoes  for  the  supply   of  the  French   .\rmy  in   ihe  Riviern  of  Gcnoiu 
Til*  fwl  waa,  ihtx  the  French  Army  waa  most  provokingly  snpplied  by  sea,  not- 
lrttlMaii4iag  the  DriiiAh  ahipt*  who  were  otationcd  olf  the  const :  but  it  wu  by  oo 
Wna  tn  went  of  every  exertion  on  their  ]iart,  tnuch  less  from  any  treachery. 
VRlbMI  Madeaoeoiliag  to  repel  on  acciLsotinn,  n.s  grr)nndlci8  as  it  was  injurious,  the 
Ifaiof  iinke  Atr  itaelf  upon  t  moments  reflection  :  for  neither  we,  nor  the  Allies,  bad 
•By  auMll  Croft  that  eouhl  approach  the  shore :  whilst  the  supplien  were  smuggled 
Mhof  Ute  coast  by  night,  in  light  Veai4eli>,  inii|iiteor  everything  which  our  Frigates, 
or  Sloopa  of  War,  could  do  to  prevent  it.     I  was  <icnt  to  Milan  to  confer  with  the 
Oejienl  aiwl  Admiral  Ooodall,  on  tbi«  nubjeet,  and  other  mattem  of  oo- 
p.     W(i  suggested  the  only  remedy  ttial  could  be  devised,  which  was  that  of 
aonw  Galley*  and  Row-bonts,  from  Uenoa  or  Civile  Vecahia.     I  never  saw 
onoiu   r»per  in   question:    Erum  liis    iguoronoe   of  Naval    «ffiun,    the 


104 


LETTERS. 


[1795. 


emploj-ed  on  tliis  Coast  under  my  Ordere,  it  well  becomes  me, 
as  far  as  iu  my  power  lies,  to  wipe  away  this  ignominious  stain 
on  our  characters.  I  do,  therefore,  in  behalf  oi'  myself,  and 
much-injured  Bretliren,  demand,  that  the  person,  whoever  he 
may  be,  that  wrote,  or  gave  lliaL  paper  to  your  Lordship,  do 
fully,  and  expressly  bring  home  his  ch{u"gc  j  wliich,  as  lie 
states  that  this  agreement  is  made  by  numbers  of  people  on 
both  sides,  tlicre  can  be  no  difficulty  in  doing.  We  dare  him, 
my  Lord,  to  tlic  proof.  If  he  cannot,  I  do  most  humbly  itii- 
plorc,  that  His  Majesty  will  be  most  graciously  pleased  to 
direct  his  Attomey-CJeneral  to  prosecute  this  infamous  libeller 
in  His  C-ourls  of  Law;  and  I  likewise  feel,  lliat,  wiiliout  im- 
pj-opriety,  I  may  on  behalf  of  my  brother  Oflicers,  demand  the 
support  of  His  Majesty's  Minislcns :  for  as,  if  true,  no  pimish- 
ment  can  be  too  great  for  the  traitors ;  so,  if  false,  none  can  be 
too  heavy  for  the  villain,  who  has  dared  to  allow  his  ])en  to 
WTite  such  a  paper.  Perhaps  I  ought  to  stop  my  letter  here ; 
but  1  feel  too  much  to  rest  easy  for  a  moment,  when  the 
honour  of  the  Navy,  and  our  Country,  is  sdnck  at  throngh 
ns ;   for   if  nine   [ten]    Captains,  whom  chance  has  thrown 

Anatriau  Conuniuidnr,  who  ftrlt  iLc  ofri'cts  of  tlie  misfortiiiip  without  NiifficieDtl}' 
atteudiog  to  its  cniis(%  •'u-'ily  lislnirJ  to  the  uiisreprrKciiialionN  tltai  wen*  moilit 
to  liim  iipnn  tlip  snlijeci.  tiiiil  trunxtiiillcd  tlipin  to  his  Court;  whence,  or  Uiroug'h 
the  nieJinm  of  ihaL  nf  Tnriii,  thpy  ri!nchp[l  Kujflnnd.  The  orciiKHlion  vrw  prt^Whljr 
\tLg»v  and  gfucrnh  it  dops  un|  n|i|><iiir  that  iiiiy  Tiiuitc»  were  mentioned;  tlie  nnunr 
Mid  the  rliniujel  of  i  lie  iuronimiitui  did  not  Rdmil  of  any  public  refutation  of  it;  and 
Conuufiilori'  Nelson's  leitir,  its  well  as  Mv.  Drtdie's  aiiHwer,  would  \u\\e  been  dbott 
thftii  lufficieui  Iu  oljliiemtcin  d  nimueni  any  nlleutinn  tli»i  might  have  been  pJTen  lo 
it  liv  Uovcmmeiii.  WiUi  rcpml  to  the  jiientioii,  miule  iii  Nelstou'*  letter,  of  my 
uliprohttliou  of  kls  conduct,  1  <aniH)t  hel^i  nildinr;  n  little  an  thm  siibjerl,  beeaitne 
it  Indougs  In  one  flf  the  rjrcumM<iute>  in  rov  life,  whit li  I  recollcot  with  the  gnttr*t 
pteasiiire.  It  was,  I  think,  iu  171l"i,  thnt  this  frrrat  man,  with  whom  1  hud  heeu  in  < 
ulliein]  corre*pondeiu-e,  and  with  whom  nud  Mr.  Drake  many  conferences  hud  be«n 
lieht  on  board  the  Agiiniemnou,  and  whom  I  even  then  looked  up  to  with  odmirwtion, 
nenl  uie  a  letter  exprewxive  nf  uneaHiueKH  and  di.xiipptiiiitment,  ibnt  hiit  vdoiir  uid 
faithful  ferviccB  hod  not  lieen  more  fiivourably  ntleuiled  to  by  Govcmnieul,  uiil 
recinesting  nic  to  fumLnh  huii  with  n  letter  to  Miiiijiler*  expressive  of  nj)'  scii»e  of 
JuB  services,  m  for  an  they  had  fullen  within  the  sphere  of  my  oliHervntion  nr  know- 
ledge. I  lutTC  often  reffrettcil  Ibnt  this  letter,  whkb  siibierjueut  events  hnvr  hww* 
inwle  a  rnrious  and  iuteresting  diictuuent.  wits  burnt  with  my  pn]>er»  at  Turin ;  but  ' 
I  lessens  »  copy  of  iny  »iiswer  to  it,  wLirh  coudiided  willi  these  wonlo — '  .And  I 
9h«U  ever  onnnider  it  (i5  the  proudest  eimmistiuiie  iu  my  life,  that  such  n  ehiuwter 


lUt  Coniuimlure  NcKou'k  nhnulil  have  tliouf^hi  »  te>tiiiioDiftl  of  iJiiiic  coiild  mid  any-, 
Uliltg  til  its  lustre." — Clm/fr  iittd  M'Jrlhnr,  vol.  i.  p.  lil. 


37.] 


LLTTERA 


105 


)thcr 


net 


m 


;tber,  can  instanily  join  in  such  a  traitorous  measure,  it  is 
to  conclude  we  arc  all  Lad. 
\A&  tJiis  traitorous  agreement  could  not  be  carried  on  hut 
concert  of  all  the  Captains,  if  tlicy  were  on  the  Stations 
allotted  them,  and  as  they  could  only  be  drawn  from  those 
ions  hy  orders  from  nie,   I  do   most  fully  acquit  all  my 
Captains  from  such  a  combination,  and  have  to  rc- 
that  I  may  be  considered  as  the  only  responsible  person 
what  is  done  under  my  command,  if  1  approve  of  the  coti- 
of  those  under  my  orders,  which  in  tliis  most  public  man- 
I  beg  leave  to  do :   for  Officers  mo;"c  alert,  and  more 
ixious  for  the  good,  and  honour,  of  their  King  and  Country, 
_can  scarcely  ever  fall  to  the  lot  of  any  CommantUng  OHicer: 
lieir  Names  I  place  at  the  bottom  of  this  letter. 

myself,  from  my  earliest  youth  I  have  been  in  the  Naval 
sc  ;  and  hi  two  Wars,  have  been  in  more  than  one  hun- 
and  forty  Skirmishes  and  Datdes,  at  Sea  and  on  shore ; 
ive  lost  an  eye,  aiul  otherwise  blood,  in  fighting  the  Enemies 
my  King  and  Country;   and,  (Jod  knows,  instead  of  i-ichcs, 
my  little  fortune  has  been  diminished  in  the  Service:  but  I 
shall  not  trouble  your  Lordship  further  at  present,  than  jus^t  to 
say — that  at  tlie  close  of  tliis  CiUiii)aign,  wliorc  1  have  bad  llie 
pleasure  to  receive  the  approbation  of  tlic  Generals  of  the  Allied 
'owers  ;  of  his  Excellency  Mr.  Drake,  who  has  always  been 
the  spot ;  of  ^fr.  Trevor,  who  has  been  at  a  distance  ; 
rhen  I  cx])eeted  and  hoped,  from  tbc  representation  of  His 
yest>''s  Ministers,  that  His  Majesty  would  liave  most  gra- 
ly  condescended  to  have  fa\  ourably  noticed  my  earnest 
dwnre  to  sene  Him,  and  wlion,  instead  of  all  my  fancied  ap- 
irubation,  to  receive  an  accusation  of  a  most  tnut<jrous  nature 
-it  has  almost  been  too  much  for  mc  to  bear.     Conscious  hi- 
loccncc,  I  ho|>e,  will  support  me. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be 
My  Lord, 
Your  Lordship's  most  obedient,  bumble  servant, 

ITonATio  Nelson. 
^,B. — Captains  Frcmantle,  Hope,  Cockbuni,  Hon.  Charles 
tone,  Sliields,  Middleton,  Plampin,  Brisbane,  Thomas 
louc,  Macnamara. 


106  LETTERS.  [179S 

TO  THE  REVEREND  MR.  NELSON,  HILDOROUGIL 

[Autograph,  in  the  Nrlson  Piqwrs.] 

Agunemuoii,  Genoa  Boad,  NoTcmber  20tli,  1796  [170d.]   ^ 
My  dear  Brother, 

Although  my  mmd  is  pretty  fully  employed  in  the  events 
which  Imve  taken  place  on  this  Coast  i^ithin  the  last  week,  yet 
this  evening  I  give  up  au  hour  to  private  aflection. 

You  will  have  heard  of  an  Expedition  going  from  tliis  Port 
attacking  an  Austriiin  Post  and  taking  about  £10,000  sterling. 
AnotJier  and  more  important  event  was  to  take  place,  the 
landing  and  possessing  a  strong  post  between  Genoa  and 
Vado,  which,  if  accomplished,  would  have  had  the  worst 
cHects — i)robab]y  nothing  less  tlian  the  retreat  of  tlie  whole 
Austrian  Anuy,  if  not  tlie  defeat.  Tlie  latter,  however,  I  pre- 
vented, by  laying  Agamemnon  across  the  harbour's  month  of 
Genoa,  and  suffeiing  no  French  vessel  to  sail  out  of  the  Port, 
Yesterday  morning,  at  four  o'clock,  the  French  made  a  grand 
attack  on  all  the  Austrian  Posts,  near  Borghetta,  about  forty 
miles  from  hence.  The  Action  cannot  be  said  to  be  finished 
at  this  time  of  writing.  The  friends  of  each  party  say  what 
they  wish :  the  French,  diat  3000  Austrians  are  killed  at 
Loano,  and  1500  taken,  and  that  all  the  otiier  parts  attacked 
were  equally  successful-  The  other  side  say,  the  French  are  re- 
pidscd  with  great  slaughter.  1  am  very  anxious  and  imeasy,  as 
you  wiU  believe.  A  part  of  the  Austrian  Array  is  now  at  ilje 
gates  of  Genoa,  wliere  they  have  taken  possession  o(  die 
French  magazines  of  com  and  (lour.  What  these  events  may 
produce  in  tlie  Republic  of  Genoa,  time  oiUy  can  discover. 
The  Government  must  feel  severely  its  degradation.  Oiu 
Ileet  is  gone  ftu"  away,  and  left  uie  here  verj-  umch  unpro- 
tected. If  the  French  Squadron,  which  is  ready  at  Toulon, 
and  with  Trooi)s  on  board,  come  here,  which  is  expected,  die 
safety  of  poor  Agamemnon  becomes  vci^  precarious.  I  feel  I 
am  left  in  a  shameful  way ;  but  I  hope,  when  Sir  John  Jervis 
arrives,  to  be  better  taken  care  of  than  in  this  interregnum.* 
We  expect,  and  may  expect,  orders  every  day  for  England. 

*  Betveen  Uie  deputnie  of  Admind  Hoifaam  and  the  arrival  of  Sir  John  Jervi*. 


,8^J 


LETTERS. 


lOf 


JI)  Ship  and  Sliip's  Company  are  worn  out,  but  the  folks  at 
Hone  do  not  feel  for  us. 

December  itli. 

I  am  on  my  va^y  to  Leghorn,  to  refit.  The  campaign  is 
fiaished  by  the  defeat  of  the  Austrians,  and  tit;  French  are  In 
M  possession  of  Vado  Bay.  Tlie  losses  of  citlier  side  are 
lowucd,  but  much  blood  has  been  shed.  I  tliink  the  Admiral 
tffl  be  hauled  over  the  coals  for  not  letting  me  have  Ships, 
ill  lay  Squadron  was  taken  away,  except  two,  and  they  un- 
fattinately  were  blown  off  the  Coast ;  therefore  I  was  left  alone, 
;  ind  not  being  able  to  do  all  myself,  could  not  prevent  tlie 
Knemy's  gun-boats  from  harassing  ilic  left  Hank  of  tlic  Aus- 
trhich  I  have  no  doubt  tlie  General  will  make  the  most 
'  l^'h  they  were  more  beaten  on  tlie  right,  and  I  verily 
-  Lj  inferior  numbers. 

Lcghoni.  Dptcmljer  7ili. 

We  surrived  here  yesterday,  and  foiuid  that  Sir  .John  .FerA'is 

id  joined  the  Fleet,  at  St.  Fiorcnzo,  on  the  *2{>tli  November. 

I  hope  he  has  brought  orders  for  us  to  proceed  to  England. 

ray  remember  me  kindly  to  my  Aunt,  Mrs.  Nelson,  and  your 

Idren ;  and  do  not  forget  me  to  the  Rolfcs,  and  our  friends 

at  SwaiTham.     Believe  me,  ever 

Your  most  affectionate  Brother, 

Horatio  Nelson. 


TO  .ADMIRAL  SIR  JOHN   JERVIS,  K.B. 

rnxB  Clcrkc  and  M^Vrtbur,   vol.  i.  p.  'OH.     Sit  Jukii    Jervis    arrived  at  Sab 

9.  in  the  LlTcly  frigiit«,  on  the  Vnh  of  No>°on]bcr,  nud  ii  >]>pcArn  tlmt  Cup- 

9n  inuoedistct}'  iuiuIf  h  wriitou  report  oC  Uis  proceedings,  of  wliicb  rrpori.  ihc 

'  pMugc*  foraicd  the  conrluMon.     TIio  "  vi«ir  to  Admiral  Ilotliiuu  Appears 

i  kera  moide  ■bout  tLe  middle  of  October] 

[About  'Jfttlj  November,  17»5.] 
The  object  of  my  visit*  was  to  ask  the  Admiral  to  give  mo 
ro  74-giin  Ships,  and  as  many  Transports  as  he  had  in  Leg- 
On  the  '2<f(b  of  October,  Mr.  Drake,  in  >  letter  lo  Cnptiuu  Nelson,  tbtia  aUuded  to 
"  with  Ibe  Adniiml: — "  1  am  jiut  rciiimed  ft-om  Oenon,  from  my 
I  lijui  inlemlpd  to  bdve  gone  from  Ttirin  to  Suvoiui;  but  I  wu  "O 
lUSf  itcmtiaJfa.  from  evervthiiig  I  beard  aiid  *aw,  wlulst  on  my  tour,  that  tbere  wan 
DO  hapt  of  utimtilnuijg  ilie  Anittrinn  General  to  any  nctive  operniious  during  the  eom- 
fliga.  tliat  I  tbunght  it  better  to  retiiru  to  Genoa.  1  shall  be  very  auxious  to  bexr 
Ibt  mull  of  your  vinit  to  tbe  Admiral ;  and  T  hope  be  will  have  adopted  your  pro- 
fOtUUnL'—CUrkt  wd  M'Arthvr,  vol.  i.  p.  'i-ii. 


108 


LETTERS. 


[170-5^ 


honi,  with  Uic  Camel  and  Dolphin,  to  have  carried  the  ten 
thousand  men,  as  desired  ;  the  Admiral,  however,  did  not 
think  it  right  to  send  a  Ship.  On  the  1st  of  November  I 
chased  a  \  cry  large  convoy  into  Alassio,  and  by  the  8th,  Uiey 
were  increased  to  full  one  hundred  sail,  including  Gun-boal*, 
and  other  Vessels  of  War ;  but  they  were  too  well  protected 
for  me  to  make  any  attempt  with  my  small  S(iaadron.  On 
tlie  lOth,  the  French  took  tlic  Austrian  post  at  Voltri  ;  on  thu 
lltli  it  was  retaken;  on  tlic  12th  the  French  were  making 
every  exertion  for  a  most  \igorous  and  bold  attempt  to  establish 
themselves  in  a  strong  post  between  Voltri  and  Savona,  and 
were  in  hopes  of  causing  an  insurrection  of  the  Genoese  pea* 
santry.  My  presence  was  required  at  Genoa  to  prevnnt  tilts 
Kxpeditii>n,  by  Mr.  T>rakc,  the  Austrian  Minister,  and  by  the 
Aiistriaji  General  comniandiug  at  Vado.  On  the  13th,  I  went 
to  Genoa,  and  was  kept  diere,  contrary  to  my  inclination, 
until  after  the  defeat  fif  the  Austrian  Army  on  the  ^Srd  No- 
vember. Hewever  I  haie  Uie  consolation,  that  to  the  Aga- 
memnon's staying'  at  Genoa,  so  many  thousands  owe  their 
safely,  by  the  pa.ss  of  tlie  Bocchetta  being  kept  open,  and  I 
amongst  others,  General  de  \"ins  himself. 

I  am,  &c., 

Horatio  Nelson. 


Sir, 


TO  HIS  EXCELLENCY  FRANCIS  DRAKE,  ESQ. 
[From  Clnrke  and  M'Artlinr,  vol.  i.  p. '245.*] 

Agitmerauoii,  Oeuon  Road,  *^7t]i  Noreuber,  1700. 


As  I  have  heard  from  reports  that  the  retreat  of  the  Austrian 
Army  is  laid  to  want  of  co-ojieration  on  tlie  jmrt  of  the  British 
Squadron,  it  becomes  me  to  state  a  few  facts,  by  which  your 
Excellency  can  form  a  jtulguient  of  my  conduct;  and  in  which 
I  flatter  myself  it  will  appear,  that  nothing  has  been  wanting 
on  tny  part  to  give  every  j>ossible  energy  to  tlie  operations  of 
the  Austrians.  A  Frigate  was  alway.H  anchored  neju-  Pietra, 
until  the  season  was  such  as  to  vender  that  measure  no  longer 
possible;  for  it  was  persevered  in  undl  two  of  his  Majesty's 
Ships  wove  nearly  lost.     When  this  defence  was  taken  away, 


J 


j:t.!I7.] 


LETTERS. 


109 


id  tlic  first  week  in   November,   I  stationed  tlie  Flora  and 
Speedy  Brig  ofl'Cape  Noli,  within  six  iniles  of  Pictra;  Init  at 
die  same  lime  I  informed  General  do  Viiis,  tiiat  I  considered 
jfcem  hy  no  means  sn  ready  to  afford  assistance  in  case  of  an 
^  lOork,  as  if  ihey  lay  at  a  greater  distance  in  Vado.     Tlie  event 
justified  my  fears ;  for  the  Sjiecdy  has  never  since  been 
of,'  an<l  tlie  Flora,  from  some  cause  which  1  am  at  pre- 
it  unacquainted  with,  is  gone  to  Leghorn. 
The  Agamemnon  lay  at  single  aiichrw  in  Vndo  LJuy,  with 
two  Neapolitan  Gallie.s,  ready  to  proceed  on  the  lirst  gnn 
rag  tired  by  the  Enemy ;  and  so  anxious  was  I  to  render  everj' 
ince  to  our  Allies,  that  1  rrrjur-sied  (ient'val  de  Vins  to 
h  a  signal  by  guns  from  Pietra  lu  Vadn,  that  I  might 
ith  hiin,  if  tlie  wind  was  fair,  long  before  any  messenger 
)uld  have  reached  Vado.     On  the  Odi  <>f  November,  General 
Vins  sent  mo  word,  that  he  belio\inl  ibo  French  tliought  his 
m  too  strong  to  be  attacked,  and  that,  as  he  was  coming 
Savona  in  a  few  days,  we  would  tulk  nvov  the  subject  of 
,  Bgnalf .     The  demand  made  of  my  assistance  here,  I  shall  not 
Iter  into  ;  llie  cause  of  it,  of  juy  remaining  here,  and  the  sal- 
Kitiou  of  many  tliousand  Austrian  troops,  and  of  CJeneral  de 
'ins  himself,  lu-e   fully  known  to   your  Excellency.     1  shall 
icrefore  only  state  further,  that  the   Lowestofie,  Inconstant, 
id  Southampton  have  been   taken  from  my  Squadron,  and 
Sliip  that  was  ordered  to  replace  theni  has  never  yet  come 
ider  my  orders. 

I  tlierefore  trust  it  will  appear  in  tbis  short  slatement,  that 
luthing  has  been  \vanting  on  my  part  to  give  full  ellect  to 
>very  operation  of  the  Austrians  ;  and  that  the  force  under  my 
>mniaud  has  been  so  employed  as  will  meet  the  approbation 
'  our  Sovereign,  your  Excellency,  and  his  Majesty's  Ministers. 
S'henevcr  a  more  full  or  more  jvarticular  aectmni  ofuiy  con- 
is  demanded,  I  have  no  doubt  but  I  shall  be  fmurd  not 
ly  free  from  blame,  but  worthy  of  approbation. 

I  am,  &c. 

Horatio  Nelson. 


•  Tlve 


Spe«d.T.  14,  Cai'liiin  Tlxamas  ElpUiuAtoiir,  was,  LowrTer-,  ^nk. 


no 


LETTBUl 


TO  JOHN  WILLIAM  BRA^IE,  ESQ.,  CONSUL  AT  GENOA. 

[Antograpli.  in  Uie  pOMCsmAn  of  J.  Bei\junin  HeaUi,  Esq.,  Uia  Stfdiwjui : 
Coosnl-Oenenil  iu  London.] 

Kowmbt*  Sink,  11^^ 

My  dear  Sir, 

If  y«>u  have  any  letters  for  roe,  pray  send  them  off,  as  1 1 
not  iiitend  to  anchor.  I  shall  also  be  glad  to  hear  any  Ml 
you  may  please  to  scud  ine. 

I  am,  dear  Sir, 

Your  very  humble  servant, 

HoRATtO  NeLSOIT. 

As  I  am  yet  ignorant  when  the  Austrians  left  Vada,  wj 
they  have  left  it,  pray  tell  me.     You  will  hear  of  my 
being  detained  at  Savona.     Recollect  it  is  near  night,  iui(l| 
am  anxious  for  my  Boat  to  be  on  board. 


TO  MRS.  NELSON. 
[From  Clarke  and  M'.\rthnr,  vol  i.  p.  246.] 

December  and.  KW^ 
Lord  Hood  will  have  discovered,  that,  from  my  last  letter  i 
him  respecting  die  defeat  of  tlie  Austrians  on  the  23rd 
November,  the  loss  of  Vado  would  con8e(|uently  follow.  Td 
him,  the  French  had  collected  full  a  hundred  sail  of  Y 
in  case  of  faihure,  to  carry  off  their  troops ;  they  hod  also  ten 
or  twelve  Gun-vessels,  as  many  Privateers,  and  a  Man-of-War 
Brig.  1  described  to  the  Admiral  ilie  great  service  that  the 
destruction  of  tliese  Vessels  would  be  of,  many  of  tliem  bebtg 
laden  with  com,  on  which  the  French  General  had  laid  an 
embargo ;  and,  as  I  had  not  force  enough,  I  begged  of  the 
Admiral,  if  he  came  to  sea,  to  look  at  this  Fleet  himself, 
offering,  if  he  would  permit  me  the  honour,  to  lead  tlie  Gul- 
loden  and  Courageux  to  the  attack,  and,  witlj  my  then  Squadron 
»»f  Frigates,  to  take  or  destroy  the  whole.  I  pretend  not  to 
say  the  Austrians  would  not  have  been  beat,  had  not  tlie  Gun- 
boats haiassed  tlieni,  for  on  my  conscience  I  believe  they 
would ;  but  1  believe  the  French  woidd  not  have  attacked,  had 
we  destroyed  all  the  A'essels  of  War,  Transports,  &c. 


.$7.] 


LETTERS. 


Ill 


itrians,  by  all  accounts,  clid  not  stand  firm.     T]ie  French, 

naked,  were  detenniiied  to  conquer  or  die  j  and  liad  I 

*,  ihoiigh  I  own  against  uiy  inclination,  been  kept  at  Genoa, 

HI  eight  to  ten  thousand  men  would  have  been  taken  pri- 

aiid  amongst  tlie  number  General  De  \'in.s  himself. 

llie  French  plan,  well  laid,  was  to  possess  a  Post  in  the 

.  these  people  Hed  by,  retreat  it  could  not  be  called,  for, 

ptapart  of  the  Army  under  General  Wallis,  of  about  ten 

onsand  men,  it  was,  *  the  devil  take  the  hindmost.'     I  had 

ieutenant,  two  Midshipmen,  and  sixteen  men  taken  at  Vado ; 

Purser  of  the  Ship,  who  was  there,  ran  with  the  Austiians 

[liteen  miles  without  stopping,  the  Men  without  any  arms 

Merer,   Officers   wiiliout   soUliers,  Women  witliout   assist- 

Tlms  has  ended  my  campaign Let  the 

Be  be  whore  it  may,  I  do  not  believe  any  party  will  seriously 

at  my  door ;  and  if  they  do,  1  am  perfectly  easy  as  to 

coDMequences.     I  sincerely  hope  an  inquirj*  may  take 

ce,  the  world  would  then  know  how  bard  I  have  fiigged. 

_pw?  wpaiher  ha.s  been  most  intensely  cold.     Sir  John  Jcrvis 

Svcd  at  St.  Fiorenzo  on  the  29th  of  November,  to  the  great 

of  some,  aiid  .sorrow  of  others. 

Yours,  &c. 

Horatio  Nelson. 


TO  VICE-ADRIIRAL  SIR  HYDE  PARKER. 

[From  t'lurke  anil  M'Arthnr,  vol.  i.  p.  247.] 

DeeemW '2nd,  I70A. 

fou.  Sir,  I  never  more  regretted  the  not  being  able 

u\^  llie  Agamemnon :  I  was  in  Vado  Bay  on  the  J)th  of 

ler,  and  saw  the  French  in  full  jjossession.     Meleager 

Ion  tlie  30ih,  when  I  directed  Captain  Cockbum  to  cniise 

Bay,  to  prevent  any  of  our  Ships  from  going  in  ;  and 

such  other  senices  ofl"  the  Port  of  Genoa,  as,  on 

a  with  his  Excellency  Mr.  Drake,  may  be  found 

beneiicial  for  his  Majesty's  service. 

I  am,  &c. 

Horatio  Nelsov, 


112 


LETTRRS. 


TO  THE  RIGHT  HONOl'RABLK  SIR  GILBERT  El-LIOT, 
VICE-ROV  OF  CORSICA. 

[Aiitognipli,  in  Ihe  MinU)  Pin»er*.] 

AgHuusmuou,  M  Sea,  DecemWr  4tb,  ITOS. 
My  tliJfir  Sir, 

My  campaign  is  closed  by  the  defeat  of  the  Austnau  Anuy, 
and  the  consequent  loss  of  Vado  and  every  place  in  the  lliviera 
of  Genoa,  and  I  am  on  my  way  to  refit  poor  Agamemnon  and 
her  miserable  Ship's  company  at  Leghorn.  We  are,  indeed. 
Sir,  worn  out;  except  six  days  I  have  never  been  one  hour  off 
the  station.  I  have  to  regret,  but  mean  not  to  complain,  that 
my  force  was  too  small  for  the  sernces  which  I  wished  to  per- 
fonn.  If  1  had  been  favoured  with  the  two  74-gun  Ships,  which 
I  have  often  asked  for,  I  am  fully  persuaded  that  the  last  attack 
never  would  have  been  made,  instead  of  this  increase  of  force, 
my  Frigates  were  withdrawn  from  uie  widmut  my  knowledge,  and 
I  had  only  Flora  and  Speedy,  Brig,  left  with  lue ;  these  were, 
1  fancy,  blown  off  tlie  coast,  and  only  Agamemnon  remained. 
The  extraordinary  events  which  have  taken  jdace  near  Genoa, 
and  the  ])lan  which  was  laid  by  tlie  French  to  take  post  between 
Voltri  and  Savona,  perhaps  you  are  acquainted  wiUj ;  if  not,  1 
will  tell  you. 

Seven  hundred  men  were  enlisted  and  embarked  ou  board 
the  Brane  French  frigate  in  Genoa,  (seven  thousand  stand  of 
arms,)  and  on  board  many  small  Privateers  and  one  Brig; 
tliese  were  nn  a  certain  night  to  have  landed  in  a  .strong  post 
between  ^'u]tri  and  Savona,  to  be  joined  in  small  Feluccas  by 
1000  men  horn  Borglictta.  An  insurrection  of  the  Genoese 
}>easautry,  we  have  every  reason  to  believe,  would  have  been 
made  for  forty  miles  up  a  valley  towards  Piedmont.  The  monev 
giting  from  tieuoa  teiiipte<l  these  people  to  make  an  attack 
before  their  time,  which  certainly  caused  the  j)lan  to  mi.scarr\*. 
Ou  the  great  ])reparation  at  Genoa,  Agamemnon  wa<5  called 
for,  might  and  main,  to  prevent  the  ]>lan,  which  I  most  effec- 
tually did,  and  so  fearful  was  the  Imperial  Minister  and  General 
of  my  leaving  Genoa,  tliat  I  was  tokl  that  if  I  rpiitted  Genoa, 
the  loss  of  3000  Austiians  was  the  certain  consequence;  thus 
I  was  put  in  the  cleft  stick.  If  I  left  Genoa,  the  loss  of  3000 
men  would  be  laid  to  my  charge ;  if  I  was  not  at  Pietva,  the 


r.  37.] 


LETTERS. 


113 


-boaU  would,  unmolested,  harass  the  left  flank  of  the  Army  ; 
1(1  the  defeat  mar  very  probably  be  laid  to  tlie  want  of  assist- 
ance of  the  Agamemnon.  However,  my  being  at  Genoa, 
Itlioujjh  contrary  to  my  inclination,  his  been  t)ie  means  of 
kving  firom8000  to  10,000men,  and  amongst  others,  General  de 
rins  himself,  who  esca]>ed  by  the  road,  which,  but  for  mc,  tlie 
Enemy  would  have  occupied.  I  must,  my  dear  Sir,  regret  not 
itring  more  force. 

My  orders  left  at  Vado,  for  the  station  of  Southampton  and 
iconstiiDt,  taken  from  me,  will  shew,  if,  on  incpury  by  Mi- 
for  I  know  not  who  else  can  inquire,  that  not  a  Gun- 
if  my  orders  had  been  obeyed,  could  have  annoyed  the 
Jkrmy.  Mr.  Drake,  who  has  been  on  the  spot,  and  Mr.  Trevor, 
rho  has  known  all  my  proceedings,  are  pleased  to  highly 
my  conduct ;  and  I  also  have  hi^d,  to  the  9th  of  No- 
f,  the  full  apjirobalion  of  every  General  iu  tlie  Army. 
That  the  Guu-boats  harassed  them  I  am  truly  sorry  for ;  it 
f  becomes  me  to  shew  I  could  not  help  it, — not  that  1  believe 
would  not  have  been  beat  witliout  the  Guu-boats,  for 
right  wiiig,  twelve  miles  from  the  shore,  was  entirely  de- 
ited,  and  the  left  retreated,  biit  not  in  much  order.  I  fancy, 
rhat  I  hear,  no  defeat  was  ever  more  complete  ;  on  tlie 
other  hand,  I  know  all  the  Generals  wished  for  nothing  more 
than  orders  to  quit  the  Coast.  They  say,  and  true,  they  were 
brought  on  it,  at  the  e.K}>ress  desire  of  the  English,  to  co-operate 
with  the  Fleet,  which  Fleet  nor  .\dmiral  they  never  saw.  lliere 
^rtainly  arc  other  and  much  better  Posts  to  prevent  the  Inva- 
ion  of  Italy  than  Vado.  I  verily  believe  tlie  Austrians  are 
F^ad  to  quit  llie  Coast  on  any  prcteuce.  General  de  Vins 
iplains  heavily  of  not  seeing  the  Admiral,  So  muth  for 
ny  Rtorj' — ^you  arc  tired  with  it,  ajid  so  ara  I. 

i  sincerely  hope  all  is  quiet  in  Coi*sica,  and  that  you  are 

ing  that  good  health  I  sincerely  wish  you.     Apro|J09,  I 

iaro  jttftt  received  an  order  from  Sir  Hyde  Parker,  to  receive  on 

such  recruits  as  might  be  riused  for  Dillon's  Corps  in 

lea  ;  tliis  implies  that  they  had  been  refused.     I  wTote  you, 

Rr,  long  ago,  and  I  am  sure  you  credit  me,  tliat  whatever  I 

lid  do  to  be  of  service  to  Corsica,  no  man  was  readier,     I 

bave  raised  and  sent  over  many  more  men  tlian  the  Otficers 

;  but  the  fact  is,  if  any  complaint  has  been  made  by  these 

VOL.  If.  I 


114 


LETTERS. 


impertinent  people,  that  one  man  was  taken  trith  a  mail 
ferer,  and  gare  it  to  my  Ship's  company.    I  then  told  the  Officer 
that  he  must  keep  his  recruits  on  shore,  and  that  whoT 
Ship  went  to  Leghorn  or  Corsica  they  should  ceriaiuly  laki 
on  board.     Admiral  Hotliam  and  Mr.  Drake,  who  I  told  of  tht 
circumstance,  approved  of  my  conduct.    I  sent  two  fine 
men  for  Smitli's  Corps ;  but  you  have  no  conception  of  tli' 
blesome  impertinence  of  these  people.     Now,  my  dear  Sir,  1 
know  you  took  a  yoimg  man  by  hand,  a  Mr.  Pierson,*  from 
Naples ;   he  is  now  a  Lieutenant  in  the  69th  Regiment,  and 
embarked  on  board  the  Agamemnon :  he  is  a  very  good  and 
amiable  lad,  and  I  am  sure  whatever  farther  notice  yon  may 
be  pleased  to  shew  him,  tliat  his  future  conduct  will  convince 
you  he  merits  it     I  own  I  shall  feel  a  pleasure  to  see 
Excellency  favour  him.     Believe  nie,  dear  Sir, 

Your  Excellency's  most  faithful  servant, 

Horatio  Nelso 

I  expect  Mr.  Drake  very  soon  at  Leghorn.     Mrs.  Drake^ 
gone  to  Milan ;  and  Mr.  Drake  is  returned,  for  security,  to 
town  of  Genoa  from  the  country. 

His  Excellency  the  Vice-Roj. 


TO  HIS  EXCELLENCY  FRANCIS  DRAKE,  ESQ. 
[Ftom  Ckrirt  and  M'Artliiir,  vol.  i.  p.  318.] 

Leghorn,  8th  December, 

We  have  just  heard,  Sir,  of  your  arrival  at  Alessandria, 
have  two  requests  to  make,  whicli  I  trust  you  wUl  grant ;  the 
one  is,  a  copy  of  the  Paper  I  sent  ygu  by  ilie  Genoese  Secre- 
tary of  State,  containing  the  niunbcr  of  inhabitants  in  the 
Riviera,  and  the  quantity  of  provisions  wanted  for  their  use 
for  two  montlis ;  and  such  other  Papers  as  may  shew  clearly 
to  the  Coiut  of  Admiralty,  that  it  was  perfectly  understood  by 
the  Genoese  Government,  that  all  Vcs,sels  which  were  bound  to 
any  ])lace  in  possession  of  the  French,  who  had  not  pasHjxirts 
froni  the  Government,  or  from  your  Excellency  and  Gent 
de  Vins,  would  be  taken,  and  tlieir  cargoes  made  prizes. 

The  next  request  much  more  concerns  my  honour,  titan 

*  Thi>  gmllimt  yonng  OScer  it  agtio  oft«n  BMntioaed. 


I«T.3?.] 


LETTERS, 


119 


(tAer  does  my  interest — it  is  to  prove  to  the  World,  to  my  own 
A'lmiral,  or  to  whoever  may  have  a  right  to  ask  the  question, 
'  »hf  1  remained  at  Genoa.     I  have  therefore  to  desire  that 
t  jrou  will  have  tlic  goodness  to  express,  in  writing,  what  you 
,  told  me,  tliat  the  Imperial  Minister  and  yourself  were  assured, 
if  I  left  tlie  Port  of  Genoa  unguarded,  not  only  the  Imperial 
.  troops  Rt  St.  Pierre  d'Areua  and  Voltri  would  be  lost,  but  that 
I  ^e  French  plan  for  taking  Post  between  Voltri  and  Savona 
would  certainly  succeed ;  and  also,  that  if  the  Austrians  should 
be  worsted  in  the  advanced  Posts,  the  retreat  by  the  Bocchetta 
wonld  be  cut  off:  to  which  you  added,  that  if  this  happened, 
,  the  Ion  of  the  Army  would  be  laid  to  my  leaving  Genoa,  and 
ncommended  me  most  strongly  not  to  think  of  it.     The  Im- 
perial Minister's  wanting  more  force,  is  needless  to  mention, 
unlcgg  you  tliink  it  right.     I  am  anxious,  as  you  will  believe, 
tolia»e  proofs  in  my  possession,  that  I  employed  to  the  last 
^  Agamemnon  as  was  judged  most  beneficial  to  the  Common 

I  am,  &c. 

HoR&Tio  Nelson. 


TO  MR.  THOMAS  POLLARD. 

[Anlograpb,  iu  tlie  posBeaiion  of  —  S«/e,  Esq.] 

■"J    '-' 

Mr.  Egar  must  be  paid  all  his  expenses  incurred  in  the 
duty  of  the  Vessel,  in  which  must  certainly  be  in- 
i:is  very  necessarj'  Journey  to  Leghorn  ;  antl  consi- 
ig  his   great  attention,  T  think   that   not  less  than  ten 
ids  should  be  given  him  as  a  present. 

Horatio  Nelson'. 

htfibora,  December  lOtfa,  1T0&. 


TO  TIIE  REVEREND  DLXON  HOSTE. 
(Aatognpk,  in  the  posMuion  of  Onptain  Sir  William  floate,  Burt,] 

Agamemnou,  Leghorn,  December  liUi,  170&. 

^'     •     .Sir, 

1   of  November  Ist,  I  received  a  few  days  past," 
four  good  sou  tells  me  he  has  answered  his  letter.  William 

*  8io  in  Grig. 
i2 


lu; 


LETTERS. 


[1795. 


will  have  sened  his  two  years  as  rated  Mid  on  die  1st  of 
Febraary  next.  This  time  as  Mid,  is  absolutely  necessan*  as 
a  part  of  the  long  six  years,  "i'ou  had  better  get  out  his  Time 
from  tlie  Navy  Office,  and  when  his  .six  years  draw  to>vard.s  an 
end,  I  would  have  hira  strongly  recommended  to  Sir  John 
Jervis  ;  for  whene\  er  peace  comes  it  will  be  very  difficult,  with 
the  best  iTiterest,  to  get  liim  made  a  Lieutenant.  I  hope  he 
ha«  more  than  one  year'.s  Time :  if  not,  two  years  is  very  long 
to  look  forward  for  a  continuance  of  the  war.  You  will  have 
heard  of  the  Austrians  being  defeated  on  tlie  Coast  of  Genoa, 
and  a  part  of  the  defeat  attributed  to  a  want  of  a  sufficient  Naral 
force.  However,  on  inquiry,  things  may  Uvra  out,  1  have  still 
had  tlie  good  fortune,  individually,  to  meet  >\ith  approbation 
from  our  Ministers  and  the  Gtnerals,  Our  Admirals  will 
have,  I  beUeve,  much  to  answer  for  in  not  giving  me  that  force 
which  I  so  repeatedly  called  for,  and  for  at  last  leaving  me 
with  Agamemnon  alonc- 

I  was  put  iu  a  cleft  sti<;k:  if  I  quitted  where  1  was  at 
anchor,  the  French  would  haA-e  landed  i^  Uie  rear  of  the 
Austrian  Army,  and  the  tutid  defeat  of  that  Army  must  have 
been  the  consequence :  if  I  remained  at  anchor,  the  Enemy's 
Gun-boats  iu  the  general  attack  would  harass  the  left  wing 
of  the  Austrian  Army.  Much  against  my  inclination,  I  took 
the  plan  of  laying  quiet,  instead  of  attacking  their  Gun-boats  ; 
and  most  fortunate  it  has  been  for  the  Army  I  did  so,  for 
eight  or  ten  thousand  men  made  llieir  escape  by  the  road  I 
protected,  and  amongst  others,  General  de  Vins  himself. 
The  Austrians  will  make  the  most  of  a  want  of  Naval  force 
for  all  ]>ui-poses.  Admiral  Hotham  kept  my  Squadron  too 
small  for  its  duty ;  and  the  moment  Sir  Ilyde  touk  the  com- 
mand of  the  Fleet  he  reduced  it  to  nothing — only  one  Frigate 
and  a  Brig,  whereas  I  demanded  two  Seventy-four  Gun- 
ships  and  eight  or  ten  Frigates  and  Sloops  to  ensure  safety  to 
the  Array.  However,  on  inquiry,  which  I  tnist  and  sincerely 
liope  will  take  place,  on  my  own  account,  it  will  tura  out  that 
the  centre  and  right  wing  gave  way,  and  that  although  it  mu.st 
have  been  very  un]>leasaut  to  have  a  number  of  Gun-boats 
3n  them,  the  left  was  the  only  part  that  was  not  de- 

)ut  retreated   in  a  body ;    whereas  Uie   others  lied. 

dc  Vins,  from  illOiealth,  as  he  says,  gave  up  the  com- 


AT.  37.] 


LETTKR.S. 


117 


mand  in  the  middle  of  tin;  Battle,  and  from  Unit  wonicnl,  not 
a  solilier  stayed  in  his  post,  and  many  tliousands  ran  away 
who  liad  never  seen  tlie  Enemy — some  of  them  thirty  miles 
from  the  advanced  posts.    So  much  for  my  history. 

1  tremble  at  your  account  of  want  of  bread  for  our  poor. 
Pny  God  send  ns  peace.  We  have  establi.shed  the  French 
Republic,  which,  but  for  us,  1  verily  believe  would  never  have 
been  setded  by  such  a  volatile,  changeable  people.  I  hate  a 
Frenchman.  Tliey  are  equally  objects  of  my  detestation, 
whetlier  Royalists  orllciniblicans — in  some  points,  1  believe  the 
lult«r  are  the  best.  Sir  John  .Tcrvis  took  the  command  of  the 
Fleet  on  the  29ih  of  November,  at  St.  Fiorenzo,  but  I  have  not 
jfct  heard  from  him,  or  has  auybod}-  here.  We  sincerely  hope 
be  has  orders  to  send  Agamemnon  home.  We  are  worn  out. 
I  beg  you  ^vill  present  my  respects  to  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Coke, 
also,  t?iough  unknown,  to  ilrs.  Hoste  and  yoiu*  family,  and 
we  me,  Dear  Sir, 

Yours  » ery  faithfully, 

HoiuTio  Nelson. 


TO  lUS  EXCELLENCY  FRANCIS  DIIAKE,  ESQ. 
[From  Clwke  and  M'Artlinr,  toI.  i.  p.  WO.] 

I^glinrn,  December  KJlL,  1705. 

ty  dear  Sir, 
The  Prince  of  Esterhazy,  one  of  General  de  Vins'  Aide-de- 
/ampSf  is  here ;  he  brought,  a.s  I  understand,  a  letter  from 
[ieneral  WallLs  to  Sir  Hyde  Parker,  declaring,  that  Uie  check 
the  Austrian  Army  was  owing  to  the  non-cooperation  of  tlic 
English ;  and  die  Prince,  it  seems,  a.««serts  this  everywhere.  1 
Inaal  him  yesterday,  when  he  was  pleased  to  say,  that  they  were 
jd,  if  I  had  possessed  the  means,  it  would  not  have  liap- 
sned.  I  did  not  choose  to  enter  deeply  on  the  subject.  I 
link  we  have  a  strong  hold  on  General  Wallis,  and  in  my 
|opinion  we  ought  not  to  let  it  slip  :  this  has  been  my  induce- 
leut  for  writing  to  him ;  tliereforo,  if  you  see  no  irajiropriety 
the  letter,  may  I  beg  you  will  forward  it  to  him  ?  I  sincerely 
ioj>e  it  will  produce  an  answer.  However,  I  request,  if  you 
link  it  improjMrr  for  me  to  write  to  General  Wallis,  and  to 


118 


LETTERS. 


[17»«. 


allow  his  own  or  his  Anny's  imrepelled  assertions  to  keep  tlieir 
ground,  (which,  by  the  bye,  if  they  do,  it  is  more  than  they 
did,)  I  tlien,  Sir,  ho]ie  you  will  suppress  the  letter. 

If  the  General's  pubhc  letter  should  reflect  on  me,  I  must, 
in  my  own  defence,  write  to  the  Admiraltj' ;  for  I  will  not  sit 
quiet,  and  liear  what  I  do  every  day.  My  healtli  is  but  so  so  ; 
to  say  the  truth,  my  mind  is  uneasy,  although  I  feel  a  clear 
conscience  that  no  part  of  the  ool  is  owing  to  my  want  of  exer- 
tion. Our  Fleet  is  gone  to  the  westward ;  and  two  Sail  of  the 
Line,  and  dnee  Frigates  arc  sent  up  tlie  Levant  j  L'Aigle  and 
Cyclops  escaped  very  naiTowly,  and  we  have  our  fears  for  the 
Nemesis.  Flora  was  detached  from  my  command  about  the 
time  of  tlie  Action,  and  Sir  Hyde  intended  to  take  every  large 
Frigate  from  me;  and,  in  short,  except  Meleager,  to  scud 
nothing  that  could  be  useful.  The  language  held  after  Admiral 
Hotham's  departure,  was  less  inclinable  to  come  near  ns,  or 
assist  us,  tlian  ever  ;  so  you  see  blame  must  have  fallen  on  the 
Navy  some  time  or  other;  and,  as  Commanding  Oflicer,  I 
must  have  ever  been  held  up  to  tlie  Army  as  the  responsible 
person.     Excuse  all  tlie  latter  port  of  this  letter;  my  mind  is 


imeasy 


r   7 


I  am,  &c., 

Horatio  Nelson. 


*  In  reply  to  tljls  loiter,  Mr.  Dmkc  wrote  on  tLc  "ih  of  Janmiry  :— 
"  Wiih  tt^sjicet  to  your  request,  I  cunnot  possibly  liare  ouy  diffioaJty  iu  rep<!«liug 
tn  you  in  writiug-,  w1)nt  I  liai]  ho  frequeully  tiie  houoiir  of  stMing  to  you  in  pcr«on, 
wbilst  the  AgHineunon  whs  at  Genoa:  the  substance  of  tboise  stntemento  wsx,  tlial 
by  ilic  expressi  <iolieitationB  of  the  ImprriBl  Charge  d'AITrures,  I  wrote  to  desiic 
your  presence  at  Gcnon,  in  order  to  prevent  ilie  crew  of  tlie  French  frtgiilf,  oad  lli» 
Corps  Franc  of  Jaufller,  from  making  a  Hecond  attempt  to  land  at  Voltn,  lUid  thereby 
t«  cut  off  the  commiuiicntinn  of  ilje  Ausirimt  arroy  wiiii  Genoa,  and  with  the  rood  of 
Ibr  Bocehettn.  Your  continuance  at  Gen<in  was  in  compliance  with  the  wi*hea  of 
the  Austrian  Charg6  d'Airnires,  of  the  Colonel  commandiitg  the  Au«triui  lroop«  at 
8.  Pier  d'Arsno,  and  of  myself.  It  is  to  the  presence  of  the  Agamemnon,  that  lJi« 
ror]iA  stulioncd  at  S.  Pier  d'Aitnn  owce  its  Bofety;  and  it  waA  that  canine  nloue. 
which  enabled  several  thousands  of  Austrian  soldiers,  as  well  as  the  Commander- 
in-Cliief  himself,  to  effect  their  retreat  by  way  of  Vollri,  Bivorola,  and  the  Boc- 
ehettn. It  certainly  was  nnforiunute  that  yonr  Squadron  should  have  been  ao 
reduced,  as  tn  have  rejidcrrd  il  iin^wssible  for  yon  to  provide  for  every  aervioe 
which  was  required  of  you  by  the  Austrian  peucnils ;  but  1  nm  entiirly  {lersiiiuled, 
that  on  iliin,  as  well  as  on  cverj-  other  occasion,  you  t'mployed  the  forve,  whieh  you 
bad,  in  the  manner  the  most  beuefieiid  to  the  common  cause  ;  and  il  ia  with  greol 
ntisfaciiou  I  uisurc  you,  that  uuious  as  the  Austrian  geuerala  are,  to  tnuulbr  ttw 


JET,  37.] 


LETTERS. 


110 


TO  MRS.  NELSON. 


[From  CUrke  and  M'Artliur,  vol.  i.  p.  240.] 

Deccmher  ISlli,  1706, 
have  liad  letters  from  my  poor  Lieutenants  and  Midship- 
len,'  telling  me  that  few  of  the  French  soldiers  are  more  than 
iiy-ihree  or  twenty-four  years  old  ;  a  great  many  do  not 
ccecd  fourteen  years,  all  without  clothes ;  and  my  Officers 
Id,  they  are  sure  my  Barge's  crew  would  have  beat  a  hun- 
Ired  of  them,  and  that,  had  I  seen  them,  I  should  not  have 
iiought,  if  the  world  had  l)een  covered  wiih  such  people,  that 
could  have  beat  the  Austrian  Army.  The  oldest  Officers 
ijt  lliey  never  heard  of  so  complete  a  defeat,  nnd  certainly 
without  any  reason.  The  King  of  Sardinia  was  very  near 
ooncluding  a  hasty  peace  in  the  panic  :  however,  I  believe  we 
11  now  make  peace,  when  the  Emperor  must  do  the  same. 
Illy  hope  we  shall,  if  possible,  keep  St.  Domingo ;  if  we  can, 
the  expenses  of  the  war  are  nothing  to  what  we  shall  gain, 
Tlie  French  have  detached  a  Squadron  towards  Constantinople, 
and  many  think  the  Turks  will  join  them :  Captain  Trou- 
idge  is  sent  on  this  service  with  some  Ships ;  if  he  gets  hold 

i  of  llio  mLsfortaneB  of  the  '^3rd  of  NovembeT  from  thenuelves  to  ub,  tfacy  have 

I  4une  uniile  jiiatioe  to  your  zeulouR  nnd  iil)le  oouduct :  their  couijvloiDta  turn 

:  the  ifi:sui)icieiicv  of  the  furce  tmdcr  your  comnuud,  and  not  upon  the  mode  iu 

rli  that  force  wns  emiiloyed 

have  uot  yet  itni  your  letter  to  General  Wollis,  aa  I  viah  to  submit  to  your 

tioD,  whether  it  would  be  proper  either  for  you,  or  roe,  to  offer  any  jastifi- 

of  our  conduct  to  a  Foreign  rieneral ;  when  it  ia  to  our  Sovereign  and  Lia 

aliiiw*,  thai,  we  ore  accouuiable.     ]  Lure  already  written  to  Lord  Grenvillc 

[ibjeet  of  the  oonipUIius  of  tlie  Auiitrian  officers;  and  I  have  on  tliia,  as 

I  *rery  other  occusion,  borne  testlmoDy  to  the  zeal,  activity,  and  prudeno«, 

aenUy  di-<tiugiii<)bed  the  whole  of  your  conduct  during  the  term  of 

id  at  Vado ;  and  I  have  asaurcd  his  lordship,  that  both  you,  and  myself 

tu  give  any  fiirilier  esplanatioua  of  our  conduct  that  may  be  reijuirod 

',.  or  which  the  assertions  of  the  Austrian  generals  may  render  necessary.     It 

It)  me,   therefore,  that  we  Mhould   rent  here,  and  that  we  ought  to  remain 

)t,  until  aome  speoifto  chargen  are   brought  forward  by  the  Austrian  generals. 

1  bowertyr,  you  ehould  think  differently,  I  will  either  send  your  letter  to  General 

make  any  other  commanirntion  to  him  wliicji  you  may  point  out."^ 

M' Arthur,  voL  i.  p.  'i^O.   Captain  Nelson  was  convinced  by  Mr.  Drake'a 

i  for  cm  the  ICth  of  January  he  wrote  to  him — "  My  feeliiiga  ever  aUrei 

to  too  niee  a  aemie  of  honour  are  a  little  cooled." — JbiH. 

Taken  priMsen  by  Uie  French  at  Vadu.    Vide,  ante. 


120 


LBTTKRS. 


of  ilicm,  lliey  will  not  easily  escnpe.     Mr.  Ilinton/  whoi 
my  first  Lieutenant,  and  Andrews,  have  Ixilli  been  pr 
from  the  services  of  Agamemnon.     Reports  soy  I  am  U>-' 
offered  the  St.  George,  90,  as  Sir  Hyde  Parker  is  going  IB 
the  Britannia ;  or  else  the  Zealous,  74,  as  Lord  Hervey 
a  90-gijn  Ship.    Sir  John  Jervis  seems  determined  to  bci 
and  I  hope  he  will  continue  so.     My  kindest  remembr 

to  my  father. 

Yours,  &c- 

HonATio  Nei 


TO  ADMIRAL  SIR  JOHN  JERVIS,  K.D.,  COMMANDER-IN- 
IN  TIJE  MEDITERRANEAN. 


[From  Clarke  miid  M'ArOinT,  vol.  i.  p.  250.] 


Sir, 


Lrglioni  Bonds,  Deceuiber  21<rt  ,n 


I  cannot  allow  the  Lively,  Captain  Lord  Garlics,'  to  htrfl 
chance  of  falling  in  with  you,  without  bringing  some  ace 
of  the  state  of  the  Agamemnon.  We  are  getting  on  very  I 
with  our  caulking;  our  head  is  secured;  our  rigging  nenil 
overhauled ;  and  our  other  wants  in  as  great  a  state  of  fflj 
wardness  as  I  could  expect  at  this  season  of  the  year ;  and  f 
the  first  week  in  January,  I  hope  that  Agamemnon  will  hel 
fit  for  sea,  as  a  rotten  Ship  can  be.* 

I  have  written  to  Genoa,  directing  Captain  Cockburn 
take  the  Ships  in  that  Port  under  his  protection  to  Lcghor 
but  should  they,  from  any  change  of  circumstances,  not  wisB 
to  leave  Genoa,  the  Meleager  is  then  to  join  me  here,  by  the 
3Ist  of  December,  when  I  shall  order  Captain  Cockburti  to 
be  ready  for  sea.  By  letters  from  Mr.  Drake,  of  December  8tli, 
from  Milan,  it  appears  that  the  French,  after  having  attempted 
to  get  into  the  plaiii  of  Piedmont,  in  which  they  failed,  had 

*  CupUiu  Mnrtiti  Ilintou. 
"  AftenrRrd-.  John,  eighUi  Earl  of  Golloway,  K.T.;  Uc  died  an  AdminO  of| 

Blue,  in  Much,  1831. 

*  Wlit'n  ilic  AgJUncmuoH  ciuac  iwio  dork  lo   be   rcQllcd,  tberc  was  not  «     _ 
ywd,  s,jm1.  nor  uiy  ]>ari  nf  lUf  riggiug,  litu  whs  obUgrd  lo  Iks  repaired,  owing  lo^ 
shot  t.Uo  hud  rfcpived.     Ilei  liiill  bnd  been  loug  secured  liy  inbles  uened 
C/iir*f  and  M'Arthur. 


LETTERS. 


121 


inlo  t^rlnler-quaiters.     The  loss  of  llie  Austrian  Army 

yet  ascertaitieil,  but  it  is  supposed  to  exceed  4500  men, 

|et),  wounded,  and  deserters.     General  Wallis  has  18,000 

with  him,nnd  stragglers  are  joining  their  corps  very  fast: 

I  near  Acqui»  in  a  very  good  position  for  the  defence  of 

It.     1  understand  the  General  has  written  to  Sir  Hyde 

r,  since  his  defeat,  but  which  I  hear  he  is  pleased  to  call 

ck,  complaining  of  a  want  of  co-operation  on  our  parts. 

Lttke  for  granted,  Sir,  neither  Sir  Hyde  nor  yourself  will 

inswer  his  letter,  until  I  have  an  opportunity  of  explain- 

liie  whole  of  my  conduct.     His  Excellency  Mr.  Drake, 

Majesty's  Minister  at  the  Head-Quarters  of  the  Army,  to 

itm  I  always  communicated  all  my  proceedings,  has  borne 

I  Lord  Crenville  the  fullest  approbation  of  my  conduct.     I 

\fm}y  trouble  you  with  one  observation,  that  will  almost 

ail  answer  to  any  letter  General  Wallis  may  have 

: — Tliai  part  of  the  Austrian  Army  which  had  to  sus- 

an  attack  in  front,  as  well  as  the  tcrrihk  Jire  of  the  Gun- 

Ibo&ia,  was  the  only  part  of  the  Army  that  was  not  forced,  and 

!  only  part  which  retreated  in  a  body ;  a  clear  proof  to  my 

od,   tlmi  either  the  Gun-boats  did  little   or   no  mischief, 

liwt  the  other  parts  of  the  line   were   not   equally  well 

led.     I  have  written  to  General  Wallis  to  congratulate 

;tl»ai  (under  the  gi"eai  misfortune)  where  he  commanded 

went  well.     I   have  been  long  on  my  guard  against  these 

and  months   ago  apprised  them  of  what  would 

■jr  happen ;  but  they  believed  themselves  invincible. 

I  am,  &c. 

Horatio  Nelson. 


TO    J  HE   REVEREND   ^\\^.  NELSON,   UlLBOROtGil. 

[Aatogrnpb,  ia  the  Xrlnnn  rnpeni,] 

AgwnanDiion,  Lt>^bon],  Docrnitwr  'JOUi,  [1?0&.J 

My  dear  Brother, 

I  had  the  pleasure  of  your  letter  of  November  20th,  ycstcr- 

M),  aud  most  heartily  wish  you,  Mrs.  Nelson,  my  Aunt,  and 

•II  our  friends  near  you,  a  merry  Christmas,  and  many  happy 

retnnu  of  the  Season.     It  must  give  me  satisfaction  to  find  that 


122 


LETTEBSw 


[1 


from  all  quarters  of  England,  from  my  King  to  die 
order,  all  join  in  acknowledging  my  services.  Certain! 
may  say  to  you,  that  none  in  this  Country  can  be  put  in 
petition  with  what  I  have  gone  through ;  and  had  it  not 
for  die  neglect  of  my  Admiral,'  I  should  have  quitted 
command  with  more  pleasure  to  myself,  as  I  should  have 
a  battle  with  the  French  Gun-boats  which  liarassed  the 
wing  of  the  Austrian  Army.  However,  that,  from  the  faui 
my  Admiral,  (too  long  to  enter  mto,)  not  being  the  case,  it 
nHbrd  satisfaction  to  my  friends,  that  no  blame  has 
attempted  to  attach  itself  to  my  want  of  exertion ;  on  the 
trary.  His  Majesty's  Minister,  at  the  Head-Quoiters  of 
Austrian  Army,  has  borne  to  Lord  Grenville  the  fullest  appn* 
bation  of  my  conduct :  nor  do  I  believe  that,  as  far  as  relattt 
[to]  me  or  my  conduct,  the  Generals  have  wrote  a  word 
against  me ;  although  I  know  they  have  complained  of  a  woafr 
of  a  sufficient  Naval  force — not  that  I  believe  all  our  Fleet 
would  have  served  them,  unless  they  fought  better  than  they 
did.  But  they  wish,  if  possible,  to  throw  the  cause  of  their  defeat 
to  the  molestation  of  the  Enemy's  Gun-boats ;  but  it  is  as  ex- 
traordinary as  true,  that  the  right  and  centre  were  the  only 
part  totally  defeated ;  and  the  left,  the  part  attacked  by 
and  hind,  was  tlie  only  part  which  resisted  the  Enemy,  and 
the  only  part  which  retreated  in  a  body — a  plain  proof  tjiat 
eidier  the  other  parts  of  the  Line  were  not  equally  well  defended* 
or  that  the  Enemy's  Gun-boats  (which  I  own  I  believe 
no  great  harm.  But  the  Austrians  ran  oway  from  some 
twenty  [or]  twenty-five  miles  from  the  Enemy,  by  frij 
General  de  Vins  is  suid  to  be  dead.  I  think  it  very  prol 
that  grief,  added  to  his  bad  health,  may  have  shortened 
days. 

Our  new  Admiral*  is  at  sea.  I  fear  he  is  willing  to  keep 
with  hin).  He  has  wrote  me,  I  am  sorry  to  sny,  o  most  flatter- 
ing letter,  and  I  hear  I  am  to  be  offered  Su  George  or  Zealous, 
but,  in  my  present  mind,  I  shall  take  neither.  My  wish  is  to 
see  England  once  more,  and  I  want  a  few  weeks'  rest,  as  do 
every  one  in  my  iShip.  Mr.  Andrews,  my  late  First- Lieu- 
tenant is  now  a  Captain,  made  by  the  Admiralty,  for 


'  liotliiun. 


*  Sir  Jolm  Jcn-ia. 


37] 


LETTERS. 


128 


of  the  Agamemnon.     I  have  been  fortunate  in  getting 

First-lieutcuunts  made  since  I  lefl  England.     You  say  I 

k*l  write*     I  assure  you,  I  believe  I  have  wrote  you  from 

,  no  very  long  time  ago.    However  that  may  be,  I  always 

!  JOQ  in  affectionate  remembrance. 

Deoomber  'iSlh, 

i^giwl  is  now  out  for  a  Fleet,  which  I  take  to  be  the 
from    England,  and   I  believe   Sir  John   Jervis  is 
tbem.     We  have  nothing  new  here:  no  battles,  no 
With  kindest  remembrances,  believe  me, 
Your  most  afiectiouate  Brother, 

Horatio  Nelson. 


TO  MRS.  NELSON. 

[From  CUrke  and  M'Artliiir,  vol.  i.  p.  252.] 

Agaacmnou,  Leghorn,  6th  January,*  ITOO. 
French,  I  am  certain,  will,  this  Spring,  make  a  great 
lo  get  into  Italy,  and  I  think  Sir  John  Jcrvis  must  be 
lire  to  keep  them  out.  By  the  1st  of  February,  fifteen  Sail 
llhoLine  will  Ih?  ready  at  Toulon,  with  140  Transports,  and 
Mat  bouts  adapted  for  the  coast  of  Iluly.  The  prevention 
ftbe  intentions  of  the  Enemy  requires  great  foresight ;  for,  if 
landed,  our  Fleet  is  of  no  use,  and  theirs  would  retire 
kto  Toulon,  or  some  secure  Port ;  had  they  done  so  last  year. 


'  Oi  Uw  4Ui  of  that  month,  Ciq>U2n  Nolaon's  Father  wrote  the  foUowiiig  bvautiftU 
r  to  hu  dtatlngnishril  Sou : — 
l*Tb»  POBDiwnorTneQi  of  n  afw  fear  oalla  on  a  Father**  lender  and  ain>etioiute 
jlnrwjoice  witliiimnn  the  manycxlrnordiiiiiry  CBCiipeiiyuii  hove  experienced, 
^r*(ili'i>«e  ■  I'rovUleniiiU  hiuid  liml  Liu  griinnled  yuu  from  ini {w tiding fl«Ug«rs: 
t  cud  fufi  Being  slill  be  jour  thield  iktid  (trfcnder !  I  haxc  aloo  further 
it>0  tJiO*«  »rir)i|>|iruviiig  rrflccLions,  which  arise  from  a  uoiisciouttncu 
1  dons  all,  thai  the  Krcat  truai  repoe<!d  in  joa  coiiiU  require  ;  tad  liiis  you 
ant  ^1  Id  ihr  hiirhe>tt  ilr|;ref .  May  yon,  nydear  Sou,  add  year  to  year  through  a 
rliifr.  'Mirvribalilc  tlelighr.  that  your  own  heart  condenuu  you  not.     It 

|di|r'i  ."  narrn'w  limits  of  an  epistle,  mifliciently  lo  gratify  a  sou  who 

>  >rrrj  mark  of  poMttal  regard  that  language  can  eiipreM ;  and  little  more  tliMi 
Itfa  wvtt  Iteau  within  the  compaaa  of  my  abilitiea  and  very  eon- 
I  flf  Ktion  to  bevtorw.     (iod  has  Ueaeed  no  iufluitely,  even  beyond  hope, 
ittitjm,  to  ■««  ny  iKwtehty  in  |ioaaea«iou  of  what  ia  more  durable  than 
urimoouii    »  good  luune,  au  uniaUIe  dispoeition,  upright  conduct,  tud  pttro 


J  24 


J.ETTEllS. 


[171X5. 


whei  e  woiiltl  Imve  bten  the  ndvanUige  of  our  action  ?  'flic 
French  will  improve  on  their  last  year's  foil}' :  I  am  convinced 
in  my  own  mind,  that  I  know  their  very  landing-place:  if 
they  mean  to  carry  on  the  war,  iliey  must  penetrate  into 
Italy.  Holland  and  Flanders,  with  their  own  Counirj',  they 
have  entirely  stripped  ;  Italy  is  the  gold  mine,  and,  if  once 
entered,  is  without  the  means  of  resistance. 

January  8th. — Our  news,  that  the  French  are  retiring  from 
Holland,  confirms  in  my  mind  their  intention  to  force  Italy: 
nothing  else  can  save  them,  in  any  peace  that  may  be  near  at 
hand.  My  Officei's  and  people  who  are  prisoners  in  Fraocci 
are  exceedingly  well  treated,  particularly  so  by  the  Naval 
Officers ;  and,  as  they  say,  because  they  belong  to  the  Aga* 
memnon,  whose  cliaracter  b  well  known  throughout  the  Re- 
public. 

Yours,  &c. 

Horatio  Nei^son. 


TO  MRS.  NELSON. 

fFroni  Clarke  nni  M'Artbwr,  vol.  i.  p.  2.'i5.  Ou  tl»c  lOtli  of  Jumaj,  ilio  Ag« 
memnou  joined  ihf  Fleet  in  Fioreuzo  Bhv.  wlien  Captain  Kelson  had  lits  flrsl  inlci- 
ticw  with  Admirul  Sir  Jobu  Jcrvis,  K.B.,  the  Commnniler-in-CUief.] 

AgiuDomuon,  Bt.  Fiorenzo,  COiii  Jannnrv,  ITPO. 

We  were  receiveil,  not  only  with  tlie  greatest  attention,  but 
with  much  apparent  friendship.  Sir  John  Jcrvis's  offer  of 
eitlier  the    .Sr.  George,  90,  or   Zealous,    74,   was  declined; 

reUgion:  Dievr  niii>t  l>e  iti«  mipiMrterti  of  public  Cum,  mA  titey  will  figlri  ioiu 
tefrncc  a^iutiM  eu>y  auil  ti«)itaiBj'>  The  aluiost  dniU  proofs  of  vour  UUhti 
S^Mrvanre  of  ^our  mrioiis  |»»«^»^cim»>  4titks.  iin>  iJeitsiiig'  rompeuMtioiu  tot  ymr 
iMif  ibatnfr  :  every  diMt|ipaiiitBMBl  hat  ita  eooaoUtian,  erery  Mann  ils  Miceceding 
•niMkim,  uid  wv  bring  this  hone  baaMdialehr  to  vantirta.  Ton  we  now  in  tli» 
vtTf  Riertdiiui  of  lifr,  luul  liuvr  ilaily  oppnrtnntlie-ii  of  ^>«ring  rirb  ill  kaovled^,  of 
filling  Tcnr  Jhfwit  <\r\A  nrtt  iH^^msrU  lir«rt  with  lb»"  >»ton«ii  of  food  grain,  whjrfa  in 
timg  10  r  |H>w^vts  khftll  (ieo«v,  rImQ  prvi«  K  UManre,  anl 

■klDP   p  r  away.     Ukl  •^•e  h  only  made  plMMBt  b;  luq<|py 

Kfl  -\ '  •!  »»  hare   sunn   iu  yoiiUi.     Be  Kunnrd,  w] 

v  ktofk  In  \ht*  tr*pcct  i»  low:  my  e<liir»iioii. 
yr  ^.i;    M.  iMtc  Immi  an  acuuNt  ni«.     Pitt, 

1    >ir  ^.. ..      Uy  tUiUlg  *Vb  H  clirnrrr,  Ui«a 

i'f»  «i«  iniiaiw  atfr :  ■;  •t'bra  muat  ahtmlmty 
I 'v«r»r  aO  «•■  timUr\Mkt'     FarrwrU.     Edmcvo 


n.  37.] 


LETTERS. 


19$ 


bill  with  that  respect,  and  sense  of  obligation  on  my  pari, 
which  sucU  hantlsome  conduct  demanded  of  me.  I  found  the 
Admiral  anxious  to  know  many  things,  which  I  was  a  good 
ikai  surprts«xJ  to  Hnd  had  not  been  communicated  to  him  from 
Mber&ia  the  Fleets  and  it  would  appear,  that  he  was  so  well 
atbfied  with  my  opinion  of  what  is  likely  to  happen,  and  the 
of  prevention  to  be  taken,  that  he  had  no  reserve  with 
K^)ecttng  his  information  and  ideas  of  what  is  likely  to  be 
doDc:  he  concluded  by  asking  me  if  I  should  have  any  objection 
toiervc  under  ium,  with  my  Flag.  My  answer  was,  that  if  I 
were  ordered  to  hoist  my  Flag,  I  shoukl  certainly  be  happy  in 
Kning  under  hira;  but  if  Agamemnon  were  ordered  to  go 
home,  and  my  Flag  were  not  arrivetl,  I  should  on  many 
Koounts  wish  to  return  to  England  ;  yet  still,  if  the  war  con- 
ttnoed,  I  should  be  very  jiroud  of  the  honour  of  hoisting  my 
Flag  under  his  command :  and,  I  rather  believe,  8ir  John 
Jerris  writes  home  this  day,  that  if  the  Fleet  is  kept  here,  my 
FUg,  on  a  promotion,  may  be  sent  to  the  Mediterranean. 
The  credit  I  derive  from  all  these  compliments  must  be  satis- 
haory  to  you;  and,  should  I  remain  until  peace,  which  can- 
not be  very  long,  you  will,  I  sincerely  hojte,  make  your  mind 
wy.  Yet,  sometimes,  notwithstanding  all  I  have  said,  I  think 
DT  promotion  will  be  announced,  and  that  I  shall  have  a  land 
royage:  be  it  as  it  may,  I  shall  take  it  easy.  Agamemnon  is 
ast  going  to  sea,  and  I  can  assure  you  that  my  health  was 
lercr  better  llian  at  this  moment. 

Yours,  &c. 

Horatio  Nelson. 


TO  ADMIRAL  SIR  JOHN  JERVIS,  K.B. 
[Ftum  CUike  anU  M'Anlinr,  vol.  I.  p.  267.] 

23rd  Jonnuy,  17(M. 

jestcrday,  joined  the  Meleager  and  Blanche,  but  the 
ler  was  too  bad  to  have  any  communication  until  this 
ling:  there  is  no  appearance  of  any  number  of  Vessels 
J  collected,  from  Nice  to  Genoa,  and  no  Vessel  of  war; 
)rcy  any  large  embarkation  cannot  at  present  be  intended 


I«8 


LETTERS. 


on  this  Coast.  As  to  a  mere  plundering  party,  in  a  fen 
Feluccas,  it  is  perhaps  out  of  the  power  of  our  whoU 
SquadroD  to  prevent  it ;  but  I  shall  do  my  best.  I  sent  tin 
Blanche  to  Genoa,  with  letters  for  Mr.  Trevor  and  Mr, 
Drake,  requesting  them  to  give  me  all  the  information  in  theil 
power,  respecting  the  Austrian  and  Sardinian  as  well  as  tlH 
French  Armies,  and  also  the  Toulon  Fleet. 

I  am,  &c. 

HonATio  Nelsok. 


TO  MRS.  NELSON. 
[From  CUtke  «nd  M'Aitbor,  vol.  I.  p.  207.] 

Gnlf  of  Genoa,  STtli  JaniioTT,  ITDC, 

I  sent  you  a  line  just  as  I  was  getting  under  sail  from  Si 
Fiorenzo.     The  Fleet  was  not  a  litde  surprised  at  my  leavia 
tliem  so  soon,  and,  I  fancy,  there  was  some  degree  of  eirt 
attached  to  the  surprise  ;  for  one  Captain  told  me,  <  You  dil 
just  as  you  pleased  in  Lord  Hood's  time,  the  same  in  Admirl 
Hotliam's,  and  now  again  with  Sir  John  Jervis ;"  it  makes  n 
difference  to  you  who  is  Commander-in-Chief.'     I  returned 
pretty  strong  answer  to  this  speech.     My  command  here  is  t 
prevent  any  small  number  of  men  from  making  a  descent  I 
Italy.     I  hear  no  more  of  this  promotion,  and  I  sincerely  hoi 
they  will  put  it  off  a  little  longer ;  unless,  which  I  cannot  w< 
expect,  they  should  send  mc  out  my  Flag.     My  health  W 
never  better. 

Yours,  &c. 

Horatio  Nelson. 


•  Sir  Jolin  Jeni»'*  high  opinion  of  Keljoii  wag  Uiui  expre««ed  to  Mr.  TncJ 

Mini>4ter  al  Turin,  rut  early  u  Ibe  llili  of  Februorr,  171)8  : — "  I  run  very  liAppjrj 

Ifmrn  tluU  Ca^itoiu  Nelson,  whose  zeal,  iu:iisit.v,  uid  ruterprisr  onooi  be  vorpttiJ 

sUuda  »o  Ligh  in  your  good  opinion.     I  hnvc  only  to  Iruucirl  the  wuit  of  BIA 

/five  Itim  ili(!  fommnud  of  «  Squadron  eqiul  to  iiia  merit." — 2V*«r'»  Mtmtrin' 

Stir/  Jf/.  J'lHct^ni,  vol.  i.  p,  172. 


LETTERS. 


137 


TO  MRS.  NELSON. 
[Tron  Clarke  ud  M'ArUiur,  vol.  L  p.  2S7.] 

LegLorn,  12t]i  FebranT)-.  1700. 

The  Frencli  are  making  great  preparations  for  opening  the 

ennpaign  in  Italy  ;  and  if  the  Austrians  and  Piedmontese  do 

not  «en  tliemselves,  Turin  will  be  lost,  and  of  course  all 

Pieltnonl  t  Sardinia  is  in  rebellion.     I  now  see  no  prospect 

tfpeioe.     Before  the  King's  speech^  appeared,  I  had  hope; 

botftom  that  moment  I  gave  it  up.     Our  new  Admiral  will 

not  lind  at  Leghorn. 

[In  eoatinuiuion,] 

Off  the  Hi#re«  IsUiidi,  ITtlj  Pebrniry. 

Time,  my  dear  Fanny,  will  soon  wear  away,  when  we  shall, 

I  doubt  not,  possess  a  cottage  of  our  own,  and  an  ample  income 

toliveon;  if  not  in  luxury,  nt  least  in  comfort.   As  yet,  I  appear 

to  stand  well   with  Sir  John   Jervis,  and  it  shall  not  be  my 

fault  if  I  do  not  continue  to  do  so :  my  conduct  has  no  mys- 

terj'.    I  freely  communicate  my  knowledge  and  observations, 

and  only  wish,  that  whatever  Admiral   I  serve  under  may 

jia«ke  a  proper  use  of  it.     God  forbid,  I  should  have  any 

(othfr  consideration  on  service,  than  tlie  good  of  my  Country. 

'  I  am  now  sent  to  examine  the  state  of  the  Ships  in  Toulon ; 

flheir  numbers  we  know  full  well,  but  the  accounts  of  the  state 
hey  are  in  are  so  contradictory,  as  to  leave  us  uncertain. 

Sir  John  Jervis  is  at  present  inferior  to  the  French:  they 
ire  built  five  Sail  of  the  Line  since  we  left  Toulon. 


'  Hi*  M^Mty  met  Ptfli«meiit  on  tlie  20ili  of  October,  1795,  and  ibe  Spcccli  from 
dm  TtkTone  ooiUaiJMd  the  following  puiage  in  rcferenoe  to  France : — "  The  Uuirao- 
licm  Bi4  Uiarcliy  wliicU  bjive  ao  long  prevailed  iu  that  connlry  liarc  led  to  a  oritia. 
at  w)a«b  U  i*  as  )et  iinpo«nble  to  foresee  the  issn«,  but  vLieli  must  iu  nil  kimuui 
fnb^Ullv  yroduoe  conMqnenocs  lii([h]y  importuit  to  tlio  intere»u  of  Europe. 
inMHiU  Utia  oriMH  termiiiAte  in  uiy  order  of  things  compntible  with  the  tranquillity 
■f  odtfT  eoantrie*,  and  afliurdingarcaRonKble  expectation  of  aecority  and  {wnnuenee 
in  asy  Uvatv  whicL  might  he  conchidcd,  the  appearance  of  a  diapooition  to  atgo- 
itala  for  general  Peace  on  just  and  suitalilc  terms  will  not  foil  to  be  met  on  my  part 
vtih  aa  Nkntoitt  deaire  to  give  it  the  fullest  and  ipccdiest  effect.  Bnt  I  am  per- 
•OMtad  Uioi  yon  will  agree  with  toe,  that  nothing  ia  <iu  likel;  toendoroand  accelerate 
Ikia  4««arBlil»  end,  ac  to  ahew  Uiiu  we  are  prepared  for  eitJier  allematire,  and  are 
to  proaecule  tho  war  with  the  utmost  energy  and  rigour,  until  wc  lukve 
I  of  con^lmiing,  in  ooi^anotion  with  our  Allie«,  snob  a  peace  as  tlie  jiutice 
i  the  altsMSra  of  tlie  Enemy  may  cnUtle  a»  to  expect." 


128 


LETTERS. 


[i 


FcbmiirT  '»Ut. 

I  am  now  on  my  way  to  Genoa,  having  been  joined  by  th 
Admiral  on  the  23rd,  off  Toulon.  The  French  have  thirteen 
Sail  of  the  Line  and  five  Frigates  ready  for  sea ;  and  four  or 
five,  which  are  in  great  forwardness,  are  fitting  in  the  areeoJ* 
Sir  John  Jervis,  from  his  manner,  as  I  plainly  perceive,  dt 
not  wish  me  to  leave  this  stzition.  He  seems  at  present  to 
consider  me  more  as  an  associate  than  a  subordinate  Officers 
for  I  am  acting  without  any  orders.  This  may  have  its  diffi- 
culties at  a  future  day ;  but  I  make  none,  knowing  the  upright- 
ness of  my  intentions.  He  asked  nie,  if  I  had  heard  any  more 
of  my  promotion  ;  I  told  him,  '  No:'  his  answer  was,  '  You 
must  have  a  larger  Ship,  for  we  cannot  spare  you,  either  as 
Captain  or  Admiral.'  Yours,  &c. 

Horatio  Nel80N. 


Sir, 


TO  THOMAS  POLLARD,  ESQ.,  LEGHORN. 
[Aiicogrfipli,  iu  the  possession  of  John  Luxfbrd,  E»q.] 

Leghorn,  Febrnary  ITUi,  1790. 


Please  to  send  by  my  Cockswain,  ten  Tuscan  crowns  for 
Mr,  Bolton/  which   place  to  my  account.     Pray  send  our 
people  on  board  from  the  prizes.     I  hope  they  have  pratlquej 
if  not,  get  it  for  iliem  directly.     The  Ship  is  unmoored,  ondl 
only  waiting  for  our  people,  who  must  have  pratique. 

Yours  truly, 
_      .  Horatio  Nelson, 

TO  THE  HONOURABLE  JOUN  TREVOR,'  MINISTER  AT  TURIX. 

[From  Cl«rke  ami  M'ArtUnr,  vol.  i.  p.  -ioS,] 

[About  the  2nA  March,  17110.] 
fin  this  Letter,  Cuptsin  Nelson  mentioned  his  nrrivsl  at  Oeno«   on  the  iu 
of  March,  and  then  Baiil]  — 

I  hope  to  hear  of  some  intended  movements  of  the  Austriaj 
Army  towards  Vatlo.     I  am  certain,  from   Sir  John  Jervis' 

'  ^'''  "1".  "fterwar.l,  CuvUin  Sir  WilliMH  Bolton. 

"^,;„  ,-^  '■  •''■'■""'*  •«"'  ""^  l^^«"  a«t  Viscount  H«,n,Hieu, 

•  *•'*»«"  ''•^'l  »•-  \>^^'h'^  •«  third  Viscouut  nJy^o, 

■'ii«t?,  wlwii-ViNVrtWUt^Wrnine  rxtiiu-t. 


icr.ar.] 


LETTERS. 


1-29 


ovn  atterUofi»  iliat  nothing  will  be  wanting  on  liis  part  tu- 


vanli; 


ition,  consistent  >« 
enow  are  require 


zfTectunl 
Itich  you  so  well  Know  are  required  oi  nn 
I ;  and  I  can  take  upon  me  to  say,  that  he  wilt  come  to 
VmJo  Bay,  when  future  plans  may  be  better  concertetl.     I 
help  thinking  that  the  taking  of  Vailo  woulil  be  a  great 
,  irui  that  it  must  be  done  early  in  tlie  spring;  or  the 
iiuemy's  Fleet  may  with  ease  cover  a  body  of  troops  in  Trans- 
■     and  land  them  in  Italy.     I  was  six  days  in  sight  of 
;  and  could  each  day  see  a  visible  getting  forward  of 
Uieir  Ships.     I  believe  we  shall  have  a  battle  before  any  Con- 
voy sails,  and  which  pray  (Jod  send  ;  for  ihc  event,  under  so 
active  n ad  gCKxl  an  Adniirul,  who  can  doubt  of?     I  am  just 
IJivourcd  with  your  letters  of  February  (Sth,  13th,  and  18th: 
if  the  Admiral  liad  small  Vessels,  he  could  not  venture  to  un- 
mm  his  Fleet. 

I  am,  &c. 

Horatio  Nelson. 


TO  IflS  ROYAL  HIGHNESS  THE  DUKE  OF  CLAnENCE. 
[From  Clarke  aud  M'Artliur,  toL  i.  p.  'J.')H.] 


Sir, 


Genoa  Mole,  Snl  Mnroh,  1700. 


i  left  Sir  John  Jervis  off  Toulon  on  the  23rd  of  February, 
sincerely  hope  he  has  not  suffered  in  the  very  severe  gale 
'easterly  wind  which  I  have  experienced  ;  our  stern  is  stove 
'  in,  and  several  of  our  quarter  planks  started.  If  the  Admiral 
[ttnfbrtunately  should  be  crippled,  the  French  Fleet  would  be 
[at  sea  hi  a  week;  and,  at  all  events,  I  do  not  believe  they  will 
Iremain  longer  in  Port  than  till  after  the  equinox.  It  is  said 
[the  campaign  will  open  against  Italy  with  80,000  men  ;  if 
'-  fleet  shouhl  be  able  to  cover  the  landing  of '20,000 
;ii  Port  Especia  and  Leghorn,  where  I  have  always 
m  of  opinion  they  would  attempt  it,  1  know  of  nothing  to 
revent  their  fully  possessing  the  rich  mine  of  Italy.  I  hope 
Austrians  will  again  take  possession  of  Vado  Bay,  which 
woold  of  course  impede  not  only  the  along-shore  voyage  of 
ihe  French,  and  afford  our  Fleet  an  opportunity  of  falling  in 
VOL.  n.  K 


sr.] 


LETTER8. 


131 


limn,  when  one  week's  very  superior  Fleet  will  efTect  a 
between  Port  Especia  and  Leghorn,  I  meim  on  tlint 
uf  Italy,  when  they  will  of  course  possess  themselves  of 
,  and  there  is  nothing  to  stop  their  progress  to  Rome 
Naples :  we  may  fight  their  Fleet,  but  unless  we  can 
them,  their  Transports  will  push  on  and  eflect  their 
What  will  the  French  care  for  the  loss  of  a  few 
f-war?  it  is  nothing  if  they  can  get  into  Italy.  This 
gold-mine,  and  what,  depend  on  it,  they  will  push  for. 
Ule  I  have  seen  of  Sir  John,  I  like ;  and  he  seems 
with  my  conduct,  and  does  not  seem  very  willing  to 
go  home,  even  if  Agamemnon  does.  I  left  the  Ad- 
fon  the  23rd  ult.,  to  the  westward  of  Toulon.  I  told 
of  your  remembrances  to  him.  Mr.  Summers  has  sent 
omchis  commission,  and  although  the  Officer  in  whose  room 
came,  was  only  invalided,  yet  the  vacancy  ought  to  be  a 
pod  one,  as  he  died  very  soon  afterwards;  therefore  the  list 
aoC  increased  by  his  appointment.  I  suppose  Admiral 
\Uatan  vUl  be  tliinking  of  homeward  steering;  he  has  spent 
tw'iaier  at  Naples,  and  been  well  received. 
How  unfortunate  Admiral  Christian  has  been  !'  I  hope  our 
Wai  India  Islands  will  not  suffer  more  than  they  have  done  ; 
Wl  I  »ee  W'ilberforce  is  meddling  again  with  the  slave-trade, 
feel  very  much  obliged  by  Simon  Taylor's  remembrances ; 
fsj  do  not  forget  me  to  him  when  you  write.  Was  I  an 
Admiral,  there  is  no  station  I  should  like  so  well  ill  a  war,  as 
I  think  I  could  give  satisfaction  by  keeping  the 
free  from  privateers,  which  I  know  is  the  general  com- 
■gminst  our  Admirals.  I  have  got  your  quarter  cask  of 
very  safe,  and  it  ought  to  be  very  good.  1  shall,  if  I 
e  bume,  order  a  hogshead  from  Mr.  Duff,  as  you  say  you 


ofNoremlxr,  1705,  R^or- Admiral  Ilogh  Cloljirry  ChriBiifUi,  his 
>  0««rfe,  09,  Mil«d  from  St.  Helen's  idtli  n  Squadron  of  Sbipa  of 
.ttttaiuifotiA  and  West   ludiameu,  Lnving  lO.CKK)  troops  on 
;lb«  FtwcL  and  Dutch  Setllemema  in  tlic  West  Indies;  Lul 
-«iled,  the  Fltcl  wta  disperswi  hy  a  hciivv  gale,  in  wLioli  many 
■l  Mrrchftutmen  fouwI«'red,    Httting  re[>«ired tlicir  dwnAgwi,  ibe 
I  bum  St.  Helen'*  on  ibe  »lh  tif  December,  Imt  it  wn.s  K^nin  ili^persed  by 
I  of  wfndt  whieh  ooniwUcd  the  Bear-Adiniml  and  bdiu«  of  the  8Uij)!»  of 
I  HvrehaM  «wa«k  to  ratora  lo  BpiibMd. 
k2 


132 


LETTER& 


want  mine.  Wc  are  this  day  covereJ  %vith  snow,  nnd  intensely 
oold;  this  will  make  the  campaign  later  in  opening,  but 
every  day  fresh  troops  are  arriving  to  reinforce  the  French 
army.  I  have  my  fears  for  Piedmont,  unless  the  Emperor 
ordei-s  many  more  troops  than  he  has  at  present.  I  b^  you 
will  remember  me  kindly  to  every  part  of  your  family,  and  do 
not  forget  me  to  such  of  our  friends  as  you  may  meet  wiUw 
Mr.  Bradley,  &c.    Believe  me 

Yours  most  truly, 

Horatio  Nelsov. 


TO  THE  REVEREND  MR.  NELSO.V,  niLBOROUGH. 


OcBM  Mote,  Mweh  itb.  ITM.    Dm^ 

My  dear  Brother, 
I  am  truly  sorry  to  find,  by  my  letters  from  Bath,  that  poor 
Aunt  Mary"  lias  been  very  ill.  I  fetl  mi>ch  for  her,  and  shall 
truly  rejoice  to  hear  she  has  goC  better,  smd  may  be  comfortable 
for  several  years.  I  am  just  come  from  looking  into  Toulon, 
vkere  tlier^  are  thuteen  Sail  of  the  Line  and  fire  Frigates, 
ready  for  sea,  and  some  others  fitting  in  the  .\rsenal ;  there- 
lore*  probably  we  shall  soon  have  another  battle  in  the  Medi* 
Uiraiiean ;  and  I  hare  little  doubt  but  it  will,  if  the  Fnendi  give 
us  as  good  opportunities,  be  destructive  to  the  Fleet  of  Fnmoe. 
But  I  own  m}^r  rather  of  opinion,  that  a  Squadnm  firom 
L*Orient  will  join  Cittxen  Richery,*  at  Cadis,  and  they  wilt 
Imw  a  rrry  superior  FWet  to  ua.  Dot  figfai  we  mnrt,  or  Italy 
will  be  lott  this  snmmcr ;  tor  not  less  than  80,000  men  are  to 
open  the  campaign ;  and  if  their  Traasporta  can  land,  under 
coi-vr  of  tbenr  FWe^  90,000  men  n  tbe  plnn  cooatiy  of  Italy, 
reoMuna  to  stop  dwir  marek  in  Rone  and  Naples — 
'*-  «ar  a  revolt. 

sail  next  month :  whetber  I  am  to  be  of 

•bUU.     Sir  Inha  doas  not  appear  vciy 

\>at  K^ioM  of  na  anBt  go :  perfa^ 

.laieai 


tVMhii 


K'ait 


.370 


LETTERS. 


183 


5hijB  may  be  coming  out  to  relieve  us.  I  sliall  not  be  vert/ 
to  see  England  again.  I  am  grown  old  and  battered  to 
[pieces,  and  require  some  repairs.  However,  on  the  whole,  I 
lIuivc  stood  the  fag  better  than  could  have  been  expected.  I 
I  sorry  to  tell  you,  the  fancied  rich  prize  is  not  likely  to  be 
Jemned:  I  believe  the  captor  will  be  glad  to  give  her  up 
tin.  However,  I  never  built  much  on  her:  if  I  return  not 
[poorer  than  I  set  out,  I  shall  be  perfectly  satisfied  ;  but  I  be« 
lie»e  the  contrary.  ^line  is  all  honour:  so  much  for  the  Navy  1 
|1  have  not  heard  from  you  for  a  long  time.  I  now  look  daily 
for  a  letter.  How  does  Robert  llolfe*  do?  You  will  re- 
loember  me  to  him.  1  dare  say  he  is  happy,  because  I  believe 
llie  deserves  to  be  so  :  and  do  not  forget  my  remembrances 
lloour  friends  at  Swaifham.  Josiah  is  very  well,  and  often 
lires  after  you.  Remember  me  kindly  to  Mrs.  Nelson 
\n\  AunL  Your  children  are  not  yet,  I  suppose,  corre- 
ondcttls,  although  I  know  ihey  can  write.  Believe  me,  ever 
Your  most  affectionate  Brotlier, 

Horatio  Nelson. 


TO  THE  HONOURABLE  JOHN  TREVOR,  MINISTER  AT  TURIN. 
[Frgm  Clarke  nud  M'Axthur,  to),  i.  p.  Sftli.] 

Agamemnon,  Genoa  Molo,  4tli  March,  171)0. 

Is  tlie  whole  Island'  in  rebellion,  and  friendly  to  the  French, 

td  would  it  be  dangerous  for  an  English  Ship  to  anchor  in 

risLui,  or  any  other  port  in  Sardinia?    Should  t!»e  Vessels 

Jonging  to  the  Sardinians  be  seized  ?     In  short,  Sir,  pray 

mc,  in  what  light  the   King  of  Sardinia  considers  the  in- 

litants  of  that  Island,  and  how  you  think  I  should  consider 

em.     I  dt«l  not,  I  own,  rejoice  at  the  snow,  and  the  very  bad 

lev  wc  have  had,  until  you  told  ine  how  bcnefifiul  it  may 

ife  to  our  good  Ally  the  King  of  Sardiiiiii,  whom  I  shall 

wy»  respect. 

I  am,  &c., 

Horatio  Nelsok. 


Bit,  lite  ItevvraiMi  liobcrt  KoUc,  so  often  meulioucd. 


"  a«djiii». 


134 


LETTEB& 


TO  ADMIRAL  SIR  JOHN  JERVIS,  KJJ. 

[From  CUrke  and  M'Arthur,  roL  i.  p.  259;  who  »UU  Oiai,  ia  iiii* 
t«iu  Nelson  sent  ii  general  ncconot  of  kis  rorreeponiimcr  with  their 
Mr.  TrtTor  and  Mr.  Dnke,  and  conclnded  br  Mriog] — 

Lcshem.  lOita  Usch,! 

Mr.  Wyndham's  letter  from  Florence,  shows  tkati 
Tuscan  Government  are  ready  to  receive  a  French  gar 
will  be  very  diflRcult  to  prevent  it  until  we  possess  ^'  "^ 

points  for  us  to  look  to,  are  a  small  Squadron  off  For 
with  one  on  the  other  side  of  the  Gulf,  for  the  present  embm  k' 
lion  will  be  in  small  Vessels;  but  if  die  Genoese  will  noli 
their  passage,  there  is  nothing  to  prevent,  in  a  march  ofl 
eight  hours,  the  arrival  of  the  French  at  Leghorn. 

I  am,  &c. 

Horatio  Nf 


TO  TlIE  RIGHT  HON.  SIR  GILBERT  ELUOT,  BART. 

[Aulogiapb,  in  Uie  Mimo  Papets.] 

Leghorn,  Hitreh  lOOi,  17IM,] 

Dear  Sir, 
As  I  think  you  will  like  to  know  my  proceedings,  which 
can  truly  say  are  always  employed  to  the  best  of  my  know- 
ledge for  the  Public  good,  1  send  you  my  letter  to  Sir  Joht^ 
Jervis  for  your  perusal,  which  be  so  good,  when  read  a«- 
seal  up.*^ 

Believe  me,  dear  Sir, 

Your  most  faithful 
To  bis  EiMiUcnoy  the  Vice-Bof.  HoTlATIO    NelSON.I 


TO  THE  RIGHT  HON.  SIR  WILLIAM  HAMILTON,  K.B.,  MIXISTI 
AT  NAPLES. 

(_From  ilie  "  Letteis  oC  Lord  Nelson  lo  Lady  Uauiiltoii,"  vol.  ii.  p.  ;!»'7.    U 
also  priiilod  by  Cluikc  oud  M'Arthur.but  witL  their  usua]  inronr-cUiess.] 

AgamvnmoD,  Leghorn,  1 1  th  March,  1T90. 
Sir, 

Mr.  Wyndlmm  having  communicated  to  Mr.  Udney,  the 

conversation  of  the  Frencli  Minister  with  the  Tuscans,  I  cannot^ 

•  Apparently  lUe  precediag  Lettvr. 


LETTEES. 


135 


die  Admiral  with  the  command  of  the  small 
a  the  Gulf  of  Genoa,  but  think  it  right  for  me  to 

rir  Excellency  will  apply  for  such  Vessels  of  War 
his  Sicilian  Majesty,  as  may  be  judged  proper  to 
;  Gulf  of  Genoa,  and  particularly  off  the  Point  of  the 
Bcia.  Zebecs,  Corvettes,  and  Frigates  are  the  fittest 
Wd  the  first  have  the  great  advantage  of  rowing,  as 
ng,  I  am  told,  very  fast.  General  [Acton']  knows, 
I  as  myself,  the  Vessels  proper  to  prevent  the 
lion  of  Troops  on  this  Coast ;  therefore  I  shall  not 
}int  them  out.  Last  campaign,  the  word  Flotilla 
stood :  I  can  only  say,  that  all  Vessels  which  can 
must  be  useful ;  and  for  Small-craft,  Port 
:urc  harbour. 

is  to  be  done,  should  be  done  speedily ;  for  by 
.ham's  account,  we  have  no  time  to  lose.  If  we 
Vessels,  I  am  confident  the  French  will  not 
Hng  their  10,000  men  by  sea;  and  should  they 
through  the  Genoese  territories,  I  hope  tlic 
II  prevent  them.  But,  however,  should  all  our 
^nol  be  able  to  prevent  the  Enemy's  possessing 
of  Leghorn,  yet  we  are  not  to  despair.  Fourteen 
Hbeir  entry,  if  the  Allied  Powers  unite  heartily,  I 
mtwe  shall  take  them  all  prisoners.  I  am  confident 
therefore — (should  such  nn  unlucky  event  take  place^ 
■oesening  themselves  of  Leghorn ) — I  hope  will  be 
have  sent  to  the  Admiral.  I  am  very  lately  Irom 
1,  where  thirteen  Sail  of  the  Line,  and  five  Frigates 
for  sen,  and  othei-s  fitting.  With  my  best  respects 
['laroilton,  believe  me,  dear  Sir,  your  Excellency's 
ient  servant, 

Horatio  Nelson. 


Hi*  Bieilioa  Uiy«Btf'B  Prime  Miiiiiiter. 


LETTERS, 


0' 


0^ 


TO  FRAKCIS  DRAKE,  ESQ.,  MINISTER  AT  GEXOA. 

[FVom  Clarke  and  M*Aithiur,  ToL  i.  p.  SCS.] 

Muvb  lOth, 

Having  received  information,  on  which  I  am  told 
depend,  that  Salicetti*  is  now  here,  with  other  Commissioneri 
for  the  express  purpose  of  expediting  the  operations  of  ti 
French  Army  towards  the  invasion  of  Ital^r ;  and  that  one  a 
the  three  columns,  into  which  that  Army  is  to  be  divided,  i 
either  to  penetrate  through  the  Genoese  territory,  or  to  bi 
conveyed  coas>tways  to  laite  possession  of  Port  Especia ;  whid 
will  instantly  give  them  the  flat  country  as  far  as  Leghorn 
and  no  douht  but  a  small  Army  appearing  before  Lcgb 
would,  without  any  difficulty,  make  themselves  masters  i 
I  therefore  feel  it  my  duly,  as  Commanding  Officer  of 
Majesty's  Squadron  employed  on  this  Coast,  and  in  thcabscnc 
of  the  Naval  Commandcr-in-Chiefi  to  state  clearly  the  faU 
consequences  which  will  attend  this  plan  of  the  French  Com 
missioncrs.  The  possession  of  Port  Especia  will  always  gi\ 
an  easy  access  to  every  part  of  Italy,  even  to  the  Kingdom  i 
Naples,  and  also  security  to  Transports,  Ships  of  War,  M 
small  Vessels ;  and  1  moreover  beg  it  may  be  understood,  ih 
if  the  French  Flotilla  proceeds  along  the  Coast,  our  ShipsK 
war  cannot  molest  them  ;  not  being  able  to  approach  I 
Coast,  from  the  shallowness  of  the  water.  I  must  besides  o 
serve,  that  the  Enemy  possessing  Leghorn,  cuts  off  all  o 
supplies;  and  of  course  our  Fleet  cannot  always  be  looked  I 
on  the  northern  Coast  of  Italy.  I  therefore  beg  leave  to  sta 
ihut  to  obviate  these  misfortunes,  two  plans  are  necessary  to 
attended  to  ;  the  first,  and  best,  is  the  possession  of  Vado  B« 
this  done,  as  far  as  human  foresight  can  discern,  Itidy  is  sal 
the  next  is  the  taking  of  Port  Especia ;  and,  as  a  Sea-offic 
1  beg  leave  to  say,  that  unless  one  of  these  plans  is  adc 

•  C'amiiiijHnrT  of  ilie  Fr«ucli  Govemuifiil  with  the  Armies  of  Ituly  uid  i 
Aflflr  tLe  cvacunllnii  of  Corsica,  be  Wds  sent  to  tbal  IsUnd  froui  Lrglioni  Ur  BuS 
liiMlf.  on  iLo  17l)i  ofOilobpr;  mid  his  Addre**  lo  the  t'or»ieiu>«.  a«t<'d  on  ihe  2 


LETTERS. 


[Admiml,  and  Commander-in-Chief  of  bis  Majesty's  Fleet, 
aoawcr  for  the  safety  of  Italy,  from  any  alteinpls  tliat 
be  made  on  it  Coastways. 

I  am,  &c. 

Horatio  Nelson. 


Sir, 


TO  ADMIRAL  SIR  JOHN  JERVIS,  K.B. 
[From  Clarke  and  M'Artliur,  vol.  i.  p.  'i'>0.] 

At  Sc«,  lOtL  March,  17(HI. 


leave  to  transmit  copies  of  nil  llie  letters  that  liave 

'tween  me  and   His  Majesty's   Ministers  at  Turin, 

Gtnon,  and  Naples ;  that  you  may  be  in  full  possession  of  my 

I,  and  know  whether  I  am  worthy  the  honour  of  com- 

;^  ilic   Squadron  intrusted  to  my  direction.     My  last 

Ittter  to  Mr.  Drake,  dated  yesterday,  is  of  so  very  important 

'  :>',  and  the  opinion  I  have  given  so  very  decisive,  that  I 

"jucst  you  will  send  me  your  ideas  of  my  conduct,  as 

tas  possible:  should  it  unfortimately  be  disapprobation,  I 
only  to  regret  that  my  abilities  are  not  equal  to  my  zeal. 
I  am,  &c., 
Ho  RATIO  Nelson. 
I  TO  ADMIRAL  SIR  JOHN  JERVIS,  K.B. 

H  [From  Clarke  and  M-Artbiir,  vol.  i.  p.  'M'i.] 

r  Marolt  IGtL,  KflO. 

Mr.  Drake  having  expressed  a  wish  to  see  me,  to  commu- 
te many  things  which  he  did  not  think  it  right  to  trust  to 
r,  I  arrivetl  yesterday  morning  at  Genoa,  with  Meleager 
Blanche,  and  held  a  conference  with  him.     The  same 
>  which  prevented  him  from  writing,  prevents  me  from 
ring  fully  on  the  part  of  the  plan  intimated  in  his  letter, 
which  at  present  is  submiitetl  to  the  consideration  of 
isters:  but,  when  I  have  the  honour  of  meeting  you,  I  am 
ill  liberiv  to  communicate  it ;  for  I  would  receive  no  in- 
lation,  or  plans,  which  I  might  not  freely  communicate  to 
Mr.  Drake  expressed  himself  pleased  at  your  deter- 


lad 


L£TTBB& 


raiuation  to  give  Uic  Auslrtau  General  a  tnecltiig,  whcncTi 
diose  to  bring  his  Army  on  the  coast ;  but,  at  the  sonic 
he  suid,  lie  found  it  extremely  difficult  to  moke  ttiem  hi 
the  Riviera,  although  he  had  pressed  very  much  to  ha 
plan  of  the  last  year  carried  Into  execution  ;  with  the  exi 
lion,  in  the  first  instance,  of  penetrating  into  Provence, 
Commander-in-Chief  of  the  Army  was  not  yet  fixed  on; 
it  was  understood  that  the  Archduke  was  to  be  the  nomtj 
and  General  Beaulieu  the  active  Commander-in-Chief, 
Beaulieu  wished  to  meet  the  French  in  tlie  plains  of  Lorn 
and  then  to  follow  up  the  blow,  which  he  had  no  doubt 
be  decisive. 

I  could  not  help  observing,  that  tlie  very  reason  wb; 
General  wished  to  meet  them  in  a  particular  place,  wouJi 
course  be  the  rexison  why  the  French  would  not  peuelfi 
that  route;  and  that  respiecting  the  information,  which  I 
received,  of  the  intention  of  tlie  Directory  to  order  the 
ment  of  their  Army  in  three  columns,  one  by  Ceva, 
by  tlie  pass  of  the  Bocchetta,  and  another  to  marcli  ih: 
the  Genoese  territory,  or  be  carried  coastways  to  Port 
which  would  give  them  an  easy  entry  into  llie  plains  of  I 
I  had  no  doubt  the  two  first  would  be  feints,  and  die  last 
real  plan.     I  must  here  observe,  that  before  night,  Mr.  D 
Imd  the  same  information  communicated  to  him ;   and 
that  a  lx)dy  of  troops  would  be  embarked  on  board  the  F! 
the  moment  Richery  arrived  from  Cadiz,  and  a  push  be 
for  Port  Especia.     This  information  induced  me,  and,  if 
sible,  more  strongly  than  ever,  to  press  the  measure  of  takioj 
Vado,  or   Port  Especi;i,  without  delay;   and  I  adde<l,  tJwi 
without  one  or  the  other  was  done,  you  could  not  answer  for 
the  safety  of  Ilaly  coastways,  it  being  now  perfectly  clear  for 
what  the  two  hundred  Flat  boats  were  built,  and  the  numerous 
Gun-boats  fitted  out.     Mr.  Drake  told  me,  that  he  had  already 
urged  the  measure  of  taking  A^ido,  and  would  continue  to  do 
it,  and  would  also  instantly  press  the  necessity  of  jxesessing! 
Port  B^pecia,  if  I  would  declare,  that  our  Naval  force  should! 
support  the   Austrians  from  attacks  by  sea :  which,  I  said, 
there  could  be  no  doubt  of,  for  it  would  be  the  home  of  our 
Squadron  employed  on  tliis  coast.     He  then  desired  me  to, 
give  my  opinion  in  writing,  as  the  authority  of  a  Sea-offioer 


LETTERS. 


idu 


weiglit  tlian  all  lie  could  urge ;  and  tbib  was 
of  my  wriiing  the  letter,  on  whicb  1  am  so  anxious 
your  sentiments. 

li  has  failed  in  his  demand  for  the  loan   of  thirty 

of  livies.     On  his  first  detnand,  when  it  was  generally 

(>od,  tliat  five  millions  would  be  given  him  to  get  rid  of 

Drake  came  to  Genoa,  and,  with  all  the  Ministers  of 

**oed  Powers,  joined  in  a  Note  to  the  Serene  Republic, 

i  *  ll»ey  had  beard  of  the  demand  made  by  the  French, 

JW  not  believe  that  the  Republic  would  so  far  forget  her 

Hpi  as  to  comply  with  it :  that  if  She  did,  the  coalesced 

**Ould  no  longer  recognise  her  as  a  neutral  Slate,  but 

•"ly  of  France.'     The  demand  of  SaliceLti  was  taken 

'***'deration  on  the  night  of  the  12th,  and  was  rejected 

j  *HJtiinst  34. — Information  from  Toulon  was  received 

.  *y  •>)'  Mr.  Drake,  that  an  embargo  has  been  laid  on 

^    *;  the  gates  were  shut,  and  no  person  was  sutfered  to 

'   I  Uje  Town.     This  is  an  additional  inducement  for  my 

'oto  that  Port,  which  being  done,  I  will  despatch  a 


to 


you- 


fAppuently  in  contiouation.] 

Off  Uie  Hicres  Islimds,  18Ui  Moicli. 
,  ^ucb  to  have  the  honour  of  seeing  you,  and  the 
^ear  of  your  arrival  at  Su  Fiorenzo,  I  shall  go  there. 
'  did  nte  the  honour  to  offer  me  the  Zealous,  you 
^teil  <vith  my  reasons  for  not  accepting  her.  In 
i/*  ^^'ou  approve  of  my  conduct,  I  beg  leave  to 
^  si3a.ll  feel  pleasure  in  serving  under  your  com- 
fj  cUMse  n  promotion  of  Flags  should  take  place,  I 
|j2it:  your  mention  of  me  to  Lord  Spencer  would 
y  IxcLve  my  Flag  ordered  to  be  hoisletl  in  this 
5  5^e«Jou9,  most  probably,  is  di.sjwsed  of  long 
TMOt^^  tind  you  approve  of  me  for  this  command, 
ixa  01*  Admiral,  I  am  at  your  disposiil.  Mr. 
c;<7s^'vei>:ation,  on  my  telling  him  that  I  thought 
would  go  home,  and  that  probably  the 
seel  of,  said,  *  as  1  last  year  represented  to 
1.  tJje  propriety  of  ordering  you  a  Distin- 
ct and  also  did  the  same  to  Lord  GrenviUe, 
ilJ.     perhaps  direct  you  to  hoist  it  on  board 


140  LETTERA. 

TAiglc,  which  will  make  her  as  good  as  Agamcronon.' 
ihese.  Sir,  and  many  other  poinis,  I  sliall  lake  ihe  fir^i  i 
tuniiy  of  consulting  you.     The  opening  of  this  campaiga ; 
be  warm,  and  most  important:    everything  will  be  riske 
ibe  part  of  the  French,  to  get  into  Italy.     Mr.  Grey^s  i 
for  peace,  on  the  I5tli  February,  was  lost  by  1S9  to  50.' 

I  am,  &c., 

Horatio  Nkuoj 


TO  HIS  EXCELLENCY  FRANCIS  DRAKE,  ESQ. 

[Fr"ni  Clnrke  and  M'Artbar,  vol.  i.  p.  204.] 

M«roit  .mil, 

I  do  not  know  when  I  have  been  so  ill,  as  during  this  cr 
but  t  hope  a  good  opening  to  the  campaign  will  set  me  i 
to  rights.  Whilst  I  receive  from  your  Excellency,  from 
Trevor,  and  my  Admiral,  every  approbation  of  my  condu 
should  be  a  wretch  not  to  exert  myself. 

I  am,  &c., 

Horatio  Nsuox. 


TO  MRS.  NELSON. 

[From  Clarke  uid  M'AnLur,  toI.  i.  p.  204.J 

[Ib  a  prvrioot  |NkragT»ph,  Capl«iii  Nelson  appear*  to  bare  •aid  Utai  be  «W* 
MMd  ha  Uie  taUoving  extract  from  Sir  John  Jerrii'  Letter  to  Mm : — ] 

2.Mh  M«rtL,  1790. 

•  I  have  received  by  the  Blanche,  your  two  letters,  of  il* 
16th  and  19th  instant,  together  with  tlie  several  euclosures, 
and  copies  of  your  correspondence  at  Turin,  Genoa,  ^^ 
Naples  ;  and  I  feci  the  greatest  satisfaction  in  comnmnicating 

*  Mr.  (now  F.arl)  Ore/s  motion  was  for  an  Addreia  to  tbe  King,  stating  \htitvt* 
i>r  lliH  House  of  Commons  that  liifi  Afi^jest;  would  take  such  ntepf  a«  lie  Ihou^l'' 
profvcr  fnr  rommunirtitinFr  directly  to  tLe  EjtcctiliTe  Govcniiuout  of  iLo  Ff*"* 
l(r|)ii1ilic  liiN  Maj(-<iiy's  rr<uline!>s  to  meet  any  disposition  to  negotiate  un  tlir  par'  ^ 
ilmt  <to\rrunirnt  with  ui  earueKl  denin?  to  (fire  it  tbe  fullest  wtd  !«iie<'(lic>i  i'in*l< 

'  Aduiinil  Sir  .John  Jt-nis,  in  arknowledpujr  ilie  irceipt  of  tliosp  leiii-rs  on  '!•' 
aist  ofMarcli,  «aiil,  "  I  feci  llir  grpnt^^l  sulisfftctlon  in  commiiniotiug  tlii"  p«k^''' 
t«*liniony  of  my  Uiorongli  approbation  of  your  lale  and  recent  cnm-hpoadeoM  •'"^ 
oouJu«i.'_r„cJtcr'*  JInmir  o/ Earl  t^ St.  Vincent,  ^ol.  L  p.  lia. 


ro 


BETTERS. 


141 


public  testimony  of  my  thorough  approbation  of  your  late 

ict,  and  recent  correspondence.*    In  his  private  letter,  Sir 

Jerv'ts  added,  *  No  words  can  express  the  sense  I  enter- 

of  every  part  of  your  conduct,  and  I  shall  be  very  happy 

lifest  it  in  the  most  substantial  manner :  a  Distinguishing 

It  you  shall  certainly  wear,  and  I  will  write  to  Lord 

about  you  :  in   short,  there   is   nothing  within  my 

that    I   stiali   not  be  proud    to  confer  on  you.'     All 

■y  dear  Fanny,  is  certainly  flattering  and  pleasant ;  and 

blossoms  may  one  day  bring  forth  fruit.     I  have  just 

in  llie  papers,  that  Admiral  Christian  has  a  Red  ribbon  ;* 

it  has  given  me  pleasure  to  see,  that  merit,  although  unfor- 

Lte,  is  not  always  neglected.     God  bless  you,  and  give  usn 

ppy  meeting,  and  soon,  is  the  sincere  wish  of  your  most  affec- 

I  husband, 

Horatio  Nelson. 


TO  ADMIRAL  SIR  JOHN  JERVIS,  K.n. 
irVw"  Mrmoin  of  On  Eurl  of  St.  Vincent,"  Ly  Jeaediah  Stephens  Tncker,  Eiq. 

Ii.M.S.  AKuncinnon,  Marcli'  28,  170(1. 

Sir, 

_Tbe  Blanche  is  returned,'  but  with  very  few  stores ;    not 

enough  lo  mend  our  sails — lOlbs.  of  twine,  no  tar, 

[Spar.     We  have,  literally  speaking,  no  top-gallant  yards, 

steering-sail  booms,  those  we  have  up,  arc  fished,  not  an 

of  paint,  and  many  other  things,  the  Commissioner*  tells 

but  I  send  his  letters.     We  want   much,  and  I  must 

11  will  give  me  your  order  to  purchase  stores.     I  assure 

Sr,  not  an  article  shall  be  got  but  what  is  absolutely  ne- 

I  am,  Sir,  your  very  humble  Servant, 

HoiiATio  Nelson. 


'  AinJral  Clirtsiian  (vide  p.  131.  ante)  wm  luvcKited  vtiih  Ute  Urder  ofUie 
iilw  t'Ui  uf  February,  ITUU;  Lc  proocodcd  to  the  West  ludics  toaa  After, 
llMia  SffTfOilier,  I7I>«. 

*  U  Mr.  J«(l«(lUli  Tucker'*  work,  tLb  Letter  ii  laid  to  Imre  been  d^ted  ou  tLe 
la/Ayrnl;  but  tlii«  in  nriilciitly  a  tvpogrotiUitial  eiror.     Vide  p.  liO,  uite. 
'  TTi»  ('i>intni>'<)>>iii'r  of  liii?  NoTy  at  Gibraltar. 


Itf 


LETTERS. 


TO  HIS  EXCELLENCY  FRANCIS  DRAKE,  E8<J. 

[From  Clarke  aai  M'Anhor,  toI.  i.  p.  :!(tH.] 

Otaot,  Oili  ApO, 


ily  dtor  Sir, 
IS  fiiTOured  on  the  1st  of  this  month,  with  yoar 
I  29th,  nnil  on  Saturday  I  went  to  Fiorenzo  to  till 
Kr  John  Jervis,     We  may  rely  on  every  support  and  < 
.acstttaooe  from  him :  we  have  only  to  propose,  and,  If  [ 
will  be  done.     I  hope  the  Galleys  and  Chin-boats 
It  in  abundance,  and  I  have  a  plan  for  forcing  them  I 
ful ;  which  is,  to  buy  two  'l'nrtan.s  Ht  them  as  heavy 
»t$,  an«i  occasionally  man  them  from  the  dipping 
Hiis  will  enable  me  to  go  myself,  or  send  a 
ind  the  whole,  in  which  case  I  shall  be  sure 
serrioe  wUl  be  performed :  when  the  time  approaches,  «e| 
^■lalk  more  on  this  subject.    The  Transport-ships  Sir  John , 
^P^iil  find  ;  hut  troops  from  Corsica  we  must  not  expect. 
mBT>  Sir,  .nssure  General  Beaulieu,  that  on  wliatever 
ibe  Coast  he  comes,  I  shall  never  quit  Wim.     If  he  is  able,l 
wfiningf  md  expedidous,   I  am  sure  we  shall  do  much ; 
wlwoever  that  time  comes,  I  sliall  hope  lo  see  you. 

rntnl  has  directetl  me  to  wear  a  Broad  Pendant,*  and  i 
«loiM  in  the  handsomest  manner ; — he  will  oome  off  Vi 
I  am,  &c. 
HonATTo  Nelsc 
P.S.  The  Diadem*  has  just  joined,  and  we  only  wish 
«|iportnmiy  of  acting.     Yesterday  I  received  a  letter 
Naplea,  in  answer  to  my  request  of  March  the  1  Ith  ;  and 
itave  lite  pleasare  fo  say,  that  the  Galleys  and  Gun-boats  iir^ 
fitting. 

*OatlMiOlti«l  April.  Mr.  liosWttben  &  Mi^tii|»iium  of  Ute  Afunemaoa,  * 
l»UaaMktrCN«0«MMM— ^OvS^Mdroo  tt  yfNem  eauisu  of  iwo  S^ 
U»  Lte»  lad  tar  FklcHHt  but  it  is  to  be  inereMed  in  die  nuamer,  wlien  wt  •!« 
■M  ««nl  tor  aai«Ma«at.  1  oukc  no  douVt,  n  ovr  OaBaodoK  does  not  lika  I*  [ 
Mhu  1  woffom  J9VZ  coitodij  u  cxcit«d  by  tb«  wortl  Cammodort  NXson.  It  fH 
■M  itdtnil*  fktiBim  lo  be  «M<-  to  rclicrv  it.  1)j  iulbrining  jx)u  liiu  our  good  CifC^ 
baa  had  thi*  addition*!  mark  ot  (tiadnciira  eonfetred  on  hin,  whiob  I  dare  wKf  ^ 
*iU  agTM  vilL  lae,  ilut  hi.x  merit  richly  dwanuj.  His  Broad  Fendanl  is  now  Mjif 
iltrTTifcn  I  oitut  brg  ni.T  dear  ftuber  to  draw  tn  additional  coric  in  honoor  tH  &^ 
gmUant  couairjmm.'-'Mrmrin  ofCtftakn  Sir  Wllli*m  Hinlt,  vol.  I  p.  M, 

•  Captain  Cliaries  Tvlcr. 


LETTERS. 


148 


TO  ADMIRAL  SIR  JOHN  JERVIS,  KJi. 

[Trom  Clarke  mi  M'Ariliiir,  vol.  i.  p.  ^H.'i.] 

Off  Genoa,  7  111  April,  1796. 

itenant  Pierson  of  the  69th  Regiment  informs  nie,  that 

to  be  ordered  on  board  the  Britannid,  there  being 

one  subaltern  there,  and  tlmt  Major  Saunderson'  is  to  be 

ilbarked  on  board  the  Agamemnon,  to  which  it  would  seem 

(could  have  no  manner  of  objection.     But  I  think,  from  a 

iilar  circnmstancc,  that  Mr.  Pierson  will  not  be  re« 

1  me,  and  I  hope  Sir  Hyde  Parker*  will  agree  with 

I  in  tlic  propriety  of  his  staying  here,  abstracted  from  my 

for  him,  as  he  was  brought  forward  in  the  C9th  Regi- 

t, under  the  auspices  of  Colonel  Villettes  and  myself,  hav- 

■  come  to  us  at  the  Siege  o(  Bastia,  as  a  volunteer  from  the 

liian  service,  and  never  having  served  with  any  one  but 

ives.     Yet  this  I  should  lay  no  stress  upon,  were  I  not 

particularly  situated.     We  are  likely,  I  hope,  to  have  a 

iroerous  Neapolitan  Flotilla,  which  of  course  will  be  under 

command :  this   Officer  was  my  Aide-de-Camp  to  ihem 

year,  as  well  as  to  the  Austrian   Generals :  I   will  only 

*,  in  an  attack  on  the  Enemy's  flaidc,  that  I  want  to 

•end  particular  directions;  I  know  of  no  person  so  qualified 

Lieutenant  Pierson,  to  prevent  mistakes  and  confusion  in 

orders,   both   from  his  acquaintance  with  the  Neapolitan 

ce,  and  his  knowledge  of  the  Italian  language. 

I  am,  &c. 

HoKATio  Nelson. 


TO  ADMIRAL  SIR  JOHN  JERVIS,  K.B. 

[Origiaol,  in  the  Adminlty .] 

Agamenmoc,  Gulf  of  GenoK,  April  6tL,  ITtKI, 
Sir, 
[I  am  honoured  with  your  letter  of  the  4tli  Instant,  transmit- 
from  Mr.  Nepean  to  you,  and  directing  you  to  cause 

AlexMider  Sanndenon  of  tli«  6Ptb  Rt'Riineiit :  h4<  vru  mtAt  k  LicntfOttiit- 
nut :  but  eitlier  retired  nroni  lite  Axinx  or  diod  before  1803. 
)-AAaunl  Sir  Ujde  Parker,  iLe  seoond  in  coinmiuid. 


144 


LETTERS. 


inquiry  to  be  made  into  certain  circumstances  slated  by 
Marquis  of  Spinola,  the  Genoese  Minister  at  the  Coort 
London,  as  insulting,  and  a  breach  of  Neutrality,  to  tL- 
public  of  Genoa,  and  wliicli  you  have  directed  me  to  gr 
answer  to,  as  nil  tlie  circumstances  alluded  to  are  supposedly  ' 
have  been  committed  by  the  Squatlron  under  my  orders. 

I  shall  endeavour,  Sir,  to  be  as  brief  as  possible  consistent 
with  clearness  in  my  answer  to  every  circumstance  stated  by 
the  Genoese  Minister. 

As  to  the  political  situation  of  Genoa,  the  reason  why 
Foreign  Armies  took  possession  of  certain  parts  of  the  Republic, 
does  not  come  within  the  supposed  sphere  of  my  knowledge; 
therefore  I  shall  proceed  to  the  accusation  against  his  M.v 
jesty's  Ships,  reserving  myself  to  draw  a  conclusion  very  dil^ 
ferent  from  the  Marquis. 

The  first  complaint  is,  the  distress  of  the  western  Coast  of 
tlie  Republic  from  want  of  provisions:  to  tliis  I  answer,  that 
the  Genoese  Government  having  proposed  a  plan  for  the  sup- 
plying their  Towns  with  provisions,  the  Siinie  was  arranged 
with  his  Majesty's  Minister  at  (Jenoa,  and  acceded  to  by  the 
Austrian  General  and  myself,  akliough  those  Towns  were  io 
possession  of  the   French  troops ;  and  the  Marqnis  does  not> 
even  pretend  to  state,  that  any  Vessels  furnished   with  ibe 
documents  arranged  with  his  Government,  were  molested  of 
detained  on  their  voyage. 

The  next  liostile  act  stated  to  have  been  committed,  was  o«* 
the  26th  of  August  1795,  at  Alassio,  when  the  place  wa^ 
threatened  with  demolition  and  conflagration,  a  Genoese 
vessel  burnt,  and  another  seized,  together  with  some  of  the 
same  Flag,  under  caimon-shot  of  the  castle,  having  Genoese 
colours  flying. 

To  this  I  beg  leave  to  reply  by  facts.  Tlie  French  Army 
occupied  the  Town,  to  the  number  of  2000  horse  and  footi 
having  cannon  mounted  on  different  parts  of  it:  a  Convoy  of 
warlike  stores  arriving  at  this  place  for  the  French  Arroyi  I 
anchored  in  the  Day  of  Alassio  and  Langueglia,  and  took  « 
French  Corvette,  four  other  Vessels  of  war,  and  five  or  six 
I'Vench  vessels,  laden  with  powder,  shot,  shells,  and  provi- 
sions.    It  is  true,  •*'"*  '^enoese  colours  were  flying  on  a  castle 


n 


LETTERS. 


u: 


Town  ;  but  the  Frendi  colours  were  laid  over  the  wall, 
the  French  troops,  wiib  their  colours  flying,  were  drawn  up 
[thr  Castle,  in  front  of  the  Castle,  and  in  front  of  the  Town, 
llbe  b«acli,  and  fired  from  tlie  beach  on  our  Boats  employed 
atting  out  tlie  Vessels ;  and  my  forbearance  will  be  const- 
OS  great,  when  I  assert,  that  fifteen  musket-balls  passed 
agh  my  Uarge,  yet  I  would  not  suffer  the  Town  to  be  firetl 
A  Vessel,  wliose  cable  was  cut,  and  ran  on  shore,  was 
led,  in  opposition  to  all  the  French  tr(X)ps :  and  I  here 
1,  on  the  honour  of  an  Officer,  that  no  Genoese  or  other 
Dtral  vessel  was  kept  possession  of;  and  indeed  it  is  acknow- 
by  my  conduct  to  the  Adriot  vessels,  that  Neutrals  had 
lly  to  declare  their  Neutrality,  to  claim  respect  from  me.  As 
jlhe  threats  of  demolition  and  conflagration  to  the  Town,  I 
le  to  say,  that  I  neither  received,  nor  setu  any  message,  nor 
wiy  communication  with  die  Town  whatever ;  therefore 
ibb  must  be  wilful  misrepresentation. 

To  the  circumstance  of  August  27th,  1795,  where  it  is 

Mated,  thnt  the  Englisli  pursued  another  Vessel,  and  chased 

Iter  into  a  little  Bay,  and  cannonaded  her  upon  the  Territory  of 

ilic  Republic,  I  must  here  observe,  that  altliough  the  Genoese 

.  may  claim,  and  have  undoubted  right  to,  the  possession  of 

|Bbr  Territory,  yet  the  French   having  taken  possession   of 

^Hny  foot  of  ground  from  Ventimiglia  to  Voltri,  erected  bat- 

Hties  at  whatever  places  they  thought  proper,  ordered  requi- 

Ttions  of  provisions,  mules,  and  drivers;  firing  on  the  Ships 

^Ltiieir  Enemies,  although  they  may  be  friends  of  the  Ge- 

^Hte.    Are  not  these  acts,  which  the  Marquis  must  acknow- 

^oge  to  be  every  day  committed,  proof  sufficient  that  the 

fell,  and  not  the  Genoese,  are  Masters  of  the  Country  ? 
can  tfie  French  allowing  Genoese  flags  to  be  hoisted  on 
of  the  fortifications,  alter  the  case:  the  Vessel  alluded  to 
French  Gun-boat,  whicli  hud  fired  on  his  Majesty's  Ship, 
aod  received  the  chastisement  she  so  highly  merited;  but  thi^ 
■MpcDod  on  a  beach  where  not  a  house  belonging  to  the 
P^fc>ese  could  be  injured. 

Tlie  next  accusation  is,  dmt,  on  the  6th  of  September,  an 
Eaglish  Ship  of  the  Line,  &c.,  having  captured  a  Brig  off  St. 
)o  put  an  English  crew  on  board,  and  sent  lier  m,  threat- 
lo  burn  seven  Adriot  and  Genoese  vessels,  and  another, 

>L.  IT.  L 


146 


LETTERS. 


which  was  a  Frenchman,  in  ihe  very  Port  of  St.  Remo.  I 
have  only  to  say,  that  not  having  captured  a  Brig  off  tbe  Port 
of  St.  Remo,  I  could  not  send  in  any  message  by  her :  and  I 
also  declare,  that  I  never  sent  any  message  into  St.  Ilemo. 
Had  I  acted  as  they  say,  my  line  of  conduct  must  have  taken 
a  sudden  change ;  for  only  on  the  26ih  of  August,  eleven 
days  before,  it  is  asserted  what  respect  I  paid  to  Adriot  vessel*, 
then  in  my  power.  It  is  true,  I  chased  ten  Sail  into  St.  Reno; 
but  there  it  ended. 

On  the  9th  of  September  it  is  stated,  that  an  English  Ship 
of  the  Line,  &c.  anchored  on  the  Coast  off  Delia  Riva,  and 
took  two  Genoese  Tartans,  and  that,  when  a  signal  was  ninde 
from  the  shore,  no  other  answer  was  returned,  than  showing] 
their  guns ;  and  that  on  the  same  day,  the  same  Boats  sei: 
another  Vessel  at  anchor  off  St.  Stephano.  It  is  true  I  an 
chored  on  the  Coast,  as  staled  ;  but  as  to  my  taking  two  V 
sels,  it  is  an  untrudi.  Our  Boats  examined  two  Tartans,  an 
finding  them  actually  Genoese,  left  them :  a  French  boat  w: 
taken  on  the  coast  of  St.  Stephano,  the  crew  having  fired  ol 
our  boats.  As  to  the  signals  made  from  the  shore,  or 
Agamemnon  showing  her  guns,  the  first  I  could  not  nnd 
stand;  and  respecting  the  Inst,  I  never  heard  of  a  Matt 
War's  guns  being  hid. 

As  the  Marquis  of  Spinola  appears  to  have  been  well 
nished  with  accounts  of  our  procceilings,  I  wonder  he  did  n 
relate  a  fact,  which  it  is  natural  to  suppose  came  to  his  kn 
ledge,  as  a  representation  of  it  was  made  by  Mr.  Drake  to 
Genoese  Government— viz.,  that  the  Boats  of  the  Agamemm 
with  English  colours  Hying,  going  to  examine  three  Vessel 
on  their  coming  alongside  the  Vessels,  were  fired  upon 
seventeen  of  his  Majesty's  Subjects  killed  and  wounde 
representation  was  raaile  at  Genoa  of  this  barbarous  act, 
believe  the  Vessels  could  not  be  found  out.  The  similar  c 
cumstance,  acknowledged  by  the  Marquis  on  the  l.^th,  isl 
proof  of  the  barbarity  of  these  Adriot  Vessels,  when  they  hi 
the  superiority.  It  is  said,  that  two  English  Long-boats  woiijl 
have  captured  two  Adriot  Vessels  proceeding  for  Genoa,  m 
they  nor  -evented  by  the  fire  of  the  Ottomans.     Tl 


1 


*  Vide,  Kote. 


,3r.] 


LETTER& 


147 


ihe  Enn^lish  Ships  will,  if  possible,  examine  every  Vessel  they 
meet  with,  is  certain,  and  in  this  they  do  their  duty.  The 
•f  iron  flred  on  shore,  most  probahly  came  from  the 
■  ..>.iians;  as  it  is  well  known,  that  English  Ships  of  war  nre 
famisbeU  with  no  such  ammunition  as  Inngrage.  How  can 
rqiiis  think  that  we  can  know  what  Vessels  are,  or  their 

.,,  iind  to  what  place  they  are  bound,  without  examinn- 

ikm?  I  shall  only  nay,  that  no  Vessel  belonging  to  any  Na- 
tion wbatet'er  was  taken  or  detained  (except  for  the  act  of 
imining  her  papers)  during  the  time  of  my  command, 
llicli  includes  Uie  whole  period  stated  by  the  Marquis,  that 
laden  with  provisions  for  the  City  of  Genoa.  It  is  next 
J,  dial  two  Frigates  continually  remained  at  anchor,  in 
btof  the  mouUi  of  the  Port  of  Genoa.  I  shall  only  assert, 
«  this  is  a  most  notorious  misrepresentxition  and  falschoiMl ; 
«nd  I  do  further  declare,  that  if  at  any  time  a  Frigate  anchored 
in  Genon  road,  her  Boats  never  boarded  any  Vessel  wliilst  in 
tiut  situation. 

Having  answeretl  every  part  of  tlic  accusation  made  by  the 

Genoese  Minister,  I  beg  leave  to  say  a  few  words  on  his  con- 

Mlnion,  which  Is  certainly  a   most  extraordinary  one.     To 

PPeiend  to  assert,  tliut  although  our  Enemies  take  possession 

o^ond  continue  in  tlie  Republic  of  Genoa,  we  are  not,  by 

means  in  our  power,  to  attack  them  both  at  sea  and  on 

will  [not]  bear  reasoning  upon ;  but  I  can  with  truth 

tliat  in  tlie  act  of  distressing  our  Enemies  in  the  Re- 

of  Genoa,  the  greatest  forbearance,  and  even  acts  of 

iocss,  have  been  constantly  shown  to  individual  Genoese. 

be  Republic  of  Genoa  has  now  had  six  months  unmolested 

ifization  with  the  French  Army ;  and  I  am  assured,  that 

inhahiLaiiis  of  the  llcpublic  had  rnlher  again  encounter 

[fkacied  breaches  of  Neutrality,  and  violotion  of  Territory, 

the  Fraternal  embraces  of  the  French  troops,  which  have 

given  to  their  women,  their  churches,  and  tlieir  olive 

I  am,  &c. 

Horatio  Nelson, 


l2 


148 


LETTERS. 


[1796. 


TO  ADMIRAL  SIR  JOHN  JERVI3,  K.B. 
[From  Llarke  arid  M'.iitliiir,  vol.  i.  p.  '208.] 

OenoA,  April  9th,  I 

On  my  arrival  off  here,  yesterday  morning,  I  was  so  strongly 
pressed  by  the  Sardinian  and  Imperial  Ministers  to  come  itilo 
the  Portj  in  order  that  they  might  have  some  conversation 
with  me,  that,  although  rather  against  my  inclination  of  an- 
choring, I  could  not  refuse  ;  and  I  am  just  going  on  shore  lo 
meet  them.  There  has  been  some  little  skirmishing  between 
the  advanced  Piquets  of  the  two  Armies  in  the  viciuiiy  o 
Vollri;  hut  it  is  generally  thought  the  French  will  retire  f 
Snvona,  Vodo,  &c.  Ceva  and  Ormea  are  to  be  the  two  place 
attacked  by  tliem ;  but  I  hope  General  Beaulieu  on  his  pass 
ing  the  heights  of  ^'ado,  may  find  an  opportunity  of  takin 
them,  and  give  iis  the  anchorage  of  Vado  Bay.  We  are  c 
the  best  terms  with  the  Genoese ;  and  as  far  as  a  private  con 
munication  to  the  Secretary  of  Stale,  through  Mr.  Brami 
they  are  certain  of  our  good  disposition  towards  them,  and 
our  sincere  wishes  to  see  the  Republic  really  enjoying  hi 
Neutrality.  At  the  same  time,  I  desired  Mr.  Brame  to  sign! 
that  Vessels  to  whatever  Nation  they  belonged,  bound  I 
France  with  provisions  or  stores,  would  be  seized;  that 
wished  this  to  be  understood;  and  that  the  seizures  of  Vess( 
belonging  to  Genoese  subjects,  in  the  situation  alltided  t 
ought  not  to  be  considered  as  liosiile  to  the  Genoese  fla 
for  all  other  Nations  were  precisely  in  the  same  situation.  ' 
this  the  Secretary  replied,  in  his  private  character,  that 
Merchants  would  run  the  risk,  it  resteil  witli  them ;  and  th 
he  did  not  think  the  Government  had  any  concern  in  it;  til 
he  should  acquaint  the  Doge  of  the  conversation,  and  « 
very  happy  to  see  me  here  with  a  Broad  Pendant,  which  v 
saluted.  The  Secretary  was  full  of  praises  of  the  late  Austri 
Army  :  not  n  sixpence  of  debt  Iwd  been  left  behind,  nor 
individual  injurwl  by  their  stay  in  the  Riviera;  cotiti-asting 
with    ilic   con<liict   of  tlie    French.     .Salicetti   is  gone  M 

iL-uinml  on  iKwrd;  aJid  enclosetl  send  vou  net 


l:*tU«lt  CutHUl  •!  GcttM 


LETTERS. 


149 


fmy  Note,  which  is  gone  off  by  express  to  General  Beaulieu. 
Tlie  Ministers  of  the  Emperor,  and  King  of  Sardinia,  were 
]  jtieased  with  it ;  and  I  hope  it  will  meet  with  your  approba- 
1  doa  ako.  1  have  found  from  experience,  that  we  cannot  be 
100  clear  with  these  gentlemen ;  and  I  am  determined  to  leave 
no  room  for  them  to  say,  *  W'e  thought  you  could  do  this 
lliing,  or  the  other.'  These  Ministers  tell  me,  that  a  general 
attack  may  be  expected,  on  the  same  day,  from  Voltri  to 
Finule.  Your  appearance  off  the  Coast  would  most  certainly 
lave  a  gootl  efiect.  The  line  of  Austrians  and  Piedniontese 
is  foil  40,000  ;  the  French,  I  am  assured,  not  more :  they  yes- 
terday got  cojinon  on  the  strong  post  of  St.  Giacomo,  and  will 
Pr  Hdo,  bat  I  hear  they  tremble. 
I  am,  See. 
Horatio  Nelson. 

TO  GENERAL  UliAl'LlEU,  COMiMANDER-IN-ClilEF  OF  THE 
^K  AITSTUIAN  ARMV. 

^^^H  [From  CiM-ke  imil  M'Artliur,  vol.  i.  p.  '300.] 

^^^B  [Altoiil  April  171)0.] 

^^^■Gencral  Beaulieu  wish  the  English  Squadron  should 
Hk  oflT  siny  particular  point  of  the  Coast,  whence  it  may  be 
^Kfactory  for  the  General  to  sec  it  from  the  mountains,  and 
uf  course  be  discouraging  to  the  Fi'ench  ? — It  would  be 
aitrnded  with  this  risk,  that  calms,  or  contrary  winds,  might 
put  ihe  Squadron  at  a  distance,  at  the  lime  General  Beaulieu 
Dtty  arrive  on  the  Coast :  would  the  General,  therefore,  rather 
|K  OS  remain  at  Genoa,  with  a  moral  certainty  ot  joining  him 
jj^ni  or  twelve  hours,  after  the  news  of  his  arrival  on  the 
t  is  sent  to  me. 

t  consideration  :  If  General  Bcnulieu  sends  me  notice, 

at  particular  time  and  place  it  is  probable  he  may  attack 

rench,  in  that  case  it  is  almost  certain  I  could  be  very 

ir  at  hand,  and  act  as  opportunity  might  offer  ;  for  instance, 

the    attack    is  on    the    heights   over    Savona,   the 

ron,  if  the  weather  be  moderate,  could  anchor  about  five 

miles  from  Savona,  instead  of  waiting  at  Genoa.    These 


150 


LETTSKSl 


considerAiIons  tire  submitted  to  General  Bcaulieu,  whoj 
only  to  express  his  wishes  to  have  them,  as  far  an  is 
complied  with. 

HoitATio  Nelso] 


TO  Ills  EXCELLENCY  FRANCIS  DRAKE,  ESQ. 

[From  Clorkc  and  M'Artliur,  vol.  i.  p.  370.] 

lltbApHJ,  1 
It  has  \)een  well,  but  might  have  been  better;  for  if  I 
been  fully  acquainted  witli  the  movements  of  tlie  Army,  I 
sure  not  many  of  the  French  would  have  returned  to  S*' 
our  Ships  command  every  foot  of  the  road.  I  beg  you 
endeavour  to  impress  on  those  about  the  General,  tlie  neo 
of  punctuality  in  a  joint  operation,  for  its  success  to  be 
plete.  I  received  yesterday  afternoon,  at  five  o'cloclc,  a  Ni 
from  the  Baron  de  Malcamp,  to  tell  me,  that  llie  General 
resolved  to  attack  the  French  at  daylight  this  morning,  and 
the  right  of  Voltri :  yet  by  the  Austrians  getting  too  for 
in  the  afternoon,  a  slight  Action  took  place,  and  during 
night  tlie  French  retreated.  My  movements  I  kept 
and,  aAcr  the  shutting  of  the  gate,  weighed  the  Squadron  fi 
Genoa,  and  at  half-past  nine  I  anchored  within  half  gun 
of  the  Austrian  Army,  sending  Diadem  and  Blanche  to  an 
between  Voltri  and  Savona :  but  the  French  were  aware 
their  ftcrllous  situation,  and  passed  our  Ships  in  the  nigbu 
do  not  mean  this  as  any  complaint,  but  to  show  the  n 
of  punctuality  ;  for  had  the  Austrians  kept  back,  very  few 
U)e  French  could  have  escaped.  I  have  a  Ship  off*  Voltri ;  the 
rest  of  my  little  Squadron  are  off  Vado.  As  the  difficulty  will 
now  be  increased  for  the  French  to  get  supplies,  the  Genoese 
will  of  course  employ  deception,  and  clear  nil  Vessels  as  for 
their  own  people  in  the  Rivieia,  altijough  possibly  for  the  use 
of  tlie  French  Army.  How,  Sir,  shall  we  manage  ?  Will  you 
turn  this  in  your  mind  ? 

1  am,  &c. 

Horatio  Nelson. 


I«7.J 


LETTERS 


151 


TO  ADMIRAL  SIR  JOHN  JERVIS,  K.D. 
fFrom  Clarke  tad  H'Artliar,  toL  i.  p.  270.] 


Sir, 


IStbApriJ,  1700. 


As  it  b  impossible  to  be  too  particular  in  all  my  communi- 
>ns  with  the  Austrian  General,  I  think  it  right  to  note 
the  conversation  which  I  held  last  evening,  in  the  pre- 
of  Mr.  Brame,  with   the  Baron  de  Malcamp,  nephew 
>Carop  to  General  Beaulicu,  whom  the  General 
nred  to  communicate  with  me. 

Baron  began  by  returning  thanks  from  his  General, 

well-timed  co-operation,  and  for  the  assurances  I  had 

I  of  everj'  support  and  assistance  ;  that  the  General  wished 

)W,  what  was  the  particular  object  of  my  Squadron,  and 

It  manner  his  operations  could  be  serviceable  to  me. 

is  I  replied,   that  the  co-operation  was  my  duty,  and 

I  had  the  greatest  pleasure  in  performing ;  and  I  begged 

)uld  assure  the  General,  that  my  Squadron  had  no  object 

Bver  in  view  but  the  co-operation  with  his  Army.     Whcn- 

he  come  down  on  the  Sea-coast,  there  he  would  be  sure 

[lofiod  me. 

Tlie  Baron  then  asked,  if  I  could  anchor  in  any  other  place 

[ituut  V^odo  Bay?     I  replied,  that  for  these  five  months  to 

•  nineteen  days  out  of  twenty,  whenever  the  General 

le  Coast,  there  I  should  always  be,  at  either  Finale, 

lAibenga,  Alassio,  Oneglia,  St.  Remo,  and  the  whole  Coast 

of  Nice ;    and  I  would  anchor  tlie   Squadron   opposite  his 

Army :  that  Vado  was  the  only  place  where  our  Fleet  could 

tin  safety;  but  as  for  ray  Squadron,  all  places  would  suit  it. 

[I  ifiereforc  bcfTfred  it  miglu  be  perfectly  and  clearly  under- 

jitood,  thai  if  the  General  thought  it  better  to  cut  down  to  the 

jSea-coast,  to  the  westward  of  Vado,  he  would  do  so,  for  Vado 

[inu  not  necessary  fur  my  Squadron  ;  that   I  had  understood 

f^L  Giacomo  was  strongly  fortified ;  and  if  six  or  seven  tliou- 

*Mid  men  were  to  be  lost  in  getting  it,  merely  for  the  imme« 

diate  possession  of  Vado  Bay,  it  was  no  object  to  us,  if  the 

Gmcral  choee  to  leave  them  to  die  eastward.    Tliis  point  I 

pitmui  on  the  Baron  three  different  times,  and  he  said  he 

tly  understood  me ;  that  he  should  go  to  Uie  General,  aa 


152 


LETTERS. 


this  (lay,  the  13Lh,  and  llic  General  would  send  me  a 
of  his  plan  of  operations,     llie  General  also  desireii  l>i 
assure  me,  on  his  part,  that  the  most  perfect  harmony 
be  kept  up  with  me ;  and  that  from  my  character,  as 
from  my  exactness  on  the  11th,  he  was  assured  all  wooli 
well  for  the  Common  Cause;  and  this  would  have  lbeiiap| 
effect,  as  our  Enemies  would  be  convinced  of  the  most 
harmony  subsisting  between  the  Allies. 

1  assured  the  Baron  he  might  depend  on   my  opennt 
conduct,  and  that  what  I  had  promised,  should,  if  posuble^j 
performed :  nor  had  I  promised  anything  but  what  I 
moral  certainty  of  being  able  to  perform ;  and  I  desired 
would  assure  his  General,  I  was  authorized  by  Sir  John  Ji 
to  promise  the  most  sincere  and  cordial  co-operation,  !br 
nothing  should  be  omitted  on  his  part,  to  convince  theG< 
and  our  Allies,  as  well  as  our  Enemies,  and  the  Ncal 
Powers,  how  much  the  Admiral  had  the  good  of  the  Coi 
Cause  at  heart ;  and  further,  that  as  soon  as  Sir  John  Jei 
knew  of  the  General's  being  on  the  Coast,  he  would 
there.     I  also  desired  die  Baron  to  acquaint  the  General, 
1  would  undertake  to  furnish  proper  Convoys,  for  their  pi 
sions  being  carried  coast  ways  from  Genoa,  Volli'i,  &c.    U| 
which  he  asked  me,  two  or  three  limes,  if  there  were  not  a 
that  my  Squadron  might  be  lost  on  the  Coast:  to  this  I 
stantly  replied,  Tliat  should  these  Ships  be  lost,  my  Adi 
would  find  others,  and  we  should  risk  the  Squadron  at  all  til 
to  assist  the  General ;  and  I  requested  he  would  give  me  credil 
for  my  sincere  dis]>osition  to  contribute  all  in  my  power  to' 
the  success  of  tlie  common  cause.     I  nm,  &c., 

Horatio  Nelsoi 


Sir, 


TO  ADMIRAL  SIR  JOHN  JERVIS,  K.B. 

[From  Clarke  au<l  M'Artbnr,  voL  i.  p.  271.] 

19tk  April,  171 


I  anchored  here,  in  Genoa  Road,  this  rooming,  and  shall 
immediately  proceed  to  the  information  which  I  have  receivetl 
from  the  Imperial  and  Sardinian  Ministers,  both  of  whot 


LETTERS. 


153 


wailed   upon.     General  Beaulieu's  Itrtlei  lo  ilie 
dated    Acqui,   the    14lh,    in    which   lie   snyK, 

ly,  Generals  Argenteaii  and  Leiclitcin  attacked  a 
he  Enemy  at  Montenotte ;  ihcy  did  not  succeed,  and 

to  their  first  position.'     I  beg,  Sir,  you  will  not  be- 

reports  of  tlie  ill-ilisposed  at  Genoa,  though  I  cannot 
i  this  account ;  but  you  will  form  the  same  conjectures 
f :  no  loss  is  mentioned,  and  the  word  Jirst  conveys  to 
I  A  great  deal.  Argenteau  has  ever  failed;  they  fell, 
}ya,  into  an  ambuscade.     The  Minister  at  Turin  writes 

Mr.  Nomis,  Sardinian  Minister  here:  'The  snow 
so  much  on  the  mountains  near  Ccva,  that  neither 
in  take  possession  of  those  posts  they  wish.  The 
fnade  an  attack  on  one  of  our  posts,  but  were  repulsed 
ne  loss.'  Mr.  Nomis  expects  an  express  from  Ales- 
with  an  account  of  the  attack  at  Montenotte,  and  I 
)w  the  contents  as  soon  as  they  arrive.  Salicetli  sent 
vona,  two  days  past,  for  thirty  thousand  pair  of  shoes : 
sul'  sent  off  this  intelligence  to  Captain  Towry,*  who 
)oats  out  all  night,  but  without  success  :  eight  thousand 
gone  to  Savon  a. 

I  you  Mr.  Trevor's  original  letters.  Anxious  as  I  am 
eryihing,  we  cannot  equip  Vessels  quite  so  fast  as  his 
icy  wishes.  The  Sardinian  sailors  manning  two  or 
ould  be  of  great  use.  England,  I  know,  niust  pay  for 
id  probably  victual  them.  This  measure  must  have  a 
iher  thought.  Heavy  gun-boats  will  not  do  as  cruisers, 
the  contrary,  we  must  have  a  place  to  keep  them  in ; 
lall  see  you  very  soon,  when  I  shall  enlarge  upon  this 

and,  I  am  afraid,  time  enough  will  remain  to  equip 
els,  if  not,  so  much  the  belter.  The  firing  I  saw  last 
I  tl»e  hills,  between  Voltri  and  Savona,wtis,  I  hope,  an 

of  the  General. 

I  o'clock,  P.M. — We  have  no  particulars,  but  it  is  said 
ich  have  been  beat  from  some  of  the  hills  above  Savona, 
)y  wounded  have  been  carried  thither. 
I  am,  &c., 

Horatio  Nelson. 


it.  Bnuue. 


«  Of  Uie  Diilo. 


TO  CAPTADf  COLLOnSWOOBL 


t^  a  baiket  of  TcgctAbles  far  job 
*  vi«  a  tin  of  what  }-oa  want  hj  Beten^' 
t>rlM  them. 
i«w%— wbattfMdllteUxoo?    The  Ai 
.  'i*t,^  biMU  Iglitin^  at  different  places  far  cboe  1 
TbtMBBiull  baw  fell  on  each  side,  but  do  adi 
'tVigr  niftnd  Um  Freodi  to  esoafK  at  Volirw  t>: 
to  lliittir  pliA  or  time  of  attack,  which  tbev  senc 
thiniiiiil  liMn  aMapeJ,  which,  on  the  13(h,  beat  I«ck  | 
lMllielAlia»  at  MoMttwtte.     Howerer,  altbo^gb,  to  mj    | 
Miitoiii.  ||^y  UKl  ttut  (ib  [a»]  much  as  they  ooght  on  the 
•villMC  wan  «>  nutti^fEtd,  that*  with  my  usoil'^ 
I  bft«iiMM«««d  prakKS  firom  the  Generalf 
i*uu»  vt.1'%    KiujiWuntfhr  to    the  Kin?  of   Sardinia  and 


vfarl 


.vol  ^ncrv-igu  put  back  much 
..  .>Mr\i  b«r.*     T1)e  Fleet  gone  oo, 
Tb«  AbotliMm  of  the  Slave  Trade,  k 
v'ui  Mwvi  Mwa  ntfUking  of  ihe  Dutch.* 


tOUi.' 


v\^MauMk4  \t.»  Ui«  fnmvnk  Wliuirib  '  ^Ir,  Ban. 

kl^  Mmk  "-  *■  la  Uto  laral  Sawnin.  wi  • 

«iia%CiMiv      '  *"      .poruaad 

>  't  vi  Mw*'!'  \4jBunl  rttnrned 

^  ^.  -  viiafe  4fcd>ii->t.  «t»'  uavtflf  rtt»  fenl  wf  the  1 

WW.  ^      TWrMMtM  k^  09  hMvi  iV«wi»  ar 

N.. ,,>  u«  ^Mt^  «Blt  MtN  wnifcii  to  tetk     U 

.«4  MtMMa  vil^  tin  TkMMct,  bat  viih  I 


V<  Mm*        1 


"iwih»M<i  ^  kkfl  Bmm*  af  C^mMW) 
..^inf  tlMtW  rtnKHiH  aboali 


«iMlMi^ 


mm 

I 


37.1 


LETTERS. 


156 


,X«d«,*  I  fear  it  is  too  true  she  is  gone!     With  conipllcnenls 

Piikenfaain> 

Ever  yours,  most  faitlifully, 

HonATio  Nelson. 
Send  back  the  bosket  by  Peterel. 


Sir, 


TO  ADMIRAL  SIR  JOflN  JERVIS,  K.B. 
[From  Clarke  «nd  M'ArUiur,  rol.  i.  p.  SiT6.] 

Geno*  Mole,  IMt  April,  1700. 


Cftptain  Cockbum  will  convey  to  you  all  tlie  news,  certainly 
none  of  it  is  pleasing ;  and  I  own  I  regret  more  the  good  for- 
tune of  llie  Enemy  iti  getting  their  Convoy  into  Vndo,  llmli  all 
which  has  happened  on  shore.  By  the  lime  I  sail,  I  will  make 
myself  master  of  the  exact  force  of  the  Enemy  that  has  escaped 
w;  report  says,  two  Frigates  and  sixteen  Transports.  They 
mav  be  alarmed  for  a  night  or  two,  and  it  may  go  off:  if  you 
therefore  tliink,  Sir,  that  the  attempt  to  take  the  Frigates  and 
ransports  is  proper  by  Boats,  I  beg  leave  to  offer  myself  for 
that  distinguished  Command.  The  Barges  and  Pinnaces  will 
|je  more  than  thirty.  1  think  it  may  be  clone ;  at  least,  if 
joo  approve  of  the  measure,  nothing  shall  be  wanting  on  my 
rt  for  its  complete  success.  My  idea  is,  for  ten  Barges  to 
each  Frigate,  one  Ik)at  to  be  especially  appointed  with 
confidential  OflScer,  to  cut  the  cable  of  each  Frigate;  if 
wind  is  off  the  land,  in  ten  minutes  they  must  drive  out  of 
undings,  and  ten  Boats  would  be  left  for  the  attack  of  the 
Transports.  I  should  wish  you.  Sir,  to  consider  tlie  matter, 
id  I  am  then  certain,  what  is  proper  will  be  done.  To-mor- 
evening,  at  dark,  I  shall  sail  from  heucc,  and  will  be  with 
on  "Wednesday  morning.  I  grieve  when  tlie  French 
■ny  good  fortune  by  sea. 

I  am,  &c. 

HonATio  Nelson. 

e  Hii{(ii«  ou  il>c  IMi  May,  UDi');  aud  a  Pi'oclAmaLiou  wru«ci«u  iJl«r 
vcMcl.»  in  the  Port<*  of  (freat  Brituiu  to  be  stopped.     Tlw 
by  AJniirivl  Dnucnn  off  Ciunpenlown,  iu  October,  1797. 
,  Captnin  Jobu  WoodJey,  rotmdered  ue<u:  Madeira,  on  llie 
,  171»9,  with  uvnily  idl  Ler  crow, 


156 


LETTERS. 


TO  HIS  ROYAL  HIGHNESS  THE  DUKE  OF  CLAllENCL. 


[From  Cluke  uid  M'ArUiur,  vol.  i.  p.  'iT3.] 


Sir, 


Agtmcmnon,  off  Genoa,  1 8iL  April.  I'M. 


I  wish  it  had  been  in  my  power  to  send  your  Royal  High- 
ness rt  good  nccount  of  the  opening  of  the  can>paign;  but  as 
the  news,  good  or  bad,  must  be  known,  I  think  it  is  propef 
for  me  to  give  you  an  exact  relation  of  what  has  passed. 

I  shall  first  call  to  your  recollection  a  letter  of  mine,  durii 
the  winter,'  wherein  I  told  you,  that  I  was  informed  from 
French   iheniselves,    they   would  open   the   Campaign  wil 
80,000  men;  and,  by  the  first  of  May,  would  lay  Siege 
Turin,  or  Milan.     I  shall  now  give  your  Royal  Highness 
brief  account  of  this  campaign,  as  far  as  report  goes;  for 
have  no  official  informalion  from  the  General. 

On  Monday,  llih  April,  the  Austrians  took  possession  of 
Voltri,   with    10,000  men:  nearly  HQO  of  ilie  Enemy  were 
killed,  wounded,  or  made  prisoners.     About  4000  men  effected 
their  retreat,  from  the  attack  liavini;  commenced  twelve  hours 
before  the  time  fixed  by  Genera!  Beaulieu,  and  previous  to 
the  Generals  arrival;  or  I  am  satisfied  not  a  Frenchman  couW 
have  escaped ;  and,  by  what  has  followed,  the  disasters  com- 
menced from  the  retreat  of  those  troops.     Our  Ships  so  en- 
tirely commanded  the  road,  that  had  the  General's  concerted 
time  and  plan   been  attended  to,  I  again  assert,  none  of  the 
Enemy   could  liave   escaped.     These   troops   retired  during 
the  day  and  night  of  the  llth,  to  Monienotte,  about  eight  or 
nine  miles  on  the  back  of  Siivona,  where  the  Enemy  had  about 
2000  men  posted.     At  daybreak  General  Argenteau  attacked 
this  post  with  about  4000  men,  not  knowing  of  the  reinforce- 
ment,    lie  was  repulsed,  and  pursued  with  great  loss;  900 
Pietlmontese  troops,  500  Austrians,  field-pieces,  &c.  fell  into 
the   Enemy's  hands.     The  kilted  we  know  not,  but  it  was 
hard  fought.     On  the   l!3th  and   14th,  the   French  forcetl  the 
gorges  of  ^lillesimo,  and  the  village  of  Dego,  which  were  well 
defended  ;  but  they  were  carried  by  superior  numbers.     On 
the  morning  of  the  loth,  the  Austrian  troops,  under  Colonel 
Taskauovick,  posted  at  Sossello,  on  the  right  flank,  and  rather 


*  Vide,  «nte. 


rTERa. 


157 


the  rear  of  the  Enemy,  or  as  we  shoulil  sny,  on  the  star- 
Uiord  qaarter,  attacked  the  Enemy  at  Speigno,  and  totally 
routed  thein ;  and  not  only  retook  the  twenty  jjieces  of  can- 
noQ  which  the  Austrians  had  lost,  but  also  nil  belonging  to 
ilie  Enemy;   when  unfortunately  the  Colonel,  pursuing  his 
wlvnntage  too  far,  fell  in  with  the  main  body  of  the  French, 
»,  after  aii  obstinate  resistance  of  four  hours,  totjilly  de- 
him.     To  add  to  this  misfortune,  General  Beaulieu 
sent  five  battalions  from   Acqui  to  support  this  brave 
Bnel  Waskanovick ;  but,  alas,  they  arrived  too  late,  and 
*l  to  the  triumph  of  the  Enemy. 
By  the  best  accounts  I  can  learn,  the  Auslrtans  have  not 
less  than    10,000  men    killed,   wounded,  otul  prisoners. 
I'Vench  loss  has  also  been  great,  but  they  can  better  spare 
dM  tattt  than  tlie  Austrians.     General  Beaulieu  has  now  with- 
dntirn  all  his  Troops  from  the  mountains,  and  is  encamped  at 
a  place  called  Boseo,  on  u  plain  between  Novi  and  Alessan- 
dria.   I  am  yet  in  hopes,  if  the  French  attack  him  on  the 
plain,  he  n\ay  still  get  on  l)y  giving  them  a  total  defeat.     The 
Austrians  seem  to  have  been  ruined  by  loss  of  posts;  but  I 
dire  say  it  was  necessary  to  possess  them  ;  and  they  were  lost 
owing  to  the  superior  niuiibers  of  the  Enemy.     A  column  of 
i*0,OOO  French  is  on  the  side  of  Ceva,  one  of  the  passes  into 
the  plain  of  Pietlmont;  if  they  carry  this  post,  the  road   to 
Turin  is  open. 

Genoa,  two  o'clock.  The  mails  are  just  arrived  from 
Milan,  and  I  rejoice  that  affairs  are  not  so  bad  as  was  re- 
I  ported.  General  Argenteau  is  arrested,  and  sent  prisoner  to 
Paviiif  on  strong  suspicion  of  treason.  Reports  say,  the 
Frwich  are  repulsed  at  Ceva  with  great  loss;  but  the  Turin 
post  is  not  yet  arrived.     Believe  me  ever  your  Hoynl  Migh- 

nesx's  most  faithful  servant, 

IIoiiATio  Nelsov. 


TO  HIS  EXCELLKNCV  FRANCIS  DRAKF,  KSg. 
[AutogTApli,  in  Ui«  poswAHion  of  Mrs.  Okviet.] 

A^Ainemiiun,  Genoa  Root],  April  lOOi,  l7IHi. 

My  dear  Sir, 
1  grieve  at  the  nccotmt  I  hear,  which  indeed  is  all  from  the 
French,  for  the  lm|>erial  Minister  has  not  received  n  line  from 


1» 


LETTERS. 


Ae  Gcosr^  or  other  person^  of  what  is  passing.  To 
dttawMoraofaoiTDW,  a  number  of  Vessels  under  oaasa^i 
womb  OvMhhfomtSt  got  into  Savona  Mole  and  Vado  Bayi 
Snadfty  Evening.  I  was  on  board  tlie  Victar}-  and  &aw  < 
Wtyaetti  i^BlaccBs,  Brigs,  and  Galleys, — the  Imperial  Mi 
aud  Mr.  Noni  1  believe,  fancy  that  because  our  Fleet 
tWm  it  was  very  posible  for  us  to  stop  them ;  they 
■rl**"«g  of  what  a  Fleet  can  do,  therefore,  in  socne 
sar«k  thej  are  excusable.  These  Vessels  came  down  rety  i 
ID  the  shore,  und  from  to  windward,  the  wind  at  W.N.W^ 
is  pCflM^M  ntoessary  to  repel  \hc  argument  of  these  Ge 
ncB :  M>  auppose  that  our  large  Ships  can  approach  tlic 
so  as  to  stop  these  supplies,  is  ridiculous.  You  know  tliei 
pOMtbUity  of  it,  therefore  I  shall  not  enlarge  on  tlmt  he 
Our  Fleet  b  sent  into  these  seas  to  oppose  the  French  at : 
and,  at  the  present  time,  should  the  Adm'u-al  to  stop  a  Tartan 
or  two,  or  n  hundred,  lose  two  or  three  Sail  of  the  Line,  or  gel 
them  dismasted,  the  Enemy  would  be  as  much  masters  of  ihf 
sea  as  it  appears  they  are  of  the  land,  and  Italy  would  be 
lost  witliout  a  blow.  This  argument,  I  am  sure,  you  wiD 
make  a  much  belter  use  of  than  I  can:  but  they  are  all 
ready  to  blame  England.     Believe  me,  dear  Sir, 

Your  most  faithful  servant, 

Horatio  Nelso) 

[Enclosure.] 

Disposition  of  the  Frigates  between  Toulon  and  Cape 
Mtlle. 

Boston  and  Tartar. — Off  Toulon,  which  chased  this  Coi 
into  Hiercs  Bay. 

Flora. — Off  Cape  Taillat,  chased  this  Convoy  into  Frejiu, 
and  afterwards  into  Nice. 

Lively. — Betweeii  Nice  and  Dell  Melle  the  Convoy  put  into 
Monaco. 

I  send  you  lliis  to  shew  tliat  every  means  in  the  Admirars 
power  have  been  taken  to  prevent  the  passage  of  Vessels,  and 
the  Ships  have  not  been  able  to  take  one,  of  two  or  t 
hundred  of  different  sizes  which  must  have  passed  them. 


r,J}7.] 


LETTERS, 


158 


TO  HIS  EXCEU.ENCY  FRANCIS  DRAKE,  ESQ. 
[AnU>g7B{)h,  in  tiio  poiacuiou  of  Mrs.  Datios.] 

AKWneunoti,  pfTVulo  Buy,  April  33n(l,  17(H1. 

My  dear  Sir, 

the  disastrous  event*  which  have  tnken  place  within 
I  ilays  past,  the  Atlmiral  and  mj'self  are  very  anxious 
ar  the  extent  of  the  tnisfortune  from  you  and  Mr.  Trevor, 
have  none  but  French  accounts,  which  we  hope  arc  exag- 
>te(l,  but  from  the  Imperial  Minister  I  know  nothing;! 
now  on  my  way  to  Genoa,  hoping  to  receive  letters  by  to- 
's  post.  I  cannot  learn  even  the  number  nf  the  Aus" 
inyt*  nor  of  their  loss,  A  great  firing  was  heard  from 
Fleet,  Sunday  or  Monday,  which  must  have  been  towards 
Ccva.  From  what  I  hear  at  Genoa,  I  suppose  there  is  nothing 
to  stop  the  Enemy  from  getting  to  Turin.  Had  not  the 
Gmcral  troops  [enouffti]  ?  if  not,  it  is  lamentable.  Sir  John 
waits  until  he  can  hear  something,  and  form  an  opinion; 
in  lolul  ignorance.  The  French  reinforce  seamen  at 
Ttfit/on,  to  which  Sir  John  Jervis  will  proceed.  He  was  in 
hopes  the  presence  of  the  Fleet  might  have  been  of  service,  but 
f  that  has  not  been  the  case,  he  is  better  away,  for  then  no 
iJameor  improper  language  can  be  attached  to  liim.  I  have 
vrote  yon,  last  post,  on  the  subject,  and  you  will  recollect 
IbAt  Admiral  Goodall,  from  judgment,  and  myself  from  expe- 
rience, have  uniformly  held  out  that  it  was  not  in  the  power 
of  oor  large  Ships  to  slop  this  coasting  business.  We  mmt 
k«Te  a  point  of  laud  to  act  from  ;  give  us  that,  and  if  supplies 
get  to  the  Enemy,  except  in  Ilow-boats,  ilien  we  are  to  blame, 
wai  placed  in  the  Gulf  lo  meet  the  (icneral  on  the  Sea 
t,  and  my  Squadron  would  have  been  risked  to  have  sup- 
ped him  ;  but  as  he  has  not  been  able  to  get  to  the  Coast, 
not  lei  us  be  blamed.  You  will  recollect,  if  Vado  could 
K  be  got,  that  we  both  ogreed  the  other  place  ought. 
the  Fnench  Fleet  get  in  there  by  any  accident,  or  their 
MX>pt  possess  themselves  of  it,  I  look  upon  Italy  as  lost. 
Smy,  write  me  particulars  as  to  numbers,  loss,  &c.,  and  what 
likely  to  be  done.    Do  the  Austrians  mean  to  stop  ?    I 

*  Tlie  woida  in  italict  were  in  cipUer. 


1G0 


LETTER& 


■[«• 


have  great  hopes  yet  from  General  Beaulieu.      Will  ih« 
Neapolitan  troops  be  of  no  service  ?    Has  the  General  wi 
about  landing  them  at  any  particulor  place?    Were  the  English ! 
troops  and  supplies  wished  to  be  prevented  from  getting  to  the 
French  Army,  they  might  perhaps  be  landed  near  St.  Retno, 
where  at  this  season  we  could  always  embark  them  if  n     -^ 
rior  force  came  against  them.    This  would  cut  off  all  st..    .  - 
by  land  as  well  as  by  sea,  and  if  they  drew  many  men  from  i 
land  to  attack  them,  then  Beaulieu  might  be  able  to  get  ( 
This  is  pretty  much  your  plan,  which  might  be  executed  iff 
had  the  proper  troops  and  a  good  General  to  command  t!u 
I  am  sure  you  will  say  and  act  everything  which  is  proper. j 
am  anxious  in  the  extreme  to  hear  from  you.    I  wish  we  I 
all  these  French  at  Sea;  there,  as  yet,  we  have  never  &il( 
Believe  me  ever  with  the  greatest  truth, 

Yours  most  faithfully, 

Horatio  Nelson.1 


TO  THE  HONOURABLE  JOHN  TREVOR,  MINISTER  AT  TURIN.1 


[From  Clarke  and  M'ArtLnr,  vol.  i.  p.  °2T(I,  wlio  stale  iliat  in  tliis  letter  Ca 
Nelson  luentiduetl  liis  norrow  luid  attouifilimont  at  wtiat  liad  lutppened,  and  tbe  I 
poMsibilJtj  of  t])«  Enemv'a  convoy  bein^  stojiped  by  Une-of-Dottle  Sltipa,  and  iben 
said — ] 

April  2'ind,  1796. 

Therefore,  Sir,  the  getting  in  with  them  was  impossible, 
before  they  would  have  anchored  under  sucli  batteries  as  most 
have  crippled  our  Fleet ;  and  had  such  an  event  happened, 
in  the  present  state  i>f  the  Enemy's  navy,  Tuscany,  Naplc^ 
Rome,  Sicily,  Sec.  would  have  fallen  as  fast  as  their  Ships 
would  have  Siiiled  along  the  CtMist :  our  Fleet  is  the  only  pro- 
tector at  present  of  those  Countries.  Sir  John  Jervis  ha* 
cruiseil  close  up  to  the  shore  in  this  Gulfj  where  I  will  venture 
to  say  no  Fleet  ever  cruised  hefore,  with  the  hope  of  drawing 
some  of  the  French  troops  from  the  inland  countries ;  and  1 
believe  it  has  had  its  effect,  or  ihc  Austrians  would  have  beeu 
worse  off  than  at  present. 

I  am,  &.C. 

HoHATio  Nelson. 


'0 


LETTERS 


161 


TO  MRS.  NELSON. 

rFrom  Clu-ke  aud  M'Artliur,  toI.  L  p.  270,] 

Gulf  of  Genoii,  04th  April,  I  TOO. 

<M  will  be  informed,  from  my  late  letters,  that  Sir  John 

has  such  an  opinion  of  my  conduct,  that  he  Is  using 

itiflaencc,  both  public  and  private,  with  Lord  Spencer, 

nj continuance  on  this  station;  and  lam  certain  you  must 

the  superior  pleasure  of  knowing,  that  my  integrity  and 

of  conduct  are  the  cause  of  my  being  kept  from  you, 

'the  receiving  me  as  a  person  whom  no  Commander-in-Chief 

wish  to  keep  under  his  Flag.     Sir  John  was  a  perfect 

to  me,  therefore  I  feel  the  more  flattered ;  and  when 

feikct  that  I  have  had  the  unbounded  confidence  of  three 

niminders-in-Chief,  I  cannot  but  feel  a  conscious  pride, 

that  I  possess  abilities.     Rest  assured,  my  dearest  Fanny, 

ny  unabated  and  steady  aflectiou,  which,  if  possible,  is  in- 

ling  by  that  propriety  of  conduct   which   you   pursue. 

hilst  the  war  lasts,  I  must  serve  somewhere,  and  for  health, 

nearness  to  England,  I  know  of  none  to  equal  this.     In 

Admiral  Linzee  returns,  Sir  John  Jervis  informe<l  me, 

lbs  1  am  to  hoist  a  Broad  Pendant,  with  a  Captnin  under  me, 

ttil  to  command  a  Division  of  tlie  Fleet,  though  he  can  ill 

parens  from  our  present  important  service. 

Yours,  &c., 

Horatio  Nelson. 


TO  ADMIRAL  SIR  JOHN  JERVIS,  K.B. 
f^m  »  Copy  IP  tlie  Adndroliy,  buJ  tUe  "  London  OkwUc,"  of  28lb  June.  171K1.] 


Sir, 


Off  Loano,  2fttli  April.  1700. 


iTiis  morning,  having  received  information  that  a  Com'oy, 
with  stores  for  the   French  Army,   had  anchored  at 
I  h>st  no  lime  in  proceeding  off  llint  place  with   the 
named  in  the  margin.^      On  my  approach,  I  was  sorry 
tflohiervCfthat  instead  of  a  Convoy,  only  four  Vessels  were  lying 
Icr  the  batteries,  which  openetl  on  our  approach,  and  (he 


»0U  II. 


'  Mvlcagcr,  DiMlcm,  Petcrel. 
M 


102 


LETTERS. 


fire  was  returned  as  our  Ships  got  up,  under  cover  ofj 
our  Bouts  Iwarded  the  four  Vessels,  and  brought  them 
vessels  lying  very  near  the  shore,  a  heavy  fire  of  musk' 
kept  up  on  our  boats ;  and  it  is  witli  the  greatest  grief 
to  mention*  that  Lieutenant  James  Noble,*  of  tlie  Aganji 
a  most  worthy  and  gallant  Officer,  is,  I  fear,  mortally  w< 
From  our  Ships  keeping  under  the  fire  of  their  batt 
sustained  no  daaiage ;  the  Agamemnon  was,  I  believe, 
Ship  struck  by  shou     The  principal  part  of  this  ser\'ice 
our  Boats,  whose  conduct  and  gallantry  could  not  on 
casion  have  been  exceeded,  and  I  wish  fully  to  exp: 
sense  I  entertain  of  the  gallantry  of  every  Officer  aQ< 
employed  on  this  occasion.      Herewitli  I  transmit  u 
wounded,  and  of  the  Vessels  taken ;  none  of  which 
colours  hoisted,  nor  was  there  a  man  on  board  when  tbi 

^P'^^^^-  Iam,&c., 

HOBATIO    Nj 


lis 


TO  ADMRAL  SIR  JOHN  JERVIS,  KJi 
[From  Clwke  and  U'Arthur,  lel  L  p.  2TS.] 


Sir, 


aothj 


Captain  Towry  rejoined  me  yesterday  morning,  witli ' 
from  Mr.  Drake  and  Mr.  Trevor,  which  I  beg  leave  to  trans 
to  you.  Captain  Towry  brought  me  the  unpleasant  news,  wl 
I  also  enclose ;  and  he  tells  me,  that  Mr.  Brame  has  no  dc 
but  the  King  of  Sardinia  is  endeavouring  to  negotiate  a  p« 
with  the  French.  We  had  several  Boats  on  board  yestert 
from  Cape  Noli,  the  people  of  which  informed  us,  that  altho 
the  French  had  taken  Ceva,  and  killed,  wounded,  or  made 

*  Mr.  Koblo  was  aererely,  bnt  not  mortalljr  wounded,  hj  u  baU  in  Um  Xhtoti ; 
WM  agftjn  wounded  Rt  the  oupturc  of  Ln  SftbioH  by  Nelson,  in  L*  Miner* 
DeMtnher  of  jIih  some  yenr:  he  was  made  a  Pout  Citptain  in  April,  1802,  m 
now  a.  I{«ar-AdminU  of  the  Red.  H 

*  The  Officen  employed  in  the  Boato  werei  UmiteBiinto  of  Uw  Ag1^| 
SncUiag,  NoWe.  Comptou.  Lieuleniwt  Colverboumt,  McJenger.  Licoten«n^ 
Dindom.  Wounded :  Lipulenut  .lamed  Noble;  and  two  seamen  of  tlic  Meic 
Vctsels  taken :  One  Ship  laden  wiU»  corn  and  rice,  eight  guna,  four  of  wlucb 
braaii ;  twenty  brass  patteroroes.  One  Ketch  laden  vrith  miukelii  and  powdai. 
OaUey  laden  with  wine.    AnoUter  Oallcy  laden  with  com. 


wo  

afaore  5000  Pit^naamm,  yu.  ibBt  the  French  had  kM ' 
l1«B  tl«n  I1«000  BUB.  The  fcrt  of  Cera  it  HOC  yet  taken, 
the  Toiro  wm  plumkmdt  aod  the  Fiir.ij  paned  on  to 
leeviag  A  strong  part  of  PiedmMMBnin  their  rear; 
plundered  Moodovi,  and  every  bonae  becveen  it  and 
If  the  King  oT  Sardmia  doea  not  nake  peaoei  I  ihcwld 
that  such  oooditct  of  the  French  traoU  rooae  the  vhoie 
to  amis.  As  to  nj  going  to  Naptea,  I  need  only  sar, 
the  Neapolilaiis^  espedaUj  Mr.  Fortq^oeni,  woald  not 
t  die  intarferance  of  a  fofajgner :  he  ia  at  the  bead  of  diev 
,  and  haati  hiiaaeif  equal  to  any  Officer  in  Europe.  I 
I  aiudoas  to  examine  the  Ports  along  the  Coast,  to  are  if  the 
|loy  ia  in  any  of  them,  that  1  hope  you  will  excuse  my 
;•  Veaael  to  you  immediately :  at  wheterer  place  I  find 
I  am  determined  not  to  kt  the  first  fiivourable 
It  for  attacking  them  escape.  1  wish  sincerdy  for  the 
Tcaaels ;  I  would  clear  the  Coast  in  a  week  of  fine 
r«  if  they  would  act,  and  I  6aiter  myself  I  should  manage 
i  to  their  liking. 
Aptfl  28th. — There  are  no  Vessels  of  consequence  in  any 
finoin  Monaco  to  Vado;  but  not  less  than  a  hundred 
are  erery  day  passing,  which  may  or  may  not  have 
I  lor  the  French.  j  „^   « ^ 

HoB.iTio  Nelsok. 


TO  CAPTAIN  COLLING  WOOD. 


|ifltf»fn|ii,  IB  tlie  poMCMJon  of  tJio  Hon.  Mra.  Kevmliui  Collinfwood.^ 

aiaj  bt,  1706. 
My  dear  Coll., 

lomnotletn  Ship  go  to  the  Fleet  without  a  line,  just  lo  say 
rbad  we  are.  Peace  is  concluded  between  the  Sardinians 
I  the  French — moet  likely  hostile  to  us.  The  King  has 
jf»en  up  Cunco  and  Suza,  or  Alessandria,  to  the  French,  as  a 
for  his  performance  of  the  treaty,  and  an  armistice  is 
till  the  return  of  the  courier  from  Paris,  with  the  ratifi- 
of  the  five  Kings.  I  think,  in  case  of  a  Spanisli  war, 
pl«  is  preparing  to  desert  us  also,  and  Spain  is  certainly 

m2 


1G4 


I.ETTEHai 


going  to  war  with  somebody.     CornwallisV  trial  was  to 
on  llie  5lh  of  April.     How  extraordinary  f  lie  was  the  last  i 
I  could  have  supposed  would  have  done  a  wrong  thing,  Aodfl 
cannot,  with  all  my  partiality  for  him,*  bring  myself  to  thiokj 
right  that  he  deserted  his  command.     But  I  suspect  sotne  i 
treatment  of  the  Admiralty  after  he  sailed,  which  induced  ' 
to  return. 

General  Beauheu  is  at  Valenza,  with  a  bridge  over  the 
to  secure  his  retreat  into  the  Milanese.  God  bless  you! 
hope  Mrs.  CoUingwood  and  your  little  ones  were  well  wl 
you  last  heard  from  home.  Believe  me^  'tJioiigh  I  wntej 
haste,  for  ever 

Your  most  faithful  Friend, 

HoRATto  Neuoj 


TO  ADMIRAL  SIB  JOFIN  JERVIS,  K.B. 


[From  Clftrke  and  M'ArtLur,  vol.  i.  p.  278.] 


Sir, 


Genoa  Mole,  1st  6f  Maj.  ]7( 


I  am  still  of  opinion  that  my  presence  at  Naples  can  be( 
no  use;  but  should  you  think  otherwise,  I  am  perfectly 
to  proceed  there,  and  do  my  best.     When  these  troops  arrJ! 
at  Leghorn,  I  will  attend  to  their  debarkation  at  La  Venza,< 
Port  Especia,  us  may  be  most  proper,     1  have  written  to 
Drake,  to  have  his  ideas,  whether,   if  more  convenient  fn 
weather  and  other  causes,  we  should  force  a  landing  at 
Especia?     I  told  him  it  was  a  question  you  would  nattir 
ask,  and  I  therefore  desired  his  answer.     This,  T  am  assured,] 
the  last  gale,   and  therefore  I  shall  be  very  glad  to  get 
Neapolitan  vessels  over  to  this  Coast.     You  will  observe 

'  Vide  Tol.  i.  p.  .10. 

*  Vice  Adminil  (lie  Houoiimble  Willidm  CornwidUs  was  tried  by  «  CoQit-martlaL. 
nt  I'oruniuiitii,  ou  tkt  ITlli  of  April,  171MI,  for  haiiug  retunied  to  England  in  tbe 
Hoyal  Sovereijfii,  instead  of  {iroceeding  lo  the  West  liidien  wjili  lii«  Convot,  <nde 
p.  I.""-),  ftiile.)  and  for  disolMtdieucc  of  onlers  nftcr  liis  retnni,  in  not  boisting  lu« 
King  on  board  the  Aatrea  trigttie,  auil  proceeding  to  IiIh  desliuiuion.  Tlir  Cuua 
detennin«l  tUut  '•  tniscondiict  was  impuUiMe"  to  iJip  Vicc-Admind  for  not  In 
■.liifttHl  l.i^  Fi„g  i„  the  Alinirt.mr.  when  the  Royal  SuvcH-igii  wu»  dltaklcd, 
nc-iiiiini-d  him  r>f  dUolj«dience  (if  onlen. 


^D 


LETTERS. 


of  the  Commissioners,  as  tbey  call   UiemselTes^  at 

;  1  have  long  had  reason  to  snspect  great  part  b  &bi>- 

■t  Geooa.     My  channel  of  information  says,  this  day, 

wind  is  fair,  t^^'o  small  Frigates,  two  Cntters,  and  thirt]r- 

Sail  of  Transports,  will  sail  from  Marseilles,  laden  with 

ilioo,  provisions,  and  clothing.    I  feeldistreaBed  bejODd 

at  being  kept  here,  and  at  present  there  is  no  sign  of 

of  wind.     If  you  are  of  opinion  that  the  Report  of 

Commissioners  is  true,  you  may  probably  think  it  proper 

me  witli  a  Ship  of  the  Line ;  for  they  may  slip 

\joa  in  a  strong  westerly  wind  :  but  I  cannot  bring  myself 

lieve  tluit  iJie  Frencii  will  trust  six  Sail  of  the  Line  to  the 

ird,  even  for  the  certainty  of  destroying  my  Squadron; 

[yet  they  do  at  times  act  so  contrary'  to  all  reasonable  ideas, 

we  must  not  judge  of  them  as  of  otlier  people. 

[have  thus.  Sir,  got  to  tlie  end  of  our  Naval  buaness,  and 

I  therefore  now  take  up  the  accounts  of  the  proceedings  of 

Beaulieu,   and  tlie   Sardinians,   where   Mr.  Drake 

off.     The  treaty  is  finished,  and  an  armistice  is  agreed 

until  the  return  of  the  courier  from  Paris.     I  never  had 

Ciith  in  the  Sardinian  Minister,  after  their  extraordinary 

to  roe  last  year,  and  I  much  fear  they  have  not  done 

utmost  to  defend  Piedmont,  and  the  French  seem  to  have 

ihem.     Neither   Ceva,  nor  the  strong  posts,  were 

Iten,  as  I  sent  you  word  in  a  former  letter^  nor  are  they 

day.     Twenty  thousand   French  pushed  forward  to 

six  miles  of  Turin  :  General  Beaulieu  advancing  with 

ity  fnim  Acqui,  was  on  one  side  of  the  plain,  and  next 

would  have  attacked  the  French  Army.     The  French  had 

Jy  begun  to  retreat,  when  an  express  reached  him,  that 

iktice,  and   most  probably  a  peace,  had  taken  place 

reen   the  Sardinians  and  French.     Mr.  Trevor,  with  the 

erial,   Neapolitan,  and  Russian  Ministers,  waited  on  tlte 

It  to  desire  that  Alessandria  and  Tortona  might  be  dcli- 

up  to  the  Germans,  which  was  peremptorily  refused : 

this  the  Ministers  quittc<l  the  Kingdom,  without  taking 

and  it  is  very  probable  we  have   now  an  additional 

General  Beaulieu  is  retreating,  I  am  told,  towards 

}ese;  but  how  far  he  has  fallen  back,  I  do  not  hoar. 

1  French  near  Acqui  are  very  ill  supplieil,  and  the  Convoy 


fatordiegraala 
lions;  I  ani  told  if  it  dos  doc 
again  to  the  Se»-ooML    Hflttsv 
to  pieces  die  Urgeal  <d  die 
twenty-fire  FVendi  in  it     The  ptaoe  is  also  vcrr 
imgidi  wbkk  IivgreK;  bat  then  ddap  JBMt  kap[ 
iMttirieierafltMtBdinaToim.    ll—e«MlmiMdlfc 
to  dedere,  dtoold  any  txjarersstiaQ  with  dke  StcreuajcS 
here  lum  that  way,  that  I  will  nerer  fire  the  ficat  ahot;  i 
therefinre,  if  the  inhabitants  of  the  Oenoete  towna  prevm 
French  from  firing,  which  they  can  do  if  they  pkssei  i 
Town*  are  safe ;  if  they  do  not,  the  act  icata  with  tbeoa. 

Iam,lcc 

HoBATlO  NlMOM. 

P.S.  I  iiave  great  pleasnre  In  saying  my  poor  I/ieilWaal 
Noble,  is  blill  alive,  and  we  have  some  hopes. 

2nU  May. — General  Beaulicu's   Army   has  taken  pott 
Vnlcnziv,  unil  between  that  place  and  Alessandria.     The  Kin 
of  Sardinia,  if  the  Convention  ratifies  tbe  Treaty,  is  to  give 
Cimeoand  Alessandria,  some  say  Suza;  the  latter  place,  I  belief^ 
m  !»ecurity  for  his  punctual  adherence  to  tlie  treaty.    I  bw 
wrillcu  to  Mr.  Drake  what  I  have  desired  Mr.  Brame  to  say 


TO  HIS  EXCELLENCY  FRANCIS  DRAKE,  ESQ. 

[From  a  Copy  {u  Ui«  Nvlmn  Pqiere.     Ko  ^uOe  it  affixed  M  Uiis  Note, 
bays  ntm  lo  Uio  nomruuuicaiiuu  nvotioMd  in  the  pre««diiig  LetMr.] 

Scribbled  in  Mr.  Brame's  room.  He  will  send  [it  tol 
but  I  Imve  cimrgcd  him  to  give  nothing  that  will  come  wil 
niiire  propriety  through  your  orders.  I  pray  God,  Genert 
Ilemilicu  muy  yet  make  iiead  against  these  miscreants, 
sincerely  wish  I  could  assist  him.     Ever  believe  me, 

Dear  Sir, 
Your  most  obliged  and  aflisctionate 

Horatio  Nelsoii< 
I  »hall  not  fall  to  constantly  write  you. 


LETTEB& 


«c  dosed  into  Loodo  a  French  Gun-boat,  two  light 
MDd  aot  deep  one;  they  came  last  from   the  ancht 
^liM^n  ;  bat  we  are  rather  incHDed  to  believe  tfaev  saile 
§nt  from  Vado.     It  fell  stark  calm  as  we  got  within  shot,  | 
dark.     Several  sbofs  struck   the   Blandie,   and   one  a 
ase^  wlaick  set  her  oo  fire,  but  we  soon  got  the  shot 
«•>,  and  iDwed  off;  her  sails  and  rigging  were  also  cut, 
not  a  man  was  killed  or  wounded.     With  our  general  { 
ladci  not  a  shot  struck  us,  and  only  one  gun  was  fired  fromj 
SqpBdnm ;  we  were  kxag  gun-shot  disLnnt,  and  it  would  I 
bMD  merdj  a  waste  of  powder  and  shot*     The  Enemy 
•K  loKt  500  men  at  work  building  a  new  battery,  and  I 
wtiOMtg  for  a  good  wind  to  get  at  them,  when  I  sliall 
cspedihe deepJaden  Brig. 

Two  Brigs,  and  sereral  Tartans,  having  got  intoFm 
which  we  supposed  to  be  French,  I  took  the  opportunity 
Ae  fineny^  tukcyrng  we  were  looking  at  them,  to  send 
Boots  of  die  Squadrao,  under  Lieutenants  Culverb 
CooplOD,  and  Drummond,*  belonging  to  the  Meleager, 
BWimnnnj  and  Peterel,  and  also  Lieutenant  Grant,  of 
Blsmche,  to  cut  out  the  Vessels  at  Finale,  which  tliey  did 
oat  a  person  in  the  Town,  or  Vessels,  knowing  it ;  but  tbey 
were  dl  Genoese,  and  I  released  thetn  this  morning,  sending 
a  Note  to  the  Goremor  of  Finale,  which  I  trust  can  doMj 
harm,  and  may  be  of  socne  use  to  u& 

May  l4ih.  Gulf  of  Genoa. — Tlie  Diadem  joined  me  yc 
day,  after  ten  days'  absence,  not  having  beeti  able  lo  gel  out  o' 
Genoa  Mole.  We  have  had,  and  now  have,  extraordioaf^l 
weather — fogs,  heavy  swdls,  and  calms.  I  send  you  Mfl 
Trevor's  letter  to  me.*     The  French,  by  Captain  Towi 


*  Be  vas  FInt  Xiratnuai  of  La  Mxiwrrc,  vben  abe  captorrd  the  Siwniab 
La  Sabina,  in  I>e«aBber,  1796.  for  which  action  be  was  promoted ;  and  b« 

Pba*  rank  in  1802.  His  &te  was  rcniaHnUf  unftmonale :  while  Agtnt  for ', ,_ 

at  tfae  Cajw  ot  Good  Hope,  in  iHH),  he  and  hia  wife  were  drowned  in  going 
•hiwe  in  Table  Baj-. 

'  Now  Sir  Adam  Dmnunond,  KX.R.,  Yin-Admiral  of  the  White. 
"  Mr.  Treror,  in  hia  letter,  written  in  cipher,  desired  Uie  Commodore  to      ^ 
Btr  John  Jerri*  of  tlic  desperate  slate  of  the  Kingdom  of  Sardinia,  which,  added  U 
inanrrcctiou  in  Corrira,  required  all  the  Tigilaneeaud  \igonr  we  could  esert;  iM 
■wo  begged  that  •  watchfol  eye  might  be  kept  on  Uie  plan  of  opcratiooa  at . 
Bpaniah  Miaister'—CAir**  and  M' Arthur.  


LETTERS. 


169 


Bunl,  liave  crossed  the  Po,  ami  with  Utile  or  no  opposition, 
jrts  say,  General  Ueaulieu  is  retreating  to  Mantua,  and 
nx  Milan  has  presented  its  keys  to  the  Enemy.  Where,  or 
bni  is  ilie  progress  of  these  people  to  be  stopped  ?  If  the 
eror  has  not  troops  to  face  them,  pence  seems  the  only 

Ittmalive I  must  now  revert  to  a 

Dbject  as  unpleasant  for  you  to  hear  as  for  me  to  write.  The 
liaerable  state  of  the  Agamemnon,  who,  with  Meleager,  are 
ke  two  tubs  floating  on  the  water.  I  have  every  reason  to  be- 
tK  that  our  ground-tier  has  given  way ;  we  know  that  some 
the  casks  fell  in.  I  am  glad  Captain  Smith  got  good  rope 
Ajaccio.  What  has  been  sent  vis  is,  without  exception,  the 
St  1  ever  saw,  the  twice-laid  we  make  on  board  is  far  pre« 
lie ;  indeed,  I  never  saw  any  so  bad  in  my  life.  How  can 
mder-in-Chief  form  a  true  judgment  from  such 
^'positc  assertions?  I  must  suppose  that  the  Ship 
going  lo  the  Fleet  was  intended  to  be  well  served,  and  as  to 
\a,  it  was  of  no  consequence,  being  too  far  from  the  ear  of  the 
Commander-in-Chief.  This  may  be  politic,  but  cannot  be 
proper. 

May  loth. — 1  send  you  Salicetti's  account  of  the  defeat  of 
Beaulieu ;  but  Captain  Elphinstone'^  tells  me  it  is  not  believed ; 
ay  Gml  it  may  not  be  true.  I  lia\'e  now  before  me  com- 
ainis  from  the  Genoese  Secretary  of  State,  for  taking  their 
ITesiels  even  out  of  a  French  Port.  I  have  also  complaints, 
we  allowed  a  French  Convoy  to  pass  us.  Indeed,  my 
Sir,  you  may  perceive  I  feel  distressed.  Do  you  really 
kink  we  arc  of  any  use  here  ?  if  not,  we  may  serve  our  Country 
knch  more  by  being  in  other  places.  The  Levant,  and  Coast 
'Spain,  call  aloud  for  Ships,  and  they  are,  I  fancy,  employed 
I  no  purpose  here ;  for  unless  the  Austrians  get  possession  of 
[poiot  of  land,  we  cannot  stop  the  Coasting  trade. 

I  am,  &c. 
Horatio  Nelson, 


t^CapUin  Thomw  Elphinstonc,  of  Uic  9pcedy  Sloop. 


170 


LETTUa 


MSliORA>DUM    DELIVERED   TO    MF..    ^    .J^    I, 
BRITISH  CONSUL  AT  GLNuA 

[Fftim  CUrke  ud  M'Aitimr,  Tol.  L  fw  aWL] 

[AkPBt  IMh  Mir.  /»/^ 

The  papers  from  tlie  Secretary  of  State,  I  ai 
bul  b^rc  I  answer  a  worU,  I  wish  to  receiTe,  nod 
il  bt  proper  for  you  to  comniuDicate  in  that  way  «tlk 
Oeooen  Government,  which  I  think  you  told  roe  it  wao^l 
pUb  anawvr,  '  Yosi'  or  '  No.'  Are  all  the  batletka  on  i 
coast  maniwd  by,  and  belonging  to  the  Genoeee?  ShoaUl 
raply  be  *  Yes;'  then  I  have  a  most  heavy  complaint  to : 
and  I  doubt  not  but  England  is  fully  equal  to  repel  tfa< 
whicli  every  day  is  offered  to  her  Flag.  Should  tlie  rej 
*  No,'  ilicy  are  in  the  posaoasion  of  tlie  French ;  then  of  < 
i  shall  consider  it  as  an  £nemy's  coast.  It  may,  however, 
nid,  and  truly,  *  The  French  have  huilt  batteries  along ' 
coast,  within  shot  of  each  other;  but  the  Genoese  have: 
fortresses  which  still  remain  in  their  possession,  and  yet  we 
know  that  Uiese  batteries  fire  on  the  approach  of  any  EngltsK 
Ship,  nor  have  we  the  means  or  power  of  preventing  it.  l* 
on  £nglisli  Ship  comes  into  any  of  the  Genoese  Ports  or  Road^ 
lo  tho  woBtward,  we  are  certain  she  will  be  fired  at  and  dc 
slroyctl,  unless  she  is  able  to  batter  down  the  fortifications: 
must  therefore  be  acknowlctlged,  tliat  the  Genoese  Ports  to 
westward  arc  not  neutral  for  the  English.'  As  tliis  should 
the  language  of  the  Secretary  of  Slate  here,  can  he  for  a 
ment  fiuicy,  Uial  I  will  receive  shot  and  shells  from  every 
of  the  Coast,  and  not  consider  it  as  a  hostile  one  f  This,  tndc 
he  may  be  assured  of,  that  I  never  have,  nor  ever  will  fire 
first  shot;  but  if  shot  are  fired,  I  will  do  my  utmost  to  dest 
the  batteries  firing  at  the  English  Hag,  although  in  doing  this 
I  shall  guard  as  much  as  possible  against  injuring  any  individual 
Genoese,  a  Nation  which  I  respect  on  many  accounts.  The 
Secretary,  however,  must  be  sensible,  that  the  fire  of  cannon, 
once  opened,  is  terrible  to  a  Town. 

Horatio  Nelson. 


iT.37.] 


LETTEBSL 


10  TUE  RIGHT  HON.  SIR  GILBERT  ELLIOT,  BART. 

[AalogTKfb,  in  ibe  Minto  Pft|i«n.] 

Agamemson,  tl  Sea  ou  her  pwt*^  to  Leghorn,  May  lOib,  [1700.] 

Sir, 

You  will  know  bo  well  from  Mr.  Trevor  and  Mr.  Drake 

ihc  melancholy  prospect  of  affairs  in  Italy,  that  it  would  be 

iinlj  a  trouble  to  your  Excellency,  were  I  to  attempt  to  repeat 

nbal  comes  from  a  much  better  informed  quarter.     One  of 

my  S<juadron  joined  me  yesterday  from  Genoa,  and  brought 

nw  letters  from  Mr.  Trevor,  of  May  11th.     By  his  desire  I 

iiiTG deciphered  a  part  for  your  information,  viz: — '  And  Vice- 

Roj?  of  Corsica,  that  1  am  afraid  that  the  French  will  soon 

oblige  Sardinia  to  be  their  Ally,'  and  that  they  are  disposed  to 

trat  Tuscany  as  an  Enemy.     These  considerations  added  to 

ibe  Iniurrection  in   Corsica,  and  to  tiie  designs  the  Enemy 

fflay  have  on  Sardinia,  seem  to  me  to  require  all  the  vigilance 

Afld  vigour  of  the  King's  Agents  in  the  Mediterranean.     A 

vuchful  eye  must  be  kept  in   the  present  moment  upon  the 

plan  of  operations  of  the   Spanish  Minister,  wlio  must  also  be 

coiwider^  as  [one  of]  the  Allies  of  France.' 

Mr.  Drake's  letter  is  dated  Milan,  May  8th.  I  sent  both  to  the 
Admiral  last  night,  or  I  should  forward  these  to  you.  Mr.  D, 
General  Benulieu's  Army  is  38,000  men,  and  he  hopes  no 
)c  will  happen  to  him  till  he  gets  reinforcements,  I  am 
to  say,  Mr.  Brame  sent  me  a  letter  published  by  Sali- 
i,  laying  that  the  French  had  defeated  Beaiilieu,  on  the 
lltb  were  at  Lodi,  and  taken  all  the  ariillcry  and  camp  of 
Ihc  Austrians.  The  story  is  very  ill  told,  and  I  should  doubt 
ouch  hod  I  not  unfortunately  been  in  the  habit  of  believing 
Mtounts  of  French  victories. 

^  French  have  lost  great  numbers  in  passing  the  Po  and 
_.;...;!.r  river,  but  they  have  enough  left,  for  il>e  Emperor  has 
not  reinforced  his  Army.  I  very  much  believe  that  England, 
*ho  commenced  the  war  with  all  Europe  for  her  Allies,  will 
Bnish  it  by  having  nearly  all  Europe  for  her  Enemies.*^  Should 

*  A  Inmty  of  PtiMo  lMitw««a  Fraooe  utd  Sordinla,  vu  kigorU  itt  Pwiv  on  the 
<#Mmy,  17110. 
TLi*  mnAilnUa  predietioa  wu  not,  kowercr,  completely  fulfilled  trntil  after 


J  72 


LETTERS. 


[17%. 


all  tbc  Powers  in  this  Country  make  peace,  liie  French  possess 
themselves  of  Leghorn  and  other  places  to  cuioffour  suppHes^ 
Corsica  will  be   the  only  tie  to  keep  our  great  Fleet  in  the 
Mediterranean;  how  far  the  conduct  of  those  Islanders,  taken. 
In  a  general  scale,  deserves  that  a  Fleet  and  Army  should  b^ 
kept  for  their  security,  is  well  deserving  of  serious  considers — 
tion.     I  beg  pardon  for  the  readiness  of  my  pen,  it  has,  H 
fear,  gone  further  to  your  Excellency  on  this  subject  than  it 
ought.     The  loan  from  Genoa,  I  suppose,  will  now  take  place  r 
it  is  demanded  by  Salicetti,  thirty-six  millions  of  Livres,    Tliat 
your  Excellency  may  be  successful  in  quieting  the  disturbances 
in  Corsica,  and  enjoying  that  happiness  in  that  Island,  whicU 
every  inhabitant  ought  from  gratitude  to  endeavour  to  give 
you,  is  the  most  sincere  wish  of  your  obliged  and  faitliful 
servant, 

Horatio  Nelson. 

Ilia  Excelieacj'  Uie  Vice -Roy. 


TO  ADMIRAL  SIR  JOHN  JERVIS,  K.B. 
[From  Clarke  »ud  M'Artliur,  vol.  i.  i).  263.] 

Lcgliorn  Roiub,  ISth  of  M«r,  1T90. 

The  Comet  joine<l  me  off  Cape  Noli,  the  night  of  the  15lh, 
and  I  left  the  Squadron  with  Captain  Cockburn,  who  I  am 
sure  will  do  everything  that  is  proper.  We  arrived  here  yes- 
terday morning  in  a  gale  of  wind,  and  I  hope  to  have  my 
Ship  ready  for  sea  by  the  20lh  or  2 1st.  One  of  the  Nea 
liian  flotilla  is  now  here,  the  others  are  at  Port  Longone 
Elba,  and  I  do  not  much  expect  they  will  gel  further  than 
Leghorn  before  Naples  is  at  peace;  a  measure  that  see; 
absolutely  necessary  for  that  Court  to  adopt.  The  Frem 
say  they  will  go  to  Rome,  and  the  distance  to  Napl«  is  thi 
but  little.  As  the  French  cannot  want  supplies  to  be  broughT 
into  the  Gulf  of  Genoa,  for  their  grand  Army,  I  am  still  of 
opinion,  that  if  our  Frigates  are  wanted  for  other  ser\ices, 
they  may  very  well  be  spared  from  the  Gulf.  Money,  provi^H 
sions,  and  clothes  the  Enemy  have  in  abundance ;  and  thcP^ 
command  arsenals  to  supply  their  wants  in  arras  and  ammu- 
nition. 


JJT.  37.] 


LETTERS, 


173 


I  have  felt,  and  do  feel,  Sir>  every  degree  of  sensibility  and 

Biiiude,  for  your  kind  nnd  flattering  attention,  in  directing 

to  hoist  a  Distinguishing  Pendant;'  but  as  the  service,  for 

ufaich  it  was  intended  to  be  useful,  is  nearly,  if  not  quite  at  an 

eud,  I  assure  you  I  shall  have  no  regret  in  striking  it ;  for  it 

lill  afford  me  an  opportunity  of  serving  nearer  your  Flag, 

D(i  of  endeavouring  to  shew,  by  my  attention  in  a  subordinate 

tion,  that  I  was  not  unworthy  of  commanding.  Reports 
re  afloat  that  a  promotion  is  certainly  very  near  ;  and,  if  so, 
Admiralty  will  either  direct  my  Flag  to  be  hoisted  here, 
or  I  shall  have  a  land  voyage. 

I  roust  now,  dear   Sir,  take  the  liberty  of  saying  a  word 

respecting  my  health.    It  certainty  is  nut  bad  ;  on  the  contrary, 

[believe  it  is  better  than  what  medical  people  assert;  but,  I 

elieve,  a  little  rest,  and  the  baths  of  Pisa,  the  same  nearly  as 

iliose  of  Bath,  would  render  me  great  benefit.     If  I  could, 

without  any  impediment  to  the  service,  take  twenty  days  to 

fit  me  for  another  winter,  I  should  not  dislike  it;  and  yet, 

perhaps,  I  shall  do  without  it.     I  do  not  much  like  what  I 

»ve  written,  t         «, 

I  am,  &c. 

HoHATio  Nelson. 


TO  MRS.  NELSON. 


[Trooi  Clarke  and  M'Aoliur,  vol.  i.  p.  ^3.] 

Leghorn,  20Uj  of  May,  1790. 

m  may  possibly  find  you  at  Mr.  Suckling's ;  if  so,  I  beg 

Jl  say  every  kind  thing  for  me.     We  are  certainly  under 

obligations  to  him  than  to  any  one.     He  is  a  good  man, 

respectable  character.  If  I  am  ordered  to  hoist  my  Flag 

this  Country,  the  compliment  is  great ;  and  tlierefore  wc 

DM  both  rest  contented  for  a  little  time.     The  French  must 

t>n  be  tired,  and  I  believe  all  our  Allies  are  so  already.    The 

ukes  of  Parma  and  of  Modena  have  boih  made  treaties  with 

French,  paying  l.irge  sums  of  money ;  and,  in  their  Ircrttles 

>  s|iccificd,  that  certain  pictures  are  to  be  delivered,  to  lie 

HI  lo  Paris.     The  Palace  of  the  Louvre  is  to  have  the  finest 


174 


LETTERS. 


[1796. 


gallery  of  pictures  in  the  world.  The  Pope  has  offered  ten 
millions  of  crowns,  to  prevent  their  coming  to  Rome ;  and  it  is 
said  they  liave  refused  it,  unless  the  famous  statue  of  the  Apollo 
Belvidere  is  sent  to  Paris.  What  a  race  of  people  I  but  they 
have  done  wontlers.  lleinforcements  are  coming  to  join 
General  Beaulieu;  and  the  inhabitants  of  the  Tyrol,  a  hardy  and 
warlike  Nation,  are  rising  to  join  the  Cieneral.  If  ail  the  States 
of  Italy  make  peace,  we  have  nothing  to  look  to  but  Corsica; 
which,  in  the  present  state  of  the  inhabitants,  is  not,  in  my 
opinion,  an  object  to  keep  us  in  the  Mediterranean  :  we  shall» 
I  hope  quit  it,  and  employ  our  Fleet  more  to  our  advantage. 

I  am,  &c. 

Horatio  Nelbok. 


TO  ADMIRAL  SIR  JOHN  JERVIS,  K.B. 

[From  Clarke  and  M'Arthur,  vol.  I.  p.  284,  who  state  that  in  the  firs!  part  of  tlila 
letter,  Comniodoro  Nelson  iurormed  the  AdmiraJ  that  the  whole  of  the  Nufolilta 
notilla  had  not  yet  joiued,  nor  ctcs  left  Naples.] 

2ard  May.  1796. 

I  believe  there  Is  a  struggle  between  the  Courts  of  Vienna 
and  Spain,  which  shall  dictate  to  that  of  Naples.  The  ad- 
vances of  the  French  have  been  certainly  much  facilitated  by 
the  defection  of  our  Allies,  brought  on,  in  this  part,  by  tlieir 
fears.  Report  says,  the  Pope  has  accommodated  matters  witli 
the  French  ;  however,  that  will  not  stop  iheni,  if  the  Austrian 
Army  is  unable.  General  Beaulieu  is  certainly  getting  rein- 
forcements, and  the  French  have  not  for  one  week  advanced. 
The  castle  of  Milan  has  twice  repulsed  the  French,  who  now 
only  blockade  it.  I  hope  to  sail  at  dayfight.  I  again  beg,  Sir, 
if  you  think  I  can  be  in  any  way  useful  by  coming  to  you, 
without  the  Pendant,'  that  you  will  ortler  it  to  be  struck  with- 
out hesitation.  I  do  not  believe  my  health  is  such  as  to  require 
Pisa  just  now,  at  least  I  am  willing  to  believe  so. 

I  am,  &c. 

UORATIO   NkLSON. 

'  Non-professionnl  readers  may  require  the  following  oxpUnation  of  Uiia  pawagt. 
A  Brood  P«ndiint  i«  itlwayn  struck  whea  the  Officer  who  wean  it  comes  into  the 
presenoc  of  n  Senior  Captain,  or  when  the  speciiJ  8or\'ice  for  which  he  waa  autljo- 
rized  to  hoist  it,  ia  ooucluded.    Vide  vol.  I.  p.  116. 


TO  ADMIRAL  SHI  JOHN  JERVI8  K.B. 


[rroni  CiMke  and  M'Arthur,  toI.  i.  p.  Uftl.J 


;)i"Hli  May,  1700. 

Captain  Cockburn,  as  I  believe  Iiis  anxiety  to  get  into 
Ltt  Minerve*  is  great.  Your  cruise  off  Toulon  is  no  doubt 
tedious,  but  not  uninteresting  in  its  consequences;  for  if  any 

eplan,  which  the  Directory  have  laiil,  is  defeated  for  three  or 
lour  mouths,  there  is  no  calculating  what  benefit  may  arise  to 
our  Country  from  it :  I  think  ihey  are  bound  to  the  westward, 
I  cannot  bring  myself  to  believe  they  will  venture  eastward  ;  if 
they  do,  1  have  no  doubt  but  we  shall  get  at  them.  I  know 
not  what  opinion  to  give  about  my  Squadron  ;  I  have  written 
to  Mr.  Drake  on  the  subject,  and  much  will  depend  on  his 
account  of  what  the  Austrian  Army  is  likely  to  do.  If  it  can 
again  make  head,  and  this  insurrccttoti  of  the  peasantry  be 
enoouragedv  we  may  be  of  some  use  ;  but  the  Austrians  have 
now  no  object  to  bring  lliem  on  the  sea-coast. 

Lieutenant  Berry'  joined  me  in  the  Comet,  and  I  have,  as 
lar  as  I  have  seen,  every  reason  to  be  satisHed  with  him,  both 
as  a  gentleman  and  an  officer.  I  had  a  few  days  ago  a  plan  for 
taking  the  French  Brig  of  War  out  of  Vado,  and  intrusted  the 
^  execution  of  it  to  him;  it  miscarried  from  an  unforeseen  and 
^■improbable  event,  but  I  was  much  pleased  by  Mr.  Berry's 
^■strict  attention  to  my  instructions. 

^V  Tlic  Meleagcr  joined  me  yesterday ;  and  1  send  you,  Sir, 
all  the  letters  and  information  received  by  her.  Mr.  Trevor 
seems  to  think  a  Spanish  war  is  almost  unavoidable,  and  that 
the  French,  after  all  their  protestations,  will  take  possession  of 
leghorn.  My  mind  is  clear,  if  they  have  force  to  penetrate 
further  into  Italy,  they  will  possess  themselves  of  that  place. 
,  The  Toulon  information  is,  as  I  always  thought,  pleasant  to 
^ftknow,  but  never  to  be  depended  upon  ;  all  is  guess,  they  may 
^™go  east,  west,  north,  or  south.     These  Commissioners  know 


*  Ciyuia  Cookbunt  was  NiaoTed  from  tlu  Meleager  lu  La  MiuerrVi  ibe  frigato 
niikiirrd  by  U>e  Dido  uiil  Loveatoflie. 

*  AftcfwuntH  Rcnr-Adiiurul  Sir  Eilwanl  Berry,  Dart,,  K.C.D, :  of  this  mosl  dis- 
[  lioptittbod  OfflcKr,  who  will  bu  i>ft<>D  mentioned,  an  necount  will  bc  foulld  ill  a  aub' 

sv^ocBt  part  of  tlii*  work. 


170 


LETTERS. 


[1796. 


nothing,  lliey  write  a  history  to  get  money,  and  in  this,  I  fancy, 
lliey  succeed  wonderJblly  well.  1  hope  to  hear  from  Mr. 
Drake  of  the  actual  situaiion  of  the  Armies,  and  if  he  has 
hopes;  should  he  have  none,  (for  he  will  have  them,  if  within 
probability,  however  distant,)  I  shall  not  have  the  smallest. 

I  am,  8cc. 

IIoRATio  Nelson, 


TO  ADMIRAL  SIR  JOHN  JERVIS,  K.B. 

[From  "  Tlie  London  Ouette"  of  tbe  lOtli  of  July,  1700.  lu  tmumiiting  Uim 
letter  to  the  Admiralty,  Sir  Jolin  Jerdn  wrote : — "  Their  Lnnlships  are  so  tboroa^y 
ncquainteil  witli  the  vig^ioice  and  enterprise  of  Commodore  Nelson,  tliiii  I  (orbtHU 
to  repeat  lii«  merits  on  this  occasion."] 


Sir, 


Agnmemnon,  off  Oneglia,  May  31il,  1 700. 


At  two  P.M.,  yesterday,  seeing  some  Vessels  running  along 
shore  which  I  believed  to  be  French,  and  knowing  the  great 
consequence  of  intercepting  the  cannon  and  ordnance  stores 
which  I  had  information  were  expected  from  Toulon,  to  be 
landed  at  St.  Pierre  d'Arena  for  the  siege  of  Mantua,  I  made 
the  signal  for  a  general  chase,  when  the  Vessels  got  close 
under  a  battery  and  anchored.  Three  o'clock,  the  Melenger 
and  Agamemnon  anchored;  as,  soon  afterwards,  did  the  Peterel 
and  Speedy.  After  a  short  resistance  from  the  battery  and 
Vessels,  we  took  possession  of  them.  It  is  impossible  I  can  <Jo 
justice  to  the  alncrity  and  gallantry  ever  conspicuous  in  my 
little  Squadron.  Our  Boats  boarded  the  National  Ketch  in 
the  fire  of  three  eighteen  pounders,  and  of  one  eighteen 
pounder  in  a  Giui-boat.  The  Blanche  antl  Diadem  being  to 
leeward,  the  former  could  not  anchor  until  the  Vessels  had 
struck  ;  but  the  Boats  of  all  the  Ship^i  were  active  in  getting 
them  ofl'  the  shore,  the  Enemy  having  cut  their  cables  when 
they  surrendered.  The  Agamemnon's  masts,  sails,  ami  rig- 
ging are  a  little  cut,  but  of  no  material  consequence. 

Much  SIS  I  feel  indebted  lo  every  Officer  in  the  Squadron, 
yet  I  cannot  omit  the  mention  of  the  great  support  and  assist- 
ance I  ever  receive  from  Caj)(ain  Cockburn.  lie  has  been  under 
my  command  near  a  year  on  this  station ;  aiul  I  should  feel  my- 
self guiltv  of  neglect  of  duty,  were  I  not  to  represent  his  jreal, 


.87.] 


LETTERS. 


177 


flily,  and  courage,  which  shine  conspicuous  on  every  ceca- 
ls i»hich  offers.      Inclosed,  I  send  you  a  list  of  killed  and 
1,  and  also  of  the  Vessels  tokenj  and  have  the  honour 
Sir, 

With  great  respect, 

Your  most  obedient  sei-vant 

Horatio  Nelson. 

,List  of  Killed  and  Wounded  in  His  Majesty's  Squadron 
the  command  of  Commodore  Horatio  Nelson,  on  the 
1  of  May,  1796. 

Agamemnon — one  killed  ;  two  woundeil. 
Blanche — one  wounded. 

Horatio  Nelson. 

A  List  of  Vessels  of  War  and  Transports,  Liken  by  the 
I'Squadron  under  the  Command  of  Commodore  Horatio  Nelson, 
[«oihe3hiof  May,  1796. 

Vessels  of  War. 

Le  Genie  (Ketch),  three  eighteen-jjounders,  four  swivels, 
(indsixt}'  men. 

Lc  Xumero  Douze  (Gun-boat),  one  eighteen-pounder,  four 
rirels,  and  thirty  men. 

Transports. 

I^  Bonne  Mere,  two  hundred  and  fifty  tons,  Brig-rigged, 
tn  with  brass  twenty-four  poimdcrs,  tliirteen-lnch  mortars, 
gun  carriages. 

ije  de  Consolation,  one  hundred  and  twenty  tons, 
,fd,  laden  with   brass  guns,   mortars,    shells,   and 
carriages. 

hi  Scan  Biipliste,  one  liundred  tons,  Ketch-rigged,  ladtn 
riili  braudy,  and  a  small  quantity  of  bread. 
N'lrae  unknown,  one  hundred  tons,   Ketcli-rigged,  laden 

Austrian  prisoners. 
Sl  Anne  de  Paix,  seventy  tons,  Ketch-rigged,  hidcn  with 
tH»rrows  and  intrenching  tools,  destroyed. 

Horatio  Nelson. 


«t.n7.3 


LETTERS. 


This    Account  to   May  llth,  1796,  three  years  from  my 
aoiling  from  Spithend. 

Horatio  Nelson. 


ibs  iUt 


Le  Gouie  . 


■  MAre.  I 
rdi«  -  r 
.  Bapli«la  1 
>  de  Puis  / 


M  Tom   drii 
L'Amtm      .    i  -St.  oiov 
St.  Anne 


l.'iO  on    n 


TO  ADMIRAL  SIR  JOHN  JERVIS,  K3. 

[From  Clwke  nod  M'ArUinr,  toI.  j.  p.  280.] 

Off  Kice.  June  •2na,  17fl0. 
I  have  sent  the  Diadem,  with  all  ihe  prizes,  except  the 
armed  Ketch,  first  to  San  Fiorenzo,  where  the  Brig,  and,  if  M 
not  too  leaky,  the  Ketch,  laden  with  ordnance  stores,  are  to  be  ^ 
left;  and  I  have  written  to  the  Viceroy,  that  if  he  wants  any  of 
them  for  tlie  Island,  I  will  direct  them  to  be  landed.  The 
mortars  are  wonderfully  fine,  thirteen  and  a  half  inch  t  but  the 
number  of  either  cannon  or  mortars  we  know  not.  The  Vessel 
vrith  brandy,  and  the  Gun-boat,  if  not  wanted  in  Corsica,  I 
have  desired  Captain  Towry  to  carry  to  Leghorn.  I  have  kept 
the  Ketch  with  me,  and  put  a  Mate  and  a  few  men  into  her, 
and  occasionally  shall  sentl  her  in -shore,  where  she  mav  be  of 
great  use;  she  sails  and  rows  exceedingly  well,  had  been  just 
here  down,  and  completely  refitted.  By  papers  found,  sixteen 
sail  of  Transports  are  destined  for  Vado,  with  ordnance  stores 
tor  ihe  siege,  and  cannoniers.  I  wish  we  may  get  any,  but  the 
chance  is  much  against  us :  I  can  only  promise,  that  1  will  not 
miss  an  opportunit}'.  I  have  an  account  of  the  exact  force  of 
ihc  Enemy  on  the  6th  of  February,  which  was  sent  to  General 
Buonaparte:  it  consists,  including  the  garrison  of  Toulon  and 
ihe  whole  Coast,  of  65,000  men.  The  Army,  when  Buonaparte 
took  the  command,  was  eftective  30,875.  Probably  many  of 
l!ie  65,000  are  gone  forward ;  but  still,  on  the  whole,  the  force 
U  not  so  great  ns  I  believed.  I  have  got  the  charts  of  Italy 
sent  by  the  Directory  to  Buonaparte,  also  Maillebois'  Wars  in 
Italy,  Vauban's  Attack  and  Defence  of  Places,  and  Prince 

n2 


I 


180 


LETTERS. 


[1796. 


Eugene'ii  History ;  all  sent  for  the  General.  If  Buonaparte 
is  ignorant,  the  Directory,  it  would  appear,  wish  to  instruct 
him  :  pray  Gotl  he  may  remain  ignorant. 

In  niy  public  letter  it  was  impossible  to  enumerate  every 
individual;  but  next  to  Captain  Cockbum  stands  Captain 
Stunrt*  of  the  Peterel :  Spicer*  commanded  the  Boats  which 
first  boarded  the  Ketch,  under  the  heavy  fire,  and  had  a  little 
skirmish  when  on  board,  and  to  him  the  Commander  sur- 
rendered. T  „,„    O  „ 

1  am,  6ic. 

Horatio  Nelson. 


TO  ADMIRAL  SIR  JOHN  JERVIS,  K.B. 

[From  C|«ri(«  uul  M'Arthur,  vol.  i.  p.  2M7.] 

June  3i-J.  ITDR. 

I  feel  obligations  to  you  on  every  occasion,  since  I  have  had 
the  pleasure  of  serving  uiiiler  your  command ;  and  I  endeavour, 
by  an  assiduous  attention  to  my  duty,  to  merit  the  continuance 
of  your  good  opinion.  I  sliull  not  go  to  Pisa  at  present,  we 
may  be  useful  here ;  anil,  to  say  the  truth,  when  I  am  actively 
employed,  I  am  not  so  bad.  My  complaint  is  as  if  a  girth  were 
buckled  taut  over  my  breast,  :md  my  endeavour,  in  the  night, 
is  to  get  it  loose.  If  the  service  will  admit  of  it,  I  shall,  perhaps, 
at  n  future  day  take  your  leave.  I  wish,  Sir,  that  Captain 
Cockburn  had  tlie  ^Itnervc;'  he  is  worthy  of  her,  or  a  better 
Ship.  My  poor  Soldier-officer  (Lieutenant  Pierson)  wishes 
much  to  go  with  me  ;  if  it  be  possible,  pray  indulge  us. 

I  am,  Sec. 

Horatio  Nelson, 


*  Captain  Ctaul«s  Smut:  he  wis  Poctcd  iu  170(S. 

*  Lieutenant  Spicrr,  Second  Lieut«nmut  of  tL«  Agumemnon  :  be  became  a  PoM 
Ci^Uiin  in  180-^. 

*  On  ihe  l»t  of  July,  Sir  .lobn  Jervis  wrote  to  Contmodore  Nebou: — '■  1  belicit 
Cnptuin  Iloibun  wiU  decline  La  Minene,  nnd  Captain  Cockbuni  sball,  in  tbal  cm*, 
bave  ber:  Sbe  carries  the  new  builder  to  AJMcio,  wbo  Lai«  promisied  me  to  Ht  ber 
well."  Tbe  Admiral  wWed  —  "Wliile  ibe  Frencb  exercise  Uie  GuTenimi<ot  of 
I^ghom,  it  i»  II  joke  l<i  mippntiv  ii  n  Tuscan  Port,  and  you  will  of  coiirHe  net  acrord- 
jn<(ly.  J  beariily  wIhIi  yon  beiatli,  inurease  of  boiioiir.  ice." — Tiirlcrr'a  Memoir  iff 
£,irl  at.  Vliuiiil,  vol.  j.  p,  1H7. 


TO  THOMAS  POLLARD,  ESQ.,  LEGHORN. 

[Attlogi«pb,  m  iLo  poBseMipn  of  Jolin  Liuford,  Enii.] 

St.  Fiorenzo,  June  4lb,  1700. 

Dear  Pollard, 
Pray  send  Hoste'  by  the  Tartar  or  Dia*lem,  tl»e  first  Ship, 
or  he  may  possibly  lose  his  passage  to  England.     I  shall  write 
you  fully  when  it  h  settled,  whether  Agauierauon  goes  or  not. 

Yours  truly, 

HouATio  Nelson. 


ii^n 
^^d 

rrh 


TO  ADMIRAL  SIR  JOHN  .TERVIS,  K.B. 
[From  Clukc  luid  M'ArtUar,  vol.  i.  p.  287.] 

FiorrnzQ,  June  4ili,  1700. 
I  feel  highly  flattered  by  your  desire  to  liave  me  continue  to 
r\'e  under  your  comman<l,  which  I  own  would  afford  me 
infinite  satisfaction ;  and  I  therefore  beg  leave  to  propose  some 
measures  that  may  still  give  nie  that  pleasure. 

The  first  is,  although  the  Agamemnon  can  certainly  remain 
in  this  Country  for  the  next  three  months,  she  must  be  in 
England  before  the  winter.  Another  is,  that  if  n  Sixty-four  is 
dered  to  go,  although  Diadem  is  certainly  in  better  plight 
an  Agamemnon,  yet  in  point  of  sailing  she  is  much  inferior. 
e  third  is,  if  you  really  think  that  the  Admiralty  will  order 
my  Flag  to  be  hoisted  in  tliis  country,  that  you  would  direct  me 
to  hoist  my  Pendant  on  board  any  Ship  you  judge  proper. 
You  will  easily  perceive,  tliat  my  wishes  to  stay  are  sin- 
cere; were  they  not,  after  your  kindness  to  nie,  I  should  be 
ungrateful.  ,,„,ie  mh. 

I  am  not,  dear  Sir,  less  anxious  than  yesterday,  for  having 
slept  since  my  l.-vst  letter :  indeed,  I  cannot  bear  the  thougliis 
of  leaving  your  command.  You  have  placed  an  unbounded 
nfidence  in  me,  and,  1  own,  I  feel  that  no  exertion  of  mine 
been  wanting  for  a  moment,  to  merit  so  great  an  honour. 

I  aiUf  &c. 

Horatio  Nelson. 

Totrag  IXoittf  baving  heen  ntcnrketl  by  fever,  wm  plsved  by  CuptAin  Nel«on 
tlie  c«n  of  Mr.  iind  Mr?.  Pullanl,  for  wLoso  kiudliCMs  Le  cxpwsHrd  »  <lw"ii 
'imsv  of  ffnUitinU!  ill  a  letter  lo  liis  fitbcr,  datrti   Leghorn,  Jib  Jrnic,  I7yfl. — Me- 
nvtrt  rj/"  Ciiptiiui  &'ir  WiUinin  IJuttr,  vol.  i,  p.  C><J. 


182 


[1796. 


LETTEB& 


TO  ADillRAL  SIU  JOHN  JERVIS,  K.U. 

[From  CUrfce  and  M'Arthnr.  toJ.  i.  p.  ^0.] 

aiL  Jane,  ITlMS. 

Two  days  after  we  took  the  Vessel  with  Austrian  troops  on 
board,  who  had  been  made  prisoners  by  tlie  French,  a  Boat 
came  off  to  Captain  Cockburn,  with  a  Genoese  Master  and 
the  crew  of  the  Vessel,  and  papers,  to  say,  they  were  chartered 
by  the  Spanish  Consul  at  Savona,  to  carry  these  troops  to 
Biircelona  for  the  Swiss  regiment.  I  have  examined  some  of 
the  Austrians,  who  assert,  that  they  were  marched  by  a  guard 
to  the  Vessel,  and,  when  on  board,  a  person  gave  them  thirty 
sous  each,  and  told  them  tliey  were  going  to  Spain,  where 
they  would  find  many  of  their  comrades.  The  men  declared 
it  was  against  their  inclination,  and  that  tlicy  wished  to  return 
to  their  own  service,  or  to  serve  with  the  English  until  there 
was  an  opportunity.  Knowing,  as  I  do,  that  the  French  abso* 
lutcly  sell  them  to  the  Spaniards,"  I  have  no  scruple  m  keeping 
them,  to  be  sent  back  to  tljcir  own  sovereign  ;  and,  if  you,  Sir, 
approve,  I  will  discharge  the  Genoese  vessel,  and  put  the  men, 
with  Admiral  Liiizee's  permission,  into  the  Mignonne.  They 
want  a  change  of  apparel,  and  a  bed  each,  which,  if  we  get 
no  work  for,  the  German  Government  ought  to  provide:  tliey 
are  as  fine  healthy- looking  men  as  I  ever  saw,  the  oldest  of 
one  hundred  and  fifty-two  is  thirty-four  yeare  of  age.  Until 
we  have  mi  opportunity  of  sending  them  to  General  Beaulieu, 
I  think  they   would  add   to  i!ie  strengtli  of  our  Ships,  fi>-e 

'  Sir  Jolm  3>r\if.  tlnis  indiguiuitly  iJliidcd  lo  iIipac  disgrocefal  pro«e«diugs  ta  • 
Letter  to  Mr.  Jwksoii,  S«cret«ry  of  Legntiou  nt  Turin,  dated  Victonr,  off  TottloB. 
loth  Aiignrt,  171)0:— 

"  From  A  Swiss  dealer  in  human  flesh,  the  denuuid  made  iipou  me  to  delivar  up 
152  Auistriau  gr»>nftdieni,  serving  on  board  his  Mi^je.xly'n  Fleet  under  my  rommand,  i* 
natural  enough  ;  but  that  a  Spaniard,  who  is  a  noldc  creattur.  should  join  in  encb  a 
demand,  I  must  confess  astonishes  me ;  and  I  ran  only  necoiint  for  it  by  Uie  Cbevaliw 
Camuo  being  ignorant  tliot  the  persons  in  question  were  prisoners  of  war  in  the 
last  affair  with  Ueneml  Deaulieu,  and  ore  not  deRert«rs,  nnd  they  were  most  basely 
sold  by  the  French  Commisswics  iu  the  Western  Riviera  of  Genoa,  to  die  vile 
crimps  who  recruit  for  ihe  Foreign  reginii'ijlH  in  (he  ser\ii'e  of  Spain.  It  is  Ligh  ' 
time  a  atop  f.hotiId  l>e  |>ut  lo  i\m  akouiinabli'  irnSic,  a  million  times  more  diagraetM 
tiuw  iIm  AfHcAU  tlave  trade ;  and  1  trust  the  mrong  romon*trancc5  about  to  be  made 
by  the  Conrt  of  Virnuo  lo  Uie  Court  of  Madrid  will  produce  iLe  desirwl  effect."— 
Tucker'i  Memoir*  "'  ^"^  8t.  ?1ncenl,  vol.  i.  p.  SJOl. 


LETTE 


Ships,  thirty  each  r  this  is  submitted  with  deference  to  your 
l>ettei' judgment.  As  the  Speedy  is  come  in  with  one  of  our 
prizes,  I  lake  the  liberty  of  sending  her  to  receive  your  final 
directions.  I  have  written  so  fulJy  by  the  Egmont,  which  I 
hope  will  be  with  you  to-morrow,  that  I  shall  not  venture  to 
orge  my  request — viz.,  that  you  would  contrive  that  I  may  still 
serre  with  you.  I  may  have  been  impertinent  in  suggesting 
so  many  ways,  by  which  I  might  still  remain  ;  but  do  not,  Sir, 
imagine  that  I  meant  anything  by  my  propositions,  than  what 
an  anxious  disposition  pointed  out. 

tl  am,  &<:. 
Horatio  Nelson. 
lai 
1  in 
rgo 


TO  THE  RIGHT  HON.  SIR  GILBERT  ELLIOT. 


[Autograph,  in  tho  Minto  P«p«n.] 
Dear  Sir,  June  0th.  J70fl. 

I  am  sorry  to  say  one  of  our  Ordnance  vessels  foundered  at 
in  the  late  western  gale.  Mr.  Pollard  will  not  sell  the 
irgo  of  the  Brig  till  he  knows  what  part  your  Excellency 
may  please  to  order,  I  have  j  ust  heard  from  Sir  John  Jervis, 
who  is  in  great  spirits :  eleven  Sail  of  the  Line  in  the  outer 
Road,"  with  eight  Frigates,  one  other  of  the  Line  nearly  ready, 
five  in  the  Arsenal,  fitting.  The  Admiral  hopes  for  a  glorious 
Naval  campaign  (his  own  words) — that  is,  hoping  they  will 
come  out.  1  am  ordered  to  hoist  my  Pendant  in  the  Captain, 
r4.     Believe  roe  ever, 

Your  Excellency's  most  faithful, 

To  his  ExetiltDcy  the  Vioe-fioy.  Ho  RATIO  NeLSON. 


TO  THE  RIGHT  HON.  SIR  GILBERT  ELLIOT. 
[Aatogrnpb,  iu  the  Mlnto  P*perf>.] 
Sify  Agomenuiou,  lOtb  Jime,  1796,  San  Fioreuzo. 

Having  here  forty  French  prisoners  on  board  the  Diadem, 
one  of  my  Squadron,  I  have  to  request  your  Excellency  will 
>Ieased  to  direct  that  they  shall  be  received  on  shore. 
I  have  the  honour  to  remain,  &c. 
ExeeUeucj  Ui«  Vice-fioj.  HORATIO    NeLSOW. 

♦  of  Toulon. 


^^■^■ri^.. 


J 


184 


LETTERS. 


TO  THE  RIGHT  HON.  SIR  CaBERT  ELUOT. 


[17J>6 


[AotogTApti,  iu  the  Hioio  Papers.  About  the  Iltli  of  June,  ITUG,  Conuaodorc 
Nelson  left  iLc  Agatncmnon,  and  hoisted  his  DUtingnishing  Pendant  in  the  CA|>ttta, 
of  "4  gtins.] 

Captain,  Juno  13tli,  I70C. 

Dear  Sir, 
I  was  honoured  with  your  Excellency's  letter  this  moniiog. 
By  letters  yesterday  from  the  Admiral,  he  has  directed  rae  to 
carry  ail  the  Austrian  soldiers  to  him.    I  ever  feel  proud  of 
your   Excellency's   good  opinion,  which    on   every  occasion 
which  may  offer  in  future  I  sliall  endeavour  to  merit.    With 
every  kind  wish  for  your  health  and  happiness,  believe  me. 
Your  Excellency's  most  faithful 
and  obedient  Servant, 

Horatio  Nelson. 

To  Ids  Excellency  the  Vice-Boy. 


TO  MRS.  NELSON. 

[From  Clarke  tind  M'Arthiir.  vol.  i.  p.  aftO.] 

Captain,  »l  Sea,  Idtk  June,  1790. 

You  will  see,  my  dear  Fanny,  by  the  date  of  this  letter,  that 
I  have  at  last  left  poor  old  Agamemnon.  Whether  it  is  right 
or  wrong,  lime  must  determine,  I  have  remained  in  a  state 
of  unceitrtinty  for  a  week;  and  had  the  Corn-ships,  which  < 
Were  momentarily  expected  from  Naples,  arrived,  I  should  have 
sailed  for  England.  The  Admiral  has  on  every  occasion  be- 
haved with  the  greatest  attention  to  me ;  and  if  I  am  to  serve, 
it  is  better  I  shoulil  serve  in  this  Country,  where  I  am  known 
and  respected,  than  to  take  my  chance  of  being  sent  Home, 
and  ordered  to  another  station.  All  Agamemnon's  Officers  are 
changed,'  except  Suckling,  and  the  Master,  who  has  a  wife  and 
large  family.  Suckling  wishes,  as  his  elder  brother  is  dead,  to 
return  :  I  do  not  believe  any  one  person  in  the  world  has  a 
better  heart  than  he  has,  or  who  would  do  more  real  good,  if 
Providence  ordaitis  that  he  should  be  master  of  the  Woolon 

'  The  following  Officers  feervcd  with  Captain  Nelson  iu  the  Captitiu,  ttom  June 
lllh,  1700; — Licatcnant« — Richard  Dnlton,  Peler  Spicer,  Jamc!*  Summon,  Jame* 
Noble,  Henry  Corapton,  and  Edward  Berry.  Surgeon — Thomas  £«li«lby.  Mutn 
—Philip  Thorn'-  >■<  and  M'Arihvr. 


LETTERS. 

estate.    I  have  sent  my  small  present  I'ur  you  by  hlin,  mm!  also 
something  for  my  fallier.    What  is  become  of  George  Tobin  ?* 
lie  15  a  fiue  young  man :  it  is  n  pity  he  has  not  got  more 
rward. 

June  lOlh,  1700. 

I  have  just  left  Sir  John  Jervis  :  the  French  are  fitting,  and, 
if  Kichery  joins  from  Cadiz,  they  may  come  oui :  but  we  shall 
ertainly  beat  them,  if  it  pleases  God  to  give  us  the  opportu- 
tty.     Indeed,  the  French  say,  they  are  Masters  on  shore,  and 
e  English  at  sea.     The  Pope  hixs  paid  largely  to  save  Rome  : 
Uiples,  I  suppose,   must  pay  also.     Both  the  Emperor,  and 
pain  are  trying  which  shall  succeed  with  Naples — one  for 
war,  the  other  for   peace.      The  Emperor  must  either  di- 
rectly have  100,000  men   in  Italy,  or  makepeace;  how   that 
will  afiect  England,  I  know  not.     If  we  can  make  a  good 
peace,  I  wish  for  it,  but  hope  wc  shall  not  be  so  pusillanimous 
as  to  give  up  all  our  conquests. 

t  Yours,  8cc. 

IIouATio  Nelson. 
TOW 
Myi 
For  th 


TO  WtLLIAJM  LOCKER,  ESQ.,  LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR, 
GREENWICH  liOSPITAL. 

[Aatogrkpb,  in  liic  LocJtvr  Fipere,] 

CKptain,  Kt  Be«,  Jtioe  2ni|i,  ITflO. 


My  dear  Friend, 

For  this  last  fortniglit  my  destination   has  been  so  often 

changed,  that  I  have  been  very  uncertain  whether  I  was  to  go 

home  or  stay.     The    Egniont,   Captain  Siition,*  wns  under 

r orders  for  England  with  Admiral  Linuee's  flag  on  board,^  and 
had  carried  die  Cotivoy  from  Leghorn  to  Corsica.  At  this 
time,  orders  came  out  for  a  second-rate  and  the  worst  Ship  of 
the  Line  to  go  home  with  the  Convoy  :  there  could  be  no 
doubt  but  Agamemnon  must  be  tlie  Ship.  Sir  John,  knowing 
Sutton's  anxiety  to  get  home  and  the  interest  which  had  been 
made  for  that  purpose,  ordcied  nie  to  St.  Fiorenzo  to  take 


*  Qwry  Omirge  Tobin,  wbo  was  niiulc  n  I'nst  Cnptoiu  iu  April,  ISCKi. 

*  AfterwvdK  AduirHJ  Six  Johu  Sutton,  K.C.B. 

^icc-Admir&l  Bobert  Liiuev  -  Lv  died  ru  Admiral  of  tlio  Blu?  in  September, 


1B6 


LETTERS. 


[1796. 


Egmont,  and  Sullon  to  take  my  Sl>ip,  when,  lo  my  great  nsto* 
nishment,  Siittou  declined  going  home  unless  his  Ship  went,— 
the  l)cst  conditioned  and  best  manned  of  all  who  came  first  out 
of  England.     For  more  than  a  week  Agamemnon  stood  for 
England,  and  had  the  Corn-ships,  which  were  momentarily 
expected,  arrived,  I  must  have  gone.     However,  when  it  was 
known  in  the  Fleet,  many  wished  to  go,  and  the  Captain 
of  this  Ship  had  the  preference,*  he  being  in  a  very  bad  state 
of  health.    If  I  hoist  my  Flag  here,  the  Goliali,  I  fancy,  will 
be  my  Ship:  she  is  new  coppered,  but,  I  fear,  wretchedly 
manned  and  worse  ordered.     However,    the  latter   I  don't 
mind,  if  I  have  butgood  stuff  to  work  upon.  I  bavesent  by  Lieu- 
tenant Suckling,  of  Agamemnon,  the  quarter  cask  of  Sherry. 
Pray  write  him  a  line  what  he  is  to  do  with  it:  he  intends  at  pre* 
sent  to  ask  Mr.  Delafons,  who  he  knows  is  your  acquaintance.   I 
left  Sir  John  yesterday,  off  Toulon,  in  good  health  and  spirits:  he 
most  particularly  desired  me  to  make  his  kindest  remembrances 
lo  you,  and  to  say  that  he  would  write,  but  that  I  must  say  the 
truth,  he  had  not  a  moment  from  writing.    This  Station  is  par- 
ticular for  correspondence,  for  our  Ministers  at  all  the  Italian 
Courts  are  ever  writing.     Should  the  French  come  out,  I  am 
satisfied  we  should  give  u  very  good  account  of  them.     As  to 
the  news  of  the  Armies,  the  French  so  far  outnumber  General 
Beaulieu,  that  he  has  been  obliged  to  retreat  into  die  Tyrol, 
Mantua  is  besieged,  but  wc  hope  it  will  hold  out  a  very  long 
time.     With  kindest  remembrances   to   every   part  of  your 
family,  believe  me  ever, 

Your  most  faithful, 

Horatio  Nelson. 


TO  THE  REVEREND  MR.  NELSON,  HILBOROUGH. 

[AutogTKpb,  in  die  Nelson  Papers.] 

Captuu,  Ki  Sea,  Jane  20tb,  1790. 
My  dear  Brother, 
Whilst  you  were  absent  on  ytuir  tour,  you  had  amusement 
in  plenty,  without  my  writing ;  but  long  before  this,  I  suppose 
you  are  arrived  at  Hilborougb  to  attend  hay-harvest.     1  have 


'  Cftptaio  J.  s.  Smith. 


187 

very  near  sailing;  for  Englmui.  Captain  Sutton,  of  the 
lont,  wishing  to  go  home,  tlic  Admirul  sciit  commi&sions 
to  exchange  Ships,  takin^r  for  granted  it  was,  of  all  tilings, 
what  Captain  Sutton  wished ;  but  he  declined,  unless  his  own 
Ship  went  home.  Till  the  present  aiTangement  took  place,  I 
Btood  for  England,  and,  had  the  Corn-.ships  arrived  at  St. 
Fiorenzo,  from  Naples,  I  must  have  sailed.  The  Admiral 
thinks  I  shall  be  ordered  to  hoist  my  Flag  here,  and  wishes  to 
keep  me.  If  tlie  Admiralty  do  order  my  Flag  out,  it  is  well 
done ;  if  not,  it  is  ill  done,  for  it  will  be  near  £500  out  of  my 
pocket. 

I  left  the  Fleet  yesterday,  off  Toulon,  twelve  Sail  of 
the  Line.  The  Enemy  have  eleven  ready,  and  five  or  six 
fitting.  I  think  it  possible  we  shall  get  another  battle  with 
them ;  if  so,  I  have  little  doubt  of  its  being  more  successful 
than  the  others.  Reports  here  are  full  of  a  Spanish  war.  If 
tlial  should  be  the  cose,  we  shall  probably  draw  towards 
Gibraltar,  and  receive  large  reinforcements.  Our  Corsican 
brethren  have  (at  least,  a  great  part  of  them)  behaved  so  ill, 
at  I  hope  our  Ministry  will  have  no  scruple  in  leaving  them 
ost  perfectly  free  and  independent.  The  French  have  still  a 
e  Republican  party  in  the  Island,  which  take  every  op- 
|)ortunity  of  making  disturbances.  As  to  the  progress  of  the 
French  in  Italy,  it  has  astonished  me,  not  from  the  extra- 
linary  valour  and  gooil  conduct  of  the  French,  but  from  the 
ibecility  and  fear  of  the  Italian  States.  Poor  General 
Beaulieu  has  never  been  reinforced,  and  is  retreated  into 
e  Tyrol,  with  14,000  men,  the  remains  of  his  Army.  Mantua 
now  besieging,  but  I  dare  say  it  will  moke  a  vigorous  defence. 
The  French  have  levied  vast  riches  in  Italy,  and  tlie  Church 
to  pay  dearly  for  his  peace,  even  if  tliey  are  so  kind  as  to 
rant  him  one.  Naples  must  do  the  same.  I  suppose  Eng* 
land  will  be  the  last  to  make  peace ;  and  whilst  she  trusts  to 
Wooden  Walls,  she  [will]  be  more  successful  than  any 
cr  Power.  This  has  ever  been  proved,  yet  we  continue 
blindly  to  be  attached  to  an  Arniy. 

If  my  I'lag  comes  out,  I  shall  most  pi'f»b;\bly  hoist  it  in  the 

GoHah,  as  she  is  new  coppered.     In  oilier  respects,  she  is  not 

desirable  as  this  .Ship,  fur  I  hear  she  is  wretchedly  manned, 

id  worse  disciplined.     The  latter  I  don't  mind,  if  1  have  but 


T 

he 

^er 


i 


] 


188 


LETTERS. 


[1796. 


ihe  stuff  to  work  upon.   I  have  selected  a  Captain  Miller*  lo  be 
my  Captain,  about  thirty-five  years  of  age:  in  ray  opinion  a 
most  exceeding  good  Officer  and  worthy  man.     If  we  have  a 
Spanish  war,  I  shall  yet  hope  to  make  something  tliis  war.  At 
present,  I  believe  I  am  worse  that  when  I  set  out — I  mean  iti 
point  of  riches,  for  if  credit  and  hotiour  in  the  service  arc 
desirable,  I  have  my  full  share.     Opportunities  have  been  fre- 
quently offered  me,  and  I  have  never  lost  one  of  distinguishing 
myself,  not  only  as  a  gallant  man,  but  as  having  a  head;  for, 
of  the  numerous  plans  I  have  laid,  not  one  has  failed,  nor  of 
opinions  given,  has  one  been  in  the  event  wrong.     It  is  lliis 
latter  which  lias  perhaps  established  my  character  more  than 
the  others ;  and  I  hope  to  return  in  as  good  health  as  I  set  out 
with.     Indeed,  this  Country  agrees  much  belter  with  my  cou- 
slitution  than  England,  and  I  fear  the  cold  damps  of  England. 

Genoa,  June  ^2imL 
I  can  write  no  more;  therefore  must  conclude  with  most 
kind  remembrances  to  Mrs.  Nelson,  my  Aunt,  &c.,  &c.,  and 
believe  me  your  most  affectionate  Brother, 

Horatio  Nelson. 


TO  THE  FRENCH  MINISTER  AT  GENOA. 

[From  a  Copy  scut  to  Mrs.  Nelson,  on  Uie  2ml  of  August,  17M,  in  k  Letter 
printed  by  Clarke  and  M'.VrtLur,  vol.  i.  p.  304. J 

ISir,  Genoa  Mole,  22tid  June,  1700. 

Generous  Nations  arc  above  rendering  any  other  damage 
to  individuals  than  such  us  the  known  Laws  of  War  prescribe. 
In  a  Vessel  lately  taken  by  my  Squadron  was  found  an  imjie^ 
riale  full  of  clolhes  belonging  to  a  General  Officer  of  Artillery. 
I  therefore  send  you  the  clolhes  as  taken  and  some  papers 
which  may  be  useful  to  the  Officer,  and  have  to  request  you 
will  have  the  goodness  to  forward  them. 

1  am,  &c. 

Horatio  Nelson. 

*  A  slight  notice  of  tki«  very  gallant  Officer,  widi  an  account  of  tlie  singiUar 
Accident  that  depriv<^d  ihc  Coonlrjr  of  Lin  scnrice»,  at  the  earlj  age  of  tlurty-acTcn, 
will  be  found  at  the  end  of  the  Volume,     J'itle  Note  B. 


189 


TO  ADMIRAL  SIR  JOHN  JERVIS,  K.B. 
[From  CItrke  uid  M'ArUmr,  toI.  i.  p.  -291.] 

Genoft  Mole,  'ilM  June,  Kftfl. 
I  Clime  in  here  on  Tuestlay,aiul  shall  get  to  sea  this  day,  when 
I  shall  lose  no  time  in  proceeding  with  tlie  Melcager  to  Leg- 
horn,  the  situation  of  which  is  very  criiicni.     An  additional 
treaty  has  been  made  between  the  King  of  Sardinia  and  tlie 
French  ;  it  was  signed  at  their  heail-quarters  ot  Tortona,  on 
die  17th  of  June.     Oneglia  and  Ix>ano  are  absolutely  to  be 
iven  up  to  the  King  of  Sardinia,  as  are  the  other  fortresses. 
The  King»  by  constant  guards,  is  to  pratect  the  baggage  and 
jres  of  the  French,  who  ap|>ear   to  want  every  man  in  Italy 
id  have  therefore  made  exactly  the  same  terms  with   the 
Genoese,  and   declare    that    they   will   evacuate   the   whole 
Rivicrn.    Report  says,  General  Boaidieu  lias  given  the  French 
check,  and  that  the  peasantry  liave  killed  full  la,000  men ; 
rny  God  it  may  be  true. 

The  complaints  of  the   Genoese  Government  are  so  ridi- 
culous, that  I  hardly  know  what  to  say.     If  we  are  to  allow 
die  free  passage  of  the  Enemy  coastways,  we  are  useless.     The 
best  mode,  in  my  opinion,  is  lu  speak  openly — that  so  long 
tlie    French  are  in  possession  of  batteries  on   the  Coast, 
rWich  fire  on  our  Ships,  so  long  we  shall  consider  it  as  an 
»y's  Coast.     I  have  the  pleasure  to  declare,  our  conduct 
^to  completely  alarmed  the  French,  that  all  their  Coasting 
3e  is  at  an  end  ;  even  the  Corvettes,  Gun-boats,  &.c.  which 
iere  moored  under  the  fortresses  of  V'ado,  have  not  thought 
hemselves   in  security,  but   are  all  gone   into  Savona  Mole, 
and  have  unbent  their  sails. 

I  am,  &c. 

HonATio  Nelson, 


Sir, 


TO  ADMIRAL  SIR  JOHN  JERVIS,  K.R. 

[Orit^iio],  in  llif  Adinimltf.j 

Citpuin,  At  Ren,  Jitue  !Ulli,  170(1. 


Having  yesterday  received  from   Mr.   Branje  three  Notes 
Mn  the  Genoese  Secretary  of  State  to  him,  complaining  of 


370 


LETTERS. 


191 


it  woitld  Imve  been  but  fair  to  conclude  she  vfos  a  Frencli 

Tbe  conduct  as  represented   is  so  scandalous,   that 

\'  Mini  I  f1  no    Kngliiih   ship-of-war  ever  did  act  in  the 

.deforce  resembling  it.     No  time  is  mentioned  for  this 

ring  been  committed,  or  I  would  state  the  exact  situa- 

'every  Ship  in  my  Squadron  on  that  day. 

Note  of  .Tune  11th,  states,  firing  at  a  Genoese  vessel 

the  guns  of  Castle  Franco,  at  Finale,  on  the  7th  of 

and  that  the  same  night  the  Boats  of  the  Ships  boarded 

>k  some  V'essels  out  of  the  Road  of  Finale, and  ill-treated 

BBTiners  and  robbed  the  Vessels  of  money  and  effects.     I 

[relate  a  plain  tale,  and  declare  on  my  honour  to  the  truth 

the  morning  of  May  7th,  I  made  the  signal  for  the 

to  chase  a  Ship  in-shore.     On  her  gettiug  near  the 

b1,  but  at  two  or  three  gun-shots  from  the  shore,  she  fired 

to  bring  her  to,  which  the  Vessel  not  obeying,  two  or 

more  were  fired.     But  the  Vessel  getting  under  die 

I  of  the  fortress  of  Finale,  she  fired  no  more.      On  her 

Kog  towards  Finale,  a  battery  on  the  western  side  of  the 

fired  many  shot  at  the  Peterei,  and  Commotlore  Nelson 

Jm  informed  the  next  day  that  the  battery  which  fired  was  in 

sion  of  die  French,  and  that  the  Governor  of  Finale  had 

to  the  battery  requesting  the   French  not  to  fire,  as  it 

^  might  draw  the  fire  of  the  English  Squadron  on  the  Town, 

but  to  which  the  French  paid  no  regard. 

In  liie  evening  of  the  same  day,  having  chased  some  French 
ITcHels  into  T^ano,  the  batteries  of  La  Pietra  opened  on  us ; 
[  would  not  return  a  shot,  although  I  knew  the  Town  and 
to  be  in  possession  of  the  French,  as  it  might  injure 
[mnoceni  Genoese,  who  could  not,  unless  authorized  by  their 
Government,  prevent  the  French  from  erecting  batteries,  and 
[firing  on  his  Majesty's  Ships.  In  the  night  I  sent  my  Boats  to 
Bg  off  [for]  my  examination,  the  \'essels  in  the  Road  of  Finale, 
[which  ihey  diil  wiiiiout  being  discovered  by  the  batteries;  and 
B«t  morning,  the  8ih,  finding  them  all  Neutrals,  I  liberated 
whole,  four  or  five  in  number.  The  Master  of  the  Felucca 
I  me  that  he  had  lost  a  pair  of  silver  buckles,  and  that  a  keg 
K',  of  ten  guliotis,  had  been  drunk  ;  at  d»e  same  time,  he 
rncd  be  could  not  say  it  was  our  seamen  who  took  his  buckles. 


192 


LETTERS, 


[17M. 


which  he  vaUied  at  forty  livres.  The  keg  of  wine  I  offered  to 
return  to  him,  as  it  had  been  taken  to  refresh  our  people,  but 
this  he  declined.  The  Master  breakfasted  on  board,  and 
carrietl  a  Note  from  me  to  the  Governor  of  Finale;  and  I 
declare,  on  my  honour,  that  I  heard  no  complaint  whatever, 
except  as  above  slated,  and  he  appeared  to  nie  to  leave  the 
Ship  perfectly  contented. 

The  next  Note,  dated  June  Ifith,  and  which  the  Secretary 
declares  shall  be  the  last,  which  I  am  glad  to  hear,  never 
having  in  any  one  case  given  the  least  cause  for  any  complaint 
of  my  conduct.  The  Serene  Government  of  Genoa  may 
know,  on  inquiry,  that  so  far  from  my  conduct  having  been 
oppressive,  it  has  been  constantly  marked  by  a  forbearance 
and  humanity  never  exceedcil. 

I  shnM  relate  (he  plain  matter  of  fact,  and  with  so  great  • 
regard  to  truth,  that  I  freely  wish  ihe  case  to  be  examined, 
and  those  who  have  been  guilty  of  falsehood,  stigmatized  as 
they  deserve.  Nearly  the  whole  facts,  as  stated  by  the  Secre- 
tary, are  false,  as  I  am  ready  to  prove  by  the  declaration  of  die 
French  Commander  of  the  Convoy  taken  by  me  at  L' Arena, 
delivered  by  him  at  Leghorn. 

On  May  3 1st,  between  the  hours  of  two  and  three  in  the 
afternoon,  a  French  vessel  with  her  colours  flying,  then  at 
anchor  under  the  Tower  of  L'Arena,  which  liad  Genoese 
colours  hoisted,  fired  on  his  Majesty's  colours.  I  instantly 
directed  the  Squadron  to  anchor  in  L*Arena,  and  to  take  the 
French  vessels.  In  running  in,  a  gun  went  off  from  the 
Agamemnon,  by  accident,  but  did  not,  I  believe,  go  near  the 
shore — certainly  not  dear  the  Tower.  The  French  vessels  of 
war  and  the  Squndron  exchanged  a  few  guns,  when  our  Boats 
resolutely  boarded  the  Eneniy  and  took  them.  During  this 
contest,  to  my  astonishment,  the  Tower  of  L'Arena  opened  a 
fire  on  his  Majesty's  Ships  having  their  colours  flying,  it  being 
notorious  that  ihe  French  commenced  the  attack ;  and,  there- 
fore, had  ali  the  Coast  been  actually  in  tlie  possession  of  the 
Genoese,  I  had  every  reason  to  expect  an  exact  Neutrality, 
and  not  that  tlie  Genoese  fortress  would  have  assisted  the 
Enemies  of  England  in  their  attack  on  his  Majesty's  Ships, 
which  I  most  solemnly  declare  they  did.     But  such  was  my 


jmanity  and 


•e,  that  so  far  from  returning  the  fire 


T.  37.] 


LETTERS. 


193 


>rtrcss  bearing  the  Genoese  Hag,  and  which  had  killed 
wounded  several  of  his  Majesty's  subjects,  and  fired 
iroagh  the  Agamemnon,  that  I  patiently  received  the  fire, 
kd  sent  a  Boat,  with  an  OflScer  and  a  Flag,  to  ask  the  reason 
'their  firing  on  the  English  colours,  and  that  il'tlie  Governor 
totinued  to  fire,  I  should  most  ceitiiinly  return  it.  The  Go- 
srnor's  answer  to  the  Officer  was,  that  he  thought  we  Lad  fired 
"St,  but  now  he  knew  it  was  the  French,  he  should  fire  no 
ore,  and  hoped  I  would  not  fire  on  the  fortress  or  the  Town, 
luch  I  did  not,  although  a  heavy  fire  of  musketry  continued 
|B  kept  up  on  our  Boats  from  the  houses,  and  which  it  was 
^■r  power  to  have  destroyed  in  ten  minutes. 
H^e  facts,  most  truly  related,  will  shew  wlio  has  real  cause 
complaint.  I  have  confined  myself  to  the  subject  of  com- 
oint  in  the  three  Notes  ;  but  I  can  bring  forward,  for  almost 
ery  day,  complaints  of  a  nearly  similar  conduct,  but  (as  I 
»ow  the  French  are  in  actual  possession  of  the  whole  Coast, 
though  the  Genoese  are  allowed  by  them,  for  convenient 
asons,  I  have  no  doubt,  to  have  certain  fortresses  with  their 
lours  flying  on  them)  it  is  useless  to  mention  them.  The 
trene  Government  will  not,  I  am  sure,  say  they  can  afford 
otection  to  any  English  Ship,  in  any  Bay  or  Port  on  the 
jast,  from  Savona  to  Ventimiglia. 

kl  am,  S(c. 
Horatio  Nelson. 
TO  ADMIRAX  Silt  JOHN  JERHS,  K.B, 
[From  Clurke  «nd  M'Artbur,  toI.  i,  p.  3fll.] 

2aih  June.  1700. 

My  dear  Sir, 
Hpend  you,  a  full  reply  to  the  three  complaints  of  the 
Kiese  Secretary  of  State ;  a  copy  of  which  I  have  also 
idosed  for  Mr.  Drake,  that  lie  may  answer  the  Govern- 
ent  of  Genoa,  if  he  thinks  it  rigfit.  Tlie  Genoese  can  only 
akc  these  complaints  to  please  the  French ;  but  I  cannot 
ink  it  right,  that  we  are  to  be  traduced  to  please  any 
ntioa  on  earth. 


I  am,  &c. 

UoiiATio  Nelson, 


II. 


LETTERS. 


195 


Mr.  Fonnereau  tell  me,  that  except  bad  debts,  aiid  the 

lof  furniture,  nothing  of  any  great  consequence  was  left  in  the 

I  hear  the  Governor  behaved  with  all  the  attention  in 

[power  to  tlie  English,  by  doubling  the  guards  on  the  Mole 

[prevent  them  from  being  molested    in  getting  out  their 

i;  and,  that  when  it  was  represented  to  him  that  200 

and  6ome  bread  were  shipping  for  the  English,  his 

was,  Leghorn  is  a  free  Port,  and  shall  remain  so,  until 

nve  contrary  orders  from  the  Grand  Duke. 

hare  just  detained  a  Fishing-boat  from  tlie  Town:  the 

(entered  at  Porta  Pisa,  and  marched  through  Via  Grande 

[^  Mole  battery.     General  Buonaparte  went  to  the  palace 

(the  Gtand  Duke,  and  thence  made  a  visit  to  the  Governor, 

took  possession  of  the  house  of  the  English  Consul.     A 

jch  sentinel  is  mounted  at  the  gates  with  a  Tuscan.     Ex- 

pi  tlje  French  troops  necessarj'  for  the  batteries,  the  rest  lie 

the  Town,  on  the  glacis ;  for  not  one  has  a  tent.     The 

set  off  directly  for  Florence.     I  have  written  to  say, 

whftteTer  may  be  their  policy,  in  withholding  a  few  vege- 

tandfruit  from  me, yet  that  their  Fishing-boats  might  safely 

I  oat  as  usual ;  for  we  never  wished  to  distress  innocent  inha- 

nis.    I  intend  remaining  here  for  a  day  or  two,  in  order 

I  prevent  any  English  ship  from  entering,  until  the  news  may 

about.     It  is  then   my   intention  to   proceed   to   .St. 

Piorenzo,  to  get  wine,  wood,  &c.,  and  thence  to  go  to  Genoa. 

I  find  my  Ship  well  manned^  although  not  active. 

I  am,  Bcc. 

HoBATio  Nelson. 


TO  THE  RIGHT  HON.  SIR  GILBERT  ELLIOT. 


tr  Sir, 


C^toiu,  Su  Fiomuo,  Jnly  Ist,  170 


Iloiow  you  must  be  anxious  to  hear  what  has  been  passing 
'    1 0,  tliercfore  I  send  you  information  just  as  I  received 
i  form  or  order.     You  may  depend  Buonaparte'  is 
and   1   hope  on  the  account  supix)3etl,  that  General 

•  NdMn  omislly  wroto,  Bmnu  Part*. 
o2 


1»G 


LETTERa 


Beaulieu  is  reinforced.     The  English  are  under  infinite  ( 
tions  to  Spannochi,*  who  is  suffering  for  iu     And  to  Cai 
Fremanile  they  are  ranch  obliged,  for  his  great  exerti 
getting  all  their  shipping  out  of  the  Mole-     I  will  not  sayj 
any  exertions  of  my  own  were  wanting  to  get  to 
sooner,  for  it  was  Thursday  noon  before  we  heard  the  run 
at  Genoa^  and  it  was  the  same  day  they  knew  it  at 
when  an  express  was  sent  to  me.     Calms  prevented  myar 
till  the  Monday  morning  ;  fortunately,  my  assistance  wm  i 
wanting,  and  it  was  to  tliese  (appareudy  to  meunfortufl 
calms  that  so  much  property  was  saved.     So  soon  as  I 
little  provision  and  wood,  which  will  be  two  days,  I  si 
over  to  Genoa,  to  inquire  for  letters  and  to  hear  the  new%] 
pray  keep  this  secret,  or  I  shall  be  tormented  witli  applicati 
ibr  passages,  and  I  have  as  many  on  board  as  is  conveniei 
me.     Whatever  commands  or  letters  you  may  have»  I 
take  great  care  of  them.    From  Genoa,  I  shall  proceetl  dir 
to  the  Fleet,  and  I  sincerely  hope  they  may  be  induced  to< 
out  before  they  know  of  Buonaparte's  retreat ;    for  I  hat 
doubt  but  the  destination  of  the  French  Army  was  Cor 
and  it  is  natural  to  suppose  their  Fleet  was  to  amuse 
whilst  they  cross  from  Leghorn.     Ever  believe  me,  dear 
Your  Excellency's  most  obliged  and  faithful  servant, 

Horatio  Nelsoi 

His  Excellency  tbe  Vice- Roy. 

P.S.  Your  Excellency  may  wish  to  send  the  Vanneai 
Sardine  to  some  place  with  your  dispatches.     I  will  order  l 
to  Bastia  to  receive  your  commands  the  moment  I  receive; 
wishes ;  ihey  are  perfectly  ready  for  sea. 

ArEMORANDA. 

finclosed  in  Uie  preceding  Letter.] 

June  20th. — Sent  and  got  a  small  Fishing-boat  on  board ; 
the  crew  were  much  frightened,  and  said,  if  the  French  knew 

•  OoTemoT  of  LegUorn :  he  was  a  NenpoliKm,  am)  Imd  eosiRumded  tlieOuisCAnii, 
''4.  Biionnptirte'B  com]>luiul  to  tlie  Graiul  Dnke  of  Tiiscanj  ngainal  Spkunocy^ 
dAted  on  ihe  *^9Ui  of  June.  1700,  for  favouring  the  Eiiglinb,  ami  iu  Lis  wliole  condnci 
dbiplnyitig  a  decided  hntred  ivgiinst  the  Prencb,  and  the  Gnmd  Cuke's  itiiviter,  W4 
gireu  in  the  Ainitml  Rtyinter  tor  Hm.  vkm.  A  verj'  curintm  Euj(li»h  Irtlrr  flnoa 
liiiu  to  Captain  Collinforood,  while  CapUia  of  Ihe  Quiseanll.  diiXe<I  l.'itik  Januanri 
1700.  is  printed  in  Ike  Corrr«/wNi^iire  ofZord  Colling tvwJ,  ed,  1837,  vol.  i.  p.  4U. 


87.] 


LETTERS. 


197 


\  came  oti  board  an  English  Ship  they  would  shoot  them. 

ey  said  the  Governor  weul  off  to  Florence  yesterday  nfter- 

n,  and  that,  except  the  cavalry,  the  French  were  laying  ou 

glacis.     I  told  die  man,  Giovanni  Neri,  not  to  be  afraid, 

to  bring  me  information ;  he  had  some  letters,  which  he 

ried  on  shore,  and  several  messaj^es. 

inie  29th.— 'About  ten  o'clock,  Giovanni  Neri,  having  been 

rently  fishing,  came  on  board,  with  an  answer  to  the 

er  sent  yesterday,  and  also  to  the  several  messages  to  dif* 

ent  people  in  the  Town.     He  says  the  Governor  was  sent  oft' 

a  prisoner,  but  for  what  reason  he  does  not  know ;  liis  wife 

id  children  were  sent  oiT  this  morning.     More  than  1000  of 

e  inhabitants  had  quitted  the  place  yesterday,  but  the  French 

wonld  allow  nothing  to  pass  the  gates,  and  that  they  searched 

every  Boat  which  comes  out  of  the  Mole.    The  French  entered 

at   Porta  Pisa,  passed  through  the  great  street  to  the  Mole, 

when  Buonaparte  went  to  the  palace  of  the  Grand  Duke, 

which  was  prepared  for  his  reception,  from  thence  he  went 

with  Mr.  Bellville,   the  Consul,  lo  the   Governor,  and  from 

thence  to   the  English  Consul's,  where  is  the  head  quarters. 

The  Municipality,  liist  evening,  ordered  a  general  iihimination. 

The  French  have  been  proving  the  muskcis,  and  have  taken 

possession  of  one  large  store  belonging  to  the  English.     A 

eat  number  of  troops  arrived  last  evening  and  this  morning  ; 

ley  arc  many  of  them  at  St.  Giacomo ;  the  whole  Coast  on 

both  sides  of  Leghorn  is  full  of  them. 

June  .30ih. — Giovanni  Neri  came  on  board  atdayligbf,  and 
I  Iklacevena  (one  of  the  people  employed  by  Mr.  Udney)  with 
^Km.  I^st  night,  BuoTiapurle  set  oiV  with  nit  the  Cavalry  :  it 
^Has  reported  General  Beanlieu  was  reinforced,  had  marclied 
^Hj^ards  Manteau,  and  that  the  troops  from  that  Town  had 
^^bined  him.  The  troops  which  are  at  Leghorn  and  on  their 
^^arch  was  15,000  men,  all  but  3000  are  retiring  ;  the  first  act 
of  the  French  was  to  sliut  the  gates,  Buonaparte,  on  his 
rival  at  the  Mole  battery,  told  the  Officer  commanding  there 
Ire  on  the  English ;  and,  on  the  Officer  saying  he  had  no 
ers,  he  struck  him  on  the  breast,  and  called  him  a  scoun- 
1.  The  first  order  was,  that  if  any  communication  wiis  held 
the  English  .Shipping  in  the  road,  the  people  concerned 
uld  be  shot ;  the  next  was,  that  every  person  who  had  or 


UK'S 


Ith 


198 


LETTEIUl 


l/M. 


knew  of  aiiy  efiects  belonging  to  die  Englisb^  and  did  uot 
direcUy  reveal  tlie  same,  would  suffer  death.     An  order  was 
given  for  every  house  to  deliver  up  their  arms,  and  afierwartb 
they  were  searched  by  ilie  French  soldiers.     All  spnre  mat- 
tresses were  taken  for  the  French  soldiers,  who  live  in  the  great 
street  and  sleep  there,  and  it  is  ordered  to  be  lighted  every 
night ;  not  a  shop  is  opened,  nor  a  thing  brought  to  markei, 
but  the  French  help  themselves.     Yesterday,  it  was  noticed 
that  workmen  would  be  wanted,  but  tliey  would  be  regularly 
paid.     The  soldiers  are  promised  to  be  new  clothed  at  L^ 
horn.     The  Grand  Duke  gave  a  dinner  to  Buonaparte,  after 
which  he  asked  the  Grand  Duke  to  send  an  Officer  to  shew  him 
the  nearest  way  to  Rome,  and  that  he  was  going  to  join  liis 
Army  at  Ostcria  Biauca.     On  his  arrival  there,  he  told  the 
Officer  he  might  go  back  again,  and  immediately  pushed  on 
with  the  4000  cavalry.     It  is  also  said  tliat  the  Governor  of 
Leghorn  said,'  I  thought  you  came  as  friends,  but  I  find  you  are 
enemies  suid,  as  that  is  the  case,  I  wish  to  go  to  Florence.'    On 
this,  Buonaparte  called  him  u  Neapolitan  scoundrel,  u  macca- 
roni  eater,  &c.  &c.,  and  said,  *  I  will  send  you  to  Florence,' 
which  he  did,  as  a  prisoner. 

Commodore  Nelson  has  given  Giovanni  Neri  a  certificate, 
and  recommends  him  to  the  good  offices  of  the  English. 


TO  TUE  RIGHT  HON.  SIR  GILBERT  ELLIOT, 
[Autograpli,  in  Ike  Hinlo  Papers.] 

C«ptaiii,  8«ii  Fiorenxo,  Jnlj  2ad,  9  tMr,  1799. 

Dear  Sir, 

By  the  arrival  of  the  Inconstant,  I  have  received  directions 
from  the  Admiral  to  blockade  the  Port  of  L^horn,  and  to  be 
aiding  and  assisting  to  your  Excellency  in  preventing  any 
attempts  of  the  French  on  the  Island  of  Corsica,  and  in  such 
other  matters  as  you  may  wish,  and  is  in  my  power. 

You  will  give  me  creilit,  I  am  sure,  for  my  fullest  exertiott 
ill  the  execution  of  this  duty,  and  that  if,  on  every  occasion,  I 
do  not  comply  witli  all  vour  wishes,  that  it  is  the  want  of  Uie 
U)eans,  and  not '      '      '     f  inclination. 

Having  pr  shall  relate  my  present  iuienlions, 


LETTERS. 

riticii  time  and  a  variety  of  circumstances  must  occasionally 
Blanche,  I  hope,  is  at  Lef^horn  ;  Melcuger  Siiils  to- 
>rrow  morning;  at  fartliest,  I  shall  sail  on  Monday  morning, 
id  shall  take  Sardine  with  me.  I  purpose  anchoring  niysdf 
Sardine  in  the  northern  road  of  Leghorn,  and  that  two 
shall  always  cruise  to  the  southward  of  the  Town,  and  to 
>r  all  Vessels  near  inc  till  I  consider  or  receive  further 
BClions  about  them ;  the  very  sight  of  forty  or  fifty  Sail 
ittst  be  mortifying  to  the  French,  and  shew  the  Tuscans  the 
ippy  effects  of  tlieir  rigid  neutrality.  Every  day  I  intend  to 
ive  a  Vessel  passing  between  Bastia  and  Leghorn  to  Genoa, 
will  of  course  direct  the  Vanneau  and  Rose  to  hold  the 
>inmunicatioti  with  me;  and  should  Convoy  be  wanteil  for 
Jiviia  Vecchia,  Gaeta,  or  Naples,  I  shall,  if  possible,  furnish 
ones. 
You  will,  I  am  sure,  see  the  necessity  of  these  Convoys  being 
seldom  as  possible,  by  a  proper  number  of  vessels  being 
>!Iected  before  the  Convoy  is  desired :  this  will  enable  me 
Hter  to  attend  to  all  the  services. 

I  shall  send  to  Genoa  directly  on  my  arrival  otT  Leghorn. 
Believe  me,  dear  Sir, 

Your  Excellency's  most  faithful  and  obedient  Servant, 

Horatio  Nelson. 

To  tlie  ViM-Rojr. 


TO  TlIE  RIGHT  HON.  SIR  GILBERT  ELLIOT. 

[Autogriipb,  iu  tke  Minto  Pitpen.] 

CBpUin,  Sin  Fiorenzo,  Julj  2nd,  17JMJ,  10  a.u. 
HDear  Sir, 
I  have  this  moment  received  your  Excellency's  letter,  and 
have  given  orders  to  the  Sardine  and  Vanneau  to  sail  directly 
Bostiii,  and  having  commLinicated  with  you,  to  proceed,  and 
tch  such  places  as  you  think  most  likely  for  the  embarkar- 
jn  to  take  place,  and  to  pay  the  strictest  attention  to  every 
)uisitiou  and  desire  of  your  Excellency.     The  way  to  Cor- 
n,  if  our  Fleet  is  at  hand,  is  through  Elba  ;  for  if  they  once 
it  foot  on  that  Island,  it  is  not  all  our  Fleet  can  stop  their 
je  to  Corsica.     Pray  Gotl,  General  Bcaulieu  may  draw 


•2()0 


LETTERS. 


Uiem  back  again.  If  we  had  the  troops,  the  possesaon  of 
Porto  Ferrajo  would  be  most  desirable  for  us.  The  raometrt 
J  gel  the  Speedy,  1  will  send  her  on  tlie  same  service  as  ilie 
Sardine  and  V'auncau. 

Believe  me  ever,  yoiir  Excellency's  most  liiithfui, 

Horatio  Nllson. 

liis  Excelleury  tlie  Vioe-Boy. 


TO  ADMIRAL  SIR  JOHN  JERVIS,  K.B. 
[Orisinid,  in  the  Admirnlty.] 


Sir, 


Cnptiu]],  Sm  Fiorenxo.  Jul;  3n^  1*90. 


Yesterday  evening,  by  the  Inconstant,  I  was  honoured  wilii 
your  order  for  the  blockade  of  Leghorn,  and  for  rendering 
every  assistance  to  the  Vice-Roy  for  preventing  the  Enemy 
from  landing  in  the  Island  of  Corsica,  all  whicli  I  shall  attend 
to  in  the  strictest  manner,  having  sent  Meleager  with  tlie 
Convoy,  and  the  Blanche,  I  take  for  granted,  will  lay  off  die 
Port.  I  have  sent  Meleager  with  orders  for  the  blockade,  and 
shall  sail,  if  possible,  to-morrow  myself,  with  the  Sardine. 

I  wish  much  to  have  your  ideas  of  the  blockade,  as  the  one 
we  had  of  Genoa  was  of  Hide  consequence.  The  Vessels  were 
told,  *  you  must  not  enter  Genoa,'  but  the  first  night  or  brisk 
wind  never  failed  to  carry  them  in ;  and  if  we  stopped  them, 
it  only  l>ecame  an  expense,  for  which  Mr.  Udney'  has  not 
been  paid.  M}'  present  intention  is  to  anchor  with  Captain 
and  Sardine  (which  is  not  fit  to  cruise,  for  %vant  of  men)  in 
the  northern  Road,  to  keep  two  Frigates  cruising  to  the  south- 
ward of  the  Town,  and  to  anchor  all  Vessels  bound  to  Leg- 
horn near  me,  or  see  that  they  steer  clear  of  the  Port.  I  an) 
this  day  equipping  llie  French  Gun-boat  No.  12,  which  I  in- 
tend always  to  have  near  me.  She  carries  one  eighteen 
pounder  in  her  bows:  she  will,  of  course,  be  very  useful.  I 
intend  to  have  her  valued  to-morrow  morning.  The  Ketch  of 
tlu'ee  eighteen  pounders   I  have  not  lately  heard  of,  but  I 

fc  not  much  fonr  tor  her  safety.     She  shall  be  valued  when 


lisU  Consul  at  Lcghoni. 


gel  licr.  I  nicnn,  not  only  to  prevent  ah  Vessels  trom  enter- 
ng,  but  niso  from  sailing,  giving  them  notice  that  they  shall 
Ootsail  without  coming  on  board  rue  for  permission  and  ex- 
iininntion.  This  will  lower  the  French^  and  raise  us  in  the 
minion  of  the  LiCghornese. 

I  shall  keep  n  constant  couimuiiication  witii  Genoa,  and 
ill  write  Mr-  Brame  to  notify  to  the  Serene  Government 
nd  to  all  the  Consuls  that  Leghorn  is  blockaded,  and  that 
Vesseb  attempting  to  enter  will  be  fired  on.  I  have 
ritten  the  Vice-Roy,  and  send  you  a  copy  of  my  letter.  Be- 
sre.  Sir,  nothing  shall  be  wanting  on  my  part  to  do  every- 
ling  possible  to  distress  the  French.  The  possession  of  Porto 
Perrajo  may  be  desirable  for  us,  but  I  trust  General  Beau- 
will  yet  give  a  good  account  of  these  marauders. 
This  moment  I  have  received  your  letters  by  the  Sincere 
:ting  bullocks.  Mr.  Heally,'  also,  has  just  been  with 
He  has  had  a  conversation  with  ilie  Vice-Roy  about 
;  and  the  issue  is,  that  Mr.  Littledale  is  going  in  the 
Mncere  to  look  out  on  the  coast  of  Rome  and  Naples,  and 
iving  found  them,  Transports  are  then  to  be  sent.  The 
^ice-Roy  has  not  written  to  me  on  the  subject  of  the  Packets 
jr  Barcelona ;  but  I  most  perfectly  agree  witli  you  that  four 
are  better  than  two,  but  the  impression  of  a  very  close  blockade 
of  Leghorn  for  a  fortnight,  may  have  the  happy  effect  of 
>using  the  inhabitants.  I  shall  not  fail  to  sow  as  much  in- 
jterticy  against  the  French  as  is  possible.  From  Turin  is 
lonly  place  we  can  expect  news  of  either  Army,  England,  or 
rrance.  Therefore,  I  must  keep  something  of  force  evei'y 
reek  to  go  to  Genoa,  and  I  shall  not  fail  to  communicate 
rerything  to  you.  In  point  of  force  I  want  but  little,  but  in 
>ini  of  numbers,  3'ou  will  see,  more  than  probably  can  be 
;d  from  other  services.  The  uoriltern  piissage  and  the 
)Uthern  must  be  guarded,  and  the  more  I  can  anchor  in 
ight  of  the  place,  the  more  effect  it  will  have,  for  if  we  send 
lenj  directly  away,  the  loss  of  trade  will  not  be  so  conspicuous 
the  lower  class,  and  it  is  from  them  I  hope  an  insurrection. 
Lord  Garlics,'  by  the  suggestion  of  the  Vice-Roy,  stopped 

•  Agput  VjfltnuJIer  to  (he  Nary. 

*  Caftan  of  ^>«  lively  frigaU;.     He  <<niece<leii  u  6Ut  Eori  of  Gallovky  in  IbOO, 
,  died  on  AilminI  of  the  Blae  uid  K.T.  in  IbS-L 


202 


LETTERS. 


[1796. 


the  Southampton's  departure  for  Gibniltar.  I  most  perfectly 
agree  in  the  propriety  uf  the  measure,  for  sevenil  Ships  will 
want  convoy  to  Gibraltar,  and  numbers  of  French  emigroote 
passages  in  the  Transports;  therefore,  Captain  Macnaraara' 
waits  your  further  orders.  An  application  will  also}  I  Lear, 
be  sent  you  for  a  Convoy  to  Naples.  The  Ships  are  not  quite 
ready,  and  I  wish  that  all  vessels  bound  that  way  may  take 
the  same  Convoy. 

I  sent  you  a  daily  report  from  Leghorn,  by  the  Comet.  It 
is  natural  to  suppose  that  if  any  one  man  comes  off  expressly 
to  give  us  information,  he  will  expect  to  be  paid.  I  paid  him 
for  the  day  he  came  to  me.  I  pray  God  for  good  news  from 
Beaulicu,  then  all  will  be  well. 

I  have  only  to  liope,  that  when  it  is  reduced  almost  to  a 
certainty  that  Mr.  Martin*  means  to  give  you  a  meeting,  that 
I  may  be  called  lo  assist  at  the  ceremony.  Ever  believe  me. 
Sir,  with  the  greatest  respect, 

Your  most  faithful  servant* 

HoitATio  Nelson. 

How  much  pleased  i  am  with  Colonel  Graham's  letter.*  It 
is  owing  clearly  to  the  Navy  iliai  the  Siege  of  Mantua  is  raised. 


TO  DAVID  HEATLY,  ESQ. 

[From  II  Copy  in  tbe  Nelson  Papers.  Mr.  Hutljr  ww  Agent  Vitrlailler  to  Ifae 
Mbtj  in  Corsica.] 

^.  CnptAin,  San  Fiorcnzo,  July  4lli,  1T9S. 

As  the  Vice- Roy  has  desired  a  passage  and  every  accommo- 
dation to  Mr.  Gouthier  and  his  family,  it  is  necessary  that  they 

*  Captikin  .TiunM  Maotiamam,  of  tbe  Soutliunpton,  of  32  gnna.  Ttijs  galltot 
officer  oblniucd  iin  tincnviable  cclciirity  fVoni  bni-ing  killed  Colonel  MontgonsMy  in 
a  ilnel,  in  April  IKIK}.  At  bis  triiil,  Lord  Nelson  Iwrc  strong  tesiimony  to  hi" 
uiiiabb^  ilisposition  and  Lonoorablc  character.  Ho  died  a  liear-Admiral  of  tlu:  Bed 
early  iu  lH2fl. 

*  Vice-Admiral  Martin,  Comiunnder  or  tlic  French  Fleet  in  Toiilon.  He  rum- 
manded  the  Knemv'ti  Fleet  iu  tlic  Aiilion»  with  Admiral  tiatbani  of  tl>e  IStli  and 
I4ili  or  Miircb,  and  of  iLe  l;itli  of  July,  170A. 

'  The  Sipg<!  of  Mnntita  wu  nut  raisrd  until  tbe  30tb  of  July.  See  Colonel 
CirttLnms  (iifterwarda  Lord  Lynedncli)  Disputcb,  dated  "  Head-Qtjartere  of  Field 
Mar»li«l  Wtirr*  '  "  ^r,  Vallegio,  lut  Anpiai,  1790,"  announcing  Uial  «Teal.  in 
UiB  Londot  J2;tb  of  Aagtiat,  179U. 


M/r,  37.] 


LETTERS. 


SOS 


>uld  be  victualled  for  their  passage  to  Gibraltar  ;  therefore^ 

!  send  you  a  copy  of  the  Vice-lloy's  letter  to  Captain  Craven. 

'you  imve  any  doubt*!  of  the  propriety  of  victualling  them  for 

leir  passage  to  Gibraltar,  I  must  refer  you  to  the  Vice-Hoy 

Sox  the  intention  of  his  letter. 

i  ani,  Sir,  &c. 

UoRATIO    NEIiSON. 


Koet 

r  of< 


TO  THE  RIGHT  HON.  SIR  GILBERT  ELLIOT. 
[Autograph,  in  tbc  Miulo  I'apcrs.] 

Captain,  Son  FioKiizo.  J11I7  bih,  1706,  10  i.U. 

Dear  Sir, 

iptain  Freoiantle  has  this  moment  given  me  your  letter  of 

lay's  date.     I  have  wrote  to  the  Admiral  for  more  precise 

istnictioiis  as  to  the  blockade,  and  iiave  pointed  out  the  in- 

"utility  of  such  a  blockade  as  that  of  Genoa.     I  have  a  letter 

rvady  to  send  to  Mr.  Brame,  desiring  him  to  acquaint  the 

Irene  Government  of  Genoa  that  Leghorn  is  blockaded,  and, 

of  course,  that  no  Vessel  will  be  permitted  to  enter  [hat  Port ; 

and,  should  iliey  attempt  it,  they  will  be  fired  upon.     I  have 

desired  the  same  communication  to  all  the  Foreign  Ministers 

and  Consuls  residing  in  that  City.      Respecting  the  Tartan 

tishermcn  from  Leghorn,  I  mean  not  to  molest  them,  at  least  for 

the  present ;  they  will  give  us  frequent  communication  with  the 

1      Town,  and  will  mark  our  good  will  to  the  inhabitants,  which  I 

shall,  in  scraps  of  paper,  always  send  amongst  them,  and  of  my 

^keadiness  to  assist  them  in  liberating  Leghorn  from  its  present 

^"tyrannical  Rulers. 

I  As  you  have  had  the  goodness  to  tell  me  of  your  Regulations 

for  the  Corsican  Privateers,  I  sliall  niakc  my  observations  on 
icm  freely.  The  fiist  Article,  (till  we  can,  by  post  from 
je  Coast,  make  known  the  determination  by  a  letter  to  all 
»e  Foreign  Consuls  at  Leghorn,  some  of  which  will  doubtless 
et  safe,  and  desire  each  to  signify  ilic  contents,)  maybe  thoaghl 
hard ;  it  might  be  altered  '  to  be  brought  into  Bastia,  for  the 
Misideraiion  of  the  Vice- Roy,'  &c. 
To  the  2nd  Article,  I  agree  most  fully  is  proper. 

Is  it  not  meant  to  make  prize  of  provi^jions  going  to 


Leghorn  *   I  should  think  ihis  as  necessanr  M  any  odnr 
for  the  provisions  cunnot  be  for  the  inhabitants. 

4th. — The  time  of  the  20lh  of  the  month  appears  nfficienl, 
but  this  to  be  judged  by  yourself;  and 

To  the  last  I  a^ee  most  perfectly.  If  two  or  more  Qfxkxa 
Privateers  join  me,  I  agree,  and  aro  sure  none  of  my  Squadron 
will  differ  from  me ;  whilst  they  remain  under  my  orden^  eMJi 
Vessel  shall  share  alike,  that  is,  if  I  have  six  Vessels  sod  the 
Corsicans  two,  tbey  shall  share  one  quarter;  and  if  more  or 
less,  the  same  proportion. 

I  will  immediately,  on  my  arrival  off  Leghorn,  send  }H}a  vx 
account  of  the  Vessels  I  have,  and  what  Convoy  I  can  order 
for  Naples ;  only  let  tlie  Vessels  be  ready  the  moment  the  Ships 
of  war  come  to  Fiorenzo. 

I  shall  add  to  my  letter  to  Mr.  Brame,  that  all  VesseUj'aricr 
thb  notice,  which  sail  from  Leghorn,  will  be  made  prize  of ; 
and  also,  that  no  Vessel  will  be  suffered  to  pass  inside  it»e 
Melora. 

The  wind,  yesterday,  was  a  hurricane.     We  hate  b«l* 
under  sail,  but  are  obliged  to  anchor  again. 

Believe  me  ever.  Dear  Sir, 
Your  Excellency's  most  obedient  servant, 

Horatio  Nelso 

His  EseeUeacf  tlw  Vtc«-Bov. 


TO  THE  RIGHT  HON.  SIR  GILBERT  ELUOT. 

[Aatognplt.  ia  the  Miuto  Papen.] 

Ciptaia,  Sia  Renoio,  Juljf  ftUi.  1790. 
Dear  Sir, 

It  blows  such  a  storm  of  wind  that  I  cannot  yet  get  out ;  I 
hope  it  will  moderate  in  the  morning. 

I  shall  send  your  bills  to  Genoa  by  some  Frigate,  as  soon  M 
possible.  By  lettei*s  from  the  Admiral,  of  old  dale,  received 
last  night,  brought  by  Sincere,  he  desires  me  to  concert  willi 
your  Excellency  the  arrangement  of  the  Packets  to  Barcelona. 
I  take  for  granted  the  Admiral  has  wrote  fully  to  your  Ex- 
cellency on  tlie  subject.  Whenever  you  please  to  desire  ray 
opinion  in  any  matters,    you  will   believe  I  shall  give   the 


jnest  opinion.     I  feel  every  day  more  and  more  honoured 
the  conBdence  of  Sir  John  Jervis  in  my  comluct,  and  it  will 
rer  be  my  study  to  deserve  the  continuance  of  his  nnd  your 
opinion.     Being,  with  the  greatest  respect, 

Your  Excellency's  most  faithful, 

HoriATio  Nelson. 

Ilia  EMelleucj'  ihe  Vice-Roy. 

If  your  Excellency  has  an  opportunity,  I  beg  you  will  send 
my  letter  to  Mr.  Drake. 


EXTRACT  OF  A  LETTER  FROM   COMMODORE  NELSON  TO 
ADMIRAL  SIR  JOHN   JERVIS,    K.B. 

[tiulosed  io  a  Letter  from  Sir  Jotiu  Jervis  to  Evan  Nepean,  Esq.,  dated  "  Viotory, 
'Touloti,  a2iid  July,  1700;"  now  ia  the  AdiuinJty.j 

atti  July.  nuo. 
Herewiili  I  send  you  the  valuation  of  the  small  Gun-boat. 
Jio.  12,'  as  she  will  be  much  wanted  in  the  Road  of  Leghorn. 
It  is  clear  she  is  not  over- valued,  for  she  is  oilmost  new.     The 
brass  guns  and  swivels  are  only  considered  as  old  brass. 

ETO  JOSEPH  BRAME,  ESQ.,  HIS  MAJESTY'S  CONSUL  AT  GENOA. 
[FVcm  ft  Cop7  iu  Ibe  Adminiltr,  and  ori^tuil  Draugbt,  in  Ike  Nelson  Papers.] 
^         ^.  Captain,  at  Sea,  Julf  fltli,  1700 


Sir, 


ant 
^^ttia 


Being  ordered  to  blockade  the  Port  of  Leghorn,  I  have  to 
desire  that  you  will  officially  inform  the  Government  of  Genoa, 
and  all  the  Foreign  Ministers  and  Consuls,  that  the  Port  of 
ghorn  is  in  a  state  of  blockade,  nnd  that  any  Vessels  which 
ay  clear  out  from  Genoa  for  Leghorn,  or  attempt  to  enter 
it  after  this  public  declaration,  which  I  desire  you  will  give  in 
its  fullest  force  and  form,  will  be  made  Prizes  of,  or  fired  on, 
d  sunk,  as  circumstances  may  make  proper:  and  you  will  also 
nify,  that  the  entry  of  the  Road,  which  includes  the  space 
inside  the  Melora,  will  be  considered  as  the  Port  of  Leghorn. 
e  Genoese  Government  will  of  course  make  this  known  to 

'  Vide  p.  177.  ante. 


206 


LETTERS. 


[179«. 


all  the  Towns  in  the  Riveira  of  Genoa,  as  you  will  write  to  ft!l 
your  Vice-Consuls,  from  Port  Especia  to  ^^entimiglia. 

I  Imve  also  turther  to  desire  that  you  will  acquaint  ilie 
Government  of  Genoa,  and  all  the  Foreign  Ministers  and 
Consuls,  that  no  Vessel  will  be  permitted  to  leave  the  Port  of 
Leghorn  until  it  is  delivered  from  the  hands  of  its  present 
tyrannical  Rulers,  and  restored  to  its  legal  Govenimeni ;  aitd 
you  will  desire  the  several  parties  mentioned  to  write  to  their 
Consuls  at  Leghorn  of  this  my  determination.  And  as  I 
think  it  honourable  to  make  known  this  determination,  that 
no  person  may  plead  ignorance,  so  it  will  be  credited,  if  ray 
character  is  known,  that  this  blockade  will  be  attended  to  with 
a  degree  of  rigour  unexampled  in  the  present  war. 
I  am,  Sir, 

Your  obedient  servant, 

Horatio  Nelson. 


TO  THE  CONSUl^  OF  THE  DIFFERENT  NATIONS  AT  LEGHORN. 
[From  a  Copy  in  tlie  AdimnltT,  and  the  origuul  Draught  in  the  Nelaon  Pqwn.] 


Sir, 


IIU  BriULimic  Htgest/B  Ship  C«|it«in,  off  Leghoni,  Jnlj  7th,  1 T08. 


I  have  to  acquaint  you  that  no  Vessel  will  be  permitted  to 
enter  or  leave  the  Port  of  Leghorn  till  it  is  restored  to  its  legal 
Government.  I  beg  leave  to  recommend  that  all  Ships  should 
be  taken  from  the  Road  into  the  Mole,  as  it  may  prevent  dis- 
agreeable consequences. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be,  Sir, 
With  great  respect,  your  most  obedient  servant, 

Horatio  Nelsok. 


Sir, 


TO  THE  RIGHT  HON.  SIR  GILBERT  ELLIOT. 

[From  a  Copjr,  in  the  Nelson  Papen.] 

Cqttain,  off  Porto  Fem^o,  Jnljr  9lh,  1700, 


Although  I  saw  the  Inconstant  weigh  anchor  from  Fiorenzo, 
on  Wednesday  evening,  and  also  saw  her  off  Cape  Corse  on 
the  next  a  <en,  Captain  Fremantle  writes  me,  he  made 


LETTERS. 


907 


Captain's  signal  to  come  widun  hail,  which  I  did  not  see, 
nor  if  I  had,  should  I  have  helieved  il  could  have  been  made  to 
f,  as  the  Inconstant  did  not  make  any  effort  to  speak  me. 
lus  I  pursued  my  route  oif  Leghorn,  without  being  informed 
rhat  was  your  Excellency's  intention. 
Yesterday  morning,  at  seven  o'clock,  I  received  your  letter, 
id  havijig  dispatched  the  Meleager  to  Genoa,  for  information, 
id  directed  Captain  Sawyer  to  pursue  the  proper  methods 
>r  the  effectual  blockade  of  Leghorn,  taking  under  his 
|ireciion  the  Sardine,  Le  Genie,  and  a  Gun-boat  I  fitted  out 
Son  Fiorenzo,  I  proceeded,  witli  llie  Peterel,  off  this  place, 
rhere  I  arrived  last  night,  and  sent  in  a  Boat  to  examine  if  the 
French  or  English  had  possession.  We  found  the  South- 
ampton there.  This  morning,  I  saw  the  Convoy  to  the  west- 
ward, and  the  Inconstant  is  making  sail  to  join  me ;  therefore 
I  have  only  to  assure  your  Excellency  that  every  effort  of  mine 
simll  be  used  to  fulfil  your  intentions,  when  I  know  them, 
;ing,  with  the  greatest  respect. 

Your  most  obedient  servant, 

Horatio  Nelson. 
>  Hii  Ex«eI]eiiBy  Uie  Vioe-Boj. 

I  send  you  a  copy  of  my  letter  to  Mr.  Brame,  and  also  to  tlie 
foreign  Consuls  at  Leghorn. 


TO  ADMIRAL  SIR  JOHN  JERVIS,  K.B. 

[Trom  K  Copy,  in  the  Nelson  Papon.] 

CapUin,  off  Porto  Ferrajo,  July  9tli,  1708. 
Sir, 

It  was  yesterday,  at  seven  in  the  morning,  I  received  the 

Vice- Roy's  letter,  acquainting  me  of  his  intention  to  possess 

I'orto  Ferrajo,^  then  close  off  the  Itilelora.     I  instantly  dis- 


*  Sir  OillxTt  Klliot's  reasons  for  talcing  posaession  of  Porto  Fornyo  in  Uie  Island 
KItiA,  are  fully  sbewii  \>j  his  Li-ttcr  lo  tLe  Goyernor  of  that  place,  dated  Daatia, 
Jnly.  ITftO  :— 

•Wf. — Thr  French  troopahave  taken  poweaaion  of  the  City  of  Leghorn,  the  cannon 

'Tive  lieen  directed  against  tlie  Ships  nf  the  King,  in  llie  Road,  and 

Mfgesty's  subject*  ai  Lrgliom  hax  been  Tiolatcd,  notwithatandiug 

uauuaUi)  ut  Uis  Iloyal  Highness  the  Gmud  Duke  of  Tuacuiy,  cud  the  reiterated 


20^< 


LETTERS, 


patched  ihe  Meleager  to  Genoa,  with  my  letters,  the  ooc  I 
Mr.  Bramc,  ami  lo  tlie  Foreign  Consuls  at  Leghoin.    I  int 
copies,  and  ilirecteil  Captain  Cockbum  to  remain  in  thai  Po 
forty-eight  hours,  in  order  to  receive  all  the  information  *h 
is  to  be  collected. 

The  Blanche,  Sardine,  Le  Genie,  a  Gun-boat,  and  (■ 
Corsican  privateers,  I  left,  to  continue  the  blockade  of] 
and  proceeded,  with  the  Peterel,  off  this  place,  wliere  larrix 
last  night.     The  Convoy  hove  in  sight  this  morning,  and 
Inconstant  is  working  up  to  join  me.     In  the  night  I  sent  i 
boat  into  Porto  Ferrajo,  where  they  found  his  Majesty's 
Southampton.  j  ^^^^  ^,,^  j^^,^^^^^  ^^ 

Horatio  Nei 


TO  AD&riRAL  SIR  JOHN  JERVIS,  K,B. 
[From  "  Tlie  London  G«zettc,"  of  tbe  20th  of  Augnii,  17M.] 


Sir, 


C*|rtaui,  Porto  Fcrrnuo,  lOlb  July,  1700. 


I  have  the  pleasure  to  inform  you,  that  the  Troops  under  the 
command  of  Major  Duncan  took  possession  of  the  Foris  om^ 
Town  of  Porto  Ferrajo,  this  day,  at  ten  o'clock.  On  my  joining 
the  Convoy  from  Bastia,  yesterday  forenoon.  Major  Dune 
having  done  me  favour  to  come  on  board,  we  concerted  on  tl 
most  proper  methods  for  speedily  executing  the  \'ice-Roy'*' 
instructions  to  the  Major.    The  Troops  were  landed  last  nigfc 
about  a  mile  to  the  westward  of  the  Town,  under  the  directii 
of  Captain  Stuart,  of  the  Peterel ;  and  the  Major  irnmediatdj 

prOtnUttions  of  the  Fi«nch  to  re«ip«cl  it.  Tberc  is  likewise  reason  (o  beliere^ 
tbe  French  kaye  the  same  design  npnn  tlie  fortress  of  Porto  FerT\o,  hoping  b; 
mcan^  to  fiu-ilitote  tbe  desigua  wbicb  Ibev  lueililUe  iigaiiiNt  tbe  Kingiloui  of  Cor 
Tlie«e  circuniMtiuices  bave  deiennlned  us  to  prevent  tbe  plana  of  ilic  Knemirs  ot  the 
King,  wbicb  nre  ci]nolly  bostile  to  bis  Royal  Iligbness,  by  piftcing  at  Furto  Femyo 
D  gMTison  cftpuble  of  defending  that  place,  our  only  intention  being  to  present  ibat 
IbrtrrM,  and  tbe  wbolc  of  the  Island  of  Klba,  from  being  taken  poMffasion  of  by  iJic 
French.  We  iii\iic  and  request  yon,  Sir,  to  receive  the  troops  of  hie  Majesty  which 
will  nppeor  beforr  the  plare,  under  the  following  conditions." — According  to  lUe«e 
eonditionjf,  Porto  Fcrrryo  and  its  dependencies  were  toremuiii  under  Uie  goTemmem 
of  tbe  (irand  DuUc;  «nd  a  solenm  promiac  was  given,  that  the  troofis  ahouM  r«Uiv. 
and  the  place  be  restored,  m  the  pence. — Annual  Register,  vol.  xxxriii,  ••Biol* 
Pupent,"  p.  130. 


LETTERS. 


209 


close  to  tiie   gate  on  the   west  side,   aiul   nt  five 

this  morning  sent  in  to  the  Governor  the  Vice-Ro}'s 

containliir;  the  terms  which  woulil  be  granted  to  the 

I,  and  gftve  him  two  hours  for  the  answer.     At  linlf-pnst 

canie  on  shore,  when  we  received  n  message  from  tlic 

>r,  desiring  one  lioiir  more  to  consult  wiUi  the  princijial 

iUtnts.     ^^'e  took  this  opportunity  to  assure  the  Tuscan 

i\Si  that  they  shoukl  receive  no  injury  whatever  in 

^persojis  or  property. 

iving  ordered  the  Ships  into  the  harbour,  to  their  several 
IS,  before  appointed,  the  Major  and  myself  determined, 
kl  the  terms  offered  be  rejected,  to  instantly  open  the  fire 
l>f  the  Ships,  and  to  storm  the  place,  on  every  point  from  the 
bod  and  sea.  The  harmony  and  good  understanding  between 
lite  Aniiy  and  Navy  employcil  on  this  occasion,  will  I  trust  be 
a  farther  proof  of  what  may  be  effected  by  the  hearty  co-ope- 
aiAm  of  the  two  services. 

I  I  cannot  conclude  without  expressing  my  fullest  approbation 
ofllic  zeal  and  good  conduct  of  every  Cnptnin,  Oftlctr,  and 
Mad  in  the  S<juadron  ;  and  also,  that  during  the  time  I  was 
fBece«arily  employed  on  shore,  that  my  First  Lieutenant, 
Edrard  IJtrry,  commanded  the  Ship,  and  placed  her  opposite 
»lic grand  bastion,  within  half-pistol  shot ;  and  in  such  a  maimer 
M  could  not  Iwxve  failed,  had  wc  opei»ed  our  fire,  to  produce 

(;reatest  efiect- 
I  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c. 
Horatio  Nelson, 
.B.  The  PUice  is  mounted  with  one  hundred  pieces  of 
'■"uuion  and  garrisoned  by  400  Regulars,  besides  Militia. 

ISIlllV  NAMES. 
Captain,  74  guns. 
Inconstant,  36  guns,  Captain  Fremnnlle. 
Klora,  30  guns,  Captain  Middleton. 
Southampton,  32  guns,  Captain  Macnamara. 
Petcrel,  10  guns,  Captain  Stuart. 
Vannean,  Brig,  Lieutenant  Gourly. 
Rose,  Cutter,  Lieutenant  Walker. 

TOUn,  p 


210  ^^V  LETTEV& 


TO  THE  RIGHT  HON.  SIR  GILBERT  ELUOT. 
[Fran  «  Cop;,  in  lite  N«1ko&  P«p«rB.] 

Capuin.  Porto  F«mjo.  Joljr  lOi^  I) 


Sir, 


I  am  happy  in  congratulating  your  Excellency  on  the  i 

cess  of  your  plan  for  the  possessing  ourselves  of  the  Forts 

town  of  Porto  Ferrnjo.     The  perfect  harmony  and  good  i 

derstanding  subsisting  between  Major  Duncan'  and  mj 

would  not,  I  trust,  have  failed  to  gain  the  possession  of  thif  i| 

valuable  post  and  harbour,  even  had  the  handsome  lermsoflei 

by  your  Excellency  been  rejected.    Major  Duncan,  than  wh 

his  Majesty  has  not  a  more  zealous  Officer,  will  detail  to 

Excellency  his  proceedings.     I  have  the  honour  to  be,  vill 

the  greatest  respect. 

Your  Excellency's  most  faithful  and  obedient  servant, 

Horatio  Nelsok. 
His  ExoeUenoy  the  Vie«Boy. 


TO  HIS  EXCELLENCY  THE  HON.  WILLUM  F.  WYNDHAjM. 


[From  A  Copy,  in  Uie  Kelson  Pi^n.] 


Sir, 


Ci^Uln,  Porto  Temio,  Jtilj  llUi,  IT 


I  have  the  pleasure  to  inform  you  that  the  King's  t 
took  possession  of  this  place  yesterday  forenoon.     This  m< 
sure  was  judged  expedient,  in  order  to  prevent  the  Frenc* 
from  possessing    it,   and    thereby  have   an  easy   access  tO 
Corsica. 

The  Governor  of  this  place  (for  except  the  guard'mg  tU^ 
fortificiitiuns  all  is  left  as  before)  sends  off  a  letter  for  tb^ 
Grand  Duke  to-morrow  morning,  and  of  course  he  will  sen' 
copies  of  the  Vice-Roy's  letter  to  him ;  and  also,  of  all  th^ 
letters  and  declarations  which  have  passed  between  him  an(^ 
Major  Duncan,  and  myself.     You  will  credit,  Sir,  that  th& 
utmost  attention  will  be  paid  to  the  declarations,  &c.,  and  I 
trust  that  the  Tuscan  subjects  will  feel  that  protection  by 
the  assistance  of  his  Majesty's  forces  by  sea  and  land,  which 
will  give  an  increase  to  their  happiness.     The  iahabitaats 
•  Viae.  Tol.  i.  p.  3;.i. 


sensible  of  the  great  difference  between  their  situation 

that  of  the  unfortunate  Livornese;  and  happy,  indeed, 

I  dial)  I  be,  to  see  the  necessity  of  withdrawing  ourTroops  when 

the  Enemies  of  all  Italy  shall  be  driven  out  of  it,  and  all  the 

'  Dominions  of  his  Royal  Highness  restored  to  the  tranquillity 

Mperienced  before  the  6agrant  breach  of  faith  in  the  French. 

All  is  not  only  cjuict,  but  as  the  Vice-Roy  expresses  him- 

belf,  better  than  quiet  in  Corsica. 

I  am  honoured  with  the  direction  of  the  blockade  of  Leg- 
^tom.     I  have  already  granted  permission  to  several  persons 
bring  their  Vessels  to  Porto  Ferrajo,  to  trade  from  hence  to 
ly  neutral  Country  they  please. 

I  am,  Sir,  with  the  greatest  respect, 
Your  most  obedient  and  very  humble  servant, 

IIoRATio  Nelsok. 


IX)  ADMIRAL  SIR  JOHN  JERVIS,  K.B. 
[From  a  Copy,  in  the  NeUou  Ftpne.] 

CspUrin,  offLfgbom,  Jnly  15tb,  I7W. 

Dear  Sir, 

I  send  Meleager  to  Bastia,  to  tell  the  Vice-Roy  all  the 

ienoese  news,  and  also  to  take  with  him  all  the  letters  and 

srs  I  have  received,  which  the  Vice- Roy  will  forward  to 

r»o  Boon  as  read.     I  may  congratulate  you  on  the  soreness 

rhich  the  French  feel  for  your  strict  blockade  of  the  Port  of 

Toulon.     We  have  fairly  got  to  be  m.isters  from  one  end  of 

le  Coast  to  the  other.     I  wish  GovernmenL  bad  given  you  full 

Answers  about  stopping  corn  and  inetchandise going  to  France. 

U  is  on  this  point  the  French  Minister  lays  his  stress.     We 

i\  much  by  not  having  a  Minister  at  Genoa  at  this  particular 

le,  that  Government  not  having  tbe  smallest  notice  taken  of 

leir  complaints,  although  they  must  know  they  are  without 

>undution.     I  inU'nd  to  go  to  Genoa  so  soon  as  Meleager 

and  1   have  wrote  to  the  Vice- Roy  for  his  advice 

:iing  my  making  a  visit  to  the  Doge,  and  of  introducing 

ic  subject  matters  of  complaint,  and  of  assuring  him  of  our 

ipeci  for  the  real  independence  of  Genoa ;  and  that  I  have 

rUircd  to  Mr.  Drake,  that  whibt  the  French  are  in  pussession 

p2 


2113 


LETTBR& 


[i: 


of  the  western  RivierA  of  Genoa,  and  net  Iiostllely  ag^ainst 
Englibh,  I  should  consider  it  ihe  Coast  of  an  Eneoiy. 

We  ciinnot  get  rid  of  the  stoppage  of  provisions  goio^ 
France.     As  to  the  rest,  I  can  say,  on  paper  and  by  mai 
some  soolhuig  things  to  the  Doge ;  and  as  to  a  breach  of 
riiihls  of  Nations,  the  French  have  the  whole  coast  forti, 
and  their  present  breach  of  all  honour  and  faith,  by  tiie 
invasion  of  Tuscany. 

General  Wurmser,'  you  will  see,  commands  the 
They  have   beat   the   French   near  Mantua:    not  less 
10,000  have  been  killed  or  takeiv     On  the  Rhine,  and 
the  Prince  of  Conde's  Army,  where  is  Louis  the  Eighieei 
all  is  victorious:    not  less  than   40,000    French  have 
destroyed — their  Army  is  annihilated. 

Jourdan  writes,  he  cannot  stop  without  reinforcements 
he  gets  to  the  gates  of  Paris.  'Die  Prince  Charles  has  belw 
with  great  resolution  and  conduct,  and  gained  immoi 
honour;  he  was  everywhere. 

I  shall  make  the  minds  of  the  English  easy,  at  Genoa,  b; 
assuring  them  I  shall  come  to  their  help  whenever  tl 
ready  to  embark,  but  that  we  have  not  Shipping  toe. 
their  effects.     If  they  please,  they  may  send  to  Fiorenzo  and 
have  any  Merchantmen,  but  not  a  Transport  can  be  spared. 

Four  P.M. — I  am  just  anchored  in  Leghorn  Roads.     I  havc 
had  a  Fishing-boat  on  board.     All  quiet  at  Leghorn. 

Yesterday,  the  Tree  of  Liberty  was  planted  in  great  forir>* 
and  the  Goddess  of  Liberty  was  carried  in  great  procession 
2500  Troops  in  the  place.  I  have  not  yet  had  an  opportunit 
of  having  the  Genie  valued  :  she  is  at  present  chasing  to  th 
southward.  The  Sardine  cannot  move  in  light  airs,  she  is  sc' 
very  foul;  and,  to  say  the  truth,  she  has  not  men  to  mana 
her,  aliliough  I  am  sure  Captain  Killvvick'  does  all  in  his  power" 
Believe  me,  dear  Sir, 

With  the  greatest  respect, 
Your  most  faithful  and  obedient  humble  servant, 

Horatio  Nelson, 

As  Sardine  is  also  to  the  soudiward,  I  cannot  send  his  stati; 
and  condition. 

•  Field -MiirsbftI  Wnrraser,  n  reieran  Uien  in  bis  eigbtJeili  year,  autcttitd  Gtttnl 
Bfiuilien  tu  (In-  cunnimad  of  ilie  Ausitriiiu  Amy. 

'  l'a)itHiu  Eawitnl  KiJIwirk:  he  was  Posted  in  1707,  and  died  Wok  li^Jf 


^] 


LETTERS. 


218 


TO  THE  RIGHT  HON.  SIR  GILBERT  ELUOT. 

[Autognipb,  in  Uic  Minio  Papers.] 

Captiiin,  offLegborn,  July  lOili,  I70D, 
Dear  Sir, 

send  the  Mcleager,  that  Captain  Cockbuvn  may  tell  you 

lie  news  from  Genoa,  and  also  Mr.  Trevoi  's,*  Mr.  Brame's, 

every  paper  I  have  received,  which  you  will  be  sogootl  as 

I  forward  to  the  Admiral,  when  read.     On  the  subject  of  Mr. 

^rpoult's  Note,  I  wish  very  much  for  your  advice.     We  feel 

pioss  of  having  no  Minister  nt  Genoa  :  our  Consul  has  no 

over  to  answer  these  Notes,  of  either  the  Genoese  Secretary 

Slate,  or  to  refute  the  infamous  lies  which  arc  fabricated  by 

[French  Minister  to  irritate  the  Genoese  against  us.     It 

trtoinly  notorious  that  we  endeavour  to  stop  all  intercourse 

en  Genoa  and  France,  and  licre  it  is  the  French  Minister 

flus  stress  ;  and  at  the  same  time  gives  out  that  the  British 

op  nil  Vessels  belonging  to  the  Genoese,  to  whatever  place 

may  be  bouiul.     By  the  influence,  or  rather  fear  of  the 

:h,  the  Genoese  Government  liave  made  several  of  the 

frivolous  complaints  of  the  breach  of  neutrality  in  the 

ern  Rivieiti.     I  have  answered  nil  the  notes,  and  I  hope 

I  will  reach  Mr.  Draivc.     Duplicates  I  sent  to  request  you 

l&nvard,  when  I  was  last  at  St.  Fioicnzo,  but  in  the  mean- 

le  the  Genoese  get  no  answer  whatever ;  this  they  must 

I,  and  the  French  are  making  the  most  of  it. 

^ean  to  go  to  Genoa  so  soon  as  Cockburn  returns  lo  me, 

B  will  visit  the  Doge,  and  tell  him  that  I  have  received  the 

Bds  Notes  sent  to  Mr.  Brame,  and  have  answered  them  all ; 

It  the  facts  are  either  totaliy  false,  or  so  much  misstated,  thai 

.  bear  not  the  smallest  rescnddancc  of  truth  ;  that  I  have 


pnUj   lUc  letter  fruin  Mr.  Trevor,  (now  ill  tUi-  Nelsoii  rapcrs,)  ditlcd 

l>,  ITIWI.  wlifrein,  after  ac'kuowl^ilj<uiK  the  ifceipl  of  romniCMlore  Ncbuu'n 

ftlw  'i'ini  of  thai  nintjili,  Aiid  iinnnisiiig  lo  aeuA  liitii  tlic  earliest  iinlii-e  lie 

fttirnrt'  of  hi»  pnunotion :  •'  on  wliicli  eveut,"  Mr.  Trevor  pftid,  be  should 

1  with  i«iiitt]  jsi'nl  nnd  conJJilpnfctolln;  Admirnl  of  llie  Viui,"  lie  naked  Nelson'^ 

I  "ts  10  die  rititiii  of  ibe  iiitoiivcuifnce  wbii-b  tbe  loss  of  ilic  Port  of  LegUorii 

[to  111*  Mi<j««ty'H  Flfel,  "Hd  to  onrestublislimi-ut  in  that  cHrtetl  t'orsicii ;'"  nnd 

lie  Vici  fvy  iig:unHt  <toinp  "fvul  plan"  in  lb«l  Ixlnnd.     Mr.  Trevor  iiddt'd — 

'  i»  ••id  to  linve  lioupbi  ii  pi-we.     NA[dM  u  tniiliing  hrr'»  al  Biikln,  niid  tbe 

tiring  to  Diiikr  I  tic  lieni  be  cwi." 


214 


LETTERS. 


[1796. 


declared  to  Mr.  Drake,  thai  whilst  the  French  are  in  posseagioi 
of  the  VV^estcrn  Iliviera,  and  act  hostilely  against  His  Britanoic 
Majesty's  Ships,  that  1  must  consider  it  as  the  Coast  of  an 
Enemy,  but  that  so  far  from  wishing  to  act  with  the  smallest 
degree  of  harshness  against  the  Genoese,  that   neither  my 
orders  or  my  inclination  will  allow  me  to  do  it.     The  Duge 
will  naturally  put  a  question,  why  we  stop  vessels  loaded  wiih 
merchandise  bound  to  France.     It  is  here  I  shall  find  ihc  dif- 
iiculty  in  answering,  and  he  will  of  course  desire  to  have  wlul 
I  say  put  in  writing.     Do  you  think,  Sir,  I  had  better  take  ou 
manner  of  notice  of  what  is  going  on,  and  let  these  assertJoiu 
of  tlie  French  be  uurefuted,  for  the  Genoese  commerce  is  sus- 
pended, and  defer  my  visit  to  the  Doge  for  a  future  day  ?  Prtf, 
Sir,  give  me  your  advice.     My  Admiral  is  at  a  distance,  ami  1 
well  know  the  delicacy  of  intermeddling  with  the  Diplomatic 
functions.     The  blockade  of  Leghorn  is  as  complete  as  is  p<»- 
sible.     Pray  God  the  successes  of  the  Aiisirians  may  be  such 
as  to  make  die  Tuscans  rise  on  the  French,  and  open  llie  Mole 
Gate,  when  I  will  most  assuredly  assist  them  by  landing  myself. 
Do  you  think,  Sir,  Mr.  Drake  will  come  to  Genoa.''    We 
must  sufTer  by  his  absence. 

Ever  believe  me,  dear  Sir, 

Your  Excellency's  most  faithful 

Horatio  Nelson. 

Ui*  £sc«Uciioy  tlic  Vico-Bo)'. 


TO  THE  DANISH  CONSUL  AT  LEGHORN. 


Sir, 


[Euclosed  in  tbe  ttreceding  Letter  of  the  17tlx  of  July.] 

Cftpiftin.  Lcgbui'U  RomIh,  July  ITUi,  IJOfl, 


I  wrote  to  all  the  Consuls  at  Leghorn  by  way  of  Genoa, 
have  every  reason  to  believe  you  have  received  my  letter, 
(but  I  send  a   copy.)     If  you  have,    I   am   surprised    you 
>ald  fcend  a  Danish  vessel  out  of  a  blockaded  Port,  which 
orn  is,  till  it  is  restored  to  its  legal  Government. 
pcct  for  the  Danish  flag,  and  humanity  to  the  owners  of 
urn  lar  into  the  Port,  and  not  pro-^ 


ito  those  cxtremilies  which  the  laws  of  Nations  allow  in 
of  a  declared  blockaded  port. 
I  have  iJie  honour  to  be,  Sir,  with  great  respect. 

Your  most  obedient  Servant, 

lIoRATio  Nelson. 


TO  THE  RIGHT  HON.  SIR  GILBERT  ELUOT. 

[AaUignipb,  in  tUe  Minio  Papen.] 

CapOin,  JjCgLoro  Botds,  )n\y  18th,  1706. 
Dear  Sir, 
The  Rose  joined  me  in  half  an  hour  after  the  Comet,  and 
[Bent  olT  directly  the  Sardine,  Peterel,  and  Cornel.  I  fear 
I'ope  lias  altered  his  intentions  since  the  news  was  sent  to 
Admiral :  if  not,  I  havo  still  hopes  his  Holiness  may  com- 
mence war  against  the  French  ;  for  I  never  heard  he  was  in 
actual  hostility  against  them.  Should,  however,  the  Sloops  not 
lye  wanted,  I  will  thank  yon  to  recommend  to  the  Captains  to 
yin  me;  they  are  wanted  here.  I  have  now  only  Blanche 
111  Meleager  with  me.  Tho  Rose  must  go  to  refil,  antl  I 
ought  to  send  a  Ship  every  week  to  Genoa.  The  Corsican 
privateers  keep  at  such  a  distance  that  I  cannot  communicate 
with  them.  I  wish  two  could  be  directed  to  be  always  at  my 
elbow.  I  think  1  have  heard  there  is  a  person  who  directs  their 
Proceedings. 

Yesterday  morning  a  Danish  vessel  came  out,  loaded  with 
oil  and  wine  for  Genoa  :  with  some  difficulty  I  persuaded  the 
geutleman  to  go  in  again.  I  believe  it  was  a  trial  to  know  if  I 
was  in  earnest ;  for  on  his  positively  refusing  and  my  taking 
issession  [of]  him,  to  deliver  him  to  a  Corsican  privateer,  he 
about  two  hours  altered  his  note,  and  begged  I  would  allow 
im  to  return.  I  wrote  a  letter  to  the  Danish  Consul,  of  which 
I  tend  you  a  copy.  Mr.  Brume's  letter  will  tell  you  of  his 
Dmmunication,  on  tlie  Oth,  I  suppose,  to  all  the  Foreign 
liuisiers  and  Genoese  Government ;  and  my  letter  to  all  the 
>nsuls  at  Leghorn,  if  they  were  put  in  the  post  at  Genoa, 
lust  have  got  to  Leghorn  on  the  11  th  or  12Lh  ;  but  on  the 
I,  I  sent  a  similar  letter  to  tlie  Venetian  Consul,  by  a  Ship 
[ordered  to  return  ;  therefore  you  may  be  assured  they  knew 
loug  ago.     The  French  have  laid  powder  under  all  the 


sie 


LKTTERS. 


[1796. 


works,  whicii  has  aliirnieil  the  inhabitaiiU,  and  nenrl)^  all  the 
women  have  quilteil  the  place-  The  cannon  and  mortars  are 
mounted  on  the  ramparts,  and  they  say  tliey  expect  more 
troops,  but  I  U'ust,  by  then*  wishing  to  get  into  fortified  Town*, 
Ihey  are  at  their  last  shifts  nntl  ihat  this  will  yet  be  the  most 
glorious  of  any  campaign  this  war.  1  purpose  going  to 
Genoa  the  moment  Meleager  arrives,  and  so  soon  as  I  return 
will  send  your  Excellency  all  the  news. 
Believe  me  ever 
Your  Excellency's  most  obedient  Servant, 

Horatio  Nelsok. 
2000  French  arrived  yesterday,  and  Tartans  are  fitting  with 
heavy  cannon  lo  fire  on  us  :  therefore,  I  wish  ujore  than  ever 
for  two  privateers,     A  camp  is  forming  at  Monte  Neva. 


y 


TO  ADMIRAL  SIR  JOHN  .TERVIS,  K.B. 
[Froni  Clarke  und  M'Artlmr,  vol.  i.  p.  300.J 

IjCffUora  Bo*Jn,  18Uj  Julj,  1700, 

Dear  Sir, 
I  hope  his  Holinass  the  Pope  may  yet  wage  war  against  I 
French.  I  have  never  heard  that  he  has  been  in  aclua' 
hostility  against  ihem.  The  blockade  of  Leghorn  is  complete,  * 
not  a  Vessel  can  go  in  or  come  out  without  my  permission.  Yes- 
terday a  Dane  came  out  laden  with  oil  and  wine  for  Genoa  :  I 
told  him  he  must  return,  or  I  should  send  him  to  Corsica. 
His  answer  was,  '  I  am  a  Neutral,  and  you  may  take  me,  but 
1  will  not  relurn.'  I  therefore  took  possession,  and  intended 
giving  luni  to  a  Corsican  privateer ;  when,  in  about  two 
hours,  he  begged  I  would  allow  him  to  return.  On  this,  I 
sent  him  back  wiili  a  letter  to  the  Danish  Consul,  whence  the 
following  is  an  extract : — *  Respect  for  the  Danish  flag,  and 
humanity  to  the  owners  of  this  Vessel,  impel  me  to  return  her 
into  their  possession,  and  not  proceed  lo  those  extremities 
which  the  laws  of  Nations  allow  in  case  of  a  declared  blockaded 
Port.'  This,  I  am  satisfied,  was  a  trial  of  vthal  I  intendetl ; 
for  he  said,  all  the  Neutrals  were  determined  to  come  out. 
If  we  are  firm,  the  Grand  Duke  will  sorely  repent  his  ad- 
mission of  the   French  :   his  repeated  proclamations  for  the 


>pte  to  be  quiet,  liuve  given  time  to  the  French  to  lay 
»W(ler  uruler  all  iLe  works;  and,  In  case  of  any  ilisiurbance, 
say, '  up  sliall  go  tiie  works.'  Cannon  are  pointed  from 
wait  to  every  street,  and  all  tlie  cuiuion  and  mortars  are 
louDtcd  :  the  famous  long  brass  gun  is  on  the  Mole-head,  and 
A  morLir.  The  Grand  Duke  declares  he  jci  hopes  the 
►irectory  will  order  Buonaparte  to  leave  Leghorn  ;  but  I 
:lieve  the  French  now  wish  to  get  into  fortified  Towns,  to 
krolong  the  campaign. 
The  Captain  has  her  wants,  but  I  intend  she  sliall  last  until 
le  autumn;  for  I  know,  when  once  we  begin,  om*  want^  are 
loumcrablc.  I  hope  the  Adtnirally  will  send  out  fresh  Ships. 
The  French  are  fitting  out  here  from  four  to  six  Tartans,  with 
Lhirty-six  pounders,  to  drive  me  out  of  llie  Roads;  but  I  am 
»repared  against  Fire  Vessels,  and  all  other  plans,  as  well  as  I 
im  able.  The  Tartans,  it  is  said,  will  be  out  to-niglit :  two 
thousand  French  are  arrived,  antl  more  arc  expecled.  I  have 
jnlynow  to  beg,  iliat  whenever  you  think  the  Enemy  will  face 
3?ou  on  the  water,  that  you  will  send  for  mc ;  for  my  licart 
^^kYould  break  to  be  absent  at  such  a  glorious  time. 
^B  I  am,  &C. 

^H  Horatio  Nelson. 

^™    Sir  Jc 


MEMORANDUM. 


[From  a  Copy,  iu  Uie  Kelson  Pii[>crs.] 

[Aliiini  t)i<-  ■iOUiJidy,  noii] 

Sir  John  Jervis,  K.B,,  Admiral  and  Commander-in-Cliicf 

of  the  Fleet,  is  so  well  satisfied  (from  the  representations  of 

Commodore  Nelson,)  of  the  exceeding  good   conduct   and 

Jacrity  shewn  by  persons  of  every  description  in  the  Fleet,  iii 

e  possessing  ourselves  of  Porto  Ferrajo,  that  Commodore 

cison  is  directed  by  the  Commander-in-Chief,  to  return  his 

uks  to  the  Captains,  Otlicers,  and  Ships'  Companies  cm- 

iloyed  on  that  service,  for  their  good  conduct,  to  which  the 

onjmodorc  begs  leave  to  add  his  confidence  that,  had  the 

not  surrendered  on  terms,  it  would  have  fallen  by  the 

▼ery  of  the  Seamen  and  Soldiers. 


918 


LETTER& 


TO  I1I8  ROYAI.  HIGHNESS  TflE  DUKE  OP  CLARENCE.     ' 
[From  Cljvkc  ana  M'Aitliur,  «ol.  U  pu  SOI.} 


Sir, 


CaptMU,  Legliorn  Korut».  umler  «ti]  for  Ocnot,  SOtb  Jaly,  ITfl 


Highmi 


I  was  this  morning  honoured  with  your  Roya] 
letter  of  May  30th  ; '  and  it  gives  me  real  satisfaction  to  I 
assured  of  the  continuance  of  your  good  opinion.  Indeed, 
can  say  with  truth,  that  no  one  whom  yon  may  have  bei 
pleased  to  honour  with  your  notice,  has  a  more  sincere  atttdl 
ment  for  you  than  myself.  It  has  pleased  God  this  war,  a( 
only  to  give  me  frequent  opportunities  of  shewing  myself  i 
Officer  worthy  of  trust,  but  also  to  prosper  all  my  undo 
takings  in  the  highest  degree.  I  have  had  the  extreme  goo 
fortune,  not  only  to  be  noticed  in  my  immediate  line  of^ 
but  also  to  obtain  the  repeated  approbation  of  His 
Ministers  at  Turin,  Genoa,  and  Naples,  as  well  as  of  the 
Roy  of  Corsica,  for  my  conduct  in  the  various  opinions 
been  called  upon  to  give :  and  my  judgment  being  ft 
from  common  sense,  I  have  never  yet  been  mistaken. 

You  will  hear  of  our  taking  possession  of  Porto  Fc 
wc  had  not,  to  a  certainty  the  French  would,  and  then  the 
would  have  been  too  near  Corsica,  where  I  fear  we  have  i 
imgrateful  set  of  people  ;  and  one  party  acknowledged  firicnc 
to  the  French,  which,  although  greatly  outnumbered  by  O! 


5  ftjg 

;rr^^ 


1 


■•  BicLmond.  May  :iO, '. 
•  ••Dor  Sir, 

**  I  ni  to  Mknovledge  the  receipt  of  your  various  obliging  uai  instniottTtl 
ninr«   I  irrote  Irut :  pray  contiuuc  your  invalanblc  comi>]>ondeucc.     I  wiah 
Austrian  Ajmy  bad  afforded  you  better  nefrr. ;  l>nt  I  on  dreadfully  alarmod  the  I 
of  Italy  ia  aealrd,  and  that  the  Italian  Stoiirs  mtifi  bow  to  th«  FreDrli.     Id  iihort, 
good  friend,  when  I  eoropturc  Uie  warn  of  cungy  of  ilio  old  Oovenunnta, 
trcacher;  aiid  blunders  mode  by  the  Austrian^,  with  tlic  enthusiasm  and  aetint] 
the  French,  and  iLv  ability  of  their  eoudiitrtors,  1  ran  see  no  end  to  tiipir  conqw 
on   tlie  Continent.     I   am  appreben'iive  the  Ktnperor  inii«t  make  peace,  ami  I 
ftagltiona  Motuuch  of  Pruaala  tt-ill  have  itwaon  to  be  on  lu«  guard  agaittn  hia  fria 
in  Franco.     As  for  tlun  Country,  ikanV  Qod,  our  Nnvy  caw,  and  will  protect  a»; 
Fleet*  cannot  root  uut  the  oiicursed  doeirines  «if  the  French. 

"  I  Itopc-  you  enjoy  your  health :  and  I  tru«i  you  will  rood  return,  a*  yov  9 
miiat  be  in  a  fltace  mors  fit  for  a  Doek  than  the  Ocean :  wkutrerer  you  mn,  n\j  D] 
ny  friendship  luid  rrgard,  and  belicTO  me,  Dear  8ir,  youn  unoeraly,  WiUiUai«' 
A»togrui>h,  in  tk«  Nclaou  Paiiere, 


I,  constantly  makes  disturbances.  The  armistice  of  the 
8  and  King  of  Naples  will,  I  believe,  come  to  nothing ;  it 
ouly  done  to  gain  time,  and  ihcy  will  be  guided  by  the 
or  defeat  of  the  Austrians.  Tlie  King  of  Naples  is 
;  be  has  been  by  far  the  most  faithful  Ally  of  England." 
is  at  the  head  of  80,000  men  at  Vclletri,  only  two  poets 
m  Rome,  where  the  people  are  ripe  for  a  revolt,  and 
y  declare  that  the  busts,  statues,  and  manuscripts,  shall 
go  out  of  Rome.  The  French  possessing  themselves  of 
l^hom,  so  contrai'y  to  the  repeated  pledges  of  the  Directory, 
will  afford  such  an  opportunity  for  all  the  ItaUan  States  to 
break  with  tliem  again,  that  perhaps  tbey  may  be  induced  to 
f^vc  it  up :  the  King  of  Naples,  if  they  refuse,  would  march 
to  attack  it,  and  we  are  sure  of  the  lower  order  at  Leghorn. 
The  ganison  is  reinforced  to  dO(X)  men,  and  provisions  are 
^(ting  into  the  Citadel.  The  French  General  has  told  the 
inhabitants,  that  if  they  arc  not  ^luiet,  he  would  blow  all  the 
works  up  round  the  Town,  which  in  fact  would  blow  half  the 
Town  up:  the  mines  are  laid;  large  Vessels  are  alsu  fitting 
^^irith  forty^two  pounders,  and  furnaces,  to  annoy  me ;  but  I  am 
^Mrcpared,  as  much  as  possible,  against  whatever  may  happen. 
^^  Grenoa,  July  23rd. — 1  arrived  here  yesterday,  and  rejoice 
to  hear  that  Marshal  Wurmser  has  commenced  ofl'ensive  opera- 
tions. I  have  no  doubt  but  the  French  will  retire  to  Piedmont 
as  fast  as  they  advanced  from  it ;  and  I  fear  they  may  force 
the  King  of  Sardinia  into  an  alUance  against  us.  To-morrow 
I  return  to  Leghorn. 

lam,  &c. 

HOBATIO   NliLSON. 


TO  THE  RIGHT  HON.  SIR  GILBERT  ELLIOT. 

[Autognpb,  In  Uie  MiAto  Papen.] 

Ci^iuin.  at  Sea,  Julj  mtb,  17DU. 
Dear  Sir, 

feel  very  much  obliged  by  your  advice  not  to  have  auy 

explanation  with  the  Genoese   Government ;  I  have  at  the 

*  Peace  wa^i,  however,  made  between  ttte  King  of  Naples  aud  Uic  Freudi  BcputtUc 
on  iLe  lOili  o(  October  foUoviuir. 


LETTERS. 


[17%. 


same  time  taken  every  pains  to  convince  the  Genoese 
have  nothing  to  fear  bound  to  any  other  places  except  France, 
and  I  hope  it  will  have  its  effect,  for  not  a  Wood-vessel  l>ouni 
to  Piombino  would  go  out  of  the  Port,  I  send  you  copies 
Mr.  Drake's  letters  to  me,  and  also  the  French  Minislei 
Note  to  the  Grenoese  Government.  I  wish  Mr.  Drake  was 
Genoa,  for  such  threats  may,  unless  counteracted,  have  ii 
effect  The  lower  order  certainly  hate  the  French ;  ami 
the  proscribed  arc  some  of  the  Senate,  Second  Order, 
Clergy  ;  and  those  who  the  Minister  demands  should  be  rci 
stated,  aie  several  younger  sons  of  Noble  families,  who  f< 
their  conspiracies  about  a  year  or  half  past  were  proscri 
from  having  a  scat  iu  the  Councils.  The  Arms  which  he 
mentioned  were  found  loaded — hx  short,  matters  are  fast  ap- 
proaching to  a  crisis,  and  will  be  favourable  or  otherwise  t(^ 
U3,  as  the  successes  or  defeats  of  the  Austrians  point  out ;  in- 
clination from  all  I  hear,  is  for  us  in  the  Senate. 

Yesterday  evening,  an  express  came  in  from  Vienna;  nothing 
certain  is  known ;  but  report  says,  it  is  an  assurance  that  die 
Emperor  will  change  his  Minister  for  one  more  acceptable 
the  Republic.  It  seems  the  Siege  of  Mantua  was  not  raised  b 
the  sortie  on  the  15th,  but  has  been  since  vigorously  uitackedi 
a  second  sally  is  spoke  of,  but  it  is  not  confirmed.  I  shoul 
hope  the  Austrian  Army  must  be  there  before  this  time.  Mr. 
f  JacksonV  letter  to  the  Admiral  says  they  will  take  the  field 
about  the  15th,  with  50,CH)0  foot  and  twenty-two  squadrons  of 
Cavalry. 

I  have  received  a  letter  which  you  will  see  the  Swedish 
Minister  wrote  to  Mr.  Brame,  to  allow  light  Swedes  to  leave 
the  Port  of  Leghorn.  I  did  not  give  any  encouragement 
that  it  would  be  done  ;  something  may  be  said  in  favour  of 
letting  them  out,  and  other  Neutrals  without  cargoes,  but  the 
great  line  of  punishing  (if  I  may  use  the  expression)  the 
Grand  Duke  will  [be]  done  away,  for  I  consider  that  all 
the  neutral  Powers  to  Tuscany  will  represent  to  the  Grand 
Duke  the  injury  they  sustain  by  his  admission  of  the  French 
into  the  Town  of  Leghorn,  and  will  consider  the  blockade  aa 
the  natural  consequence  of  such  conduct.     This  will,  I  trust, 


lie 

I 

1~ 


'  Secretary  of  Lc)f«tiou  u  Turin. 


LETTERS. 


221 


te  the  Ministry   of  Tuscany  use  every   effort   with  the 
Rroctory,  to  order  the  French  to  retire  out  of  Tuscany,  or  in 
iro  thereof,  that  the  Neapolitans  will  finish  their  truce, 
.being  joined  by  the  Tuscans,  commence  hostilities  against 
French ;  for  the  faith  of  the  Directory  any  more  than  of 
\  former  leaders  of  France  will  never  pass  current  again : 
ithe  coDtinuancc  of  a  close  blockade,  this  is  the  fiuit  I 
myself,  but  I  shall  be  guided  by  your  Excellency ; 
'you  once  open  the  door,  it  will  never  be  shut  again  ; 
will  bring  little,  some  much. 
have  got  from  Messrs.  Heath  die  money  for  your  Excel- 
|r,  and  £80(K>  for  the  Deputy  Comraissary  General ;  this 
I  could  get  in  so  short  a  time  as  my  slay.     Mr.  Heath 
me  the  one  per  cent  is  customary:  indeed,  this  is  the 
le,  for  remittances  are  not  now  wanted  for  London. 
,Hc  tells  me  he  is  almost  sure  he  can  supply  Corsica  with 
10,000  sterling,  per  week,  but  it  is  necessary  they  should 
i)W  if  it  is  wished  tliey  shonld  collect  money  for  this  pur- 
You  will  be  so  good  as  to  direct  them  what  to  do,  and 
"Mr.  Buckholm  will  do  the  same.     I  shall  every  week  send  a 
^"-■To  to  Genoa;   pray  direct  Mr,   Buckholm,  if  he  wants 
.,  to  make  the  bills  payable  to  Mr.  Heath  instead  of  me; 
for  iibould  there  be  any  irregularity  in  the  drawing  or  pay- 
it,  it  may  give  some  trouble  to  myself. 
jme  Genoese  merchants  have  asked  rae  if  tbey  may  go  to 
aica   to  purchase  Prize-goods,  and  they  intend  to   take 
ley   with  them.       I    have  given    them    encouragement, 
told  them  the  first  Frigate  shotdd  take  them  and  money 
la,  and  that  I  will  take  an  opportunity  of  conveying 
safe  back  again. 
If  I  Imvc  done  wrong,  pray  say  so;  but  I  think  you  will  like 
•^  have  these  ready-money  gentrj'  come  amongst  you.     With 
greatest  regard,  believe  me,  dear  Sir, 
Your  Excellency's 

Most  faithful 

Horatio  Nelson. 

11»  F.tMlteDrv  ihr  Vic*-B«jr. 


TO  A.DM1BAL  SIR  JOHN  J£RVI:S,  K.B. 


[FVftTO  CI«Tk»  MiJ  M'Artlinr,  vol.  i.  p.  808,] 

27(h  Jnlr.  inC' 
I  hare  recommended  to  the  Merchants  at  Genoa,  ^  ' 
^diey  are  alarmed,  to  ship  their  goods  in  time  on  b< 
^Weutnd  vessels  as  they  may  find  in  the  Port;  for  tint 
^Rrould  l>e  impossible,  however  much  you  might  be  ^ 
Hto  send  Transports  to  receive  their  effects,  which  in 

hoase  amount  to  £160,000  sterling.      Things  arc  fast  a(h1 
proaching  to  a  crisis,  and  will  probably  be  determined  bdbiei 

I  111  receive  this.  I  am,  &c. 

m  Horatio  Nelsoit. 

I 
Mai 
e. 


^l 


TO  THE  RIGHT  IIONOnUBLE  SIR  GILBERT  ELLIOT. 
VICE-ROY  OF  CORSICA. 

[AQtograph,  in  Ujc  Minto  P»peTi.] 

Cnpuin.  L«gboni  Beads.  Jnly  SSth,  ITM. 


Dear  Sir, 
Many  thanks  for  your  letters ;  do  with  every  Vessel  as  jot 
te.     I  am  sure  you  will  recollect  the  various  serrioesDV 
want  them  all  for,  and  at  this  moment  it  is  most  particuhrlj 
interesting :  we  should  have  something  off  Genoa,  the  friend 
of  the  English  say  it  may  turn  the  scale  in  our  favour.     M** 
Drake  sees  the  necessity  of  it,  and  so  do  I,  therefore  I  B^ 
more  interested  that  a  Privateer  or  two  should  come  unti^ 
my  orders.     I  shall  keep  the  Blanche  from  sailing  for  GeT^<^^^^^^ 
for  a  few  days,  if  you  desire  any  more  money  from  thence.  >- 

thought  I  had  wrote  you  fiiUy  as  to  the  time  the  blocka«^-^  .  «Ji. 
must  have  been  known  at  Leghorn.  We  can  only  judge  C^  gy^ 
the  fair  time,  for  of  course  the  Masters  will  not  acknowledy^^  ^^ 
they  know  anything  about  it.  The  Venetian  Consul  knew  ii  -  ^ 
the  8th;  all  at  Genoa  knew  it  the  9th;  and  if  the  Foroig^^^  ^ 
Ministers  did  not  send  my  letters  to  their  respective  Consul^^J^^'^ 
and  the  notification  to  themselves,  it  does  not  rest  with  ns.  B^^-*"^_j 
post,  it  must  have  been  at  Leghorn  on  the  12th,  in  the  morrT"'''*^ 

Ig,  ahhough  there  cannot  be  a  doubt  but  all  knew  it  befo: 
though  they  may  plead  not  officially.     I  have  a   priva 


^] 


LETTERS. 


223 


from  the  Admiral,  containing  his  full  approbation  of  my 
to  the  Consul,  and  of  mine  to  Mr.  Bramc.  I  think  I 
your  Excellency  copies,  and  the  Admiral  will  send  me 
}Uc  approbation  so  soon  as  he  has  leisure.  I  have 
to  him  on  the  subject  of  the  Swedes.  We  must  be  first, 
blockade  will  be  as  useless  as  the  Genoa  one.  1  grieve 
ir  you  have  been  indisposed,  but  good  news  from  the 
ay  will  make  us  all  merry.  I  have  just  received  an  odd 
from  ^L'.  Trevor/  in  which  he  assures  me  of  the  deter- 
3n  of  the  French  to  invade  England,  I  beg  my  best 
to  Lady  EUiot  for  her  remembrance,  and  tliat  she  will 
my  sincere  good  wishes  for  her  health  ;  and  ever  he- 
me, dear  Sir, 

Your  Excellency's  most  faithful  servant, 

UoBATio  Nelsok. 
I  EucU«nc7  tbe  Viee-Bojr. 


MEMORANDtIM, 

[Autognph  draagcbt,  in  tlie  Kelson  Papere.] 

Captain,  Leghorn  RoajR,  July  31st,  1796. 

Tbe  Fishing-vessels  from  Leghorn  not  to  be  molested  or 
I  into  quarantine  by  the  Ships  of  War,  or  Corsican  Priva- 

KB.    If  any  Fishing-vessel  is  known  to  carry  any  cargo  or 
fHHtDgeis,  she  is  to  be  seized. 

UoBATio  Nelson« 


A>  CAPTAIN  COLLINGWOOD,  H.M.S.  EXCELl.KNT.  ST.  FIOKENZO. 
'[AntApmpb,  In  the  pomMsion  of  the  Hon.  Mrt.  Nrwnliiun  Colliugwood.! 
Oil  H,  M.'»  Senice. 
Captoiu,  LcgUorM  RomIb,  Aii^Mt  IdI,  1700,  bulf-pMl  Mglit,  p.h, 
dear  Coll., 
he  Viceroy  tells  mc  you  are  at  Fiorenzo ;  therefore  I  take 
[chance  of  this  finding  yoiu     My  date  makes  me  think  1 
Ifthnfutt  at  lycghom;  soon  I  hope  to  be  there  in  reaUty. 


rui«  letter  i»  not  iu  Uie  NeUon  I'Kiicn. 


Except  1700  poor  devils,  all  are  gone  to  join  the  Army. 
Sometimes  I  hope,  and  then  despair  of  getting  these  starred 
J^ghomese  to  cut  the  throats  of  tJiis  French  crew.  VVTiat  an 
idea  for  a  Christian  !  I  hope  there  is  a  great  latitude  for  us 
in  the  next  world.  I  know  by  myself  how  anxious  all  must 
be  for  authentic  news,  therefore  I  will  tell  you.  My  letters  arc 
from  Mr.  Drake,  at  Venice,  copy  of  one  from  Colonel  Cinh 
ham,  the  Resident  at  the  Austrian  Army,  and  from  our 
Minister  at  Turin. 

The  sortie  from  Mantua  was  great,  but  I  do  not  find  ibc 
siege   has   been   raised ;    but    I    have    nothing    later  than 
20th  July.     General  Buonaparte  is   wounded  in  the  thigh. 
The  Austrian  Army,  50,000  foot,  twenty-two  squadrons  of 
cavalry,   besides   the   garrison    of   Mantua,   and   20,0<JO  at 
Triest,  coming  forward,  would  commence  operations  about  tlie 
18th  or  20th  of  July.     Everj-  moment  I  expect  news  froO* 
Genoa:  it  can,  I  hojie,  hardly  fail  of  being  good. 

This  blockade  is  complete,  and  we  lay  very  snug  in  th* 
North  Road,  as  smooth  as  in  a  harbour.     J  rejoice  with  yo^ 
our  English  Post  is  open  again  to  us.     I  have  letters  only  to 
the  middle  of  June  :  all  well,  and  as  to  Public  affairs,  ACr. 
Pitt  seems  as  strong  as  ever.     What  liavc  we  to  do  with  tbc 
Prince's  private  amours  ?  The  world  say  there  are  faults  on  botb 
sides:  like  enough.     Thank   God,  I  was  not  born  in  hi^B 
life.     The  promotion  of  Flags  seems  deferred,  but  I  suppose 
it  must  take  place  soon.     I  have  this  moment  received  ac- 
counts that  the  post  from  Naples,  (say  Capua,)  which  arrived 
to-day,  has  brought  an  account  that  the  truce  with  Naples 
fmbhes  to-day,  and  hostilities  commence  to-morrow.     PraV 
Gotl  It  may  be  so.     With  a  most  sincere  wish  for  driving  the 
French  to  the  Devil,  your  good  health,  an  honourable  Peace, 
us  safe  at  home  again,  I  conclude,  by  assuring  you,  my  dear 
Collingwood,  of  my  unalterable  friendship  and  rcgar<l,  and 
that  I  ara,  in  the  fullest  meaning  of  the  words, 

Yours  most  truly, 

Horatio  Nelson. 


TO   ADMIRAL  SIR  JOFfN  JERVIS,  K.B. 
[From  Clarke  Anil  M'ArtUor,  vol.  i,  p.  80;j.] 

Ifit  Angttat.  KOfl. 

experience  the   highest   degree   of  pleasure   which   an 

is  capable  of  feeling,  the  full  approbation  of  his  Com- 

fir-in-Chief;    which  must  not  be  a  little  increased  by 

ig  that  his  Commander  is  such  a  character  as  Sir  John 

ria,  without  disparagement  or  flattery,  allowed  to  be  one 

le  first  in  the  service. 

goes  well  here,  nothing  gets  in  or  comes  out,  except  a 

sr,  which  our  Boats  cannot  come  up  with ;  yet  I  do  not 

that  in  a  westerly  gale  Vessels  may  get  in,  notwilh- 

all  our  endeavours  :  I  will,  however,  answer  for  my 

ions  to  prevent  them  ;  rowing  Vessels  are  the  most  useful 

isi  the  French  privateers.     The  lower  Orders  at  Leghorn 

miserdile ;  several  have  been  on  board,  wishing  to  serve 

Vions:    they  have  apian  for  rising,  but  the  Grand 

;  »5t  every  day  tells  them  the  French  will  go  away, 

iherelbre  orders  them  to  be  quiet. 

Before  any  more  letters  arrive,  I  nuist  give  you  the  trouble 

ireadhig  some  omissions  which  I  have  made  in  my  former 

Respecting  the  Corsican  j)rivateers,  my  answer  was  on 

pposition  that  two  of  the  Privateers  would  give  up  every 

[^consideration,  and  absolutely  put  themselves  under  my 

in  that  case,  and  in  that  case  only,  did  1  mean  to  alter 

established  rule  for   sharing.      However,    not   one   has 

ejfcd,  or  put  himself  under  my  orders:  it  has  been  an  age 

I  have  seen  any  of  them.     I  had  last  night  a  great  deal 

conversation  with   an  old  fisherman  ;   he  says,  300  light 

ralty,  Tuscans,  arc  coming  into  Leghorn,  that  forage  for 

fairy  is  providing  about  three  miles  from  Pisii,  and  that  the 

pie  of  Leghorn  will  not  be  put  off  any  longer  than  the  10th 

15th.     The   French  must  go.     I  have  made  up  my  mind, 

I  when  Marshal  VVurmscr  forces  the  French,  and  especially 

[the  King  of  Naples  comes  forward,  that  the  Grand  Duke 

order  n  number  of  troops  into  Leghorn,  and  say  to  the 

cncb,  *  We   choose  to  keep  our  owu  Town :'   when  the 

ivou  If.  Q 


LETTERS. 


French  would  go  quietly  off.     These  people  represem 
as  a  miserable  set  of  boys,  without  clothes  or  shoes;  so  I 
Conunis<^ai-io8  must  htive  done  well  ibrtiiemselres:  ailthel 
men  arc  gone  to  the  Army. 

The  Jay  before  yesterday,  Vicc-Consul  Udncy's  things  \ 
11  returned  into  his  house :  the  French  are  grown  very  i 
to  die  inhabitants,  who,  on  the  contrary,  grow  more  imper 
The  other  day  they  drove  the  guard  from  Pisa  gate  with  i 
and  told  them  they  should  not  stay  beyond  the  lOth  :  ft  i 

linsi  the  Ministry  of  the  Grand  Duke  would  be  the 
qucncc  of  their  stay.     That  said  Major  de  Place,  who  ( 
on  board  the  Victory  to  pay  his  respects  to  you,  is  the  (Jot 
appointed  by  the  French,  and  who  will  certainly  lose  his  I 
if  there  is  nn  insurrection :  they  call  him  traitor.     Ibftrei 
to  Mr.  Wyndhnm,^  to  know  if  the  Grand  Duke  means  to ; 
good  the  losses  of  the  English ;  for  till  I  receive  his 
letter,  desiring  mc  to  take  off  the  blockade,  I  shall  m 
liberty  so  to  do ;  unless  the  entire  property,  or  the  v« 
is  restored,  or  until  I  receive  directions  from  you.    No  pr 
has  been  sold,  for  there  were  no  buyers :  it  may  be  made  > 
but  that  certainly  will  not  do.     I  shall  in  this  event 
light  Vessels  to  pass,  l)ut  not  a  cargo  on  any  account ;  fa 
Grand  Duke  may  say,  in  that  Vessel  went  tlie  English 
porty,  and  shew  as  pcrnuitod  by  the  English  Officer :  youj 
think  I  an*  l)cforehand,  but  a  regular  plan  can  never  do 
and  then,  when  the  event  takes  place,  and  take  place  it  I 
will,  I  have  not  this  part  to  think  of. 

.\hnost  all  Tuscany  is  in  motion:  the  whole  of  this | 
they  have  (old  the  French,  *  You  shall  go  away ;  we  wi 
l>e  starved  for  you.'  The  French  are  sending  many  thin? 
out  of  the  town,  but  the  generality  of  English  goods  arc  safr 
they  have  been  repeatedly  put  up  for  sale,  but  none 
buy. 

The  Leghomese  have  given  notice  to  the  French,  that] 
shall  not  make  their  grand  Fete  on  the  1 0th  of  Aii 
which  time  their  new  clothes  are  to  be  ready.     All  work, 
OS  repairing  guii-ciirriiiges,  &c.,  is  left  off.     I  have  no  donbi 
by  the  1 5th  we  shall  have  Leghorn,  and  then  I  look  forw« 


«T.»7.] 


LETTERS. 


t»7 


(rar»ttling  with  the  Pope.  The  appearance  of  a  Squadron 
off  Ciriti  Vecchia,  and  respectful  yet  firm  langtiage,  will,  I 
We  no  doubt,  induce  his  Uolincsa  to  open  his  Ports  as  usual. 

I  am,  &c. 

Horatio  Nelbon. 


TO  TIIE  RIGHT  HON.  SIR  GILBERT  ELLIOT. 
[Autograph,  in  the  Minto  ?«])«»,] 

Captsin,  Legliorn  RoiuJs,  Aug.  lit,  1700. 

Dear  Sir, 
I  am  much  favoured  by  your  letter  of  .Tuly  30th,  and  the 
Blanche  id  gone  for  Genoa,  and  have  great  hopes  she  will 
iiring  ns  good  news.  Enclosed  I  send  you  a  copy  of  my  letter 
'0  the  Swedish  Minister  at  Genoa,  which  I  hope  you  will 
•ppnove:  my  intention  is  to  keep  these  gentlemen  in  good 
''umour  with  us.  Your  reasons  are  strong,  and  I  give  up  my 
"pinion,  and  prefer  yours,  as  most  consonant  to  keep  up  good 
*''il  with  Neutral  Powers.  The  Adjnirurs  answer,  I  think,  will 
**  with  you,  therefore  I  have  adopted  a  signal,  that  these 
P^'ople  may  suffer  aa  little  inconvenience  as  ^wssiblc.  I  have 
^^ery  inclination  to  befriend  every  Neapolitan :  the  good  fixith 

»^^  the  King  of  Naples  demands  and  ensiu-es  it  of  us ;  but  I  fear 
^<?  permitting  cargoes  will  draw  us  into  scrapes  with  other 
^^wers ;  and  we  cannot  exactly  say,  such  a  tonnage  may  carry 
'^ir  cargoes  before  purchased,  and  to  others,  the  Vessels  I 
'ill  liberate  whenever  they  come  to  me,  but  with  Cargoes  I 
-or  we  must  not.     A  little  time,  I  hope,  must  induce  the 
**nch  to  quit  Leghorn.     The  Great  Duke  sends  messages 
^>r  the  people  to  remain  quiet,  and  all  will  end  well ;  but  in 
^i»e  meantime,  the  lower  Orders  arc,  from  their  former  plenty, 
'^'Vieolutely  in  great  want.     Two  nights  ago,  a  man  came  off  to 
•ay,  that  the  fishermen  had  a  place  assigned  them  to  attack ; 
Oic  shoemakers,  bricklayers,  and  other  trades,  different  places. 
.The  Venetians  were  to  liberate  the  slaves,  and  pos.sess  ihera- 
Mtelvcs  of  the  place  where  the  colours  were  hoisted,  they  thought 
[about  the  10th:  but  they  must  be  sure  the  French  would  not 
(he  able  to  return  in  fi»rcc :  they  all  speak  disrespectfully  of  the 
Grand  Duke's   Ministry.     I  send  your  Excellency  the  dis- 
[poeition  of  my  Squadron :  so  soon  as  I  can  gel  any  of  tlicm 

22 


LETTERS. 


i«a 


Biino;  bat 


send  a  Frigate  for  the ' 


■mall  Vessel^i 


Uiflcik  whiA  rows,  la  absolutely  dc 
RiflKiis :  some  of  the  small  ones 
camwiL    Afaaost  every  day  Vcsaek 
tbr  Lcftbom,  and  I  ought  not    to 
«r  VmbcIi  IB  bkwk  tbe  port ;  imleed,  they  ax«| 
<j^R  TOtt  aaj  be  awe,  as  &r  as  I  con  say,  a 
r  Utdy.    I  au  gbd  they  are  coming  roiuid  to  1 
E8t  TrmI  wbick  coma,  if  English — I  don't  call  S 
8akl  ibr  Bast  la,  to  take  the  C< 
codhl  be  mduced  to  attend  tbc 
)a  ^|bt  «f  NtpfafH  1  do  not  think  they  would  lose 
•ImH  ikr  ItaMiBCOiM  they  would  pick  up  something 
!H^  yott  «•■»  S|p««dy  fo  send  to  Baz^celona ;  but  you 
ST  «tat«»  tbcre&n^  do  do(  lake  it  amiss  slic  has  not 
loyML     IviU  OMt  kcefiber a  moment  longer  ihaiiL 
m  eT«rrAin|^  it  is  mj  endcttrour  to  meet  your  wisl 
are  not  Ukely  tomftr  flbr  want  of  fre^h  beef.     I  bav 
Cicno^,  to  8i^>ply  the  Fleet 
bdMoeka  every  veck,ooioiks>  lemons,  biscuit. 
Dor  aooey  wUt  do  much  fur  us.     I  am  glad  the  Si 
taogbt  the  Romans  scovhI  manners.     Not  wishing  to 
Raar^  as   Mr.  Walkt-r  lelk  uie  you  so  uuich  want 
muat  take  luy  letter  as  it  i«.     Believing  me,  ever 

Your  ExcaHeoej'ft  most  fiuthfiil  and  oblige 

Horatio 


LIST  OF  COMMODORE  NELSON*S  SQUADBUN, 


Captain 

L'Eclair 

Gnn-boat 

Snnlinp 

IVtncll 

niuiioUo 


MsrosBO  or. 

[Astosnyk.  la  ik»  Ubtg  Paiten.] 

Inborn  Roads,  to  blockade  the 

sage. 
South  Passage. 
Under  tbc  Melo. 
With  the  Vice-Roy. 
Ajaccio. 
No  water — gone  to  Genoa — ' 


m 


five 


or  SIX  il 


lays 


«T.a7.] 


LETTEES. 


229 


Ordered  to  tbc  Fled. 

Gone  to  Genoa  for  ioforiuulion ;    expected 
to-morrow,   to   go   to   the   Vice-Roy   for 
Barcelona  packet, 
le  Gcnio  .     .     lleaviog  dowu,  Portu  Fcrrajo. 

I  have  not  room  in  my  letter,  but  tbc  Sincere  is  not  ccr- 
^l\  a  sufficient  Convoy  for  sucU  valuable  Vessels. 

U.N. 


k 


To  WlLLJAM  LOCKER,  ESQ.,  ROYAL  HOSPITAL,  GREEN>yiCH. 

[.lntogmii)i,  in  iLe  Locker  Papon.]  i 

r«{t<iuii,  I^gliorn  Road'<,  Aagtiat  'JiiiJ,  170G. 

My  dear  Sir, 

I  shall  confine  my  present  letter  principiilly  to  the  eubject 
of  your  recommendation,  with  many  other  friends  of  Mr. 
Summers.  Very  soon  after  his  arrival,  Admiral  Ilolham  ap- 
pointed him,  in  what  was  considered  at  the  time  as  a  real 
Vacancy,  for  it  was  certain  Lieutenant  Wcnmau  Allison  could 
tiot  survive,  and  he  died  a  very  few  dny.s  after  his  arrival  in 
X<ondon.     Lieutenant  Summers  feels,  and  .so  do  I,  that  after 

ving  l>ecn  a  year  with  me,  and  in  a  good  vacsmcy,  that  he 
Is  not  confirmed ;  and  I  feel  it  the  more,  as  those  made  since 
him  in  invaliding  vacancies,  are  confinned.  Indeed,  the  Ad- 
miralty have  confirmed  a  Mr.  Cornpton  to  a  vacancy,  when 
they  had  actually  sent  out  another  Ijioutenant,  and  two  arc 
sen'ing  in  the  vacancy  of  Lieutenant,  now  Captain  An- 
drews. This  business,  I  am  sure,  want.s  nothing  but  a  fair 
explanation,  which  I  beg  you  to  do.  I  have  sent  one  certifi- 
cate to  Mr.  Summers's  agents,  INIarsh  and  Creed,  and  send 
you  another,  which  pray  present  to  some  of  our  friends  at  the 
Board.  Ihavc  every  reason  to  believe  Admiral  Young'  will 
state  the  matter  fairly  to  Lord  Spencer. 

I  may  almost  congratulate  you  on  our  re-entry  into 
Leghorn;  the  country,  from  the  Grand  Duke,  dowjiwur<l», 
is  BO  completely  in  distress  by  the  blockade  of  Leghorn,  that 


Rs 


^Ibey 


*  AdininU  Williiuu  Yuun^;.  then  one  of  tbc  Lonl*  of  the  Aduuralty;  ooc  of  Nd 
lMm«  (inrijr  Naval  frirndx-    Viilc  rwl,  i.  ji.  Hit. 


280 


LBTTEHA 


[I79<R 


all  is  in  motion,  and  if  tho  French  are  not  out  of  Logho: 
Ix'fore  the  15th,  there  will  be  «  general  insurrection.     Tbcs 
Lcghomese  have  told  the   French,  thoy  shall  not  celebrate 
their  Fete  of  August  10,  to  which  the  French  must  submit? 
they  say  the  Grand  Duke  is  a  young  man,  but  they  do  not 
spare  his  Ministry.     The  present  Governor  of  Leghorn,  wbt» 
is  fixed  since  the  French  came,  they  say  is  a  traitor,  and,  it^ 
there  is  an  insurrection,  his  head  will  go  oif :  but  I  believe 
we  shall  manage  till  without  blood — the  French  will  go  off» 
No  person  in  Leghorn  will  buy  the  English  property,  for  they 
could  not  send  it  away ;  therefore,  except  what  is  destroyed^ 
all   is   safe.      Some   English   merchants   compromised   witk 
Buonaparte  for  their  effects ;  they  will  lose,  which  I  am  not- 
sorry  for.     Fear  of  the  Froncli  has  been  the  cause  of  all  their 
successes  in  Italy.     With  kindest  remembrances  to  every  onte 
of  your  family,  believe  me, 

Ever  yoiu:  affectionate  and  obliged, 

Horatio  Nelson. 


TO  MRS.  NELSON. 


[From  Clarke  «nd  M'^Viilmr,  vol.  i.  p.  \\(U.] 

Jnd  August,  I'M. 
Had  all  my  actions,  my  dearest  Fanny,  been  gazetted,  noi 
one  fortnigbt  would  have  passed  during  the  whole  war  withouC: 
a  letter  from  me :  one  day  or  other  I  will  have  a  long  Gazette 
to  myself;  I  feci  that  such  an  opportunity  will  be  given  rac. 
I  cannot,  if  I  am  in  the  field  for  glory,  be  kept  out  of  sights 
Probably  my  services  may  be  forgotten  by  the  great,  by  the 
time  I  get  Home  ;  but  my  mind  will  not  forget,  nor  cease  ti^ 
feel,  a  degree  of  consolation  and  of  applause  superior  to  unde- 
served rewards.  Wherever  there  is  anything  to  be  done,  there 
Providence  is  sure  to  direct  my  steps.  Credit  must  be  given 
me  in  spite  of  envy.  Even  the  French  respect  me  :  their 
Minister  at  Genoa,  in  answering  a  Note  of  mine,  when  returning 
some  wearing  apparel  that  had  been  taken,  said,  *  Your  Nation, 
Sir,  and  mine,  arc  made  to  show  examples  of  generosity,  as 
well  as  of  valour,  to  all  the  people  of  the  earth.'  The  fol- 
lowing is  a  copy  of  the  Note  I  had  sent  him.' 

'  Vide  p.  188,  ante. 


Ai 


tr.  .U] 


LETTERS. 


I  will  also  relate  another  anecdote,  all  vanity  to  myself,  but 

^uu  vrill  partake  of  it :  A  person  sent  inc  a  letter,  and  directed 

I  follows,  *  Horatio  Nelson,  Genoa.'     On  lieing  asked  how 

!  could  direct  In  such  a  manner,  his  answer,  in  a  large  party, 

WM,  'Sir,  there  ia  but  one  Horatio  Nelson  in  the  world.'    The 

Iter  ccruiinly  came  immediately.     At  Genoa,  where  I  have 

oppcd  all  their  trade,  I  am  beloved  and  respected,  botli  by 

ihe  Senate  and  lower  Order.     If  any  man  is  fearful  of  his 

being  stopiK-d,  he  comes  and  asks  me  ;  if  I  give  him  a 

cfj  or  say,  '  All  is  right,'  he  is  contented.     I  am  known 

tluxiughout  Italy ;  not  a  Kingdom,  or  State,  where  my  name 

*^ill  he  forgotten.     This  is  my  Gazette. 

Lord  Spencer  has  expressed  his  sincere  desire  to  Sir  Johu 

Jervis,  to  give  me  my  Flag.     You  ask  me  when  I  shall  come 

•^otne  ?    I  believe,  when  either  an  honourable  peace  is  made, 

<>f  a  Spanish  war,  which  may  draw  our  Fleet  out  of  the  Medi- 

letTancnn.     God  knows  I  shall  come  to  you  not  a  sixpence 

'^^^her  than  when  1  set  out.     I  had  a  letter  a  few  days  since 

""Oin  II.  R.  H.  the  Duke  of  Clarence,  assuring  me  of  his  unal- 

'orable  friendship.'     With  kindest  love  to  my  father,  believe 

r  must  affcclionate  husband, 

HoBATio  Nelson. 


TO  THE  MARQUIS  DE  81LVA.  AT  NAPLE& 


[From  Clurke  aud  M'Arihitr,  vol,  i.  p.  30(1.] 


.Ird  AuguBt,  niHJ. 


I  am  only  this  moment  honoured  with  your  letter  of  July 

I6ll],  requesting  my  permission  for  the  departure  of  some 

,  Neapolitan  vessels  without  cargoes.     The  honour  and  steadfast 

faith  of  his  Sicilian  Majesty  in  the  good  cause  which  all  people 

Lougbt  to  have  espoused,  make  the  situation  of  Neapolitan 

*ls  very  different  from  those  of  any  other  Nation  :  I  feel 

It  I  shall  fullil  the  wishes  of  my  Sovereign,  and  of  my 

Admiral,  in  permitting  the  departure  of  Neapolitan  vessels 


I 
I 


■ 

i 


wiibout  cargoes.  Therefore,  ii'  you  will  order  the  Vessels  to 
come  to  me,  1  will  furnish  them  with  proper  passports  to  pre- 
vent their  being  molested.* 

I  am,  &c. 

lIoaATio  Nelson. 


TO  THE  RIGHT  HOX.  SIJl  Gn.BERT  ELUOT. 

Aiilograpb,  in  the  Mii)lo  Papers.] 

Ciiptniu,  Leghorn  Roftds,  Augvsl  Ord,  ITSM. 
My  dear  Sir, 
You  must  take  the  trouble  of  reading  all  my  packet  frorx"* 
Genoa  and  letter  for  the  Admiral,  I  will  not  keep  Pctercl  to 
select.     One  old  lady  tells  me  all  she  hears,  which  is  what  yr^ 
wish.     The  moment  we  have  any  other  Vessel,  I  will  sea«3. 
Speedy,  and  she  shall  go  now  if  you  want  her.     The  strcngtt-* 
of  Peterel  is  sufficient,  if  she  has  Vanncau,  Rose,  or  one  or  tw^ 
Corsican  privateers ;  if  not,   1  do  not  conceive  the  Captais^ 
would  he  a  sufficient  Convoy  against  the  llow-boats.     I  have  * 
letter  of  July  Ifith,  from  the  Neapolitan  Consul  at  Leghon*  ■ 
and  shall  endeavour  to  j^ct  a  letter  to  him  this  evening,  de- 
siring the  small  Vessels  (without)  cargoes  to  come  to  me.     He 
only  asks  me  without  cargoes. 

Believe  mc  your  Excellency's 

Most  faithful  and  much  obliged, 

Horatio  Nelson. 

His  Excellency  lUe  Vice-Ror. 

*  On  the  I'lh  nf  Autnist,  Sir  Wiliinm  HaniiUou  roramumciUed  U\  ConuucNlorc 
Nelnon  "  Jiis  Sicihiui  Mi^jesly's  ••iiict^re  Dmnkn  fortliia  act  of  frii*nilt*hin,"  aiid  nilded — 
"  HilhrrtoXftplet  desones  everj-thing  from  iia.  It  would  have  never  mndc  an  ormisuee 
if  it  riuihl  hnve  been  avoided,  ll  wm  tu  gain  lime;  oiid  be  iwsurpd  they  will  ncrrr 
make  pvHL-e  villi  Ihc  Fii-nch,  if  they  iiisi!)!  upon  i-xrltiding  the  British  shiiis  fruui  the 
Ports  of  the  Two  Sicilies,  luid  their  not  supplying  the  Ring'f^  Fleet  with  provisions." 
—Oriifiiuil,  in  tlie  Nelson  Fnpers.  Sir  Wiliinm  Ilurullou  vras,  however,  ininlulyiii 
forhy  ihe  third  iinicle  of  the  Treaty  of  Pence  between  Nnples  and  Franee.  eoueliided  on 
Uip  10th  of  October  following,  the  King  of  Niiples  eugnged  hiin>tclf  to  "  ohscrre  iLe 
roost  Hlrjei  iioiitndily  lowni-ds  all  the  lielligci-eui  I'owers :  in  conMeijnenci",  Ine 
pl<>df;rit  hiin<iolf  to  preyciit,  iiidiscrimiuntely,  »coe*"i  to  hi«  Ports  of  all  iinne<l  Ship* 
of  WILT  briotigiug  to  the  «uid  Powers  which  shall  exceed  foiir,  aceordiug  In  the  reorti- 
Intioitt  lu-Vnowlcdged  by  the  siiid  ueiilraliiy ;  nuJ  nil  stores  or  luerchAudiso  kuonn 
\ij  the  luunc  of '  eoulmbiuid  of  w«ur '  .*iiaU  b<-  refused  them." 


LETTER& 


233 


TO  THE  RIGHT  HON.  SIR  GILBERT  ELUOT. 

[Autogrnpb,  in  Uic  MiulQ  Pajiers.] 

Lfghom  Ronds,  August  -liL,  HlHi. 

l>ear  Sir, 

he  Admiral  has  sent  orders  for  the  Pctcrcl  to  proceed  to 

Adriatic    If  he  has  sailed,  pray  5cnd  something  after  him, 

so  soon  as  he  has  dropjKid  tlic  Convoy  at  Naples,  he  will 

leed  on  his  voyage.     Lieutenant  Walker,   I   hear   from 

ijrtnin  Dixon,  did  not  make  the  best  of  his  vk'ay  off  Bastia, 

chased  and  took  possession  of  a  Danish  brig  from  Amster- 

If  so,  I  shall  most  probably  trj-^  him  by  a  Court  Martial; 

id  the  L'Eclair  means  to  lay  in  her  claim. 

Ever  your  most  obliged, 

Horatio  Nelson. 

>  Emlleoojr  iLe  Vice- Rot. 


TO  THE  RIGHT  HON.  SIR  GILBERT  F.LI.IOT. 

[AutogrnpL,  iu  Uie  MinlQ  PBperj,] 

C'oiitiuJi,  liCgliorn  lionds,  An^si  9(li,  171)0. 
My  dear  Sir, 
If  you  can  send  Speedy  instantly  to  me,  she  is  most  useful ; 
nol,  I  submit,  and  will  guard  Leghorn  as  long  as  I  can.     I 
»ve  directed  Captain  Elphiustone  to  obey  your  desires.     I 
wrote  to  the  Neapolitan  Consul,  and  I  sincerely  rejoice 
my  letter  was,  as  far  as  I  was  able,  very  similar  to  yours. 
Ever  yours  most  faithfully, 

IIoKATio  Nelson. 


TO  THE  RIGHT  HON.  SIR  OU-BEHT  ELLIOT. 
[Aalognpli,  in  the  Miuto  rii{i«re.] 

Cnptaiji,  Lfgboru  Hvwh*,  August  6tb,  I7DC. 
My  dear  Sir, 

Leghorn  is,  from  all  accounts  last  night,  in  such  a  state,  that 

I  itxpcctablc  force  landed,  would,  I  have  every  reason  to  sup- 

e,  insure  the  immediate  possession  of  the  Town.     I  know 

By  things  must  be  considered.     Not  less  than  1000  troops 


Limi&  [1^ 

Ma^  to  vMck  I  mtSL  add  every  soldier  in  my  i 
»  fmxj  of  •oBm  to  Bwkc  a  show.     In  ereiy^ 
B  ptiiafe^CBd  exoofle  my  opinions.    t\ 
tff  fivttiag  ■  proper  person  to  cc 
tT»     FvHBcaGy  and  that  tlie  people  of  Leghorn 
m  ftmamtamatmSa^  viH  most  assurctlly  have  a  | 
A  canftil  e»«yaatiaa  «iUi  me  (for,  vanity  apart,j 
fe  mmA  fesRd  or  respected  in  Leghorn  as  inyseli 
A  dsciawtion  from  your  £xc 
vmI^  I  MB  ««Rw  hM«  tke  knn*iwi  efiect. 

I  aai  pxBSt  fitf^cr:  «e  know  the  jealousy  of  the 
apiast  ife  Navy,  baft  I  aai  by  tbe  King's  Con  ii 

Coloael  m  tW  Anwr*  ktm  Jane  1st,  1795.     I 
sack  »  m«k  as   Dmbcsb,  he  recerriog  your  directiooai 
coonk  OB  oat  but  asysetf;  but  I  have  most  unforti 
a  Ifafor,  B0«   1  &acy  LieoAenant-Colotiel 
bo«d»  «bo  oooU  [aot]  serve  onder  Miyor  Duncan. 
knded  as  Colopel*  of  ooone  I  ahocdd  command  the 

aad  I  noBt  oeitamfy  sboald  not  call  Mr. toi 

rffTFif«*» ;  but  I  fcei  alaust  the  impassibility  of  your 
dfaig  ^is  baainesBi  althooi^  I  am  sure  it  would  be  for 
Msyesty^i  serrioe ;  and  if  my  character  is  known,  the  ial 
fcgnhdosis  of  the  tzoops  iJionM  rest  by  order  under 
Major,  Doksd;  sod  I  shoold  only  interfere  in  the  gresii 

I  will,  however  it  may  hoxt  the  fcelings  of  Major i  < 

him  on  board,  with  six  soldias ;  be  shall  tu'ver  command^ 
coKyperatioii  with  me :   therefore,  do  not  let  thin  be  on 
tion.    You  will  consider.  Sir,  all  these  points,  and  form  a ; 
better  judgment  than  I  can,  only  pve  me  credit  that  the  n< 
wish  of  my  heart  is  to  serrc  my  King  and  Country,  at  ci 
personal  risk  and  consideration. 

Believe  me  ever  your  Excellency's  most  fiuthful 

UoRATio  Nei 

It  has  ever  pleased  God  to  prosper  all  my  imd< 
and  I  feel  confident  of  His  blessing  on  this  occaaioD.     I 
couiuder  my  motto,  Fides  et  Opera.'' 

'  Rfing  Colonri  uf  iLp  Mtrinos. 

'  It  dMw  ooi  ajrpcv  Uut  Nebon  lued  way  Armorul  EDngM  oaiU  Alter 
mtda  •  Kaigbt  of  Uu  Bub,  in  Blay,  1T07,  vUea  Anns  mn  tmigati  to  Um, 


ro 


LETTERS. 


235 


.B.  INrcntj-four  hours  will  du  the  busineeii.     Send  an 
Officer. 

.  Excrik-nc*  Uie  Vice-Roy. 


TO   ADMIRAL  SIR  JOHN  JERVI3,  K.B. 
[From  CUrke  uid  M'ArtLur,  vol.  i.  p.  30(1.] 

Leghnni  Rooil.i,  ^tli  August,  170U. 

Dear  Sir, 

I  write  loo  mucb,  say  so,  and  I  will  hold  my  pen ;  for 

tlf,  I  feel  a  comfort  in  knowing  everything  on  which  each 

cl  of  my  Squadron  is  employed ;  and  as  but  few  of  my 

require  answers,  I  hope  you  do  not  think  it  gives  you 

much  trouble  to  read  them,  occupied  as  I  know  you  are 

greater  concerns.      I  would  not  stop  the  Comet  one 

It,  as  I  was  anxious  she  should  6nd  Petercl  at  Bastia. 

I  to  stores,  slie  is  just  come  from  Ajaccio,  but  was  absolutely 

those  supplies  which  she  stood  in  need  of.     If  a  Ship 

into  an  arsenal,  she  not  only  ought  to  have  her  damages 

good,  but  her  wants  should  also  be  supplied  according 

f-the  discretion  of  the  proper  officers :  the  Petercl  was  sent 

ncfiiliy  away,  and  Mr.  James'  was  treated,  from  his  ac- 

It,  with  a  most  unwarrantable  incivility.     Do  these  Naval 

riitan?,  of  all  descriptions,   mean  to   separate  themselves 

our  authorily  ?     If  they  be  not  punishable  by  Martial 

other  piinishments,  although  more  slow,  will,  I  trust, 

ly  &11  upon  them.     I  mean  not  this  as  a  public  com- 

for  I  would  not  have  every  Captain  take  what  stores 

i  pleases ;  but,  at  the  same  time,  the  fair  wants  of  a  Vessel, 

ever  is  the  rank  of  her  Commander,  ought  to  be  supplied, 

the  Officer  treated  with  civility.     You  wcH  know.  Sir, 

to  do,  to  settle  both  sides  of  the  question,  therefore  I 

say  no  more ;  the  Petercl's  sails  are  rags,  and  none  have 

sn  supplied  her. 

1  know,  dear  Sir,  the  Vice-Roy's  worth  and  wisdom,  and 

•b%w]ti«il  p&ge, )  and  he  xlien  tiioivted  Uie  Motlo  mentioned  In  Utc  iibo\«  iottrr. 
I  tb«t  timr  he  g^nernlly  ii^ed  a  soal  with  the  eipher  "  A.  N.,"  which  proUbly 
In  lii»  «Uter,  "  poor  Ann  NeUoii ;"   or  •  Inrgv  seij  with  tJie  bead  of  Nep- 
I  enfrtwd  on  It. 

•  CflnuoaLder  of  Uie  Feterrl. 


2m 


LETTERS. 


r>: 


yoa  will,  as  he  does,  give  me  credit  for  having  only  one  pol 
in  view,  lo  serve  my  Ring  and  Country  faithfully ;  and 
both  you  and  he  have  the  same  consideration,  I  shall  nol, 
far  as  my  abilities  will  allow  mc,  think  vcrj'  differently 
either.     You  are  ever  adding,   Sir,  to  my  obligations, 
can  only  endeavour  to  repay  you  by  the  way  most  agi 
to  yourself,  a  most  asHiduous  attention  to  my  duty. 

I  have  given  permis$>ion  to  some  Neapolitan  vessels  to 
the  Mole  for  Naples,  but  without  cargoes.  The  worth 
good  faith  of  the  King  of  Naples  demand  of  us  cvcrj'thing 
can  grant ;  and  it  was  a  real  pleasure  for  rac  to  find,  the 
after  1  had  granted  the  permission,  that  the  Vice-Roy 
written  a  vorj'  similar  letter  to  the  Marquis  de  Silva.  I 
also  permitted,  by  desire  of  Mr.  North,  some  gootls  to 
and  the  American  tribute  to  the  Dcy  of  Algici-s,  A  Vcnelii 
vessel  is  to  come  here,  and  load  under  my  guns.  The  l)e}'» 
Lord  of  the  Bedchamber,  or  some  such  great  man,  has  been  oo 
board  my  Ship  :  he  was  highly  pleased  with  my  entertainment 
of  him,  and  declared  he  would  supply  us  with  bullocks  of 
600  lbs.  each,  for  ten  Spanish  dollars ;  he  was  never  tired  of 
looking  about  him. 

I  must  relate  an  anecdote  :  I  asked  him  why  he  would  not 
make  peace  with  the  Genoese  and  Neapolitans,  for  they  would 
pay  the  Dey  ?     His  answer  was,    *  If  we  make  peace  with 
every  one,  what  is  the  Dey  to  do  with  his  Ships?'     What* 
reason  for  carrying  on  a  Naval  war  1    but  has  our  Minister  • 
better  one  for  the  present?    I  have  sent  great  news  to  Basils » 
but  ( I  wish  the  word  was  out  of  our  language)  I  am  not  fiiH^ 
contented:  we  Iwat  the  Enemy  on  the  29th,  .30th,  31st,  |6*» 
and  2nd  J  and  because  I  do  not  know  whether  we  beat  th&^^ 
on  the  .3rd,  I  am  not  satisfied  ;^  such  is  human  nature.     Gill** 
arc  sounding  from  the  ramparts,  and  I  am  wicked  enough  f" 
wish  thiit  all  these  fellows'  throats  may  be  cut  before  nighu 


'  After  riUHiiig  ilic  <»|epe  of  MAiitTin  on  ilic  30tli  of  July.  Bimunjiftrtf  jtitiinl  III* 
fttmy  Hi  Brt'seltia.  The  Krenoli  linJ  then  reccntlv  gninrd  niauy  i»d\iiniiigi'«i  n\#r  lW 
AllMtiinii^,  imrlirtilnrly  nl  Lniimlo;  liiit  on  tlir  51■^l,  (Lc  l-'rencli  WfW  driven  OUI  o/ »'• 
Aitil  iHineii  ill  nil  cngagruii'ui.  On  the  l<il  vt  AiiKUKt,  tlir  Auslrimts  virtx'  rnuieO  tX 
firpu'liiii,  mill  took  reftiRr  in  the  niouiitain-*  of  the  TjroK  On  ihe  ;(nl,  M«rili«l 
Wtirniwr,  who  liiul  wlvaiici'il  |o  iiw  t«.<t>ii»tiuioc  of  tJit'  otLcr  divi-tioiis  uf  tlic  .Viituitu 
atmy,  m«8  defiraivd  m  Cutigliour.    The  AutiiriAUH  were  worsietl  Nt  (<ttvuril<i  on  iU 


LETTERS. 


237 


AiignMt  1  Uh. 

relerday   ihe  French  had  llieir  fete,  but  they  seemed 
of  a  riot :  by  proclamation,  all  Tuscans  ^verc  ordered 
_  lin  in  their  hoases,  and  every  possible  precaution  taken. 
f^Trench  say  they  have  no  orders  from  their  Government 
T  "STboni;  therefore  they  8hall  remain. 

I  an],  &c. 

Horatio  Nelson. 


TO     ...    . 

[AntogTa|<h  Drangkl  in  tlie  Nel*ou  Papers.] 

Cnptniu,  L^gUom  Rniu]!!.  Aiiptst  AiL,  KOO. 

My  Lord, 

[From  the  total  deprivation  of  trade  in  Leghorn,  more  than 

0  people  are  thrown  out  of  employment,  and  I  believe  it 

Iwithin  compass  when   we  include  the  whole  canal  trade 

[every  part  of  Italy.     Hundreds  have  been  on  boaitl  in  small 

to  beg  bread.     All  agree  they  have  repeatedly  repre- 

fttcd  to  the  Grand  Duke  the  miserable  state  to  which  they 

reduced,  and  the  answer  they  have  repeatedly  received, 

I  to  beg  of  them  to  remain  quiet.     All  this,  your  Lordship 

t  probably  from  our  Minister ;  but  the  lower  Order 

;  11  aasure  me,  that  they  can  nor  will  any  longer  be 

toif  by  promises;  tliat  the  French  shall  quit  Leghorn,  and 

they  are  detern»ined  to  rise  on  them  if  they  are  not  out  of 

(Town  on  the  15th  August,  and  that  they  shall  not  celebrate 

fi?te  of  August  10th.     I  do  not  fail  to  give  every  en- 

?mcnt  to  these  good  dispositions,  and  assurances  of  my 

'  nsdstiince  in  case  the  French  do  not  go  off.     The  plans 

luid,  but  it  would  be  wr^ng  to  put  them  on  paper  in  this 

^certain  state  of  the  safety  of  posts.     The  French  here  arc 

Dwn  complaistmt;  the  inhabitants,  of  course,  very  insolent : 

tell  them,   *  You  shall  go  by  the  loth.'    The  soldiers 

night  desert  by  ten  and  twenty.     The  other  night,  an 


Ml  the  Mi,  Ituoniipano  gninetl  n  droUivi*  virlury  over  Wummcr  n»Kt 

Sti<-b  in  the  cnnJiMiMfil  niirnilivc  iu  llii'  Jiiitunl  Ket/iiicr,  Vul.  xrxAiii.  jip. 

-lot ;  lint  C'ol<jncl  'jfiilittiirs  Hciiortu  of  lli<?  iirwcwliiigH  »f  llic  jNustruiii  Mniy 

llU  licwl  qil«rtr<r«,  luililitlii^il   iu   the  *'  Loudmi  GtizelU*"  ut  llif  'i'ih  ut  AugilRt. 

$t  siv*  ■  mtuli  more  favourttlfic  account  of  tlio<>c  Actioiiii. 


LETTEBa. 

Officer  Kttd  twenty  cavalry  went  oft     We  will  not 
Mantua  to  be  killed,  is  their  common  laik. 

I  am  not  sanguine  witliotit  good  reason,  but  I  hare 
present  not  the  smallest  doubt  but  by  the  1  Gth,  Leghnrn  wil 
be  free.     The  English  property  has  been  repeatedly  put 
for  sale,  but  no  one  will  purchase ;    therefore,  except 
which  is  plundered,  all  is  safe;  and  the  French 
themselves  of  Leghorn  has  been  of  the  greatest  dct 
themselves,  and  not  the  smallest  to  us.     Our  Fleet  wants 
nothiDg.     Naples  and  Genoa  supply  us  to  the  utmost  of  ( 
wishes,  while  France  is  efiFectually  cut  off  from  those 
supplies  of  stores  of  all  kinds,  and  com,  which  she 
receive  from  Leghorn.      Tartans,  with  furnaces  and  Be 
cannon,  and  fire-vessels,  are  prepared  for  my  destruction ;  bu 
I  feel  so  well  guarded  against  all  attempts,  that  1  shall  not  mov 
from  my  anchorage.     Not  a  Vessel,  large  or  small,  h.-w 
or  entered  the  Port  since  the  day  the  French  entered- 
I  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c. 

Horatio  Neuok. 


TO  THE  RIGHT  HONOURABLE  SIR  GILBERT  EIXIOT. 
[Antogri^L,  in  tbe  Minto  Piip«n.] 

Cnptidn,  Leghorn  Ro«d*,  Angnil  HhIi,  I'M. 

My  dear  Sir, 
So  true  it  is  that  to  men  who  have  only  the  good  of  thi 
King  and  Country  at  heart,  the  same  ideas  mu£t  strike  thcm^ 
I  feel  the  highest  degree  of  pleasure  from  your  letter.  If  you 
think  it  right  to  communicate  to  the  General"  that  you  have 
opened  your  mind  to  me,  pray  assure  him  there  is  nothing 
I  feel  greater  pleasure  in  than  hearing  he  is  to  command. 
Assure  him  of  my  most  sincere  wishes  for  his  speedy  success, 
and  that  ho  shall  have  every  support  and  assistance  from  me. 
Guns  we  may  land,  but  our  stock  of  shot  b  very  small.  We 
may  be  sure  of  all  the  country  people  being  our  friends.  I 
send  you  great  news,  and  have  no  doubt  but  the  battle  of  tba 


•  Lii!tit«nftnt  GpRFrml    Inljti   Tlitiinii!!  dc   Uurifli,  Cntntnauilrr  of  the    Force's 

Cor»Ie>ri:  Le  miccnrdFd   lu  UilrtDeiiili  Knrl  of  ClMirioanln,  in  Hrcpmb«T,  1707 

dying  in  JiJy,  |hos   «...  ».i.. (,.,!  in  liis  bonoiun  by  Uia  »on,  Uie  prM«ttt  UH^ula 

of  Clnnriconle. 


ifcr       i 


\tl!J] 


LETTERS. 


98» 


!  wafl  &Tourable  to  our  friends.     L' Eclair  is  gone  to  Genoa 

more  news,  which  I  shall  instantly  send  you.     I  do  not 

"        1y  ten  minutes,  bo  anxious  am  I  ihat  you  should 

access.     You  will  be  so  good  as  to  send  to  the 

lira!  when  opportunity  oflFers,  for  I  do  not  keep  Speedy 

I  write  more  than  this  line. 

Ever  believe  me  your  most  faithful 

UoRATio  Nelson. 
Not  A  word  will  escape  me. 

Qb  ExceUcncy  iIm  Vicellojr. 


TO  THE  RfGin'  HON.  SIR  GILBERT  ELUOT. 
[Aatofrnpli,  in  the  Minto  Papers.] 

Captain,  Leghorn  Boads,  August  1  lib,  10  P.M. 

My  dear  Sir, 

Major  Logan  is  just  come  on  board,  and  I  have  had  a  long 

Dfersation  with  him,  as  you  wished,  and  I  believe  the  Major 

1  the  attempt  in  the  same  favourable  point  of  view  in  which 

I  have  satisfied  Major  L.  that  there  is  no  danger  in 

attempt — that  the  troops  can  be  landed  and  embarked 

ithout  danger,  even  should  a  superior  force  come  against 

em,  a  thing  not  very  likely  to  happen.     Being  on  shore, 

ere  can  be  no  doubt  but  that  nearly  every  Tuscan  is  friendly 

OS.    The  Grand  Duke,  to  keep  the  Venetians  quiet,  has 

"plojed  them,  at  three  pauls  a  day,  to  clear  the  Pisa  canal, 

they  are  at  work  under  my  guns.     More,  perhaps,  is  to 

done    by   conciliatory    measures,   than   open   force   (not 

U  I  mean  force  is  not  to  be  used ;  I  am  sure  it  must,  but 

K  I  will  come  to  hereafter).     What  is  our  object  ?     To  dis- 

the  French  of  Leghorn ;  not  to  keep  it  I  suppkose,  but 

the  Leghomese  from  a  foreign  garrison.     This  is  the 

»inL 

li'  your   Excellency  declares  that  our  object   is   only   to 

tore  Leghorn  to  its  legal  Government,  and  that,  so  soon  as 

It  is  done,  that  the  English  troops  shall  leave  the  garrison, 

offer,  at  the  same  time,  honourable  terms  to  the  French, 

icb  the  General  can  meliorate,  or  the  contrary,  as  things 

,)  this  must  make  even  our  cncroica  in  Leghorn  wish  tho 


know  I'fMielimeii  i%kl,  be  vil 

rnii  Miy  uuiriAn,  kbot,  fire,  &c  &c — m 

(inuti^lk  lo  make  a  letter.   Ob  tbe 

iiC  our  iiiU'titicms  mnat  Micagib 

iimktt  it  mIncj  I  he  inUrretl  of  tbe  fiieads  of  &e  Fn 

l4i  r|uit  l.c^li'/rn.    It  would  be  UBpcninBBt  ii 
nn  yiiiir  ^utxliwM  tu  My  ft  wofd  abooi  tbe 
Inr,  M(r<     A  fi'W  ((>>'>*  '"^y  1^  iif  f<  Wii j      I 
nnci  >tK-|M)uiii]rrfi;  the  Diiulctn,  18  and  24-poa 

imiil  ivvo  .'t2-|Hiiiii(lcr»un(l  1 000 shot,  tbe nmeef 
Aiid  iwu  kiimm;  DirultMii,  two  18-pounden  mod 
(wii  'l'i-i>(iMiulrrH,  \()(iO  nhot',   fuur  IS-poaoden 
HuiiM'lliiii^  iiMiMl  Ik*  IcA  to  chance.     Our  onl j  < 
1«  tho  honour  uiid  hcnciil  to  our  Country  woftb 
ll  Im  (aitil  I   lliiiik  HO),  in  God'8  name  let  us  get 
hiipii  Col'  lilft  hlriwin^  on  onr  endeavours  to  libej 
who  liuvu  hrdti  our  Hinccrc  fricndfl. 

Ever,  my  dear  Sir, 
Your  ICxcclloucy's  most  obedient 

IIORATK 

ThU  In  wrote,  ax  Major  Logan  will  tell  you,  it 
thrrttfovr  y«m  muKt  take  my  ideiia  as  they  flowj 
ihrni,     1  hiivr  no  copy,  and  will  not  keep  the 

ri  In  I  III  t<  d(\yi  let  lue  have  iu 


r.  37.] 


LETTERS. 


241 


>ted  the  measure.     We  are  impatient  for  the  battle  uf 

1 3rd-    There  are  reports  at  Florence  that  the  Austriuns  are 

;  but  no  account  of  this  bail  been  published  by  the 

at  Leghorn  on  the  14th.     All  the  heavy  stores  are 

ing  here  and  at  St.  I'lorenzo,  and  twenty-four  hours, 

I  the  oppc»rtunity  offers,  will  be  sufficient.     I  hope  we 

11  have  settled  Leghorn  before  the  Dons,  if  they  intend  it, 

I  have  still  my  doubts  as  to  a  Spanbb  war;  and  if 

'lid  be  one,  with  your  management  I  have  no  fears. 

t  is  ill-manned  and  worse  Ofticered,  1  believe;  and 

ihey  arc  slow.     Lord  Bute's  letter  paves  the  way  very  clearly 

jour  line  of  acting:  Ministers  seldom  commit  themselves 

an  opinion.     Should  the  Dons  come,  1  shall  then  hope  I 

ay  be  spared,  in  tny  own  person,  to  help  to  make  you  at 

B  Viscount. 

'AppucnUy  in  coDtiiiiiation.j 

Aapiisl  IT  ill,  Ba.Miu. 

It  is  possible  that  the  Spanish  frigate  buimd  to  Civitu 
Jncch'u  may  be  intended  to  carry  money  from  his  Holiness, 
iih  the  famous  Ajiollo,  &c.  &c.,  for  the  French.  It  is  allowable 
>  seize  the  pro|)crty  of  Enemies,  even  on  board  Neutral  .Ships 
rWar.  JVIr.  North  tells  me,  that  in  the  late  war  two  or  three 
lish  Ships  of  War  were  seized  by  the  Spaniards,  currying 
res  to  Gibraltar;  and,  on  the  remonstrance  of  the  Danish 
linjsier  at  Madrid,  the  answer  he  received  was,  that  it  was 
Not  Men  of  War  which  were  stopped,  but  Vessels  which  had 
"^ade  themselves  Merchantmen  for  the  time.  This  hint  may 
l»  useful :  the  times  ore  critical. 

I  am,  &c. 

HottATio  Nemon. 


TO  niE  Rn-EREND  MR.  NELSON,  HTLBOROUCFf. 
[Aatognvb,  iii  t1»e  Nebon  Pupm.] 
Ck|itaiii,  bctvecD  Btmiin  awl  L^jtliora,  AngnM  IRUi,  1*00. 
fy  dear  Brother, 
I  always  have  very  great  pleasure  in  receiving  a  letter  from 
►on,  and  I  have  only  to  beg  that  you  will  write  more  fre- 
quently.    1  laugh  at  your  fancying  my  being  able  to  buy,  at 
fast,  Ttifts ;  and  don't  you  be  uneasy  when  1  assure  you  that 
vol,,  rr.  K 


if  I  have  saved  my  Ship-pay,  the  Marine  I  throw  in,  I  tbiU 
be  content ;  but  1  verily  believe  that  will  not  be  the  case-  It 
is  true  I  have  taken  numbers  of  prizes,  but  I  have  always 
ghared  with  ray  Squadron,  none  of  whom  have  I  ever  received 
sixpence  from ;  or,  had  so  many  Vessels  in  sight,  that  they 
run  away  with  the  greater  parL  I  believe  had  I  trusted  to 
my  own  good  fortime  and  enterprising  spirit,  I  might  hB;Te 
been  able  to  think  of  Tofts ;  but  that  gives  me  not  a  moment's 
concern.  Happy,  happy  shall  I  be  to  return  to  a  little  but 
neat  cottage  ! 

I  may  tell  you  as  a  secret,  that  probably  the  next  letter  you 
see  from  me  will  be  in  the  Public  Gazette.  An  expedition* 
is  thought  of,  and  of  course  I  shall  be  there,  for  most  of 
these  services  fall  to  my  lot  I  have  just  been  Rrraaging 
shot,  shells,  &c.  &c.,  for  to  give  our  Enemies.  As  to  re- 
wards, I  expect  none.  I  shall  not,  perhaps,  return  till  a 
peace,  when  our  services  are  forgot  I  am  not  surprised  that 
the  Linen  draper  should  sell  his  estate.  Almost  every  one 
lives  beyond  his  income,  and  attempts  to  imitate  his  neigh- 
bour who  is  richer.  However,  now,  I  am  a  real  Commodore 
having  a  Captain  under  me,'  I  shall  share  for  all  prizes,  who- 
ever is  the  taker.  A  Spanish  galleon  taken  now  in  this 
Country  will  be  a  capital  stroke,  but  I  can  hardly  bring  my- 
self to  believe  they  will  venture  on  a  war.  K  they  do,  wc 
must  give  up  Corsica,  and  that  is  all  Our  Fleets  \\\\\  cover 
every  sea  but  the  Mediterranean.  The  Dons  will  expect  it 
at  homo  and  abroad.  America  will  readily  join  against  them, 
and  they  will  lose  Mexico  and  Peru.  America  will  find 
soldiers  and  privateers,  and  we  must  fund  Ships-of-war.  I 
have  my  eye  on  a  Spaniard  who  is  gone,  I  fancy,  to  the 
mouth  of  the  Tiber,  to  bring  away  the  tribute  of  the  Pope  for 
the  French.  I  hope  to  catch  her  on  her  return,  if  she  ha^ 
really  their  busts  and  money  on  board. 

I  rejoice  to  hear  Aunt  Mary  is  so  well  recovered.     Tell  bef 

*  Agttinxt  Leglioni. 

•  Ho  was  nppniutpi)  a  ^^ll  f'ommodore,  litving  Caplain  Bulpb  Willcli  MillB  • 
Ui  CaptBin,  on  ihe  llih  of  Augim,  ihree  d*v«  Itefore  tlip  daw  nf  iIh'h  letter.  B 
■iqieaTB  from  Uie  "Order  nf  R«HIp"  of  llic  I'Jtli  nf  Aiifnwt,  \'i'M\,  tli«l  Ciqittln 
CbvlM  Stnurt  wn»  his  Cuploui  until  Captaju  Miller  jniued. — Oriijimtl  iu  Uie  Nel- 


LETTERS.  243 

[hope  yet  to  take  her  by  the  hand  before  the  year  comes 
nd.    Tell  me  ali  the  Norfolk  news  that  is  interesting.    Uow 
our  friends  at  Swaffham?     Does  Mr.  Rolfe  live  at  (I 
jt  the  name)  Sahara.     I  shall  keep  this  letter  open 
I  get  to  Leghorn,  which  1  keep  very  warm  with  my 
kade,  and  hope  to  be  able   to   tell  yon  good  news.     I 
ak  my  nephew*  for  his  letter,  and  if  he  works  as  hard  in 
Church  as  I  have  done  on  the  sea,  he  may  become  a 

Angufit  lihh. 
am  sorry  to  tell  you  the  Austrians  have  had  a  check  in 
ombardy,  bj  fancying  themselves  too  jxjwerful.  It  disap- 
Bints  ray  hopes  for  the  present  Remember  me  most  kindly 
'  Mrs.  Nelson  and  Aunt  Mary,  Jliss  Charlotte,  Horace,  our 
ends  at  SwaflPhain,  and  everywhere  else.  Perhaps  you  may 
meet  Maurice  SuckUng :  he  will  now  marry  Miss  Framing- 
Imni.  lie  may  be  odd,  but  I  believe  none  will  do  more 
real  good  with  the  estate  when  he  comes  to  it,  which  I  hope 
he  will.*  Josiah  thanks  you  all  for  your  inquiries  :  he  is  not 
js  least  altered. 

Ever,  your  most  affectionate  brother, 

IIoBATio  Nelson. 


TO  TIfE  RIGFTT  HON.  SIR  GILBERT  ELLIOT. 

[Autograph,  in  ihe  Minto  Papers.] 

Captain,  ol  Sea.  August  18Ui.  17(10. 
3Iy  dear  Sir, 

Our  news  is  not  very  good,  but  it  is  best  to  know  the  worst, 
m  have  probably  (ho  means  of  knowing  what  is  going  on  at 
^hom ;  as  to  any  rendezvous  at  Monte  (jhristo,  I  have  no 
Idea  of  that  place,  or  that  4000  men  can  be  embarked  in 
ktn.  I  shall  send  a  Ship  to  Genoa,  almost  directly,  for 
I  hope  it  will  be  better. 

Ever  yours  most  faithful, 

Horatio  Nelson. 

>  Hit  RsmUmcj  the  Vice-Roy. 

[Horatio,  only  «oii  of  i\\f  Rvv.  William  NeUnu,  who  waa  llieu  bnt  seven  yront 
Tol.  i.  p,  108.     Li<>at(!nant  Maurice  Snekllng  ili4  marry  Uiat  ludv. 

b2 


244 


LETTERS. 


[179B. 


TO  TIIE  KIGIIT  IIOX.  SHI  GILBEIIT  EIXIOT. 
[Autograph,  ill  Uic  Miuto  PaL|i«n>.] 

Cuptoin,  ofrBasliii,  An^nsi  I^tb,  ITiHI. 

My  dear  Sir, 
Seeing  your  Excellency's  boat  coining  on  board,  I  beg  Icwe 
lo  suggest  that  one  of  your  privateers  should  look  at  Ciriii 
Vccchia  and  the  mouth  of  the  Tiber,  to  see  if  the  N 
frigate  is  there,  and  lo  endeavour  to  find  out  if  she  is  i.^.i.g 
the  rlchcB  of  Rome  on  board:  if  she  is,  I  shall  seriously  think 
of  getting  hold  of  her,  but  I  believe  I  shall  get  the  Admiral'* 
opinion  before  she  sails. 

Ever  your  most  faithful, 

Horatio  Nblsok, 

!{)■  Excellency  the  Viae -Boy. 


TO  THE  REVEREND  MR.  NELSON,  BATII. 
[AntngrapL,  in  Uie  Nelson  Pnp^n.] 

Caiiimu,  Angn«t  lOUi,  1700, 

My  dear  Father, 

Your  most  affectionate  letter  of  July  4ih  gave  me  infinite 
pleasure,  and  I  assure  you  that  no  small  part  of  the  satisfactioit 
I  feel  in  doing  my  duty,  is  knowing  the  pleasure  it  will  give 
you  and  my  dear  wife.  As  to  the  rewards,  I  think  it  verj' 
possible  those  who  arc  on  the  spot  will  get  them,  whilst  wo 
who  fag  at  a  distance  are  forgot.  The  last  scr\'ice  is  always 
the  best,  for  it  is  natural.  This  gentleman  had  a  Victory  two 
years  ago,  the  fruits  of  which  we  enjoyed,  and  jjerhajw  have 
lost  again.  The  other  is  on  the  spot  to  receive  his  reward 
before  the  newer  object  presents  itself.  But  all  cannot  be 
employed  near  home,  and  half  the  rewards  are  useleSvC.  God 
forbid  I  shoidd  ever  lose  myself  so  much  as  to  be  Knighted. 
Fame  says  we  are  to  have  a  Spanish  war  in  this  Country. 
The  only  consequence  it  can  be  to  us  may  be  the  neccssarj* 
evacuation  of  Corsica,  and  that  om'  Fleet  will  draw  down  the 
Mediterranean.  The  Dons  will  suffer  in  every  way  for  their 
folly,  if  they  arc  really  so  fool-hardy  as  to  go  to  war  to  [ileose 
the  French. 

I  am  now  nn  estnbli.shcd  Commodore,  having  a  C.'aptain 


J70 


LETTERS. 


'245 


linted  to  the  Sliip ;  therefore  my  professional  rise  Is  regular 

bonoumble.     My  brother  WUIiam  thinks  I  have  been 

nng  a  fortuDC,  but  I  have  assured  him  of  the  contrary.     I 

to  hear  Aunt  Mai-y  is  so  well  recovered,  and  as  all 

[world  will  make  j>eacc,  I  cannot  be  very  long  before  my 

il  in  Knpland,  and  shall  rejoice  to  have  a  neat  cottage. 

not  surprised  at  the  selling  of  estates:  each  man  imitates 

cber  neighbour.     As  to  our  news  here,  the  Austriaus  do 

tseem  victorious  anywhere,  and  the  consequence  is,   the 

»ch  force    friends  where  they  arc   superior.     Corsica  is 

tcnfrd  and  will  probably  fall,  for  the  French  have  a  very 

ag  party  in  the  Island.     This  is  not  strange.     All  their 

nexions  are  with  the  French.     Great  numbers  of  Corsican 

arc  in  high  stations  in  their  Army,  which  cannot  be 

lose  with  ours 

[tODi] 

UJ9  asks  aflcr  you.     He  must  take  his  chance  as  I  have 

before  him.     Last  year,  from  various  causes,  I  missed  the 

tuaiiy  of  sending  something  to  the  poor.     I  send  it  in 

this  year,  and  at  the  proper  time  you  will  dispose  of  it. 

I  to  .\unt  Mary,  I  wish  to  send  some  litllc  thing  she  may 

Hi.    Maurice  sent  her  wine  some  time  back,  and  the  credit 


TO  Ills  ftOYAL  rilGIINESS  THE  DUKE  OF  CLARENCE. 


[From  Clarke  nod  M'ATtlmr,  vol.  j.  p.  .300.] 


Sir, 


lOih  AtignsJ,  irOfl. 


In  the  present  situation  of  aftairs  I  will  not  let  sli]i  an  op* 
tunily  of  writing  to  your  Royal  Highness.      The  check 
wliicL  the  Anstrians  have  met  with  in  Italy  on  the  3rd,  4th, 
15th,  must  give  another  unfavourable  turn  to  the  affairs  of 
f  Allies,     The  French  have  made  the  most  of  it,  and  they 
no  doubt  masters  of  the  field  of  battle.      I  wish  to  say 
than  I  dare  to  trust  to  the  post,  of  the  object  of  an  cx- 
filiua  that  was  to  have  taken  place  the  moment  Wurmser 
victorious  in  which  I  was  to  have  been  a  principal 


actor. — Our  affairs  in  Corsica  arc  gloomy ;  there  is  a  ve 
strong  Republican  party  in  tliat  Island,  and  they 
well  supported  from  France;  tlie  first  favourable  moment, the] 
will  certainly  act  against  us.  Tbe  French  are  endcavoarinj 
to  get  over  from  the  continent  twenty  and  thirty  men  at ; 
time,  and  they  will  accomplish  it  in  spite  of  all  we  can 
Gentili,  a  Corsicnn,  who  commanded  in  Bastia  when  we  tool 
it,  is  arrived  at  Leghorn,  to  command  in  Corsica.  Twent 
field  pieces  have  been  sent  from  herc»  and  arc  landed  ne 
Ajaccio. 

As  to  our  Fleet,  under  such  a  Commander-in-Chief  as  I 
John  Jervis,  nobody  has  any  fears,  .  .  .  We  are  now  twenty- 
two  Sail  of  the  Line,  the  combined  Fleet  will  not  be  above! 
tljiriy-fivc  Sail  of  the  Line,  supposing  the  Dons  detach  to  the 
West  Indies.     I  will  venture  my  Ufc  Sir  John  Jervis  defeats  I 
tliem ;  I  do  not  mean  by  a  regular  battle,  but  by  the  slcill  of  j 
our  Admiral,  and  the  activity  and  spirit  of  our  Officers  and  [ 
seamen.     This  Country  is  the  most  favoiu^ble  possible  fori 
slcill  with  an  inferior  Fleet ;  for  the  winds  are  so  variablcf  thai  [ 
some  one  time  in  twenty-foiu*  hours  you  must  be  able  to  at- 
tack a  part  of  a  large  Fleet,  and  the  other  will  be  becalmed,  i 
or  have  a  contrary  wind,  therefore  I  hope   Government  will 
not  be  alarmed  for  our  safety — ^I  mean  more  than  is  proper. 
I  take  for  granted  they  will  send  us  reinforcements  as  soonasj 
possible,  but  there  is  nothing  we  are  not  able  to  accoiu]>lish  1 
under   Sir  John  Jervis.     I  am  stationed,   as  you  know,  W 
blockade  Leghorn;  and  now  Corsica  may  prevent  my  ff>a>g\ 
to  the  Fleet,  which  I  feel  very  much,  but  all  cannot  be  as  vfe  1 
wish.     I  assure  your  Royal  Highness  that  no  small  pari  of  j 
my  pleasure  in  the  acknowledgment  of  my  services,  has  ariscO  j 
from  the  conviction  that  I  am  one  of  thossc  of  whom 
your  early  youth  you    have   been  pleased  to  have  a, 
opinion ;  and  I  have  to  beg  that  your  Royal  Uighnesa 
ever  believe  me  your  most  faithfiil, 

Horatio  Nelson.* 


'  Hi*  Roy «1  Highness  replied  to  llu»  Ivller  from  Riclurioud  on  ikc  •Sri  of  uoteb 
followiug : — 

"  Dear  Nelson, 

■•  I  received  ymin  of  lOib  Angujil,  from  Legbom  Roads,  ■  few  days  ngo,  ud 
limiciili  in  cvminou  iriik  you  and  e\ny  goi>d  Mrisbn-  of  lu«  country,  llie  oowti 


■^ 


MMi 


TO  THE  SWEDBH  CONSUL  AT  LEGHORN. 

[Am  Cluke  and  M'Anhnr,  vol.  i.  p.  310,  wlio  state  tbitt  in  tlie  dnt  put  of  this 

fc*rr,  Cotnmodorc  NcJsga  msBored  llie   Swedish  Consul  that  llio  Coiununder-iu- 

.Mi^e<>(y'')  Fleet  Lu  the  Mcdit^mnean,  wisliiiig  to  (dlannto  llie  colo- 

(lic  French,  by  their  i)0S!ie8&iug  themsclToa  of  the  Neutral  port  of  Lcg- 

uathe  Swedish  Nation,  Uad,  in  cousidcrationof  the  ne«r»ppro«iih 

I  "  Btldc  Sea  woDld  be  tiozen  OTcr,  authorized  Liu  to  permit  the 

■IfBni*  of  Swedi»h  tcmcIs  vithoat  corgoca.] 

I  '20th  August,  1700. 

I  You  will  therefore  direct  such  Swedish  vessels  as  may  wish 
I  to  quit  the  port  of  I^ghom,  to  come  out  of  the  Mole,  and 
,»ochor  near  mo,  when  I  will  furnish  them  with  passports,  to 
jprerent  their  being  molested  on  their  voyage. 

1  am,  &c. 

Horatio  Nelson. 


the  AaatrianB  haTC  suffered  in  Italy.     It  is  a  lumeutHijIe  eircamstauce  how 
iry  boa  attended  Hit  French  in  their  different  expeditions  on  the  Continent. 
Archtlitlio,  I  hope,  in  Germany  will  exterminate  these  monBtenn ;  in  which  com, 
yti  trunt  iLnly  will  Ito  onco  more  tVerd  from  requisitions  and  devastation. 

U  is  a  plenaont  circamatauce  to  OTcry  Gngliahman,  and  partiotihu-ly  to  profea- 
Dna]  msti,  to  ace  the  Navy  of  this  Country  ride  trioinphaUl  Lu  ull  qitaruirn  of  the 
>be ;  SjUI,  dear  Nelson,  I  uever  wish  to  bear  of  twenty-two  British  Soil  ot  the 
tor  being  oppoaed  to  ihirty-flve  of  the  Enemy,  though  a  Combined  Fleet.  I  venerate 
nuein  Jenia'a  abilities  as  high  aa  oay  man,  and  I  am  well  acquainted  with  tba 
Inpidliy  and  valour  of  the  Paiglish  sailor,  and  the  knowledge  uud  experience  of 
oAcen ;  and,  oa  a  seaman  myael^  I  can  eiwily  understand  the  advantages  to 
ukn  from  variable  winds  and  eilnu.  However,  the  risk,  believe  me,  becweea 
'h  norqual  foree,  is  too  great. 

'  Yon  very  properly  shew  your  discretion  by  your  cantion  ;  and,  therefore,  yon  will 

lilanland  miue  U  I  do  not  by  letter  enter  into  the  fiitnrc  destination  of  your  Fleet, 

of  the  iutentions  of  our  Government  towards  the  Mediterranean.     A  Spanish 

1*  ine^ilablc,  and  I  look  forward  with  on  anxioua  eye  to  tlie  conquests  which 

Nary  wjU  make ;  and  rvnder  themselves  if  possible  more  the  terror  and  the 

of  the  world. 

Ttry  K'naibly  the  flattering  egressions  you  use  in  your  letter  to  me,  relative 
bdng  vo  many  year4  my  acquaintance.  1  loved  and  esteemed  you  from  iha 
g  OS  an  ornament  to  tlje  ^errice,  and  must  ever  regard  you  an  such.  The 
«  muHt  rome  when  we  shall  be  where  both  my  birth  and  my  experience  in  the 
onght  to  place  in(>~>I  mean  when  I  am  entrusted  with  the  necutive  manage* 
the  Admiralty,  it  then  will  be  both  my  duty  and  my  inclination  to  sem 
iiig — amongst  whom  you  wiU  stand  ever  one  of  the  ioremoat  For  liu 
t,  adieu,  aud  ever  beUevc  me  to  be,  Dear  Nelion,  your  moat  affcotiouole 
id,  yfuiuM."— Original  in  the  Nelson  Popen. 


I 


t2lH 


LETTERS. 


TO  TUB  niGHT  HON.  SIR  GlLbKHT  EIJJOT. 
[Aulogrnpli,  in  rht  MJiUo  Tajpen/ 

C«)rt«iii4  Lcgiioia  Bm4s,  Ai^ut  JtM.  \t 
My  dear  Sir, 
1  send  you  all  my  letters  which  you  will  be  so  good  i 
fonvHfd  to  Sir  John  Jer%'is  when  read ;  nothing  new  ut '. 
horn ;  the  same  paper  is  stuck  up  at  Leghorn  as  nt 
places,  it  is  extraordinary  they  should  have  been  so 
writing  this  famous  victory — half,  I  hope,  is  not  true. 
IIcatly»  the  great  victualler,  writes  nie  that  the  supply  hea 
now  procuring,  will  Im>  the  first  and  last,  for  the  port  of  Genol 
will  be  shut.  If  this  should  l>c  the  case,  I  really  t! 
ought,  in  the  moment  they  shut  their  Port,  to  seize  tht 
of  Capraja.  Wc  shall  find  stores,  arms,  &c.,  for  the  use 
Corsicau  expedition,  for  by  Mr.  Drake's  account,  and 
more  probable  than  ^foutc  Christo,  that  Island  is  now  tol 
the  road  to  Corsica.  I  have  sent  the  Blanche  to  Genoa,  bnl 
my  numbers  are  so  small,  that  I  may  not  always  be  able  ic 
convey  my  news  to  your  Excellency  the  moment  I  receive  it 
1  expect  her  by  the  23rd,  for  she  is  not  to  enter  the  Port]  i 
one  of  your  Hired-vessels  could  be  here  by  that  time,, 
occasionally  call  on  mc  at  other  times,  you  will  get 
from  Genoa  very  quickly. 

Ever  your  Excellency's 

Most  obedient  servant, 

Horatio  Nbi 

llis  KxcellDUry  Uiir  Vi«  Boj. 


TO  ADMinAL  8III  JOHN  JERVIS,  K.B. 

[Fran  Clarke  Mid  M'ArUiiir.  Tol.i.F.31Q.] 

Legborn  BoofU,  Aiigast  20tli,  11 

We  arc  anxious  indeed  to  receive  news.  All  our  expectt 
hopes  are  blasted,  1  fear,  for  the  present,  by  Wurmser's  feelir 
loo  sure.  Austria,  I  suppose,  must  make  peace,  and  x 
lall,  as  usual,  be  left  to  fight  it  out :  however,  at  the  won 
'^we  only  give  up  Corsica,  an  acrjuisilion  which  I  believe  v 
cainiot  keep,  aud  our  Fleet  will  draw  down  the  Modite 
ranean.     The  Dons  will  pay  most  severely,  if  they  arc  foo 


LETTERS, 


249 


5U  to  involve  themselves  in  a  war.     The  way  lo  Coi'sica 
19  to  be  thruiigh  the  Island  of  Capraja.     Should  Genoa  shut 
Port  against  us,  I  shall  presume  to  advise  llic  Viceroy  iii- 
mly  lo  seize  Capraja,  where  he  will  find  all  the  arms,  &c. 
I  Corsica,  and  probably  French  troops.     I  send  you  a  loiter 
Mr.  Drake,  not  very  favoiu^able  for  a  successful  campaign. 

[AjipATeutly  in  ContinnAtion.] 

Aiignsl  'i^iuil. 

rOn  Thursday  last,  1225  French  left  Leghorn  with  General 

ubois,  and  almost  all  the  Officers ;  the  French  Major  de 

commands  the  remainder,  which  is  not  more  than  eight 

^nine  hundred  men,  that  is  the  utmost.     Seventy  or  eighty 

ars  are  gone  with  the  Army,  to  manage,  as  they  say,  some 

[•bottomed  Boats  that  are  prepai'cd  for  crossing  the  inunda- 

aboul  Mantua,  which  place  they   are   determined   to 

Another  very  extraordinary  tiling   has   taken  place 

all  the  cannon  that  had  been  mounted  on  the  works, 

cpl  on  the  Mole,  has  l)ccn  dismounted,  and  put  into  the  same 

whence  it  was  taken.     What  docs  this  mean  ?  an  eva- 

tioti,  I  should  rather  think  ;  yes,  and  that  they  ore  ordered 

[replace  things  as  they  found  ihcni.     jVlr.  Wyndhnm,  my 

say,  is  gone  to   Rome,  and  thence  to  the  King  of 

BS,*  to  endeavour  to  induce  his  Majesty  to  recommence 

»s.     Lively  is  sent  to  examine  the  coast  to  the  south- 

»to  see  if  any  number  of  boats  arc  collected  to  carry  over 

to  Corsica.     Lord  Garties  is  active,  and  I  feel  a  real 

sure  in  having  him  with  me,  I  only  hope  for  an  oppor- 

Kly  of  giving  him  some  real  scr\'iee. 
Auguftt  ^;inl. 
again  hope  that  the  defeat  of  the  French  is  at  hand,  they 
tVc  surrounded  at  Verona.     The  Austrians  on  the  loth  got  a 
jlforceincnt  of  20,000  men.   Buonaparte  is  reported  to  have 
wounded. 

I  am,  &c. 

Horatio  Nelson. 


41  Atini»licc  bctwerii  Nojilcs  tuid  I'lniicc  biul  brcti  mgncd  mi  Uie  .'iiJi  urjiiiir, 
I  uoiil  tlie  TiriUv  of  I'cacci  conoludvd  ou  (Lc  lOiii  of  November  fuUuwiiig. 


250 


LETTERS. 


TO  SIGNOR  JAQUES  DE  LAVELETTE,  GOVERNOR  OF  LEOHC 

[From  Clnrke  aud  MArUitur,  vol.  i.  p.  311.] 

Leghorn  BomIs,  'iiDd.  Auguit,  I' 

Your  Excellency,  from  the  great  length  of  time  you 
been  at  Leghorn,  well  knows  that  it  is  the  pride  of  the 
to  relieve  and  alleviate  the  misfortunes  even  of  their  enemies. 
Much  more,  then,  would  it  be  a  i)leasure  to  England  to  asiiat 
the  Tuscans  in  their  distress,  from  the  breach  of  faith  of  the 
French,  and  their  most  extraordinary  conduct  towards  a  Neu- 
tral State.    I  therefore  had  given  passports  to  every  fisherman 

to  go  out  as  usual  with  their  tartans;  and  it  is  with  n=^* ^'- 

ment  I  find  that  these  poor  fishermen,  who  are  oM  _ 
come  on  board  my  Sovereign's  Ship  to  obtain  that  pcrmissioUt 
which  not  only  maintains  a  number  of  poor  Tuscau  fiimilic^ 
but  also  supplies  the  Town  of  Leghorn  with  fish,  are  by  your 
Excellency,  as  President  of  the  Health-office,  subjected  to  A 
quarantine  of  ten  days,  although  I  have  given  my  word  of 
honour,  which  until  now  was  never  doubted,  that  I  am  with 
my  Squadron  in  libera  practica. 

I  must  desire.  Sir,  that  you  will  represent  my  liberal 
conduct,  contrasted  with  yours,  to  his  Royal  Highness,  youf 
Sovereign.  You  must  have  noticed  my  long  forbearance,  in 
not  having  repelled  the  firing  of  the  batteries  against  his 
Britannic  Majesty's  Ships;  you  must  have  known  that  it  has 
been  humanity,  and  not  want  of  power,  towards  a  Town  and 
its  innocent  inhabitants  belonging  to  your  Sovereign,  whose 
situation  I  have  pitied :  but  now,  as  the  Enemy  have  wilih 
drawn  such  numbers  of  their  troops,  and  the  Tuscan  soldiers 
being  so  superior  to  the  French,  I  beg  leave  to  acquaint  you, 
that  if  in  future  one  shot  is  fired  at  his  Britaanic  Majesty's 
Ships,  I  shall  chastise  the  battery ;  and  whatever  damage  miy 
happen  to  the  Town,  your  Sovereign  and  the  inhabitants  of 
Leghorn  must  lay  the  entire  blame  on  his  Excellency  Jaques 
de  Lavelette,  and  not  on  your  Excellency's  most  obedient 
.servant, 

Horatio  Nelbok. 


25*2 


LETTERS. 


Acliun  uf  the  3rd  niid  4lh ;  aud  they  arc  ail  inveterate  agalM 

Mr.  Villettcs,  who  is  certainly  in  the  French  interest,    Yw 

will  form  an  opinion  what  is  proper  to  Ijc  done.     Nearly  all 

the  Light-horse  are   gone   off  this   morning.     The  U»gua 

boat  tells  me  lliat  a  courier  arrived  yesterday,  which  says  that 

the  French  are  snrronndcd  in  Verona,  that  the  Austrians 

got  all  iheir  Army  united,  and  kept  the  French  in.     It 

said  last  night  that  Gentili  was  arrived  at  Leghorn,  bat 

does  not  know  if  it  actually  was  so.     Iliig  is  the  time  to  «' 

our  blow ;  and  even  if  wc  could  not  succeed,  of  which  I 

not  the  smallest  doubt,  what  an  Army  the  French  must 

to  dislodge  us  from  the  water-side  !    1  he  Danes  say  there 

reports  that  the  French,  on  the  20th,  lost  9000  men 

Verona.     All  agree  the  Austriana  received  a  great  reuiforce- 

mcnt  on  the  1.5th:  they  report  20,000  men,     I  hope  Blanche 

will   arrive  for  me   to   send  3'ou  Genoa  news,  but  L'Edair 

must  go. 

Ever  believe  me,  dear  Sir, 

Your  Excellency's  most  faithful  servant, 

Horatio  Nelson. 
llis  Excellency  lUe  Vlce»Roj. 

May  I  beg  my  private  lettei"s  may  go,  when  opportunity 
offers,  for  England — by  post,  I  mean. 


TO  MRS.  NELSON, 

[From  Clarki!  and  M'.\rt1iur,  vol.  i-  j».  ;JIJ.  lu  Uiis  Idler  Uc  infonnrd  Wi*. 
Nelsnii  (bai  n.<<  sonn  n.s  afliiirs  irprc  Mrillcd  with  tlie  Gmuil  Dulw,  Le  sLould  iw}r  liif 
HoliliOHh  llie  I'oji«  A  visit,  and  lie  luldei] — J 

Lcghoni  Roods,  Augi(>kt  2^1rd,  ITt)6. 
I  do  not  think  that  lie  will  oppose  the  thunder  of  the  Vatican 
against  my  thunder ;  and  you  will,  I  dare  say,  hear  that  I  am 
at  Rome  in  my  barge.     If  I  succeed,  I  am  determined  to  wvt 
up  the  Tiber,  and  into  Home. 

Yours,  &c. 

Horatio  Nelsow. 


LETTES& 


958 


TO  Till:  lUGirr  iiox.  sir  gilbedt  eluot, 

VtfMa,  LcglMni  Baiit.  As^nsi  irwk  iT'Hi. 
Mv  dear  Sir, 

hare  the  honour  lo  transmit  vour  Excellency  a  letter 

[the]   RagiTsan  Consul;   my  answer  has  been  that   I 

ininiediately  send  it  to  yon  and  Sir  John  Jervls,  but 

:  whatever  indulgence  is  granted  must  be  to  Ships  without 

All  pro])er  representation  has   been  made  to  the 

ad  Duke,  and  the  answer  they  have  received  has  been, 

are  at  liberty  to  quit  the  Port.     If  your  Excellency  b 

of  opinion,  that  in  the  present  situation  of  affairs,  it  will 

ituorc  political  in  us  to  allow  the  departure  of  Vessels  without 

to  thoec  Nations  who  ask  it  of  us,  I  shall^  without 

for  the  answer  of  my  Admiral,  permit  their  departure. 

.kve  the  honour  to  |>erfectly  agree  with  your  Excellency's 

iitimeniii,   that   on  all    considerations   it  would   be 

;c  in  us  to  allow  of  the  departure,  and  that  to  the 

jtewor  Order  in  Leghorn  the  desolation  and  misery  which  the 

['i*neh  have  brought  on  thcuj  would  be  more  apparent. 

I  am,  with  the  highest  respect. 

Your  Excellency's  most  obedient  Servant, 

Horatio  Nelson. 

ftl«  CtrelltucT  the  Vice -Boy. 

^*^y  forwanl  the  enclosed  to  the  Admiral;    the  Danbh 
''^a*!!  has  sent  the  same  :  he  has  fifteen  Danes. 


TO  TUB  RIGHT  IIOX.  Sill  GILBERT  KLUOT. 
r.\»Uogr*pli.  in  (\it  Minto  Papers.] 

C'*]iiiuii.  I^kIio™  RiiaJs,  August  3'ith,  170rt. 

My  dear  Sir, 

The  Blanche  is  not   yet  arrived  from  Genoa,  but  I  shall 

^ep  the  letters  open  till  she  does.     Our  Leghorn  news  l>e- 

ttRies  every  day  interesting;  you  will  see,  even  by  the  Go- 

•i-mor's  letter,  that  a  number  of  the  French  have  quitted  the 

^tact?,the  remainder  are  in  the  three  forts  of  Tort  Nova,  Maratu, 

ul  the  Old  Fort ;  they  send  certificates  to  the  gates,  but  the 


t64 


LETTEEft. 


forts  are  shat  up  every  night.     Gentillf  whit  a  ni 

Corsicans,  are  here,  and  arc  certainly  intended  to  be 

to  Bogniano ;  they  have  sent  some  few  from  tovardf . 

bino  ;  these  went  first  to  ('apraja,  from  thence  to  the 

Ajaccio,  from  whence,  two  nights  ago,  came  a  French 

boat,  with  four  or  five  Frenchmen,  supposeil  to  be 

Whatever  distress  tliey  may  feel,  yet  Corsica  aeeroa  a 

object  to  them,  more,  perhaps,  to  keep  us  in  hot  water, 

with  any  real  hope  of  conquest.     Nor  do  these  PrivateosJ 

to  the  southward  aud  through  the   Straits  of  Bonif 

do  ihey  go  round  by  Cape  Coree  ;  nothing  has  a  chaae 

stopping  these  Boats  but  Vessels  like  themselves ;  the 

way  is  to  cut  at  the  root,  for  whilst  Leghorn  is  opeo, 

communication   must  always  be  going  on.     There  hu  \ 

tainly  been  a  battle  between  the  12th  and  20th,  and  m 

French  have  published  nothing,  we  may  hope  it  has 

favourable  to  us.*     I  am  sure  Leghorn  would  be  no  vcry< 

cult  task:  the  inhabitants,  to  a  certainty,  would  admit  as  11 

the  Town,  when  wc  should  soon  master  these  torts. 

moment  brings  to  my  eyes  a  body  of  alx>ut  200  men,  with] 

Corsican  flag  carrying  before   them ;  they  are   partly 

Nice,  and  joined  by  Genoese,  &c.,  on  the  road.     The  time  ap 

proaches  when  we  shall  either  have  to  fight  them  in  Cot«i<^ 

or  Leghorn.     I  believe  they  are  by  far  less  dangerous  hep 

than  iu  Corsica.  ^| 

Thursday  night, — I    have    had    my  reporter   off,   an^^ 

Tunisian,  with  a  leghorn  merchant,  to  beg  a  Venetian  Cm 

Tunis  may  be  allowed  to  sail  with  her  cargo.     I  send  yot 

his  letter,  but  I  carmot  think   we  can   open  the  door  fbi 

allowing  any  Nation  to  quit  the  Port  with  cai^oes.     I  ex 

plained  to    him   the   great  difference  respecting  goods  aoi 

money  actually  belonging  to  the  Dey  of  Algiers,  that  we  wer 

actuated  by  the  love  of  justice,  and  that  he  must  be  sensibl 

that  our  blockade  was  the  natural  conaetjucnce  of  the  Freacl 

taking   Leghorn,   and  that  it  must  be   blockaded   till    the 

quitted  it,  when  the  Port  would  again  be  neutral ;  but  Isubmi 

to  your  Excellency  the  propriety  of  allowing  this  cargo,  whid 


*  Bnnnnpu-te  iU-r«aicil  MireliiU  Wumucr  in  two  EngnfremcnUii  on  Uic  1 1 
ISlh  at  AiiKual, 


»0 


LETTERS. 


S65 


may  be   English  property,  to  sail  firom  this  place. 

ihc  Cnglish  property  is  collected  into  proper  warehouses 

ihe   French  say  it  will  shortly  be  sold.     This  merchant 

it  is  believed  there  was  a  great  battle  on  the  16th,  17th, 

IStii,  and  that  the  French  army  is  now  only  22,000  men, 

reireated  to  Lodi,*  bnt  nothing  is  published.     All  agree 

Gcntili   and   the    Corsicans.     The    Lcghomese  will, 

[tkey  are  sure  of  the  French  being  beat,  to  a  certainty  join 

•Oil  eoable  us  to  get  into  the  Town,  when  we  could  soon 

the  ibrt&     I  am  anxious  for  the  Blanche. 

Aofrust  26th. — Last  night  came  on  board  a  letter  from  the 

lish  Consul,  requesting  leave  for  the  Ships  of  his  Nation 

I  quit  the  Porti  in  particular  one  which  is  loaded  with  con- 

ction  timber  for  Carthagena  ;  this  Ship,  of  all  others,  should 

pass  roe.     If  I  thought  it  would  be  a  Spanish  war,  I 

get  hold  of  her,  but  at  present  that  would  be  going  too 

lengths.    The  Blanche  is  in  sight.     Reports,  by  the  man 

IliK night,  that  the  French  say  more  Corsicans  are  coming  firom 

I  Nice,  to  embark  for  Corsica,     They  all  bring  their  wives  and 

lAildrcn.     As  my  letter  is  merely  of  news,  pray  forward  it 

,  [to]  Sir  John  Jervis,  with  the  enclosures.     The  Lively  had 

two  men  killed  and  two  wounded,  the  other  day,  by  a  shot 

Itnkisg  her,  yet  I  do  not,  unless  forced,  like  to  fire  into  Leg-j 

Ever  believe  me. 
Your  Excellency's  most  faithful  humble  Servant, 

IIoBATio  Nelson. 

Hh  Ktwllcner  iLc  Vice- Roy. 

Now  is  the  time  for  the  Corsican  privateers  to  act,  but  I 
iw  they  will  not. 


TO  THE  RIGJrr  HON.  8IR  Cn.BERT  ELLIOT. 
[Aqtognfh,  in  the  Minto  Paper*.] 

CAitUin,  off  the  Gorgona,  AvgvM  27lb,  1790, 
ly  dear  Sir, 
on  my  way  to  the  Fleet,  it  is  a  great  object  that  the 
ifp  nbould  join,  and  as  there  is  no  Captain  joined  her,  I 

*  This  report  was  imtrue. 


256 


LETTER& 


C179(l 


think  it  advisable  to  go  in  her  mvsclf.     If  the  Sp^uiiardit  gn 
to  war  with  us,  which  I  own  I  cannot  even  yet  bring  nn-sclf 
to  believe,  I  hope  to  be  in  lime  to  assist  our  worthy  Admiral, 
and  at  all  events  I  shall  wish  to  talk  a  little  with  him.    I 
wrote  you  so  fully    by    the  Goi^on,    Leghorn    news,  mi 
Blanche  has  such  packets  of  Genoa  news,  that  there  is  littfe 
for  me  to  say.     I  hear  many  of  these  Corsicans  from  Friuice 
are  to  be  carried  by  Greek  vessels  from  Genoa,  Port  Espcciu, 
Piombino,  and,  in  short,  the  whole  coast ;  if  each  takes  eight  or 
ten,  it  is  almost  impossible  we  can  stop  any  of  them,  but  if 
they  are  sure  of  being  taken   care  of  when  they   land  in 
Corsica,  the  part  of  the  Kingdom  where  they  are  so  concc;ile(l 
or  assisted  must  l>c  rotten  at  heart.    Others  say  Monte  Chrixto 
is  the  rendezvous ;    this  can  be  easily  ascertained,  as  all  the 
people  from  Leghorn  believe  there  has  been  a  battle  between 
the  12th  and  20th.  Wby  should  we  not  hope  it  is  so,  for  whv 
should  I^eghorn  have  had  so  very  large  a  j^art  of  its  force 
taken  away,  if  the  French  have  entirely  forced  the  AustrianB 
out  of  Italy  ? 

I  shall  desire  the  Privateer  to  call  on  board  the  Livelyi 
who   is   in    Leghorn    Iloads,    and   commands   the  blockade 
till   my  return,  to  receive  from  Lord  Garlics  such  news  a:^ 
he  may  have   picked  up.     I  take  for  granted  the  Admiral 
will  send  me  back  in  a  Cutter,  but  I  shall  give  him  a  goo(9 
ordered  Scvcnty-fonr,  and   take    my  chance   of  helping   lo^ 
thrash  Don  Langara,'  than  which  few  things,   I  assure  you^ 
would  give  me  more  real  pleasure.     This  will  nearly  be  their^ 
force  from  Cadiz :  Spanish,  ten  ;  French,  seven  ;  Carthagena, 
not  more  than  seven ;  Toulon,  not  more  than  eight  or  fen. 
Suppose  them  all  united,  thirty-two  or  thirty-four;  our  Fleet, 
twenty-two  Sail  of  such  Shijis  as  hardly  ever  before  graced 
the  Ocean,  but  I  will  sup[)ose  it  is  to  be  a  Spanish  war — they 
know  Man  has  joined.     I  do  not  think  they  will  come  up  the 
Straits.     Solano  may  be  gone  to  the  West  Indies.     Langara 
and  Richcry,  I  really  think  they  would  do  us  more  damage 
by  getting  off  Cape  Finistcrre :  it  is  there  I  fear  them.     Oh, 
our  Convoy,  Admiral  Man,  how  could  you  quit  Gibraltar?' 

*  AiliiiiriJ  Ouu  Jiiiiti  tie  Liuigiira,  i.'utiinmiulcr-iu-Cluef  of  Uir  S|»a]u^iU  MeuL, 
'  TlixoiiDiliirtof  itonr'Adiuirnl  Miiu,  mi  Offlrv^r  of  rfi>iit«tinu,  excited  ihc  tKttrubli- 
IIC1U  of  ilie  wLolc  Vi/tj.    In  October  170^,  be  ww  seut  from  Uie  MrdttcrrkOfUi 


F»nr.  a?.] 


LETTERS. 


2j; 


[JuUd,  however,  is  a  man  of  political  couruge,  no  lessneccs- 
than  warlike — will  certainly,  in  my  bumble  opinion,  beat 
L.,  if  he  attempts  to  come  this  side  San    Sebastian's, 
llichery  in  company.     Whatever  the  Don  may  say,  we 
not  trust.     Believe  me,  dear  Sir, 
Yoiu-  Excellency's  most  obedient,  faithful  servant, 

Horatio  Nelson. 
Pray  forward  my  private  letters. 

W»  Ktrelkncy  Uie  Vice-Rov. 

Lord  Garlies  has  the  necessary  directions  about  the  light 


l\m  lijr  Ailiuiral  ITotliiuu,  witL  siix  Suil  of  llie   lAixe   miil  a.  Frignte,  iii  iiiirRiiii 

4(  iiluural  lti(-lier)''$  S<iuiulroii,  and  roiiiiinii'd  tliMarlicd  nutil  tljp  decliirmiiin  iif 

^1  thih  Spain,  in  Oetol»»r,   lT!)n,  when   lie  wus  exprensly  roiumaudiHl  lo  join 

Stf  Jftlin   Jen  is,   both   by    Uic    A<iniiriU    and    tlio   Admiralty.       From    iJie  iufr- 

t'mtj  of  (be  F-'.n^isli  Meet  lo   ihnt   of  ihe  Kneiny,   his  iirrirn]   wiu)  nnxionsly 

'tooted ;   liiit    insicuil  of  uboyiug   liisk    unlcrA,    lie  cruiscMl    fiir  n   xliort  time  ulf 

^tft  St.  ViucfDt.  and  llieu  ewtuidly  proceeded  witb  Iiia  Sfjuudron  lu  Kngliuid, 

*Wt  lie  WTiTifil  on  Uic  IHUIi  of  December.     Nelson's  opinion  of  kin   ounduot   is 

•''»*ii  liT  his  I^tlrw ;  Mid  ilic  Conimiindor-in-Chief,  writing  to  tbe  Seoretiiry  of  llie 

■*<'*n»Jn,  on  the  II lb  of  Novciubcr,  *ftid— "  1  bme  greirtly  to  Ituneut  the  meoAiirt: 

"*V-Aibuinil  Mail  lia^  taken,  in  pruceediug  to  cruise  nlT  Cape  Si.  Viiiet^nt  wrilb  ibe 

"ludmn  unilei  bu)  ordcn,  for  a  limiled  lime,  and  then  of  rfpairiug  to  Spiiliead." 

^^  Ktfl  Spencer,  on  tbe  siime  duy.  Sir  John  Jer^-itt  evprenned  LimHelf  in  slili 

temw  : — "  Tbe  oouduct  of  .\djniraJ  Mim  i»  incompreUeusible  :  lie  lU'know- 

lo  bav6  reeetved  roy  ordem  and   Uic  dnplicateA,  and  that  be  opened    tbe 

.  -fhfB  wbicb  directed  my  coutiiiuiuice  in  tbe  Mediterruueiiti.     I  liiid  token  tbe 

''btn^of  ruilioiiiutj'bim  aguiiiHt  coiuniliiug'  with  tbe  CHplain><  iiudcr  bis  oniers,  wlio 

^1  winipd  lo  ^vl  to  England  ;  and  yet,  by  a  pastiuige  in  bi<i  public  leiler,  it  itppeora 

|*im  |je  acted  witb tlieircuuciirrenre."     •     •      »     "  I  innnot  deburilie  lo  your  l.ovd 

'luplke  diaKppoiutmenI  my  ambition  Olid  iteAl  Id  «er>e  my  Ciiiiiiiry  liiu  Hiiflered  by  tbin 

Juinmion  of  my  Force ;  fur  bod  AJinimI  !t(itn  soili-d  iVom  (.iibroltar  on  tlie  lOtb 

ubrr,  tlir  day  be  received  my  order*,  and  fulfilled  iheiu,  1  Imvr  every  reaoon  lo 

rlievB  ib«  Hpaniib  Heet  would  lm\e  been  cut  to  pieocH." — Turkrr't  Life  uj'  Eurl 

riHtr,,!,  vol.  i.  pp.  i:w.  -ilO. 

Ci^iiiun  (afterviortls  I.onl)  Collingwood,  writing  from  Gibraltar  on  t1ii»  Sth  of 

Decetnber,  ob*erved — "Tbe  i<paniHb  F'leet,  nearly  double  onr  unmbers,  were  erm'sing 

laiMt    in  %ii'w,  and    otir   recomioilring  Frigates   8ometime«   got-ajaongni  tbem, 

WhQ*  we  exiMJCted  lliem  hourly  to  be  joined  by  the  French,  who  hud  nlreiuly  posscH- 

irn  of  the  barhoiir  Ju  which  wc  Iny.     But  nn  Man  appenreil,  and  a--  the   Knemy 

tgan  lo  aiiiioy  im  fruiii  the  slioiv,  we  hailed  on  tlie  'iiid  of  November.     We  arrived 

on  tbe  I  (it  iuKtanl,  and  judge  of  our  snqnise  to  find  that  Adiuiial  Miut  and  Ijin 

Minatlrtm  hiul  gone  off  to  F.uglniid.     lie  ia  well  known  to  be  a.^  brave  a  mnu  us  any 

tb«  wuiid,  and  no  one  has  more  anxiety  to  da  what  U  right.     I  am  couQdent  be 

VOL.  n.  8 


258 


LETTERS. 


TO  THE  RIGHT  HON.  SIR  GILBERT  F.T.T.TOT. 
[Aatogmpb,  in  Uie  Mlnto  Pspere.] 

Captain,  Leghorn  BoodB,  September  3rd,  17 

My  dear  Sir, 
I  left  our  good  Admiral  two  days  ago,  all  well,  and  8end1 
Lord  Garlics  a  letter  from  biin.     Whatever  fears  wc  may  ( 
tertain  for  Corsica,  it  is  ccrtaia  Government  at  home 
none,  by  taking  so  very  respectable  a  part  of  your  force  n 
I  have  only  to  say  that  you  can  propose  no  way  in  which  I  i 
be  useful  to  you  that  I  shall  not  most  readily  concur  in,  i 
have  desired  Lord  Garlics  to  converse  with  your  Excel 
how  we  can  be  most  beneficially  employed.     The  other  i 
vice  his  Lordship  is  ordered  upon,  you  will,  if  possible,  I 
know,  most  readily  assist  him  in.    For  Leghorn  news,  and| 
all  others  from  this  quarter,  I  beg  leave  to  refer  you  lof 
Lordship. 

Believe  me  with  the  most  perfect  respect. 

Your  Excellency's  most  faithful, 
IIouATio  NelsoK 

Hifl  Excellency  tlie  Viee>Ro;. 

I  send  you  a  letter  to  read  in  which  your  expeditio 
Leghorn  is  glanced  at ;  please  to  forward  it  to  the  Adr 
May  I  beg  the  favour  of  my  private  letter  for  England. 


TO  ADMIRAL  SIR  JOHN  JERVIS.  K.B. 
[From  Clarke  oud  M'Artliur,  vol.  i.  p.  313.] 

Leghorn  Rood*,  3rd  September,  11 

I  arrived  yesterday,  and  now  send  you  two  copies  of  lett 
from  Mr.  Wyudham.     Lord  Garlies  goes  over  to  Bastia  djiy 

ftl'wayK  meiuii  the  best ;  but  the  thing  in  iiiromprfheniiible,  and  God  knows  b]ri^B 
•r(riinieut8  lie  will  justify  it," — Corrrxpondtncf  of  Lord  Ci'lliiiijwoi'd,  vol.  i.  p.  i^ 

When  Bear  Admiral  Man  UTired  in  England,  the  Admiralty  wrote  to  biiii,  iMi 
on  thi"  Jud  of  Jiuinar)',  171)7 — "That  they  cannot  bttv  fci'l  thf  greatest  regn't  tlm 
you  5h»iild  htive  been  imliiccd  to  rttnrn  to  England  with  the  Sqnwimii  niider  yov 
onlerx,  under  lb*-  clrciuustances  in  which  you  were  then  pl«<*ed ;"  and  their  Lord*lu(» 
kignificd  ilieir  displvwiure  hy  adding',  that  "  ordt^rs  will  lie  seal  to  you, 
It;  this  or  to-tuorrow'»  pOHi,  to  «irike  yonr  flag  and  come  on  afaore."- 
iienutirt  o/  Earl  St.  I'lHCfnl,  vol.  i.  p.  31»J. 

tluw  b«  cMAped  a  Coiut-morliiU  is  very  snrpritiing.  Adiuiml  Man  da 
apiie<ir  eTer  lo  Imve  been  again  employed ;  and  he  died  on  Admiral  of  (be  '. 
Rvptcnber,  1613. 


1.37.] 


LETTERS. 


sse 


d^,  to  coDverse  with  the  Vice«Roy,  who,  Captain  Cock- 
nvD  tells  me,  has  apparently  no  fears  for  Corsica :  his  in- 
fonaation,  I  must  suppose,  is  good,  and  that  he  knows  of  every 
■dditional  scoundrel  who  sets  fuot  in  the  Island.  You  will 
tomment  on  the  day  when  Mr.  Wyndham  says  the  treaty*  was 
ligned — the  very  day  Langara  sailed  from  Cadiz  ;  but  the 
ttddcn  return,  and  all  Mr.  DuflTs'  letters,  give  us  a  large  field 
conversation,  which  may  amuse  your  Vice>  Admirals,  and 
Irive  away  ennui, 
I  have  before  told  the  Vice-Roy,  how  impossible  it  is 
r  us  to  stop  boats  which  row  faster  than  our  barges ;  but 
that,  whatever  he  proposes,  I  should  most  readily  concur  in 
for  sending  him  every  sisaistancc.  I  enclose  an  oflFicial 
inswcr  from  the  Grand  Duke  to  my  letter,  which  I  forgot 
lo  show  you.  Some  parts  border  a  little  on  impertinence ; 
iwwGver,  it  has  made  us  laugh ;  and  the  King  of  England 
ciuuiot,  although  I  hear  he  is  one  of  the  best  masons  in 
tis  Dominions,  stop  shot-holes  half  so  soon  as  I  can  make 
ibem.  I  yet  hope  for  a  good  and  glorious  campaign  by  sea 
■nd  land,  and  I  wish  that  Mr.  Wyndham's  fears  may  be 
aliied,  and  that  the  Toulon  Fleet  may  come  out ;  but  1  fear ' 
*t>ej  will  not. 

I  am,  &c. 

Horatio  Nelson. 


NOTE  ADDRESSED  TO  THE  GENOESE  GOVERNMENT. 
fFron  a  Copy  in  tho  AdminJly.] 

Commodore  Nelson  is  surprised  and  astonished  to  hear  that 

>me  bullocks,  the  actual  property  of  his  Britannic  Majesty, 

ve  been  prevented  from  being  embarked  in  the  Port  of 

enoa.     This  case  is  so  new  and  extraordinary,  that  the  Com- 

lodorc  liojjes  there  is  some  mistake  in  the  matter,  which  will 

rectified  on  this  representation,  for  the  Commodore  cannot 
toDceive  that  the  property  of  his  Sovereign  or  Subjects  can  be 
opped  by  a  friendly  Power  on  any  pretence  whatsoever.     It 

"  (Jl&nsivo  nail  defensive  between  Fruiro  and  Btioin,  wliioh  wm  sigiwil  on  tlie 
|h  of  Angnnt. 
Svuf^  Dttif,  Emi},,  Briii»b  CoiuiU  at  Cadu. 

s2 


tar  dl  SaAaoMf  when  ihej 
iht  ncpocfataon  of  prtmnoas,  topre  i 
^tinw  no  pmnmaat  will  be  aOonod  ts  be  t 

The  CoomodoK  hopes*  fertile 
Nation, «  abo  for  that  of  the  EngPsh,  dt  Ae  i 
It  will  taike  oo  mfaiiiir  whidi  nnj 
*o  happilj  wihiMf  between  lua 
Serene  Repahlic  of  Genoa,  and  which  the 
all  limes  so  atndioarij  endeavoured  to  preaerrr. 

Dated  on  boefd  his  Britannic  Majcatj^a  Slap  Ca 
Mole  of  Genoa,  September  4th,  1796. 

HoftATW  Ni 


XOTE  ADDRESgED  TO  THE  GENOESE  GOVEBSXEST. 

(Flmai  a  Cofif  in  iIm  Admlnltf,  trmiumitieA  ia  A^Binl  Sr  Jafea  JeriM 
of  Ui*  Ittli  of  Mvptrrotor,  1700.] 

Akom  Scftc^M.  ITU. 

Tlic  Commodore  [not]  having  yet  received  anjansveria] 

Note  of  .Scplcinbcr4tli,  is  induced  to  trouble  the  Doge  vilkl 

visit,  to  request  his  influence  for  a  speedy  ansvrer  bein^  | 

and  at  the  i«ame  time  to  assure  the  Doge  that  the  oxeoVB] 

■bought  uudcr  the  fuIlHanction  of  the  Proclamation  uf  OctoberJ 

I79d;  and  the  Commodore  gives  his  word  of  honour  dut  W 

hna  been  proved  to  him  that  not  one  of  the  beasts  harel 

bred  or  purchased  in  the  Republic  of  Genoa. 

Therefore,  as  this  sudden  prevention  of  their  embarkatio 

contrary  to  the  proclamation  of  October,  1795,  most 

arisen  from  Home  gross  misrepresentation,  the    Commc 

ho])cs  now  he  has  had  the  honour  of  explaining  to  the 

tiic  whole  affair^  that  a  favourable  answer  will  be  given  to  l>i* 

.application,  for  the  cattle  being  ihc  property  of  his  Biitannicl 

^lujcsLy,  can  never  bo  sold  to  any  person,  and  they  must  fttJ 

])rcscnt  be  considered  as  sequestered  by  order  of  the  Serend 

Govornmonl,  and  at  a  time  when  the  Commodore,  by  ordcl! 

of  his  Admiral,  Sir  John  Jcrvis,  Commander-in-Chief  of  the 

Hfitish  Fleet,  is  showing  every  attention   to  the  subjects 

Genoa,  in  pcrminiug  several  of  their  Vessels  to  leave  Lcgliom] 

their  cnrgoctJ,  and  permitting  wood  to  be  embarked  frony 

uscan  State  for  the  City  of  Genoa. 


LETTERS. 


261 


TO  HIS  EXCELLENCY  FRANCIS  DRAKE,  ESQ. 

[Frotn  a  Copy  iu  ibe  AUmirnliy.] 

SeptwuLer  l>iL,  1700. 

My  dear  Sir, 

r.  Brame,  or  rather  Mr.  Bird,  will  detail  to  you  the  whole 

about  the  bullocks,  and  what  steps  have  been  taken  on 

rt.     I  hope  you  will  not  think  I  have  gone  too  far.     I 

you  it  has  gone  much  against  me  to  fish  in  Diplomatic 

r,  for  there  must  be  many  forms  in  getting  through  these 

which  I  am  unacquainted  with.     I  shall  endeavour  to 

somctliing  here  to  wait  your  answer.    The  French  seem 

:late  to  this  Government  what  they  shall  do.     I  was 

Ijcstcrday  at  the  meeting  of  the  Merchants,  and  told 

iat  I  knew  of  the  return  of  the  Spanish  Fleet  into 

jz.     However,  they  say  they  will  be  prepared;  and  if 

let  me  know  in  time,  I  will  most  certainly  afford  thcin 

protection  in  my  power;  and  if  the  Genoese  Govcrn- 

seize  (seciuestcrcd  they  have)  the  property  of  the  King, 

knows  how  long  they  will  regard  the  property  of  the 

Russian  Minister  has  just  sent  me  word  that,  lust  night, 
put  the  question  to  the  Senate  to  give  me  thirty  bul- 
s,  but  it  was  overruled,  and  I  am  not  to  have  one.     The 
eipal  argument  was,  we  shall  offend  the  French,  and  we 
better  offend  the  English  than  them,  for  they  will  not 
U3  90  much.     I  have  desired  that  all  your  papers  may 
Jk  «cui  on  board  me  ;  if  not,  Mr.  Brame  will  destroy  them. 
If.  Brame  b  unfit  for  business. 

[Not  signed.] 


TO  1I!E  GENOESE  SECRETARY  OF  STATi:. 

[From  n  Copy  in  iLe  .\(liBirnlty.j 

His  Britiuuiir  Mr^c«tj'«  SLip  Cnpuin,  GenoA  Mu!#« 
Spptcinbcr  lUtli,  I'iHI. 

Sir, 

have  to  request  that  you  will  inform  iiic  whether  an 
cr  is  to  be  given  this  day  to  the  repeated  applications 
lie  embarkation  of  his  Britannic  Majesty's  cattle.     If  I 


262 


LETTBB& 


[Jj 


receive  none,  I  shall,  in  the  evening,  send  off  an  expr 
his  Excellency  Mr.  Drake,  and  another  to  his  ExceUen 
John  Jervis,  Admiral  of  the  British  Fleet,  and 
Majesty's  Ships  from  the  Port  of  Genoa;  and  I 
their  Excellencies  will  take  such  measures  as  arc  prop 
this  extraordinary  conjuncture,  in  the  detention  of  his! 
tannic  Majesty's  property.     Hoping,  for  the  happiness  ofj 
two  Nations,  that  the  Government  of  Genoa  will 
step  which  may  for  a  moment  intercept  the  hAnnony 
has  lately  prevailed  between  his  Britannic  Majesty  andj 
Serene  Government, 

I  have  the  honour  to  be,  Sir, 

Your  most  obedient  servant, 

UORATIO  Ni 


TO  MRS.  NELSON. 

[From  Clarke  ruid  M'AnLur.  tol.  i.  p.  31rt.] 

S<<pt*mbcr  lOih,  H 
I  have  utcmorializcd  the  Senate,  and  had  an  audience  i 
Dtigc,  but  still  these  wise  heads  are  puzzled.  The  Doge] 
very  curious  about  me ;  be  asked  my  age,  said  he  had 
much  of  me,  that  the  blockade  of  Leghorn  was  strict  be] 
what  be  could  have  thought  possible ;  at  the  same 
publicly  tliaoked  me  for  my  goodness  on  many  occasion 
Genoese  vessels.  It  has  hitherto,  my  dearest  Fauuv,  beed 
good  fortune  to  have  combined  the  strictest  rigour  of  my 
with  gaining  the  good-will  of  the  parties  interested.  My  con* 
duct  has  been  open:  that  has  been  my  secret,  and  it  b*^ 
answered. 

Yours,  &c 

Horatio  Nelg 


Sir, 


TO  ADMIRAL  SIR  JOHN  JERVIS,  K.U. 
[From  a  Copy  in  Uje  AdzniriUlr.] 

Caplaiu,  oiTOenoft,  8<tiiU-mb«T  licit. 


You  know  of  my  orders  for  L'Eclair,  to  come  to  GencMk 
a  Convoy  of  bullocks,  which  Mr.  Heatly  had  bought  for  " 


* 


LETTBR?[  ^  553 

OK  of  the  Fleet  Last  Sunday  I  was  Eurprised  to  meet  the 
ir  at  sea,  and  more  bo,  to  find  that  the  Government  of 
had  refused  tlie  embarkation.  I  send  you  Mr.  Brame's 
'] — I  should  say,  Mr.  Bird's  (his  son-in-law),  for  Mr.  B. 
able  to  \\Tite — which  is  a  faithful  detail  of  all  that 
passed. 
As  I  send  every  paper,  I  shall  not  trouble  you  with  a  repe- 
of  them.  This  Government  is  in  terror  of  the  French  : 
of  its  Members  are  bought  over,  and  all,  I  believe, 
that  the  English  would  be  a  far  more  generous  Enemy 
the  French :  therefore,  they  would  rather  offend  us  than 
In  my  conversation  with  the  Doge,  I  hinted  (on  his 
cr  insinuating  that  a  great  Army  close  to  their  gates 
;ht  cut  off  all  supplies  of  meat  for  the  City),  that  we  had 
power  to  cut  off  supplies  of  com  and  wood  which  come  by 
L  His  answer  was,  what  was  true,  that  a  small  Country 
e  Genoa,  was  in  a  terrible  situation  between  great  Powers 
lit  war.  I  txrged  our  claim  to  justice,  having  conformed  to 
the  laws  of  Genoa.  He  admitted  we  had  justice  and  right 
on  our  side. 

You  will.  Sir,  I  am  sure,  do  what  is  right,  for  a  more  fla- 
grant disregard  for  the  English  can  never  be  told.  If  the 
property  of  the  Sovereign  is  sequestered,  God  knows  how 
long  the  property  of  the  Subject  will  be  safe :  certainly  no 
longer  than  it  suits  their  convenience. 

I  hope  you  will  think  I  have  done  what  is  proper,  and  shall 
be  happy  to  receive  your  commands  how  to  act  I  should 
think  a  firm  demand  from  you,  with  a  threat  of  detaining 
Genoese  provisions  so  long  as  they  detain  his  Majesty's^  will 
have  its  proper  effect. 

Every  day  French  vessels  come  to  Genoa  laden  with 
powder,  shot,  &c.,  and  land  them  at  St  Pierre  d'Arena,^  where 
the  French  have  large  magazines  of  powder,  and  other  stores. 
They  have  four  guns  mounted  on  the  beach,  for  their  protection, 
and  arc  going  to  erect  a  large  battery  and  have  one  thousand 
men  to  defend  it  They  have  demanded  one  of  the  large 
palaces  for  an  hospital,  and  taken  it     If  the  war  continues,  it 

*  In  ConnnisatrT  Suey**  letter  to  the  CnrnmAiidant  of  thn  Ltnthom  BMt«rT,  h* 
Mi4  thu  ttu»  afeats  of  ibc  Goveniment  (here  \uA  ^«riute««i  ih«  Freneli  ItndUig 
"  good«"  in  ilie  Imrbour  of  Si.  I'ierre  d'AreuA. 


MiS^IB 


I 

I 
4 


I 


Ll7i 

must  cud  in  ibc  French  taking  possession  of  Genoa.  (supiHt. 
ing  their  success  continues.)  Such  an  event  has  hapj)eiinll 
which  I  must  reserve  for  another  letter.  Whatever  may  he 
the  consequence,  my  mind  tells  me  I  have  done  pcricctly 
right,  and  I  ho{>c  you  will  also  think  so. 
Believe  mc.  Sir, 

With  the  f2;reatest  respect. 

Your  most  obedient  servant, 

HoHATio  NelsoK. 


Sir, 


TO  ADMIRAL  SIR  JOHN  JEUVIS,  K.B. 

[Fr«>in  n  ropy  in  iln'  Ailiiur»JlT.  j 

C'npiuiii,  off'a<>uo«.  September  llUi,  UW. 


As  I  wish  only  to  be  supported  by  truth,  I  send  you  every 
Paper  relative  to  the  subject,  and  firmly  believe  I  shall  receive 
the  approbation  of  your  judgment.'     I  shall  only  declare  W 
you,  on  my  honour,  that  I  had  not  the  smallest  intention  to 
attack   the  French  vessel,  had  not   the  French  themsclvc* 
forced  me  to  it.     I  do  not  think  neutrality  can  be  all  on  oP* 
side. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c. 

Horatio  Nelsojt. 

Sent  another  letter  to  the  Consul,  desiring  him  to  cxe*^' 
himself,  and  not  to  give  way  one  inch ;  that  I  felt  I  had  acte^^ 
right;  and  desired  he  would  look  out  for  inhabitants  of  St.  F^4 
d'Arcna  to  state  the  truth,  and  also  the  soldiers  in  tbc  Lan-* 
thorn  Battery. 

About  seven  o'clock  the  Town  began,  ceased  for  half  at* 

*  Tliit>  affiiir,  wliioli  in  tliv  subject  ofuiaiiy  hiib5<'<^uriit  I,4>ttcr>,  niut  complaiiiotl  of 
by  tht*  Coiuuiiftsnn,  Dinctnr,  Sury,  to  the  CoininaJHimt  of  ibc  Ljuilbt^ru  HiUtfry,  in 
A  letter  dated  St.  Tiorif  d'Arpiui,  '2H  Friit-tiilur,  (llib  Sf{it(>nibi'r,)  !n  «bii-b  br 
Mid  Uiai  the  t'oniiuiiudHnt  did  imt  lirv  (>n  Llic  KngliMli  "lootis,  [btkato,]  f>r  violiuing 
tli«  iiriiirnJity,  iiiiiil  tlirir  [ititr  ychh  hi  a  ilisiiuiev,  «ud  tbai  hv  dixi-outiiiiiril  ii  wlirn 
tl»p  t'iigti).h  !<biii>  wt'w  Mitbili  rcurti.  In  repiv,  tbr  Comniaiidnut  'tiitcd.  lliu  be 
rimbl  tint  fciippo^c  tlip  KugliHb  kUhiim  of  mir,  wliicb  rtuiir  oMl  of  ill*  bnrbdiir,  won}4 
\0  KUilly  of  a  viobaiiiii  of  uniliality.  «iid  llic  niifre  xu  iw  ibcy  biid  given  tlirir  worJ 
'  not  ifl  miilui  rei»tinii|.<  for  twenty  four  lioiirs  afl«r  their  df|>«rtuir  ;  aildtug. 
i  dUci-trd  thr  batteries  to  lire  an  xoun  lu*  he  wtsi  rwhh-  of  ibr  attack  OB 
Uirtmi.     Thei-e  l/ettvn  un  in  tlic  Annual  Itrai$ter,  roJ.  xMriil.  "  9tat* 


bclVVCB   ten  SDB  dcwB   Ol 

,  and  atmsed  llwnsehcf  l3  ooe  cjl  (I  £d 

l)  cirrr  as,  tmder  nc,  and  on  all  ades^  shot  aad 

knit,  or  the  Sbip  biac^ei 

had  several  Geooeae  boatt  off;  tber  ate  miy  i 

lower  Geooese  are  oar  frieod& 

;  r.i>.— Mj  Boat  is  ooow  off  tiiak  weoi  with  »  Fli^  of, 

lo  ibe  aoothward  of  Genoa.    The  Captain  told  tba 

▼erball J  that  the  Ports  of  the  Republic  were  shot  to 

I  ouBt  ohaenc,  that  all  oonmraiucalioQ  with 

il  of  Genoa  is  La  wriiing:  they  [neither]  raoetTa^ 

Ijr  aeod*  ao  jthing  bat  in  wiking. 


JOSEPH  BRAMF,  B5<J^  BRITtSH  OONSl'L  AT  GE^X>A. 
JFraa  a  C«p;  ia  tte  Aiaif|lijr.] 

Sir, 

I  hare  to  desire  tliat  vou  will  iiumediatelT  go  to  tbe  Go- 

tnt,  and  acquaitu  them  that  the  French  have  a  battery 

Flerrc  d'Arcoa,  which  has  commeuccd  an  attack  on  hb 

tjr's  boats  sent  to  St.  Pierre  d'Arcaa,  to  look  out  and  in- 

'  for  our  Boat  which  some  deserters  took  away  last  night ; 

I  gave  the  Officer  orders  if  the  French  fired  on  him,  to 

l&ke  reprisals,  which  he  has  done,  by  bringing  off  a  French 

'c*«cl  discharn^ins;  her  cargo  of  Ordnance  Stores;  and  I  tun 

1)1  ft  lilile  surprised  to  find  the  battery  at  the  Lanthorn  firing 

the  English  boats  for  their  just  reprisoL 

I  only  mention  the  above  circumstance  to  mark  the  fact 

strongly,  for  I  believe  mj-self  perfectly  justifiable  by  the 

Ts  of  Nations,  to  attack  the   Enemy's  batteries  wherever 

cy  may  be  placed ;  and  I  believe  it  is  the  first  time  the 

crenc  (Jovernmcnt  has  taken  a  decided  part  of  one  Enemy 

unst  another,     I  shall  acquaint  Sir  John  Jcrvis  with  the 

*l»olc  circumstance,  and  the  Vessel  will  await  his  orders. 

I  am,  Sic. 

Horatio  NELso>f. 


266 


LBTTBRS. 


FACTS. 

[From  t  Copy  in  Uie  Adminltf.] 

6«ptc»ber  llth,  ITM. 

A  French  battery  at  St.  Pierre  d'Arena — the  French  Inad- 
ing  all  sorts  of  warlike  stores  under  the  guns  of  Genoa — the 
French  battery  fired  on  his  Britannic  Majesty's  Boats — the 
Boats  board  and  take  a  French  Vessel  landing  warlike  storei 
abreast  of  the  French  battery,  on  which,  all  the  guns  of 
Grenoa  open  a  fire  on  his  Britannic  Majesty's  Ships,  and  noti 
shot  fired  in  return  to  the  Genoese  fortresses,  and  only  three 
fired  at  the  French  battery,  to  mark  the  power  of  the  Eng* 
lish,  and  their  humanity  in  not  destroying  the  houses  and 
innocent  Genoese  inhabitants. 

ilow  can  the  Serene  Government  of  Genoa  mark  this  con- 
duct as  strictly  Neutral  ?  Where  the  French  erect  batteries 
cannot  be  considered  as  Neutral  ground. 

Everything  in  Genoa  and  under  its  guns  or  parts  of  the 
Coast  which  are  really  Neutral,  the  Commodore  ever  has,  aoo 
will  most  inviolably  respect. 

The  inhabitants  of  St.  Pierre  d'Arena,  the  Genoese  soldic** 
on  the  batteries  will,  if  they  declare  the  truth,  support  tl»* 
whole  of  my  assertions,  that  the  French  fired  first,  and  tb^^ 
the  English  Boats  had  commiltcd  no  act  good  or  bad,  befoX^ 
the  French  fired. 

Dated  on  bourd  his  Britannic  Majesty's  Ship,  Captain,  O" 
Genoa,  September  11  tb,  1796. 

Horatio  Nelson. 
For, 

The  knowledge  of  every  person  in  Genoa,  and  its  neigh' 
bourhood. 


TO  HIS  EXCELLENCY  FRANCIS  DRAELE,  ESQ. 

[From  R  Copy  in  Ibe  Admindty.] 

Cnptaui,  at  Set.  September  12th,  I71M. 
ir  Sir, 

Hng  transmitted  the  whole  of  my  correspondence  in  the 

txiraordinary  affair  of  yesterday,  I  shall  only  endeavour  to 

some  few  circumstamccs  and  observations  as  they  strike 


■itart^hi^ 


,37.] 


LETTERR. 


267 


I,  Ibr  I  cannot  doubt  but  on  proper  representation  bv  you, 

iiut  the  ai!lsur  will  redound  to  tny  credit,  instead  of  appearing 

against  me.     No  one,  as  you  will  do  me  the  justice  (I  flatter 

ffljsclf)  to  say,  ever  more  Btudioasly  endeavoured  to  keep  out 

of  scrapes  with  the  Genoese  than  myself,  knowing  the  influences 

of  terror  which  the  French  have  in  their  councils;  but  there 

M  bounds  beyond  which  insolence  cannot  be  borne.     I  know 

It  i>  the  common  language  of  the  Senators  to  hold  England  as 

'tor  enemy  than  the  French;  and  I  believe  it  ia  the  first 

lat  any  Neutral  State,  which  one  of  the  Powers  at  war 

in  port  possesses,  in  the  least  interfered  between  the  belligerent 

^  -  r%  but  allowed  them  to  fight  it  out.     But  if  the  Neutral 

hought  fit  to  preserve  its  neutrality,  surely  the  parties 

AtiAckcd  had  the  most  undoubted  right  to  expect  assislanoe, 

4tni  not  ilje  attackers.     Tliis  must  be  allowed  by  all  interested 

parties ;  and  if  the  Genoese  find  one  person  who  saw  the  fact, 

that  will  say  my  two  Boats  committed  any  act,  either  good  or 

Iwfl,  unless  rowing  towards  San  Pierre  d' Arena  would  be  so 

considered,  (the  Boats  were  not  1 00  yards  fix>m  the  Lantern 

^putery  when  the  French  opened  their  fire,)  I  will  permit  all 

^e  World  to  say  I  am  wrong. 

Had  I  intended  to  take  French  vessels,  I  could  have  sent 
^t  our  Boats  in  the  night  and  carried  them  off  without 
^n  person's  knowledge ;  but  when  I  weighed  from  Genoa, 
Hjud  not  a  knowledge  that  any  Vessel  was  at  St.  Pierre 
"^Arcna;  nor,  when  our  two  Boats  went  away,  did  I  know 
what  Nation  the  Vessels  were,  for  I  was  not  one  cable's 
from  the  Mole,  with  a  land  wind  which  would  have 
ed  any  Ship,  in  half-an-hour  or  less,  to  the  spot.  Had 
tny  intentions  been  hostile,  the  two  Ships  could  have  sent 
nine  Boats  and  100  soldiers,  and  as  many  seamen ;  but  I 
bad   not,  on  my  first  ordering  the  Boats  which   had   been 

fring  round  the  Moles,  the  smallest  idea  of  any  firing.  My 
lUs  have  always  cutlasses,  and  each  Boat  two  or  three  muskets 
them.  The  Lieutenant  asked  me  what  he  should  do  if  the 
rcuch  fired  ?  I  told  him  to  take  the  Vessel  lying  there,  if 
vns  laden  with  warlike  stores;  but  even  if  she  were 
ch,  and  laden  with  common  merchandize,  not  to  bring 
off. 
again  assure  you,  that  our  two  Boats  could  not  have  been 


CMO 


more  than  TOO  yards  from  the  Lantern  Battery  (for  I  Aa 
think  the  French  Battery  is  300,  in  a  straight  line)  before 
French  fired,  as  I  have  related. 

I  immediately  sat  down  to  write  Mr.  Brarae  (No,  1 ),  wbi 
sent  by  a  Lieutenant.*     Whilst  I  was  writing,  the  firing 
tinned  from  the  French,  and  began  by  the  Genoese ;  bat 
will  mark  my  forbearance  in  yoiu:  representation.     They 
acknowledge,  that  from  half-past  .seven  a.m.  to  one  p.m., 
the  intermission  of  about  half  an-hour,  the  batteries  k 
continual  fire  of  shot  and  shells.     I  should  have  been  ii 
pleasantly  situated  had  I  returned  the  fire ;  for  my  Ship  wi 
have  been  covered  with  smoke.     The  lives  which  must  hi 
been  lost  in  the  Town,  and  the  damage  done,  would 
been  immense ;  but,  as  at  Lamea,  not  one  shot  did  I  fire 
Genoa.     This,  the  whole  Town  will  say  is  true ;  and  that 
was  in  my  power  is  to  be  presumed,  or  they  would  not  have 
fired  on  me  for  such  a  length  of  time.     That  Being  who  has 
ever  protected  me,  did  not  permit,  wonderful  to  tclJ,  one  sbo^ 
to  strike  the  Ship :  over  us,  under  us,  and  on  all  sides  of  u&« 
even  to  thro>viag  the  water  upon   our  decks,  (by  the  she' 
striking  the  sea,)  but  no,  not  one  hurt  us. 

I  lay  off  Genoa  with  as  perfect  ease  as  usual.     At  half-pa^ 
one  P.M.  I  ."^ent  a  Flag  of  Truce  on  shore,  to  the  southward  t^ 
the  Town.      Lieutenant  Fierson  was  taken  into  the  Guard  ' 
room,  and  the  Captaua  of  the  Port  sent  for  to  I'cceive  him 
Mr.  P.  desired  to  go  into  the  Town,  but  was  told  the  Govern- 
ment could  not  be  answerable  for  his  safety,  on  which  h< 
delivered  my  letter,  directed  to  the  Secretary  of  State,  in- 
closing a  letter  for  Mr.  Brame,  (Nos.  2  and  3.)     At  six  p.m. 
the  Captain  of  the  Port  returned,  and  said  that  my  letter  hod. 
been  delivered,  and    that  he  was  told  by  the  Secretary  of 
Slate  to  say,  that  the  Ports  of  the  Republic  of  Genoa  were 
shut  for  die  present  against  the  English,  but  that  the  Govern- 
jj^ .....  .......1.1  *4.„|  ways  to  scad  me  an  auswer.     I  had  a  letter 

fr.  iit  Compton,  by  a  Genoese  boat,  telling  me, 

e  was  with  Mr.  Brame,  a  party  of  armed  French 
(  four  boys  who  row  the  Jolly-boat,  but  that  the 
Vjrtn    Keale   defended   them,   and   fired   on   the 

'  ViJp  p.  2(J.'*,  nulc. 


,37.] 


LETTERS. 


*>G9 


Buch,  killed  one  Frenchman  by  putting  three  balls  through 
ym,  and  wounding  some  others. 

The  Genoese  boat-people  told  mc,  that  the  rage  of  the 

fjench  was  excessive.     They  declared  they  would  cut  the 

fofamteers  into  pieces  the  size  of  tunny-fish.     All  was  riot ; 

it  GoTernment  had  reinforced  the  guards  at  all  the  gates 

batteries,  and  the  drawbridges  were  all  up,  and  the  gates 

fcui.    Some  ladies  and  gentlemen  who  came  to  Mr.  Pierson  at 

bcGiiard-roora,  from  their  villas,  toa»k  what  was  the  matter  and 

[truth,  said,  the  Officer  who  commanded  at  the  Lantern  was 

strong  Jacobip.    Therefore,  this,  my  dear  Sir,  ought  to  be  the 

I  punished :  our  Boats  were  under  his  protection.  You  will 

I  what  is  right,     I  shall  trouble  you  no  more,  only  to  assure 

I  that  I  am  your  most  obliged  and  faitliliil  servant, 

Horatio  Nelson. 


TO    ADMUUL   SIR   JOHN    JERVLS    K.D. 

[From  Clarke  imd  M'Arlliiii,  vol.  i.  p.  .'Ufl.] 

SeiiieiiilKT  Utii.  MnC. 

lanure  you,  dear  Sir,  on  the  most  mature  reflection,  I  feel 

ig  in  this  affair  to  reproach  uiyself  with  ;    and  I   shall 

sh  rejoice  to  find  you  think  the  same.     Some  steps  must 

irilv  be  taken.     You  have  formerl}'  said  you   wotild 

ion  my  writing  opinions  to  you  ;  therefore,  should  not  a 

idron  demand  of  the  government  of  Genoa  the  free  admis- 

^i^on  of  their  Ports  ?  (the  insult  and  cruelty  of  firing  on  our 

"oftts  is,  I  suppose,  more  n  Ministerial  affair;)  and  in  case  of 

^gfiisal,  then  comes  the  consideration,  what  is  next  to  be  done? 

B  the  French  to  be  attacked  at  S.  Pierre  d'Arena  ?  is  the 

■^dc  of  Genoa  to  be  stopped  ?     I  mean,  are   all    Genoese 

Vessels  to  be  sent  into  St.  Fiorenzo,  and  there  ordered  to  renjaln 

Wiih  the  masters  and  crews  on  board,  in  full  possession  of  their 

'-.  until  the  Govcnnuent  of  Genoa  open  their  Ports  and 

, , .  _      :  t  isfaction  for  what  has  happened  ?    This  l:ust,  to  \>v  sure, 

Ujav  be  easily  got  over:  I  have  in  some  measure  taken  upon 

■ ''  to  chastise  tlie  French,  although  supported  hy  Genoa. 

I  close  tliis  letter  with  whatever  conversation  1  may  have 

ivith  the  Vice-Roy. 

'  Ucnlfmmt-Coluncl  Dcdiahi. 


[In  coudiiufttiott.] 

Sept«rober  1( 

It  is  no  small  degree  of  pleasure  for  me  to  tell  you,  that  i 
Vice-Roy  most  fully  approves  of  every  measure  I  have 
He  also  wishes  that  the  taking  and  securing  Genoese  Sbipti 
adopted,  as  a  pledge  for  the  safety  of  the  English  property  il 
Genoa,  and  as  a  measure  of  reprisal  for  the  conduct  of  the 
Government     As  the  Vice-Roy  will  write  more  fully,  I  shill 
not  touch  on  our  intended  expedition. 

I  am,  &c 

Horatio  Nelsoii. 


Gentlemen, 


TO      ...     . 
[From  a  Copy  in  the  Admindtj.] 

[Alwnt  ITili  September,  UWlO 


This  Government  seeming  determined   not   to   give  any 
answer  to  the  representation  made  hy  the  Consul  and  invflelf* 
and  you  having  asked  my  opinion  how  you  are  to  act  with  the 
cattle  ordered  hy  Mr.  Heally,  the  iVgent-Victualler,  for  th'^ 
account  of  his  Majesty,  I  have  no  doubt  but  it  will  be  prop*^ 
for  you  to  keep  the  cattle  at  the  least  possible  expense  till  yo^ 
receive  your  directions  from   Sir  John  .Tends,  K,B.,  Cot*^' 
mander-in-Chief  of  his  Majesty's  Fleet,  either  through  IV^' 
Heath,  or  some  other  person  ordered  by  the  Admiral  to  deliv" 
his  orders. 

I  am,  &c. 

HoBATio  Nelson. 


TO  ADMIRAL  SIR  JOHN  JERVIS,  K.fl.' 
[Frmn  a  Copy  in  tlir  Admirnltr,  rtuI  the  original  draught  in  iLo  Nelson  P«|M>n.7 

CuptAiu,  lUrbour  of  Ciipn^ii,  Septamb«r  lOUt,  1700. 

Sir, 
Having  received  on  board  the  Captain  and  Goiigon  the 
Troops  onlered  for  the  attack  of  the  Island  of  Capraja,  under 

Oiii*  letter  to  the  Adniirnll).  Sir  JoliU  .lenis  said — "  I  eucltHr, 

'   of  tb<<  Lunla  CiimuiKsioners  nf  ilio  Admiralty.  Commodon 

••••on  ol  ibe  i-xp«diiion  ngaiuat.  and  captiu-e  of  the  Islnud  Cspnu* :  tli» 


MHtoHttilMili 


]m  87.] 


LETTERS. 


271 


ti>e  command  of  Major  Logan,'  I  sailed  from  Bastia  on  the 

of  the  I4th,  with  these,  Vanneau,   and  Rose,   and 

joined  next  day  by  La   Minerve,  Captain  Cockburn. 

From  excessive  calm  weather,  it  was   the   17th   before  we 

jved  off  the  Island,  which  afforded  time  to  prepare  every 

tans  for  the  prevention  of  our  landing,  there  not  being  more 

Idian  three  places  where  it  is  possible  for  troops  to  get  on 

are.   The  length  of  passage,  which  was  unexpected,  induced 

[Major  Logan  to  divide  his  forces,  in  order  to  distract  the 

enlion  of  the  Enemy,  and  it  had  the  most  complete  effect ; 

1^1  landing  was  made  at  the  north  end  of  the  Island,  under 

'  of  the  Rose,  Lieutenant  Walker,  and  Vanneau,  Lieutenant 

[Gourly,  who  conducted  themselves  very  much  to  my  satis* 

tioD.     At  six  o'clock,  on  the  morning  of  the  18th,  we  sent  in 

1  Flag  of  Truce,  with  our  Summons,  No.  1 ;  received  Answer, 

[Ko.  2 ;  oar  Reply,  No.  3 ;   Capitulation,  No.  4 ;   and,  at  four 

p'clock  in  the  afternoon,  tlic  troops  took  jwssession  of  the 

Fortresses.     I  landed  from  the  Squadron  100  troops,  under  the 

Dtnand  of  Lieutenant  Pierson,  of  the  69th  Regiment,  whom 

fajor  Logan  and  myself  hold  ourselves  much  pleased  with 

management  of  the  Capitulation,  and  also  a  party  of 

under  Lieutenant  Spicer,  who  carried  cannon  up  the 

itain  with  their  usual  spirit  and  alacrity.     It  would  be 

injustice  were  a  distinction   to  be  made  between  the 

rices;  all  had  ftill  employment,  and  I  am  confident 

idaet  of  wliieli  reflects  tlir  liighcst  Louour  un  his  «kiU,  juilKiuent,  lutd  entcrpria*, 
on  th?  gofxl  training  of  those  under  liis  command,  uuong  whom  Captain 
ikbum  of  hiii  )(itie9tj'>i  Ship  Mint'ne,  ttAnd*  cmii;(tiiily  iliHtiDguisbed,  u  do 
hil«n*nt9  Berry,  Spencer,  and  Noble  of  the  Captain.  The  latter  was  de«penuely 
uuied  in  nn«^  of  the  succeBsftil  enterprises  iu  the  western  Riviera  of  Gcuaa.  aad 
two  lirstiiAined  havu  exposed  their  peraoiw  on  all  occaMiona,  with  thai'  cool, 
tb«nue  coura^  which  forma  so  prominent  a  feature  in  the  Commodore's  chorac- 
md  I  beg  leave  to  recommend  them  to  their  l^ordships'  favour  aud  pn>lection." 
rtirkrrt  \tcmoin  of  Earl  St.  rincmt,  vol.  i.  p.  2.10.  The  attack  on  Capri\]a 
not.  bowerer,  quite  so  satisfurtory  iw  would  appc-ar  from  the  nfflriaJ  odconuta  of 
afliiir;  for  G<.>neral  de  Bur^h,  in  a  letter  to  Commodore  Nehou,  dated  Doatia, 
ptrmber  W,  17(H},  thanking  liim  tor  his  KealouN  ■■o-opc-rnliuu  «ith  tlie  U'oopi, 
I — "  I  an>,  Lowfver,  rnonilled  to  leani  thai  there  should  hare  bt'en  any  check  iu 
buainesM,  which,  olthougyi  but  a  leinporiiry  nnr>,  places  Ihu  Britinb  troops  in  a 
i  they  do  not  uxiiallT  nppear  in.  Any  Corsican  failaroa  I  can  easily  make  my 
A  nf  to,  utrrtt  especiiug  mueh  Rood  from  our  worthy  fellowenlijecla  of  Uila 
ad." — Ori'jmnl  iu  the  NeUou  Piipera. 
Mi\jor  James  Logan,  of  the  dl«t  Foot;  be  wu  nude  a  Lieutenoat'Colouel  in 


S72 


LETTEBSw 


but  one  opiuion  prevailed,  that  of  expediting  the  siirret 
of  the  Island  by  every  means  in  their  power. 

I  catinot  conchide  without  assuring  yuu  of  my  most 
cere  approbation  of  the  conduct  of  Captain  Cockbiim  of 
Minervc,   Cojnain  Dixon   of  tlic   Gorgon,  aod   Licutcnanj 
Berry,  who  had  tlie  temporary  command  of  the  Captain, 
of  every  officer  and  man  in  the  Squadron. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be.  Sir, 

Your  most  obedient  servant, 

Horatio  Nelson. 
N.B. — Two  French  Privateers  are  taken,  and  two  ditto  de- 
stroyed with  several  Vessels,  their  prizes,  and  some  magazines 
of  French  property  on  shore, 

Inclosube  No.  I. 

TO  TIIR  fKJVEHVOK  OF  TIIK  FORTRESS  AND  ISLAND  OP 
CAPIUJA. 

Commodoi'e   Horatio  Nelson,  and    Major  James   LogsnJ 
Commanders  of  the  Forces  by  Sea  and  Land  of  His  Britanoicl 
Majesty  before  the  Island  of  Capraja,  Simunon  the  Fort  and| 
Island  of  Capraja  to  surrender  to  the  Arms  of  His  Britannifl 
Majesty. 

The  Commissary,   the  Commandant,  and  other  OflBceii' 
Civil  and   Military,  in  the  service  of  the  Serene  Republic  <jf 
Genoa,  and  all  the  Garrison  shall  receive  all  Military  llonouPi 
and  be  treated  with  all   regard  and  attention,  with  liberty  to, 
stay  in  the  Island,  whilst  their  conduct  is  not  prejudicial 
the  British  Garrison  ;  or  retire  to  Genoa,  as  they  may  please- 
All  people  in  the  Civil  Department  to  be  continued  in  th« 
lOfficea  which  they  at  present  hold,  if  they  are  not  founC 
acting  contrary  to  the  tranquillity  of  the  Island. 

All  the  inh.ibitants  of  the  Town  and  Island,  are  assured 
perfect  security  for  their  persons,  prop«'rty,  and  religion;  an^ 
the  Britisli  Government  will  not  fail   to  take  every  nicnsiir 
jotini;  their  interest  and  their  prosperity,  whilst  tl 
uins  in  their  Administration  :  the  present  laws 
Trved. 

Contribution  will  be  demanded,  nor  any  Taxes  which 
not  at  present  pay  to  the  Government  of  Genoa, 
ic  Public  effects  will  bo  demanded  and   t.iken  inl 
Commissaries  will  be  appointed  by  us  to  take 


inventory,  which  the  British  Government  ^I  account 
to  the  Serene  Republic,  dii'cclly  the  differences  Iwlwecn 
shall  be  happily  terminatct!. 
All  French  [)ropcrty,  public  and  private,  shall  be  {»ivcn  up 
OS,  and  be  at  our  disposal  till  further  orders  from  the  Vice- 
roy of  Corsica,  and  the  Admiral. 
If  the  present  favourable  terms  are  not  immediately  acceded 
the  C'oramandcr  of  the  Tort  rests  responsible  for  the  cSu- 
of  blood,  and  all  the  other  consequences  of  his  refusal. 
Dated  in  Camp,  before  the  Town   of  Capraja,  this 
Uth  day  of  September,  1796. 

Horatio  Nelson. 
James  Looam. 

Inclosire,  No.  II. 

TO  TTIE  GOVERXOR  OF  THE  FORTRE-S.^  AND  ISLAND  OF 
CAPRAJA. 


Sir, 


DiUed  at  Cninp,  before  the  Town  of  Capnyii,  Sopiember  IfiUi,  17!M! 


Hail  your  answer  been  a  refusal  to  treat,  beft^rc  this  time, 

sr  attack  by  Laud  and  Sea  would  have  commenced,  and  the 

res  and  property  of  innocent  inhabitants  would  have  been 

crificcd  by  your  fruitless  attempt  against  the  superior  forces 

Itacking  you.     We  will  not  permit  siny  delay  beyond  one 

B«r,  for  you  to  take  your  resolution  of  treating  with  us  ;  and 

We  assure  you  such   favourable    terms  will  never  again   be 

by.  Sir,  Your  very  humble  servants, 

Horatio  Nelson. 

James  Logan. 


CAPITULATION  OP  THE   FORT  AND   ISLAND  OF  CAPRAJA. 

[Firrt. — The  Troops  to  march  out  of  their  works  with  the 
lODoura  of  War,  and  the  Garrison  to  go  to  Genoa,  or  stay  in 
Island,  on  their  parole. 

Secondly. — The  Religion  and  Laws  shall  be  preserved. 

Thirdly. — No  more  Taxes  shall  Ix?  paid  to  the   English 

Ji  have  been  paid  to  the  Serene  Republic  of  Genoa. 

I'otirthly. — All   the  Officers  of  the  Municipality   to  hold 
eir  prewnt  situations,  so  long  as  they  conduct  themselves 

trly. 
[Tou  n.  T 


LETTERS. 

Fifthly.— Possession  to  be  taken  of  the  Fortress  u 
o'clock  this  afternoon. 

Sixthly. — Inventories  to  be  taken  of  the  Stores  which 
to  the  Serene  Republic  of  Genoa. 

Seventhly. — The  property  of  the  Inhabitants,  as  «dl 
lat  of  the  OflScers  of  the  Garrison,  shall  not  be  touched. 

Kightiily. — AH  French  property  shall  be  given  up  to  tt»| 

Nintlily. — The  Officers  with  the  Garrisoti  shall  be 
btriced  and  carried  in  security  to  Genoa,  as  by  the 
Article. 

Dated  September  18th,  1796. 

UoBATio  Nelson.  Agostdto  Agnolo,  Coxa*. 

Jambb  Looan.  Bros  Maooiore. 

(PaSQUAL    S0S8O6& 

|Dom\  Corbio. 

Geo.  Salbri. 
Tutti  li  Padri  del  Commo 


TO  THE  RIGHT  HON.  SIR  GILBERT  ELUOT. 
[Auto^nqtlt.  in  Um  Mimo  Piper*.] 

CK^iaio,  nnbour  of  Ciipni*.  Spptcntbtr  IMi,  IT 

^Mj  dear  Sir, 
I  eoi^intalate  you  most  sincerely  on  the  capture  ofl 
Isliind/  wliich  I  hope  will  give  additional  securitv  to  the  KtO^^ 

'  Sir  OUl»ut  F.Wini'n  inatrucUons  to  Commodoiv  Nelson  M?spcciing  the  rit;nr»  «'• 
Capnya^  annaU  l!<liinJ  about  nioe  miles  E.N.E.  or  Capt  L'or^p.diited  oi< 
S«pl«mb«r,  ooitt&in  •  fiill  vx^laiuuioa  of  Ui»  uotivfii  for  Mlopiiug  Uuu  sti-im 
Aftitr  statiU);  ilir  pnivt»rMiou<s  of  ihe  Qeuonm  (p)vertttti<<nt,  ^LicU  bul  not  wtifi 
r«fu»r<l  Miikftfction  fnr  il.i  insult  and  hostility  on  tlio   1  ItL,  but  hmi  hiMitiiUM.  l<i| 
im«w«T  to  thf  rri  iiiiuIl'  no  tUm  stiliji?ii,  liiat  all  the  I'on 

|iulillc  wtTt  «lint  ni;  .iitifili  <hiim;  that  tio«iiliti(»«  lind  aUo  tx-tM 

iy;Kiil<'t  CoTMifii.  aiul  lii-o   MiviP^t/^  «iibjcct»,  hr  \V<'>«ls  Htlrd  Out  kl  Cafir^a  i 
titt'  liiM  two  jvari.  ciiuLmry  li>  ilie  Uwa  of  iicutniliij ;  ilini  no  tu  from  any  i 
(ii>n  linvtiig  l>i><'n  oblaiiKil,  (lie  <jriincM  (•o^^nuiicnt  luul  cwn  rvAuieft  to 
lliiiish  Vico-cotwul  «»  Cajirnj*,  who  itiiglil  llll^•e  pveij  iufonnatioii  of  mich  IqjH 
i>ii>.  pnirirdirigK,  and  ImTn  n>»Lriiilird  llic  nliiKe*  of  whirb  w»  ha4  n*»oa  to 
idniii;   llml  nil  A|;"lli  of  iUk   Kn-iiidi  Ke|iu)ilir  liiUt  nUo  been  COlUtantlx  raL 
aud  avowi-d  la  Cn|iiigA,  whuliwl  carried  uu  cYvry«|<v<.'ii'9  of  dc|ii\>ditiiuti  Hud  bo^tli 
^aiid  tliai  ibi-  Kuriiiv  liiul  uxadn  u  |>riu!tic«  nf  cotoiiig  otrr  to  thai  l)<laiid  with  stor 
nl  aiiuniuiitioo  dealincd  for  the  rc-coo^ae«t  of  Cornea,  Ui(  Ylonroj  fnettiei : 


I  of  CorBica.  I  shall  only  say  how  much  I  am  satisfictl 
haTiQg  had  to  act  with  an  officer  of  so  much  zeal  and 
!Uy  OS  Major  Logan,  and  that  I  do  not  believe  the  two 
ncea  ever  more  cordially  united  than  on  the  present  occa- 
t    Believe  roc,  dear  Sir, 

Your  most  failhiul  and  obedient  servani, 

Horatio  Nelsow. 

Ill  CierQency  tlM  Viee-Boj. 

P.S.  I  received  your  Excellency's  letter  at  hali-past  one 
I  day,  for  which  I  most  sincerely  thank  you.  We  could  not 
id  to  make  the  fire,  as  that  Town  did  not  know  of  tJie  sur- 
ider.  r  hope  Mr.  Udney's  news  of  victory  is  true,  and  not 
I  French  account. 

H.  N, 


r  tb«H  iMMtu  judged  it  expedient  to  iakf  p<M*«Mion  of  tlie  Fart  snd  Jalttni 
in  liis  Mi^e«tjr'8  nuae,  and  to  place  a  British  gnrrison  there,  uiuil  diip 
ki*  nuule  >»y  ilie  Covemmeut  of  Gciion  for  the  nbovc-xnenliQued  injurimt, 
;  McurJly  ia  uUiuned  ngtuDRi  •  repetition  of  th«m  in  f)itiir«.  1  slioiild 
Bely  to  know  the  Admirurs  ploeisurr  on  this  orcwiou ;  bnt  hiirinf^ 
1^  htH  ftu  a|i|K>rtuiiitj  uf  t>eiii^  acqiukiiiled  wilh  hjH  general  seutimeuts  on  the 
Nt,  Btul  the  (iicility  of  executing  Uiiii  cuierpris^  dojicudiu^  icry  much  oudii^patcb 
NnMT,  1  lun  well  assured  thnt  Sir  John  JerriK  will  nut  disapprove  of  my  carry- 
iu  nveaanre  into  immediate  effect.  Under  these  circnmRliinres,  I  do  not  scmplc, 
't  rrqu^kt  yotir  aMiateiiM  mod  eo-opention,  ha%-iD9  Lad  many  opportiiuilie»  of 
'jtutT  zml  and  readiness  on  every  occtwiou  of  pnlilic  sen-ice.  For  particu- 
thc  troops  to  be  embarked  on  this  expedition,  and  oil  other  mutters 
lis  rxecntion,  I  beg  leave  to  refer  rou  lo  Lieutennui-Geneml  de  Burgh, 
lM-in-(!hipt     Major  Ix>gnii.  who  coniniandit  the  troojx,  will  couccri  every 

erou,  and  will  join  you  ju  the  Buminoiis,  copitulntiun,  or  any  oUicr  cor- 
t  whjrli  Tou  may  flud  it  neceesAry  to  han'  wilh  tlie  CommiuioDOT  or 
It  of  Utr  piaoe. 
I  mnaiiu  only  to  point  out  Uie  fnotinK  on  whieh  I  deem  it  cipcdient  lo  lake 
Mian.  Th«  plwe  mnat  be  nummoned  to  Hurrcnder  m  hit  Miyesiy'.t  arms ;  iho 
bToiinkblc  leriiis  may  tw  offered  to  the  OtltcerH  rivil  find  luihliuy,  and  lo  the 
i>n ;  thry  nuiy  be  coiritd  to  GeuoA  if  they  iMiik  proper,  or  nmy  n'niain  at 
I*  on  ilteir  pondr,  hut  not  to' take  nny  part  hoslil**  U)  the  Ku^fliKh  garriNon. 
iegrtt  of  |iroti''niinn  uinat  Iw  proiuiwd  to  the  iuhabiiauti.  and  ii.«Mininc<>«  thnt 
■neiitjou  will  b*  paid  t«i  lUeir  interest.^  and  pro»p«rily,  iliiriuj:  our  ccenpaiion 
fitu*.  Thi<  puhlici  Htores  ore  to  lie  delivered  up  on  iuvenloiy.  and  kk  to  be 
tteil  for  to  the  GeuCHwe  government,  if  an  acpominodniion  ehonld  hereaftvr 
ilaee.  All  French  property  is  to  be  delivered  up  to  (he  KngliMh,  and  thA 
|l  lUg  i«  to  be  hiiiHied  on  the  fort  or  towers.  Winlung  you  wiiccetA  iu  Uiiit 
rise,  and  rFpo»ing  entire  ronfldenec  in  your  zeal  aiul  abililieM,  lut  well  nt  in  ibd 
of  your  Offlrerx  niul  men,  I  have  the  honour  to  bo,  kc,  Gildebt  KLT.iOt." — 
!•  imJ  .\t\trtltui;  vol.  i.  p.  :t'2n, 


t2 


276  LETTERS. 


[1796. 


TO  THE  COMMANDER  OF  THE  SPANISH  FRIGATE. 

fXbis  Currespoudcncc  in  lakcn  from  the  Offici*J  IJispntcL  id  the  At1minJl<i; 
the  originiil  drnnglits  of  some  of  the  Loiters  are  iu  the  NcUou  I'imors,  Comuiodoti' 
Nelxon  fell  in  with  ii  Spaiiinh  I'ri^te  ou  hi!<  {Mistsat^  fruin  Cnjiruja  to  Leghorn,  oo 
the  ','(l(h  of  Septemlter,  which  firat  hnnled  her  wind  to  the  cimiwiu-d,  lUid  oAenrBnlii 
hore  diitvn  W  thif  CoTiiniodore.  Tlio  folluwiiig  fdrresimndciice  then  took  |iUct 
Iciweeu  CoDunodore  Nehtoii  aud  the  Spanish  (.'iii>taiu,  Don  .Itmu  de  Snmiuva.J 

Hi^  Britamuc  Mnjeotj's  Ship  Ciii>tain,  al  Set,  'i(Kh  September.  1700. 
Sir, 
Having  heard  that  several  English  Ships  have  been  detained 
in  the  Ports  of  Spain,  and  also  that  the  Court  of  Spahi  has 
made  an  Alliance,  offensive  and  defensive,*  I  desire  to  know  of 
yon,  on  your  honour,  if  j'ou  know  that  there  is  a  war  between 
England  and  Spain  ? 

I  am,  Sir, 

Your  very  humble  Servant, 

IIOBATIO  NeLSOIT. 


REPLY  OF  THE  CAPTAIN  OF  THE  8PANISH  FRIGATE. 
[From  II  Copy  in  the  Admintlty.] 
Alionl  dc  la  Fregnto  Esiwguole  La  Vengeuwe,  le  ^0*  Tbt«,  ITIM. 
Monsieur  le  Commandant, 
Je  suis  parti  dc  Carihagene  Ic  4  dc  ce  mois ;  il  n'y  avoil 
alors  rien  d'extraordinaire,  et  je  n'ai  connoissance  d'aucunc 
declaration    dc    puerre    ni   d'niicune    alliance   di-fcnsive   ou 
offensive  avcc  la  France ;  et  fjuant  a  la  tlifRculte  que  vous  mo 
faitcs  de  me  laisser  entrer  a  Livourne,  elle  m'  etonne  d'autanl 
plus  que  c'est  imc  afibire  qui  dcvrait  otre  traitec  cntre  les 
(]ours;  on  ne  m'a  point  absolument  park'  de  semblable  diffi- 
culte,  et  au  contraire  il  ni'a  ete  recommandi"  dc  maintenir  la 
bonne  intelligence  cntre  cllcs ;  il  ne  nu'est  absolument  pas  pos- 
sible d'attcndre,  comme  vous  dusirez,  iinc  rc-ponse  du  \'ice- 
Roy  de  Corse,  ainsi,  dans  le  cas  oil  vous  ne  pourrez  pas  abso- 


•  A  Tifdly  of  rpRcr,  oircirsivt!  aud  dc-fenMive,  holwf en  Frimre  ojtd  Spnin,  WM  sigiuJ 
Mt  Ihlrphuuiio,  on  llir  I'.itl)  of  AiiRiml,  il'jC<;  and  un  lite  lllh  urOcdifaer  ^dlowi^(, 
Wv  wiw  declnrt-d  hy  SiiAJu  BguiutC  Great  Brilniu. 


r.  37.]  LETTERS.  277 

Itnent  me  donncr  Ic  passage   sans   cctte  formalite,  je  me 
itirerai,  et  j'iafunucrai  ma  Cuur  dc  lout  ce  que  s'est  passe  dans 
"eellc  occasion. 

J'ai  I'honncur  d'etre. 

Monsieur  le  Commandant, 
Voire  Ires  humble  et  tres  obeissant  scrviteur, 

Juan  de  SANNAVvk. 


I  dcbi 
■bas 
^^eli 


TO  DON  JUAN  DE  SANXAVA,  CAPTAIN  OF  THE  SPANISH 
FIIIGATE   LA    VENGEANCE. 

[I'rom  a  Copy,  ui  the  AdminJtr.] 

Ills  BriUuiiic  MiyeslT's  Sliip  Cnplaiu,  nl  ScA,  .2UIU  Suplciubcr,  IT'JU. 

Sir, 
It  18  not  possible  for  rac  to  desire  a  Spanish  Officer  to  do 
what  would  be  considered  in  the  smallest  degree  dishonoiurablc. 
1  am  in  doubt.  Sir,  whether  it  is  War  or  Peace  between  the 
two  Courts.  You,  Sir,  sjiy  you  are  sure  that  all  is  Peace, 
and  that  the  most  |icrfect  good  understanding  subsbts  between 
the  two  Courts, 

Thus  circumstanced,  I  liave  to  recjuest  as  a  mark  of  your 
Uesire  to  cement  that  hannouy,  that  you  will  attend  mc  to 
tia,  to  speak  with  the  Vice-Roy  of  Corsica  on  this  very 
lelicatc  question. 

Should,  Sir,  you  refuse  to  comply  with  this  most  reasonable 
request,  the  fatal  consc(|Ucnces  must  rest  with  you,  and  I 
ust  do  my  duty  in  using  force. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be,  Sir, 

Your  most  obedient  Servant, 

Horatio  Nelson. 

Oou  Jnito  d«  Sannava. 


TO    COMMODORE  NELSON. 
[From  t  Copy  in  ike  Admiritlly.] 
Abonl  de  In  Fregate  E^pngnolc  I>«  VengeKOCC,  lu  '<?<»*  Tlirr,  I  ()HJ. 

Monsieur, 

Puisqiic  vous  vous  opposez  a  ce  que  j'arrive  si  Livoume,  jc 
ii^y  irai  pas ;  mais  d'aucunc  maniere  je  ne  puis  alter  a  Bastia,  a 


278 


LETTERa 


[\m 


moins  que  vous  nc  m'y  obliglez  par  force,  et  Ic  parti  que  voui 
pronez  est  un  acte  dc  violence,  et  si  reus  ne  voules  pas  cost* 
proraettre  Ics  deux  Nations,  vous  ne  pouvez  pas  vous  nf  ' 
ajoutcr  foi  h  ma  premiere  lettre ;  et  si  Tincertitude  ou  v u 
sur  la  bonne  barmonie  que  regne  entre  les  deux  cours  vous 
parait  une  raison  suflSfwinte  pour  vous  determiner  i  un  actc 
d'hostilite,  vous  sercz  rcsponsablc  dc  toutcs  les  suites  que 
]>ourra  cntraincr  une  semblable  determination. 

Si  ce  que  j'ai  I'honneur  de  vous  dire  ne  vous  sufiit  pas,  pc^ 
raettez  moi  de  reprendre  la  route  d'Espagne.  Si  vous  vous 
opposez  encore  a  ce  dernier  parti,  vcuillez  cnvoyer  voire  balandrc 
a  Rastia  avcc  une  lettre  que  je  vous  adresse  pour  le  Vice-Roy, 
j'attendrai  avec  vous  que  la  reponse  arrive,  mais  je  ne  pourra 
me  dispenser  dc  faire  part  a  ma  Cour  du  retard  que  vous  aurei 
mis  a  ma  commission,  et  de  I'obiitacle  que  vous  mettez  a  mon 
retour. 

J'ai  rhonncur  d'etre  avec  respect. 
Monsieur  le  Commandant, 
Votre  tree  humble  et  trcs  obeissant  scrvitcur, 

Juan  de  Sanmava. 


Sir, 


TO  DON  JUAN  DE  SANNAVA. 

[From  A  Copy  in  llu  Admiralty.] 

Hia  BriUiiuiic  Mnjesty's  Shiji  tlic  CopUlis,  at  Su. 
•ilithSeiiUfiiilicr,  KOO. 


From  the  repeated  assurances  you  have  given  rae,  on  your 
Jionoiir,  that  there  is  no  offensive  alliance  entered  into  by 
Spain  with  France  against  England,  I  am  induced  to  shew 
your  Court  how  desirous  an  English  officer  is  to  preserve 
that  harmony  and  good  understanding  which  ought  ever  to 
subsist  between  our  two  Countries,  by  allowing  you  to  return 
to  Spain,  instead  of  enforcing  my  reasonable  request  for  you 
to  proceed  to  Bastia,  to  speak  to  the  Viceroy  of  Corsica. 

Therefore,  Sir,  if  you  will  pledge  *me  your  word  of  honooT 
that  the  harmony  between  our  two  Courts  is  uninterrupted,  I 
will,  on  your  givuig  nie  your  honour  that  you  will  proceed 
direct  for  Spain,  allow  you  to  proceed.     I  am,  Sir, 
Your  most  obedient  servant, 

T«  Doll  Jnim  dc  .Sammvii.  HoRATIO  NelSON. 


p.  S7.] 


LBTTEB9. 


TO  COTMMODORE  NELSON. 
[From  a  Copy  in  ih»  Admiralty  .J 
Abord  de  In  FregHle  Espaguole  La  Vengcanoe,  20*  Ihn,  1700. 
Monsieur, 

Puisquc  V0U8  I'exigez,  je  consens  k  ne  pas  entrcr  k  Livourne, 
a  m'eo  retourner  en  Espagne^  oil  je  serai  force  de  renilre 
)inptc  dcs  difficiilt6s  que  vous  me  faites,  et  de  tout  ce  que 
est  passe  entre  nous  au  sujet  de  ma  raissiou,  et  de  ['obstacle 
le  vous  avez  mis  k  son  execution  ;  vous  domeurez,  Monsieur, 
>nsable  dc  toutes  les  suites  quil  peut  cnti'ainGr;  et  ((uant  a 
parole  d'honneur  que  vous  exigez  de  moi  de  nc  pas  outrcr 
I  Livourne,  je  vous  la  donnc. 

J'ai  rbonneur  d'etre, 

Monsieur  le  Commandant, 
Votre  tres  humble  et  tres  obeissant  serviteur, 

Juan  p£  Sa^mava. 


TO  admiral  sir  JOHN  JERVIS,  K.B. 
[From  a,  Copy  in  the  Admiralty.] 


Sir, 


Cftptsin,  at  Sea,  September  31st,  1706. 


Yesterday  morning  I  saw  a  Spanish  Frigate  coming  from 
ie  southward,  who,  when  she  raised  our  hull,  hauled  her 
rind  to  the  eastward.  In  about  one  hour  after  this  she  bore 
)wn  to  us,  and  I  sent  on  board  the  letter  No,  1 ;  on  which 
le  letters  to  No.  6  passed  between  us.  As  to  permitting  him 
go  into  Leghorn,  that  was  out  of  the  question  with  me ; 
but  I  chose  to  have  a  good  deal  of  communication  with  him, 
that  I  might  draw  ray  final  opinion  if  it  was  War  when  he 
liled,  which  I  am  certain  it  was  not.  The  Second  Captain, 
came  on  board,  admitted  that  an  English  Ship  was  de- 
lined  at  Carthagena,  but  that  it  was  in  consequence  of  several 
Spanish  ships  having  been  detained  by  the  English,  particu- 
rly  in  Corsica,  and  that  Lord  Bute  had  made  represonta- 
jns  of  the  subject.  On  the  other  liand,  his  circuitous  route 
)Ugh  the  Straits  of  Bonifaccio,  wishing  to  get  into  Leghorn 
>m  the  southward,  led  mc  to  fancy  he  had  cause  for  not 
fishing  to  meet  any  English  Ships  of  War. 


280 


LETTEBii. 


[1796. 


I  had  bofore  luc  Mr.  Drake's,  Mr.  Wyodlijun's,  and  ibc 
Hussion  Minister  at  Genoa's  letters,  saying  that  an  Alliance, 
offensive  mid  defensive,  had  been  entered  into  between  Spui 
and  i'rancc;  also  Mr.  Budd's  letter,  with  Mr.  Grcgorj's. 

On  the  other  hand,  I  had  your  letter,  sending  Mr.  Gregory's 
and  Mr.  Budd's,  but  no  insinuation  that  it  was  actually  a  war: 
the  Vice-lloy's,  that  he  considered  the  Spanish  Question  still 
in  suspcuBe,  altliough  an  embargo  had  been  laid  on  the  English 
shipping  at  Cadiz  and  Carthagena;  that  war  was  not  : 
rally  ex[K'cted  at  Gibraltar,  and  that  it  was  not  to  be 
for  by  us. 

Thus  circumstanced,  I  thought  it  most  proj>cr  not  to  lake 
him  (although  I  own  ray  fingers  itched  for  it),  which  I  Lope 
you  will  a]>provo  of.  The  Don  is  not  aware  that  it  is  this 
question  that  was  working  in  my  mind,  but  that  it  was  that  I 
wanted  him  to  go  to  Bai^tia,  to  know  from  the  Vice-Roy 
whether  I  might  allow  him  to  go  into  Leghorn,  and  tlial  I 
would  force  liini  to  go  to  Bastia  to  have  this  answer,  before 
I  would  allow  him  to  rctiuru  to  Spain.  I  am.  Sir, 
Your  most  obedient  servant, 

Horatio  Nelson. 


TO  THE  RIGHT  HON.  SIR  GILBERT  ELLIOT, 

[AntogTopb,  in  Uic  Minto  Papers.] 

Ca|)tMu,  off  Porto  Femyo,  Seplfinber  24lL,  ITIMJ. 
My  dear  Sir, 

By  the  Rose  at  three  o'clock  on  Tuesday  morning,  I  re- 
ceived your  fetter  about  Ofistiglionc,  and  immediately  weighed 
from  Capraja,  where,  indeed,  all  my  business  was  not  finished,  ^ 
but  I  never  can  rest  idle  if  anything  is  to  be  done.  I  ordered 
Lieutcuant  Walker  to  keep  by  mc  as  I  was  totally  ignorant 
of  the  navigation,  antl  his  Cutter  would  have  been  most 
useful  in  taking  out  the  Privateers;  however,  Mr.  Walker 
thought  proper  to  part  from  mc  the  next  night.  It  was  Inst 
evening  before  I  got  near  to  Castiglionc,  having  had  batl 
weather  and  dangerous  navigation,  as  is  rarely  met  with  in  the 
MediteiTancau.  I  stood  under  Cape  Troya,  when  I  sent  my 
boat  on  board  some  Neapolitan  vessels,  and  afterwards  of* 
shore  to  some  Nea)K>Utan   towers,  when  I  learnt  that   the 


jrr.  37.] 


J.ETTERS. 


281 


^rcnch  hail  taken  possession  of  Castiglionc  ou  Wednesday 
^kutng  with  five  hundred  men,  and  the  Nea|KiHiaii  officer 
^ncctcd  them  every  moment  to  take  possession  of  his  towers. 
Hbave  therefore  hcenohliged  to  bring  back  your  letters,  which 
1  have  desired  Colonel  Monlresor*  to  forward  to  Bastia,  for 
my   presence   is    absolutely  necessary  at  Lcghoni,  where   I 

«nk  I  shall  be  able  to  get  a  person  known  to  Mr.  Wyndham, 
the  name  of  Pensa,  to  forw^ard  your  letter ;  I  therefore  keep 
and  return  the  others.  The  Blanche  is  going  to  the  Fleet, 
tr  Captain  being  to  be  tried  by  a  Court  Martial ;  and  should 
come  to  Bastia,  is  not  fit  to  be  seen  by  your  Excellency 
I  he  clears  his  character.  /  send  it  on  a  slip  ofpaptr,  which 
icase  to  tear  in  pieces.^  I  mention  this,  as  I  believe  the  Ship 
fast  come  for  bread. 
\l  send  you  my  letter  to  the  Admiral  about  a  Spanish  fri- 
tc ;  I  longed  to  take  her,  but  dare  not.  You  will  sec  that 
p  Don  fancies  the  business  hangs  in  my  refusing  him  leave 
'enter  Leghorn,  and  not  daring,  he  should  rctiini  to  Spain 
to  make  his  complaints,  without  speaking  to  your  Excellency; 
whereas,  in  truth,  I  wished  to  have  brought  him  to  Bastia,  to 
ask  your  advice  whether  I  should  not  take  him.  However,  I 
have  acted  on  the  safe  side :  if  we  are  not  to  liavc  a  war,  this 
act  of  violence  will  easily  be  got  over;  and  if  we  are,  I  hope 
my  not  taking  this  fine  Frigate  will  redound  to  the  honour  of 
some  of  our  active  Frigate  commanders.  The  Captain  is  so 
much  distressed  for  bread,  that  if  you  have  the  Cutter  or 
Brig  to  send  to  Leghorn,  pray  direct  their  Commanders  to 
bring  ns  some,  as  1  learn  it  is  baked  at  Bastia  for  the  Fleet. 

IEver,  my  dear  Sir,  believe  me. 
Your  Excellency's  most  faithful 
ia  ExceUeucy  the  Vice- Boy.  HoHATIO  NbLSON. 

Lieutenant  Walker  just  in  sights  off  Porto  Fcrrajo.     I  am 
angry  with  him. 

The  Ul«  (Idirnil  Sir  Ilcury  Tnelter  Montreeor,  K.C.B.,  G.C.U.,  xiho  evin- 
il  tltp  Cnrsican  Regiment,  nnd  biul  becu  nomiiiiiled  Conunnndaiit  of  Klbn :  he 
in  Mnrcli,  lh;l7. 

Captain  i.')iiir1r^  Sawyor  of  iLo  Dlnnrh<>  wiis  iried  by  «  Conrt-nmrliiil  ou  ilie  Ibili 

>c|ol>er  nilli,  fur  oiliuu!4  miscniuiiirt.  niiil  fur  not  Inking' publir  notice  uf  mutinous 

'9«ii>ns  iitlereil  iti^'iiiii.Ht  him:  bt-inv'  fouint  |<uihy,  hv  wiu  'wntenced  to  be  diitniisiied 

hi*  Nfiijrtitv'B  gervii-e,  nnd  rendered  inrHpHble  of  ever  serving  in  wiy  milimry 

L-ity  wliiiifver.     He  wiw  ^unerseUed  iu  the  coumiuid  of  {he  Blwiclic  by  Caplwu 

Adminil)  D'Arcy  Prentun. 


LETTBB6. 


[im 


TO  THE  RIGHT  IfON.  SIR  GILBERT  ELLIOT. 

[Autoprnph,  in  th«  Miiito  Papen.] 

Leghorn  Boads,  S«ptBmb«r  aOllt.  ITM. 
Dear  Sir, 

I  have  with  me  Diadem  and  Lively;  Capt^  goes  to 
Ajaccio,  Blanche  to  the  Fleet,  Yet  if  you  want  another 
Ship  besides  Gorgon,  I  must,  and  will  with  pleasure,  spare 
you  one.  Captain  Cockburn  has  great  concerns  to  Betilc  at 
Porto  Ferrajo.  I  have  wrote  him,  that  I  wish  him,  for  his  ovm 
sake,  to  go  there  and  settle  them.  I  believe  all  the  PrivateeB 
on  the  coast  are  here,  full  twenty  in  number.  From  what  I 
hear,  some  were  on  their  ]>assage  to  Capraja  when  this  S.S.E. 
wind  came  on,  last  Monday  night,  or  we  should  have  had 
them.  I  will  come  over  to  you  when  Captain  Cockbom 
joins ;  but  he  has  my  directions  to  attend  to  your  wishes. 

I  shall  not  let  UEclair  sail  till  midnight,  in  hopes  some 
person  will  come  off  and  give  us  good  news.  Lord  Garlie* 
tells  me  you  are  now  likely  to  be  quiet  with  the  Corsicans, 
and  that  the  most  sensible  part  begin  now  to  find  it  is  their 
interest  to  adhere  to  the  British  Government.  Nothing  came 
onboard;  but,  as  the  Captain  calls  at  St.  Fiorenzo,  I  will 
send  what  I  hear  by  her.  About  2000  Corsicans  are,  Lj 
rciwrt  from  the  Blanche,  in  the  Town.  Believe  me  ever  your 
JExceUcncy's  most  faithftil, 

IIoaATIO  NSLSOK. 
Uii  Excellency  the  Vioe^Boy. 


TO  THE  RIGHT  HON.  SIR  GILBERT  ELUOT. 

f  Aalograpli,  m  tlie  Miuto  PsiKin.] 

Bepleinber  HQth,  1704. 
My  dear  Sir, 

I  send  you  the  account  of  Wurmser's  success  as  I  receive 

it,  and  only  hope  it  is  true :  if  it  is,  we  shall  do  better  than 

ever.     There  are  about  1000  Corsicans  here,  who  arc  to  be 

pushed  over  in  the  Privateers,  as  they  say,  with  Gentili,  &c. 

Ever  your  most  faithful, 

IIosATio  Nelson. 

Hilt  ExccUcno/  Ute  Vioe-Itojr. 


jet.  37.] 


LETTERS, 


275 


of  Corsica.     I  shall  only  say  how  much  I  am  satisfied 

having  had  to  act  with  an  officer  of  so  much  zeal  and 

IKy  as  Major  Logan,  and  that  I  do  not  believe  the  two 

ever  more  cordially  united  than  on  the  present  occa- 

Believe  rae,  dear  Sir, 

Your  moet  faithful  and  obedient  servant, 

Horatio  Nelson. 
Rb  flxcellescy  the  V'iec-Bojr. 

P.S.    I  received  your  Excellency's  letter  at  half-past  one 

I  day,  for  which  I  most  sincerely  thank  you.     We  could  not 

ad  to  make  the  fire,  as  that  Town  did  not  know  of  the  sur- 

tnder.     I  hope  Mr.  Udney's  news  of  victory  is  true,  and  not 

lUic  French  account. 

H.  N. 

)  nuonc  juJgeU  it  expedient  lo  take  posaetaion  of  the  Fort  and  Islund 
V'a  in  lu<)  Migesly'a  unmc,  aiul  to  placo  a  Bnti<«h  gurrison  tliero,  oiitil  due 
an  it  mode  by  the  Goveninieut  of  (jeiion  for  tbo  nliove-nit'tilioued  iiijurifi, 
ritulBeient  security  i«  obiaiued  ngainfit  a  Tepetitiou  of  ibeiu  in  futiu«.  I  should 
I  wbhed  extremely  to  know  tlie  Admiral'^  [ileiuure  on  this  occasion  ;  bnt  baring 
f  •fret^t'  iiad  an  opi>ortunity  of  Iviug  ivequainted  wiili  bis  general  seutiments  on  tLe 
ci,  and  ibe  forility  of  executing  lhit>  enterpme  depeudiugverj'uiiicb  on  dispatch 
)r,  I  am  well  assured  Uuil  Sir  Jobn  Jervis  will  not  difiapprore  of  my  corry- 
•nre  into  immrditae  effect.  Under  tlie«edrcoiii9taure«,  I  do  not scmplf, 
i{uir«t  your  aasistanee  and  co-operation,  having  hod  many  opporiunitieti  of 
■  jour  zeal  nud  readiness  on  every  occasion  of  public  Hcrvicc.  For  porticu- 
drt  T>^{ii-rting  (be  troop»  to  be  embarked  on  ibis  expediiion.  Hnd  all  other  miiucrs 
lciMl%c  lo  ii«  e^pciition,  t  beg  leave  to  refer  you  to  Lieiitenaiii-Geiieral  de  Durgb, 
OMBuador- in -Chief.  Mqor  I^gmt,  wbo  commandc  the  lroop<;,  will  coucrrt  every 
fate  Wllh  yoDi  and  will  join  yuu  in  Ibc  nnntmoug,  rapitiilnlion,  or  any  otlier  cor- 
myuBdmcf  wlkicb  you  may  ftud  it  neoeaitBry  lo  have  with  the  Commisaioner  or 
Coanimdaiu  of  tlie  pluce. 

**  II  rMtaina  only  to  poiul  out  Ibu  fooling  on  which  I  deem  it  cr|)edieltt  to  tako 

faaaeHion.     The  |daee  tniiat  bo  summoned  to  nnri-cnder  to  hi»  M^jo^ity'ii  tumx  ;  ilic 

■oat  bvourabli!  tvnat  may  be  ottered  to  the  Ofllcens  ciTil  anil  niilitaj'r,  aitd  to  the 

I :  lliev  nmy  be  cMrinl   to  Oouoa  if  tbry  ibiuk  projier,  or  may  rt-muln  at 

lOTitlirir  parole,  but  not  to'tiike  any  port  ho«ilile  to  the  Knglisli  garrison. 

««  uf  protection  must  Iw  protuij»ed  to  tlie  inbaliitanlti,  wid  iissurance^  that 

Dtiou  will  lie  piiid  to  their  iitlcrc.ils)  oud  proMpeiity.  during  our  otii>u|ialion 

(at*.     The  public  Mtore»  are  to  be  delivered  up  on  iurcntorj-,  njid  are  lo  be 

^aaated  fur  to  the  rieur>ese  gowrumeiit,  if  an  accomtuodaliou  ahould  hereafter 

filaoe.     All   French  profierty  is  to   be  delivered  up  to  the  Knglihb,  aad  the 

JmU  <lng  in  lo  be  boi>(tcd  on  tbf  fort  or  towerw.     WlMliing  yuu  siicces*  in  this 

B,  aiul  rtpOHiug  entire  lundldenoe  iu  yuiir^eai  and  abilities,  aa  writ  at  in  llie 

,  »f  your  Offlcers  and  mm.  I  have  tlic  honour  to  be,  &«.,  GiLSfiKT  EmoT." — 

nnil  M'Jrthur,  vol.  i.  p.  120. 


t2 


LETTERS. 


277 


U  me  dormer  le  passage   sans  cette  formal  ite,  je  me 
Eremi,  et  j'taformcrai  ma  Cour  do  tout  cc  que  s'est  passe  dans 
occasion. 

J'ai  rhonneur  d'etre. 

Monsieur  le  Commandant, 
Votrc  tres  humble  et  trcs  obcissant  scrvitcur. 


•Mi. 


TO  DON  JUAN  DE  8ANXAVA,  CAPTAIN  OF  THE  SPANlfill 
FRIGATE  LA   VENGEANCE. 

[From  R  Copy,  in  the  AdmiriUiy.] 

Hw  DriUunic  Miyesty'^i  Ship  Cnptaiu,  m  Sea,  'iOOt  Scplcmkr,  1^ 

Sir, 

tt  is  not  possible  for  me  to  desire  a  Spanish  Officer  to  do 
would  be  conBidcrcd  in  the  smallest  degree  disliuiiourable. 
am  in  doubt,  Sir,  whether  it  is  War  or  Peace  between  the 
Courts.  You,  Sir,  say  you  arc  sure  that  all  is  Peace, 
that  the  most  jwrfect  good  understanding  subsists  between 
two  Courts. 

circumstanced,  I  have  to  request  as  a  mark  of  your 
to  cement  ihat  hanuouy,  that  you  will  attend  me  to 
ttia,  to  speak  with  the  Vice-Roy  of  Corsica  on  this  very 
tlicatc  question. 

Should,  Sir,  you  refuse  to  comply  with  this  most  rcasonablc 
^ucst,  the  fatal  consequences  must  rcat  with  you,  and  I 
Just  do  my  duty  in  using  force. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be,  Sir, 

Your  moat  obedient  Servant, 

Horatio  Nelson. 

lua  de  SAumivtL 


TO   CO.MMODOnE  KELSON. 
[From  n  Copy  ul  Uic  Adinirnltv.] 
Abord  d<  In  Fr«g«te  Enpiigiiole  Ln  Vongeiiucc,  In  '*'<•*  Tlirc.  niMJ. 

loiisicur, 

f  t'ujsque  vous  V0U3  opposez  a  ce  que  j'arrive  h.  Livournc,  jc 
ly  irai  pas;  maisd^aucuhe  manicre  je  ne  puis  allcr  d  Bastia,  a 


moins  que  vous  nc  tn'y  obligiez  par  force,  et  le  parti  que  vottfl 
prcncz  est  un  acte  de  violence,  et  si  vous  ne  voulez  pas  wn.- 
proraettre  lei*  deux  Nations,  vous  ne  pouvez  pas  vous  refuser  i 
ajouter  foi  a  ma  premiere  lettre ;  et  si  rincertitude  ou  vous  etei 
sur  la  bonne  harmonic  que  regne  entrc  les  deux  coups  vo«j 
parait  une  raison  suflisante  pour  vous  determiner  4  UD  actn 
d*hostilite,  vous  serez  rcsponsable  de  toutes  les  suites  qa<< 
pourra  enti'aincr  une  serablable  determination. 

Si  ce  que  j'ai  I'honneur  de  vous  dire  ne  vous  suffit  pas,  peC 
mcttez  moi  de  reprendre  la  route  d'Espagne.  Si  vous  voi» 
opposez  encore  a  cc  dernier  parli,  veuillez  envojer  votre  balandr 
k  Bastia  avec  nne  lettre  que  je  vous  adresse  pour  le  Vice-Roj| 
j'attendrai  avec  vous  que  la  reponse  arrive,  mais  jo  ne  pourrK 
me  dispenser  tic  fairc  part  a  ma  Cour  du  retard  cjuc  vous  aurc 
mis  a  ma  commission,  et  de  I'obstacle  que  vous  mettez  a  vtum 
retour. 

J'ai  llionneur  d'etre  avec  respect. 
Monsieur  le  Commandant, 
Votte  tres  bumble  et  trcs  obeissant  scrvitcur, 

Juan  de  Saknav^ 


Sir, 


lO  DON  JUAN  DE  SANNAVA. 

[From  a  Copy  in  iLe  Admirnltr.} 

Hia  DriiAnnio  Mitjeftt)-'*  Ship  Uie  CapUin,  al  I 
aoili  Bejitcmber,  1790, 


From  the  repeated  assurances  you  have  given  rae,  on  your 
honour,  tliat  there  is  no  offensive  alliance  entered  into  by 
Spain  with  France  against  England,  I  am  induced  to  shew 
your  Coiul;  how  desirous  an  English  oflScer  is  to  preserve 
that  harmony  and  good  understanding  which  ought  ever  ta 
subsist  between  our  two  Countries,  by  allowing  you  to  return 
to  Spain,  instead  of  enforcing  my  reasonable  request  for  yott 
to  proceed  to  Bastia,  to  speak  to  the  Viceroy  of  Corsica. 

Therefore,  Sir,  if  you  will  pledge  'me  your  word  of  honoiu 

that  the  harmony  between  our  two  Courts  is  un'mterruptcd,  ] 

will,  on  your  giving  mc  your  honour  that  you  will  proceed 

direct  for  Spain,  allow  you  to  proceed.    1  am,  Sir, 

Your  most  obedient  servant. 

To  Don  Jnau  de  Samittvn.  HoRATIO  NkLSON. 


d 


B«; 


TO  COTStMODORE  NELSON. 
[From  a  Copy  in  the  AdminJiy.J 
Abord  de  U  Fregwe  EspognoU  La  Vengeanee,  20*  7brc,  17( 

Monsieur, 
Puisque  vous  I'exigez,  je  consene  k  ne  pas  entrer  ^  Livourne, 
«t  i  m'en  reiourner  ea  Espagne,  oil  je  serai  force  de  rendre 
compte  d^  diffieult^s  que  vous  inc  faites,  et  de  tout  ce  que 
ifest  passe  entrc  nous  au  sujet  de  ma  mission,  et  de  Tobstaclc 
que  vous  avez  mis  k  son  execution ;  vous  demcurez,  Monsieur, 
iwponsable  detoutes  les  suites  qu'il  peut  entraincr;  ct  quant  a 
ta  parule  d'honneur  que  vous  ezigez  de  moi  de  ne  pas  cntrci 
a  Livourne,  je  vous  la  donne. 

J'ai  rhonneur  d'etre, 

Monsieur  Ic  Commandant, 
Votre  tr^s  humble  et  tres  obeissant  serviteur, 

Juan  be  SANNAVi 


IX)  ADMIRAL  SIR  JOHN  JERVIS,  K.B. 
[From  a  Copy  in  Uio  Admiralty.] 


CapUdn,  M  Sea,  September  21si,  170 


Sir, 


/ 


Yesterday  morning  I  saw  a  Spanish  Frigate  coming  from 
"le  southward,  who,  when  she  raised  our  hull,  hauled  her 
*in(l  to  the  eastward.  In  about  one  hour  after  this  she  bore 
down  to  us,  and  I  sent  on  board  the  letter  No.  1 ;  on  which 
ibc  letters  to  No.  6  passed  between  us.  As  to  permitting  him 
U>  go  into  Leghorn,  that  was  out  of  the  question  with  me ; 
bat  I  chose  to  have  a  good  deal  of  communication  with  hira, 
thai  I  might  draw  ray  final  opinion  if  it  was  War  when 
sailed,  which  I  am  certain  it  was  not.  The  Second  Captaii 
who  came  on  board,  admitted  that  an  English  Ship  was  de- 
tained at  (Jarthngena,  but  that  it  was  in  consequence  of  seven 
Spwiish  ships  having  been  detained  by  the  English,  partici 
Wly  in  Corsica,  and  that  Lord  Bute  had  made  representa- 
tions of  the  aubjccL  On  the  other  hand,  his  circuitous  route 
trough  the  Straits  of  Bonifaccio,  wishing  to  get  into  Leghorn 
fn)in  the  southward,  led  me  to  fancy  he  had  cause  for 
ti'iiibiag  to  meet  any  English  Ships  of  War. 


I  had  before  mc  Mr.  Drake's,  Air.  WyndhamV.  and  ih 
llu.ssian  Miiiislci*  at  Genoa's  letters,  saying  that  an  Alliaflc»,j 
offensive  and  defensive,  bad  been  entered  into  between  Sp 
and  Franec ;  also  Mr.  Budd's  letter,  with  Mr.  Gregory's. 

On  the  other  hand,  I  had  your  letter,  sending  Mr.  Gregoijf'ii 
and  Mr.  Budd's,  but  no  insinuation  that  it  was  actually  awarij 
the  Vice-Roys,  that  he  considered  the  Spanish  Question flUU | 
in  suspense,  although  an  embargo  had  been  laid  od  the  Giig&bj 
shipping  at  Cadiz  and  Carthagena ;  that  war  was  not 
rally  expected  at  Gibraltar,  and  that  it  was  not  to  be  wishcdj 
ior  by  us. 

Thus  circumstanced,  I  thought  it  most  proper  not  to  tJtti 
him  (allhough  I  own  my  fingers  itched  for  it),  which  I  bops] 
you  will  ajiprove  of.  The  Don  is  not  aware  that  it  is  tliis^ 
question  that  was  working  in  my  mind,  but  that  it  was  thai  I 
wanted  him  to  go  to  Bastia,  to  know  from  the  \1cc-Roy 
whether  1  might  allow  him  to  go  into  Leghorn,  and  thai  I 
would  force  him  to  go  to  Bastia  to  have  tins  answer, 
I  would  allow  him  to  return  to  Spain.  I  am.  Sir, 
Your  most  obedient  servant, 

Horatio  Nelso**- 


TO  TIIE  RIGHT  HON.  SIR  GILBERT  ELUOT, 
[AaU)gm]ilt.  in  ilie  Ktlnlo  Pttpcre.] 

Cn|>tiiiii,  off  Porto  Fermjo,  September  2-tiL,  l^O^ 

My  dear  Sir, 

By  the  Rose  at  three  o'clock  on  Tuesday  morning,  1  **^ 
ceived  your  letter  about  Gastiglione,  and  immediately  wcigl*'^ 
from  Capraja,  where,  indeed,  all  my  business  was  not  finisl*^  , 
but  I  never  can  rest  idle  if  anything  is  to  be  done.  I  orde*"^ 
Lieutenant  Walker  to  keep  by  me  as  I  was  totally  ignori*** 
of  the  navigation,  and  his  Cutter  would  have  been  nx*^ 
usefid  in  taking  out  the  Privateers ;  however,  Mr.  Wall^*^ 
thought  proi)er  to  part  from  me  the  next  night  It  was  l^^ 
evening  before  I  got  near  to  Castiglione,  having  hatl  l^^ 
weather  and  dangerous  navigation,  as  is  rarely  met  with  in  t  * 
Mediterranean.  I  stood  tmder  Cape  Troya,  when  I  sent  r^" 
boat  on  board  some  Neapolitan  vesBcls,  and  afterwards 
shore  to  some  NeajwUtan   towers,  when  I  Icarut  that 


r3h] 


LETTERS. 


281 


Irrach  had  taken  possession  of  CasligUunc  on  Wednesday 
ling  with  five  hundred  men,  and  ihe  Neapolitan  officer 
xpected  them  every  moment  to  lake  possession  of  his  towers, 
[have  dierefore  hcen  obliged  to  bring  back  your  letters,  which 
i  have  desired  Colonel  Montresor^  to  forward  to  Bastia,  for 
by  presence    is   absolutely  necessary  at  Leghorn,  where   I 
liDk  1  shall  be  able  to  get  a  person  known  to  Mr,  Wyndham, 
flhe  name  of  Pensa,  to  forward  your  letter ;  I  therefore  keep 
,  and  return  the  others.     The  Blanche  is  going  to  the  Fleet, 
Captain  being  to  be  tried  by  a  Court  Martial ;  and  should 
come  to  Bastia,  is  not  fit  to  be  seen  by  your  Excellency 
he  clears  his  character.     /  send  it  on  a  slip  of  paper,  which 
to  tear  in  pieces.'    I  mention  this,  as  I  believe  the  Ship 
bust  come  for  bread. 
I  send  you  my  letter  to  the  Admiral  about  a  Spanish  fri- 
1  longed  to  take  her,  but  dare  not.     You  will  sec  that 
Don  fancies  the  business  hangs  in  my  refusing  him  leave 
I  enter  Leghorn,  and  not  daring,  he  should  return  to  Spain 
make  his  complaints,  without  speaking  to  your  Excellency  ; 
!»ercas,  in  truth,  I  wished  to  have  brought  him  to  Baslia,  to 
your  advice  whether  I  slu)uld  not  take  him.     However,  I 
kVc  acted  on  the  safe  side  :  if  we  are  not  to  have  a  war,  this 
of  violence  will  easily  be  got  over ;  and  if  we  arc,  I  liope 
not  taking  this  fine  Frigate  will  redound  to  the  honour  of 
le  of  our  active  Frigate  commanders.     The  Captain  is  so 
ich  dbtressed  for  bread,  that  if  you  have   the  Cutter  or 
rig  to  send  to  Leghorn,  pray  direct  their  Commanders  to 
*^ng  us  some,  as  1  learn  it  is  baked  at  Bastia  for  the  Fleet. 
Ever,  my  dear  Sir,  believe  me, 

Your  Excellency's  most  faithful 
|i>  Exccllcncj  tJ»  VlceRoy,  IIoRATIO  NelSON. 

[Lieutenant  Walker  just  in  sight,  off  Porto  Fcrrajo.     1  am 
angry  with  him. 

Tl«c  Ulo  n»'ucrii]  Sir  Ilenr;  Tucker  Moniresor,  K.C.H.,  G.C.U.,  wLu  com- 
Bdrci  ilip  Conticnu  Itfgiment,  luitl  liiul  bpcii  numiiinUM)  Cutrunanduil  of  Elba:  lio 
1  in  Miircli,  Ih:Vi, 

'  Cstitniii  Clmrli«i  Siiw^cr  of  the  Dlntidir  wnt  irird  liv  n  Coiirtmnrtinl  on  ihc  iHlJj 

Mplier  l'<!HI,  fnr  oiiitiiiH  uiiMcniiiliiiil,  niiil  for  not  Inking  piililir  nnllce  of  mntilK.it)') 

iiiterctl  af'niiiHt  him :  lii-iiiK  roiiiiil  (^iiilly.  ht*  niL-^  sriitciici-d  t»  W  di«mi>tKcd 

I  Miyrxty*  «cnrirc,  iind  rrudcrcd  iucii|inl)lc  of  over  ncniug  in  any  niilitmy 

irit;  whutcTpr.    ]li>  v!n»  KU|>«r8cdcd  ID  (lie  comnuid  of  tlie  Bliuubc  by  Cii{i(i«ui 

Adiuirid)  U'Airy  Presluu. 


LETTERS. 


TO  THE  niGirr  iion.  sir  gilbert  elliot. 


[Aato^ph,  in  the  Minto  Pipen.] 


Dear  Sir, 


Lr^liorn  Boa^,  Septeaiba ' 


[  liavc  with  roe   Diadem  and  Lively;    Captaii 
Ajoccio,   Blanche  to  the  Fleet     Yet  if  you  want  i| 
Ship  besides  Gorgon,  I  must,  and  will  with  picasurqj 
you  one.     Captain  Cockbum  has  great  concerns  to  Hi 
Porto  Ferrajo.    1  have  wrote  him,  that  I  wish  him,  for  1} 
suko,  to  go  there  and  settle  them,    I  believe  all  the  Pe 
ou  the  coaat  arc  here,  full  twenty  in  number.     From 
hoar,  some  were  on  their  passage  to  Capraja  when  this 
wind  came  on,  last  Monday  night,  or  we  should  hi 
them.     I  will  come  over  to  you  when  Captain  C<] 
joins ;  but  be  has  my  directions  to  attend  to  your  wish 

I  shall  not  let  L'Eclair  sail  till  midnight,  in  ho])ei 
^jcrson  will  come  off  and  give  ua  good  news.  Lord 
tells  me  you  are  now  likely  to  be  quiet  with  the  Ca 
and  that  the  most  sensible  part  begin  now  to  find  it : 
iiUercsl  to  adhere  to  the  British  Guverumcnt.  Nothij^ 
on  board ;  but,  as  the  Captain  calls  at  Su  FiorenzoJ 
Ncnd  what  I  hear  by  her.  About  2000  Corsicans  | 
report  from  the  Blanche,  in  the  Town.  Believe  me  er 
£xccllcncy's  most  faithful, 

HoBATio  Nh 
lUs  Excellenpjr  the  Viot-Boj- 


TO  THE  RIGHT  HON.  SUl  GILBERT  ELLIOT. 

[Autograph,  in  th«  Minto  Fa{)erB.] 

8«pMmtMr  aCtltl 
My  dear  Sir, 

I  8cnil  you  the  account  of  Wurmser's  success  as  I  I 

it,  and  only  hope  it  is  true :  if  it  is,  we  shall  do  bett^ 

over.     There  arc  about  1000  Corsicans  here,  who  aiw 

pushed  over  in  the  Privateetis,  as  they  say,  with  GentiH 

Ever  your  most  faithful,  I 

IIOBATIO  Ns^ 
iUn  KxcdWiMi/  th«  ViM-Bojr. 


LETTERS. 


283 


Since  writing  tlie  above,  I  have  confirmed  accounts  that  the 
paper  is  true,  and,  also,  that  Frankfort  is  in  possession  of  the 
Auslrians,  with  oil  the  tribute  raised  by  the  Frencht  General 
Jourdau  is  reported  to  have  sliot  himself. 

Thirty  milHona  of  florins. 


TO  ADMIRAL  SIR  JOHN  JERVIS,  K.B. 

[OrigLoBl  ilraugbt,  iu  ibc  Nelson  P»j>er8.] 

j^jp  Diadem,*  «t  S««,  iHih  Septeabcr,  17U0. 

Yesterday  morning  the  Cnptain  sailed  from  Leghorn,  accord- 
ing to  your  orders,  as  did  L'Eclair,  from  necessity,  the  day 
before — both  for  Ajaccio.  During  the  course  of  ycstei'day,  I 
received  repeated  information  of  the  movements  of  the  Pri- 
iteers  with  the  Corsicans  on  board ;  the  whole  number  of 
>r8icans  is  nine  hundred,  including  all  the  OflScers;  six 
twelve-pounders  are  embarked,  thirty-five  cases  of  small 
IB,  and  various  other  articles,  in  from  fifteen  to  twenty  Pri- 
srs,  and  I  am  certain  they  mean  to  sail  the  first  favourable 
iomcnL  [On  the  25th,  each  Corsican  was  paid  100  livrcs.*] 
le  Corsicans  behave  so  ill  at  Leghorn,  that  the  French  arc 
determined  to  send  them  off,  upon  the  general  principle  of 
action  of  the  French — *  If  you  succeed,  so  much  the  better  for 
us;  if  you  do  not,  we  get  rid  of  a  set  of  scoundrels.' 

Now,  Sir,  the  point  for  me  to  consider  is,  where  will  the 
French  land  in  Corsica?  the  twelve-pounders  can  only  be  to 
IS8  a  Post,  (that  they  meant  to  have  gone  by  Capraja,  at 
to  possess  it,  is  now  certain ;  the  French  Commissary 
heard  to  say  to  Gentlli,  I  told  you  long  ago  to  posscBs 
Japrajn;  you  now  see  what  you  have  lost)  This,  you  will 
say,  the  Viceroy,  from  his  information  and  means  of  know- 
Ige  of  every  part  of  his  kingdom,  ought  to  know  better  than 
ly  one  of  il-^.     I  am  on  my  way  to  concert  with  his  Excel- 

Tht  Cftiitaiii  Wtiig  "L'ui  from  Li-glK/ni  to  AJMcio,  uuder  tlto  coiuiiiiuid  of 
ilf^uuut  Berry.  Cniiimoilorc  Nelton  Uoi»ted  bis  Brand  Pendant  on  board  tbe 
g,  lU,  Captain  Ororpi»  Urtiry  Tnwry. 

t<MK<k)(g<'*  wilhili  briw'kel.**  occur  iu  tlie  Copy  iu  Ciarkc  nml  M' Arthur,  vol.  i. 
,  liiil  ore  uoi  iu  lUc  drnugbl :  uid  lUere  are  oihtr,  Uiougb]  uuimiiortaui  viiriA- 
ttOBs  between  ibcm. 


284 


LETTERS. 


im. 


Icncj  huw  I  can  best  use  my  small  force  to  hia  advanlagie, 
considering  tbc  other  scr\'iccs  I  have  to  look  to. 

My  idea  runs  strong  that  Porto  Veochio,  which  is  rcjwrted 
to  nic  to  be  neglected  by  us,  and  in  which  is  a  fort,  is  the 
object  the  Enemy  mean  to  possess,  which,  if  their  friends  in 
the  Island  support  them,  is  sure  refuge  for  their  Vessels,  and 
an  opening  for  the  introduction  of  more  troops  and  supplies. 
If  the  Viceroy  will  put  some  men  in  the  fort,  and  I  fitul 
Sardine,  I  will,  with  the  Venom,  which  I  have  ordered  from 
Leghorn,  place  them  as  Guard-ships  in  the  harbour;  and  I  will 
endeavour  to  have  a  Frigate  off  that  part  of  the  coast.  If  the 
Enemy  land  nearer  Bastia,  the  Vice-Queen's  Yacht  (but  this 
I  don't  build  upon)  may  be  useful.  Vanneau,  Rose,  and  the 
four  small  Feluccas,  which  the  Vice-Roy  has  purchased,  most 

our  communication,  and  be  the  searchers  for  the 

Enemy  about  the  Islands  between  the  Main  and  Corsica. 
[These  Vessels,  with  those  which  may  be  there,  will  be  sure 
to  destroy  them :  although  it  is  possible  the  men  may  get 
on  shore:  hut  I  hope,  from  the  small  crafl  which  may  be 
sent  about  the  Islands  between  Corsica  and  the  main,  we  may 
get  accounts?  of  their  approach.]  If  their  intention  be  to  land 
on  the  western  coast  of  Corsica,  I  take  for  granted  they  will 
never  attempt  the  route  by  Cape  Corse,  wliJch  wouhl  every 
hour  expose  them  to  the  sight  of  some  of  our  Ships,  which 
of  course  would  be  their  destruction.  In  either  ease,  I  think 
I  shall  act  upon  the  idea  that  they  will  proceed  to  the  south- 
ward, passing  the  j>assagc  of  Pionibino  to  Castiglionc,  the  la^l 
place  in  their  possession  :  but  if  I  can  find  them  on  that  coast, 
I  believe  (having  knowledge  of  the  whole  Coast,)  I  can 
destroy  their  Jiota.  But,  supposing  they  pass  the  Islands,  if 
we  possess  Porto  Vecchio,  although  the  people  may  land,  yet 
there  is  not  shelter  for  the  Vessels  the  whole  Coast  to  Bastia. 
liut  perhaps  they  will  push  for  the  Coast  of  Sardinia,  Mada- 
lina  Islands,  &c.  and  pass  the  Straits  of  Bonafaccio.  This 
must  be  a  work  of  time,  and  we  shall  have  I  hope  many 
chances  for  their  destruction ;  [no  opportunity  for  which  shall 
be  omitted  by.  Sir,  your  most  obedient  servant, 

Horatio  Nelson.] 

What  will  the  Vice-Roy  do?     Would  it  not  be  well  lo  give 


f.  38.] 


LETTERS, 


285 


loiice  to  the  Island  that  900  refugee  (^orsicans  are  Ibrced  by 
he  French  to  embark,  and  to  attempt  the  limperfcct.'] 

fP,S.  'ITic  French  arc  very  angry  at  our  taking  Capraja: 
le  Commissioner  was  heard  to  say  to  Gentili,  *  I  told  you  wc 
lould  have  sent  300  men,  and  taken  Capraja ;  you  now  sec 
le  consequence.'] 

:29Ui  September,  in  eiglii  ot  HastJR, 
The  Aiistrians,  under  the  Archduke,  took   possession  of 
Frankfort  on  the  8lh  :  and  it  is  expected  that  Wurniscr  will 
ICC  more  attack  the   IVcuch :  Mantua  stopped  liiin  jigain. 
All  ho|>e  for  another  and  younger  General.     The  Neapolitan 
>perty  is  detained  by  the  French  at  Leghoni.j 


TO  ADJIIRAL  SIR  JOHN  JERV18,  K.«, 
[From  Clarke  and  M 'Arthur.  toI.  i.  p.  'A'il,] 

Sir,  Bostk.  :jnth  Septoiuber.  17ft«. 

Last  night,  on  my  arrival,   I  received  your  raoat  secret 

Icre ;'  but  I  believe  many  jx-oplc  on  this  Island  have  an  idea 

[*  lo  ooUMqiicncc  of  iLo  defciwire  uUiouce  with  ^Spiuii,  ji  wiis  iltirnniiinl  by  oiir 

niliiint  tbat  ComicK  tlwmlil  lie  cvaciiRted ;  a  nicuiia'  wliicli  Suuihey  iluiumureN  ns 

IdiBgntt^ohil ;"  luid  he  adds,  Uinl  (Le  Viceroy  "  deeply  felt  the  iupolicy  aiid  ignuiuiny 

\  llu>  evociiiition."  though  it  niii)eB.r!i  to  hnvo  b«en  liigLly  expedient.     Oil  ihc  '^f)th  of 

■ptjfinbcir,  Sir  Johu  Jervist   wthIc   to   Couiuudore   Nelson: — "Having  ri'ct.'ived 

to  eo-operftif  wjili  the  Vici'roy  in  ihc  cvftcuaiiou  of  the  Iskud  of  CurRie*, 

tmrin  lo  rotreat  down  tjje  Mcditcrmnriui  with  his  Miycsly*  l-'k-ct  imdi-r 

■mnudt  I  dcHire  yuu  nill  Iohc  m*  limu  in  going  ovet  lo  Ua»tiii,  and  ruuNultin); 

the  Viceroy  njion  the  best  nictuis  of  performing  the  oiicmtion,  and  to  give  wery 

ftMM'e  in  your  povror  towards  the  eou)p]<>tion  of  it ;  leaving  tlic  LilockAdc  of  I^g 

I  nnderihe  direction  ofCaptuin  C'ockhiim."  Snou  iifler  the  Ciovrmuieiit  had  iNKiiod 

ordi:r«  it  changed  its  iutentions;  and  on  lUi-  'ilst  of  Oc-lobi'r,  a  Dispalcli  wn.« 

to  Sir  Johu  Jervis,  "signifying  his  Majrwly's  plcnsnre  relative  lo  ihc  keeping 

•ion  of  Corsica,  Blumld  the  irowps,  storvs,  See,  not  have  been  withdrawn;  Imi, 

I  ihat  event,  lo  oceupy  I'orlo  Fomyo  in  Elba."     This  Diajiaich  arrived,  however. 

Olid  iu  reply  to  it,  Sir  .lohu  Jerviit  sHii]  that  "the  inainlenajice  of  the 

jgiiily  of  the  iNlaud  of  Corhiwa,  uiid(>r  the  cireumslunres  of  the  inoineui,  wns 

i  lo  im|His<iilile,  and  thai  he  wan  hiippy  (tint  ihe  reiuu>ul  of  the  lroop«,  provixionn, 

stores  In  Porto  Femyo,  was  an  auticiiialiou  of  his  orders."     In  a  Letter  to  Earl 

enrcr,  on  llie  lllh  ofNovemlKr,  Sir  .lohn  ,)en-iR  observed — "  I  oniisider  it  a  great 

king  that  the  evacualioii  of  Corxien  hud  tnkeu  place  before  I  had  rvveived  the 

il*r»  lo  oiaiiitaiu  llie  Viceroy  in  llie  Sovereignly  of  ii,  wliiih  could  not  have  been 

cl«d  for  any  length  of  time,  as  the  momeut  the  Enemy  hml  landed  in  foroe,  every 

III  in  ihe  interior  of  the  Iwland  would  have  taken  part  with  hiiu,  and  lltere  wiu  not 

lUnable  part  in  il." — Z'«i-*e/"s  Mcrttoim  »f  Earl  HI.  I'uicrul,  vol.  i.  pp.  vJOW,  '2A<). 


286 


LETTEttS. 


[1796. 


that  something  like  your  orders  is  going  forward.  I  shall  not 
fail  to  arrange  what  Transports  may  be  necessary  for  each 
Port,  which  is  all  that  I  can  do  until  matters  are  brought  to 
greater  maturity. 

The  Vice-Roy  thinks  that  there  will  not  be  tnore  thu 
about  600  emigres,  Corsicans  and  French,  and  the  atores  I 
do  not  believe  are  very  numerous ;  for  the  ordnance  which  we 
found  in  the  tlifferent  fortifications,  the  Vice-Roy  will  not,  I 
imagine,  think  it  right  to  take  away.  His  Excellency  is  rery 
much  distressed  b)'  this  measure,  and  believes  the  Island  is  at 
this  moment  in  a  most  perfect  state  of  loyalty  to  the  King, 
and  affection  for  the  British  Nation  :  but  what  strikes  me  as  a 
greater  sacrifice  than  Corsica,  is  the  King  of  Naples :  if  he 
has  been  induced  to  keep  off  the  Peace,*  and  has  perhaps 
engaged  in  the  war  again  by  the  expectation  of  the  contma- 
ance  of  our  Fleet  in  the  Mediterranean,  hard  indeed  is  his 
fate :  his  Kingdom  must  inevitably  be  ruined. 

I  am,  &c. 

Horatio  Nelson. 


[AppareiiUy  in  continiialion.] 

Boatiii,  3rd  October,  1T06. 

I  have  arranged  upon  paper — for  more,  whilst  the  affair  is  to 
be  kept  secret,  cannot  be  done^thc  disposition  and  number  of 
Transports  which  will  be  wanted  at  each  Port ;  it  must  not  be 
considered  as  exact,  for  the  reason  before  stated,  but  it  is  very 
near  the  mark.  No  cannon  or  stores  taken  in  the  Island  are 
to  be  touched.  Corsica  is  to  be  left  entirely  independent,  and 
with  means  of  defence  against  any  power.  God  knows  what 
turn  the  minds  of  the  Corsicans  may  take  when  the  measure 
comes  to  be  known.  Their  love  of  plunder,  and  a  desire  to 
make  peace  with  their  former  tyrants  the  French,  may  induce 
them  to  disturb  ua,  and  in  that  event  an  embarkation  of  stores, 
especially  from  hence,  is  by  no  means  easy:  but  this  is  a  di- 
gression. I  send  you  the  account  of  Ships  necessary,  made 
out  from  returns  of  storcs  to  the  General,  and  by  communi- 

•  Ii  Ua«  licciioJreiul_VHiiU<iil  Oi«t  an  AiTJiiaiicc  between  Uic  Kinguf  NajiIi-m  uiul  ib* 
FreucU  was  siigueil  uu  lUf  .'iiL  of  June,  17U0;  ami  ou  the  ll>Ui  of  Ucliilwr,  wiifo 
Coraicn  wiu  I'TBiiuatc-il,  uiil  our  Flcot  wak  about  to  wiUtdraw  from  iht  Jtledilvmtuaut, 
Itia  Nca{)oliliui  Mivjesty  cunoludeil  n  I'miie  willj  (lie  iicpuliUc. 


r.  38.] 


LETTERS. 


287 


kdon  mth  the  Vice-Roy.     It  will  at  least  shew  you  that  my 

ind  has  not  been  idle,  however  my  abilities,  without  a  soul 

8])eak  to  in  the  diflcrent  departrapnts,  may  fall  short  of  my 

1  am,  ccc. 

Horatio  Nelson. 


MEMORANDA  RESPECTING  THE  EVACUATION  OF  CORSICA 

'(Antogrvph,  iu  the  posseuion  of  Jnine!*  Young,  Ki»q.,  of  Wells,  iii  Norfolk.    Com- 
N«lso]i  it<«ut  Ml  uiilojfntph  copy  of  llii-su  Memurauda,  iLougli  not  quite  so 
■Uuitiikl  In  details,  to  Sir  Gilbert  Elliot,  wliirk  tliR  Vice-Day  n!ctive4l  ud  llie 
of  October,  179G.     Tbo  variRtioiis  or  udditioim  in  braokeU  on  from  tli«  lut 
iotuA  Cofj.} 

Bastia. 

1200  Barrels  of  Powder 1  ^^     , 

JOO  Tons  of  Stores  of  all  kinds      .     .     .     .  |  One  large  Ship. 

.„„„_,    .     ,        ,  1    .      n.  f  Tliree;  at  least 

f€00  Emigres  and  then*  effects A 

1500  Troops  of  all  descriptions  and  baggagc,| 
ijicluding  Capraja J 

Hospital  Stair  and  Sick \     ^t  r^.  c,  - ' 

I     H.  T.  Slup. 

jtalf  and  Effects One. 

For  Bastia     .     .     .     ElcAcn  Sail. 

Feriujo. 
>res  and  Troops  [and  English  effects],  200,    Two— Tluree. 

FlORENZO. 

and  Troops   .......     200,    say  Two. 

Calvi. 

ares  and  Troops  [and  Emigres]      ....  say  Three. 

Ajaccio. 
jre«  and  Troops  [and  Emigres]      ...     -  Seven. 

BONAFACCIO. 

>res  and  Troops  [very  few] One. 

Merchants  are  supposed  to  have  Vessels,  and  the  Na^y  to 
,  all  tlieir  own  Stores :  therefoi-e  the  above  is  for  the  Army 
'dependents. 

Twenty-eight  Sail Thirty. 


288 


LETTERS. 


[1796. 


The  Vice-Uoy  proposes,  with  the  approbation  of  Sir  John 
Jenis,  to  embark  the  British  Troops  on  board  the  Ships  (if 
War,  which  will  secure  l(»  the  Nation  ibis  most  valuable  pan 
of  the  Eiubarkulioii,  iu  the  case  of  a  very  superior  Heet  alt«d- 
ing  our  Convoy. 

Freiicli  ])risoners,  about  GOO,  near  Bastia  ....  pn*- 
jvysL'd  to  be  sent  to  Calvi. 

Shij)S  of  War  necessary  for  the  attendance  on  the  Traaa' 
J  lort : — 

Uastia Cajitain  and  two  Frigates. 

Ferrajo One  Frigate. 

'/One  Sloop.    [One  Frigate, 

Capraja which    will     carry  the 

(     whole  Garrison.] 

_.  [Any  Vessels  of  War.   [Not 

Fiorenzo \      ^  _  ^  .  "■  , 

\     neces-sary  to  meution.J 

Calvi One  Frigate. 

/One  Ship  of  the  Line:  two 
I     or  three  otliur  Vessels  of 

-^j'^^*^'" 1     War.      [Two     FrigatM 

V     and  Sloops.] 

Bonafaccio Speedy.     [Sloop.] 


TO  ADMIRAL  SIR  JOHN  JF.RVIS,  K.B. 

[From  Clarke  aud  M'Artliur,  vol.  i.  p.  !)2d.] 

OcloLcr  l.'uJi.  KOC. 

As  far  as  my  powers  and  abilities  go,  you  may  rely  on  mc 
that  nothing  shall  be  left  undone  which  ought  to  be  done, 
even  should  it  be  necessary  to  knock  down  Bastia.  Jjist 
night  I  took  the  Vice-Roy  and  Secretary  of  State  afloat;  and 
at  daylight  this  morning,  went  to  General  de  Burgh,  and  told 
him,  that  from  the  embarkation  of  the  Vice-Roy,  the  evacua- 
tion and  regulation  of  the  Town  became  entirely  military, 
and  of  course  devolved  on  us.  I  hope  the  General  will  join 
inc  rf)rdially.  I  have  lK>en  to  the  m.aga7.ines,  an<l  have  arranged, 
as  fur  a.s  I  have  the  means,  the  embarkation  of  provisions;  and 


the  General  sajs  he  will  have  proper  guards  to  keep  off  the 

|)opalacc.      I   have  recurantenUed   to  him  to  send  fur  the 

Municipality,  and  to  tell  them  that  the  direction  of  affairs  was 

in  our  hands,  and  that  it  would  be  at  their  peril  were  they  to 

iiileriere  in  the  embarkation  of  any  property  belonging  to  ua. 

Iliwl  not  the  Ships  arrived  wlicn  they  did,  yesterday  would 

have  lost  us  Bastia:  the  JShijis  arc  laid  opposite  the  Town, 

!  with  springs.     I  am  sorry  to  say  the   Convoy  with  South- 

|MH)ton  ia  not  in  sight,  and  it  in  calm ;   the  Captain  is  not  at 

^H^or:  it  is  die  terror  of  the   Ships  which  will  keep  onler 

^■k.     If  you  could  order  a  Ship  round  and  two  Trans]K)rts, 

flfey  would  be  very  useful.     I  have  detached  a  Felucca  to 

prepare  Ca]>raja,  and  shall  send  Southampton  to  attend  at 

Elba,  but  that  evacuation   not   to  take  place  until  we  are 

finished   here,  which,  according  to  the  jirescnt  appearances, 

will   be   some  time.     Had  not  Elba  been  ours,  our  Smyrna 

Convoy  and  Transport^?,  I  believe,  would  have  been  lost,     I 

gnrpoM;  taking  the  Ships  from  Leghorn  when  we  arc  abso- 

^Ptoly  all  afloat,  or  we  shall  have  swarms  of  Privatcei's  to 

^rment  us; 

[In  ouudiiiintiou.] 

inli  OoloW,  ITOG. 

I  have  received  your  letter,  and  am  going  on  as  well  as  a 
heavy  surf  will  permit.  The  dispatches  of  this  morning'  are 
wonderful:  do  his  Majesty's  Ministers  know  their  own  minds? 
If  you  stay,  we  arc  sure  of  the  coast  opposite  to  Elba,  and  the 
fine  bay  of  Telamon.  It  does  not  hccomc  me  to  say  a  word: 
the  national  Honour  and  the  fate  of  Italy  cannot,  I  am  con- 
fident, be  placed  in  better  hands  than  yours.  The  whole 
weight  is  left  on  yoiL 


•  TliMP  DispttU-liPn  arc  oaid  l>y  Clurkc  nnd  M'Artlinr  to  have  ronlaiiK^il  connltr 
Oni.T4  rrsi.1-,  ting  Ihc  proeceJilijf^  of  tlir  Fleet,  which  hiul  bcoil  prcKiniisly  tlirectivl 
to  |.  •  iliii"miiii-aii.    It  wiiiilkl  appear  from  tlic  foUowiuff  |i<isiiigi:  in  a  loiter 

£mui -    Ji  Hiiniiltoii  to  Conmiodorc  NfNoii,  iluu'd  Nuplfs,  •"Usi  Oi-iobcr,  17I>H, 

Uiju  X.Nou  Biid  Sir  CiilW-rt  F.llioi  hiul  liwn  ijistniineiiinl  in  {iifVciitinK  iJir  Flet-i 
frnm  li*iiving  tl«i  M<Hiitpmjiu-im.  H|iCftViii(,'  of  llie  lute  Vice  iloy  nf  I'luiticii,  Sir 
WiUiimi  olwcrveJ,  •'  A  gtcM  point  iinlfMl  was  piii«-J  hy  your  joint  pml«-nvo«n»  lo 
|irvvfii(  till'  KinK'n  Hoot  frnm  nliiimlotiiiiK  ihi>  MtJiUrniiu'di,  •itil  liy  wliicli  1  Vi'rily 
Mh>»  ll»P»f  KiuKiloms  nml  nil  I  Inly  nn<  sftvcJ  from  tin-  nliRolnu?  mill  with  wliirli 
Vaej  ttxT*  immfiliiilJ-ly  ihrintoncil  "— ■*i(/«7r«/<A.  ii»  ibe  Nelson  Pniters. 

you  n.  V 


We  are  smoother  than  we  have  been,  but  still  there  w  t 
good  deal  of  siuf.  I  shall  strictly  attend  to  all  your  ordcn, 
and  will  write  more  fully  to-morrow, 

I  am,  &C;. 

HosATio  Neuoa 


TO  MESSRS.  HEATH  AND  CO.,  GENOA. 

[Autograph  in  the  posMsaioa  of  J.  B.  UMth,  En}.] 

Bistia.  Ootober  ITlb,  VM. 
Dear  Sir, 

I  am  sorry  that  you,  or  any  EnglialiinaBt 
should  have  thought   I  acted  without  thought  on  the  lltli 
September.'     Whether  the  measure  was  right  or  wrong  in 
itself,  is  not  for  me  to  say.     I  certainly  thought  a  good  (W«l 
before  I  ordered  the  reprisaL     The   King's  honour  w«a,  I 
conceive,  too  much  insulted  to  forbear.    I  ordered  my  Officen 
to  be  prepared  for  the  event.     However,  we  all  regret  what 
an  innocent  Merchant  suffers  from  public  measures.     The 
Vice-Roy  and  Admiral  both  think  I  acted  perfectly  right, 
even  had  I  attacked  tlie  French  vessel  and  battery  before  they 
fired.     The  Genoese  were  bound  in  duty  to  have  fired  on  the 
French  batterj',  and  not  on  his  Majesty's  flag.     But  I  roeutioQ 
this,  as  I  really  wished  to  have  retained  your,  and  evcrj 
Enghahman's,  good  opinion.      You  will    hear   that  wc  «re 
evacuating  Corsica.     The  inhabitants  all  in  grief,  but  it  is  by 
no  means  certain  we  shall  leave  the  Mediterranean.     The 
Spanish  arc  up,  but  what  can  they  do  against  us? 

I  am,  dear  Sir,  your  very  humble  servant, 

HoaATio  Nelson. 


TO  MRS.  NELSON. 
[From  Clarke  lUid  M'Anljur,  vol.  i.  p.  32U.] 

Alton!  17i1>  Ofl^ib**,"' 
We  are  all  preparing  to  leave  the  Mediterranean,  a  mei 
which  I  cannot  approve.     They  at  home  do  not  know 
this  Fleet  is  capable  of  performing ;  anything,  and  eveiytha 

*  In  the  oITair  of  SL  Pi«rre  d'Arens. 


Bik 


mmM 


38.]        ^^^        LETTEBS.  291 

Ich  as  I  shall  rejoice  to  see  England,  I  lament  our  present 

lers  in  sackcloth  and  ashes,  so  dishonourable  to  the  dignity 

[England,  whose  Fleets  are  equal  to  meet  the  World  in 

and  of  all  the  Fleets  I  ever  saw,  I  never  beheld  one  in 

lint  «>f  officers  and  men  equal  to  Sir  John  Jer>'is'8,  who  is  a 

l^uintnaader-iD-Chief  able  to  lead  them  to  glory. 

Yours,  &c. 

Horatio  Nelson. 


TO  ADMIRAL  SIR  JOHN  JERVIS,  K.B. 

[From  Cl»rke  and  M'ArtLur,  toI.  i.  p.  3;J0.] 

Ifltb  OetoLer,  ITflfl. 

We  shall  attend  chiefly,  to   that  most  important  article, 
imhiancc  stores:  all  English  guns,  mortars,  and  stores  should 
iii'.jst  assuredly  be  removed  at  every  place.     My  present  in- 
tention is  to  embark  the  troops  on  the  morning  of  the  2l8t: 
I  am  sorrj"  to  be  obliged  to  take  the  Line-of-batile  ships  to 
Elbf^  as  I  am  anxious  to  have  them  with  you ;  but  they  are 
80  full  of  stores,  and  will  perhaps  be  of  troops,  that  I  can  only 
my,  twelve  hours  shall  be  the  outside  for  Egmont  and  Excel- 
lent, and  I  shall  bring  the  Viceroy  probably  in  a  few  hours 
afterwards   to  talk  with  you.     Sardine  is  under  weigh  for 
Niiples,  and  only  wails  to  make  sail  until  the  Viceroy's  letter 
M  finished.     Dido  is  gone  to  Elba,  to  acquaint  Colonel  Mon- 
)r,  the  Commandant,  of  the  great  change.     Everything 
ly  l>c  done  at  Porto  F'errajo:  you  will  be  delighted  with 

**  ^  ^^'  Noon,  lllth  of  Octnlwr. 

We  liave  just  received  accounts  from  the  Municipality,  that 
munber  of  French  have  landed  near  Cape  Corse,  and  have 
?nt  tx)  demand  of  the  Municipality  what  part  they  mean  lu 
ce.     The  Viceroy  has  informed  the  Municipality,  that  we 
»h  to  quit  them  aniicoldy,  and  in  the  state  we  promised ; 
ut  if  they  |>crn»ittcd  the  French  to  enter  the  Town,  or  in  any 
way  embarrassed  our  embarkation,  that  it  would  end  in  the 
fstruclion  of  the  batteries,  and  would  be  highly  «letrinicn(al 
Bastia.     We  shall  act,  I  see,  with  prudence,  and  retreat  in 
The  garrison  of  Capraja  is  arrived. 

1  am,  &c 

iloBATio  Nelson. 
u2 


IXTTEES. 


TD  AD  JURAL  i^lR  JOIIX  JLRVUs  K.EU 


[KM. 


[.ui«mk.  ■  Ibt  I 


>wji 


Fnwb,  £nO 


ir.  ■ 

1  have  th<?  honour  to  acquaint  you  that  I  arrived  at  Basda 
on  the  14th,  and  was  joined  between  that  time  and  the  19tli 
by  the  Egmont,  Captain,  Excellent,  and  Southanipton.  The 
Shipa-of-thc-line  were  moored  opposite  the  Town,  the  om- 
bwkatloD  of  proTLsioca  and  stores  contmenced  on  the  15th, 
and  was  continued  without  intermission  till  the  1 9th  at  gunset. 
In  that  night  every  soldier  and  other  person  were  brought  off 
with  perfect  good  order  from  the  north  end  of  the  Town.* 

It  is  nnocceasary  for  me  to  mention  to  you  the  fatigue  of 
the  whole  of  this  duty,  but  I  cannot  omit  to  state  the  merits 
of  every  officer  employed  on  it,  and  most  particularly  that  of 
Lieutenant  Day,  Agent  for  Transports;  and  much  which  has 
been  saved  may  be  fairly  attributed  (without  disparagement 
to  any  one^  to  his  inUcfati^jle  attention  and  ability.  TTje 
Captains  of  all  the  Ships-of-war,  although  not  particularly  In 
their  line  of  duty,  never  omitted,  night  or  day,  their  personal 
exertions. 

*  Adiuinl  Sir  Jotin  Jervia,  iu  \da  Dispatch  to  Earl  Speuoer.  dated,  "  Vietorr,  is 

Ban  Kioretuo  Bar, 'J3rd  Octolier,  ITiMJ,"  f^ve  iltc  fuUowiitg  a«coaitt  of  ike  exmcuathoa 
of  Corsica :  '*  Soou  ntler  llie  Viceroy  comaiunicalcd  to  tbe  Mauicipality  of  Bastia 
tliMt  tlic  l»1itn4  wos  la  lie  eraciiatcil,  tlio  rein»  of  Govcnunent  were  tneated  tttm 
liini,  arid  a  C»niiuitlce  of  Thirty  nomiitiUcil  to  carry  it  on.  At  tbia  mometU  a  gal»  of 
ViimI  at  wr«{,  wUivb  ruxlivd  in  xiulftit  griisis  from  tlie  motmlains.  drove  tJM^  iSonlti- 
amptoii  nuil  tbe  Tninsport!!  from  tbeir  anchoni,  I,'(m)ii  tbia  die  (-'nmmittce  of  Thirty 
irvtihteil  Ihal  au  i-qua1  uiinilfer  of  C'orsicana  ithoiild  nioiiiit  guard  with  llu;  Uriliah  at 
tiic  eitiuk-l  and  linrricrs,  aud  refilled  to  allow  tlio  Vict-roy  to  send  a  messciij^er  «iili 
letta'Pi  (u  lliK  (.'oroirBU  Oeiicrals  in  the  French  s^-rticc  at  Legbom,  ba^id^  dcti'mitnetl 
to  setid  delpKiiti!!)  uf  their  own.  The  instant  I  wiu  apjirised  of  tliLi  1  dclaobml  tti* 
Cainain  with  ordem  to  the  Egmout,  (in  rase  CBjituiii  Slnart  fell  in  itiih  Lcr.)  u 
proreed  to  BnaiiA.  Happily,  Commodore  Nelson  arrived  there  in  Lbe  DiwlpiD  as  this 
niOMt  iiitcreitting  |ioriod.  and  by  the  firui  tone  be  held,  soon  rednecd  these  gentlemen 
to  order.  iii)d  quiet  hubmiKMoii  to  the  euiburkatiun ;  but  he  wrote  to  ine.lliat  another 
Line  of- buttle  shi[i  uid  n  Tromport  or  two  would  aeoelerale  the  work  mncli.  I 
tliercfore  diRpftiched  the  Excellent  with  two  TroopiransportH,  and  they  had  an 
nncommftn  qniuk  pikinage.  By  the  unwearied  bibuur  of  Comraodnre  NeUon,  and 
thuto  itndtrr  bis  roinmnnd,  ever}'lbin|{  wns  emhnrki'd  on  the  illtli,  lUid  he  Hiiil«<d  for 
Port  Ferriijd  at  niiitnigbl.  On  the  *j!(U]i,lbe  Spanish  Fleet,  cou<ii><tin(;  of  thirty  ri|;hi 
Sail  of  the  Line  and  ten  Fri|fiUe«,  wan  nbri'n'<l  <>/C'ii[i«f  C'or«i.', — Tuvh-r't  Mfmoin 
of  Earl  Si.  t'intrni,  vol.  i.  p.  •iil. 


/ 


The  cordiality  with  which  the  whole  of  this  service  was 

irricd  on   between  His   Excellency    the    Vice-Roy,  Licu- 

iianl-Geucral  dc  Burgh,  aud  myself,  I  cannot  but  think  it 

^ht  to  iufonii  you  of;  and  that  I  have  the  honour  to  be  with 

le  greatest  respect, 

Your  most  obedient  servant, 

Horatio  Nelson. 


TO  HLS  ROYAL  HIGIINKSS  TllK  DUKE  OF  CLARKNCt:. 
[From  Clarke  antl  M'-Vrlliur,  vul.  i.  p.  'M'2.] 

Cnptoiu,  20tli  Oolvber.  liOO. 

Sir, 

1  was  honoured  with  your  Royal  llighness's  letter  of  2nd  of 
jptcmber/  a  few  days  past,  in  the  midst  of  a  very  active 
;ne,  the  evacuation  of  Bastiu ;  whicli  being  our  first  |>ost, 
entrusted  to  uiy  direction,,  aud  I  auv  happy  to  say  that 
)t  only  Baatia,  but  every  other  place  iu  the  Island  is  com- 
letcly  evacuated^     The  Corsicans  sent  to  Leghorn  for  the 

•  '•  Iticlmouil,  September  itui,  17'M, 
"  Dear  Sir, 

'  1  lun  lo  acknowledtfe  tliP  receipt  of  yonrs  of  'JOth  nml  'j^tnl  July,  wliicli  ciimc 

to  liHiiil.     I  roii|;niliiliUc  you  im  Iteiii^;  at  last  in  llip  coinmiurd  of  ii  Sliip  uf  7-1 

|u<t,  *n<l  1  U>lirv<>  you  did  iiut  uinkc  tlir   rtdiuugo  Itcfore  it  \va.s  rcqaiMitc.     1 

■j5  wBs  pcrnuiidcd  you  wniUd  irmkc  llii*  ImjxI  uhc  of  luiy  opi«miu»ity  to  diitiii(jiiiMli 

tptplf ;  ynii  hnvp  hiul  mmiy,  and  I  Iii)i>p  you  nill  Iihvp  nioiv,  in  wliicli  (lie  !<iimc  ;>t)iKl 

lune,  I  trust,  rt-lnlivi-  to  yutii   (ier«un,  nill   uttctid  you.     A>>  for  tlie  L'Xt'L'Ulioii,  I 

confidtriil  till'  Kingo  »i<rvi<'e  will  l>«iietit  lUwuys  undvr  your  direction. 

'  Hitit^v   yonr  liLst  letli-r,  tin*  Aiistrinn  nft'iiir'^  l>olli  in   Itidy  niid  Clernmuy  liuvc 

Ihretl  srrionsly.     I  om  nut  yet  »o  blind  to  the  Frcucli  I<<-%o)ut)iin,  iis  not  to  Iw 

iivinr<Kl  ilien?  imu.t  Im-  tn'a<?li<'ry  amongst  ilu'   Inipt-rinl  <  (fftpcr-.,  wliirh,  it  ii  lo  Ix; 

1,  tlie  Eniprmr  will  not  or  tannoi  dctirt.    I  kIiuiiM  tliiuli  our  Flrct,  HiliintrtI 

I  lUlly  Uow  is,  from  llle^c  repealed  defenls  of  iLe  Au!<lriuni<,  ciunint  Ih-  of  nny  uioro 

in  lite  MedileiTAiieun  ;  and,  indeed,  iw  n  Spnni^ili  war  seem.<i  to  be  inet-itiible,  llie 

fe«t  Inttien  Will  reijiiire  a  grvnl  Nnval  force,  nnd  it  will  be  proinrr  to  nufftneni  tlio 

eet  nrliirb  protects  our  o\rn  coasts,  nnd  is  known  tinder  the  deiiouijniUiun  of  the 

el  Fleet.     I  therefore  suppose  the  Meiliternuieau  Fleet  will  be  divided — part 

;  Uk  Went  Indies,  luid  Ibe  rest!  come  home,  leaving  a  ftw  FrigolCB,  under  a  Tcrjr 

live  Officer,  at  Oibroltiir. 

We  cannot  say  dear  old  Knglaml  i*  as  we  could  wish  it :  liowever,  we  arc  lictlor 

lliMD  any  oiIum-  Nniiou.x ;  and,  llmuk  (io<!,  there  Ik  no  trrnchery  ani»ng!<t  nni* 

litorv,  or  conipirncy  amongst  our  people.'     I  wish  for  llie  bent;  and,  iH'iiig  clear 

[lU  kit"]  of  pi»rty,  1  rare  uot  who  in  tin;  Minisler,  provided  he  is  active,  and  realty 

(ioni>lo  ttniXe  penrc  the  momeul  he  cam.     Adieu,  my  dear  friend,  and  ever  belie\o 

r.  yours  sincerely,  William."— Jt(/«</r«/>A|  iu  the  Nelnon  raper*. 


^Wto  fftf  jiHj  vvn  ciD  be 
tke  Entmj  far  zVemgdk atom 


[1791 
«Bder  to  DHke  cKeir  pouc', 

9t   OtItMf   DClunS  Wip  DM 

of  dK  Nsvj  OD  this  ooct> 

wtsv  BS?e  bees  gre8t«  $bA 

rho  DTTcr  wiQ  bdierG  what 

[)V  tioap  are  oidemi  to 

fHMt  aiiT  nnmberiif 

1  cbe  Poet,  altboogb  saaH, 

lie  Hret  and  TnanparU 

martdMt  EDm,  we  ire  to 


P> 


ID  look 


Mn,  vfao  if  ordcRd  to  come  np:  vetUl 
Sa3  dfwosk  Ships  as  Ei^aod  bardk  em 
byaa  Adasal,  who  will  not  M 
la  look  the  Emaj  m  dK  6oe^  be  tbeir  fam  what  h  mar:  I 
•■lipaae  it  will  not  be  mote  tfam  ihii^-lbar  Sail  of  the  linc^ 
We  B^  traaonahty  expect  reiiiioRcinents  from  Eogbnd;  fir 
wUkt  we  can  keep  die  cwii>ii»Hi  Fleet  in  the  MeditcrraDeaD, 
ao  mach  Boce  adraBfi^geaoi  to  oa;  and  the  moment  we  retitt, 
the  whole  of  Italj  ia  gifgju  to  the  Fioicfa.     Be  the  socceseo 
of  the  AiBtiiaua  what  they  maj,  their  whole  flU|^lj  of  stores 
and  praviaaiiB  cornea  from  THest^  acroas  the  Asiatic  to  the 
Po,  and  when  this  ia  cot  oK,  thej  must  retire.     If  ihc  Dons 
detach  their  Fleet  oat  of  the  Mediterranean,  we  can  do  the 
aune — however,  that  b  distant.     I  c&lculatc  on  the  certainly 
of  Admiral  Man  &  joining  us,  and  that  in  fourteen  davs  from 
this  day  we  shall  have  the  bonoor  of  fighting  these  gentlemen: 
there  is  not  a  seaman  in  the  Fleet  who  does  not  feel  confident 
of  success.      If  I  live,  your  Royal  Highness  shall   hare  no 
reason  to  regret  your  friendship  for  me,  and  I  will  support 
Sir  John  Jcr^'is  to  the  utmost  of  my  power.  ...  I  hope  soon 
to  hear  that  your  Flag  b  fljing,  which  I  am  sure  will  be  most 
honourable  for  yourself,  and  I   trust  most  advantageous  for 
our  King  and  Country.     I  am,  as  ever,  your  most  faithfiil, 

IloRATio  Nelsok. 


TO  THE  GENOESE  GOVERNMENT, 
[from  iin  AuiognpU  Cnngtil  in  tlie  Nelson  Papens.] 

^Abont  October  or  NoTpmbtT,  IIHO.] 

Commodore  Nelson  has  the  hunoiu*  to  acquaint  the  Serene 
Govemiu  Scuoa,  that  he  is  charged  by  his  Excellency 


e  Vice-Roy  of  Corsica,  and  Sir  John  Jervis,  KiB.,  Com- 

antler-in-Chief  of  his  Britannic  Majesty's  Fleet  in  the  Medi- 

rranean,  to  cotne  to  Genoa,  and  to  demand  from  the  !:>erenc 

overuuient  the  immediate  restitution  of  the  British  shipping 

id  property  sequestered  in  the  Port  of  Genoa;  satisfaction 

the   insults  offered  his  Majesty's  Flag,  by  the  firing  of 

innon  on  it  on  the  11th  day  of  September  last,  and  that  this 

Tiduct  is  considered  more  insulting,  as  it  was  entirely  unpro- 

•kcd  by  any  conduct  on  the  part  of  his  Majesty's  Officers  and 

en,  who  were  employed  on  a  legal  service  near  the  shore  of 

Pierre  d'Arena,  in  possession  of  the  French,  and  a  French 

battery   erected   on   it ;   and   also  for   the   subsequent  con- 

ct  of  the  Government  on  that  day,  by  shutting  the  Ports  of 

Republic  to  the  British,  at  the  instigation  of  his  Majesty's 

emies. 

These  open  Hostilities  left  no  choice  with  the  Servants  of 
Lis  Majesty  in  these  Seas,  but  that  of  vindicating  His  honour 
Ly  immediate  reprisals.  The  consequence  has  been,  that 
^■Capraja  is  at  present  occupied  by  British  troops,  and  that  a 
^Kreat  number  of  Genoese  Vessels,  have  been  seized  at  sea 
^Kad  in  our  harbour^)  and  which  will  every  day  increase,  arc 
'      seqaestered, 

^^  1  am  also  instructed  by  his  Excellency  the  Vice-Roy  to  state 
^Hd  the  Government  of  the  Serene  Repubhc  that  Capraja  had 
^B>frcrcd  many  provocations  to  His  Majesty's  Government  in 
^BCorsica  anterior  to  the  late  events  at  Genoa.  That  Island 
had  been,  for  these  last  two  years,  the  constant  hnunt  of  Vessels 
calling  themselves  French  privateers,  fitted  out  in  the  harbour 
of  Capraja,  under  the  eye  of  the  Genoese  Government,  by  a 
French  agent,  received  and  acknowledged  as  such. 

These  Vessels  lay  in  wait  at  Capraja,  for  the  Trade  of  his 

Majesty's  Subjecti!,  and  exercised  a  piratical  warfare  against 

e  English  and  Corsicans,  under  the  protection  of  a  Genoese 

rt,  and  harbour  in  a  manner  entirely  contrary  to  the  hiws 

if  Neutrality :  that  no  redress  has  been  obtained  from  the 

rene  Republic  by  any  representations  which  were  made 

y  his  Majesty's  Minister  at  Genoa ;  that  although  a  French 

ent  was  not  only  received  at  Capraja,  but  was  avowedly  the 

uoient  of  these  hostilities,  the  Serene  Republic  declined 

reasonable  and  just  request  that  was  made  to  them  on  our 

to  admit  an  English  Vicc-Cousul  at  the  same  ])lacc. 


290 


LETTfiRS. 


I  am  also  dircctctl  by  the  Vice-Roy  and  Adtuiral  to  infd 
the  Serene  Republic  that  they  would  still  have  j>ereevcrcd| 
the  same  system  of  moderatiou  and  forbejirance,  from  a  sir 
regard  for  the  Serene  Republic,  and  from  an  ardent  desirej 
maintain,  even  with  great  sacrifices,  the  hartnony  which 
so  long  been  preserved,  through  difficult  and  delicate  tir 
l>ctwcen  the  two  Governments,  if  the  violent  and  iusultii 
transaction  of  the  llth  of  September  had  not  committed 
honour  of  his  Majesty,  as  well  as  the  interest  and  just 
of  his  Subjects,  too  deeply  to  admit  of  further  forbearance. 

I  am  further  instructed,  at  the  same  time,  to  inform 
Serene  Hepublic,  that  neither  desire  of  conquest  nor  avid 
of  gain,  by  a  war  against  the  extensive  trade  of  the  Gene 
have  influenced  their  councils  on  this  occasion  ;  and  that 
only  objects  they  have  in  view  are  to  obtain  reparation  for ' 
late  insults  committed  at  Genoa,  and  a  security  against  a  rep 
tition  of  those  injuries  which  have  been  cxi>ericuced  from 
con<luct  of  the  Genoese  Government  at  Capraja. 

When  these  objects  arc  accomplished,  it  is  their  Exccllcncij 
desire,  and  they  will  think  it  their  duty,  to  restore  everythS 
to  its  former  footing,  aud  to  revert  to  that  friendly  intcrcou 
with  Genoa  which  it  has  been  so  much  the  wish  of  his  Maje 
and  the  study  of  all  his  Servants  to  maintain,  notwithslaik 
many  provocations  which  jjcrhaps  the  nature  of  the  times  i 
circumstances  have  rendered  unavoidable. 

I  trust  that  these,  their  Excellencies'  sentiments,  will  sii 
ciently  evince  to  the  Genoese  Government  and  to  the  vel 
world,  their  amicable  and  pacific  disposition  and  will  rcndci 
the  Serene  Republic  alone  resjwnsible  for  the  events  lb 
ensued  from  the  present  differences,  or  for  those  iii>       :■ 
which  their  Excellencies  may  be  justly  called  uixjn  to  emrffl 
for  vindication  of  his  JMajcsly's  honour  and  the  protection  « 
his  Subjects.     1  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c. 

IIOBATIO   NkLSO] 


lO  .laSEPU  BRAME,  ESQ.,  RUITrSlI  CON'Sl'L  AT  GENOA. 

[From  A  Copy  in  iliv  AJuiirRUy.j 

Dear  Sir,  Cniitun,  u  Sca,  November  4iJi,  1>| 

The  night  before  last,  I  received,  through  the  hands  of  J 

liertram,  your  letter  of  October  12th,  transmitting  an 


^ihe  Genoese  Secretary  of  State  to  the  Admiral's  letter,  and 
Memorial,  also  their  Note  to  you  ;  and  you  say  you  have 
t  mc  a  copy  of  your  Note  to  ihc  Govcruiueut  of  Genua, 
lich  you  hoj)e  1  sliall  approve  of.  This  latter  Paper  you 
c  omitted  to  send,  which  I  am  sorry  for,  as  1  hoped  to  have 
n  ill  it  Mr.  Secretary  of  State  most  severely  taken  to  task, 
daring  to  tax  me  with  a  hrcach  of  my  Word  of  llotiour.' 
u  must  know,  from  your  own  acquaintance  with  me,  that  1 
incapahle  of  such  conduct,  and  you  had  my  Report  of  the 
saction,  which  was  sufficient  for  you  to  resent,  as  becomes 
)ur  station,  and  my  hitherto  imim]x;ached  honour;  but,  if 
you  have  so  far  forgotten  yourself  and  station  as  to  permit  such 
an  infamous  lie  to  be  uncontradicted,  it  is  my  desire,  and  I 
^^cmaiid  it  of  you,  that  you  go  immediately  to  the  Secre- 
^^ry  of  State,  and  state  that  I  say,  the  scandal  of  a  breach  of 
^Honour  lies  with  him  for  writing  an  initmth,  with  his  Govcrn- 
^■icnt  for  {lermitting  it,  and  with  their  Officer,  who  pledged 
^Hiim^lf  for  the  Republic's  being  neutral,  when  I  gave  my 
^♦Vord  of  Honour  to  observe  the  Neutrality  of  Genoa,  and  that 
I  would  attack  no  Vessel  in  its  Port,  or  under  the  guns  of 
Genoa. 

This  reciprocal  pledge  was  given  in  your  room,  and  yourself 

lerpreted ;  and  of  course  you  will  recollect,  that  1  would  not 

vo  my  Wonl  of  Honour  till  the  Officer  gave  bis  for  the 

eutralily  of  the   Republic.     I  call  on  the  Government  of 

iioa  to  say,  if  they  understood  my  pledge  of  Honour  to  be 

lerwisc  than  that  I  would  not  commence  au  attack,  and 

ol]  that  I  would  abstain  from  repelling  or  chastising  one. 

You  will   mark  the  llawrant  Ineach  of  honour  in  the  Rc- 

blic  of  Genoa-     They  permitted  the  French  to  enter  the 

ort  of  Genoa,  contrary  to  their  Edict  of  Neutrality,  with 

csscls  loaded  with   gunpowder :    they  permit   all  kinds  of 

arlike  stores  for  the  attack  of  Neutral  Powers  to  be  landed 

ithin  300  yards  of  the  walls  of  Genoa :  they  permit  guns  to 

be  mounted  by  the  Enensies  of  England  within  the  siime  dis- 

cc. 

The  consequence  of  this  conduct  on  the  part  of  the  Go- 
ment  of  Genoa,  was,  that  the  rrcnch  fired  on  his  Majesty's 
Is ;  and,  on  the  Boats  resenting  the  insult,  from  what  had 


*  lu  iIm  sflkir  of  Sl  Picne  it'Airuiu    Vide  (uxt«. 


S98 


LETTEB9L 


heretofore  been  considered  as  a  Neutral  Territory,  by  taking 
a  French  Vessel,  the  Government  of  Genoa,  instead  of  sup- 
porting its  Neutrality  by  opening  a  fire  upon  the  French 
battery,  turned  the  guns  of  Genoa,  firai  on  his  Majesty's  Boats, 
and  then  on  tlic  Ships;  and,  in  addition  to  this  hostile  act, 
they  permitted  a  number  of  French  armed  Vessels  to  cook 
out  of  the  Port  of  Genoa,  to  attack  his  Majesty's  colours. 

This  statement  of  facts,  which  I  dare  them  to  contradict, 
but  which  it  was  yo«ir  bounden  duty  to  have  supported  long 
since,  will  show  the  Genoese  Nation,  and  the  whole  World, 
who  has  broken  their  Parole  of  Honour. 

I  am,  &c 

UORATIO  NfiLeos. 


TO  WILLIAM  LOCKER.  ESQ«  UElTENANT-GOVERNOR,  ROYAL 
HOSPITAL,  GREENWICH. 

[Antogniph,  in  tlu*  Locker  Paiiera.  On  the  2nd  of  November,  Admiml  Si/  Joira 
Jenris  with  tlie  Flrci,  (of  whicli  die  Cftplain  formed  purt,!  ulled  frorro  Moittdla 
Biy  liiT  GilirallAr,  luid  orriYpd  there  on  the  Int  of  December  falloiriDg.] 

Cuptaia,  at  Se».MoTember  bib,  1700- 

My  dear  Friend, 

It  is  true  that  my  time  has  lately  been  so  fully  employed, 
that  I  have  not  had  that  time  I  wished  for,  to  \vrite  to  all  my 
friends.  However,  as  I  am  attached  to  the  Fleet,  I  have  not 
so  many  affairs  in  bond.  Sir  John  desires  me  to  say,  when  I 
write  you,  that  he  is  sorry  he  cannot,  so  much  as  he  wishes, 
write  to  you  himself.  Wc  have  now  done  with  Corsica ;  I 
have  seen  the  first  and  the  last  of  that  Kingdom.  Its  situatioo 
certainly  was  most  desirable  for  us,  but  the  generality  of  its 
inhabitants  are  so  greedy  of  wealth,  and  so  jealous  of  each 
other,  that  it  would  require  the  patience  of  Job,  and  the  riches 
of  Croesus  to  satisfy  them.  They  say  themselves  they  are  only 
to  be  ruled  by  the  Ruling  Power  shooting  all  its  Enemies,  and 
bribing  all  its  Friends.  They  already  regret  our  departure 
from  them,  for  no  more  silver  harvests  will  come  to  their  lot 
I  remember  when  wc  quitted  Toulon  we  endeavoured  to 
reconcile  ourselves  to  Corsica ;  now  wc  are  content  with  Elba 
— sucli  things  are:  however,  wc  have  a  fine  Port,  and  no 
expenses  for  the  Government  of  the  Island. 

We  are  ^  ^  hear  what  the  King  of  Naples  has  dc- 

termiaed  f^  (uence  of  otu:  remtuning  to  support  him : 


[if  he  id  marched,  I  hope  soon  to  be  in  possession  of  Leghorn 
lagBin.  Tlie  conduct  of  the  Pope  is  extraordinary ;  ahliough 
is  at  war  with  the  French,  yet  he  has  not  opened  his  Ports 
lions:  he  is  fearful  of  a  turn  in  the  present  happy  prospects. 
Iln  short,  Italy  has  been  lost  by  the  fears  of  its  Princes ;  had 
illiey  expended  half  the  money  to  presen'c  their  Territories, 
[which  they  have  paid  the  French  for  entering  them,  their 
[Couutries  would  have  been  happy,  instead  of  being  filled  with 
Esent  misery  and  diabolical  notions  of  Government.  I  have 
eceivcd  the  third  volume  of  Chamock's  book,*  but  how  it 
le  to  me  I  know  not,  but  suppose  by  the  Queen.  As  the 
»k  gets  forward,  it  naturally  becomes  more  interesting.  I 
in  your  debt  for  the  subscription. 
We  left  St.  Fiorenzo  on  the  2nd,  at  night,  and  arc  now 
jing  our  Smyrna  convoy  part  of  the  way  down  the  Straits, 
hope  to  meet  Admiral  Man,  who  has,  more  than  a  month 
St,  known  the  situation  of  our  gallant  Admiral.  Orders 
w  been  sent,  which  fame  says,  were  received  October  10th ; 
►til  Admiral  Man  could  not  have  sailed  on  the  receipt  of  ihenj, 
Swedes  have  been  spoke  only  eight,  nine,  and  ten  days 
through  the  Gut. 

So  soon  as  our  Fleet  is  united,  I  have  no  doubt  but  wo  shall 
Jk  out  for  the  Combined  Fleet,  who  I  suppose  are  about 
liJrty-four  Sail  of  the  Line,  badly  manned,  and  worse  ordered ; 
•fliilsl  ours  is  such  a  Fleet  as  I  never  before  saw  nt  sea.  There 
nothing  hardly  beyond  our  reach.  I  need  not  give  you  the 
ractcr  of  Sir  John  Jervis,  you  know  him  well ;  therefore  I 
ill  only  say,  he  is  wortliy  of  such  a  Fleet,  for  he  knows  how 
Use  us  in  the  most  beneficial  manner  for  our  Country.  You 
*^ill  not  forget  me  kindly  to  every  part  of  your  family,  and 
*i«o  to  Mr.  Bradley  and  our  Naval  friends ;  also  to  Simon 
^ujlor.  As  I  read  in  the  pajx;r,  St.  Domingo  is  to  be  cvacu- 
],  I  hope  Jamaica  will  be  sjife.  All  the  French  Array  in 
Jy  is  going  to  the  Devil  very  fast.  We  are  on  shore,  upon 
Ever  believe  me,  your  most  affectionate, 

Horatio  Nelson. 

rrjlc  this  to  go  when  opportunity  oflPers. 

N\ivoiiil>er  lltli,  off  Jliiiorra. 

Bavc  you  done  the  business  for  Mr.  Summers? 

*  "  UiogTupLin  NsvAliii." 


^b 


i& 


300 


LETTEUS. 


17%, 


TO  MKS.  NELSON. 

^hruiii  Clarke  auil  M'ArtUur,  vol.  t.  p.  Jl-'V'i.] 

You  will,  by  this  lime,  have  known  the  dctcrniinatiuii  tbn 
has  been  made  for  tliis  Fleet  to  remain  in  tbe  MeditcrraueaiL. 
As  soon  as  wo  have  defeated  the  Spanish  Fleet,  whieh  I  tk 
not,  with  God's  help,  we  shall  do,  I  have  two  or  three  litll? 
matters  to  settle  in  Italy,  and  then  I  care  not  how  quicLI)'  ^ 
return  to  you.     Do  not  flatter  yourself  that  I  shall  be 
warded ;  I  ex]>ect  nothing,  and  therefore  shall  not  be  dis 
jxjinted:  the  pleasure  of  my  own  mind  will  be  my  rewarvL 
am  more  interested,  and  feel  a  greater  satisfaction,  in 
laining  yours  and  my  father's  applause,  than  that  of  uU  ill 
world  besides. 

YouPB,  &c 

Horatio  Nelson, 


TO  ms  nOYAJ.  HIGHNESS  THE  DUKE  OF  CLARENCE. 


Sir, 


[From  on  itutogntpli  in  ilic  Nelson  Papers.*] 

CaiiUun,  at  Sen,  November  lllh,  1*0(1 


What  may  be  thought  in  England  of  our  embarkation  from 
liastia  I  know  not,  l)ut  I  conceive  myself  to  have  a  frnr  ri 
to  be  well  spoken  ofj  as  the  few  facts  which  1  shall  state  W 
evince,  [I  shall  relate  thera  to  your  Royal  Highness,  to  give 
you  an  idea  of  the  state  of  our  Army  and  the  Viceroy  on 
arrival.] 

On  the  14tli  of  October  I  was  close  in  with  Bastia,  [before 
dayliglit,]  in  the  Diadem,  Captain  Towry.  Before  the  Ship 
anchored,  I  went  on  shore  to  the  Viceroy,  landing  opposite 
his  house.  I  found  his  Excellency  very  happy  at  my  arrival, 
and  itiiniedialely  renucstcd  me  to  send  off  his  most  valuable 
papeifs  tind  acquainted  me  with  the  plan  of  some  Corsicans 
to  take  his  person  that  night ;  that,  except  the  guard  which 
was  at  his  house,  our  troops  were  in  the  citadel ;  that  a 
Committee  of  Thirty  had  taken  the  Government  of  the  Towi 

♦  TIjr  pu-sinigi-!.  wlihin  brnckrtK  arc  uot  in  llic  ilmiiglit,  Inil  iboy  onciir  in  lite 
lu  Clwkc  aB'»  **'  *  "Uur,  \ol.  i.  p.  002,  iind  may  havv  biTU  inkvu  from  llir  LeUcr  iti 


sequestered  llie  projicrty  of  the  English,  and  had  rcfiise<l 

suffer  any  vessel  or  boat  to  quit  the  Mole,  [and  also  that 

plan  was  laid  to  seize  his  person  ;  that  the  Town  was  full 

armed  Corsicans  who  had  mounted  guard  at  every  place, 

1  that  our  troops  were  iu  the  citadel,  except  the  guard  at 

house,] 

From  the  Viceroy  I  went  to  General  do  Burgh,  where 

learnt  that  as  many  armed  C'orsicuiis  as   Britis^h  were  in 

»e  Citadel;  that  they  had  mounted  guard  with  the  British  at 

le  Citadel  gate,  on  the  batteries,  barrier  gates,  and  at  the 

>rehouscs  of  Government,  and  every  magazine  of  the  English 

[crcbants ;  and  tliat  it  was  necessary  for  the  troops  to  stand 

to  tlicir  arms  for  self-defence ; — in  short,  that  there  was  not 

prospect  of  saving  either  stores  cannon,  or  provisions.     I 

ibmitted  to  the  General  the  propriety  of  shutting  the  Citadel 

gate  in  order  to  prcvcut  any  more  ariucd  men  from  getting 

ito  it,  [and  that  I  would  moor  the  Ships  opposite  to  the 

rown.]     On  my  return  from  the  General  to  the  Viceroy,  the 

[erchants,  Owners,  and  Captains  of  Privateers  came  to  me  with 

ears,  stating  the  fact  of  even  their  trunks  with  \vearing  apparel 

being  refused  to  them,  and  that  they  were  beggars  without  my 

help,  not  a  prize  would  these  people  allow  to  rjuit  the  Mole: 

[a  Trans|K)rt's  boat  had,  they  said,  been  refused  permission 

to  leave  the  Mole  until  she  was  searched,  and  on  nothing  being 

)und  in  her,  they  suflercd  her  to  pass  ;  a  Privateer  was  moored 

cross  the  Mole  heads.]     I  rc([ucsted  them  to  be  quiet,  and 

that  nothing  should  be  left  undone  by  me  for  their  relief.  About 

m  A.M.,  the  Egmonl,   Captain  Sutton,  had  arrived,  and  I 

ichorctl  the   Ships  close  to  the  Mole  head,  abrctist  of  the 

Town,  sent  all  our  boats,  manned  and  armed,  to  tow  the  Ships 

*aut  of  the  Mole,  sending  a  mcssnge  to  the  Committee,  that 

if  there   was  the    smallest  molestation   to  every  species   of 

English  proj^erty  being  removed  from  the  Town  and  out  of  the 

[olc,  that  1  would  open  the  fire  of  the  Sliips  and  batter  the 

Town  down.     This  message  had  its  desired  cftect.     The  Cor- 

icans  on  guard  down  muskets  and  ran  ;  and  the  Mole,  upwards 

'sixty  sail,  was  soon  clear    [At  noon,  having  made  the  signal 

it  b<»at3  manned  and  armed,  I  ordered  Captain  Towry  to 

kroceetl  into  the  Mole  with  them,  and  to  ojx;n  the  passjigc 

5r  all  the  Vessels  who  chose  to  come  out ;  with  instructions 


302 


LETTERS. 


[179«. 


to  take  the  fii^t  English  Vessel  he  came  to  m  tow,  and 
if  he  met  with  the  smallest  molestation^  he  was  to  send  to  the 
Municipality  in  my  name,  and  inform  them  that  if  the  least  im- 
pediment were  thrown  in  the  way  in  getting  any  Vessel  out  of 
the  Mole,  or  embarking  any  property  belonging  to  the  English 
from  the  Town,  I  would  instantly  batter  it  down.  Captain 
Sutton  verj'  handsomely  went  to  Towry's  assistance,  for  on  the 
approach  of  the  latter  to  the  3IoIe,  the  privateer  pointed  her 
guns,  and  ICK)  muskets  were  levelled  from  the  Mole  head. 
On  this  Captain  Sutton  sent  my  message,  and  pulling  out  his 
watch,  gave  them  one  quarter  of  an  hour  for  an  answer,  whett 
the  Ships  would  in  five  minutes  open  their  fire.  Upon  this 
the  people  on  board  the  Privateer,  and  from  the  Mole  heads, 
and  even  the  Corsican  sentries,  (juitted  the  place  with  the 
utmost  precipitation,  and  of  course  every  vessel  came  out  of 
the  Mole.] 

In  the  afternoon,  an  owner  of  a  Privateer  came  to  me  to 
say,  he  had  goods  in  the  custom-house,  which  they  refused 
to  deliver :  1  ordered  him  to  go  to  the  Committee,  and  say 
I  sent  him  for  the  things,  [which  if  not  instantly  dehvered 
I  would  open  my  fire.]  In  five  minutes,  he  returned  with  the 
keys,  and  said  they  were  as  white  as  sheets,  and  said  not  a  word. 
At  night  they  made  one  more  effort  to  get  duty  paid  for  some 
wine  [landed,  and  of  course  going  to  be  embarked  by  an  English 
merchant.]  I  had  only  occasion  to  send  word  that  I  would 
come  to  them  myself;  from  this  moment  all  was  quiet,  and 
no  people  could  behave  better,  Bastia,  it  was  agreed  on  all 
hands,  never  was  so  quiet ;  not  an  armed  man  was  found  in 
the  streets  to  the  night  of  our  embarkation,  [since  wc  had  been 
in  possession  of  the  Island,] 

The  Viceroy  consented  to  go  on  board  my  Ship  that  night, 
which  took  off  from  the  General  and  myself  much  concern ; 
and  we  set  heartily  to  work  to  save  what  time  would  permit, 
which  may  fairly  be  estimated  at  £200,000  sterling.  The 
seamen  were  employed  on  shore  to  work  and  my  soldiers 
landed  to  guard  the  north  end  of  the  Town.  The  French 
Troops  lauded  near  Cape  Corse  ou  the  18th ;  and  [on  the 
16th  in  the  morning,  I  landed  my  troops  to  take  post  at  the 
Viceroy's  house,  which  covered  our  embarking  place,  and  a 
bunt  ten  as  a  working  party;  the  General  ordered 


ab 


lundred  men  from  the  troops  for  the  same  pur- 


J». 


,  and  the  rest  kept  post  in  the  Citadel.     We  set  heartily 

ork,  and  continued  without  intermission  until  the  19th 

sunset;  when  I  calculate  we  had  saved  ahout  £200,000 

irling  worth  of  cannon,  powder,  stores,  and  provisions,  exclu- 

of  baggage,  household  stuff,  &c.,  &c.,  for  the  poor  emigres 

d  not  afford  to  leave  a  rag.     Our  boats  never  ceased  night 

nor  day.] 

Oa  the   19th  they  sent  a  message  to   the  Municipality, 

K ''''siring  to  know  how  they  intended  to  receive  them;  if  as 
;nds,  they  demanded  that  the  English  should  be  prevented 
m  embarking.  In  this  state,  nothing  more  could  be  at- 
tempted to  be  saved ;  and  therefore  at  [twelve  at]  night  the 
troops  quitted  the  Citadel,  and  came  to  the  north  end  of  the 

Kovna,  where  was  an  open  piece  of  ground,  and  from  whence  I 
nbarked  cverj' man  in  a  heavy  gale  of  wind,  with  the  two  field- 
ecea  which  the  troops  brought  from  the  Citadel  to  protect 
leir  retreat — the  General  and  myself  being  the  last  men  in 
le  boat,  [The  French  passing  at  the  back  of  the  Town  were 
lU  the  Citadel  at  one,  a.m.  From  its  blowing  a  gale  of  wind, 
it  was  dawn  of  day  when  the  General  and  myselP  went  into 
the  barge,  not  one  man  being  left  ashore ;  and  wc  took  with 
^Hpe  the  two  field-pieces  brought  down  to  cover  our  retreat.] 
^Ht  ifi  impossible  I  can  do  Justice  to  the  good  dispositions  of  the 
^■Sencrai,  or  the  good  management  of  the  Viceroy  with  the 
^HDorsicans,  not  a  man  of  whom  but  cried  on  parting  with 
^V^m;  even  those  who  had  opposed  his  Admiuistratioa  could  not 
but  love  and  respect  so  amiable  a  character.  It  was  clear  that 
dread  of  the  French  wa.s  more  predominant  in  their  minds, than 
disldce  to  us ;  and  it  was  this  perhaps  that  gready  contributed  to 
their  first  resolves,  which  were  not  to  be  justified.  The  French 
took  possession  of  the  Cita<lel  at  one  A.M.,  and  it  was  near  6 
A.ai.,  before  the  last  of  us  was  afloat,  but  we  kept  too  good  a 
countenance  for  an  attack.  At  this  time  the  Spanish  Fleet  was 
ff  Cape  Corse,  but  wc  had  a  fine  wind,  and  before  night  1  had 
ivery  man  and  vessel  safe  moored  iu  Porto  Fcrrajo,  for  its 
ize  the  most  complete  port  in  the  world.     I  am,  &c. 

HoBATio  Nelson. 

*  CUrke  ami  M'Artliur  iiua«  iLu  "  Commodore  Nelson  was  Uie  last  person  who 

ift  tljc  «linre.     On  getting  into  hi«  boat,  he  turneil  round  to  the  Consican  mob, 

will)  llie  coolness  of  a  tuulor,  aualhomolixed  tlie  whole  of  tbcir  unf^iUeruJ 

tiding, '  Now.  John  Cone,  follow  tlie  natural  bent  of  yottr  det«9tttbl«  oboractcr, 

and  r«Teug«.' " 


u 


304 


LETTER& 


TO  CAPTAIN  COUJNCWOOD. 


[1790. 


f  Aniogrtfih,  in  the  po«MH«ion  of  tbe  llonoonkle  Mrs.  Nevniiam  CoOinipnioiLj 

My  dear  Coll.,  ^'''^""'-'  -""'•  »** 

Many  thanks  for  your  newspapers  which  were  a  verv  great 
treat.  From  them  I  do  not  build  uiuch  on  the  prosju-ct  uf 
peace.  The  French  will  try  the  Dons  before  they  submit  to 
any  humiliation.  1  see  we  are  reatly  to  give  up  our  cod* 
quests,  except  the  Mynheers :  they  must  pay  the  piper. 

I  rejoice  with  you  that  all  your  home  are  well.  Ii  is  a 
n^reat  comfort  to  hear  from  those  folks  in  England ;  I  hod  not 
that  satisfaction.  The  mode  now  of  sending  k-tters  is  new, 
and  it  must  take  time  to  have  it  known,  lUthough  William 
Young '  ha.s  sent  several  for  me,  and  would,  I  am  sure,  con- 
tinue so  to  do. 

We  are  not  I  fear  soon  to  get  a  fair  wind.  How  tedious  is 
our  voyage :  besides,  it  will  uikc  some  time  at  Gibraltar  to  re- 
pair our  damages.  VVc  have  all  of  us  some  when  the  truth 
comes  out.  I  was  lucky  in  sending  my  letters  for  England  if 
Cygnet  is  gone  home,  but  is  that  certain  ?  and  I  was  also  hiekii 
in  getting  a  cask  of  porter  froni  her,  which  you  shall  have  part 
of,  when  drawn  off.  Perhaps  Lively  is  going  for  Gibraltar 
for  dispatches.  I  expect  no  change  of  wind  before  the  29lh. 
God  bless  you,  and  believe  me  ever 

Your  most  faithful, 

IIoRATio  Nei^on. 

We  have  reports  that  Man  is  gone  through  the  Gut— not 
to  desert  us,  I  hope,  but  I  have  my  suspicions. 


TO  TFfE  RT.V.  DIXON  HOSTE. 

[Aiilogr«i>1»,  in  tlie  possession  of  Civplixiu  Sir  Williatn  Hnste,  Burt.] 

Ciiptiiiu,  »l  Sea,  NovpmliiT  a.'ttli,  17JM1. 
My  dear  Sir, 

Our  friends  in  England  sometimes  accuse  us  of  not  writing 

so   frc(juciuly  !ls  they   wish  us :    on  many  occasi(jns  we  CAn 

retort  the  charge — so  says  your  good  son,  William.      I  can 


•  KeUcAdK^  Williwn  Young.  Hicn  one  of  the  Lords  of  tlie  Adiniinltr. 


^BT.  38.]  LETTEHS.  305 

W^t  which  will  be  enough  for  a  letter,  that  I  have  never 
once  had  cause  to  wish  bim  anything  but  what  he  i$.  His 
accidents,  I  can  truly  say,  have  so  happily  turned  out  that  I 
hope  he  is  in  no  way  the  worse  for  thcui,  but  I  bave  strongly 
Tecommended  for  him  not  to  break  any  more  limbs. 

Although  this  is  writing  at  sea,  yet  most  probably  it  will  leave 
US  at  Gibraltar,  for  which  place  we  are  steering  ;  and  you  will, 
peiiups,  expect  a  little  news  from  near  the  fountain-head,  did 
jou  not  know  that  our  future  movements  are  too  important  to 
be  trusted  to  a  letter;  and  our  past  ones,  every  newspaper 
IcUs  you  more  than  I  can,  for  what  is  not  known  they  happily 
guess  at.  Our  evacuation  of  Corsica  was  effected  beyond 
our  most  sanguine  expectations,  and  contrtu-y  to  the  belief  of 
our  absent  friends,  the  part  allotted  to  mc,  the  evacuation  of 
Bastia,  considered  the  most  important,  ended,  as  our  world 
here,  say,  much  to  my  credit ;  for  the  French  and  their  adhe- 
rents were  round  the  Town,  and  the  Spanish  Fleet  only 
thirty-six  miles  from  «is ;'  but  I  left  not  a  man  behind,  and 
Baved  two  hundred  thousand  pounds'  worth  of  cannon,  stores, 
and  provisions,  and  landed  the  whole  Army,  &c.  &c.  safe  at 
^mrto  Ferrajo,  a  place  of  shelter  I  had  contributed  to  take  a 
^Hp  months  before.  Our  gallant  Admiral,  Sir  John  Jcrvis,  in 
nun  expected  Admiral  Man  from  Gibraltar,  but  we  have  been 
ippointed,  and  you  know  where  he  is  by  this  time,  instead 
>ming  to  our  help  who  so  much  needed  it,  but  in  this 
rid  nothing  ought  to  surprise  us.  We  are  only  fifty  leagues 
Gibraltar,  and  hope  there  to  find  reinforcements  from 
England,  when,  if  we  are  twenty-five  Sail  of  the  Line,  you 
may  rest  perfectly  assured  under  our  present  Commander,  we 
shall  beat  the  Combined.  God  send  oiu-  meeting  may  be 
soon,  for  I  should  be  sorry  to  have  a  Peace  before  we  make 


^^^owwda  the  end  of  SepUmber,  Admiral  Don  Jiiail  de  Longnrit,  witli  tbe  Spaninli 

^^M^  eenshliilg  of  nineteen  Soil  of  tlic  Line,  ten  Fiit'iit<>»,  unJ  some  Curvrttf.i,  put 

BHm  from  Cadiz,  nnJ  proceeded  to  Curthngena,  wherL-  they  were  joined  by  servo 

tine-iif'liKtlle  Sliijis,  tliiiK  niKking  tweiitV'Hix  Sttil  of  tlio  Lillt^.     WiUl   lliis  iin|>osui|; 

e,  Liangurft  aiiiKart'tl  off  C'lipc  Corse  in  Corsica,  on  the  I'lili  of  October,  nt  wkicli 

I  Sir  .Tolin  J(;r^'iJ<'8  SqniulroH,  lunouuiiug  to  only  roiirtifen  Snil  of  the  Line,  (ibe 

being  nt  Bitstiu.)  were  at  nnclior  in  Mortella  Buy.     Instead,  bowevcr,  nf 

tbe   Hug'tMi   Fleet,  the  Spanisb  Adminil  went  to  Touluu  ;  oud  on  bin 

ttv,  on  tbe  '2(ttb  of  that  niontb,  Lbe  Combined  Hects  formed  tlurly-eigbt 

[  «f  tlie  Litu<  and  oeaily  twetity  Frigates. 

roL.  II.  X 


LETTERS. 


the  Dons  pay  for  meddling.     When  you  see  Mr.  and  Mfi 
Coke,  I  beg  you  will  make  ray  compliaients,  and  present  I 
mine  to  Mrs.  Hostc.     William  tells  me  he  is  \rriting  a  lofljj  ] 
letter :  therefore,  perhaps,  he  will  tell  you  more  news  than  I  j 
can. 

November  28th. — I  this  day  delivered   to  William  your 
letter  of  October  3l8t:  he  says  you  seem  to  regret  his  not 
going  home  in  the  Agamemnon ;  had  I  thought  so,  I  oe^ 
tainly  should  not  have  taken  him  from  her.     I  am,  dear  Sir, 
Your  very  obedient  servant, 

Horatio  Nelson. 


TO  WILLIAM  SrCKUNG,  ESQ. 

[From  "The  AJiensum."] 

Cuplaia,  off  Oibroltiir  Boy,  NoTcmber  30.  ITOfl. 

Afy  dear  Sir, 
It  would,  you  may  believe,  have  given  me  no  small  satisfeo 
tion  to  have  received  a  letter  from  your  own  hand,  and  to 
have  conveyed  to  rae  that  you  enjoy  that  good  health  which  I 
most  sincerely  wish  you,  as  well  as  a  continuance  of  every 
family  felicity :  It  is  not  in  my  nature  to  forget,  for  an  instant, 
the  many  acts  of  kindness  you  have  shewn  me  during  the 
whole  course  of  my  life.     I  can  only  cndeavoiu*  to  give  you 
the  satisfaction  of  knowing  that  it  has  not  been  thro>vn  away 
on  an  unworthy  object.      My  professional  reputation  is  ihej 
only  riches  1  am  likely  to  acquire  in  this  war;  what  profit) 
that  will  bring  me  time  only  can  determine,  however,  it  iflj 
satisfactory  to  myself,  and  I  believe  will  be  so  to  you.     TliJ»l 
day  has  brought  roe  from  LokI  Spencer,  the  fullest  and  hand- 
somest  approbation   of  my  spirited,   diffnijied,  and   temprrat 
conduct,  both  at  leghorn  and  Genoa,  and  my  first  Lieutenant 
is  made  a  Captain ;  a  share  of  a  galleon,  and  I  want  no  morc- 
but,  God  knows,  ambition  has  no  end  1 

How  is  Mrs.  Suckling,  Mr.  Rumscy,  Miss  Suckling,  and 
■ry  part  of  your  family  ?  I  am  interested  that  all  shoidd 
happy,  and  contribute  to  make  you  so.  You  will  hear 
w  we  are  deserted,  but  our  Commander-in-Chief  is  a  host 


38.] 


LETTERS. 


307 


imself,  ami  I  hope  yet  to  assist  him  in  beating  the  Dons, 

fh  we  shall  do  if  we  have  a  proper  force  to  seek  them  out 
Admiralty  have  confirmed  me  as  an  established  Commo- 
:  ihey  have  done  handsomely  by  me.  The  Smyrna  convoy 
goes  on  for  England  ;  we  have  towed  them  from  Corsica,  and 
I  hope  they  will  arrive  safe.  I  venture  to  tell  you  the  Ad- 
mimlty  always  forward  letters  to  the  Mediterranean  by  the 
Cutters,  which  almost  every  week  come  to  us — therefore  pray 
me  a  lino. 

ccmber  2nd. — It  was  yesterday  before  we  anchored,  and 
sorry  to  hear  of  several  Fish-ships  being  taken  by  the 
iards.  Tlie  Admiral  has  sent  out  a  Squadron  to  secure 
Newfoundland  convoy,  which  is  hourly  expected.  As 
to  our  futiu^  movements  I  am  totally  ignorant — nor  do  I  care 
what  they  are.  I  shall  continue  to  exert  myself  in  every  way 
for  the  honour  of  my  Country ;  aud  in  every  situation,  believe 
me  your  most  affectionate  nephew, 

HoRATJO  Nemon. 

fou  will  not  forget  to  remember  me  to  Mrs.  Suckling, 
Suckling,  Mr.  Rumsey,  and  family,  Mr.  Mercc,'  and  all 
sr  friends. 


TO  CAn'AlN  COLLINGWOOD. 
[Aulognph,  in  the  poMcsslou  of  Mrs.  Kewnluun  Collingwood,] 

DwcmbM  1st,  ITDO. 

My  dear  CoU., 
hope  you  heard  from  home  by  the  Brig.     Man  is  cer- 
Jy  gone  to  England,  and  the  consequences,  after  Corn- 
lis  may  be  guessed  at.     1  send  you  some  papers  of  Trou- 
You  will  like  to  run  them  over. 

Ever  yours  most  truly, 

Horatio  Nelson. 

If  we  are  at  anchor,  will  you  dine  here  at  three  o'clock? 


*  8k.    Qoery — "  Muntz;"  Tide  luile. 


z2 


AdniirHlty,  and  a  draugUl  iu  iL 
Lcttrr  was  imutimiUtMl  lo  tlic  Secretvy  W  tlie  A<hninkUy,  on  tbe  4ih  of  I)f«r' 
Mir  JuUii  JeniM,  who  suid,  "  AJlLou)(li  1  Ariit  )ou  for  Uie  Lutds  Coinmuaiowai 
'ofllic  Admiraliy,  by  tbe  Fox  ('Jadl  Cutter,  on  tlie  27lli  SrjiUTnbiT,  all  tlic  <l«ii- 
mpiitji  IntDHiuitlfd  lo  nit-  by  Commodorv  Kelson,  rcbiliTe  to  tLe  tritiiKjirtioo  vtiictl 
ilic  Miu(|iii!t  S|iinolu  Iim  so  gro&aly  misreprcsenied  in  bia  Meinnml  to  Lonl  Orfn 
villi',  1  fell  ii  line  lo  the  Commodore  to  put  hiui  In  pOfi«c»sion  of  the  Mennriiil,  unl 
I  i^ucluMc  bill  uuiiuiili'd  aud  ublci  refutation  of  ibe  wbole  cas^."] 


Sir, 


Captain,  Gibnltnr  Bay,  DraemlMr  3rd,  ITSM. 


I  am  honoured  with  your  letter  of  yesterday's  date/ enclosing 
an  extract  of  a  letter  from  the  Marquis  of  Spinola,  the  Genoese 
Minister  to  the  Court  of  I^ondon,  and  desiring  my  Report  of 
the  Transaction. 

I  shall  do  little  more  that  I  have  already  done,  sending  you 
the  exact  Report  of  the  Transaction,  for  the  truth  of  which 


*  Tld«  Letter,  with  ib«  Marquis  of  SpiuoU's  Note,  in  now  in  tli«  Nelwin  Vtift*- 
Tin- Hlfttir  of  St.  Pierre  d'Arena  (which  lia»  bKoii  MuBiciciitly  descrilK'iI)  furoi*  lltf 
llr^i  piirt  of  Siiinola's  romphunt ;  and  he  then  mokc^  Uic  following  utaiemciit^,  wbidi 
niitiirnlly  I'Xi-ited  NeLson'it  indignation: — "The  Commodore,  in  lulilitinn  lo  tU* 
bif  (tell  of  faith,  and  to  render  hiiuself  mill  more  unworthy  of  the  rank  he  bean,  \m 
di^{f^lt^<Hl  himself  with  the  assertion  of  what  wns  not  true,  by  oolonrinf  iU» 
ajtirrchiiion  with  the  pretence  of  aearching  npou  the  beach  of  San  Pirrre  d'Aretiafdr 
a  hiuncli,  carried  away  by  ^oIn<'  dexertcrs,  wliteh  wiui  never  aeen  at  that  plaec.  Tlit* 
wao  eriJent  to  llie  Commodore,  fhim  the  little  distance  be  wna  off,  ami  ir*a  bUa 
proved  by  iliu  attcKUtiou  of  many  witnesses  who  were  sworn  and  reiflslercd  in  tlif 
ProcesK  Verbal,  and  who  at  the  name  time  declared  tlui  taking  the  Tutau  to  luo 
been  mule  prior  to  the  firing. 

"  In  coiiBcqueneo  of  this  rcceul  fact,  the  Envoy  and  Minister  Plenipotentiaij  atthf 
Court  of  bis  Britannic  Majesty,  by  onler  of  his  own  Qorcnimeut.  has  done  liitOMlf  tlw 
honour  lo  present  to  the  Kiug,  by  meanx  of  liis  IVfinixler,  a  Memorial,  showioK  bow 
iitiu^btlteKeiiublic  hail  alwavH  studied  to  deserve  the  good-will  nfF.nglunil;  the  ungrateftd 
return  nhe  hafi  met  with  from  bor  .\^nla  in  the  Mrditerranean  ;  her  exiiectoiiou  oftliil 
reconipenoc  which  justice  requires  for  the  great  iujurjch  »he  has  sustained ;  and,  finally, 
the  declaratiou  of  a  nieaaui-e  which  the  Ucpubtic  hatb  judged  iudispenaably  nroesKary 
lu  tnkc  iipim  thtH  occasion — that  it>,  to  secure,  by  a  guard  of  aoldien,  the  MqueKtralioo 
of  four  Kuglinh  merchant  Ships,  with  the  view  of  recovering  from  their  effect*  the 
compensNlion  demanded  for  wluu.  hIic  baa  lost — a  eompetMalion  wbicli  aball  br 
estimated  according  to  the  rules  of  riglit,  and  which,  were  tliia  measure  not  adopted, 
oiigbt  lo  be  made  good  to  the  RcpubUc.  Moreover,  to  pre8er%'o  tbe  Repnbtie  from 
tbo  danger  of  being  again  cxiK>Ned  and  placed  in  the  most  perilous  situation.",  aud 
■Iso  ft-om  tbe  \iciniir  of  iljo  victorious  French  annles,  she  hoe  Uiougbt  it  neeesaary 
to  adi)pt  the  meaaure  of  infnnniug  the  British  Conimauders  Ibal,  until  further  dcli- 
bchiiiiin,  English  Ships  Mill  not  be  atlmitted  into  Ibe  Ports  of  lie  said  Sute," 


JtT.  38.] 


LETTERS 


so» 


fou  have  Uic  ileclared  testimony  uf  Iwo  Lieulcnauls,  which 
thes  are  ready  to  confirm  with  their  oaths. 

Hut  I  cannot  allow  the   Marquis's  Note  to  pass  without 

crero  reprobation.     It  is  couched  in  language  unbecoming  a 

[cxiUtman,  whatever  privilege  he  may  plead  as  a  Minister,  and 

vfbat  the  declaration  of  his  own  Government  (for  they  sent 

me  (J  copy  of  their  Report  to  him)  by  no  means  warranted. 

hatever  my  unworthiness  may  be,  I  shall  show  myself  his 

nperior  by  abstaining  from  language  which  his  rank  as  a 

*fubleman  and  Representative  of  the  Republic  of  Genoa,  ought 

have  made  it  impossible  for  him  to  use.     I  dare  him  or  his 

npcrioTs  to  deny  the  following  facts — viz. : 

The  French  are  in  possession  of  every  foot  of  Sea-coast  from 

gates  of  Genoa  to  Vcntimiglia  (except  the  citadels  of 

Avona  Finale  and  St.  Remo),  not  that  those  Citadels  have 

jomiandcd  neutrality  for  upwards  of  ten  years  past.     That 

Be  beach  of  St.  Pierre  d^Arcna  was  covered  with  shot,  shells, 

B,  vraggons,  carriages,  store-houses  filled  with  powder,  and 

irery  other  Military  store  landed  from  French  vessels  within 

)yards  of  the  walls  of  Genoa.    That  four  guns  were  mounted 

the  high  part  of  the  beach  of  St.  Pierre  d' Arena,  and 

French  sentinels  placed  over  them ;  that  not  one  anchoring 

Jacc  from  Genoa  to  Vcntimiglia  was  accessible  to  an  Englisli 

Bip,  as  the  French  had  erected  batteries  which  commanded 

*Tery  one. 

In  pledging  my  honour,  it  never  could  be  understood  that 
l-lncant  to  debar  myself  from  destroying  the  Enemy  wherever 
insulted  me  ;  nor  do  I  conceive  that  if  the  French  had  taken 
jssion  of  Genoa,  my  Word  of  Honour  woiiltJ  have  been 
'^y  longer  sacred  for  that  City,  for  it  was  given  reciprocally 
it  the   Republic  would  not  permit  her  Neutrality  to  bo 
>keiL.     I  send  a  copy  of  ray  letter  to  Mr.  Consul  Brame, 
ich  more  fully  expresses  my  feelings. 

The  Secretary  to  the  Republic  states  one  fact  in  his  Report 
*-o  the  Marquis — viz.,  that  I  offered  to  restore  the  French 
^cnel  to  any  Genoese  Officer  if  the  Government  would  pledge 
*^«clf  to  make  reparation  for  the  insult  which  Mr.  Secretary 
ijfs  1  pretend  to  call  it. 
It  \rill  appear  clear  to  any  mind,  that  desire  of  making  a 
or  insulting  the  Republic  of  Genoa  could  not  have 


310 


LETTEB8L 


influenced  my  conduct,  for  I  was  placing  the  Republic  ui 
most  independent  and  respectable  situation  bjr  i' 
tlie  judge  between  two  Enemies,  and  by  my  decl;; 
any  mao,  on  a  fair  examination,  -would  say  that  his  31aje 
Bo4t8  had  committed  any  act,  good  or  bad,  before  the  Frcn 
fired,  I  would  submit  to  be  considered  as  wrong.     Bull 
Government  of  the  Republic  did  not  choose  so  close  an  in* 
tigHtion,  when  I  should  have  been  present.     The  rei 
clear :  mv  Statement  could  not  have  been  contradicted  byj 
an  examination,  and  their  Officer  must  have  been  made  i 
able  for  bis  assisting  the  French  in  an  attack  on  his  Majcs^ 
Boats  and  Ships,  who  were  inflicting  proper  chastideiucnt 
the  Enemy  for  firing  on  the  English  flag,  then  under 
fancied  protection  of  the  battery  of  the  Lan thorn,  firojn  wi 
it  wivs  not  100  ynrds  distant. 

The  Moniuis  states  how  much  the  Republic  has  alu 
studied  to  deserve  the  gCKid  will  of  England.     I  deny  the  I 
of  ahcays.     Does  She  not  acknowledge  detaining  the  hullo 
purchased  out  of  the  Dominions  of  the  Republic  by  Britj 
Agents,  for  the  use  of  his  Majesty's  Fleet  ?     Is  not  this  ( 
frieniUy,  imd  very  nearly  a  hostile  act  ?     And  the  M 
states  the  ungrateful  return  which  the  English  Agents 
made  for  their  kindnesses.     This,  I  think,  Mr.  Secretary  co 
not  have  sent  him,  for  the  Vessels  of  Genoa  had  partic 
privileges,   bt»th  at   Leghorn  and  other  places  in  the  Ti 
States,  by  directions  from  Sir  John  Jcrvis,  and  for  whic 
bad  the  acknowledgment  of  his  Serenity  the  Doge  in  persoi**J 

I  resjx'ct  and  esteem  tlie  greatest  part  of  the  Get 
Nation,  and  am  ready  to  confess  that  I  have  been 
into  Genoa  and  Port  Especia  and  nowhere  else,  and 
been  allowed  freely,  till  the  first  week  in  September  b 
take  goods  for  my  money  ;  and  so  far  from  my  conduct 
oppressive  to  the  sea-faring  part  of  the  Nation,  which  ia 
could  have  to  do  with,  it  is  impossible  any  one  could  e\i 
be  received  with  more  attention  than  I  have  always  been  b^ 
the  seamen  of  Genoa.  They  knew  that  I  seized  all  VeaseJl 
going  to  France,  but  that  all  others  were  sure  of  my  good  wil  A 

The  Marquis  concludes  with  a  truth  which  is  clearly  t« 
me  the  cause  of  all  the  hostile  conduct  of  the  Govcmmeu 
of  Gcnoa-^/Wj/-  uj  the  French  ;  and  had  his  ExoeUency  oolj 


p.  38.]  LETTERS. 

mcotioned  this  fact  at  first,   ho    would  have   saved   himself 
mtMib  trouble,  as  well  as,  Sir, 

Your  most  obedient  Servant, 

Horatio  Nelson.' 


TO  MRS.  NELSON. 

TFroin  Clatk*  usd  M'Artliiir,  vol.  i.  p.  a,3<l.     Government  lia\'iiig  delormine^al 
••iiliJrnw  the  garriHon  from  Porto  Ferriyo,  Conunodore  Nelndn  wili  ordered  by  Sir, 
JoUn  JeniB,  ou  Uie   10th  of  December,  ITflli,  to  boiHt  Uis  DinUngui.-liiiiK  IVndaut  ! 
m  iMMrl  La  Slinerre  Frignlo,  to  tnke  the  Blnuclie  under  his  coiniaiuid,  aud  In  |iro 
fCsl  fttitn  Gibndtar  to  Porto  Femijo.     Upuu  lu»  nrriviU  there,  or   nicriijii;  with 
^Kflk,  be  wa#  tLio  to  lake  uiidt^r  liin  commAnd  Die  Hevpiiteeii  Sliiiw  or  Veisi6«>U 
*MI"  *.  «nd  "  to  cany  into  cxeculion  His  Mnjesty's  commands  relative  to  the  dispo- 
■fios  of  the  trooips  and  stores  lately  removed  lo  tlint  parrison  tiom  the  I  iJind  of 
Conicn,"  a  lr«n»eri|it  of  which  nns  enclosed  to  him.     The  British  Artillery  onii  the 
J'l  IIcKinient,  or  Royal  Scotch,  irere  to  be  disemhnrked  ot  Gibndtur;  and  all  the 
I  loops,  British  and  Foreign,  were  to  be  landed  at  Lisbon.     Sir  .lolin  .lerviH's 
unladed  in  the^e  word*  ; — "  Hating  experienced  the  most  iinportnnl  effects 
&'jiU)ouf  enterprine  and  aUliiy,  iiponvarionR  occasions (tiure  I  Imvc  lind  tlie  honour 
*>  cotnniand  in  the  Mediterranean,  I  leave  entirely  to  your  judgment  the  time  and 
''unnfr  «f  corrring  this  critical  and  arduous  service  into  execution." — OriyintU,  in 
^  Nel»rtn  Papers.] 

•About  the  lOlh  December,  1706.] 

I  am  going  on  a  most  important  Mission,  which,  with  God's 
^easing,  I  have  little  doubt  of  accomplishing:  it  is  not  a 

Commodore  Nclaon'g  explanatioai  proved  entirely  satisfactory  to  the  Government; 
^j*4  in  FobniwT,  1707,  be  had  the  gratification  of  receiving  a  copy  of  the  following 
V'V  from  Lord  Grenville,  Secretary  of  Slate  for  Foreign  Affoim,  to  the  Lords  of  Uie 
liy:— 

Downing  Street,  Snd  February.  1707. 

To  the  right  Honourable  the  Lords  Conuuisaioners  of  the  Admiralty. 

My  Lonls^I  have  bod  the  honour  of  Injdng  before  the  King  the  different  papen 

■tive  to  tlie  complaint  preferre<l  by  the  Alorquiii  de  Spiuulo,  in  llic  uoroe  of  the 

dutesa  Government,  against  Conunodore  NelAon.  together  with  the  two  letters  from 

Offloer  relating  tliereto,  which  were  tnuismiitod  to  tht»  Ufiice  by  Mr.  Nepeon 

awUi  ult.     Ri*   Majettty  had  not  thouglit  it  jiroper  that  I  rIiouW  enlur  into 

illAOuabion  or  eipUnationtt  with  tlie  Mariiiiis  J^^  Bpinola  in  question,  until  due 

%>>{iaraiiim  shall  have  ti«en  made  for  the  a<:ts  of  huntiiity  committed  by  the  Itepublio 

Vgftiuat  Uis  Majesty's  Ships,  and  against  the  property  of  hitt  MojestyV  Miibjeet«  ;  but 

w  this  rireunuiunco  deprivee  Commodore  NeUon  for  the  present  of  that  pnblio 

Uatitaouy  trt  favour  of  the  prnprieiy  of  hiit  eoudnrt,  which  muKt  result  from  such  a 

diaeusnion,  Irhenever  it  may  be  entered  ijuo,  I  esteem  it  nn  act  of  justirc  due  to  tliat 

OUtm,  coasidering  llic  nature  of  Uie  charge  brought  ogoiust  him,  In  iufonu  your 

ILorfahifa,  thai  his  .Mi^etUy  ho*  been  grneinuBly  pleaded  entirely  lu  approve  of  the 
tondact  o1  Commixlore  NeUuu  in  oil  bis  irnusociioiis  with  the  Uepiiblie  of  Genoa. 
1  1m««  the  honour  to  be,  my  lords,  you  lordshiiw'  most  obeiUcnt  hnmble  servant, 
Oiasviu.*. — Ciarkt  and  Sf'Arthtir. 


N 


m 


TO  ADMIRAL  SIR  JOHN  JEIIVIS,  K.B. 


figbliiig  Mission,  therefore  be  »ol  uneasy.  I  feel  boiiourcd 
ill  being  trustcil,  as  I  am,  by  Sir  John  Jcnis.  If  I  Iwe 
money  enough  in  Marsh  and  Creed's  hond^,  I  wish  you  wcmlil 
buy  a  Cottage  in  Norfolk.  I  shall  follow  the  ploiigl  wilb 
niucL  greater  eatisfactiou  than  viewing  all  the  maguificeut 

scenes  in  Italy. 

Yours,  &c. 

lioBATio  Nelbqn. 

I  f  From  llip  Lnndon  Gnzclic,  of  February  28,  1707.     Tlie  gallnnt  action  drucnteJ 

'  iu  IIm"  foUuwing  dispntoJi,  look  piftce  daiing  Commodore  Nelson's  imssugc  tno 
Oilii'iUiar  to  I'orto  Fori'njo ;  oiid  it  is  rtimnrkalile  Lbat  ncillir-r  in  JoJUrVs  •'  NmiI 
llislor)-,"  uor  in  any  one  of  Ibe  iiumeroiis  "  Memoirs  of  I^rd  Nelson,"  is  Uk  fH- 
risp  jiliicc  wbcro  tlic  ftctiou  occurred  mentioned,  each  writer  merely  Gnyiug  itwi** 
till'  |iiui.<«ng(;  to  I'orto  Ferriyo.  It  iij>|>ears,  bowcver,  from  L«  Miuene's  Lng,*  Ihil 
Kbp  mid  tbe  Biniiobe  sailed  fhim  GibnUtor  on  ilie  lOib,  tbot  on  ilit>  lOtb  al  Nova, 
L'njie  lie  Outte  bore  "  N.N.W.  five  or  six  leagues,"  and  Uial  nl  Noon,  on  tbe  liOlh, 
bbc  wtt»  '•  off  Cortbngcna."] 

HCiih  December,  1700. 

Sir, 
Last  night,  at  ten  oV-Iock,  I  saw  two  Spanish  Frigates,  and 
directed  Captain  Cockbum,  in  the  Minerve,   to  attack  the 


■  Tbe  following  extract  from  La  Mincr%'e's  Log  is  inserted,  because  it  seeni  U 
have  lieen  written  by  Commodore  Nelson  bimself,  and  becattm  it  contains  a  Adkr 
account  of  llic  Action  limn  tbc  Official  DispnieU  ; — 

"  TupitdAy  'JOili,  oif  Ciu-lhagena,  r.ii.  Fretili  gales  and  clondy  wentber.  Al 
ft.  f»i>oke  H.M.  Sbip  Bbuiclie,  and  ordered  ber  to  sioer  20  miles  N.E.  by  E.  Sbortenwl 
sail,  and  at  )  past  0,  brongbt  to  on  tbe  starboard  tnrk.  At  10,  the  DUnebe  made 
{signal  to  xiteak  us :  bore  dowu  to  ber.  Tbe  Captain  told  me  he  saw  two  Spaiiisli 
Frigates  to  leeward :  cleared  for  action  and  bore  down.  At  20  minutes  before  11, 
1  poiised  under  the  ateru  of  one  uf  Lbem,  which  1  bailed.  Knowing  it  to  be  n  Spaniard, 
and  not  being  answered,  I  commenced  action  with  her  by  firing  n  brcNidside  into  her 
Al  ]  1.  saw  the  Dlaiiche  engage  the  other.  At  ^  pa.*>t  11,  saw  tbo  mixen  niasi  of  the 
Sbip  I  was  piignged  with,  fall.  Wore  ship  occasionnlly,  to  prevent  her  getting  to 
leeward,  wbieli  I  saw  she  endeavoured  to  effect.  At  'JO  niiiinte<!  past  1,  slii"  bailed 
IH,  ami  Htnu'k  her  colours.  1  dent  the  Lieutenant  to  lake  poxHesJuou  of  lier.  H« 
••rat  the  SjHiuiib  Captain  on  Iranrd,  who  sttrrendered  him^ielf.  and  gave  np  his  sword 
told  me  his  name  wa-i  Don  .faoobo  Stuart,,  and  that  the  Frigntc  was  tbe  Santa  Sabina, 
mounting  ii)  guns,  20  IH-poiiodcrs  on  the  main  deck,  280  men.  Took  ber  iu  low, 
and  inmle  sail  to  tbe  S.F,.  Sent  the  Second  Li^atenAnt  and  'ii  men  on  bowd  her 
to  plear  her  deckfl,  &c.  The  people  on  boitrd  La  Minen-e  employed  repwring' 
daiuiigeM,  Sec.  At  ^  post  3,  saw  another  Frigate  ^landing  towards  n«,  wliich  ciuppaaed. 
lo  be  II.M.  Ship  Blanche  ;  J  past  4,  nIju  hailed  our  l'ri«e  in  Spaniab.  and  fired 
broadside  into  her  j  in  oonacqueuco  of  which  we  cast  off  the  Prise,  which  stood  lo 


• 


31» 

Ip  wliich  carried  a  poop  light:  the  Blanche  bore  tlown,  to 
xck  the  other.      I  have  not  yet  received  from   Cuptuin 
i  I  -ton*  an  account  of  his  Actiou;  but  as  I  saw  the  Blawche 
moruing  to  wiudward,  with  every  sail  set,  1  presume  she 
not  sutifered  much  damage. 
Captam   Coekbum   brought  his  Ship  to   close  action   at 
nty  minutes  before  eleven,  which  continued  without  inter- 
ion  until  half-past  one,  when  La  Sabina,  of  forty  guns, 
^enty-eight  eighteen  pounders  on  her  main-deck,  280  men, 
aptaiu  Don  Jacobo  Stuart,  having  lost  her  mizcn-mast  (as  she 
<iid  after  the  Action),  her  main  and  fore-masts,  164  men  killed 
^od  wounded,  struck  her  colours.     You  arc,  Sir,  so  thoroughly 
scquainted  with  the  merits  of  Captain  Coekbum,  that  it  is 
»icedless  for  me  to  express  thcra;  but  the  discipline  of  the 
^lincrve  does  the  highest  credit  to  her  Captain  and  Lieutenants, 
ami  I  wish  fully  to  declare  the  sense  I  entertain  of  their  judg- 
ment   and    gallantry.      Lieutenant    Culvcrliouse,'  the    First 
Lieutenant,  is  an  old  065cer  of  very  distinguished   merit, 
ientcnantfl  Hardy,'  Gage,*  and  Noble,*  deserve  every  praise 
k'hich  gallantry  and  zeal  justly  entitle  them  to,  as  do  every 
CT  officer  and  man  in  the  Ship.     You  will  observe,  Sir,  1 
sure,  with  regret,  amongst  the  wounded.  Lieutenant  James 


eutward.     Al  ^  past  4  coniineiiccd  aclion  with  tier.     At  '>  sbe  wore  Shiji  uid 

,  from  iiH.    8rtw  three  oilier  Ships  utom,  wbicli,  u  dnyligkl  clewfd  away,  proved 

I  two  Ljue- of- battle  SliipM  and  a  Prigatc,  which  the  8lup  we  httd  liml  engnged 

Aud  Otej  all  made  Muil  in  chaov  of  tin.     Light  tiiin  nnd  baffling  woather : 

ie  all  "ail  posathle;  our  Prize  in  «ight,  bcnrin^;  »iK)iil  K.N.E.,  Blanob«  Iwtiriilg 

At  7,  do.  weather :  the  people  employed  repairing  damages,  n<thing  lower 

which   irerc   bodl;  wonuded.      Snbina  hoiiitcd   Enj^linh    ciduiira   over   the 

liih,  and   stood  to  the  N.F,.,  whicli  induced  the  liirgexl   Liiie-of  bottle  Ship  to 

lip  the  pursuit  of  as  and  follow  her.     At  ^  pii»i  II,  hhe  lironght  the  Sontn 

abina  to,  when  her  mizen  nuals  went  over  the  side,  and  filio  woh  rctuJi.eii.     The 

iter  Lja«  of  Datilu  Ship  and  two  Frigal«<H  conUiiiied  in  cLitne  of  nn.     8iiw  n  Meet 

raring  K.,  supposed  them  to  l>e  the  8pauinli  tlcet,     Mode  signid  fin-  the  Bimirhe 

u«,  which  aht  did  not  aiuwrr.    In  the  firel  action,  had  7  ^ciuiien  and  marines 

I  and  !H  woauded:  second  nctiou,  10  wounded.     At  noon,  freHh  brrrsn*  mid 

eatber:  one  Line  of  Battle  Ship  and  tno  Spanish  Frigates  in  chase  of  ua." 

Cciitain,  DOW  Admiral  D'Arej  Premton. 

Tide,  aui*. 

*  The  late  Vice- Admiral  Sir  Thoniwi  lUnly.  G.C.B. 

Now  Viee-Admiml  Sir  Williiun   Hall  Gngv,  G.C.II.,  one  of  the  Lords  of  the 
nirottir. 

*  Now  Rw-Admind  James  Nobl«. 


S14 


LETTER& 


H7W 


Noble,  who  quitted  the  Captain  to  serve  with  me,  and  wheal 
merits  and  repeated  wounds  received  in  fighting  the  Enemiei 
of  our  Country,  entitle  him  to  every  reward  which  a  grate& 
Nation  can  bestow.  The  Minerve's  oppyonent  being  cmd 
manded  by  a  gallant  Officer,  was  well  defended,  which  hju 
caused  her  list  of  killed  and  wounded  to  be  great*  as 
masts,  sails,  and  rigging  to  be  much  damaged. 
1  have  the  honour  to  be.  Sir, 

With  the  greatest  respect. 

Your  most  obedient  servant* 
Horatio  Nb^ 
KiUed,  7. 
Wounded,  34. 

Missing,  4,  supposed  to  be  in  the  Prize. 
Officers  Wouuded:  Lieutenant  J.  Noble,  Mr,  Meriyw 
boatswain. 

Petty  Officers  KiUed  and  Wounded : 
One  Midshipman  killed. 
Wounded,  Captain's  Clerk;  and  the  Serjeant  of  the  Utli 
Regiment,  serving  as  Marines. 

Damages :  All  her  masts  shot  through,  and  furniture  much 
cut. 

Horatio  N£L8on. 


TO  ADMIRAL  SIR  JOHN  JERVIS,  K.B. 

[From  tlie  London  Gazette  of  Febnury  20, 1707,  mud  origiiul  dnngfatiol 
Melaon  Pnpen.] 

DflOMnber  SOtb,  1711^.  _ 

^''^  al 

In  addition  to  my  letter  of  this  morning,  I  have  to  aquj^H 
you  that  Lieutenant  Culverhoiise  and  Hardy,  with  a  proper 
number  of  men,  being  put  in  charge  of  La  8abina,  and  she 
taken  in  tow,  at  four  A.M.  a  Frigate  was  seen  coming  up,  which 
by  her  signals  was  known  to  be  Spanish.  At  half-past  four,  she 
came  into  action  with  the  Minerve,  who  cast  off  the  Prize ; 
and  Lieutenant  Culverhouse  was  directed  to  stand  to  the 
southwanL  After  a  trial  of  strength  of  more  than  halfan 
hour,  she  wore  and  hauled  off,  or  I  am  confident  she  would 
have  shared  the  fate  of  her  companion :  at  this  time  three 
other  Ships  were  seen  standing  for  the  Minerve.     Hope  wa» 


r.  38.] 


LETTERa 


316 


ive  that  ihcj  were  only  Frigates,  and  also  that  the  Blanche  vraa^ 
of  them  ;  but  when  the  day  dawned,  it  was  mortifying  to 
there  were  two  Spanish  Ships  of  the  Line  and  two  Fri- 
and  the  Blanche  far  to  windward. 
In  this  situation,  the  Enemy  frequently  within  shot  byj 
bringing  up  the  breeze^  it  required  all  the  skill  of  Captain 
^ockbum,  which  he  eminently  displayed,  to  get  off  with  a 
ippkd  Ship:  and  here  I  must  also  do  justice  to  Lieutenants 
^olverhousc  and  Hardy,  and  express  my  tribute  of  praise  at 
sir  management  of  the  Prize ;  a  Frigate  repeatedly  firing 
ilo  her  without  effect ;  and  at  last  the  Spanish  Admiral 
joitled  the  pursuit  of  the  Mincrve  for  that  of  La  Sabina, 
^  was  steering  a  different  course  evidently  with  the  inten- 
'  attracting  the  notice  of  the  Admiral,  as  EngUsh  colours 
hoisted  over  the  Spanish.  The  Sabiua's  main  and  forc- 
I  mast  fell  overboard  before  she  surrendered.  This  is.  Sir,  an 
unpleasant  tale,  but  the  merits  of  every  officer  and  man  in  the 
.  Mlnerve  and  her  Prize,  were  eminently  conspicuous  through 
I  ^  whole  of  this  arduous  day.  The  Enemy  quitted  the  pur- 
I  wit  of  the  Minerve  at  dark. 

1  have  the  honour  to  be,  Sir, 

Your  obedient  servant, 

Horatio  Nelson. 
P.S.— Killed,  none. 
Wounded,  ten. 

Officer  wounded — Mr,  Hinton,  Gunner. 
Mahtmast  much  damaged,  sails  and  rigging  cut. 


10  ma  EXCELLENCY  DON  MIGUEL  GA8T0X,  CAPTAIN  GENERAL 
OF  THE  DEPARTMENT  OF  CARTHACENA. 

[From  Ilttirison's  "  Lift  of  Lord  Nelson,"  vol.  i.  p.  UO.] 

IIU  Brilauiiic  Miyt.*iity\  Ship  Uio  Minerve  M  Sei, 

l^ecenilier  'U,  1790. 

The  fortime  of  war  put  La  Sabina  into  my  possession  ailer 
be  had  been  most  gallantly  defended :  the  licklc  Dame  re- 
irucd  her  to  you  with  some  of  my  officers  and  men  in  her. 

I  have  endeavoured  to  make  tbe  captivity  of  Don  Jacobo 
Stuart,  her  brave  Commander,  as  light  as  possible ;  and  I 


316 


LETTEftS. 


truBt  to  tlie  generosity  of  your  Nation  for  its  beiog  rccipr 
for  the  British  Officers  and  men. 

I  consent,  Sir,  that  Don  Jacobo  may  be  exchaugfcd,  and  i 
full  Uberty  to  serve  his  King,  when  Liculenants  Culvcrhoiu 
and  Hardy  arc  dcUvered  into  the  garrison  of  GibraUar,  will 
puch  others  as  may  be  agreed  on  by  the  Cartel  established 
between  Gibraltai*  and  St.  Koche  for  the  exchange  uf  pri^ 
Boners. 

I  have  also  a  domestic  taken  in  La  Sabina ;  his  name  vl 
Israel  Coulson.  Your  Excellency  will,  I  am  sure,  order  him 
to  be  immediately  restored  to  me,  for  which  I  shall  consid 
myself  as  obliged  to  you. 

I  abo  trust  that  those  men  now  Prisoners  of  War  with  jaaA 
will  be  sent  to  Gibraltar.     It  becomes  great  Nations  to  act 
with  generosity  to  each  other,  and  to  soften  the  honvra  uf 
war. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be,  with  the  most  perfect  esteem, 
your  most  obedient  servant, 

IIoRATio  Nelson. 


Sir, 


TO  ADMIRAL  DON  JUAN  MAHmO. 
[From  Il«nii90u'«  "  Life  uf  Lord  NcIbod,"  vol.  i.  p.  150.] 

[Appureiilly  nbont  December  2-4IU,  1796.] 


I  cannot  allow  Don  Jacobo  to  return  to  you  without  ex- 
pressing my  admiration  of  his  gallant  conduct.  To  you,  who 
have  seen  the  state  of  his  Ship,  it  is  needless  to  mention  the 
impossibility  of  her  longer  defence,  I  have  lost  many  brave 
men  ;  but  in  our  masts  I  was  most  fortunate,  or  probably  I 
should  have  had  the  honour  of  your  acquaintance.  But  it 
pleased  God  to  order  it  otherwise,  for  which  I  am  thaukfuL 
I  have  endeavoured  to  make  Don  Jacobo's  captivity  as  easy 
possible,  and  I  rely  on  your  generosity  for  reciprocal  trcalmei 
towards  my  brave  officers  and  men,  your  prisoners. 

I  am,  &c, 

Horatio  Nbi^son. 


LETTERS. 


317 


TO  ADMIRAL  SIR  JOHN  JERV18,  K.B 

[From  ClATke  im<l  M'Artbur,  toI.  i.  p.  330.] 

24Hi  December,  1700. 
You  will,  I  anj  sure,  forgive  me  for  iDteresting  myself  for 
[«r  friend  Cockbum ;  he  is  now  near  ninety  short  of  com- 
plement, although  I  have  some  hopes  that  those  taken  in  the 
'fire  may  be  returned  to  Gibraltar;  they  are  all  good  men. 
Gunner  of  the  Peterel  is  amongst  the  missing;  we  hope 
is  on  board  tlie  Prize :  good  men  were  wanting,  and  pro- 
haii\y  he  pushed  himself  forward.  My  Coxswain,  an  in- 
raluable  man,  is  also  a  prisoner.  If  you  can,  pray,  Sir,  procure 
>mc  gtjod  men  for  Cockbum ;  he  deserves  every  favour  you 
are  pleased  to  bestow  on  him.  I  take  it  for  granted  the 
admiralty  will  promote  Lieutenant  Culverhouse,  and  I  hope 
'utcnant  Noble  will  also  be  promoted.  I  find  that  both  a 
kisli  Squadron  of  seven  Sail  of  the  line,  and  a  French 
)n  of  five,  are  out,  but  where  I  cannot  learn.  The 
rrcnch  1  have  on  board  speak  much  of  the  misery  in  France ; 
lev  do  not,  however,  think  the  Directory  will  make  peace : 
Members  and  the  Generals  eat,  and  take  everything, 

I  am,  &c. 

Horatio  Nelson. 


TO  ADMIRAL  SIR  JOHN  JERVIS,  K.R. 

[From  a  Copy  in  tLo  Admimltj.  j 
c:_  December  34Uj,  1700. 

Yesterday  tlie  Mincnra  took,  off  the  south  end  of  Sardinia, 
A  French  Privateer,  culled  the   Maria,  of  six  uiue-pouiulers 
id  sixty-eight  men,  three  dji^'.s  from  Mai*seilles,  on  u  cruise^ 
Ecn  nothing. 

I  am>  Sir,  &c. 

Horatio  Newon. 


TO  THE  RIGHT  HON.  SIR  GILBERT  ELLIOT,  BART. 
[Antogra|ili,  in  Die  Miato  !'«]>«».] 
La  Muierv«,  Eut  aide  of  Sardinift.  Drc«nil>er  'i-lUi,  17IK. 

My  dear  Sir, 

1  begin  my  leltcr  by  telling  you  that  your  box  of  papers » 
found,  and  now  on  board  this  Ship  under  my  care.  This  1 
rejoice  at.  It  was  on  board  the  Diadem.  The  Fleet  arrived 
safe  at  Gibraltar,  December  Ist,  since  which  it  has  blown  very 
hard  easterly.  Tea  or  twelve  sail  of  Merchant  ships  are  lost, 
three  Sail  of  the  Line  drove  out  of  Gibraltar  Bay,  and  reports 
say  that  the  Courageux  is  lost,  and  every  man  except  five 
(and  Captain  Ilolloweil,  who  was  attending  a  Court-martial,) 
perished  ;*  but  I  hope  and  believe  that,  although  she  might 
have  struck,  which  caused  tlic  boat  to  break  from  her  stcro, 
yet  as  a  ship  was  seen  passing  the  gut  without  a  maio  mast, 
I  think  it  is  her.  The  Gibraltar  struck,  carried  away  her 
fore-top  mast,  but  went  off  the  Pearl  rock,  and  is  saHe. 
The  Zealous  struck  ou  the  Barbary  shore,  but  is  arrived  i\ 
Gibraltar. 

On  the  14th,  at  night,  I  left  the  Admiral.  On  the  19th, 
at  night,  took  a  Spanish  frigate  of  40  guns,  18-pounders, 
larger  than  Minerve.  On  the  20th,  in  the  morning,  fought 
another  as  large,  beat  her,  and  she  run  from  us :  but  there 
is  no  certainty  in  this  world:  two  Sail  of  the  Line  and 
two  Frigates  surrounded  us,  took  our  Prize  from  us,  and  we 
very  narrowly  escai)ed  visiting  a  Spanish  prison.  Two  Lieu- 
tenants and  a  number  of  our  men  are  taken,  and  we  have  lost 
near  fifty  killed  and  wounded;  but  'tis  well  it's  no  more. 
Yesterday  we  took  a  French  privateer,  three  days  from  Mar- 
seilles. Lady  Elliot  sailed  October  23rd,  from  Gibraltar,  in 
good  health  and  spirits.  I  shall  finish  at  Porto  Ferrajo.  I 
have  reser\'ed  a  place  for  you  on  board  the  Minerve ;  1  long 
to  see  you,  for  your  advice  is  a  treasure,  which  I  shall  ever 
most  highly  prize.  Only  tell  me  when  and  where  to  send  a 
Ship,  and  she  shall  attend  you.  The  Admiral  has  told  you 
the  object  of  my  mission,  therefore  I  shall  not  repeat  it, 

»  TLo  report  was  nufurttmiitely  Irue.  Tbe  Conrngciix  was  vmckeil  <m  the  rpcks 
hi  ihii  fiMti  or  ApcH  IliU,  on  (ho  Const  of  Burbary :  but  lh«  loua  wm  not  m>  btn\y  u 
w*»  rrportcd,  though  upwards  of  i60  of  her  meu  pciiahed. 


LETTERS. 


319 


December  27lh.  I  arrived  at  Porto  Foirajo  yesterday,  and  as 
FremantJe  tells  me  you  will  certainly  be  at  Naples  by  the  1st 
ranaary,  I  send  him  for  yon.  I  shall  see  the  General*  this 
ioming>  and  will  add  a  postscript  of  how  he  feels.  I  have 
>te  Sir  W.  JL/  as  1  have  to  Mr.  Drake,  and  Mr.  Trevor,  to 
for  a  public  letter  of  my  conduct,  as  has  come  under  their 
lowledge.  To  Sir  William  I  made  use  of  your  name,  and  I 
it,  that  when  you  come  here,  I  shall  not  want  for  your  tes- 
timony. I  feel  a  fair  right  to  state  my  services,  such  as  they 
J,  at  the  end  of  the  war,  to  our  Sovereign,  who,  I  believe,  is 
lot  slow  to  reward  arduous  endeavours  to  serve  him. 
Believe  me  ever,  dear  Sir, 

Your  affectionate 

lioBATio  Nelson. 


TO 

[Fttgment.    From  •  Copy,  in  Ibe  Nelson  Pspera.    Perluqis  to  Mr.  W]rDdhiai.j 

[AppnreDUy  about  December,  179(1.] 

r»  •  V  .  from  us,  but  there  is  no  certainty  in    this  world. 

Wo  Sail  of  the  Line  and  two  Frigates  surrounded  us,  took 

lOur  prize  from  us,  and  we  very  narrowly  escaped  visiting  a 

Ipanish  prison.     Two  Lieutenants,  and  a  number  of  our  men 

taken,  and  we  have  lost  near  fifty  in  killed  and  wounded, 

ut  it  is  well  it's  no  worse.     Yesterday*  we  took  a  Privateer, 

three  days  from  Marseilles. 

I  have  wrote  Sir  VVilliam  Hamilton,  to  Mr.  Drake,"  and  Mr. 


*  LienL-Geiieml  de  Durgli. 

*  Sir  WiUiHOi  HruniJtuu,  at  Naples. 

•  On  ibn  2.')nl  of  December,  171X1,  La  Mlnervo,  off  SardmiA,  cnpttirod  Uio  French 
riroteer  Maritt.     Vide  p.  :J17, 

•  Mr.  t)rake  wrote  to  Cointiiodore  NcIhou,  in  reply  to  ihii*  request,  on  iLe  'iMi  at 
iiuiiiiry,  17U7: — "As  our  Public  oonespoudeuce  will  in  nil  proLiiliility  linisli  here,  I 

not   refhua  from  expressing  to  you  tlie  very  high  opinion  culcrtaiued  by  uur 

:e«  ut  your  oonspienons  merit ;  nud  indeed  it  i»  iinponKibK?  fur  luiy  one  who  hws 

liod  the  bntioar  of  oo-o|>erttiing  with  you,   nut  lo  admire  the  jicLis  il_\ ,  talent*,  and 

witirh  yon  hare  m>  eminently  dii*playrd  ou  all  occn^ioti^,  diiring  tJie  ouiiri«r  of  a 

iig  and  arihions  ften-ice.     Tliesc  sentiments   I  liavu  freqoeully  hud  oi-ciLsion   to 

In  bis  M^jesty'H  IMiuiNlvn,  a.s  the  reid  one.H  of  nil  tbotie  who  have  had  on  op 

lity  of  eiiimating  ihc  rulue  of  your  service*,  of  which  I  lajpself  OIU  ncTcf  fltil 

bear  llie  most  honouralde  tcalimony."— C//ir*c  nnrl  M' Arthur. 


320 


LETTERS. 


[179«. 


Trevor,  to  ask  for  a  Public  letter  of  my  conduct,  as  has  come 
under  their  knowledjjre.  To  Sir  William  I  made  sure  of,  fixrai 
home,  and  1  trust  when  you  come  hero,  I  shall  not  want  for 
your  testimony.  I  feel  a  fair  right  to  state  my  services,  such 
as  they  arc,  at  the  end  of  the  War,  to  ovir  Sovereign,  who,  I 
believe,  is  not  slow  to  reward  arduous  endeavours  to  sent 
hira.     Believe  me,  &c.  Horatio  Nei^w. 


TO  THE  RIGHT  HON.  SIR  GILBERT  ELLIOT. 

[AutAgrnpli,  in  Uie  Minlo  Papers.] 

L«  Hinerve,  December  2701, 1790. 
My  dear  Sir, 
I  have  been  with  the  General,  and  communicated  my  orders, 
which  probably  you  are  acquainted  with.     I  dare  not  writ<! 
fully,  as  it  is  not  impossible  but  the  letters  may  be  stopped  on 
the  road.     The  General  seems  uncertain  how  to  act,  but  at 
Naples  has  made  her  peace,  the  Admiral  thinks  we  hftve 
almost  done  with  Italy.     I  have  not  mentioned  my  orders  yet 
to  Sir  William  Hamilton,  therefore  I  am  sure  you  will  not,  for 
Mrhatever  we  may  do  cannot  be  too  secret    I  long  to  talk  ^ih 
you.     Frcmantle  sails  on  Thursday  morning :  he  shall  8t«y 
forty-eight  hours  at  Naples  ;  this  is  the  full  stretch  I  can  allow 
him,  and  I  trust  you  will  find  it  sufficient ;  if  not,  I  will  send 
something  ebc  for  you,  but  I  feel  I  have  nothing  so  pleasant. 
Ever  believe  me. 

Your  most  affectionate, 

Horatio  Nelson. 

Sir  Cabert  Elliot,  Bart. 

The  Spanish  and  French  fleet  are  certainly  gone  down  the 
Mediterranean.'  I  saw,  I  am  now  8urc>  more  than  twelve 
of  the  Line. 

'  About  tlio  lat  of  Deccmlicr,  Uie  Spnniuk  Fleet,  occoinpuiiotl  by  &\e  FmA 
Sttil  of  ibe  Line,  under  Iteiu-  Admirid  Villeuenve,  quitted  Toulou.  and  »  tnm  djjt 
ftftor  tbe  S|i«ijiimls  enu-reil  CarUisgenm  while  the  Fi-eneli  Si|niulron,  ovriug  to  tJi» 
g«]e  (if  wiuJ  wliicli  proved  so  fatal  to  ilie  Couragcus,  evcnped  iLiougb  lUe  Out  of 
GibraJtnr,  and  reacbed  Bretit  in  safeljr, 


38.] 


LETTERS. 


TO  ADMIRAL  SIR  JOHN  JERVIS,  K.B. 
[Tnm  a  Copy  ia  the  AdmiT«ltj-.] 

Decenilwr  yiMli,  I7flrt. 

Sir, 

have  fitted  tlie  Fortuna  as  a  Flag  of  Trace,  given  the 

imand  of  her  to  Lieutenant  Jolm  Gourlj,  and  hope  she 

sail  to-morrow   for   Carthagenn,   with  all   the    Spanish 

jners  now  here,  which  I  ho|XB  you  will  approve  of.     I  send 

jpy  of  my  letter  to  the  Captain-General  of  Carthagena. 

1  am,  Sir, 

Your  most  obedient  Servant, 

liouATio  Nblson. 


TO  THE  CAPTAIN-GENERAL  OF  CATITTIACENA. 

Ills  Briianaic  M^jeslyV  fjhip  L»  Minene,  I'oit  Femyu, 
'20tb  December,  17U0. 

Sir, 

send  to  your  Excellency  a  Flag  of  Truce,  which  carries 
,y  every  Spanish  prisoner  from  this  place,  and  I  request 
thai  your  Excellency  will  direct  the  English  prisoners  with 
^ou  to  be  immediately  put  on  hoard  the  Flag  of  Truce.  1 
shall  not  urge  the  humanity  attending  the  frequent  exchange 

Ertunate  i>eoplc.     It  will  appear,  I  am  siu'e,  in  the  same 
►  you,  as  it  docs  to  your  Excellency's 
Most  obedient  Sen'ant, 
IIoRATio  Nelson. 
oir, 

Herewith  I  send  you  Captain  Preston's  letter  to  mc,  of  his 
Action   on  the  19th  December,  at  night;'  and  I  have  the 


TO  ADMIRAL  SIR  JOHN  JERVIS,  K.B. 
IFrom  the  London  timeUe,  of  the  "iHib  Febmnry,  1707.] 

La  Miueno,  Port  FeJTj\|o,  iJOlb  December,  l^ilO. 


honour  to  be,  8tc, 


lIonATio  Nelson. 


iCaiM'UJi  O'Arey  Preston's  Letter  ia  a  necesury  iUustruiun  uf  ilio  Action  wiUi 
B|HUunb  FrigiUfS. — 
„.  Blaucbe.  t  Sea.  Lic<:<;iiiber  'HHh,  I  TOO. 

bare  to  aci]uniiit  you,  llmi  last  ttiglil,  nflpf  Uiiving  bnilMl  ibit  Minervf,  imiu*- 
dy  M  her  bkulin).' ber  wiixl  «cru3»  me  to  ntliick  llie  lurgcr  kbip  would  {icnna 
TOU  n.  Y 


322 


LETTERS. 


TO  LIEUTENANT-GENERAL  DE  fiUROIl. 


[17W. 


[From  a  Copy  iu  tlie  Adiuinlly.] 

Dfcember  ^»ih,  VM, 
Dear  Sir, 

1  received  your  private  and  public  letters  at  the  Coart 
Martial  this  day,  and  feel  very  much  your  very  handsome 
manner  in  communicating  with  me. 

I  fear  I  shall  scarcely  have  time  to-morrow  to  answer,  n 
fully  as  I  wish,  your  public  letter,  but  my  answer  will  be  lull 
to  the  point-,  that  my  instructions,  written  and  verbal,  arc 
clear,  that  this  place  is  not  to  be  kept  on  the  consideration  of 
its  being  any  longer  useful  to  his  Majesty's  Fleet,  thai  the 
Fleet  has  no  longer  any  inducement  to  come  on  the  Coast  of 
Italy. 

I  shall  withdraw  nearly  all  the  supplies  from  this  place 
whether  the  troops  quit  it  or  not,  and  reduce  the  Naval  force 
here  as  much  as  possible.  The  object  of  our  Fleet  in  future 
is  the  defence  of  Portugal,  and  keeping  in  the  Mediterrunean 
the  Combined  Fleets.  To  these  poiots  my  orders  go,  and  1 
have  no  power  of  deviating  from  them.  I  intend,  after  to- 
morrow, sending  the  Transfer  to  Gibraltar,  1  must  take  for 
granted  that  Sir  John  Jervis  will  take  care  to  cover  the  Con- 
voy down  in  such  a  way  as  he  shall  judge  fit.     Ilowtver, 

Uie  Blanche  to  wear,  1  bore  u]),  and  iu  Uiree  or  four  miniiU'»  niter  tbo  MiatiWi 
Hmt  brnmlKide,  hruiiglil,  llic  frigivlf>  to  [..eewAnl  tn  close  fu-Uou,  the  two  sliips  Jut 
clear  of  eocli  otlier:  (lie  enemy  modi;  Ixii  a  trining  rrsiHianee,  and  eight  or  niiw 
hrmulxiileH  compleU'ly  Biieuced  her,  when  tLcy  called  for  quarter,  nnd  their  oolotua 
were  hauled  donn.  T  am  snrry  to  oild,  that  tlie  ver}-  near  appruocli  of  UirM  tltA 
ships  (two  of  wlioh  wer*-  discovered  nearly  witliiii  gnn-shot  beforr  we  went  biW 
oetioiO  rendered  my  tnXinf;  possesiion  of  her  imitrocticahle ;  when  I  wore  to  join 
the  Miner^'e,  hut  llniling  the  ships  did  not  tJieu  close  with  llie  frigate  T  had  Ivft 
much  diuDAged  in  her  sftil»  and  rigging,  I  ognin  irtood  after  her,  hiit  »ho  hod  bj 
this  lime  got  her  forc-snil,  fore-top  anil,  fore-top-fftillanl  sail  set,  and  not  only  ont 
suilifd  the  filiinchc  bufore  the  wind,  but  was  joined  by  another  hhip  vtauding  ftxnii 
the  land.  Nmliiug  could  excec<l  the  Btcadiness  and  good  condurt  of  th«'  inl 
liei>l»'niinl,  Mr.  C'nwiui,  the  whide  of  the  ofticern  mid  ship's  company  1  have  th* 
honour  to  eommiuid;  nod  I  ha>e  great  pleasure  in  informing  yon  not  one  penoo 
Wiw  hurt,  or  tlie  rigging  the  least  dnmagi'd. 

1  hiive  the  honour  to  bc^  Sar.  &e,, 

I)'AncY  PaKkToii' 
P'S. — I  beg  leare  tu  aJri  how  much  obliged  I  am  to  Captain  Moitliuid,  who  i*  oa 
bouil,  H  pw^srngrr,  to  join  his  ship,  for  hi«  »ery  gKOt  »s<)istjiuue  on  the  i\nmtn- 
d«ck  during  ihts  action.     P.  [\— London  Gazelle,  of  ittih  February,  1707. 


r.  38,] 


LETTERS. 


S2a, 


Dme  orders  must  turn  up  before  I  cnn  probably  collect  my 
ips,  I  shall  endeavour  to  call  on  you  in  the  forenoon, 
tlieve  me,  dear  Sir, 

Your  much  obliged, 

Horatio  Nelson. 


Sir, 


TO  LIEUTENANT-GENEIiAL  DE  BURGH. 
[From  Clarke  aud  M' Arthur,  rol.  i.  p.  ;U1.] 

Lo  Min«n"e,  30tU  Decembpr,  ITOfl. 


I  am  honoured  with  your  letter  of  the  28tb,  and  have  most 
riausly  attended  to  every  part  of  the  very  wise  reasoning  con- 

juned  in  it:  the  difficulty  of  your  deciding  on  the  contrary 
lere  of  Government,  and  of  guessing  what  may  be  their  iu- 
itioas  at  present,  I  clearly  perceive.*     But  my  instruction! 
tm  Adn^iral  Sir  John  Jervis,  both  written  and  verbal,  are  so' 
i»ar,  that  it  is  impossible  for  me  to  mistake  a  tittle  of  them, 
the  sentiments  of  my  Conmiander-in-Cliiof;   and   1  am 
jrefore  ready  to  meet  the  responsibility.     I  am  jwsitively 
icrcd  to  execute  the  King's  instructions  for  carrying  the 
jops  to  the  places  destined  for  them.     1  am  advised  that  the 
ritish  Fleet  will  never  come  to  Porto  FeiTajo,  and  that  all 
Naval  establishments  here  are  to  be  immediately  with- 
iwr>,  which  I  shall  do  as  expeditiously  as  possible. 
The  King  of  Naples  having  made  a  Peace,  the  Admiral 

>ttstderB  his  business  with  the  Courts  of  Italy  as  terminated; 
"and  that  the  point  he  is  now  instructed  to  attend  to  is  the 

rotection  of  Portugal;  therefore  the  utility  of  Porto  Perrajo, 
fiu*  us  relates  to  a  safe  place  for  our  Fleet,  is  at  an  cud ; 
jat  its  further  political  consequence  may  be,  does  not  come 

rithlu  tisc  sphere   of  ray  supposed  knowledge;  nor  of  what 
ay  happen  both  in  Portugal  and  Gibraltar  from  the  want  of 
Army.     I  have  sent  to  collect  my  Squadron,  and  as  soon 

[  ♦  C<'U»'rul  tl<«  rtiirgli  di<l  n<il   lliiiik  lihiiHt-lf  iintliori;rtMl  lo  jbitjidoii  Pnrlu  Ferri^o 
U«  hml  rtet\\tfA  pjn'citir  iu.il rnotioux  lo  iliiit  pfren  ;  nitil  in  (lio  L*>lter  to  Com- 
NcIm))!,  lo  wliicli  tlio  nbovc  wt»-<  tlir  ccph .  lie  siiid  ; — '*  I  will  lU   thf  «tinns 
t)M  tltal  my  only  tnulivv  fljr  iirpug  liKlny,  nrifv*  (Voni  a  wUb  to  Imve  my 
iliiiirx  in  kouic  meobun;  <iiucUonrd  hy  oi-drrt  vtr  ongbi  lo  expect.  <uh\  I>s  im 
from  iLU  iilca  llinl  itr  iii^Hisl  tlic  service  by  utiiyitii;  bi>rc'  for  1  Lnve  nJwin* 
oinriion,  th»i  i!ir>  signing  of  ii  Nrnpiilitun  prtu'c  mth  Fnwcci  <»nglit  In  lie 
lal  far  ilcpiutii«>."— C'/n/ir  and  MKlrihur,  \a\,  i,  p.  lUI. 
Y  2 


as  they  an-ivc,  unless  I  sliouIJ  receive  other  orders,  I  ahal! 
myself  for  embarking  the  troops,  stores,  &c. ;  aiid  sliouJu  ^,„.. 
decline  quitting  this  Post,  I  shall  proceed  down  the  Mediter- 
ranean with  such  Ships  of  war  as  are  not  absolutely  w: 
for  keeping  open  the  communication  with  the   Coutu- .  ' 
supposing  the  Eaem}'  to  have  no  more  Naval  force  iu  th 
neighbourhood  than  at  present. 

I  am,  &c, 

HoBATio  Nelson, 


MEMORAND.^. 

[TItf  fiilluwiug  Memoroiultt,  in  Nelson's  owu  liiwil,  occitr  in  ilie  KvUoii  T'<>i 
'I'lieT  arf  withciiit  u  dnt«,  and  it  in  impossible  U>  ascertiiin  tn  irhitt  |iiv<' 
llirv  1>p|onR.  Th«y  «rore,  however,  wriuiiti  ItclbrB  die  loss  of  his  iinu  in  JuJ>  1 
nnd  ]iroliiil>l.v  while  in  tlie  C'n]>uun,  iu  April  or  Maj  of  UiiU  ^car.  The  A»X«  i* 
inporlniit ;  bnl  hm  >  specimen  of  llie  aUeution  wliifli  he  piud  to  lirtaih,  »iul  of 
lialiil  of  arrftiigciaeut  oiid  of  conuuiiting  evcri'tUiug  to  iiii(Mfr,  Uifjr  tm  dricrdn| 
insenioii.] 

Surgeon. 
Healthy,  fourteen ;  in  the  Sick  List,  three  men,  objects 
invaliding. — Necessaries  to  the  19lli  June,  only. 

Purser. 
Provisions  for  nine  weeks  full,  of  all  species,  except 
of  that  only  thirty-nine  days. 

Master. 
C)ne  hundred  and  thirteen  tons  of  water,  beef  very  i* 
pork  sometimes  shrinks  in  the  boiling,  the  rest  of  the  provisi<~»>^ 
very  gooil.  In  cutting  up  provisions.  Master's  Male,  Bo^^*; 
swain's  Mate,  Captain  [of  the]  Forecastle,  Ctiplain  [of  il'*^. 
Tops,  and  Quarter-masters.  Pretty  well  supplied  with  siot''*^^ 
rigging  and  sails  in  good  order ;  two  pair  of  main-shrouds  d* 
in  the  eyes. 

Gunner. 
Eighteen  rounds  of  powder  filled ;  plenty  of  wads, 
rountls. 

Carpenter. 
Hull  in  good  state.     Knee  of  the  head  supported  by  t 
cheeks.     Masts  and  yards  in  gootl  state.     Pretty  well  stor« 
Captain  and  FtnsT  Lieutenant. 
Watchts,  three.     In  five  divisions:  well  dothed. 

Marines. 
Sixiy-six. — Lent  sixteen. 


A.  38. 


LETTERS. 


325 


TO  THE  KKVEREND  EDMUND  NELSON. 
[From  Clnike  and  M'^lrtLur,  vol.  i.  p.  HiH.] 

La  Miuenc,  Isi  Jaiium}',  171)7. 

My  dear  Father, 
)n  this  ilay  I  atu  certain  you  will  send  mc  u  letter ;  niaj 
Uiatiy,  very  many  happy  returns  of  it  attend  you.  My  hite 
Action  will  be  in  the  Gazette,  and  I  may  venture  to  say  it 
■  "W^  what  I  know  the  English  like.  My  late  prisoner,*  a  dc- 
scemlant  firom  the  Duke  of  Berwick,  son  of  James  II.,  v/ixs  iny 
\m\e  opponent ;  for  which  I  have  returned  him  his  sword, 
and  sent  him  in  a  Flag  of  truce  to  Spain.  I  felt  it  con- 
sonant to  the  dignity  of  my  Country,  and  I  always  act  as  I 
feci  right,  without  regard  to  custom :  he  was  reputed  the  best 
Officer  in  Spain,  and  his  men  were  worthy  of  such  a  Com- 
inauder;  he  was  the  only  surviving  Officer.  It  has  ever 
pleaseil  Almighty  God  to  give  his  blessing  to  my  endeavours. 
[  "ith  best  love  to  my  dear  wife,  believe  rac  your  most  dutiful 
>n. 

Horatio  Nelson, 


TO  MRS.  NKLSOX. 
[From  Clttrltr  (uid  M'.^rllinr.  vol.  i.  p.  H-L'i.j 

Porto  Fi-rr;yn,  .Tnuuary  L'lHi,  L7H7. 

expect  Sir  Gilbert  Elliot  here  every  hour,  he  goes  down 
b  Gibraltar  with  mc  ;  he  is  a  good  man,  and  I  love  him.  As 
peace,  I  do  not  expect  it.  Lord  Malraesbury*  will  come 
as  he  went;  but  the  people  of  England  will,  I  trust,  be 
vigorous  for  the  prosecution  of  the  war,  which  can 
alone  insure  an  honourable  peace.  Naples  is  alarmed  at 
lera.  The  French  Minister  is  travelling  thither  witli  a  ti-ain 
>f  300  persons,  a  printing  press,  &c.,  and  a  company  of  corne- 
lians, &c.  The  Pope  has  not  made  his  peace,  and  is  most 
sriously  alarmed.'  Yours,  &c. 

Horatio  Nelson. 

*  Don  Jm^oIk)  Stniui,  Cniiiiiiii  of  (he  Siibiiiu. 

*  I.urU  MiilmrsliiirN  w»s  h«ui  m  I'wLh  lo  uegulinle  a  Pence,  but  m  NcUou  ami- 
lipdlml.  "  mnic  book  nt  lie  ircot." 

'  Uh  iIk^  'i'ftli  nf  Janimrv,  Mr.  CJravr*,  llie  Briiisli  ArcuI  hi  I<<iine,  itirnrni<><l  i.'iim 
iore  Si-lniiu  iLm  iill  the  t>ori«  iu  Ibo  DumiuiMiis  of  tJic  Pui>e  wltu  upeii  tu  Uie 
gliiib  .ISlupv. 


926 


LETTEB& 


[\m, 


TO  THE  REVEREND  MR  NEUJON.  IlILBOnOlGH. 
f  Aitto^rst>b,  in  lUe  Nekoti  Piqwra.] 

l.»  Mirifnc    I*iirt  ri-nriri   .InHTiitry  13lli,  I'W7, 

My  dear  Brother, 

Alihoiigh  I  know  I  con  tell  you  uominjr  more  than  my 
public  letters  will,  of  our  actions,  yet  I  feel  you  like  to  receive 
a  private  one,  merely  if  it  contains  only,  •  We  are  well, 
which  is  literally  all  I  can  write,  for  what  i8  post  ihc  Papen 
tell  you — wliat  is  to  come,  1  must  not.  However,  if  self- 
approbation  is  a  comfort,  which  I  readily  admit,  I  am  receiving 
inexpressible  pleasure  to  bo  received  in  the  way  1  ever  liav« 
been  in  this  ('oiuitry,  and  particularly  since  our  last  busincs. 
You  love  particulars :  therefore  for  your  private  journal  I  sbw 
relate  some  circumstances  which  arc  most  flattering  to  me  and 
make  our  Action  stand  amongst  the  foremost  of  any  this  wht. 

When  I  hailc<i  the  Don,  and  told  him,  'This  is  an  English 
Frigate,"  and  demanded  his  surrender  or  I  would  tire  into  him, 
his  answer  was  noble,  and   such   as  l^ecamc  the   illustrious 
family  from  which  he  is  descended — '  This  is  a  Spanish  Fri- 
gate, and  you  may  begin   as  soon  as  you  please.*     I  have  no 
idea  of  a  closer  or  sharper  battle :  the  force  to  a  gun  the 
same,  and  nearly  the  same  number  of  men ;  wc  having  tvro 
hundred  and  fifty.     I  asked  hira  several  limes  to  surrender 
during  the  Action,  but  his  answer  was — *  No,  Sir;  not  whilst 
1  have  the  means  of  fighting  left.'     When  only  himself  of  all 
the  Officers  were  left  alive,  he  hailed,  and  said  he  could  fight 
no  more,  and  begged  I  would  stop  firing.     The  next  Frigate 
was  La  Ceres  of  forty  gims,  who  did  not  choose  to  fight  much: 
not  a  mast,  yard,  sail,  or  rope  but  is  knocked  to    pieces. 
Main  and  mizen  masts  with  main  yard  nre  new,  and  every 
shroud  and  rope  in  the  Ship  fore-mast  and  fore-yard  are  fished- 

On  my  arrival  here,  it  was  a  ball  night,  and  being  attended 
by  the  Captains,  was  received  in  due  form  by  the  General,* 
and  one  particular  tune'  was  played :  the  second  was  ♦  Rule 
Britannia."     From  Italy  I  am  loaded  with  complimenlsi — it  is 

•  He  Biirijrh. 

■  rr^rliH|K  ••  Ser  the  Couquering  Hero,"  &c.,  iLe  uusf  of  which  he  niii^  noi,  fron 
modi-»lv,  have  likrd  lo  writf. 


I  tiue,  these  are  given  on  the  spot ;  what  England  may  think  I 
lluow  not  fVe  are  at  a  distance.  In  about  a  week  1  Bhall 
[be  at  sea,  and  it  is  very  probable  you  will  soon  hear  of 
[another  Action,  for  I  am  very  much  inclined  to  make  the 
ms  repent  of  this  war.  You  will  not  fail  to  remember  me 
idly  to  Mn.  Nelson,  your  children,  Aunt  Mary,  who  I 
ihall  rejoice  to  sec,  all  our  friends  at  Swaflham,  &c. ;  and  be- 
ieve  me  ever 

Your  most  affectionate  brother, 

Horatio  Nelson. 


TO  MRS.  POLLARD,  NAPLES. 

AittogTft|i1i,  in  the  [iiiNHesMou  of  .lolin  Luxfurtl,  Ksti.     Mr«.  PoIIaiJ  wm  tlic 
Mr,  I'oUkrd,  a  Mereliniti  at  Legbom,   to  w)ioitt  many  of  NclsoD'a  Iclteri  wtiltf 
ictrii.     Whru  the  Engtish  urere  lirircn  from  Legbora,  Mr.  uul  Mn,  I'olUrd  pro- 
to  Nii{iteK.j 

La  Mincrre,  Jnnauj  '■^•'^Ui,  1TQ7. 

My  dear  Madam, 

any  thanks  for  your  kind  remembrance  of  me.  The  box 
is  very  handsome,  as  is  the  sample  of  Naples  ware  you  sent 
jne  by  L'UtJle.  It  is  just  the  thing  I  wished ;  and  if  any 
porttmity  offers,  I  wish  to  get  it  here,  when  Captain  Fre- 
mantle  will,  I  hope,  take  care  of  it,  I  beg  you  will  tell 
Pollard  I  am  verv  angry  with  him,  for  fancying  I  had,  in  any 
way,  or  at  any  time,  neglected  his  interest  or  convenience ; 
so  far  from  it,  I  assure  you,  my  opinion  has  ever  been  uniform 
that  I  think  him  a  most  honest  merchant ;  and  that  was  [what] 
we  all  at  Ix?ghorn  [thought]  ;  and  [if]  I  had  any  interest  in 
naming  Agents,'   I  should   certainly  name    Pollard    as   one. 

I  Besides,  my  personal  obligations  are  such  to  him,  that  I  shall 
not  readily  forget.  I  freely  forgive  his  strong  language  to 
Cockburn  about  me,  as  my  heart  tells  mc  I  am  perfectly 
innocent  of  the  charge  he  has  laid  against  me.  I  am  glad  tu 
boar  Naples  agrees  with  you ;  and  very  soon,  I  believe,  Leg* 
horn  will  be  at  liberty.  In  every  place,  and  in  every  situa- 
tion, believe  mc,  my  dear  Madam, 

Your  most  obliged, 

Horatio  NBLeoy. 

*  ForPrlMi. 


tfUfli 


328 


LETTER8. 


Since  writing  my  letter,  I  have  seen  some  very  handsi'mo 
things  which  Frcmantlc  has;  and  have,  therefore,  to  ! 
thai,  us  fur  as  ten  or  twelve  pounds,  you  will  buy  foi  ^i-. 
Nclsou  some  fiilk  shawls,  particular  large  haodkcrchicJs  of 
silk,  and  such  other  pretty  things  as  a  most  elegant  woman 
may  like.     Pray,  excuse  all  this  trouble,  and  believe  me  ever, 

Your  obliged, 

Horatio  Nelsox. 


Sir, 


TO  UEtTEXANT-GENEllAL  DE  Bl  RGH. 

[Autogrftph  draught,  in  tlii)  Neleon  rnpers.] 
Lrt  Miuo«c,  Pi»rt«  Fcith|o,  [nhotil  '^(Hh]  .iMumrj-,  171MJ  [I'lOr] 


Tlie  whole  of  tlie  Ships  of  War  which  Sir  John  Jervjs  lia& 
appropriated  for  the  ser\'ice  of  the  evacuation  of  this  place  being 
now  either  in  the  Port  or  near  approaching  it,  I  have  therefore 
to  request  that  yoii  will  be  pleased  to  inform  me,  with  as  Utile 
ilclay  as  possible,  wlieihcr  it  is  your  intention  to  embark  the 
troops  and  stores  now  here,  or  any  part  of  them. 

Slionld  your  answer  be  in  the  affirmative,  every  measure 
fchall  be  tJiken  by  me  for  the  speedy  arrival  of  the  troops  in 
Gibraltar  and  Portugal ;  and  should  it  be  a  negative,  in  that 
case  I  shall,  according  to  my  instructions,  withdraw  all  oor 
Naval  stores  and  establishment,  and  as  many  Ships  of  War  as  I 
think  can  possibly  be  spared  Irom  the  service  which  may  be 
required  of  tliuni  here,  our  Fleet  being  now  particularly  in- 
structed to  attend  to  the  preservation  of  Portugal. 

llmperject.'] 


TO  ADMIRAL  SIR  JOHN  JERV18,  K.B. 

[Froui  o  Copy  in  the.  Adniiraliy.  CommoJorc  NcIhou  ?<iuleil  frcm  Porio  rem^u 
in  Ln  Mluprvc  ou  ilii;  ']tHli  nf  JniinaTj-  I'DT,  nnd  procet'ilwl  to  ircnumiitrr  Tcnilon 
mill  L'iutIiBf,Tnn,  oil  (iIk  iray  to  Gihroltur,  luiil  iLencn  to  LiMbon,  ii>  join  Aitmiral 
Sir  .Inhii  .Iirvii.  TLp  HmniiliiH,  Cn|ittuu  Oforge  Hoj*.  tlto  SoutLnniiiton,  Optaiii 
Mactmnmrn,  mid  sonie  oilier  VesgelM  of  Wnr,  in  cliRrge  of  n  convoy  of  TrHrin(<<nrt*, 
also  Miikd  for  llinl  pliwe,  but  lli^y  were  dirtied  to  foiin  two  divJHlmis  luid  In  |«k» 
diflrnut  rour*c»,  xu  ibni  iiue  of  llieiu  might  certmnly  «ncftpe  ilip  Euetnjr*  Flc«t. 
On  bouJ  I,*  Minrnc.  Sir  Gilbert  Elliot,  littn  Vice  Hoy  of  Corsioa.  Monsr.  Po««o  JLg 
Borgo  (who  liiul  )kvu  9pfn'Uiry  of  Siiitc  iu  tliM  Island  under  the  Briliitli  Govwru 


JLl.  38.] 


LETTERS. 


329 


^m.  c'A  nim  vtu  animnutU  bo  »cU  Juiowu  ft»  a  ili|iloiiuau(),  aud  Mvtinl  petsonv' 
Mjur  wiTC  cmborkt-d.     Ili«   I'riviitc  ^crrtory.  Mr.  Hwlmm,  nid 
KT  mirp  m<iii    ill  (lie  ItomiiliiB,  but  on   her   luriTal  id  GibraJtM 
rtrfjiMol  Uifjr  CUicf  ou  buiud  La  Mluenrf.] 


Sir, 


L>  Minerrc,  Porto  Femjo,  Jiuitmry  ^Ath,  17tti 


Although  I  hope  to  be  with  you  before  Soutbainpton,  yet 
U  b  possible  that  may  not  be  the  case,  as  I  mean  to  look  into 
ioulon,  ilahon,  and  Carthagena,  that  I  may  be  able  to  tell 
Ijouthc  apparent  state  of  the  Combined  Fleet. 

Tlic  General  having  declined  to  evacuate  Porto  Fcrrajo,' 

you  will  observe  by  the  copy  of  the  letter  transmitted 

Icrcwiih,  I  have,  notwithstanding,  vrithdrawn  all  our  Naval 

itablishment  from  this  place,  having  fii"8t  coujpletcd  every 

^hip  til  as  much  stores  as  her  Captain  pleased  to  take.    Every 

»nspori  is  completely  victualled,  and  arranged,  that  every 

aldier  can  be  embarked  in  three  days. 

The  way  in  which  I  have  sent  down  the  Storeship  and 

ilphin,  as  also  the  ('onvoy,  eight  or  nine  Sail,  with  my 

itcotiou  of  looking  into  the  Enemy's  ports,  I  hope  you  will 

J*provc  of. 

1  shall  not  enter  into  further  particulars  till  I  have  the 

►Xiour  of  seeing  you,  but  believe  me,  with  the  greatest  respect. 

Sir, 
Your  most  obedient  servant, 

Horatio  Nelson. 

P.S.  I  have  sent  orders  for  Pallas  to  join  you  by  the  Dido 
kI  Southampton,  and  have  left  similar  orders  at  this  place. 


»  Toloiti-l  Driukwiuer  says,  "  On  ibe  'i7fli  Dcwmber,  NpUon  nitcbvil  Purto  Fci" 

»!«•  Olllrf-ft  Elliot  w(w  then  »bsput  oO  lit»  vi»il  lo  llic  Tluliiuj  Stiilos,  lint 

flic<?  of  till-  Conunodorf's  luriv*!  wns  immedjntely  *«-0t  tn  hiui-     On   Uie 

of  tin"  VicrRoy  lo  Klbn,  n  ritiwiiluiiijii  wii-*  held  lii'tweeu  Sir  (illliirtl  F.lliol, 

jHtttrn>iii-<irnvnil   dr    BurRh    (who  commiuidi-rt    the  TmopH),    luid  Cominodnn" 

(i-J«nn,  rp«i]i(riiiig  iho  l»t»>   nnltr*  from  Ooveriiineut   at  home,   wiiirh  Nelson   hud 

rlj  Kjii'cinJIy  iii|inlcd  by  iiif  AilmimI  to  cnrn  inlo  oftent.     The  suliject  w»g  one  of 

iy.  itivoMn({  miuiy   intprcMo,  nnd  bad   of  nini-^e  ihf  most  dflibcrntc 

tlm  rpsuh   of  wliirh  wiw  thai,   niidcr  friMing  rirciiinKtiinrrx,  it  wiis 

i*!  nf  iiBTnniniiiii  impnr(Aii»<  thu  Ihc   BritiRli   Troops   Nhoilld,  ilolviriiliKUudiug 

wtdi-nt,  onntilili«  iu  poneiftnion  of  ¥A\m  until  Ills  Mivjcstj-i  Miuiator«  could  li> 

ti  of  the  nuuiy  oogvut  reiuuns  (br  tk&t  coazN  of  proceeding." — Sarra- 

6,7. 


330 


LETTERS. 


[17«. 


Ships  left  at  Porto  Ferrajo : — 
Inconstant  Rose         J  Giin-boat*. 


Blanche 
Peterel 
Speedy 
L'Utile 


Sloopo. 


Venom 
Mignonne 


TO  MRS.  NELSON. 


[From  ClRTke  knd  M'Artlinr,  vol.  i.  p.  Bi3.} 

My  next  letter  will  probably  be  dated  from  Lisbon,  irhew 
I  hope  to  arrive  safe  with  my  charge,  but  in  war  much  is  left 
to  Providence  :  however,  as  I  have  hitherto  been  most  suc- 
cessful, confidence  tells  me  I  shall  not  fail :  and  as  nothing 
will  be  left  undone  by  me,  should  I  not  always  succeed,  roy 
mind  will  not  suffer ;  nor  Avill  the  world,  I  trust,  be  willing 
to  attach  blame,  where  my  heart  tells  me  none  would  be  due. 
Sir  Gilbert  Elliot  and  his  suite,  amongst  whom  is  Colond 
Drink  water,*  go  in  La  Minerve,  therefore  1  shall  be  sure  of  ft 
pleasant  party,  let  what  will  happen. 

Yours,  &c., 

HoRATTO  Nelsow. 


TO  EDWARD  HARDMAX,  ESQ^  PRIVATE  SECRETARY  TO  111* 
EXCELLENCY  SIR  tULBERT  ELLIOT. 

[AtitogrnpL,  in  tlie  posBcsitiuii  of  John  Hnnlmiw,  Efli).  Findiiig  ui  CanLa^cw 
ibtt  ibe  Spiinlftli  I-lecl  knd  li'ft  iLnt  Port,  Cummodore  Nrlnnn  b^cuui-  i-xtn<nw]/ 
nuxious  to  join  Sir  John  .leriis.  l,n  Jktinene  wrivfil  at  GilirnJtiir  on  i1m>  (IUi  of 
Fcbniiiry,  wlieii  Neliiou  leunit  tlitit  t)ie  Spoiiurds  bud  pitsspil  ihr  Rock,  to  tlu;  mat- 


<  Colonel  Drinkiriu«r  (who  iilt«rwiird«  MSiimcd  tlia  ttaaa  of  Beibune),  ma 
«yc-w>t»(>!<*  of  tlie  Onttlo  of  bt.  Vinfx>ut:  nd  flnding  ihu  Sir  John  .ri<r*ie'«  ofBeiit 
tt  v«a  "  IJtilp  cnlciilaleil  to  ip-nlifV  tkn  IcgilimnU'  anxi(<t^'  of  th«  KftCinn,  ami  41il 
kot  n;nH(<i'  juHiii-v  t<i  Kclpon,"  he  m>ic  the  Narbmivk  nf  (lint  rrcni,  to  -wkifth  Lofll 
Nelnou  iinriii^ulftrly  refers  in  tlm  "  Sk«cli  oflii»  Lite,"  ( vidft  \nl.  i.  p.  I3.>  T 
ytry  interesting  Tmrtwas  flrst  |>iibli«hed  nnnnymnuHlT,  in  ITl)7,anil  nf^n,  io  lA4flt 
with  tlic  anthur's  name,  (thi-  iirolit!)  nf  which  he  npiircipriiUtNl  lo  thr  t^iuil*  of  Cte 
Nf>Uou  Cohimu.)  cutitleil,  "  A  Nnnntirr  nf  Die  BuUc.  of  St.  Viiiccut,  witli  Anrnlolt* 
of  N«laon,  before  and  thtr  tliat  Battle,"  Colonel  Drinkwatrr  Bethiin«  in  ulno  «rU 
known  fnr  hi*  IliaUrry  of  the  fiitge  nf  Gibraltar,  of  which  lit  wu  tiipiMMed  10  be 
the  lest  Mirv-ivor.     Uc  died  in  JuinAT)  liiiA,  aged  8L 


LETTERS. 


331 


,  on  the  6ili,  aad  hmi  Mui  U  TerdUie  wvd  two  ottaar  SsO  of  the  Uaa  sal  ■ 
le  with  Aur>)>liea  for  llivir  LinM  before  Gibrallv,  «Uflk  9Ht»  vc»  tbn  aft 
»r  at  Uie  lieiul  of  Uic  Bay.     tlii  two  Ltmi«Miil^  Oahwhowa  tmi  Hmij, 
Lq  S»biu*,  were  iLwi  yntcun*  on  hotii  Lt  TttaUm,  kM  oi  noli^p 
ritig  effcciMl,  Uiey  n-joioed  L*  MiBenrc.    NeUon  e««U  inaiin  aaly  OM  4ir  M 
]rilmlUr,  and  u*  the  Homula*  wu  left  iher*  for  rtyain,  ColoMi  Driakwakr  ww 
red  to  La  Mimrre,  uul  ibe  wmgbud  iu  tlie  ioccaoon  af  Uie  illb  of  Febnarj.} 

L«  lOMn*.  r^tntry  UUi.  I7ir7. 
Dear  Sir, 

le  Minervo  was  most  certainly  ready  for  aoL,  and  it  is  as 

J»  tliat  had  Sir  Gilbert  been  on  boards  the  Minenrc  would 

been  at  sea  before  the  lee-tide  made.     HopcV  6ai|^ 

ided  instead  of  Miuerve's.     ^'ow  the  tide  is  made  agMOSt 

therefore,  I  most  heartily  wish  you  all  a  good  appetite, 

only  beg  you  wilt  be  on  board  as  early  in  the  evening  as 

lible — say  eight  o'clock — for  I  shall  sail  the  first  moment 

' ;  but  I  fear  a  tctsta-fy  wind. 

Yours  most  truly, 

HooATU)  Nei-sox. 
^S.  I  took  my  leave  of  the  Governor,  and  refused  to  dioe 
'on  short. 


BATTLE  OF  ST.    VCTCMTT. 


riu>  prc((^din|r  l/Hwr  b  llw  iMt  that  baa  bera  kmai  ntfl  du  BMll*  «f  tb 

tcri.  wtKli  look  place  tbm  iay  «ft«r  li  wm  written.    Bat  arnM  Toy  fal** 

:iuice*  occurrei!  Lo  thai  abort  iolrnat,  wUab  0v  fnf iiioally  daanibed 

:ikvfi»ier'ii  Sarrftlivf. 

fonti  m  l.n  Minrrve  xaiM  fmm  Uihnitar,  «bawwpatiMJ  by  |>  Tairfbia  and 

]ier  or  the  Hiiiiiii<li  I.inr-uMiBiLlr  Hbi|m.     Tlie  bawtacMt  of  the  8|Mml*b  flblin 

Ingimihr  Fiiv'Ue, sbeprefarH  Ibraclioii;  ud  C'ul(/ii«l  Drinlrw'atrrliavjiiirMk<>il 

do's  opiaioii  UK  to  thr  {irobability  of  an  eugagrmrnt.  be  <aiil  be  ihoiiglil  It  very 

fiUVt  iwil  lonkiiig   np  at   Ui«    Bniail  Pviidjutt,   addnl,   **  Rnt   hrtnm  tl»«  Pnn*  HVt 

I  nf  Ibai  bii  of  bniiting,  I  wtll  bare  a  atniggle  wilii  Uiem,  atiil   inoner  Iban  give 

tie   Krivrate  I'll  run  ber  aaborc.'    Soon  altof  tbts  eouver»aticm,  Commodora 

DU  ami  Ilia  gne«t«  ^ai  Aawn  to  dimxT,  and  wbile  Colcntel  Ihinkwaier  wa»  era 

Bg  Ucntenaut  iinnijr  on  bin  \iciutf  imi  Irnigrr  a  PriMaoi'r  of  War,  tlic  a|»- 

enr  wa«  beani  of  *■  a  man  OTerboanl  T'     There  in   ]ier!ia|>«  no  paatafe  Ir 

hbttury  of  mnre   tbrilbng  intemtt  than  tbc  fonQwing  atteotini  af  wlial  Qtcn 

i ; — "  Tbe  Uffideti  t>f  tbe  Ship  ran  on  deek  ;  I.  wub  iilhen,  raa  lo  the  alani- 

9Wa   to  «ee   if  anilliinfr  eniUd  he  ohflerreii  of  the  unlbrtiinate  nan;    we  faad 

jy  reacbetl  tbein  Wfore  we  nolio«d  the  lowering  of  the  jolly-hoat,  {n  wliicb  waa 

turigliboiir   HvMy,  wUb  a  fuu  of  R<Uor«:  niid  before  mau;  »ecoiuU  h^ 

,  Captain  George  Hope,  of  tbe  finimiius. 


332 


I.ETTERS. 


[1797. 


rliifiHt-H,  till!  r.iirirtii  of  the  ftiriutK,  itrUicli  ninM  Kiron^y  lo  tb<f  mit««iil,)  kul 
curicil  tlic  jolly  lM)ni  ftir  itRiern  of  \\n>  FrigHte,  lowftrdu  llie  Spatuvh  Sliijt*.  Of 
oourvc,  the  Uivt  uljoct  mu  to  recover,  if  poKi-iMe,  tlie  fnUcu  miui,  bai  be  «bh  nncr 
*ei<n  agniii.  ilunly  soon  moiie  a  viipifkl  lo  tliat  effect,  ■ihI  tlic  inui  «iks  g\\rn  up« 
lost.  Tljc  itltentinn  of  evrry  iwrsoii  wnx  now  tume<]  to  tlip  siifi'ijr  of  Hnnlt  «jid  lin 
boiU's  crew ;  tltoir  sitiinlioii  wiu.  extremely  perilous,  »nd  their  danger  w*6  eiorj 
iD»Utit  increasing,  from  the  fiiAt  ^iiiliiij;  of  the  hendinost  ^hip  of  llie  ebaiw,  wlusli  I7 
IhlH  time  had  iipproiw:he<l  ueivrly  wiihiu  gun-shot  of  the  Miiirne.  The  JnUr-boAi'i 
erew  pulled  '  might  nnil  niiiiit'  to  re^oiin  tbe  Frigate,  btit  Mppareutly  nuule  Utile  foo- 
grexN  HgiuiiNt  the  current  of  t)ie  Strnit*.  At  this  crifti-s  NeNoii,  riwiiig  an  uunrar 
look  At  tbe  kuiuilouK  Hitiiiitioii  of  Hiuily  niiilluH  oompaiiiunH,  exdiiimed  '  bj  G— , 
rU  unl  loMP  Hardy:  ba>-k  the  iiiixeu  t*.i|i8iul.'  Mo  tiooner  KnJd  tlion  doiie;  tilt 
MinerN'e'rt  progress  was  retiird«'d,  having'  the  current  to  cwrj-  her  dotm  io»«nl» 
Hnrdy  ar.d  his  puny,  wlia  seeing  thin  spirited  Tiinnoe!i\Te  to  h«vp  ihi;iu  fmiu  rvturuiiij 
to  iheir  iild  qunrti-rit  uii  lioiud  the  Terrihle,  natundl;  reilouliled  ilieii  eaeili«n 
to  rejoin  the  Frigate.  To  the  l«iidsnieu  uu  l>0Aid  the  Miiier\-e  an  action nmri^- 
pcmwl  to  he  inevilahle ;  nnd  so,  it  would  n^ipeiu-,  thought  llie  Kncniy,  who  HHT|iri*»d 
oud  roiifoiinded  hy  tliiit  daring  muiicciivn*  of  tlit*  Commodore,  (Iteing  igrtoruu  uf  llx 
oecidont  tlint  Iwl  to  it,)  ninM  Unw  eonstmed  it  into  n  direct  chiUlonge.  Sot  r«i- 
oeiving,  however,  n  SpRiiiMh  Ship  of  the  Line  to  Im>  au  equal  MaIcIi  for  ■  Briti*b 
Frigiite,  with  Nelson  ou  Iward  of  her,  the  Captain  of  the  Terrible  suddenly  «hnrtr»iJ 
sail,  in  order  to  allow  hii<.  eonsorl  to  join  liini,  and  thus  afforded  time  for  the  Miutm 
til  drop  down  to  the  joUy-hont  to  lake  out  lini-dy  mid  the  erew;  uud  the  luoninu 
tkfty  were  on  board  the  Krignle,  onlei'n  were  given  again  to  miikc.  sail.  Being  um 
under  studding  sails,  and  the  widening  of  the  Straits!  allowing  the  wind  to  b* 
I'l'iughl  more  011  tlic  .Minerve'.i  quarter,  the  Frigate  soon  regained  the  lout  iltsltno*, 
anil  iu  a  short  time  we  hud  tlte  salisrncliou  to  observe  that  the  dnstardly  Duo  n* 
left  far  iu  our  wake ;  and  at  suuiict,  liy  Mtcering  fiirther  to  the  southward,  we  lirrt 
higlii  of  him  and  hii*  consort  ultogrlher." — Xiirriilifi',ji[i.  14,  l.'». 

During  the  night  of  tlie  II 111,  La  iMiuerve  found  heraelf  aurroliuded  liy  aermt 
liirgi*  Sliipft,  which  Nelson  l>elievcd  to  be  ihe  Spnuiish  Fleet,  bnt  from  which  lo  n 
irieiiled  himself  with  \u>  usual  sVili.  Nothing  wan  seen  of  Ihe  Spaniard"  the  urjl 
day,  and  on  ihe  l.'Uli,  Ln  Mincrve  joined  Sir  John  .lervis's  Heet ;  Sir  Gilbert  Kllitit 
and  Cnwincidore  Nelson  immediiuety  waited  on  Ihe  AdminU,  uu  board  the  Vjcioiy, 
who,  on  leariiuig  that  the  Euemy  vw  so  near,  made  the  !<>gnid  lo  "  prepare  /iff 
.ietion." 

CoDUnodore  Nekou  then  left  I.aMinerre,  and  lioi.sted  his  Broad  Pendant  nn  Itnari 
of  hiu  own  8hip,  the  t'nptuin,  commanded  by  CaptaJn  Miller.  Rir  Oillie.ri  £llii« 
reqneHte<I  to  remain  with  the  Adjiiiral  iu  the  Victory,  but  wm«  ref\tt)ed  ;  and  be  wllb 
Ills  suite  were  trnitHferred  to  the  Lively  Frigate,  C'ii|>tain  Lord  Gurlie*,  who  linil  r,rdrn 
to  (trucccd  to  Fnglaiid.  Hit  Johu  Jervi»,  however,  yielded  to  the  jiiiui  en 
hit  Gilbert  F.lliot  and  Lonl  GarUefl,  that  the  Lively  might  remain  with  r. 
until  .<<be  could  carry  homo  the  intelligence  of  tbe  expected  eugagemeut.  ilun 
Bir  (iilbert  iuid  Colonel  Drinkwater  beciune  KpectatoR)  of  one  of  the  mottt  tiapttnwi 
eveiitH  of  their  time,  and  tliuii  too  the  Battle  fortunately  found  an  able  hiNtoHan 

.\fi  Nebion's  ■'  ItemRrks,"  iu  pp.  !14.0,  ;U4,  reliitc  almost  entirely  to  lii-H  owu  pn>r»«l 
iiigM  iu  the  Caplain.  it  in  proper  to  iiuert  .Sir  John  Jenia'a  Official  DiapiitcU,  milit* 
liitt  of  thi-  two  Fleets,  shewing  their  comparative  force,  &c. 


r.  S8-] 


LETTERS. 


333 


TO    KV*K    SCUBAS,    Esg.,    MISCBSTART  TO   THK    ABMIBAI-Ty. 

rKr(-iii  tUf  •'  I,omlon  Gazette  LIxtrnonlinary"  of  Uw  Oi-d  of  Miurcli,  17f)7.] 

•'  Victory,  Ijngw  Buy,  Febnuiry  l\  171)7. 
••  Sir, 

l'**Tli0  liopc*  of  fHliing  ill  with  the  Bpuiitik  Fleet,  expi«a«ed  in  my  lutwt  lo  you  of 

l.ltb  iiLMMit,  w(<ri<  coiilinnrd  llmt  iii^bt,  by  unr  distinctly  lieiuiii;;  iLe  n>|uirt  nf 

«i(fniJ  ijiiuji,  and  liy  inltlligeiice  received  ft oiu  Cuploiu  Vuuiv,  of  lii*  Migusty'* 

I  the  Niger,   nliu  lind,  willi  equnl  judgment  and   pcrnvvimuKH-,  kept  rompjuiy 

tbpiu  fur  Hpvrral  ilnvN,  uu  my  prc^icribi^d  r«-itdeKvoiis,   (wliicti,  (toiu  ilie  fllniiig 

ll-»iwl  vriud«,  1  biul  >kctV(t>-  btten  able  tii  reach,)   aiid  Ihitl   Ibey  were  Dot   niorr 

the  di8luiu:v  of  tUrvc  or  fuur  Ieiigiicr4  IVoni  iia,  I  unxiuiisly  uwailcd  the  dawn  of 

jr.  wlieu.  I)cin>f  on  tin-  suiiboiiiil  titek,   Cap*  St.  Vinopiit  bouriiig  ciiHt  by  nurlli 

iFttgiicn,   I   bo«l  lln-' Hiilisfiicljon  of  seein({  a  nniuln'r  of  Ships   extending  ftom 

utli-writt  lu  sonth,  the  wiud  then  ut  west  and  by  sonth.     At  fort}'-niiie  nJi|lll(e^  pHbt 

,  the  weather  being  extremely  haxy,  La  Buuuc  C'iloyennr  nuide  tlic  Kigiiul  that  the 

B^cn    wi'1-e  of  the   Line,  tweuty-flve    iu  niiluber.     lli«  Majesty's  Squadrnii 

(•r  my  coLuumiid,  ciinsiitliiig  of  liftecn  Ships  of  the  Liii^,  iiani^d  in  the  uuiri;in.* 

[tily  fuFRkeil  ill  the  iitoNt  eoiiiparl  order  of  nailinK,  in  two  lines.     By  riuT\'inf;  n 

of  H«i),  I   ■wan  furtuunlc  iu  getlLug  in  with  the  i^^uemy's   Fleet  at  liuirpast 

u  o'riuck,   before  il  hud   time   tu  connect  ajnl  fiirnt  a  rej^ular  Drder  of  finltle. 

a  luumeut  was  not  lo  Iw  IomI;  and  liunlUieiil  in  tlie  skill,  viUonr,  luid  diHoiplin(< 

ftlie  Officer*  and  Men  I  hud  the   happiuesK  to  coiiunniid,  tiiid  judging  that   tlie 

of  bin   Mnjesly's  annfl,   and  the  cirenuiHtaiices   of  the  War  in  tbesu  was. 

|nired  a  eonsiderable  degree  of  enttrrpiine.  I  felt  luyself  jiistifietl  iu  departing  from 

■  rrgvilar  system  ;  luid,  piutHiug  through  their  Fleet,   iu  a  line  formed  with  the 

nust  uelerity.  lacked  and  thereby  separuled  one-third  fl-otn  the  luuiji  body,  after 

rljfti  efljiounade,  wliieh  prevented  their  re  jnnction  till  the  evening;  and  by  the 

great  exertions  of  the  Ships,  witioh  had  the  good  fortune  to  arrive  up  with  the 

vniy  oa  tlir  lorbooid  tack,  the  Sliip^  luuned  in  the  nmrgin*  were  captured,  aitd  the 

c«ii9«d  about  live  o'clock  in  the  evening. 

I  eiioloae  the  moni  eorrrct  li»l  1  have  been  lUile  to  obtain  of  the  Spanish  I'irot 

p««d  lo  ine,  onioiuitiug  to  tweiity-seveu  i^oil  of  the  Line,  oud  an  ac-cunnt  of  thu 

and  Wounded  in  hi*  Majesty's  Ships,  «a  well  a."  in  Uiose  taken  from  the 

jr.      Tbf  inoineiil   the  latter    (ulmoHt   totally  diaina-sted )   and  hit)   Majeeiiv'A 

kilM.   the   Captain   and  C'lilludeii,   are  iu  n  (ilute  to  jiul  tu  Sea,  I  Mhnll  avail  uyiielf 

flhc  firnl  favourable  wind  to  proceed  off  Cajx"  St.  Vinoeni,  in  my  way  to  Lisbijn. 

[ "  Ccptniu    Colder,   whose   able  axKiiitiuire  boa  gitMly  cotitrilinted  to   the   public 


»  Victory HW 

nritaunia I'K) 

Bttrtleur Oh 

Prince  George    .     .     .     .     W 

BleuLeiin Otl 

Nomur «<! 

Coptniu "A 

Uoliath .74 

Sidrmlordel  Miindo.     .     .  \Vl 
Sou  JoB«f 11-J 


Excellent .     .  74 

Oiion  ...  H 

CnllMSUH 74 

F.guiont 74 

t-uJloden  .74 

IriBBislililr  74 

Diadem  <>  1 

San  Nicolas     ....  HO 

Snn  Ysiclro 74 


^^m       S34 

LETTERS. 

I 

(iml 

^^^^^         8«rvic«  iliirixig  mj  eonunond,  is  Uie  b^wer  uf  Utis,  and  will  more 

iMUtieularly  dcwnV  | 

^^B                 to  Uie  LonU  CouunisBionm  vt  iLe  AdminUry  Uie  inoreoietit;^ 

of  tb« 

S<iii«di«ii  at  1 

^^^^^          l!it  iltli,  iu)d  the  preMnl  Mtte  of  it. 

1 

^^^H 

"I  am, 

Sir,  tit.                  1 

^^Hh 

»• 

J.  Jbiti».' 

^^^^^^^      "UIT  or  TBI  SPiHttK   FLIIT  OPVOftltt   TO  TVI   IKITHB 

,  TUB 

I4ra  ot 

^^^^^1 

nABDAar,  171)7. 

^^^^^k      8aatiMun«  Trinidiul  . 

.  .   lao 

Pclajo    .    .    . 

74 

^^^^^V      Mexiciuui    .... 

.     .     112 

San  Oenan 

7* 

^^^^^         Principe  de  Aaturiks  . 

.     .     ll-i 

. 

74 

^^M                CuuMpcion      .     .     . 

.    .     UJ 

Baa  Juan  Nvpomttovao  . 

.      74 

^^H                 CoiiJe  do  Begin     .     . 

.     .     11;! 

Sao  FranctMO  da  Paula . 

74 

^^K^           Salvador  del  Mnndri  . 
^^^K         8«u              .... 

.      I U  taken 
.     .     IV4  tnkeii 

Sail  Yaidro  . 

Utikn 
71 

8au  Antonio    . 

^^^^f          Shu  Nicoliu      .     .     . 

.     .       Hi  uken 

San  Pablo   .    . 

74 

^^^^          Ori«nt«  ..... 

.     .       U 

Sau  Firmiii       .     . 

:i 

^^H                OlariuM      .... 

.     .       74 

Nepluno.     .     .     . 

74 

^H                AlittUt«        .... 

.     .       74 

Bahama  .... 

,      . 

T4 

^^M                 CvnquestMlor  .     .     ■ 

.     .       74 

Name  unknown  [San  DoDiingo]  74          | 

^^m                8ob«ni»o 

.       74 

Name  nukuowu  [Terrible] 

74 

^^^^^         Firnic     .    . 

74 

^^^^^^^     "LIST  or  THE  DniTiaa  n,»T  oppoasD  to  thk  upaxisb 

,   TBB 

I4Ta  or 

^^^^^^^K 

riBBDABT,    1707. 

^^^^^^f 

Killed. 

Woinrstv. 

^^^^^^^ 

Aduiiral  Sir  Jolm  Jervia,  K.B.," 

^^^^^^^^                     .    .    . 

.      "    Ist  CapMin,  Bohert  Cidder   , 
.'iiid  CapLiuu,  George  Grey    . 

.       I 

a 

^^^^^^^^        BritumiR      .    . 

fViee-Adiuinil  I'lioinpsou  .     . 
*     I^Caplniii  Thomun  Foley     .     . 
/-Vice-AiliniriU  lluu.  Wiiliaui 

,     0 

I 

^^^^1                 Biirdeiir  .      .     . 

.     J      ■WiUtlogrBve 

I^Cupiaiu  James  RicUord  Dacrrx 
Bear-Adjnirul  Willinni  Parker 
^CapUuti  Johik  IrKiu     ... 

.    (1 

i 

^^^^^1               Prince  George    . 

.    f\ 

7 

^^^^H               Blenlteim.     .     . 

Tliomos  Lenox  Fmleriok      .     ■ 

li 

411 

^^^^^1                Namiir      .     .     . 

Jiuiiea  Ha«rkin«  NVliiUikeil     .     . 

.   'i 

n 

^^^^m 

CouitjKidore  Nelson     ... 

•Ml 

^^^^^1                       .    .    . 

■     '  Cnptair  Knlpli  Willett  Miller 

34 

^^^^1                        .    .    . 

Sir  Clinrles  H<>iiry  Knowle(« 

.     0 

H 

^^^^H                         .   . 

CMthlH>Tl  ColUiigwood  .     . 

It 

It 

^^^^^H                    .... 

.Sir  .Tames  Smuunrtz 

II 

0 

^^^^^H                                .     .     . 

Gertrg<>  MniTttv   ... 

II 

a 

^^^^^1               Egmoni  .     .     . 

Cttptftin  Jolin  Sultoii 

ft 

0 

^^^^B                               .     .     . 

Tlioians  Triiul>rid(fL'      ... 

10 

47 

^^^^^p               ]rrc!QBU1ile    .     . 

Oeorg<>  Martin    ... 

■■> 

U 

^^^^^                  Dindeni 

George  lU'nry  Towry 

II 

i| 

^^^^L^^^^^^^^ 

1^ 

T.I 

m 

Hi: 

38.] 


LETTERS. 


335 


"  OrTicsiiB  KrLiBo. 
ftMin. — H«Oor  Wtlliain  NottIb,  of  the  Marines ;  Mr.  Junes  Godincli,  Hiiblup 

EsMllAnt. — Mr.  Peter  Vetfew,  Bonuwun, 
ilodcn. — Mr.  G.  A.  Liriuftstonc,  Lieutenant  of  Msriues. 
istiblc.'— Sergejmt  Watnon,  of  tbe  Mariues. 

"OPWCKllH  WOUKDBD. 

&b*tm. — Mr.  Edward  Sibby,  Acting  Liciilenout ;  ^[r.^Pe•coek,  Boatswain ;  Mr. 
tpb  WlxoJi.  Master's  Matp,  since  Jcml. 

Saptnin. — Commodore  Nt>l8on,  bniJHeJ,  but  not  obliged  to  quit  the  deck;  Mr. 
ingtou.  Boalswaiu,  wounded  iu  buarding  the  Sau  Kioohw ;  Mr.  Tlioma^  Liiud, 
lUiptoan. 

Sscellent. — Mr.  Edwnn!  Augustan  ^ow^l^  Miviter's  Mate. 
>ri(in. — yit.  TLoiua<)  Mansol,  Midsliiptriun. 

^isulilc. — Mr-  Andrew  TUonijwon,  lieutenant ;  Mr.  Hugh  M'Kinnon,  Master's 
I :  Mr,  WIIHiuu  Balfour,  Mid^thiinoan. 

'  OV  TiUI  XII.I.SO  ASD  WODVPItP  OK  BOASP  THS  BPA^flSH  SRIPS  TAK1N  RT  TRS 
lOJUBaOl  ONOBB  TBI  COMltAXO   UF  KDMlhAL   Sin   JOBK  JBITJi,  K.B.,  OX  TUB 

|4tu  OP  riBBCABv,  1707: 

Sua  Ysddff.. — 1  iJfficrre,  2.'j  Artillerists,  Seamen,  and  Boldierv  killed ;  H  Offieeni, 
|>Artllli'ri'«i«,  Ac.,  wniinJcd. 

lT»dor  dfl  Munrlo. — 5  Officers,  .17  ArtiJleriiitB,  See.,  killwl;  .1  Offleera,  181 
■ts,  Jce.,  wounded. 

Nicoln^.— 4  Officers,  UO  AKtUerisls,  kc,  killed;  8  Offloen,  61  Anillcfitta, 
woundeil. 

Ian  Jose.— 3  Offleera,  44  Artillerists,  ke.,  killed ;  A  OAcen,  01  Artillerists,  &e., 
ad«d. 

F^'ote. — Amonitr  the  killed  is  the  General  Don  Francisco  Xavier  Winlhuysen, 
'  D" Kseiulre." — Lnntiim  Gillette  Extrttordinavy,  .'Ird  Marob,  1797. 

Biigli  tlnnv  were  two  Vice,  and  one  Rear-Ailuurol,  and  a  Commodore  in  the 
t,  no  iiiber  Onirpr  waw  mentioned  in  f5ir  Jolni  .lerris'  Dispatch  than  Captain 
Jer,  the  First  Cnptniu  of  tin-  Victory,  lorCnptiiin  of  the  Ileet, )  aftfrwiirda  so 
ki>OM-n  OS  Adniiruj  Sir  Rubrri  C'ldder.  The  ouuMMJun  of  the  Flog  Offirors  was 
(lanal,  tta  Uie  lutal  dJMvjfiurd  shewn  to  the  brilUaiit  services  of  NcIhou,  Tronbridgr, 
injrwood,  and  Frederick,  was  Hiyiuil.  That  itgiuiiicc  wa-s  however,  itcuiinlly  re- 
lieil  liT  \\k  fdUowiuff  Priviilv  Letter  to  Eiu-1  Spencer,  tlie  First  Lonl  of  the  Adrai- 
j,  dated  on  lOeh  of  Febniary  ;  but,  as  it  did  not  a|iprfti'  in  tlic  "  Loiidon  Ciuelti'," 
Van  n  ver)'  iiiailr<]iiat«  compel iKati on  to  their  wounded  fcflings; — 

"  1LM.S.  Victory,  in  Lagos  Bay.  lUth  Fchraary,  17U7. 

«  My  Loi'd. 

'TliP  correct  condoet  of  every  Officer  and  man  in  the  Sijtiiulritn  on  the  14th  inst. 
In  it  improper  in  dt.itiuj^tiisli  one  more  than  nnotber  in  my  puldie  Letter,  becauso 

1  conthhmr  that  Lad  tho!*e  who  were  least  iu  action  been  in  the  sitiisLion  of  the 
uinittc  few,  iheir  l>el(iivinur  would  not  have  been  le»«  merilorinini;  yet  to  your 
dnhip  it  becomes  nie  to  Htiite  tlinl  Captain  Trnnliridg<\  iu  the  CnllrMlen,  led  the 
Badrou  ttimngh  the  F.neniy  in  n  masterly  «tyle,  and  lacked  Ihc  inntunt  tht  Sigmd 

.aiot  wn»  );allantly  Nupportful  by  (he  Ulpuheim,  I'rince  George,  Orion.  Irresistible, 

CflloMu>. :  the  ijuier  hwl  ber  fore  and  fore-lop-ftail  yanU  wonnded,  and  they 
Muuiitely  broke  in  the  slings  in  ata.rs,  which  threw  ber  out,  and  imjieded  tlie 
^BV  nf  th*  Victory, 


336 


LETTERS. 


[WW. 


"  i'liHitniMluri!  Nrlson.  who  wm  in  tlic  rear  audi*  stobosd  iM^k,  uxik  tl<  l-J  mi 
tbr  UrUoiird,  au«i  I'ontribnU^d  vtirv   mucli  to  the  furuinp  of  the  1U5,  iia  i! 
CoUingwoiHi ;  luiil  in  llie  cluxf,  th«  ^lui  JuKpf  uuti  8nii  Sii:oia»  luiYing  U 
n»c\i  otlicr.  the  rA|>iiiin  liiicl  theiu  on  board,  nUil  Cofibiiu  Berry,  wLa  h. 
volniitPtT,  entered  Kt  llip  lictil  of  the  boitnli"rs,  and  Coimnodorc  Nei»i, 
iminiMlinielv.  aiiil  took  imss^ssiou  of  them  bolb;  Ihv  cri|<}ileil  NtJUr  of  tl< 
wul  uf  the  Cuptniii,  eiiUuiglod  u>  iUey  wer<^,  aiiil  tlmi  |iiirl  of  litc  Kiuu.,,  .  1  ...^ 
wliieb  haul  brrn  k«^t  uH*  in  the  maniinp  I  as  dp*cribed  iu  ilue  ]i(iblie  Uuer  1  juiUfif 
»t  Uir  iuslnut,  it  becuiuc  m-<'.r.*i«iu7  Iu  rnlk'Ct  ihi-  S<|iiwin)ii,  In  miM  an  alVfmfi  l« 
wrvtt  th»i«e  Sbi[n,  <ui<l  ttie  ^Salvador  del  Mtiudo  and  tbo  :>iui  Ysidru,  tVriiii  ua,  nliitli 
occasioned  the  discontinnaurr  of  the  Airtiou. 

"Tbe  F.ncni\  hH.1  itiill  iwcuty-tMii  Shi|i»  of  the  Line  ami  tiinr  Frigate*  iaequli' 
liuii   fur  iipr\ic-e   off  Cuft  St.  Yiiwent,  nnd  tbe  moment  our  daioaged  ^"  ' 
rr^Muri'd,  luid  (vroprr  jiiry-mnst!),  tic.,  misicil  i>ri  board  tlie  Prizes,  1  itltal]  f" 
inv  way  t<)  Lisbon.     Tht'  Bhipn'  rrlnrm  «jf  killed  and  woimdcd,  allhongrb  ■■ 
the  criterion  of  tbi-ir  Inking  morp  or  Irsi  in  Artiou,  i«,  iu  tliis  iu»tiuir«,  c- 
If  I  siiccpp*!  in  (fi-ltini?  our  Trophies   into  Ihe  Tngos,  it  is  my  intention  1.;  jiii" 
Ma<iit«ni  and  C'omtnandiirs  in  tlieui  lUI.     l.'A(itiun  IlAUotreU,  whose  condnct  on  hoorl 
tint  Victory  (liiiiug  llir  Anion  has  made  hiui  more  dear  to  roe  ih«in  lipforr. 
litis  Mort  of  service  on  account  of  tlie  idleness  it  is  likely  to  pr(Mluco,  )  ;. 
the  g;reatc«i  Ctivoiir  yoitr  LordsUip  can  oonlcr  on  mo,  tlioi  you  will  hutv  the  i,'acrdtic« 
to  givt<  him  the  mmmaiiJ  of  11  large  Frigntc,  mauurd,  and  ullow  luin  tu  •err«  iuy«r 
ny  Cotnmiiud. 

'*  It  is  with  great  mpngnaiice  i  say  luiylhing  (n  your  Lordkhip  aboat  jvomMiOM, 
knowing  how  iniioii  yon  muitl  be  jircsHcil  upon  iit  home;  but  Commodcirr  S«)>«a 
being  nncdtumonly  nnxiottx  to  rewortl  LifUtenanm  Spicer  tiud  Noble,  tliL- fumurr  uii* 
Pinit  of  the  t'aiitiiin,  uud  the  Intter  mcsl  deNiienitely  wiiiuided  in  the  bellt  aatf 
shoulder  on  buurd  Ijt  ^tiner^e,  in  her  Action  with  the  Sniiimi.  in  addition  to  «  ckot 
h«  gut  in  his  iieuk  on  the  i'oasi  of  Genoa,  liii>  father  an  Oflir«r  in  the  Army,  and  • 
brother  a  Midshipman  in  the  Navy,  Luring  died  on  ^er^ice  in  thi'  West  Indini.wiU, 
1  iniKt,  excuse  luy  nnminx  them  to  yon  n  oeooitd  time.  Sensible  as  I  am  of  ibt 
jnKt  attention  paid  to  the  merits  of  tdl  who  have  hnpi>eued  to  shore  in  suocesafiil 
Actions  A^-iih  the  Enemy  since  yon  have  been  at  the  heail  of  the  Board  of  Adnundkj, 
J  do  not  prettuine  to  cidl  your  attention  to  othem. 

"  I  have  omitted  to  notice  liiut  Kear-AdmiriJ  Sir  WiUiiun  Parker,  whose  Fl«gw»» 
on  Uonnl  the  I'rince  George,  in  the  Van  on  both  Tockji,  made  hU  Signals  in  a  »mj 
oWuer  like  manner ;  for  the  rest  I  beg  leave  to  refer  yon  to  Captain  Calder,  wUo  b 
Uioroughly  inasiler  of  the  Hiibject,  ajul  (  desire  to  rerommend  him  and  C'aptjiiu  Ofrt 
\o  your  prutei'tjon.  1  hiul  a  conversation  with  Admiral  Wuldegravi'  on  llrf  luUrCI 
«f  his  earning  u  dupliciue  of  tliosic  Disitmchcs.  whiuli.  an  then?  cjisled  n  possibililT 
of  our  briiifdng  tlie  Sjiani.Mh  Fleet  to  action  a  second  time.  h«  very  riuiiinpndBbly 
declined;  pcrlmps  your  Lord^thip  will  think  it  due  to  him  10  send  the  Haiuni't  lo 
Lisbon,  to  convey  him,  Ids  suite,  and  baggjvgr,  (rnther  too  iiinuh  for  •  Frigate,)  to 
Englniid.     I  have  the  honour  to  be,  &e. 

"  J.  J  carts.' 

No  one  can  renil  that  Letter  vrithout  being  iinn'riReil  that  the  piiragmph<i  at  ll> 
commenoenient,  re«i)eciing  Captain  Troubiidge  nnd  ConimiMlore  Nelson,  did  not  fliid 
their  pmpitr  place  411  the  Public  Dispiileli,  Cvcn  in  this  Private  Letter  only  on*  of 
lUr  fbig  Oflicers  is  prai-cd  fur  his  eoiiducl  in  the  Action,  aiul  h<-  merely  ftr 
'•  having  made  his  bignol^t  in  a  very  <  illieei  like  uinuiier. "  Tliix  wiliiholding  of  itraia^ 
is  the  UKTc  remarkiil.lc,  from  Lord  81.  Vincent  having,  ou  OlJier  occa.sions,  in  gir 


r.  38.] 


LETTERS, 


337 


leliiifi,  txpttftaail  Itis  ailmirHiinn  of  gnlliuitry  and  good  ooiidnct  in  (lie  ittrougedl, 

«oiuptiiDc~-  ia  exirnvit^iiut  tertn«. 

yrJuliii  ItMTriw,  on«  of  the  Secrelttrics  to  ilie  Admiralty,  (.whose  antLorlly  on 
I  point  is  vrry  lii};li.'|  Hlatcn,  tiiat  "  It  in  kunwii  itiat  in  .lertiH''*  originnl  letter, 
'.  giren  to  Nelson  »ll  due  praise,  but  was  [irevftileJ  on  by  Sir  Itolii-n  C'»tWrr. 
-Hptiilti  ur  lUti  Fief  I,  to  giiliHtjtiite  another  iu  wliicli  it  wiia  loft  nut,  on  liic 
iLnt  OS  Nelson  hiid  ilisobctpd  the  nif^ial  of  reciill.  [Uic  signal  to  im;k,3  an; 
J«gjt  on  hiK  coudnci  wiiiijj  t'licoiiragtt  otlitT  Ofllcers  Kr  do  ilie  »anic,  whUc  the  e»- 
laitc  praise  nf  unu  iodiTidual  would  nnt  an  a  diiJCoiira^Muvnt  of  Ihfi  rc»t ;"  anil  Sir 
ftarruw  *ery  justly  adds,  "  Tht  snr|irisi?  is,  liiat  a  uiaii  of  Lord  Si,  Vincciil'* 
«h<)uld  not  have  detected  ihu  lurking;  jealou-<y  that  gave  ritii<   to  HUth  a 
ettdatiun." — {Life  uf  Ailmirul  Enrl  IJiiifr,  p.  241).)     The  NUrprisc  is,  liow- 
fWiU  grcBter  tliat  a  man  so  |MO-pminent]y  distinguished  for  flrmnc^ii  and  s*lf- 
npnt  a.<>  T.or«l  St.  Vinrcrit,  should  haM^  yielded   to  a  rrconuurndiilinu  to  not 
Jy.  liot  tu  Nelson  oiJ\;  but  to  his  Adiuindit,  and  to  Ihe  ('ii|ilaiitA  wito  linti  so 
Jy  di«iiugni>thcd  theuif<clves.    Thia  sni-prise  will  be  i)irn>aM*d,  when  it  is  reiucni- 
llial,  "  aAer  the  haille,  Sir.lohu.ler>is  rcctived  NeUoii  ou  the  ■(iiariin-deek  of 
>Viclory,took  hint  iuhi«  arms,  aaid  hecoulduotMifficiently  thrvuk  hini.and  iniiinled 
keeping  llie  sword  of  the  Spauish  Bear-AdniiraJ  which  he  iiail  tio  bravely  won." 
utoii'n  Lift-  and  Ciirrt'iJOHiktirr:  (</"  tht  Eurl  of  St,  VinicHt,  Vol.  i,  p.  Ill:}  ;  iiud 
3-tU,  post.)     Another  of  Lord  Si.  V'ineeiiCs  biogiikpht-n  reUlcit  a  pitiiinnt. 
for  the  reason  ufterwanls  i«laled,  an  hnjHiriiiHl  anecdote  of  the  Admuoi  anil  hie> 
«t  Ca{ilaiii:  '•  In  the  ereiiiiig,  tvliile  talking  over  the  CTcnii*  of  the  dm,  Cupiuin 
liiuied  that  the  tpontaneous  inansuvTP  which  carried  those  tlmt/ulmiiin  hvlli, 
■on  and  Collingwood,  into  the  bniut  of  Imttle,  was  an  unauthorized  de|MUiure 
Mi  Conintodiire  from  the  prescribed  mode  «if  atlnek!     '  It  certainly  was  so,'  re- 
Sir  .lohn  Jcrrii, '  and  if  ever  you  eoimuit  such  u  breairh  of  your  orders,  1  will 
if  <  you  also.'     The  fluttering  reception  wLirh,  immediately  after  the  Action,  Sir 
Jems  had  given  lo  the  Comraodorf*.  is  well  known." — (Tttcker't  Memoir*  of 
8l,  Vincent,  voi.  i.  p,  202.) 
tiutigh  the  Comiuander-in-Chiers  praise  of  his  Oflii-erH  wa*;  cold  and  piivnte, 
eir  and  laa  rewards  were  great  and  general.     Parliament  voted  tlieni  it^  llinnks 
the  luoat  cordial  manner.     Admiral  (of  the  Blue)  Sir  .lohn  Jervia  was  created 
jn  .lenw,  of  Meaford,  in    Ihe  county  uf  Stail'urd,  Hud  Earl  of  St.  ViiierJil, 
cut,  on  the  27th  of  May,  1707,  to  him  and  the   heirs  mole  of  his  body, 
ith  a  priiKinu  of  £;|INI0   a-yeor,     ViceA<hijiral  (of  tire  Bine)  C'harl«y*  Thoinp- 
aon,  and   Itt'ar-AitniiriJ   (of  the  Blue)  WilLiaiu   Poikcr,  the  M-eoud  iiiid  fuiii-th  in 
eotuxnand,  were  made  Baronets.     Vice-Admirid  (of  ihe  Blue)  the  llononmlde  >Vil 
liom   Waldfgrave,  the   tliird   in  cominaud,  being  a  Peer's  pon,  and    having   tlms 
liii'litT  rank  Uian  a  Baronet,  did  nut  immediately  receive  luiy  lionourf<,  but  on  ihn 
'    .if  Deeember,  l^iQO,  he  was  treated  an  Iriwh  Peer,  by  the  title  uf  Bar<m  Kmlstork, 
'town.  Queen's  Connty.     Commodore  Nelson  was  invented  with  the  Urder  of 
iiih;  Captain  Robert  Colder,  the  Cnptnin  of  the  fleet,  wa«  Knighted;  and 
tii.7  Niivol  MediU,  iuKtitutcd  after  Lord  Howe's  victory,  in  1704,  wiw  given  lo  the 
Admirals  and  Commodore,  and  to  the  Captain  of  every  Ship  uf  the  Line  iu  the  Fleet, 
being  a  very  different  principle  of  distribution  from  that  ailopled  in  ITU-l,  when  Uie 
gBilttUt  Cullingwood  fomid  liimKelf  among  thoDe  excluded  fruiii  the  distinction.     Ilia 
r ->)>!<    ooiidnei  on  being  offered  the  Medal  for  Ihe  llnttle  of  St.  Vincent,  im  well 


i  )>•  elevation  of  Sir  John  .Ieni«  to  on  EtiMom,  for  the  Battle  of  St,  Vincent. 
ii'ou  often  remarked  upon  ;  but  it  is  exphuned  tty  a  letter  IVom  Lord  Spencer,  of 

toIm  n.  z 


338  ^^^  LBT'l'ERS.  [Yltl. 

tlw  Ui  «>r  Felitu«r>'.  i;uT,  toiiMMn  4tii9»Mbrc  Uia  Btttlc.  latimadnf  tb»  Kia|^ 
iuu>iuion  lo  nuAf  liini  tn  ilir  P«>prag«,  no  ilini  li«  «m,  in  fltrt,  •  fiaro«  wtwn  tivM 
fought. — [Tiirkfri  MimvirM  of Enrl  St.  I'iitecitt,  vol.  I.  p.  'i'ib.) 

To  tlunt  UeiuAtk*  U  U  n^quUite  to  ulii  •fimo  obwsnitloQB  on  t)i«  •fooiitiI  uP  <k» 
IkuUr.  ill   Mr.  Jwiwh'h  •'  Savai  JJUtfry,"  t*  Ui»l  writer  liM  T^nttuwl  U>  ^'  '•'■' 
N«l>iuo'>  IxilitiuiM  luiil  deuUii'in  in  w«uriug   the    Cniiliiiu,   qiUtUng  tL«>    I 
■Uacking  iiu>  ht*vraT\[mn*t  DWihwu  nf  iiuf  Rpniiiab   Fli***,  v-wi  not  hin  l 
tADMiiu  aeti  but  jiroiio  IVoiti  «  «ig7uil  m*ilo  bytlie  Cutnin»ri4tfr-in-Clu4rf.    Tl' 
tion,  wUicli  is  nut  only  a  detmctiun  from  iLo  meriti  of  one  of  NcUou'a  mn»t  i-.  .■>..-. 
K&l*luiia,  bnt  Ml  impeKcluoetil  uf  liis  -vermcitT,  in,  liotraver,  wttLoat  ike  dli^lal 
Aiunil«iioii. 

In  the  iceouni  of  tli«  prooe«diug«  of  tlw  Captun  on  the  lixh  of  Fcbnuny,  aigail 
by  Nalson,  Captain  Millvr.  Mul  Captaiu  Biin7  (vide  |i.  340,  i*ost),  It  U  Mid — 

"  At  oufl  r.M'i  tUe  Captain  Untiiig:  paabimI  tkv  MornmoAt  of  tlto  CiMny*  BMpii 
whidi  fortiiuil  iliolr  Vaii,ui<)  port  of  Ibrir  t>ntrc,  connisting  of  tirvoni  "    *  ' 

|j])i> — tlipy  ou  Itie  litriiimnl,  we  un  llio  stiu-lioanl  Liuk — llie  AilmifKi  : 
to  tai>k  in  xuccrHftinn ;  Imt  I.  perceiving  the  Sponiali  Sliip«  aJi  to  be«i  ii|i  itiotf  iiir 
wind,  or  urtu-lv  s».  r^iilently  with  un  intcniir>n  of  fgiming  their  Una  going  luf^ 
Joining  th«ir  Mipiintteil  Di\  ixion,  at  iliat  lime  etigii(reil  wiili  xnine  of  our  omitir  Wfa, 
iir  flyliiff  front  ui. — to  prr\i!Mi  ciiUcr  of  Uictr  fclipmes  from  lolcijig  eflfect.  1  onlflvt 
llio  Ship  (0  bp  wore;  ami  panting  belwcrn  tttp  I>iiidrm  and  Kxcelleut.  at  a  qnorW 
put  oUK  h'oIimtV  wm  eugogvd  willi  ilio  ItrudmojtU  and,  nf  conntis  iMntardmuat  of  tlia 
8pani»li  Diviiiioii."  Tliif>  i»  rrpentod  in  tko  "  Kcmarks,"  in  Ni-Isun's  aulogin^ 
(\ide  p.  :iii,  poi>(.)  cxcrpt  tlml  lie  d'>CM  not  tb»r(>  nifntion  thai  tlic  Adminl  lial 
made  ihp  «ijm»l  '•  lo  lack." 

Mr.  .Iiuiics'it  kUitruiviit  is  as  tutiows: — "  At  about  111.  p.m.,  jiisl  as  t]u!  rvamMt 
Ship  of  that  pai'l  of  tbr  Britinb  Liue,  which  wna  vtiU  on  thr  StorboaiNl  Tack,  \tai 
ndvaucix]  »ii  fitr  nbeail,  aa  lo  leave  an  iipeu  ten  tu  LeewanI  nf  (lie  S|iaiiii>b  irpatlier 
Divikiiiu,  llieri  passing  in  the  controrv  direction,  Ihr  ndvniiocd  Sliipn  of  ilie  lalt#r,  M 
Ute  last  cfl'ort  m  join  ibeir  Lrp  liivJHion,  Imre  up  logpllier.  Hcoreefv  was  ilje  move- 
meoi  niatle.  iire  it  raugbi  ihe  atlentiuii  of  one.  who  won  aa  quick  iu  foreaeelng  llw 
coui>equcuci<»  of  itc  sucoess,  as  he  was  roadyi  in  obcdicnoe  to  ibr  t|iir{t.  if  oal  tit* 
U'lter,  of  a  signal  just  uiuiic,  in  dovifiing  ilie  incun««  for  its  failure.  Tltai  algual 
(No.  41.)  bail  l«'.<u  lioisiiMJ  on  buord  tUo  Victory,  ai  M  tn.  pitnt  Nnou,  and  dinMteA 
the  Ships  of  thu  Fleut  '  Ki  lake  »uiinb!c  ttiitions  for  mutual  lupporL,  and  viiKage  lit* 
Eiiamy,  ■»  cuwiiig  up  iu  siicreniiiiuu.'^  C'ommoilun;  N«ii<nn,  orcontinglv  directed  Ctf 
toiu  MilK'r  to  wm  tbe  Captaiu."  Jiuui'a  ilirtu  add*  iu  a  note.  "  Tliai  ilir  Captain  woit 
out  of  thtt  Line  in  couipUaurti  with  luiy  «if{nal  is,  wc  know,  contrary  to  r«c«i«ttl 
opiuiou,  but  the  I'ullowing  Htmids  aa  aii  oulry  iu  the  log-book  uf  a  Rog-iihip  tli«o 
at  no  great  distnnoe  (hjoi  h«r, — *  At  1,  >)ir  John  Jervi;*  laado  tin*  nigtial  for  tb» 
Englixh  Flevt  to  fonn  Line  an  most  oonvciilent.  Uu  thi^,  the  Copiuiu  pi-nfekod  all 
Bail  ttxtta  her  »luUou  of  tailing,  and  stood  ou,  and  fcU  into  our  Van,  lUiaad  uf  iio.' 
Altliough  the  aignal  here  spKciHtnl  waa  No.  ill,  iiinteid  ot  41,  tlieiv  ia  every  nmou 


'  The  Editor  has  lkil«d  iu  nhtniniiig  the  General  Signal  Book  u»«d  in  1707,  tad 
in  Hiiding  a  liHl  of  the  Signals  iniidn  by  the  Viriory  on  the  Uth  of  rebnury.  Ia 
n^V,  lite  Code  of  Htgiinbi  was  i.i|iiingi<d,  abon  tlte  aignal  fur  "  Tb*)  SIii|»  Ut  lake 
auiiablR  Hiation*'  for  their  uioIumI  xiipporl,  and  engage  the  Kneniy  oa  lU»y  fiei  ap 
with  dii-ni,"  lu'troaie  "No,  iH ;"  and  ibe  Hignal  to  "  form  a  Liui- 1><  Batik>  aatcm  aad 
ohowl  of  iho  Admiral,  as  nmxt  cotiveuiout  from  the  nccideutol  i)0»ili«in  of  tli»  Sliipa, 
without  rogond  lo  llio  prcaoiibcd  furui,"  bocoiuc  "  No.  Hi," 


r.  S8.] 


LETTERS. 


339 


i|f|Kiritf>  t1i*i    the  Idil^r,  llie  nmt  Hif^nnl  not  linving  l)4«oii  tnnde  «inCA  11  «.U.,  WM 
•I^jU  to  wl«ioli  ilic  entry  liiiJ  I'el'erencr." — Nnviil  Jfiilut^,  vo!,  ii.  p,  il7. 

.Iter  the  HigntU  ww  "  No.  ;il,"  ur  "  Nu.  41,"  lltp  |yi»p  nf  thiU  Bliip  (whoso 

iiujii<i|ierly  witkhohl,  liiit  whieh  witu  |ini1iulilT  lh«?  Priiicv  Urorn^,  Kcnf-A)!- 

Il^tfkrr.^  ijooii  not  aiaK' (hnt  in  (<ot]!i«i{urne«  of  it«  heiiig  iti«de,  ilir  Ca|>(ain 

,  rjnitiiHi  ilie  I.inn,  iitiil  pumuiNl  a  DiviMoii  of  the  l''ni«nir'ii  Flfi-t ;  but  it  •l«t<?Ji, 

Iiu  iloiihl  the  ai««,>  "  lliut  »be  miule  nil  nmI,  li-O  hrr  stiiliuu  in  the  I.iiie,  iiiiil 

^ton.  Mid  ft'll  into  the  Von.  nhi-ml"  of  the  miiJ  l'l«g  Ship;  n  \»ot'oMn^  p*rli'cili, 

M«n1  wilh  thft  oiifniil  "No.  31,"  **  to  form  r.im*  iw  nir>B(  ("oiivi'iiinii,"  hut  inenn- 

witit  thit  HijjriinJ,  "  No.  41,"  i.e.,  "  lo  take  HlKtioiin  fur  mututU  Miiiiiori,"  ico. 

June*  thci«rarr  not  only  «uppog<r<  one  siifniU  wui  aHolln-raigntii,  but  hr  winht"* 

I  b«  brlirvml  llml  tlu<  olf^nal  wlilch  h«  tliink^  wiw  wrongly  dpnoriboil,  leij   lu  nil 

iklutioii,  toiKily   itiflVreiit  from   that  whioh  the  si|(i))il   ("No.  31")  is  exprevMy 

ed  to  liftTo  |iToHuoer1.     ^fon'ovpr,  how  ean  the  procfediwg  of  tlie  "  Captuio,"   in 

iug  HTi<l  qnitting  the  Line,  instenil  of  olipying  the  Adminil'*  siginU  "  to  twk," 

to  1*   "  in  iihrdiriur  to  (he  $pirit"  of  the  ai((ilid  "  No.  41,  to  take  nuilnhlo 

ioil«  for  uiutuiU  iiiiiporl,  luid  vn^ngc  Ihc  Enemy  on  roroing  op  in  gucocsnion  f" 

r.  .luitieV";  a*«CTtioii  i»  thus  thrwnto  liAvi-  been  mnilc  without  any  Riilhorily 

sver ;  nud  it  is  provrd  to  be  nnlnip  by— 

nt,  the  "  lloinarksi"  »iguod  by  Cupliiiim  .Miller  and  Bern',  w  well  as  by  N«;1»OT1 

B^lf.  and  by  tlip "'  Iteinork*  " iu Nelson's  own  autograph.    Seeondli/,  by  ihf  aibui*i.sion 

romnmiiihir  iii-CMiief,  as  is  shown  by  the  two  anecdotes  just  related,  the  rery 

ation  of  both  of  which  is,  iliat  Nelson's  procceilinps  were  unauthorized  imd 

vpiliir;    by,  to  n  gront  extent.  Sir  .Itphn  Jervi^S  privato  letter  to  Lord  Spencer. 

by  Iti.i  reception  of  Nelnou  after  the  Biiltlf.      Thinlli/,  by  the  generid  ndiniaaioii 

'the  whole  I'lect,  oud,  indeed,  of  the  whole  UritiKh  Navy.     Fuiirthln,  by  Captain 

MlinpwKod's  letter,  "  yon  fonned  the  plan  of  attack,"  ^^ride  p.  !140,  post.)    F^llhlij, 

Colonel  DrinkwiUrr'.M  Nnrniti\p.     And,  Sirlhlii,  by  it-t  not  In^jtig  disputed  in 

B4r-Adiniral  Parker**.  Stfttcment,  addressed  to  Nelson,  though  thut  Stafeun'ut  was 

{ttett,  becaii«(>  Admiral  Pnrker'a  friend'*  coiuidered  that  iti  Nelson's  Remarks  on 

B«ttl)*,  Parker  h<ui  not  the  credit  that  properly  belonged  to  him.     A  copy  of 

ural  Ptu-ker't  Htotement  is  inserted  in  ihe  App8!ri>ix  to  this  Volrnne,  and  Nel- 

larmkic,  if  not  conleiuptuou»  Answer  to  it  is  in  p.  437,  post.    Southey .  in  a  long 

on  the  nmiasion  of  Nelsou'it  name  in  the  Dispatch,  ju»ily  «ayH,   "Ihe  dei-iaire 

»i»H)»ni  by  wlileh  the  Action  Iteuame  a  >ictory,  won  executed  in  neglect  of  orders, 

hl«  own  Jiidj^ncnt,  and  at  hi.*  i>eril." 

>t   SBtinfled  with  tryiufr  to  divest  Nelson  of  the  merit  of  one  exploit,  Mr.  JAinrs 

^9g*at9  that  be  <-liuinnd   more  credit  thiin  he  deserved  for  another.     Af^er  qnoiing 

ponrlnding  paobogf^  of  NelsonV  "  Remark*."  but  of  the  former  part  of  wlucli  (aii 

I  Ills  Hceoiitil  of  the  AgHnicnuiou'ti  proceeihugr:  on  the   I'llh  nnd  14th  nf  March, 

p.  I*t.  unte, )  he  takes  no  notice,  hegAVM.  '? 'I'hcre  i»,  it  apia-ars,  ii  doubt  whetlinr 

Joief  gv)(  fdiil  of  the  Sun  Nicolas  just  bcfuif-,  or  duiiug,  Cotumodore  Nelson's 

»)on  iifihe  latter:   al  all  cveiitK,  it  Heems  certain  that  the  Ban  .Tosef  A<ll  on 

the  •lorn,  and  aftcrwai'dx  drop]tcd  broadaide-lo :  in  which  |iomUun  she  waa 

I  from  iJjc  San  Njcidnit,  ok  already  described,    \S\\l  a  morn  acriouH  doubt  olUiclm 

Ntiitenient  uf  the  Sun  JOscf's  surrender  bnviiig  been  Ihc  coimeqiteiice  nf  thai 

ng.   A»  far  a«  our  rciJcarchcB  have  goue.  it  apiieara  to  be  clearly  i'siablixhed,  that 

IVinre  Oeorgn  uaii  eiigngiiig  the  San  .loscf  u1   the  moment  %\\e  got  foul;    and 

the  former  Ship  only  HUHpended  her  lire  until,  havitii,'  ed^'ed  uway  to  lc«wiinl  of 

Captain  and  hiui  Nicolas,  «he  wo*  able  to  rexume  it  ahead  and  cleat  of  the 

aptain;  thai  the  Shu  Nicolas  at  ilu!«  uiomeut  dnrd  into  the  i'rince  George,  who 

z2 


340 


urrrsML 


[UJ 


9«M«i  fart  «f  tar  attamlRvpM  tW  StuiK-'-  ' 
k«  li*  vfMi  kMk  SfMMli  Stifa  nta,  at  lfa«  f«l  «f  Mm*  »:! 

At  Mr.  JiHH  givw  SB  nAoatxibr  daw 4a«t.  :  fiurl;  Uavr  Wrs  Ml 

■■■■£(*<■•     TIntk  i>,  ■■wiwf,  M  vitk  IB  maU  tn^  ^iir-»uou.     Ur.  Jiuiim'*  "  n- 
mmxh^  «m  «lk»  w%it  smm  t*  lin*  ktCRS  imI  «alal  with  Adnumi  P«rW< 
SliiHBCBl.  •!««  oBvl^  «fc«  •■■•  wunk  oorar.     (VUl*  Ui«  AM>Bsrtx.)    IW 
i— ir  I*  Ateinl  Pitktr  tmd  Mr.  Jaton  b  dio«t  md  vaDctiultn.    TV  Pwm« 
Ovwfr  «ri]F  W*«  he«a  iriarfaMatbe  Ste  i«H#Mbic,  or  ewn 
wsUvfaJbrlMMaftMi  iki  Sm  KiMlw.  (ibaa«ii  Ncl»..; 
Vmkm  HiBB  H  VB7  lirtiflil.)  ■■!  if  H  van  •«,  it  nuy   lu^ 
SpoisAi  af  tW  htf^iimmtm  of  BtnUftif  ifiiBst  ibeir  utm  «m^i 
ittiiVMaU*  llHt  tt*  Am  Jm^^  rfU  «•«  Htrmulrr  MwfW  .Vr/«o«  r. 
dUtmt,  mt  lit  kem4  ^  km  hma4tr%.    That  tb»  Spuiiali  Captmin  c. 
aa  U»  eaataanr  ia  pnfwA  hy  hia  hanair  ptatuteA  die  Spui&h  A<)r 
him.    Coaaaoo  aamc  irooU  aknr  iliai  Uw  Saa  Jaaef;  a  nmt-nuit,  - 
mtm,  wooU  iMre  itcitri  iha  Boaidiii  in  a  rtrj  diflrnnl  maanef^ 
kavliif  kvmaAindtDNeiaanaarl  tiisCaUo«ers — bad  Bbp  noc  been  {iri. . 
kaaOad  b*  aar  SItipft.    Nor  4i4  Ndaoa  rrer  asert  tbe  ooatraty :  liie  w^i: 
oiiafaA  mj  pea|i»  la  board  iLe  Flnt-iale,  wfairli  was  ilow  ia  an  {twtnti^ 
Ben;  Msiuiog  ■»  iiuo  tJic    nuim  diaiis.     Ai  Uiis  uMnieut  a  s 
lookrd  over  Ibe  faarl«r-il«rk  nil,  aail  said  lltry  hoA  •ninTTtdrrrtl.'' 
MS,  post )     Ln  Ui«  L«u«r  to  CafiUiJi  Locker, 
•f  tbe  battle,  Le  »a>^, "  I  pretend  not  to  say  i 

I  DOl  lioard«d  tlma  ;  bnt  tnily  it  wan  fur  from  uu|Hf6eiblc  but  tiiej  migiu  itKtt  i 
into  lltf  S|«aiah  Fleets  a*  the  other  SUipi  did." 


A  FEW  REMARKS  REI^TIVE  TO  MYSELF  IN   THE  CAPTAIN,  W 
WHICH  MY  PENDANT  WAS  FLYING  ON  THE  MOST  OLORIOW! 

valentine's  day,  1797." 

^  £Froiu  ft  Copy  in  the  Kelson  Pi»pcr»,  eoneeled  by  Kelson,  atid  Willi  tli«  auingn{ii) 
itircs  «>r  Cowfiiod.ire  Kelson,  Cuptaia  ililler,  and  C«iitiun  Deny.  Clwli' 
IM'Artliursl*lc  lIuU  fommodorc  Nelson  sent  n  Copy  of  tlii.i  Nurratitv  to  HB-II- 
the  Duke  of  Clfticnce,  vrlili  llie  Tullofftng  Not* ; — '•  Tbo  pmi^tes  and  Lnuonn  nf  air 

Adiuind  tell  me  1  mny  relate  my  tnle:  I  therefore  send  yoar  Royal  Ui"\ -•  ' 

few  It<-mftrks  rcUtire  to  myself  in  the  Cajitajii,  iit  which  tuy  Pnidnnt  wa.- 

the  most  glorious  Valciilioc's  Day."     Ii  appews  flom  a  Letter  to  Ci^taiu  ■ ... ».. 

(vide  p.  'iM,  post)  tiiat  a  Copy  via  seut  to  itiia  fur  pnhlicalioR,] 

At  one  P.M.,  the  Captain  having  passed  the  stemmost  of  the 
Enemy's  Ships  which  formed  their  van  and  part  of  their  ' 
consisting  of  seventeen  Sail  of  the  Line,  thej  on  the  lai  i 

•  Tbe«i  "  Remarkit"  were  pnliliitlied  »oon  after  tlioy  were  «rri(t«n,  and  *  >'?<•  it 
printed  in  the  Naral  Chronicle,  in  1700,  (vol.  ii.  p.  ftOft. )     Tlie  roj>y  in  (  ' 
M'Ar'hnr  (vol.  i.  p.  :Ht))  ditCers  verbally  in  many  pla<-es  (Vom  the  oliUTe.  aii.i 
lliiit  Ihi'V  liiwl  innde   "  "oniv  mMitinn*"  from  Iho  Ori^nnl  foinul  in  the  Nelson  t'«t>er». 
Tb»f  "  "rii^rllipr"  IB  now  givcM  vtrlmtim. 


:5s. 


LETTERS. 


341 


uu  liie  starboard  tack,  the  Admiral   made  the  signal  to 
:k  ill  succession;'  but  I,  perceiving  the  ypatiisli  Shijis  all  to 
up  before  the  wind,  or  nearly  so,  evidently  with  an  inten- 
>n  of  forming  their  line  going  large,  joining  their  separated 
ivision,  at  that  time  engaged  with  some  of  our  centre  Ships, 
flying  from  us — to  prevent  cither  of  their  schemes  from 
ting  effect,  I  ordered  the  ship  to  be  wore,'  and  passing 
ttwccu  the  Diadem  and   Excellent,  at  a  (piartcr  past  one 
;:lock,  was  engaged  with  the  hqadmost,  and  of  course  leeward- 
last  of  the  Spanish  division.     The  Ships  which  I  know  were, 
,iLc  Santissima  Trinidad,  126;    San  Josef,  112;    Salvatlor  del 
[undo,  1 12;  San  Nicola.s,  80;  another  First-rate,  and  Seventy- 
names  not  known.     I  was  immediately  joined  and  most 
)bly  supported  by  the  Cullodcn,  Captain  Troubridge.     The 
inish  llect,  from  not  wishing  (I  suppose)  to  have  a  decisive 
Itle,  hauled  to  the  wind  on  the  larboard  tack,  which  brought 
!  Ships  afore-mentioned  to  be  the  Iccwardmost  and  stenimost 
liips  in  their  Fleet.     For  near  an  hour,  I  believe,  (but  do  not 
jtend  to  Ix;  correct  as  to  time,)  did  the  Cullotlen  and  Captain 
)port  this  apparently,  but  not  really,  unequal  contest ;  when 
Blenheim,  passing  between  us  and  the  Enemy,  gave  us  a 
spite,  and  sickened  the  Dons.    jU  this  time,  the  Salvador  del 
[undo  and  San  Isidro  dropped  astern,  and  were  fired  into  in 
I  masterly  stylo  by  the  Excellent,  Captain  CoUingwood,  who 
impelled  the  Sanlsidro  to  hoist  English  colours,  and  I  thought 
Urge  Ship  Salvador  del  Mundo  had  also  struck  ;  but  Cap- 
bn  Collingwood,  disdaining  the  parade  of  taking  possession 
beaten  enemies,  most  gallantly  jiushed  up,  with  every  sail 
to  save  his  old  friend  and  messmate,  who  was  to  appear- 
icc  in  a  critical  state.     The  Blenheim  being  ahead,  and  the 
|ullodcn  crippled  and  astern,  the  Excellent  ranged  up  within 
feet  of  the  San  Nicolas,  giving  a  most  tremendous  fire, 
ic  Sun  Nicolaa  luffing  up,  the  San  Josef  fell  on  board  her, 
jd  the  Excellent  jmssing  on  for  the  Santissima  Trinidad,  the 
iptain  resumed  her  situation  abreast  of  them,  and  close  along- 
At  this  time  the  Captain  having  lost  her  foretop-raast, 
>l  a  sail,  bhrouJ,  or  rope  left,  her  wheel  shot  away,  and 
icapable  of  further  service  in  the  line,  or  in  chase,  I  directed 


•  Viilo  Uic  prcccJing  Ob)>erT«iioiis. 


342 


LETTERS. 


[17i»7. 


Captwn  Miller  to  put  the  helm  a-siarboard,  and  calling  for  ik 
Boarders,  ordered  them  to  board.' 

The  Soldiers  of  the  G9th  Regiment,  with  an  alacrity  which 
will  ever  do  them  credit,  and  Lieutenant  Pierson  of  the  samo 
Regiment,  were  amongst  the  foremost  on  this  service.  ITie 
first  man  who  jumped  into  the  Enemy'b  miwin-chains  ww 
Captain  Berry,  late  my  First  Lieutenant ;'  (Captain  Miller 
was  in  the  very  act  of  going  also,  but  1  directed  him  to  remain ;/ 
he  was  supported  from  our  spritsail-yard,  which  hooked  in  the 
mi/.en-rigging.  A  soldier  of  the  69th  regiment  having  broke 
the  upper  quarter-gallery  window,  jumped  in,  followed  by 
myself  and  others  as  fast  as  possible.  I  found  the  cabin-doore 
fastened,  and  some  Spanish  OflSccrs  fired  their  pistols ;  but 
having  broke  open  (he  doors,  the  soldiers  fired,  and  tb» 
Spanish  Brigadier  (Commodore  with  a  Distinguishing  Pendant) 
fell,  as  retreating  to  the  tpiarter  deck,  on  the  larboard  side, 
near  the  wheel.  Having  pushed  on  the  quarter-deck,  1  found 
Captain  Berry  in  possession  of  the  poop,  and  the  Spanish  en- 
sign hauling  down.  1  passed  with  my  jjeople  and  Lieuteoool 
Pierson  on  the  larboard  gangway  to  the  forecastle,  where  I 
met  two  or  three  Spanish  Officers  prisoners  to  my  scametit 
and  they  delivered  me  their  swords. 

At  this  moment,  a  fire  of  pistols  or  mu.sket8  opened  from  the 
Admiral's  stern  gallery  of  the  San  Josef,  1  directed  tlie  soldici* 
to  fire  into  her  stern ;  and,  calling  to  Captain  Miller,  ordered 

'  Jiuncs  (vol.!.  I).  411)  say-j,  Uiere  wiis>  then  "no  lUlt'niWive  bm  lo  lunrd  lh» 
SipRnish  rwo-deoker."  If  li«'  mcnnt  iliiu  tn  Xthon,  tliere  poiild  lie  no  oUier  cboier, 
he  wiw  cons'Ct;  bnt  ttmay  Cnptainfl  liiul,  iitidpr  mmtliu-  fifcuni««ftn«'"«.  (w  W>  «>• 
kuDW  bell^r  Uion  Mr.  Junes,^  foiiud  «u  niternafivf  iu  leaving  ilirir  «&Uigoaiit 
nlone. 

•  CA|ilAiti  Bern-  wim  ilieu  n  piisMiigei-  in  ilic  Capimn,  Itiwing  Inli'h  I't-cn  pniiiuitW 
to  the  mnk  of  (.'ainMinmlcr ;  iumI  lie  «ivs  I'ostfd  m\  ilu'  (Uli  of  MnrcL  follovriuf.  fcr 
bin  gnllaiitry  at  Ht.  Vini"eilt'«, 

'  TItr  following  iiiitTfMting  Mirrdolo  liiui  been  obligingly  cpistniinJPKifd  hj  Ca^uill 
Miller's  -sister,  Mr*.  Dalrjiiiplc : — "  Wliilo  CwpUiii  ilillei'  vra."  lemliug  lii»  mcu  lo  lii» 
Sim  Nirnln.4,  Cumniodori!  NelKsnn  foiid  '  No,  Miller;  /  iniitt  hnre  thAt  honour','  Ml4 
on  giting  into  tlio  mbin.  nflt-r  the  rnnleht,  Nelson  smid,  'Miller,  1  nm  tinder  tlid 
gn'nieht  obligruionn  to  yoii,'  uid  presented  liiro  wirli  the  Spaiiiuli  CaplAiii'-N  -iworti 
Olid  tlien,  OS  if  In;  could  not  stiflleiently  Mbew  bis  »cn»e  of  bift  Captaiu't  •crvicwv, 
Rgiiin  i-rpTe«HiHl  In's  obliK^iitinus,  nnd  drawing  n  ring  from  bin  fltiger,  p1«eril  il 
Captain  Miller' i«.  'i'iie  ring,  raihrr  h  Inrj^  topaz,  Met  ronnd  wiib  diiwiiondf,  nnd  lb4 
Bpnniitb  offleer"*  sword,  are  now  iu  tlie  possession  of  MiB»  Milieri  t.'iiptuiu  M0lw' 
onl;  btirviviiig  ebild. 


p.  38.] 


I-ETTER8. 


343 


to  semi  more  men  into  the  San  Nicolas,  and  directed  my 
people  to  board  the  First-rate,  which  was  done  in  an  ioalant. 
Captain  Berry  assisting  me*  into  the  main  chains.  At  this 
moment  a  Spanish  Officer  looked  over  the  quarter-deck  rail, 
4ad  said  — *  they  surrendered  •,   from   this  most  welcome  in- 

fgcnce  it  was  not  long  before  I  was  on  the  quarter- 
c,  when  the  Spanish  Captain,  with  a  bow,  presented  mc 
Sword,  and  said  the  Admiral  was  dying  of  his  wounds 
below.  I  asked  him,  on  his  honour,  if  the  Ship  were  surreu- 
?d  ?  be  declai'ed  she  was  ;  on  which  1  gave  hitn  my  hand, 
,  desired  him  to  call  to  his  Officers  and  Ship's  company,  and 
them  of  it — which  he  did  i  and  on  the  quarter-deck  of  u 
inish  First-rate,  extravagant  as  the  story  may  seem,  did  I 
:ive  the  Swords  of  vamjuished  Spaniards ;  which,  as  I  re- 
Fed,  I  gave  to  William  Feamey,  one  of  my  bargemen,  who 
them  with  the  greatest  sangfroid  under  his  anu.  I  was 
surrounded  by  Captain  Berry,  Lieutenant  Pierson,  69th  Uegi- 
It,  John  Sykes,  John  Thomson,  Francis  Cook,  all  old 
imemnons,  and  several  other  bmvc  meu,  seamen  and  sol- 

thus  fell  these  Ships. 
f.B. — In  boarding  the  San  Nicolas,  I  believe,  we  lost  about 
»n  killed  and  ten  wounded,  and  about  twenty  Spaniards 
lost  their  lives  by  a  foolish  resistance.     None  were  I  believe 
in  boarding  the  San  Josef. 

Horatio  Nelson. 
Ralph  Willett  Miller. 
E.  Berry. 

[Add«d  in  K>lion'«  Aiuugroph.] 

)on  Francisco  Xavier  Winthuyscn,   Rear-Admiral,   died 
or  Lis  wounds  on  board  the  San  Josef.  Don  Tomas  Geraldino, 
led  on  board  the  San  Nicohus  when  boarded  by  the  Captaiii. 


C?i»mf>ck,  TlarriNon,  nml  Hntitbi-y,  Rlftt/-  tliut  Ni^Ihou  letl  tlte  wny  into  tli»i  Run 
rf,  Ttbcmcnlly  excluntiug,  "  WesUiiiuater  Ablipy,  or  ViL'tory  !" — ngtMconndc  Tcrjr 
It  with  Itis  character. 


S44 


LETTERS. 


A  FEW    UKMARKS   RKLATIVK  TO  MYSELF  fN  TflE  CAITAJN, 

wrncri  imv  pendant  was  flying  on  the  mo?i  glowoii 
valentine's  day,  1797. 


[Aiilogriiiili  dmnght,  in  the  Nelson  Puiwr?.  Though  lliia  Tiqicr  l»  Itt  fti.mj  f>li 
in  Uip  «auie  vtitnls  iw  the-  prrceiliup,  yet  ili  il  !.i  a  dociiuicnt  of  ii   '    ' 
iho  fiiiTiiur  t>t-iiig  mfrely  aigUL-d  liy  Nelson,  while  litis  b  wholly  in  '  mJ,! 

M,  moreover,  it  eouUiiis  some  interesting  kdditiouiti  both  arr  iviiitcii  miirc.J 

On  the  13th  Fcbniary,  at  6  p.m.,  shifled  my  Pendant  froll 
from  La  Minen'c  Frigate  to  tlie  Captain. 

Valentine's  day,  at  daylight,  signal  to  prepare  for  Baide 
at  10,  saw  some  strange  Ships  standing  across  the  van  of  oti 
Fleet,  on  the  larboard  tack,  which  was  sailing  in  two  divisioni 
eight  in  the  weather,  seven  in  the  lee,  on  the  starboard  lar| 
About  11,  signal  to  form  the  Line,  as  most  convenienL 
twenty-five  past  11,  the  Action  commenced  in  llie  Van,  the 
passing  through  the  Enemy's  Line.  About  1  a.m.,  the  Cap 
lain  having  passed  the  stcmniost  of  the  Enemy's  Sluf 
which  formed  their  Van,  consisting  of  seventeen  Sail  of 
Line,  and  ])erceiving  the  Spanish  Fleet  to  bear  up  before 
wind,  evidently  with  an  intention  of  forming  their  Line,  gotr 
large — joining  their  separated  division, — or  flying  from  us; 
prevent  either  uf  their  schemes  from  titking  effect,  I  ordcrctl 
the  Ship  to  be  wore,  and  passuig  between  the  Diadem  itoJ 
Excellent,  at  ten  minutes  past  1  o'clock,  I  was  in  close  Acdc 
with  the  Van,  and,  of  course,  lee  ward  most  of  the  Spanii 
Fleet.  The  Siiips  which  I  know  were  the  Santa  Trinic 
San  Josef,  Salvador  del  Mundo,  San  Nicolas,  San  laidf 
another  First-rate  and  Seventy-four,  names  not  known.  I 
immediately  joined  and  most  nobly  supported  by  the  Ci 
lodeu.  Captain  Troubridge.  The  Spanish  Fleet,  from  ni 
wishing,  I  suppose,  to  have  a  decisive  Battle,  hauled  to 
wind  on  the  larboard  tack,  which  brought  the  Ships  abo^ 
mentioned  to  be  the  leewardmost  Ships  in  their  Fleet.  For 
hour  the  CuUoden  and  Captain  supported  this  apj^arcntly,  b< 
not  ill  reality,  unequal  contest,  when  the  Blenheim,  passii 
to  windward  of  us  and  ahead,  eased  us  a  little.  By  this  til 
the  Salvador  del  Mundo  and  San  Isidro  dropped  astern, 
were  fired  into  in  a  masterly  style  by  the  Excclleni,  Capt 
ColUngwood,  who  comj>elled  them  to  hoist  English  coloi 


3aj 


LETTERS. 


34^ 


ilifldsuuiug  the  parade  of  taking  |>usscssiou  of  beaten 
Miiics>  he  must  gallantly  pushed  up  lo  save  his  old  friend 
nnd  nicsaniate,  who  was  to  appearance  in  a  critical  situation: 
the  Blenheim  having  fallen  lo  leeward,  and  the  Culloden 
crippled  and  astern,  the  Captain  at  this  time  being  actually 
llH^I  ujion  by  three  First-rates  and  the  San  Nicolas  and  a 
||Si%'enty-four,  and  about  pistol-shot  distance  of  the  San 
Nicolas.  The  Excellent  ranged  up  with  every  sail  set,  and 
hauling  up  his  mainsail  just  asteni,  passed  within  ten  feet  of 

KSan  Nicolas,  giving  her  a  most  awful  and  tremendous  fire. 
e  San  Nicolas  luffing  up,  the  San  Josef  fell  on  board  her, 
.^J   the  Excellent  passing  on  for  the  Santa  Trinidad,  the 
ptaiu  resumed  bcr  situation  abreast  of  them,  close  aloug- 

lis  time,  the  Captain  having  lost  her  fbrc-topmast,  not 

^shroud,  or  rope  standing,  the  wheel  shot  away,  and 

ipablc  of  further  service  in  the  Line  or  in  chase,  I  directed 

Iplaln  Miller  to  put  the  helm  a-starboard,  and  calling  for  the 

ir<.fcrs,  ordered  them  to  Board. 

'he  Soldiers  of  the  69th  Regiment,  with  an  alacrity  which 

"11  ever  do  them  credit,  with  Lieutenant  Picrson,  of  the  same 

Regiment,  were  amongst  the  foremost  on  this  service.     The 

first  man  who  jumped  into  the  Enemy's  mizcn-chaius  was 

|i|ttptaln  Berry,  late  my  First-Lieutenant,     lie  was  supported 

^Hm  oiir  spritsail-yard ;  and  a  soldier  of  the  GQth  Regiment 

^Hring  broke  the  upper  quarter-gallery  window,  jumped  in, 

flwloweil  by  mj'self  and  others,  as  fast  as  possible.     I  found  the 

cabin-doors  fastened,  and   tlie   Spanish  Officers    fired   their 

pistols  at  us  through  the  wuidows,  but  having  broke  open  the 

doors  the  soldiers  fired,  and  the  S])aiuhh  Brigadier  (Commo* 

dorc,  with  a  distinguishing  Pendant)  fell  as  retreating  to  the 

quarter-deck.     Having  pushed  on  the  quarter-deck,  I  found 

''  -'iin  Berry  in  possession  of  the  poop,  and  the  Spanish 

.;i  hauling  down.     The  San  Josef  at  this  moment  fired 

|{muskcts  and  pistols  from  the  Admirers  stern-gallery  on  us. 

'  Onr  seamen  by  this  time  were  in  full  possession  of  everj'  part : 

about  seven  of  my  men  were  killed,  and  some  few  wounded, 

and  about  twenty  Spaniards. 

pllaving  placed  sentinels  at  the  different  ladders,  and  ordered 

)tain   Miller  to  push  more  men  into  the  Saa  Nicolas^  I 


346 


LETTEB& 


[1797. 


directed  my  brave  fellows  lo  board  the  First-raie,  which  was 
done  in  a  moment.  When  I  got  into  her  main^chains,  a  Sfmiiith 
Officer  came  upon  the  quarter-deck  rail,  without  arms,  uul 
said  the  Ship  had  surrendered.  From  this  welcome  inforraa- 
UoD,  it  was  not  long  before  I  was  on  the  quarter-deck,  when 
the  Spanish  Captain,  with  a  bended  knee,  presented  mc  his 
Sword,  and  told  me  the  Admiral  was  d}'ing  with  his  wounds 
below.  I  gave  him  my  band,  and  desired  him  to  call  to  bis 
Officers  and  Ship's  Company  that  the  Ship  had  f>i  '  'l, 
which  he  did;  and  on  the  quarter-deck  of  a  Sp  >  i- 

rate,  extravagant  as  the  story  may  seem,  did  1  receive  tk 
Swords  of  the  vanquished  Spaniards,  which  as  I  received  I 
gave  to  William  Fearney,  one  of  my  bargemen,  who  yUcd 
them,   with  the  greatest  sang-froid,  under  his  arm.     I  was 
surrounded   by   Captain    Berry,   Lieutenant    Pierson,  GDtii 
Regiment,  John  Sykcs,  John  Thompson,  Francis  Cook,  and 
William   Fearney,  all  old  Agaraemnons,  and  several  other 
brave  men,   Seamen  and  Soldiers.     Thus  fell   these   Ships. 
The  ^'ictory  passing  saluted  us  with  three  cheers,  as  did  ever)' 
Ship  in  the  Fleet.     The  Minerve  sent  a  boat  for  me,  and  I 
hoisted  ray  Pendant  on  board  her,  directing  Captain  Cocklmni 
to  put  me  on  board  the  first  uninjured   Sliip  of  the  Line, 
which  was  done  ;  and  I  hoisted  my  Pendant  in  the  Irresistible, 
but  the  day  was  too  far  advanced  to  venture  on  taking  posKS* 
sion  of  the  Santa  Trinidad,  although  she  had  long  ceased  to 
resist,  as  it  must  have  brought  on  a  night  Action  with  a  still 
very  superior  Fleet.     At  dusk,  I  went  on  board  the  Victory, 
when  the  Admiral  received  me   on   the  quarter-deck,  and 
having  embraced  me,  said  he  could  not  sufficiently  thank  rac, 
and  used  every  kind  expression  which  could  not  fail  to  make 
mc  happy.     On   my  return  on  board  the   LTcsistible,   tny 
bruises  were  looked  at,  and  found  but  trifling,  and  a  few  dayi 
made  mc  as  well  as  ever. 

H.  N. 

N.B.  There  is  a  saying  in  the  Fleet  too  flattering  for  roe  to 
omit  telling — viz,,  '  Nelson's  Patent  Bridge  fur  boarding  First- 
Rates,'  alluding  to  my  passing  over  an  Enemy's  80-gun  Ship; 
and  another  of  a  Sailor's  taking  me  by  the  hand  on  board  the 


r.  38.] 


LETTERS. 


347 


Jusef,  saying  he   might  not  soon   have   such  another 
to  do  it  in,  and  assuring  mc  he  was  heartily  glud  to  see 


TO  CAPTAIN  COLUNCWOOD,  I1.M.8.  EXCELLENT. 

PkMiogT*pl«.  in  lliO  ltoi«i*s»ioii  of  thp  Honourable  Mrs.  NirwiiLun  Colliiigwood. 
ill  ilu«  leitrr  Cuptaiu  Colliu(fwoocl  wroic,  "  Nelson  sliiflcd  Lis  Uroad  Peiidout 
\Uit  Immubk,  liis  own  bltip  baisg  so  mauled." J 

Irresistible,  February  l^ili,  TiH*. 
My  dcaiesl  Friend, 

A  friend  in  need  is  a  friend  indeed/  was   never  n»ore 
ly  Tcrified  than  by  your  most  noble  and  gallant  conduct 


tlie  morning  alV«r  ilie  Dnttlr,  tlie  K'th  of  Fvbntary,  NelHon  weut  on  buont 

itcly  to  »ce  Sir  Oiibeit  Ellioi,  but  tlii)  lue  Vicer<iy  liiwl  just  gone  to  tliu  Viutuiy, 

ung^roluUte  Sir  John  Jcn'i»  ou  liie  c^onu  of  the  jirevcdiiiK  dky.     Nrlaon  fotiudi 

t«tr.  Colonel  Drinkwaier,  whufic  relnJion  of  Ihu  sulmUktive  of  ibcir  converAatioit 

'grrnt  liii«rciil:— '"  Wliere  Ls  Sir  Oilliert  ?'  wiis  Uis  llrst  inquiry.     '  tion*  with 

Uarlie*  i<>  the  Victory,'  wm  my  reply.     '  1  hop<-d,'  h«  rvjoinvd,  '  lo  Ui^ve  tsmigbt 

I  b^fitre  Uc  saw  the  Ailmirol ;  lint  come  lielow  'niilt  inc.*     And  he  lud  ilie  way  to 

8cktod  ttlouc  null  tLr  Commndorei  1   rouewcd,  in  tlio  mu«t  cxiircii'iivtf 

cnti(^nltilatiot»  on  hix  xiififty  from  the  p^rilx  of  Hurli  a  llglii.  lUid  on  Uiti 

iiii;iii*hed  \>»il  be  had  iwntoiuiJIy  taken  in  ihe  Action,  of  which  miuiy  piurii- 

by  tlii*  timr  renchcd  the  LtToly.    lie  received  my  cuuijiliuicut*  with  great 

«ty,  though  cTJdculiy   wiiL  grem  aulUrucciou.     i   then  roniiulird  timl,  a»  tha 

would  bear  the  glorion<i  news  to  I'.ngliui'l,   I  »hoiild  feel  louoli  obliged  by  hia 

Bg  me  ii»  many  pftrttculorf  of  Ui»;i  proeeediugn  of  IiIh  Hhip,  Uje  CAptiuii,  and  of  Ida 

i  oouducl  in  Ihe  capture  of  Llie  two  &hi|i»,  lu*   hu   ^na  dis\K)atiH  lu  cuiniMiUlicali). 

'  intimacy  wrwi  «urb,  that  1  felt  no  dilTiruity  in  draxving  l^oio  bim  tbcaic  detail* ; 

tluH  cirFiinmliincp  Hill   b«   an  ojiology  for  my  niukiug  thvoe  remnrki  wiiti  •iicti 

freedom.     I  observed  to  biiu.  tbat  the  position  of  the  Captain  appeared  lo  all  of 

tbe  LireJy,  to  l)e  ft't  a  long  time  most  cxtrB<irTliuary  and  unaccountable.     Wo 

[4riip«el«d  etery  tnaUuit  i<i  ^«e  the  Ship  annihtlali-d  by  the  uv«i'|H>wering  tutte  in 

eb  ahr  Was  «ingty  o|)po««d.     in  the  aniniAiiou  of  oonvcrnAiiou,  1  went  so  far  a« 

ak,  '  liow  rune  yon.   Commodore,  to  get  into  that  ningnlnr  and  |H<rihiaH  iiituii' 

He  guod-natureilly  replied,   'I'll  tell  you  how  it  Impiieucd.     The  Admiml'a 

ion,  i  *aw,  wna  lo  cut  olT  th«  detached  Sijiiadron  of  eight  Sail,  axul  ariiirtrardii 

Iba  main  body,  weakened   liy  ihiH  aeparntion.     Otmvrviug,  however,  U  OUi 

uhanceJ.  and  Iwcamr  (>ii(;ag(*d  with  the  Knemy'i  Ship*,  tbat  tlie  main 

ilir  Kuemy  (rere  pii«hing  to  join  their  b^etidH  to  Wwiird,  by  parting  in  tbn 

'ear  Si|uailron,  I  ibongbi,  uuleH*.  by  itiome  pioinpt  and  exuauiiUnary  nieai>ur«, 

body  could   be  diverted   from   thi«  onnrHi',   until  Hir  .lnjin    (a<  Ibui  tlmti  In 

iiin  in  tijc  Victory)  could  we  ib«ir  phm,  bii  nell  arranged  dcMgns  un  tlw>  Kmtmy 

tw  fru»irAt«d.     I  tliercfore  urdi^re.l  the  Captaiii  to  wear,  and  pn^sivg  the  xttu 

BT  Kfjiiadroii,  direrted  Captain  Miller  to  Hi»ier  for  Ui«  ecitlTH   uf  tbc  Ku«my't 

I,  when-  waa  I  heir  .Ndmiral  in  Chief,  seconded  by  two  ibree-declter»,  boping  bj 


348 


LETTERSL 


[17W. 


yesterday  in  sparinR  the  C'aplain  from  furlher  luss ;  auil  1  l«g, 
boiU  a»  a  public  Officer  and  a  fricjid,  you  will  accept  my  niiMt 
sincere  thanks.  1  have  not  fjulc<l,  by  letter  to  the  AdininJ, 
to  represent  the  cmincut  scniccs  of  the  ExccllcnL  Tell  mt 
how  you  arc ;  what  are  your  disasters  ?  I  cannot  tell  you 
much  of  the  Captain's,  except  by  Note  of  Captain  Miller's,  at 
two  this  mornings  about  sixty  killed  and  wounded^  masis  had, 

lliif-  proc<>c(liiii;  to  oonfnnnil  thrni,  mid,  if  poJwiMc,  make  tlieiii  rliurisr  ilicirroim* 
(as  be  Jill,)  ami  lUtis  ftffoni  Sir  Jolni  .leniit  lime  to  sw  their  ninycnii-iii*,  unl  Ukf 
iDca^iircn  tn  follow  iiii  bin  original  iiilpiition.'  I  do  not  say  tliol  NcUun  cxpnMnl 
liiumolf  ill  oxnctly  the  nlrovc  Hor^l^.  but  hi«  ttntomrnt  wiii  to  tb«"  »i>ni"  cffi-rl. 

"  In  rntnpli«tifp  witb  my  r^qitMl,  he  tlipii  pivvc  nm  Ibe  drtitils  of 
Nit'oliu,  nn<I  nAct'triirdH  llio  St.  Josef,  wliicU  oie  i^vcu  in  lll(^  ru 
mldijij^  thi"  fi.»lloTviu(j  iMirticulurs:— '  I  wiw  (lui'l  lb*n  br  sjiokr  with  imuit^-tJ  aai 
niiLlidii)  ihiit  from  llic  ilirtiiMeil  ntnle  <>{  tbe  Ciiiiliiin,  luiij  tlir  rfTrotivc   allixJc  M  tlw 
a|ip)t)nchii]|g(  BritisU  Shiiw,  I  was  likely  to  hav«  in»  beaten  trjiponi'til  lakfii  fr<«i  i»; 
1  tbi'Fpfnrc  ilnridcd  t<i  boani  lb<<  Si.  Nioolns,  nliicb  1  hiul  rbit-lly  fuu^flit,  nui  W»i- 
dercd  t<o  be  nij  I'rixe.     OnleM  wen-  gi<eu  to  liiy   tbe  (.'nintniii  aboivnl  of  ln<r;  1^ 
Bprilwiil  jiuil  jiiviscd  iuto  lier  aiixen  Hpgiiig.     Lieuteuaal  Berrj,  witli  iW  Sbiv 
Boiinlnrs,  itud  C'apl4un   PenrHon,  with   tbe  (iDtb  Rrginient,    I'nr.liiig  ta  M 
boiutl  tlip  Caiitnin,)  mxih  got  posse^hioii  of  the  Kiiejiij'*  Sbip.     .Vs^i  -tc  i 
Uic  Snilors,  I  got  from  tbe  fiire-rliniii"!  into  llie  qiiorter-gidlery.  tliri-: 
lutd  tlience  through  tbe  riibin  to  the  qiinrtrr-deck,  nkerr  1  fonnd  ii>> 
nlrcruly  triiimphrkut.'    Hi'  then  gnw  iiir>  tlii<  ilt^iuiKnf  ibv  f xtittoniiniwy  oirrnmsuuii^ 
lUifudiiig  IHh  after^'urdH  grttiiiK  i»os«c»(tion  of  tbe  St.  Jinrf.     I)f  coiirM,  di;  bicli 
adininuiou  of  Ui»  conduct  wna  often  expressctl,  ii«  lie  proceeilod  iu  giving  •"•"  ike* 
very  iut«r<?-'<tilig  pnrticiibirK,   of  wbieb   1   made  pencil  nciles  on  a  «:n4i  of  paff  ' 
found  al  band ;  itud  tiir'K  couim>iniontions  from  my  goibint  friend  wctv  tlie  mat* 
valii»ld«  ft'oio  tbeir  lieinir  niftdf  In-fore  be  li*d  Been  «ny  other  OIBcer  of  tbr  FU«U 
except  CAplftin  O.  Martin,  of  the  1  nt->iHiib1e,  to  wbieh  Sbip  be  Litd   reiiairtil  Ar 
Toft°p«broeui  mid  rcpoi^e,  nntil  the  CnjHiun,  iiii^  owu  Ship,  utmost  n  wreck  in  twt 
rigging,  kc,  could  be  put  into  nuuingeutde  onkr. 

'•Towanls  the  conclusion  of  this  Lntere^iting  interview,  1  rt'tteiitnl  my  MHtd 
fi'liiritationN  at  bis  personni  nafety,  after  audi  very  |H!riloiiH  ncbiervmfnta.  1  tlM 
adverted  to  the  hoiiourx  ilmt  rannt  attend  »ncb  di.ttingni^Ued  ser\iceii,  'Tbt 
Admiral,'  I  o)j»nrveil.  '  will  of  conrse  be  made  »  Peer,  and  IiIh  t-econda  in  eonunani 
itoiiced  accordingly.  .\s  for  you.  Conunodon-,"  I  continued,  '  lljry  will  make  )on  a 
Bnrnnet.'  The  word  was  spavcely  uttered,  when  pinring  his  hand  on  my  tinu.  m 
lookiu(f  me  mowt  expressively  in  the  fiu-e,  be  said,  '  No,  no :  if  iliey  wiuit  to  mitk 
my  <«erviceA,  it  muft  not  l>e  in  tlnit  manner.'  '  Ob  ! '  $aid  1,  interru|>liug  him,  *;aa 
wi«th  to  be  made  a  Knight  of  the  Balh  ;'  for  I  could  not  irangiiiv  iliat  his  ambition,  at 
llini  time,  led  Uim  to  cxpeet  a  Peerage.  My  supposition  proved  to  be  corrni'l,  for  b« 
iiLHtantly  answered  me,  '  Yes  ;  if  my  Kerviret  have  Itecu  of  any  value,  l«?t  lUrm  !• 
noticed  iu  a  way  thai  tbe  pitblie  niny  know  me,  or  Ibem.'  I  cannot  du>ttnrtly 
remember  which  of  ilie.se  term))  was  nsed,  bur,  from  liiti  manner,  I  eoulil  lia«*  ao 
doubt  of  luH  meaning,  tbHl  he  witbcd  lo  bear  iibtiiit  bis  )>rrsou  some  bononuy 
distinction,  to  nitroct  the  public  eye,  and  mark  hi*  profraaioiMl  acrvirns." — .Vnrni' 
«rir,  pi».  ^S,  H«. 


M 


349 


&C.     We  shall  meet  at  Lagos ;  bnt  I  could  not  come  near 
without  assuring  you  how  sensible  I  am  of  your  assist- 
in  nearly  a  critical  situation.     Believe  me,  as  ever,  your 
lost  aSectionatc 

Horatio  Nelson" 


IXJ  TlIK  RICriT  HON.  SIR  GILBERT  ELLIOT,  BART. 

[Autof^nqil),  in  Ihti  Miuto  Pn|ien).     Not  liA%ii)g  fuiiiul  Sir  Gilbert  Elliot  on 
tbe  Lively,  Nelfiou,  o»  Ills  return  to  tlie  [rreHistililc,  imniGdinKtljf  wrote  to 

My  dear  Sir,  In-cnisUlile,  l^th  Ftbrnary,  1707. 

Tou  will  naturally,  I  know,  be  anxious  for  the  safety  of 
jour  friends,  amongst  whom  I  feci  a  pride  to  be  numbered.     I 

*  Tl>i»  Letter  ought  not  to  Ic  Beiiiirated  from  itie  ^tuit  CoUui(rwooil'«  Hc|ily: — 
'•  My  dear  gtwA  Friond,  "  Kxcellcat,  lOib  Ftbrtioi^,  I"!>7. 

"  Firsi  let  am  tuiiiprutulaie  you  oil  iJie  nncceM  of  veNlcrdHv,  on  tht  brillUiioy  Jt 

[■tlulMnl  (u  Uio  nritish  Nitvy,  aiul  the  liiimility  it  uiu«t  ■•aubi;  tu  ics  Kucmiefi;  nuA 

riheD  let  Uf  cougTAtiilatP  uiy  dear  Commodore  mi   tlie  dBtiiigiilsttcd  port  wbicli  lie 

Ivnrr  takesi  wbeii  ibc  boliuar  aud  intpreHts  of  bis  Country  iu'<e  nl  titaku.     It  ndded  vtry 

uwli  to  tlui  xaLiafnctiou  which  I  felt  in  thtiropinj;  the  Si<tuunrds,  ttint  I  releiued  you 

I  Uule.     The  highest  rewards  arc  diir  to  you  and  Ciilloden  ;  ymi  formpd  tlie  pliui  of 

ck, — we  were  only  Bccossorius  to   the  Doas'  ruin  ;  for  boil  they  got  on  the  other 

ck,  ihfj  Would  have  beon  sooner  joined,  ond   tlie  business  wonld  have  been  less 

omplete.     We  have  come  off  iiretty  well,  roitKideriiii;:  eleven  killed,  and  fourteen 

[innded.     Yon  saw  tbe  foiir-derker  going  ulT  tlii?)  morning  to  Ciuli/, — she  shonid 

I  eome  to  Logos,  to  make  the  thing  better,  but  we  could  not  brnco  onr  ynrd.-i  np 

;  nearer.     I  beg  mycomidiuitnu  toCiqHniu  Mnrtin  :  I  think  he  wns  at  Jaaiaici^ 

we  were.     I  lUn  evur,  my  dciir  friend,  alTcetiouiUcly  yours,  C  Collikowoop,'' 

-CcrrrtfHiitJcHcr  u/  Vitc-Admhai  Lurd  L'lillint/icoriJ,  "itb  eil.,  v<d.  i,  ji.  M. 

•  StrOilbert  Elliot's  Reply  to  thin  Letter  is  furtnnntely  jirescrved  : 
••  My  deiir  Sir,  lively,  l.Mh  Februftry,  1797. 

'•  Yon  will  e«.sily  believe,  1  trust,  the  joy  with  w  liiclt  I  wiineKned  your  glory  ye«ter- 

^•y.     To  have  bod  any  sbore  in  it  is  honour  enough  for  one  tonn's  life,  but  to  hnve 

eu  foreuiiwt  on  such  «  dny  conld  Coll  to  your  »>hare  alone.     Nothing  iji  the  world 

ever  more  noble  thnn  tbe  Iraiviaction  of  the  Cuptain  from  beginning  to  end, 

tnd  the  glorious  group  of  your  Ship  nud  her  two  Prizes,  fast  iu  your  grii>c,  was  never 

iirpwxed,  ntid  I  dare  kot  never  will.     I  nm  grieved  to  learn  that  you  ore  wouudi-d, 

jwpver  slightly  you  talk  of  it..   May  you  speedily  reco\er,  nud  enjoy  your  honours 

tlie  gratitude  and  lulmlruiinu  of  your  Country  for  many  years,  witliout  any  • 

Fftbatcraent  or  mbbers  of  luiy  kind  '     I  was  in  hoiies  yon  were  unhurt,  by  sueingynu 

»n  boanl  ilie  Minena,  and  hearing  the  cbeera  you  were  saluted  with.     J  am  happy 

Uud  MiUer  i«  not  amongst  tbe  hurt.     Ood  bleu  you,  my  dear  friend!  Nince  you 

^t  roe  call  ynu  so,  for  1  am  not  likely  to  deeliiie  a  title  su  hououroble  to  me, 

vlieve  me,  SbC. 

To  Cominodore  Nelion.  "  Oiibbut  Ehiot." 


350 


LETTERS. 


riT97. 


nm  proud  in  my  Admiral  thinking  that  my  reputatioohtt 
not  been  diminished  by  the  events  of  yesterday.  The  Cap* 
tain  is  a  wreck  in  hull  and  masts.  We  know  not,  exaetly.  but 
suppose  near  sixty  killed:  amongst  the  slightly  wounded  ii 
myself)  but  it  is  only  a  contusion  and  of  no  consequence,  ualesi 
an  inflammation  takes  place  in  my  bowels,  which  Ih  the  part 
injured.  But  they  who  play  at  balls  must  expect  rubbers. 
Remember  roc  to  all  my  friends  in  the  Lively,  and 
Believe  me  ever  your  most  faithful 

Horatio  Nel80». 


TO  THE  RIGHT  HON.  SIR  GILBERT  ELLIOT. 
[Autugrajili,  ia  tlie  liinto  Papers.] 

Irresisliblf,  F«brum  lOtli, !?»:. 

My  dear  Sir, 

Your  affectionate  and  flattering  letter  is,  I  assure  you,  a 
sufficient  reward  for  doing  (what  to  me  was  a  pleasure)  mg 
dttty.    My  Admiral  and  others  in  the  Fleet  think  nearly  the 
same  as  you  do  of  my  conduct.     To  receive  the  Swords  of  the 
vanquished,  on  the  quarter-deck  of  a  Spanish  First-rate,  csn 
seldom  fall  to  the  good  fortune  of  any  man.     Miller  is  doing 
for  you  two  Sketches  of  the  Action,  suflBcient,  I  ani  sure,  U) 
please  you,  from  your  knowledge  of  its  correctness. 
•    You  will  now,  I  am  sure,  think  me  an  odd  man,  but  still  I 
hope  you  will  agree  with  me  in  opinion,  and  if  you  can  be 
instrumental  in  keeping  back  what  I  expect  will  happen,  it 
will  be  an  additional  obligation,  for  very  far  is  it  from  my  diS' 
position  to  hold  light  the  Honours  of  the  Crown;  but  1  con- 
ceive to  take  hereditary  Honours  without  a  fortune  to  support 
the  Dignity,  is  to  lower  that  Honour  it  would  be  my  pride  to 
support  in  proper  splendour. 

On  the  1st  of  June,  12th  of  April,'  and  other  Glorious  days, 
Baronetage  has  been  bestowed  on  the  Junior  Flag  Officers 
this  Honour  is  what  I  dread,  for  the  reasons  before  given,  aui 
which  I  wish  a  friend  to  urge  for  me  to  Lord  Spencer,  or  such 
other  of  his  Majesty's  Ministers  as  are  supposed  to  advise  thi 

*  Tbo  Umtln  of  Lord  Howe,  in  1704,  utd  Lord  Bodoey,  in  1762. 


38.] 


LETTERS. 


351 


>wa.  Tliore  are  other  Honours,  which  die  with  the  pos- 
and  I  should  be  proud  to  accept,  if  my  efforts  are 
Kight  worthy  of  I  he  favour  of  my  King.'  ISfny  health  and 
jry  blessing  attend  you ,  and  I  pray  for  your  speedy  passage 
a  happy  meeting  with  Lady  Elliot  and  your  family.  And 
l»eve  me  ever, 

Your  most  obliged  and  faithful 

Horatio  Nelson, 

:r  Liillit.ri  l.lliix,  Unil. 


TO  THE  REVEREND  MR.  NELSON,  HILBOROUGH. 


['Aniogmph,  iu  llie  NpUoh  Pupen.     On  ilie  lOtli  of  Februiin-,  llio  Fleet  ancltoi«<l, 
Uiif  Prizes,  iu  Ijigas  Buy,  to  r<i|iA)r  dunitgos,  •ml  tu  prepiire  for  nnotlicr  Action, 
KHnoy  beiug  «till  at  iie*  willi  twenty-three  Siul  of  tLe  Line,  while  lL<.-  KngtiMh 
I  ooly  afteeD.J 

Irresistible,  Logos  Bay,  February  I7th,  1707. 

My  dear  Brother, 
'  As  rcjjorts  may  get  abroad  concerning  me,  I  know  it  will 
satisfactory  to  hear  immediately  from  myself.     1  am,  in 
reahty,  not  near  bo  much  hurl  as  the  Doctors  fancied,  and 
To  days  will  restore  me  to  perfect  health.     I  shall  only  send 
an  extract  of  a  letter  from  Sir  Gilbert  Elliot,  who  was  a 
tator  of  the  battle,  viz. : — *  You  will  easily  believe,  I  trust, 
joy  with  which  I  witnessed  your  glory  yesterday.     To 
ivc  had  any  share  in  it  is  honour  enough  for  one  man's  life, 

Colonel  Drinkwunr's  Narrative  in  p.  tl-iH.Kttte.     The  Cnlon«ra  niPmor; 

linvp  fnilH  hito,  when  he  -(lud  thitt  Ute  discovery  of  NcUun's  trixbei*,  In  litM 

kuii  tlie  1  oih ut  Feltruary,  "  wns  nut  furgMtLfu,  or  williuiilronctequrnucf :" — 

l«ii>«cied,  liis  M^<^«y,  in  rowd  forN«lsoii*s  distiiipiishrd  cotiduct,  hnd 

I  tTMte  him  n  Bvunrt.     Sir  GiUi<*rt  Elliot,  who  tinik  a  wiurm  hit<?rv9t  iu 

m'M  woHure,  cidltMl  on  me  in  Ixindon,  to  iinp<tn  this  nens ;   whnn  I  maila 

own  to   him  tlic  purport  of  my  conri<r«ation  on  boiuil  the  Lively,  iind  tnggmtcd 

it  WW  oiltitable  to  tuttke  tlil*  cireiiniMlAnoc  known  to  (tie  Oovermavni.     Sir 

llten  Mw  the  DiiUter  in  tht'  name  ligliL     He  lout  no  time  in  communicating  what 

■pMnmt^  uu  this  <abjcct  tu  i«ome  membfr  of  the  Ca1>in44,  Lonl  8|ivDrer.  I  Iwlinte, 

Wit»  U4M1  at  the  heaii  of  thi*  Admiralty  Doanl,  and  hi*  Lordmhip  took  Klep«  to 

tt  N>l*oo'«  whtliM,  in  tlie  manner  nioit  likely  to  gTnlilV  hia  feelingH,  by  obtain- 

'  fur  Liuj.  itiHtead  of  a  Baronetcy,  the  Onl^r  of  the  Baih.  although  tut  that  piirpoan 

waa   neco^NRry  to  wake  hlni  an  Exum  Knifrht.' — Nnrrutirr,  p,  hk.      But  the 

Vtf   LeltiT  Mhew*  that    ^ir  Gilbert   Elliot   wa*  atainuinli-d   with   Nelaon'a  wiabc4J 

pta\j  M  the   l(1ih  of  Febniary,  auiI  it  i«  IrigUJy  in-'ibuMe  tlial  be 

.in  the  proprr  i|narler.     He    wum  not  tna^  ati  Extra  Kiiighi  uf  tha  OlUll," 

king  a  Tacaitiry  at  the  time  of  bi«  noraioados. 


3.';2 


LETTERS. 


but  to  have  been  foremost  on  such  a  day  could  fall  lo  )rmr 
share  alone.  Nothing  in  the  world  was  ever  more  noble  thiin 
tl^c  transnction  of  the  Captain  from  beginning  to  end,  and  die 
glorious  group  of  your  Ship  and  her  two  Prizes,  fast  in  jmir 
gripe,  was  never  surpassed,  and  1  dare  say  never  will  1  un 
grieved  to  learn  that  you  arc  wounded,  however  slightly  you 
talk  of  it.  May  you  speedily  recover,  and  enjoy  your  honoun 
and  the  gratitude  and  admiration  of  your  Country  for  many 
years,  without  any  abatement  or  rubbers  of  any  kind  1  I  was 
in  hopes  you  were  unhurt,  by  seeing  you  on  board  the 
Minerva,  and  bearing  the  cheers  you  were  saluted  with.' 

The  Admiral's  letter'  will  tell  the  rest     With  kindest  ro 
membrances  to  Mrs.  Nelson,  [and]  family,  and  Aunt  Maryl 
and  all  our  friends  at  Swaffham,  believe  me,  my  dear  brotk*? 

Your  most  affectionate 

Horatio  Nelson. 


TO  THE  REVEREND  DIXON  HOSTE. 

[From  Uie  Memoin  of  CupUln  Sir  Willitia  Ho6t«,  Doii.,  vol.  i.  p.  O*.] 

In-Cbutible,  Lagos  Bar,  Febntary  ITih,  ITSTj 
My  dear  Sir, 
You  will  be  anxious  to  bear  a  line  of  your  good  and  bra^ 
William  after  the  sharp  senices  of  the  Captain  on  the  14t 
I  have  hitherto  said  so  much  of  my  dear  William,  that  1 
only  repeat,  his  gallantry  never  can  be  exceeded,  and  tl 
each  day  rivets  him  stronger  to  my  heart. 

With  best  res|iects  to  Mrs.  Uoste,  believe  me,  my  dear  Sb 

Your  most  obedient  servant, 

Horatio  Nelson.] 

The  Captain  is  so  cut  up  that  I  am  obliged  to  shift 
Pendant 


*  This  remark  sbp\rs  bow  coufldf  utly  Ni'lson  eTpMted  thai  full  jnfilicc 
dune  to  bill!  in  tlic  iJitpiilch. 


TO  WILLIAM  I>OCKER,  ESQ«  LIEUTF,.\A\T-GO\T:T{NOn,  ROYAL 
JJOSPn'AI,  GRBENWICH. 

LAlilt)grm«li  ill  the  Lockrr  P»p«>rs.     Ou  the  Jay  pwceiliiig  llie  diite  of  lliU  Lftlcr, 

-M».,  Il>«  '.JlHli  of  Feliniar}',    n  Prninoiioii    took   jilm-e.  v*)ieii  N«>lsoii   Wciumf    n 

AuMiEAt,  Of  THE  JlLiK.     On  the  amne  ricciision,  the  liUe  ArJiiiinil  of  \ho 

Bl.  Sir  Charles  KUmtind   Nngetit,  U.C'.H.,  obluiiied  hi.*  fUg,  hh  (hut  httil  Nelxoii 

Jo  tlie  preneiit  time,  \w  woiilJ  oidjr  Unte  succeeded  tu  lb<!  lii(jhesl  rwik  iu  hln 

pMion  ill  .Iniiiiiiry,  lust  year.'] 

My  dear  Friend,  Irresiatible,  L*go»  Bay.  February  21»l.  1707. 

I  was  too  unwell  to  write  you  by  the  Lively ;  but  aa  I  know 
low  anxious  you  are  for  my  welfare,  both  in  health  and  repu- 


*  Tlio(i|fL  uiunerouB  Leiieni  ttoin  Nelson  to  LJh  Wife  ore  iuMjrted,  ouly  ouo  extrtcl 
yet  bwii  given  from  Mrs.  Nelsfui's  Leitei'K  to  him.  The  exeuiiilury  cbBfocter  of 
luiiiulile  wotudn  ii  little  kuon^t  to  Ute  world ;  nnd  it  Ik  only  jiistict:  to  her  to 
tJiHt  hvT  Lellf-rs,  which  in  Ui<"ir  style  «re  perft-ctly  hiiniil*'  nnd  iniiiRt-<-tt^,  iire 
with  ri|iro!t?<i(iiis  of  wiinu  uiliu-hiiicut  to  her  hiiHluujd,  preiit  luixii'ty  for  bis 
Nty,  lively  interei^t  in  bis  fumo,  luid  entire  atibmiBtiiuti  to  hi^  wishes.  IUh  futber, 
»Ue  ulwayx  ciUls  "  our  fitiLui,"  liNed  with  her  to  the  cud  of  his  life,  ttud  uu 
agiilor  ever  wMobed  the  deeliiuli|{  heiUtb  of  her  own  |iiireilt,  Kith  inure  cure  oitd 
ipetion  tlmu  she  «Lrwed  to  hiin.  Of  her  imrity  ofcouilucl  her  husbMul,e\cu  when 
«l*Tc  of  »  paxHion  a.s  ronmulic  a-<^  it  iTn!>  iinfortiiiuiie  nnd  <-riJuiniil,  bore  the 
nngrrt  testimony  ;  and  it  -wui*  cniel,  wben  boDOurk  were  beHlowed  >ipon  bin  FMiiily-, 
uu  nuirk  of  NulioinO  roKpvct  Hhonld  have  been  sbewu  Iu  bis  virtnons  nnd  negleeted 
ijow.  Some  exlnict«  fVoiii  n  few  of  her  liners,  ciuinot  fail  to  excite  re.tpeel  for 
cbnmrter  mid  Hyiapiulir  in  her  itnb!ie(|iient  nuitforliiuex ;  but  before  inserting 
1,  it  in  inipoiiNible  to  resist  gi%iug  the  follouiii);  pleasinif  notice  uf  Lutly  Nelson, 
oceurs  in  •  letter  to  the  F.dilor  from  ■  venerable  Lady,  the  perhoual  and  inli- 
IViend  bulb  of  Lfini  tuid  Lndy  Nelson,  and  Ibc  widow  of  one  of  bir<  bravest  und 
r»l  diHiingniiihed  followent : — 

'  1  will  only  *ay  on  Ibis  hiul  ^uibject,  that  Lord  Nelson  iUwuy»  bore  Irxiiinony  to 

tnerilA  of  i.wly  Nelson,  nnd  deeliu-ed,  iu  pitrtjug  (Vma   her,  tbtit  be  bud  nut  one 

ngle  eonipliuut  to  iniike — thnt  in  teia|tei'.  person,  and  iu  uiiud,  tilie  wan  everyiliinK 

eould  wi«b.     Tbey  biul   never  bnd  ii  i|iiiu-rel ;  but  the  Syren  bud  sung,  and  ciuit 

rr  «|iell  ultoni  liiui,  luid  be  wilh  loo  giiilelesH  in  bii>  luitlire,  nnd  too  uuMU.<ipeeltjig,  to 

kwwe  uf  hi»  dunger  until  it  wilh  too  Inte.     I  «ni   uwnre  of  your  inteutiou  not  lu 

tiieb  i)|H.in  tbiM  delicate  Nulijei-I  :   I   uuly  allude  to  it,  in  otder  (o  lutstu-e  yon,  from 

^y    p«r!iuiuil  kiiuwl»l<,,'e,  iu  n  long  nnd  inliniiito  lu'ijiuuutnJiee,  that  Liid)  NcUou'h 

Inel  wii«  not  iinly  iitleeiionole,  wine,  nuJ  pnnleni,  but  lulminible,  ihrougbont  ber 

ricd  life,  und  ibnt  xlie  hiid  not  n  Hiugle  repruneb  to  nntke  bentelf.     I'lie  ulleriions 

ber  Lord  were  alienated,  not  wheu  tbcr  were  tcigclher,  but  nt  u  dixtiuu-c,  and 

prnnd  li)p  reMcb  of  her  mild  and  feminine  virtues.     I  any  nut  llii.s  to  eiiMt  nnneees- 

blaiuu  uu  one  wbos^e  luemory  I  delight  to  honour,  bul  only  in  jiiHlioc  lo  ilmt 

r  giHid  nnd  luiiinble  wouiim,  tin-  re>>iduF  of  whusr  life  wil-s  rendered  ^u  unhiip]iy  liv 

i:nnn>liuice»  over  which  ahe  bad  no  Guatrul.     if  luildnetis  forbewojice,  nuil   in- 

illgviioc  to  tbe  weakneaaej*  of  bumiui  nature  eonid  have  unuled,  lirr  fate  would 

t«w  b«eu  very  different.     No  reproach  ever  piknied  ber  lipH ;  and  when  nhv  nuru-tl 

VOL.  IL.  A  A 


m 


i 


354 


LETTERS. 


[1797. 


tation,  I  send  you  a  short  Detail  *  of  the  iransactlonfi  of  the 
Captain :  and  if  you  approve  of  it,  are  at  perfect  lilxjrty  to 
iiis(i-t  in  the  newspapers,  inserting  tlie  name  of  Commodore 

fiviu  Jirr  f.oi'd,  on  hU  lioi-siiiig  Uin  I'lii;;  agnlu,  it  was  nidioiU  tlie  most  Mittat 
ttiixpR-iou  lliiii  lif  mfniil  it  lo  hv  GunJ,  loid  tliMt  ill  this  lift*  tltvy  wire  Mver  to  mtH 
■gttiii.  KxouM?  my  li^iiibliog  you  wilb  these  obscmUious,  Oii  1  uu  de^nrov*  liat 
yon  sLould  know  tlie  worth  of  hi*r  who  bii!>  »d  Dfl<?n  ItccQ  fni«rr{iiv»eu((Hl,  from  t|i« 
wisli  at  mniiy  1«  i^asi  the  blame  aiiywheri',  bnt  ou  hiiu  who  vas  att  <{e»tnre<S\}  iia 
to  the  Nntiun.  Thert  urvcr  was  a  Idudrr  hi'Ml  thnu  I^nl  NMmju'^  ;  but  br  wv  i 
rhild  ill  the  hmids  of  o  very  desigtiinj?  ppi-smi,  anil  fi<w,  prrlmpti,  could  Imve-  rrattti 
tlH<  vKriuiis  ArtiKces  riuployed  to  imikIavc  ibr  luitul  of  llu>  Ilfi'o,  •Ucii  i:i>mbiu«<d  mtii 
gi^nl  beauty,  eitniordiuHry  tidculs,  and  the  «ciubluaL'<.-  of  uu  cuLhuauuiLic  iMttii- 
uuMit."  Lmly  Nelson  siirvired  Imr  bubbiuid  inuuy  ^eiu>,  aiid  died  ill  her  sixty  ri^iiSk 
TOW,  ou  till-  Ith  of  Maj,  iwril. 

On  her  liii«l>iitid'H  |iroiDodou  m  «  RMr-Admiml,  Mr*.  Nelson  tliiu  wrote  to  lum-- 

I-cbniwy  'J-'lrd.  [liUT,] 

"  My  di'iirust  Hiisliimd, — Yesicrday'i  Onxeltt>  luitborizes  our  gnod  FrUlier  Mil 
mjsolf  to  congrnUiltite  you  on  your  beiug  a  Flaf-OffiMr.  M*y  it  p1e««f  i><^  y4«ir 
fiune  luid  succpSHen  conliniii?  nixl  liirrrwc  undrr  this  Promotion  '  1  neTcr  ■*«  oi}- 
thing  (>l6vai«  our  Fatbrr  i'i|niil  tu  tlils.  Tin  rep«ati><l  with  pirasiire  lL»  liul  ■mtith 
yonr  good  Lfnclc  [CAptiUD  .Miiuric«  Stickling]  told  blin,  '  ilmt  he  would  Uw  to  «« 
you  Ml  Admiral.' " 

On  the  Hftuie  o<<ea«ifln  he  hrftrd  (W>m  lii«  Father : — 
'*  My  dfor  Rciir-AdininU, 

"  I  thank  my  Cmi  wiih  all  the  [>ower  uf  n  gnUefiil  sou],  for  (b*  in«nj«i>  li«  liw 
most  grni-iously  b<'sto\rcd  on  me,  in  prrsrrrinif  you  amidst  tltc  inuniurnt  peril*  ii^tb 
80  lately  threatened  your  life  iit  every  lurrtnent:  mid,  ainongxt  other  iiinuuiciTaUr 
blessings,  I  must  not  forget  the  bounty  of  Heaven  in  gnuiiing  you  a  mind  ilua 
rejo(ce?t  iu  the  pmciiro  of  iIiokc  euiinrnl  virtueM  wlu'oh  form  greiit  and  good  elia- 
niK|i<r8.  Not  only  my  few  iioi|tiiiiiitimei's  here,  but  the  peojde  in  general  met  im  al 
overy  comer  with  snch  baiid«<imo  words  that  1  wa«  obliged  to  retire  trom  the  puliU* 
pye.  A  nine  MumliHl  hiui  obstervvd,  thni  ev«^ii  bliM  riui  riMe  but  lo  a  ewtain  jitAi 
Mul  thiii  hitH  been  veriHnl  in  me.  The  height  of  i^lury  to  which  >uar  protiMoiiil 
JndgmenI,  united  wiih  n  proper  degree  of  bravery,  giiiirdr<l  by  I'rovideuce,  bas  ntmi 
ynn,  f«<w  miuh,  my  deiir  child,  attain  to,  and  fewer  fulhi'r>  live  lo  sit-e.  Tears  at  yff 
liAVe  involiintarily  tricklcil  dnwii  my  furrowi-d  clicek.  Who  ciiiild  stand  the  fomo  ut 
Hndi  griicral  i-niigrnlulation  ?  The  unme  nnd  service*  of  Nelson  have  miiuiiM 
Ibroughoui  the  City  of  Bnth,  from  the  common  bnllnilMtiger  to  the  public  tlieaiir- 
Joy  »)iarlilc»  iu  every  rye,  mid  de^tpondiiig  Dritniii  drnwr-  back  her  »ubli'  >r'i|,  «uil 
Mtniles,  It  gives  nte  iuwitnl  ><uli.'<riu:ti(>n  to  know,  ihiit  ilm  laiirpln  you  hate  wnalliwl 
<<|ining  frnui  those  principle>i  and  rcligioun  inithK  whieh  alone  eon!<Utnle  tliir  Huro; 
and  ili'Mt^-li  II  C'i^ic  Criiwri  ix  all  ynn  nt  prei^ent  rrnp,  it  its  lo  thetuiiid  of  in»«li- 
iiiHbIti  Millie,  aud  I  have  no  doubt  will  one  day  bciir  n  g<ddeii  iippic;  that  tteld  (if 
glory,  In  wlm'h  you  have  long  been  so  coiKpicunu",  i«  »itill  o\>cu.  ^uy  Dod  ena- 
tiniic  lo  be  your  pn<!iiirviir  IVoni  lb>'  nrrnw  lliat  llielh  by  day,  and  the  |ie«Lilrncv  that 
vmlkeih  by  nijjlit!  1  niii  your  nll'cctiouale  father.  Ki>MUvn  N'dLaoa."— Cforlv  nail 
M'.trihur.  Mil.  i.  p.  ;to!»-  The  houorary  Freedom  "f  the  City  of  Ilalh  wii*  icrtud 
hi  Adiuiml  NrUou  nn  the  -JtUh  day  of  Marili,  17!)T.  He  alao  iwteived  the  I'rcMoa 
"f  ih«  <?iiie<  of  London,  NorwiiO),  Un'Mol,  (uid  of  »ov(mil  otker  CorponuiouN, 
'  riir  "  Ilctrmrlf.,'  in  p    l+li 


art.  38.] 


LETTERS. 


355 


instead  of  *  I. '  Captains  Miller  and  Berry,  &c,  hnve  authen- 
ticated the  truth,  till  my  quitting  the  8an  Jusef  to  go  ob 
board  the  Minervc,  and  further  than  this  the  Detail  should  not 
be  printed.  As  I  do  not  write  for  the  press,  there  may  be 
parts  of  it  which  require  the  pruning-knife,  which  T  desire  you 
,  will  use  without  fear.  I  pretend  not  to  say  tliat  these  Ships 
might  not  have  fell,  had  I  not  boarded  them  ;  but  truly  it  was 
tiir  from  impossible  but  they  might  have  forgeil  into  the 
J^[>nnlsh  Fleet  as  the  other  two  Ships  did.  I  ho|K;  for  a  good 
iicctiunt  of  tlie  Santissima  Trinidad ;  she  hsw  been  seen 
without  masts,  and  some  of  our  Frigates  near  her. 

February  2l8t. — Sir  John  has  just  sent  me  word  the  Hope 
goes  for  England  in  a  few  minutes  :  therefore,  I  can  only  say, 
believe  mc  ever 

Your  most  aficctiouate  friend, 

IIoBATio  Nei^son. 
Captain   Martin'  desires  I  make  his   best  respects.     My 
Pendant  \s  in  this  Ship. 


TO  WIIXIAM  SUCKLLNO,  ESQ. 

[From  "Tbn  AUn-nitiuu."  The  Heel  skiled  tntm  Logos  Baron  ibr  'JMrJ.  ami 
ehored  la  Uie  Ti^fiis  on  Uio  '28lli  of  Feliniiirv.  The  Hpuiiab  Fleet  nrrhTU  ut  Ciulix 
th*  3nl  of  M«rch.J 

I  rT(>4i:^tiblc,  off  Lagon  Bay,  February  '23nl,  1707. 
My  dear  Sir, 
It  was  not  till  yesterday  that  I  heard  from  Captain  Naylor, 
the  Murines,  and  by  a  letter  of  November  2l8t,  from  Mrs. 
felson,  thnt  I  heard  of  my  friend  Miss  Suckling's  marriuge, 
I  should  not  have  been  so  long  in  sending  my  congratu- 
tions  on  what  I  hope  wHl  turn  out  so  pleasing  an  event.*     I 
known  her  from  her  earliest  days,  and  know  that  a  belter 
jarl  does  not  inhabit  any  breast :  pray  write  to  her  from  me, 
assure  her  from  my  heart  I  wish  her  every  felicity. 

Cofiiiiii   »r  (be  IrivsiiiiiblA,  now   .IdminU    Mir  Gewtce  Moniii,  (j.C.B^ 
,.J.If.O. 

,  *  Ml«<  Surkliug,  a  natural  dauglilcr  of  bi»  uiii-le,  Mr.  Sui:kbuj(,  niarriimi,  on  lL>- 
||1Uj  of  N<i««nik*r  KlHl,  ilniry  WiiflKV.  E'lj.,  tbeu  of  Worc««icr,  ofl^nrarilii  of 
iijTeru  UoU,  io  Womickshirp,  wbo  it»aiiiucd  (Ijp  uomo  of  UrcKwuldr,  in  VkVA,  tin 
ur«e«ilinK  to  Uw  ettirfn  of  iboi  family. 

aa2 


3o6 


LETTERS. 


[1797. 


The  event  of  the  late  Battle  has  been  most  glorioua  for 
England,  imtl  you  will  receive  })leasure  from  the  share  I  had  in 
inalcing  it  a  most  brilliant  day,  the  most  so  of  any  I  know  in  tlic 
Annals  of  England.  "  NrUoiCs  pattnt  Bridge  for  l)oartiiug 
First-rates"'  will  be  a  sjiying  never  forgotten  in  this  Flecl, 
whore  all  do  me  the  justice  that  I  deserve.  The  Victor)',  and. 
every  Ship  in  the  Vleet,  passing  the  glorious  group,  gave  me 
three  cheers.  My  hurt  at  the  momeQt  was  nothing,  but  since, 
it  has  been  attended  with  a  suppression  of  urine,  but  the  in» 
flaramation  is  gone  off,  and  I  am  nearly  recovered.  It  is  not 
impossible  but  wc  may  meet  the  Dons  again  on  our  route  to 
Lisbon,  but  I  fancy  I  am  to  stay  at  sen  when  the  Fleet  enten 
the  Tjigus.  You  will  observe  that  I  have  changed  my  Ship; 
the  Captain  will  never  be  fit  to  receive  rae  again,  and  the 
Admiralty  must  send  me  a  new  Ship.  I  beg  my  best  and 
kindest  remembrances  to  Mrs.  Suckling,  Mr.  Rumsey,  and  all 
our  friends  at  Hampstead ;  and  believe  me  over  your  most 
obliged  and  affectionate  Nephew, 

Horatio  Nelson.* 


TO  WADHAM  WINDHAM,  ESQ,  M.P.  FOR  NORWICH. 
[From  Clarke  imd  M'Awliur,  vol.  i.  p.  35A.] 

Irresislible,  off  Lisbon,  2CUi  Frbmnnr.  IT«?.» 

Sir, 

Particular  circumstances  having  put  the  Spanish  Rear- 
Admiral's  Swordj  Don  Xavicr  Francisco  Winthuysen,  into  my 
hands,  on  the  most  [j^lorious  14th  of  February,  and  Admiral 

'  Vide  p.  :i-lli,  \\\i\x. 

*  Abuitt  UiiH  {icriod  NelaoD  received  tlie  following  Leuer  from  Jl.  R.  H.  tbf  Dnlif 
of  Clarence : — 

"  Richinotiii,  Jnnuory  OUi,  1707. 
"  Dear  Sir. 

"  I  nm  to  acknnwled^a*  ibe  receipt  of  yours  of  'i't\i\  OuUilier,  November  1 1  lb,  atnl 
NuVL-mber  '.IHtb,  itll  wliiob  cKUie  «afe  to  bantl,  anil  nbicb  I  would  Imvc  misKifvil 
Hoonor,  but  1  buve  been  v<Tymucb  eiignginl  in  Purlimiieul.  1  will  bpgin  byi^pKiuic 
lo  YHHT  iMcoiint  uboiit  Ibft  eviicuiilion  i>f  Corsioii,  lis  il  is  iwnly  nieniioncd  in  yutif* 
of  '^Ocli  Ocluber,  luid  conliiinH  tbc  wbole  of  November  I  lib.  I  rpjoiiv  wilb  tSX  mf 
beikrl  Ibe  Ixluud  is  nii  roorx  imri<,  luid  piu-liculiu-ly,  w>  nniWr  yuiir  jaitiuioiiit  .irnuij<r- 
nii-nl,  w-(>  liitvc  lt>n  nolb)ii>;  Wbinii.  'I'be  ilibnliiliuitx  wrrr  nrvrr  out  fttcud-!.  «Iiil 
M  tbe  |iort«  irt-n-  biwl,  I  fbink  the  eipousi.'  whm  of  no  nsc ;  indeed,  <nir  FlM<t  ftlfm;* 
enn!iidi;r<ed  L<>i;1ioru  utt  Ibe  knt  |>l(uic  Ui  rt;ftt.     I  ntit  cutitideiU  you  4iU  encr  4i«- 


uhn  Jervis  having  done  mc  the  honour  of  insisting  un  my 

keeping  |>osscssion  of  it,  I  know  no  place  where  it  would  give 

iB^mc  or  my  family  more  pleasure  to  have  it  kept,  than  in  the 

i^mCapital  City  of  the  County  in  whicii  I  had  the  honour  to  be 

|^P>om. 

"     K,  tliereforc,  you  think,  Sir,  that  the  Mayor  and  Cor[)oration' 
of  Norwich  would  wish  to  accept  such  a  present,  I  have  to  re- 
acst  that  you,  as  a  Representative  of  Norwich,  would  send 
y  Letter,  and  the  box  containing  the  Sword,  to  the  Mayor. 

I  am,  &c. 

Horatio  Nelson. 


Sir, 


TO  THE  MAYOn  OF  NORWICH." 
[From  Uie  A»8^nil>ly  Book  of  ilie  Cor^ionuion  nf  Norwicli.] 

Irrceistibk,  oiTLiblion,  QOiL  Febrniuj-,  17117. 


Having  the  good  fortune,  on  the  most  glorious  14th  of 
Februih-y,  to  become  posscBsed  of  the  Sword  of  the  Spanish 


lupiUb  yourwlf:   ilipn-fon'  your  exertious  mivy  anH  niiwt  Uave  nstAnixliod   ilm 

Drill.  Iml  not   nip,  who  nm   so    well    iiri|iiitiiil4><i    willi  your  iiiprils.     So    fiur  for 

i.'onicii,   which   I   lio|>»;   wf  tiholl    in    future  U'ove  to   its  f«tc.      I   lielip're  iii   lli» 

lilitics  nf  Jr-rris,  »uil  in  the  pornl  inilrr  unJ  disfiiiliuo  of  itny  Fieri  tiiiiler  liin 

oiuniitnd  miJ  iiiiiip  piirtiriilurly  of  <>iit>  jmi  well  OfticpreJ — tlill,  liowcvcr,  even    hiiil 

Imi  joilHil  jou,  tirenly-(iri<  Dri(i>«h  Sliii»s  nHijht    iwt  to  h«  Ti«kr<I  ii'.miii«l  lliirii/- 

finir  iif  the  Eticniv.     Miid's  ntiDie  intnxluces  yours  iif'JHih  Noveinlior,  anil  I  kLiiII 

lirgin  with   hiiti  Ui>l.     I  iicrfeetlv  aipree  MJtli  yuii   lliut  he  has  ai-ted  wrnu^,  though 

I  itiiiM  ilifTcr  fruiu  you  ihut  liin  ri<iiKi>iiiM(;  in  right.     A«  he  rccnvetl  i»».itivt?  onlew 

Vmn   lioiiic,   MiJ  fnmi    Jervi.s,  to  join    ynit    u|>    the  MntitprrniiPitQ,    h«   ninjht   In 

k»ve  gouc;  ftill,  hxTPVcr,  the  Oo^enunciit  wciv  iiyiidioiouH  in  krciiiiig  the  Flecl 

t\}  the   ^ft'Jil«"rnujettn  nft«'r  the   I'djjo   luid    Kiu);  of   SajdcH  hml  intulo  Peiwip,  imil 

Tuniiru  Wit*!  no  ntnre  ours.     I  njoioir  you  nrc  ill  l.isbou.  lUid  ho|>fi  yoii  will  ni"ver  fr'i 

tbrr  n^foiii  than  Gihi-altar.  A-*  for  M«l^^  (.•luiiliicf  itlinul  viriiudliti^  his  Fleifl,  if  proven 

119  infinity.     I  have  tlic  highest  opiuinn  of  Ji;r>ii>,  uitil   niuke  no  iluuht  \ik  will  do 

k^rrylliing  in  hi*  jniwcr.     A^  for  you,  luy  tlrur  Friend,  J  hope  and  Iwlievc  you  lm\o 

ODg  known  my  opinioii  of  yoUi  und  whf never  [  uni  whei-^  1  ought  to  hi%  niiuiph.  Hi 

lie  licnd  of  ihi-  Nu«y,  it  will  be  IxHh  my  duty  and  iuclinatiou  to  di-<tii]gui!«h  you. 

ffitc  n»  circiimsKmcrs  arise;    for  yotir  leimp*  we  iiivitliiuhle.     For  the  present, 

Lilieu;  Mill  ever  brlieve  me,  Deiir  bir,  Yuiir»  siticcrrly,  William. — Aulwjruph,  in 

Nvlsnn  PiipcTK. 

'Norwich. — .Kl  a  Quurterly  Aasetnhly,  bdd  the   'AtA  M«T.  1707: — Ortlewd, 

Tbit  tlip  Honnmry  Frwdom  of  tlii«  City  lie  prcseulod  to  His  Roynl  Ilig'bn<*.«s  I'lincu 

k'i11i«in  Frederick  (SSon  of  His  Houil  HiKhmrw!*  ibi-  Dltkn  of  01oaet*trr )  now  r»<>ii- 

nnt  in  lli>>  Citv,  and  tbHi  His  Kii>id  llixhiic-is  be  sworn  lU  liiiy  Court  of  M<iyiiriitl<>. 

I'bii  dty  the  C'lnuubrrlmii  brought  iiili)  tbi;  AMCicmbly  tUv  !Jword  InU'Iy  anai  liy  Kcar 


358 


LETTERS^ 


[1797. 


Rear  Admiral  Don  Xavier  Francisco  Winthuyscn,  in  the  wny 
Bet  forth  in  the  paper  transmitted  herewith,  and  being  born 
in  the  County  of  Norfolk,  1  beg  leave  to  present  the  Sword 
to  the  City  of  Norwich,  iu  order  to  its  being  preserved  as  a 
Memento  of  the  Event,  and  of  my  Affection  for  my  Native 
County. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be.  Sir, 

Your  most  obedient  Servant, 

Horatio  Nslson. 


TO  MRS,  NELSON.' 
rFroiD  Clurke  imd  M'Arfliur,  rol.  i.  p.  8.^0.] 

Inrsiatibte,  Lubon,  UHiL  of  FrbruiirT,  1*97. 

'We  got  up  Leic  witli  our  Prizes  this  afternoon:  tlie  morel 
think  of  our  late  Action,  the  more  I  am  astonished;  it  abso- 
lutely appeal's  a  dream.     The  Santissima  Trinidad,  of  four 


Adiuirnl  Nelsimlu  Mr.  Mityor,  with  thi*  follnning  L<tU«r.  [Vide  itLvvi'.j  Aud  thi* 
AAteoibl)  do  iinonimcmHlT  reiiirn  Thtlnk^  ui  Ailminil  NcImui  Tor  iu»  alt«utiou  tu  hit 
Naiive  Couuif :  And  il  (•*  orderetl  (hu  the  Houontr;  >rcedoin  of  Uiu  City  Im  p*- 
»«>tilH  til  biui<  IU  >  Tr^timnny  nf  the  bcdsp  >>nlertiunei!  uf  hix  j^lant  totnloct  in  Ulr 
Aetiou  on  the  (glorious  lllb  t'ebnmry,  uid  uf  (be  Mirricr!*  be  btt.«  nindcm-il  tn  bU 
Kiag  nnd  Cotmtry  on  v«rioti»  iici^MsJun«,  i>ud  that  be  be  swum  a  Krct^niAii  %i  nq 
Court  uf  MnyorullT  :  Aur)  the  Attneiubly  rt- iineal  tlie  Mnynr  lo  tratwiniit  •  Copy  ol 
tbi«  Order  to  AdininU  Nelsou." — i>«MN  the  JtunMif  Book  t\f'  thr  Cmjtomli'Mt  oj 
Soririrh. 

*  It  uppcitrs  frotn  ihe  Wbiwiiig  Kxtmci>  fl-oiji  Mrs.  Nelson'*  Letter  of  tbe  i  lib  <4 
Marob,  tbni  Couimodort-  Sdmui  hiut  written  to  heron  the  Idtli  of  Fcliriiwy.  whM 
the  Dispntcb  roulAining  ui  itccoiiiii  of  the  Vietury  Irfl  tbe  Meet,  and  iMrnin  on  tbr 
2'4iid.  To  tt  wife'*,  were  nulled  n  motbrr's  fi^us  for  Uie  cflbci  ■■'  ••  Hf-m.-  ..-».... 
HOP,  Joaiab  Nii<)>el,  was  n  MtdOiipniaii  of  the  CsplHiii:— 
"  My  deiirest  rin.xband. 

"  Yesterrlay  I  received  your  I>?tter  of  Felinmry  !Hlh.  Thank  Ood  yrm  are  w«H, 
and  Joftiab.  My  ntiviety  wiw  far  bi«yiiiid  my  powepn  of  rxuression.  ISf.  Sels«n  ant 
Captnin  L'lekcr  behaved  luiniiuiely,  and  aiteniive  lo  me.  Tbey  wrote  iniuii'diat*)y. 
Captain  Locker  assuring  n»e  yon  were  perfectly  well,  Mntinei'  begi^n^  tne  not  lo 
beUe\"e  idle  report*,  the  rinxKlti.'  Mi^'inp  yon  were  xli^fblly  wonuded.  Allo(fr't>»er,  my 
dearest  bnsbitnd,  wiy  snffeHiijj>  weiv  ^^al.  Liuly  Sanmare/  [wlw«e  bnxliand,  Caj»- 
tain  Sit'  .Ituneo  Sanmnrex,  comnmndnl  the  tlrioii  in  lb''  Dnttle,]  eanie  nitintng  to  lell 
lue  Kbe  htid  LeUers  friiin  lit-i'  liiisbaud — uU  tbiii  wua  uii  thiN  i[ay  week.  Tie  ffmk* 
generoiialy  and  manly  about  you,  and  ronislndcd  by  laytbg, "  Comiiuidnre  Nels<iti'i 
conduct  U  above  pntiie,'     Von  were  nniveniaUy  the  Mibjeel  of  eouverfaiion. ' 

Mtn.  NeWon  Ibeii  de«crilMtd  ibe  polite  ii|>erciiet<  uiiide  lo  her,  and  thns  natnrWIy 
exprenseil  her  alarai  about  hnunliuij  : — 

••  t  wimll  nut  l>e  niy»elf  till  I  bear  ft-oni  yon  again.     Wlwl  Mii  I  aiKbipl  lo  a*| 


nJtr.  38.] 

^^Vdecks,  lost  (ivc  hundred  killed  and  wounded ;  bad  not  my 
H8hip  been  so  cut  up,  I  would  have  had  her;  but  it  is  well, 
^ thank  God  for  it!     As  to  myself,  I  assure  you  I  never  was 

P better,  and  rich  in  the  praises  of  every  man  from  the  highest 
ito  the  lowest  in  the  Fleet.     The  Spanish  War  will  give  us  a 
Cottage  and  a  piece  of  ground,  which  is  all  I  want,     I  shall 
.come  one  day  or  other  laughing  back,  when  we  will  retire 
rom  the  busy  aceoes  of  life  :  I  do  not,  however^  mean  to  be 
fa  hermit;  the  Dons  will  give  us  a  little  money. 

If  my  Father  should  at  any  time  wish  for  any  part  that  is  in 

{>iay  Agent's  hands,  I  beg  he  would  always  take  it,  for  that 

[ivould  give  me  more  real  pleasure  than  buying  house  or  land. 

go  to  sea  the  day   after  to-morrow  in  this  Ship,  with  a 

i  S((uaxlron  to  be  oif  Cadiz,  consisting  of  the  Irresistible,  Orion, 

£c.     Sir  John  Jervis  has  already  spread  tlie  Frigates;  and  I 

shall  return  by  the  time  his  Fleet  is  ready  for  sea. 

Yours,  &c. 

Horatio  Nelson. 


fon  •itoat  Borurdiiig  7     Yon  iMve  been  most  ironderAilly  proU'cied :  ;ou  h»,\t  (toite 

•fFr>t«>  wiitins  ennngb.     Now  mny  1 — indeed  I  do — boj^  tbtU  you  never  Bunrd 

Li-iivt  it  for  Cuplaim.     How  rejoiced  .lo.  mriBl  Lure  been  In  Lnvcsccn  you, 

Itoiigli  it  WKt  but  au  absence  or  twu  moiitlM.     To-mon'ow  i»  mir  wcddiiig-di«y, 

rhm  il  K>i»e  me  n  d*:ar  Lu.iIuiimI,  my  cUild  (he  be»l  of  AitLept.     I  Lo|ie  he  will  drxervc 

lilc>Miujfa  Providrnec  tins  In^Ktowed  uu  hiin."     .  .     "Do  Coiuc  lionin  litis 

r,  or  in  lh(<  autumn.     It  i»  siuil  n  cbongc  in  Administration  would  certainly 

inken  |dAce,  Imd  not  ibii)  wonderful  mid  fnrtuuHte  Victory  iHkrn  pliu'e.    Admiral 

^wfcer,  it  Mcmv,  bod  written  ibe  C)i|itiuii  mid  Ciillodeu  bore  tlie  Imint  of  tlie  Action. 

[laataiit  have  I  received  a  letter  from  Lord  Moutl,  telling  me  ijir  Kuberl  Colder 

>ne  lo  PorUsinoiitli.     Tbiink  yon,  my  dearest  huxLmud,  u  tboiiMud   limes,  fur 

i>wr  letter  of  Febniory  'Z'luA.   God  bleHa  iiud  iiroiuet  yoti,  and  my  Jo.— cnnm  all  your 

ea^oiiTi  with  «Heee»<<,  iind  giiuil  uo  n  buppy  mectinii(.     1  con  bear  all  my  eittreme 

fi.irtune.     Ymir  aflWliunate  WtA;,  FhjlHCBS  II.  TA^lMOH.'-'— Autograph,  in  ibfl 

(eUon  I'aiiers. 

The  fears  for  his  safety  whieh  \x\*  exploit.*  hod  excited,  agiiiu  «liew  tlicin'elvM  iti 

I.,etier  of  the  "ifHh  of  March  ; — "  I  Nincerely  hope,  my  dear  hn^ibHiid,  that  all 

«rondrr^)l  luid  de>q)irraie  oelioiu — such  im  bnortling  ShtpK — ynu  will  lea*c  to 

With  tlie  protection  of  a   ^i(lpreme  Deiuj;,  you  have  acquired  a  uUoravter, 

y,  orkie.li  ull  hands  agree  eimnnt  be  greater:   Iherefore,  re«t  aoliffleil.     What 

1  «ay  to  ail  tliis  ?  he  is  »eflJioned." — IhiU. 


360 


LETTERS. 


[1797. 


TO  SIR  JAMES  SAl'MAREZ,  CAPTAIN  OF  U.M3.0R10X. 

rOrigii)«l,  it)  fbf  ponscfisiou  of  the  Dowbrit  Laily  de  Snumorvtr     Tbr 
Ncl*ou')i  Sijuiulrtiii,  wiut  tu  wnti-li  ihe  S]>Rui:tli  Fleet,  niid  to  interrcjil  ihr  >  . 
Mrtico,  whu  was  pxpectod  u  CiniU  with  ■  large  treiumv,  escorted  b;  two  Irmt 
ttatr*  luni  u  Sevemyfoux.j 

Rendezvous, — Secret . 

By  Horatio  Nebon,  Esquire,  Commodore,  &c. 
S.  S.  West  from  Cape  St.  Vincent*s,  about  25  leagueis ; 
Latitude  from  35°  SO  N.  to  36"  10'  N.,  stretching  from  thence 
towards  Lavachc,  on  the  Coast  of  Barbary.  A  Ship  will  alwayj 
be  kept  on  the  Rendezvous,  in  case  I  should  leave  it ;  notjinding 
me  by  the  \lth,  to  return  to  Lisbon^ 

Given  on  board  the  Irresistible  at  Lisbon,  March  2nd, 
1797. 

Horatio  Nelson. 

[Indoreed  by  Conunodore  Nclsoii.J 
Rendezvous  not  to  be  opened,  but  in  case  of  separatioo. 


MEMORANDA  RESPECTTNG  PRIZE  MONKV. 

[-\ulogn»iilj,  iii  ibe  Nelson  Papc-rs.] 

[Apparently  uboui  Marcb.  17HT.] 

From  August  10th  1796,  Commodore  Nelson  has  a  right 
to  share  as  a  Flag-Officer. 

A  Privateer  taken  by  Minerve,*  sold  for  one  thousand 
dollars. 

A  Dutchman  by  ditto,  condemned  at  Gibraltar,  from  Cette. 

A  ditto  by  Diadem,  and  at  Porto  Ferrajo. 

Spanish  Prizes  known : 

Augustus  Frederick 2,000 

Mahonesa.     .     .     .     • 10,000 

Spanish  Pt>lacca 2,000 

Ditto,  ditto,  by  Miner\'e oOO 

Carrj'  forward  14,500 

'  Till'  words  in  iinlics  were  mlilcil  in  NcIaoh's  own  Loud. 
•  On  llir  23«l  vt  Det-cDilHT,  17l»0. 


BT.  38.] 


LETTERS. 


361 


Brought  forward  14,500 

St  Antonio 2,(XK) 

Jcsu  Maria 15,000 

Virgen  del  Carmen 1,000 

Active 1,000 

Nostra  Signora 26,000 

Negro  Arigo       6,000 

Signora  Misericordin 16,000 

Cttbano 25,000 

Santa  Natolia 100,000 

Foudroyaut 25,000 

Spanish  Brig  from  Porto  Rico,  by  Transfer  .     .  4,000 

Ditto,  ditto,  by  CaroUne  and  Seahorse     .     .     .  12,000 

French  and  Spanish  Brigs,  by  Pallaa  ,     .     .     .  8,000 

Spanish  Brig,  by  Southampton 2,000 

Four  Spanish  Ships  of  War 180,000 


537,500' 


Thus  far  known :  more  are  taken,  but  no  particulars  known. 

^^^hTO  VICfXADMIRALTIIE  HON.  WILLIAM  WALDRGRAVE/ 

^^^^B  [From  the  "  Nsval  CUroniolf,"  vol.  x.  p.  280. J 

^^^^  March  r>,  1707. 

^F       My  dear  Admiral, 

^^M    I  send  you  a  Narrative^  of  the  transactions  of  the  Captain 
Hon  the  14th  of  February,  and  also  the   Sword  of  one  of  the 
Officers  (I  believe  Second  Captain  of  the  San  Nicolas)  with 
which  he  killed  one  of  my  seamen. 

How  hard  this  wind  is  not  to  let  us  out,  but  I  hope  it  is  at 
its  last  gasp.     Believe  me,  my  dear  Sir, 

Your  most  obliged  and  affectionate  humlile  servant, 

HoiiATio  Nelson.* 

f,  bwl  the  lo«nl  is  properly  ■W7,»"MX). 

•  Thinl  in  rumninnil  o«i  the  1-ltli  of  Fplininry,  aftcrwrinh  rreatcd  Lord  Itwi^iork, 
Ilia  tcrviccs  on  thni  ilnr.     Many  Lettcn  to  Lonl  RiulNloek  from  Nel.<uiii,  ivill  \w 

VUlul  in  5>iiti««qMriii  |>iul8  of  lht»  Work. 
»  Mile  p.  341).  nutr. 

*  The  Bfw^  of  till?  Victory  of  the  1-llh  of  Fcbnuu'j'  fcachc*!  Loudon  on  lb*-  rinl  of 
Iturch;  ojid  about  the  '^lat  of  thiU  month  Sir  John  Jcrvis  aud  hit  Ofliuers  uid 


LETTEB&  [1797. 

TO  ADMIRAL  SIR  JOHN  JEBVIS,  K.B. 
[From  Clarhc  and  M'AtiLiir,  vol.  i.  p.  art."*.] 

[On  or  itboat  12Ui  ilUach.  I71»7  ) 

It  is  almost  a  pity  to  give  the  Viceroy  a  chance  of  eludiug 
our  vigilance ;  as  yet  we  have  never  covered  a  less  space  than 
from  twelve  to  twenty-eight  leagues.  Respecting  myself,  I 
wish  to  stay  at  sea,  and  as  I  have  directed  Captain  Miller  to 
provide  rac  with  everything  nccessarj-,  whether  in  the  Captain 
or  in  any  other  Ship,  I  beg  if  any  Line-of-Battle  Ships  are 
left  out  either  on  this  side  of  the  Straits,  or  to  the  eastward  of 
Gibraltar,  that  I  may  be  the  man  :  and  this  brings  forward  a 
subject  which  1  own  is  uj)pcnnost  in  my  mind — tlie  safety  of 
our  TroojJs.*  Should  they  embark  from  Elba,  the  FiCTCh 
have  a  number  of  Shi[>s  at  Toulon,  and  may  gel  tw(»,  lhrce,or 
four  ready,  with  a  number  of  Frigates,  and  make  a  push  fof 
our  Convoy.  I  am  willing,  as  you  know,  to  go  eastward  to 
cover  them  even  to  Porto  Ferrajo,  or  off  Toulon,  or  Minorca, 
as  you  may  judge  proper;  and  if  they  arc  on  their  passage, 
you  will  not,  I  presume,  go  to  the  westward  until  they  arrive 
at  Gibraltar.  I  have  said  much,  but  you  have  spoiled  me  by 
allowitig  me  to  speak  aud  write  freely  ;  yet  be  assured  I  mean 
nothing  further  than  my  wish  to  undertake  this  service,  if  yoa 
approve  of  it. 

I  am,  &c., 

Horatio  Nelson. 

Men  received  lUc  apinobMion  of  tb«  iuug  Tor  tLeir  services,  wkkb  lie  Uiiu  roa 
v»jr«l  U)  Nelsou  : — 

"  Viclory,  Tagns,  '^Isl  efMntb,  17JI7. 
"Sir, 

"  Jd  obediouoe  to  the  oonunuula  of  the  Lordv  Oonunimoiier>  of  tlie  Ailmirtli} 
by  fur  the  pleasautesl  I  ever  rerrived,  I  liave  the  hnnpur  to  convev  to  yoa  |M;piuniUl; 
XUs  Miyc-itj's  inoMt  grAciiiiiHiippriibiitiixi -jf  your  diwliiiguiabed  serriees  iiitlir  ApiIou 
wilb  ibe  Fleet  of  Hpoiii,  oil  the  lUU  of  IVbruwr,  signified  throiigb  Karl  ijfM'UMr  t» 
the  Lords  Conilutii:iiiiiu'n>  uflJie  AdiuiriUly." — Sir  .Uilui  .Icnis  uImo  (ron-nilttMl  ta 
liini  Ibi-  Ibniiks  of  botb  Houses  of  Purlimueiii,  uuj  of  ibe  Coriiomtiou  of  I  . 
Cinrkr  iinil M' Arthur,  vol.  i.  ji.  ;|"iO,  It  wit»  |irobubl;  on  the  soiuc  oociuiui 
w«a  iiifonnod  of  lii*  promotion  to  the  rank  of  lieiu--AdimjiU. 

*  Left  II  Elbn,  vide  p.  6i'6,  aute. 


38.] 


LETTERS. 


363 


TO  JOHN  M'ARTHUR.  ESQ. 

Mognpli,  in  tbc  poMcxsion  of  Mn.  Conw«y.    Mr.  M'ArUiur,  while  Loni  Hood's 
was  ouc  of  Mebou's  Agents  for  Prlxcsi.] 

Irresiatiblc,  off  L«gos  B«y,  MnrcU  Ifltli,  1707. 

My  Dear  Sir, 
four  letter  of  November  30th,  by  Aurora,  I  only  received  the 
inning  of  this  month  before  I  lefl  Lisbon,  and  the  various 
IS  of  Ships  for  Corsica.  I  believe  if  every  Ship  can  be  stated 
ly  as  they  state  themselved,  an  opinion  might  be  taken 
An  eminent  lawyer.     For  instance,  Tartar  assisted  in 
stores,  and  in  drawing  up  one  gun  from  such  a  time 
uch  a  time;  the  Scout  was  in  sight  of  Bastia  from  the  3rd 
to  the  7th,  and  was  fired  at — and  so  of  the  others.     I  do  not 

Jlicvc  that  these  claims  ought  greatly  to  dimini.sh  us  who  had 
t  whole  service.  1  think  when  each  Ship  states  her  services. 
It  we  ought  to  resort  to  the  King  in  Council ;  as  to  Ships 
•ring  tlie  guns,  it  is  ridiculous.  1  heard  the  guns  which  were 
ed  at  San  Fiorcnzo — the  Ships  in  Torto  Ferrajo  heard  both. 
1  wish  you  had  told  me  about  our  Genoese  vessels,  which 
money  we  have  lodged,  I  hojie,  on  interest — pray  tell  ine 
about  it. 

am  here  looking  for  the  Viceroy  of  Mexico,  with  three 
i\  of  tlie  Line,  and  hope  to  meet  him.    Two  First  Rales  and 
\it4  are  with  him  ;  but  the  larger  the  ships  the  better  the  mark, 
who  will  not  fight  for  dollars?*    The  Spanish  Fleet  are 
Cadiz,  the  Officers  hooted  and  pelted  by  the  mobility, 
lir  first  report  was,  the  Action  happening  on  a  foggy  day, 
|cn  the  t'o<^  cleared  up,  they  only  saw  fifteen  Sail  of  the 
je,  therefore  concluded  at  least   five  were   sunk   in   the 
tion.     My  usual  good  fortune  attended  mc  which  I  know 
will  give  you,  amongst  my  other  friends,  satisfaction.     I  only 

^^■01^  the  M<ini«Tuiis  ViTM'k  wiitlpu  on  the  Victory  of  Ht,  Vincent  weiv  tlic 
iiH|.     In  fmiviiiirrirr  of  tin-  M'nrcitv   of  <ni*i<lr,  9|NUii<*)i  r>nlliir»  wpit  isniind 
fftlBtnk  on  the  IDili  of  Mveli,  1797,  nf  ilie  viUii«  nf  is.  Vrf.,  liiil  Iher  wen* 
nvailed  on  ilio  Ini  of  Octnbfr,  in  ilip  "iim''  yen.     (tn  <>(irli  Dollar  (he  Kiiig'a  bii«t 
•u  tinick  on  iIn>  writ  of  the  King  nf  bpain  : 

The  wldiiionnl  head  uit  Ibe  Dolltr  impms'J 

Is  to  rircnlnlr  .lenisS  fuar; 
To  li;»  viilmir  'tin  iiwinj;,  il  lun^t  hr  roufi-ssM. 
Knglaitd  mule  an  iuiitreoiiiott  on  Spun. 


364  LETTERS.  fl787. 

got  oil  board  the  Captain  at  seven  o'clock  in  the  evening  of 
tho  13th.  I  aball  write  Lord  llood  when  anything  here 
{M-'eura.  In  the  meantime  I  Ix'g  you  will  make  my  most  kind 
remembrances  to  him  and  Lady  Hood ;  and  do  you  believe 
me. 

Your  most  faithful  hiunble  servant, 

UouATio  Nelson. 


TO  HIS  ROYAL  HIGHNESS  TllE  DUKE  OF  CLARENCE. 

[From  CUrite  ftttd  M'ArlLur,  vol.  i.  p.  3&0.] 

Off  Cope  St.  Vincent,  Mwcli  5Wni,  I'Ti. 
Sir, 

The  Spanish  fleet  went  into  Cadiz  on  the  3nl  of  the  roonth, 
the  Santissima  Trinidad  witli  ihcm.  They  acknowledge  she 
had  struck,  but  thut  a  Sevcnly-fotir  sent  a  boat  on  board,  aiid 
hoisted  her  colours  again,  which  they  give  as  a  reason  why 
she  did  not  l.iy  her  hca<l  towards  our  Fleet.'  I  feel  a  grcM 
satisfaction  in  this  account  being  confirmed,  as  I  believe  all 
will  allow  that  I  had  more  action  with  her  than  any  Ship  in 
our  Fleet ;  and  I  am  siu'c  your  Royal  Highness  will  have  plea- 
sure in  likewise  knowing,  that  my  conduct  has  not  cscapeil  tlie 
notice  of  the  Spanish  Fleet,  who  now  in  Cadiz  do  justice  tM 
the  Broad  Pendant. 

I  am  looking  out  with  an  anxious  eye  for  the  Viceroy  of 
Mexico,  but  I  fear  he  will  go  to  TenerifTe.  The  Spanish 
Fleet  is,  fit  and  unfit,  thirty  Sail  of  the  Line  in  Cadiz,  and  I 

'  It  Djipenrs  almost  crrtAin  that  tbc  Santift^ima  Trinidml  did  snrrcnder  kcncK 
Ciiluiiel  DriiilrwBter  snyx — 

"In  tlie  origiuiil  NnnMCive.  I  ineutioued  Uio  cirrtumsbuifte  liuiiiitrilllv,  iiIiU»ii|^  1 
cnii  nflinn  tliat,  in  an  iutfrvnl  of  the  cleiuiug  awny  of  the  smoke,  I  !taw  •  wlute  0«f 
flying  over  (he  Spiuib*h  Giisign,  importing  her  HiuTcnder.  I  iiifiitionefl  the  (ari  (e 
thofie  near  me  at  the  linte ;  but  the  di<*comf)ied  8hi|>,  being  at  ibiit  moment  *nf 
ported  by  the  division  of  eight  Shiptt  cut  off  in  the  moniing,  but  which  lutd  nnv 
rejoined  their  fiieud.H  to  wiudwani,  drifted  avray  nudcr  their  pmiecUou,  diKtaAxbtl, 
aitd  A  Ing  on  the  wmer.  Such  was  her  cripplfd  oiate,  that  *h«  xr<i«  alJowrd  in  «e;>»- 
rule  from  the  main  body  of  the  Enemy's  Klcel.  and  was  Keen  (lus  wns  reported  Wtnir 
the  IJvely  left  the  Uriiinh  Sqiinilrou )  nioue,  off  Cape  Hi.  Majry's,  nuiJiiug  the  limt  of 
lier  way  into  Poll,  where  ^be  evi-ntuiilly  «iTi%e<l.  Man>  yeiuii,  howevi-r,  lUd  not 
fhip^e  berore  ihc  souie  RautisNiuin  Trinidiul  became  w  prixe  In  iLii  llprti,  irljii  eU' 
gnged  her  ^n  gallAiiily  mt  ihfi  Hih  of  rebmary,  iti  the  biill  niorr  uiemnrablc  *Bi 
trcMivudou?!  Battle  ofl'  Cniie  TrufiUgur,  in  C^ctober,  ItfOO." — A'lnfo/dt',  p.  bL 


IT.  38.] 


LETTERS. 


365 


pcise  twenty  will  be  ready  for  sea  by  the  first  week  in 
.  I  am  assured  fit^een  Sail  of  tlie  Line  are  ordered  to 
rol,  and  both  Squadrons  are  destined  for  Brest,  making 
ty  Sail  from  the  two  Ports  of  Cadiz  and  Fen'ol.  I  trust 
ir  John  Jervis  will  be  reinforced  ;  at  present  his  situation  is 
not  very  pleasant.  Eighteen  two-decked  Ships  are  to  perform 
two  services ;  at  least  this  is  what  strikes  me  as  necessary,  viz. 
to  see  our  Army  safe  from  Elba,  and  to  prevent  the  Spanish 
Fleet  sailing  with  impunity  from  Cadiz.  If  Sir  John  stays  oft' 
Cadiz,  the  French  will  push  out  two  or  three  Sail  of  the  Line, 
and  most  probably  take  our  Army ;  if  he  goes  into  the  Straits, 
the  Dftachnicnt  from  Cadiz  gets  unmolested  to  Fcrrol :  here 
is  a  choice  of  difficulties.  I  have  ventured  to  propose  to  the 
Admiral,  letting  me  go  with  two  oi  three  Sail  of  the  Line, 
off  Toulon,  or  to  Elba,  as  may  be  necessary,  and  for  the  Fleet 
to  stay  outside.  I  beg  your  Royal  Highness  will  nut  think 
that  I  am  in  the  liabit  of  advising  my  Commander-in-Chief; 
but  Sir  John  Jervis  has  spoiled  me  by  encouraging  me  to  give 
my  opinion  freely ;  knowing  that  it  is  not  iniperiinence  in  mo, 
I  have  thought  it  right  to  say  thus  much. 

An  American  who  left  Cadiz  two  days  past  tells  us,  that 
Corduva"  is  sent  to  Madrid  as  a  prisoner,  and  that  every  Ad- 
miral and  Captain  arc  under  arrest  imtil  their  conduct  can  be 
inquired  into;  and  it  is  said  they  arc  determined  to  fight  us 
again.  Captain  Oakes  is  now  at  my  elbow,  and  desires  me  to 
I  gay  everything  respectful  for  him. 

^B^  Horatio  Nelson. 

L 

■^Auiograpli,  ill  the  Nelson  Papers.  Thctv  \a  uiotlier  Fnpcr  in  Uie  aune  C<]|lee> 
ttuii,  contniiiiiiK  similivr  N'utc-ii;  hihI  iUe  fi-w  facia  stated  ill  it,  wbicli  do  not  oiwur  iu 
tliror  Mrniomiiilii,  arts  here  tulAvd  Mithiii  t>rnL'ket>>.J 


SEBYlCEi?  PERFORMED  THIS  WAR  DY  CAPTAIN  NELSON,  OP 
Ills  BIAJEJ^TY's  ship  ACiAMKMNOX. 


1793. 


[Apimrently  written  in  Miiroli,  1T07.] 


August  19th. — Received  the  fire  of  Fort  Cavaliere,  and  look 
a  Ship  from  Marseilles  bound  to  Smyrna. 

■  Tbe  luic  Commuider  in  Chief  of  tlie  Spotusli  Fleet. 


366 


LETTERS. 


October  2 1st. — Engaged  the  Melpomene,  of  40  gana^  IJQJ 
men;  La  Minerve,  40  guns,  420  men;  La  Fortunoe, 
guns,  350  men;  La  FIcchc,  28  guns,  220  men;  whenbeingS 
much  (liiiahled,  the  Eueuiy  left  me. 

1794. 

January  21st. — LaDclcd  about  four  miles  from  San  Fiorento: 
burnt  the  only  water  mill  in  that  part  of  the  Countr.-,  and 
(li'Stroyed  a.  magazine  of  corn  and  flour.  Four  French 
frigates  were  lying  in  San  Fiorenzo. 

February  6  th. — Landed  at  Centuri :  burnt  fourPolacca  ships, 
loaded  with  wne  for  the  French,  at  San  Fioren/o. 

F'ebruary  8th. — Landed  at  Magginagio,  burnt  eight  Sail  of 
Vessels,  took  four,  and  destroyed  about  2000  tons  of  vrmc. 
Captain  Nelson  struck  the  French  colours  with  his  o^i 
hand. 

February     12th. — Attacked   a    French    courier-boat,    who 
crew  got  on  shore  at  Capraja :  after  a  very  smart  contest,  ii 
which  I  lost  six  men,  carried  her. 

February   19th. — Landed   at    Lavizena,   took    the   tower 
Miomo,  distant  three  miles  froui  Bastia,  and  drove   tt 
French  within  gun-shot  of  the  walls  of  Bastia.* 

February  24th. — Rim  down  the  town  of  Bastia,  and  can- 
nonaded it  for  two  hours, 

February  26th. — Drove  the  French  from  a  work  they  wet 
making  to  the  southward  of  Bastia. 

March  18th. — Landed  at  Erbalonga,  stayed  on  shore  aloue  wit 
the  CQi"sicans  for  two  days,  and  reconnoitred  the  whol( 
works  of  Bastia,  from  which  I  gave  my  decisive  opinion 
to  the  practicability  of  taking  the  Town. 

April  ."ird  to  May  26th. — Landed,  for  the  Siege  of  Basti 
jointly  with  Colonel  Villcttes,  1000  Marine  troops,  300  set 
men  ;  the  Town  surrendered  May  22nd,  after  our  battcrlc 
had  been  open  forty  days. 

June  18th  to  August  12th. — Landed  for  the  Siege  of  CalvH 
batteries  opened  July  5th.  Town  surrendered  August  10th  ; 
batteries  open  twenty-six  days. 

•  "Onvc  il  lip  In  the  frifiiiJIy  Corsicniid. ' 


^T.  88.] 


LETTERS. 


867 


[October  IsL — Took  a  Brig  under  the  French  battery  of  Cape 
Martin.] 

1795. 

arch  i;Uh. — Enpjaged  the  Cu  Ira  for  two  and  a  half  houw; 

killed  on  board  her  1 10  men. 

arch  14th. — Engaged  with  the  Fleet. 
July  Sill. — Fired  at  by  the  French  FleeL] 
tJy  13th, — Engaged  with  the  Fleet. 
August  14th. — Took  some  Enemy's  vessels  under  the  Forts 

of  AJassio.] 

ugU£t  26ib. — Took  eleven  Sail  out  of  Alassio.' 

September  6ih. — Took    a  Brig  from    under  the   Fort  of 

Oneglia.] 

1796. 
^pril  25th. — Took  four  Sail  of  Frenchmen  from  under  the 
batteries  of  Loano,  after  a  smart  contest. 
[May  8th. — Took  two  Vessels  from  under  the  batteries   of 
Pietra.] 

ay  31st. — Took  six  Sail  of  Frenchmen  from  the  batteries  of 
Torre  deirArcno,  after  some  resistance. 

Captain. 

ly  lOth. — Took  in  conjunction  with  Jilajor  Duncan,  the 
Fortresses  and  Town  of  Porto  Ferrajo. 
ptembcr  11th. — Fired  at  by  the  batteries  of  Genoa.] 
ptcnibcr  18th. — Took  in  conjunction  with  Major  Logan,! 
the  Island  of  Capraja,  the  Garrison  surrendering  prisoners 
of  ^var. 

lobcr  19th. — Embarked  the  Vice-Roy,  tind  all  our  troops 
from  Bastia,  the  French  being  in  possession  of  the  Citadel, 
and  landed  ihcm  the  same  day  at  Porto  Fcrrajo. 

La  Minekve. 

cembcr  liJih. — Fought  and  took  l^a  Santa  Sabina  of  40 
guns;  twcnty-c'iglit  18-ponndci's  on  her  main  deck,  286 
men,  after  an  action  of  two  hours  at  id  fifty  minutes. 

ceniber  20ih. — Fought  the  Santa  Matilda  of  34  guns.  She 
ran  awnv,  or  I  am  confident  we  should  have  taken  her, 


In  ibr  Dlbf-r  McmoMndn,  >*  A't(?»st  'ifiih,  inok  lunc  Sail  of  Vcsstla," 


368  LETTEB& 

we  being  at  the  same  time  closely  pursued  b}*  two  Sponw 
Ships  of  the  Line  and  two  Frigates. 

[17970 
February  14th. — Engaged  with  the  Fleet. 


TO  EARL  SPEXCER,  HRST  LORD  OF  THE  ADMIRALTV. 

[Autograph  drangrbt,  in  Uie  74«Uoii  Pap«re.] 

Captain,  off  Ci^  St.  Mar}  'a,  April  2ud,  1T9T. 

My  Lord, 

Yesterday  I  had  the  honour  of  receiving  your  Lordsliip's 
letter*  of  March  1 7th,  signifying  to  me  his  Majesty's  most 
graciims  intention  to  confer  on  me  the  Most  Llonourulik' 
Order  of  the  Bath,  as  a  mark  of  his  Royal  approbation  of  my 
conduct  on  several  occasions  during  the  present  War,  May 
I  presume,  through  your  Lonlship,  who  have  so  favourably 
represented  my  services  to  the  King,  to  present  tay  most  pro- 
found and  humble  acknowledgments  to  his  Majesty  for  this 
most  distinguished  nuuk  of  his  Royal  Favour  ? 

I  feel  it  would  be  presumptuous  in  me  to  say  more  than  to 
acknowledge  the  very  handsome  manner  in  which  your  Lord- 
ship has  been  pleased  to  execute  his  Majesty's  commands 
anil  that  I  am. 

Your  Lordship's  most  obliged  Servant, 

lIosATio  Nelson. 

*  TO    XBAR-APMIllAI.   XBMOX. 

"AdminUtT,  17tli  Mnrcb,  I7f 
Sir. 

"I  have  Tfh  Mi^p^ity's  coniinojiilK  to  arqiiniul  run,  thnl  iu  order  to  mark  UU 
Royal  apiirubtitluii  of  your  Niu'retHrMl  and  gulluiil  pxorliuim  on  MVcrnI  iktmii 
diirii))(tlie  oinirsD  of  ilie  present  Wiir  in  tlif  M(>(liu>rraiU'aii.  ami  innrc  particnUr 
your  very  JiHtingiii><IiKd  cuniliut  in  llie  srioriuus  and  brilliiuu  Victury  olitnined 
Ihr  Fleet  of  Spain  l>y  His  Mnjfsty's  VWi'\,  nndor  the  comimin'l  of  Adniirvl  Sir  Joka 
jRrvis,  0)1  ilio  14ili  of  ]'Vliniiir>  Iti-si,  tlix  MiijcMiy  ha.*<  lu'cn  plpnMJ  lo  itignitfl 
inl(«ntion  of  coiifcrrini;;  on  you  the  Most  llimiuiruble  Order  of  tli*  Baih.  wiUi  whfc 
is  HIh  Mnji?3t)~'s  iileiL^iiri*  lliiU  yon  should  lie  lnvost(><l,  wlien  the  pnipw  awa 
can  b«  taken  for  Ihnt  |iiir|>OAe.  1  have  great  satiKfaction  iu  conminniriUing  idJ 
this  very  dislLngiu'vhed  mark  of  the  Royal  it]iprohaiiou. 

"  I  ant,  &c. 

"  SPBXCtI 


Mt,  38.] 


LETTERS. 


TO  HIS  ROYAL  lUGlINESS  THE  DUKE  OF  CLARENCE. 

[From  L'lu'ko  ami  M'.Vrilnir,  \()1.  ii.  p.  U.] 

!4i«l  April,  1707, 

Your  Royal  Iliglincss,  who  has  known  me  for  every  hour 
upwards  of  sixteen  years,  will  do  me  justice  in  saying,  that  at 
no  one  i^eriod  of  my  life  did  my  zeal  and  duty  to  my  Kin^jf 
snd  Country  abate  ;  and  I  must  rejoice  in  having  gained  the 
good  opiuion  of  my  Sovereign,  which  I  once  was  given  to 
tmderstand  I  had  no  likelihood  of  enjoying.'  With  every 
sentimeut  of  the  most  dutiful  attachment,  believe  mc  to  be 
your  Royal  llighncss's  faithful  ger\'ant, 

Horatio  Nelson. 


TO  AIRS.  NELSON. 

[From  Clark«  aud  M'ArlLiir,  Vol.  ii.  j>.  O.j 


k  April,  1707. 

though  we  caji  afford  no  more  than  a  Cottage — yet,  with  a 
tented  mind,  my  dearest  Fanny,  my  Chains,  Medals,  and 
Ribbons  arc  all-sufficienL  We  must  be  contented  willi  a  little, 
and  the  cottage  near  Norwich,  or  any  other  i>lace  you  like 
;er,  will,  I  assure  you,  satisfy  me.  Do  not  mention  this 
'k  of  the  Royal  Favour*  to  any  one  except  my  Father.  Be 
assured,  whether  my  letters  are  long  or  short,  yet  still  that  my 
heart  is  entirely  with  you.  With  love  to  my  father,  believe 
^^nc  Tour  most  affectionate  husband, 
^K  Horatio  Nelson. 


TO  TIIE  REVEREND  MR.  NELSON.  IlILllOUOVGIi. 

(Autograph  iu  tlie  NeUon  Paper*.] 

Ciiptuiii,  ofTCoiw  Su  Vinoeui'it,  Aiiril  Otii,  1T9T. 


My  dear  Brother, 

Many  thanks  for  your  kind  letter  of  March  13th,  and  I  bog 

you  will  thank  all  our  friends  for  their  kind  congratulations; 

and  I  must  be  delighted,  when,  from  the  King  to  the  Peasant, 

lall  are  willing  to  do  me  honour.     But  I  will  partake  of  no- 

»  Vjd*Tol.  i.  p.  204. 

*  Th<!  Onler  of  Uw  BiUJi-     'l'boiig(li  bo  wos  niip'tinled  on  Uie  I7t)i  of  MmtU,  tlip 
Honour  wni  not  notifl«ti  iu  titr  Luiiduu  (jazette  iiutil  iLe  'i7Uj  of  Mnr. 


VOL.   11. 


B  B 


370 


LETTERS. 


[1797, 


thing  but  what  shall  include  CoUiogwood  and  Troubridge" 
We  are  the  only  three  Ships  who  made  great  exertions  on 
that  glorious  day :  the  others  did  their  duty,  and  some 
exactly  to  my  satisfaction.  We  ought  to  have  had  the  Sai 
tissijna  Trinidad  and  the  Soberano,  seventy- four.  The}' 
belonged  to  us  by  eonquest,  and  only  wanted  some 
fellow  to  get  alongside  them,  and  tlicy  were  ours.  But  it  i 
well ;  and  for  that  reason  only  we  do  not  like  to  uay  mucL 

Sir  John  Jervis  is  not  quite  contented,  but  says  not 
ptiblicly.  An  anecdote  in  the  Action  is  honourable  to 
Admiral,  and  to  Troubridge  and  myself.  Calder*  said,  •! 
the  Captain  and  CuUoden  are  separated  from  the  Fleet,  and 
unsupported:  shall  we  recall  them?' — '  I  will  not  have  them 
recalled.  I  put  my  faith  in  those  Ships:  it  is  a  disgrace  that 
they  are  not  supported  and  separated,' 

Success  hides  a  multitude  of  liiulls,     Wc  have  just  spoil 
a  Vessel  from  Cadiz :   Cordova  and  three  Captains  are  co 
demned  to  he  shot;  but  it  is  said  Cordova's  sentence  wH 
not  be  carried  into  execution,  but  I  should  think  it  will, 
appease  the  people  *,  but  he  certainty  does  not  deserve 
although  many  of  his  Fleet  do.    The  Admiral  joined  me  fronT 
Lisljon  on   the  2nd,  and  on  the  ^3rd,  we  looked  into  Cadi| 
Their  West  India  Convoy  was  to  have  sailed  that  day :  nq 
I  do  not  expect  they  will  sail  this  summer;  for  I  have  nlT 
idea  they  will  Jiglu  us  again.     However,  they  may,  in  a  mon^ 
or  two,  be  forced  out.     I  am  come  off  here  to  look  for 
Viceroy,  with  Cullodcn  and  Zealous,  and  La  Minerve;  liu 
do  not  expect  any  success.     You  will  not  be  surprised  to  hi 
I  have  declined  all  hereditary  Honours ;  and  as  to  entailiui 
Title,  unless  you  have  a  good  estate  to  send  with  it,  you  send 
misery;  and,  till  I  became  a  Flag-officer,  I  had  not  made  both 
ends  meet     Chains  and  Medals  are  what  no  fortune  or  con- 
nexion in  England  can  obtain  ;  and  I  shall  feel  prouder 
those  than  all  the  Titles  in  the  King's  power  to  bestow.     Pt 
remember  me  kindly  to  Mrs.  Nelson,  our  Aunt,  your  CI 
dren,  the  Rolfcs,  and  all  our  friends  at  SwafFham,  and  belici 
me  ever,  your  most  afTcctionatc  brother, 

HonATio  Nelson, 

*  AltiiiUn^  to  ihr  ]ia.rtitU  ilUtiribiiiiau  of  MciluU  for  I.nnl  Howe's  Victory  ia  11 

•  rir"i  Capliiiu  to  Sir  .lohn  Jervb,  or  Cftploiii  of  Ule  Fleel. 


r.  38.] 


LETTERS. 


371 


Captain  Berry,  who  is  a  Post- Captain,  late  my  First  Lieu- 
tnant,  has  promised  to  call  upon  yon.  lie  is  going  to  visit 
sister,  who  ia  manned,  and  lives  at  or  near  Tofts.  You  will 
id  him  n  vci'y  pleasant  and  gcntlemaulikc  man. 


TO  JOHN  M'ARTIIUR,  F.SQ. 
[AutogMph,  in  lli»  |M)uession  of  Mrs.  ConwtT.] 

rnptnin.  ofTCwliz,  lOili  Ajiril,  1707. 

My  dear  Sir, 
Many  thnnks  for  your  most  kind  congratulations  on  our  late 
icccss ;  but  I  hope  eoon  the  good  j^eoplc  of  England  will  have 
Hmething  else  to  talk  about — more  recent  victories ;  for  if  our 
lipe  ore  but  carried  close  by  the  Officers,  I  will  onswer  for  n 
Fleet  being  always  successful.  I  have  to  thank  yoti 
)r  your  account  of  Prizes  pending  in  the  Admiralty  Court, 
id  will,  an  soon  as  I  have  time,  and  get  hold  of  Cockburn,' 
5nd  you  the  names  of  the  Ships  who  share  for  them,  and  also 
le  power  to  take  the  money  for  distribution,  but  we  had 
»tter  be  sure  of  no  appeals  before  wo  hurry  the  paymonL 
The  Spaniards  threaten  ua  they  will  come  out,  and  take  their 
svenge  :  the  sooner  the  better;  but  I  will  not  believe  it  till  I 
Be  it;  and  if  they  do,  what  will  ilic  mines  of  Mexico  or  Peru 
juify,  compared  with  the  honour  I  doubt  not  we  shall  gain 
fighting  an  angry  Don  ?  They  will  have  thirty  Sail  of  the 
\  we  twenty  or  twenty-two ;  but  fear  we  shall  have  a  peace 
?fore  they  are  ready  to  come  out.  What  a  sad  thing  that  will 
1 1  We  have  reports  of  great  expected  changes ;  whoever  is 
inisicr,  will,  I  ho[ie,  get  us  an  honourable  peace.  I  suppose 
Ship  is  to  be  sent  out  for  me,  but  I  hope  not  the  Gibraltar. 
i*he  Captain  is  little  better  than  a  wreck.  When  you  sec 
ird  Hood,  I  beg  you  will  make  my  kindest  remembrances 
to  his  Lordship  and  Lady  Hood;  and  beUeve  me,  my  dear 
Jir,  your  much  obliged, 

Horatio  Nei-son. 

'  *  C^>Uln,  now  Adniiiid  Sir  Qeorge  Co«kbuni,  so  ofteu  mpBtionvd ;  l>«  ili«n  cr>Tn- 
.  La  Minenrc. 


B  n  2 


372 


LETTERS. 


TO  JOHN  M'ARTIIUR,  EJ»Q. 

f  j\nU)grapli,  in  iLe  possession  of  Hn.  CoowAV.] 

t'i{tlMn,  off  Cadiz,  April  ICKh, 
Dear  Sir, 

In  answer  to  your  circular  letter  of  January  31st,  just 
received,  I  send  you  my  opinion  relative  to  Bastia  and  Cnlvi; 
and  <lesire  that  should  the  unjust  claims  of  the  Windsor 
Castle  and  Inflexible,  with  many  others,  be  attended  to,  that 
a  claim  is  laid  in  for  San  Fiorenzo  for  the  Agamemnon,  as 
she  was  one  of  the  Ships  actually  employed  in  the  blockade  of 
the  Port,  and  without  which  no  Frigates  could  have  been 
taken,  and  also  never  being  out  of  hearing  of  the  gnus,  and 
making  a  diversion  of  the  Enemy's  Force  by  two  landings  on 
the  opposite  side  of  the  Island,  about  twelve  miles  dist 
and  cannonading  Bastia,  &c.  &c. 

I  am,  dear  Sir,  your  very  humble  Servant, 

IIoRATio  Nelson. 

This  claim  is  only  just,  if  the  others,  far  less  so,  are  com-j 
plied  with.  II.  N. 

Melcager,  Amphitritc,  Leda,  &c,  &c.,  Billet,  and  innur 
rable  gun-boats,  must  not  be   forgot,  should   all   ridiculoo 
claims  be  allowed.  II.  N. 

If  Captains  Hunt  and  Bullcn  share,  I  insist  that  Haltowell 
do  the  same,  I  am  ready  to  bear  testimony  he  did  more  service 
than  viosf  of  us. 


TO  JOWS  M'ARTIIirR,  ESQ. 
[Originul,  signoil  hy  Rear  Admirol  Nelson,  in  Ibe  poaseasion  of  Mrs.  Conw«]r.] 

Bastia. 
Victory,  Princess  Royal,  Fortitude,  Agamemnon,  Goro 
arc  the   only    Ships   employed,  first  to  the  la.st,  at   Basti 
Tiie  Illustrious  and  Tartar,  with  the  LTmperiense,  hml  mc 
of  the  Siege  than  any  other  Ships  except  those  first  me^ 
tioncd.      The   others   came   and   went   occasionally   to   tl 
Commander-in-Chief;   and,   of  course,   if  any   service  was 
to  be  performed  din-ing  their  stay,  or  they  could  bring  any- 


rr.  3^.] 


LETTERS. 


373 


ling  from  the  places  they  came  from,  of  course  they  could 

3ot    do    othcn;\'isc    than    do   so.      The    Terrible    eatuc    one 

and  several  other  Ships ;  but  I  cannot  conceive  they  can 

»vc  a  right  to  share  c({ual  to  every  Ship  and  man  who  was 

'employed,  at  the  iinminciit  risk  of  his  life,  from  the  first  to 

_Uie  last.     But,  so  far  from  throwing  any  impcdimcul  in  the 

f,  I  am  ready  they  should  share  in  the  manner  as  follows : 

-Let  each  Ship  state  llic  number  of  days  she  was  actually 

jploycd  in  the  Siege  of  Bastia,  which  will,  of  course,  give 

number  of  men,  and  let  it  be  divided  in  this  manner.     It 

lay  give  a  little  trouble  ;  but  then  the  man  who  served  forty- 

;  days  vriU  be  paid,  and  the  man  who  served  one  day  will 

be  paid,  each  according  to  his  labour.     If  the  Officers  who 

interested,  being  there  the  whole  Siege,  jigree  with  me, 

esire  the  point  njay  not  be  given  up. — Amtccr  to  the  FirnU 

Answer  to  t/u  Second. — The  Troops  serving  as  Marines,  and 

le  Marines  of  every  Ship  of  the  Line  and  Frigate  in  the 

Icet  Ix^ing  ordered  ashore  for  the  Siege  of  Bastia,  by  Sir 

^illiaui  Scott's  opinion  every  Ship  ought  to  share,  who  had  any 

len  belonging  to  her  on  shore,  on  the  principle,  I  suppose, 

ihut  ihose  on  board  did  their  duty.     It  appears  very  fair  j  and 

Sir  William  Scott  prepared  to  say,  that  as  the  Ships  are  to 

larc   with  us  who  are  on  shore,  that  we  shall  share  with 

lose  who  are  afloat,  and  took  prizes  ?  If  it  is  justice  to  one,  it  is 

to  the  other.   The  Alcide  and  Egmont  are  in  the  same  slate 

ither  Ships  in  the  Fleet,  except  bringing  part  of  the  Troops 

San  Fiorenzo,  and,  of  course,  having  the  trouble  of  landing 

ihem,  and  assisting  from  April  4th  to  April  lllh,  by  landing 

)fficers  and  Seamen  which  were  then  embarked,  and  only 

le  Soldiers  remained  during  the  Siege. 

Answer  to  the  Third. — Tlie  Windsor  Castle  can  have  less 

to  share  than  almost  any  Ship.     She  was  laying  in  San 

Hiorcnzo.     If  a  Commander-in-Chief  chooses  to  order  one 

mdred  men  out  of  every  Ship  in  his  Fleet,  can  this  entitle 

Jose  men  to  share  for  prizes  taken  by  that  Ship  ?     Alost  of 

Ships  brought  out  of  Toulon  had  men  lent  from  different 

npe :  I  will  be  bold  to  say,  not  one  of  those  men  were  in 

ly  Prize  List  for  those  Ships ;  nor,  if  those  Ships  they  were 

mt  to  had  taken  a  Prize,  would  the  Ships  they  belonged  to 


374 


LETTERS. 


have  presumed  to  claim  as  aiding  and  assisting  at  ilie  cnpluK? 
For  instance)  the  Captain  has  fifty  men  on  board  the  Sou 
Josef,  late  her  Prize,  but  now  commissioned :  should  the  San 
Josef  take  a  Prize  going  home,  by  Sir  NVilliani  Scott'« 
opinion  the  Captain  has  a  right  to  claim,  on  the  ground  that 
part  of  the  company  of  the  Captain  were  on  board  at  the  capture, 
and  the  Prize  could  nut  have  been  taken  but  by  tlic  assistance  of 
men  lent  from  different  Ships.  By  the  Proclamation,  dioee 
men  cannot  share  for  what  the  Captain  takes,  iior  can  the  Cap- 
lain  share  for  what  those  men  may  take  :  at  all  events  the 
Officers  ai-e  different,     I  dispute  the  Windsor  Castle  sharing. 

Anmper  to  the  Fourth. — The  Scout  to  be  allowed  the  number 
of  days.  Dido  and  L'Aigle  not  one  moment  employed  during 
the  Siege.  They  probably  brought  something  from  Leghorn 
which  we  wanted.  They  are  different  from  Romney  and 
Tartar,  who  had  some  hard  fag ;  and  for  a  number  of  days 
every  Ship  in  the  McditeiTanean  was  part  of  the  hostile  Force, 
as  Sir  William  Scott  trails  it ;  for  each  had  some  men  on  shore. 

Answer  to  the  Fifth. — Captain  Ferris  has  no  claim,  but  just 
as  much  as  the  Windsor  Castle  and  many  other  Shi{>s. 

Answer  to  thi  Siafh. — Captaii»  BuUen  and  Captain  Hunt  were 
em|)loyed  during  the  Siege,  and,  in  justice,  have  a  right  to 
share  ;  but  what  does  the  Proclamation  say  ?  I  suppose  these 
gentlemen  tu  be  Volunteers  on  board  Ship — how  would  they 
share? — not  with  the  Captains,  but  as  Volunteers,  with  the 
last  class;  nor  can  a  Commander-in-Chief  order  two  Cuptaios 
to  share  for  the  same  Ship.  But,  for  my  part,  I  desire  that  these 
gentlemen  may  be  put  upon  tlie  Prize  List,  as  Captains.  Why  is 
Captain  Hallowell  omitted  ?  He  rendered  more  service  than 
almost  any  other  Officer.     If  these  share,  I  insist  that  he  docs. 

Answer  to  the  Last. — Every  Ship  that  is  commissioned  by 
Great  Britain  must,  in  a  certain  degree,  contribute  to  the 
success  of  her  Arms,  in  every  quarter  of  the  Globe,  although 
not  actually  present.  For  instance,  had  there  been  no  Fleet 
in  the  Channel,  the  French  might  have  come  up  the  Mediter- 
ranean and  taken  us  all :  therefore  the  Home  Fleet  certainly 
took  care  of  us  and  covered  us.  The  farther  they  kept  the 
Enemy  ofl^,  the  more  to  their  credit.  This  reasoning  of  Sir 
WilUam  Scott's  is  carried  loo  far.     On  the  whole  I  desire  the 


Ut.  88.] 


LETTERS. 


[opinion  of  the  first>nanicd  Ships  may  be  lakcn,  aiiJ  I  agree 
ath  the  majority. 

lul  how  will  Lieutenant  Colonel  Villettcs,  Major  Brcrcton, 
Lieutenants  Duncan,  Lieutenant  de  Butts,  and  twcnly- 
flivc  Artillery-men  feel  ?  The  Army  at  San  Fiorenzo  may  claim 
llbr  bcin^  present  nt  the  surrender ;  for  I  saw  them  peeping 
lover  the  rocks  like  bo  many  eagles,  and  ccrtaiuly  within  hear- 
ing of  the  guns  during  the  whole  Siege. 

I  once  before  said  I  thought  it  must  be  laid  before  the 

[King  in  Council. 
I  Horatio  Nelson, 

Calvi. 
Annocr  to  the  First, — The  Sincere,  Captain  Shields,  most 
certainly  entitled  to  share. 
Answer  to  the  Second. — The  L'Aigle,  Captain  Hood,  most 
certainly  entitled. 
Ansicer  to  the  Third. — Not  correctly  stated.  The  St,  Fiorcnzo 
not  one  moment  employed,  or  even  in  sight  of  Calvi,  <luring 
ihc  Siege.     Sir  Charles  Hamilton  was  Captain  of  the  Dido 
part  of  the  time  —  then  Captain  Towrj'.     The  Dido  most 

P certainly  entitled  to  share,  but  not  two  Captains, 
Answer  to  tJie  Fourth. — The  Britaniiiu,  No.  Mis-stated 
her  situation.  The  Commander-in-Chief  being  cruizing  off 
Calvi  in  the  latter  end  of  July,  the  Britannia,  Admiral  llotham, 
came  to  him:  on  her  return  to  Port  from  off  Gourjean, 
Lieutenant  Gourly  came  on  shore  with  some  empty  wine- 
pipes  when  I  was  mounting  the  very  last  gun.  Our  batteries 
bad  been  opeu  upwards  of  three  weeks.  This  is  all  I  know  of 
the  Britannia,  or  all  the  assistance  I  received  from  her.  I 
tierer  will  consent  to  her  sharing,  if  any  one  will  join  me. 

Anstoer  to  the  Fifth, — La  Lutinc,  Captain  M'Namara,  clearly 
entitled  to  share. 

Ansiver  to  ttie  Sixth. — The  Inflexible,  No.  When  going 
lo  the  Siege  of  Calvi,  I  ordered  thirty  men  aud  a  Midshipman 
of  that  Ship  to  be  lent  to  the  Agamemnon,  and  the  people 
are  borne  as  part  of  the  Agamemnon's  crew.  The  Captain,  nor 
Officers,  or  other  part  of  the  crew,  shall  never  share  with  my 
consent. 

riW7'  to  tfie  Seventh.^  Ca]i\a,m   Hallowell 


376 


LF.TTERS. 


[1791. 


SerocolJ  are,  b)'  their  galiuutr}',  eutitled  to  shore  as  Field 
Ollicers  ;  but  being  not  in  commission,  how  fer,  by  the  King's 
Proclamation,  can  they  share  with  the  Navy  'i  Ought  tbej 
not  to  be  paid  jointly  out  of  the  whole  capture  ?  It  was  not 
particularly  Naval  service,  but  joint  service.  But,  however 
this  ma)'  be,  I  desire  my  consent  may  be  given  to  their  sharing 
equal  to  myself.  Captain  Cook  was  employed  in  landing  the 
Troops,  and  erecting  batteries,  and  of  course  is  much  more 
entitled  than  the  Britannia,  or  any  Ship  who  only  carae  to  the 
Coramander-in-Chief. 

The  other  Skips  are  not  stated ;  therefore  1  know  not  who 
claims. 

Horatio  Nei«o». 


TO  ADMIRAL  SIR  JOHN  JKUVIS  K.B. 

[From  Clirke  nud  M'Anhiir,  vol.  ii.  p.  7.] 

A]iril  lltli,  ITin. 

I  shall  endeavour  by  fair  means  to  accomplish  your  wishes 
in  the  blockade.  1  have  myself  no  idea  that  the  Spanish  Fleet 
will  be  ready  for  sea  for  some  months ;  and  I  OMrn,  Sir,  that 
my  feelings  are  alive  for  the  safety  of  our  Army  from  Elba. 
If  the  French  get  out  two  Sail  of  the  Line,  which  I  am  con- 
fident they  may  do,  our  Troops  are  lost,  and  what  a  triumph 
would  that  be  to  them  !  1  know  you  have  many  difliculties  to 
contend  with,  but  I  am  anxious  that  nothing  should  miscarry 
under  jour  orders.  If  you  think  a  Detachment  can  be  spared, 
I  am  ready  to  go  and  do  my  best  for  their  protection.  At  all 
events,  I  trust  you  will  not  imagine  that  my  taking  the  great 
liberty  of  thus  mentioning  my  thoughts,  arises  from  any  other 
motive  than  affection  towards  you. 

I  am,  &c. 

HoB^vTio  Nelson.* 

*  About  this  ilutc  be  received  llii'  fuUovrLig  Leilcr  from   ibe   Coiiiinaad<>r-in- 
Chief:— 

"  Villr>  i!e  Pnris.  Lisbon,  31»l  Marcli,  17»*. 
"  Mv  ilcw  Adjiiiml, 
"  Mnny  ihankit  for  yoiir  letters,  mJ  the  iulelligence  s«Bt  yoii  from  T.ngim.    B/  « 
letter  1  received  jx-sttrdiiy  from  tbc  neigbliourhood  of  it,  1   lenm  ilwt  Orn«ii»  >» 
Working  bitril  lo  get  iLe  Hcet  forward :  eigbteen  Sttil  of  tlie  \Am  luiJ  xevcml  Fn'pnlr* 


^.38.] 


LETTERS. 


377 


TO  TIIE  AAU:R1i  AA  ASU  DANISH  C0XSUL8  AT  CADIZ. 

[From  a  Copy  iu  tlie  Admiralty-.] 

Hi»  Britamiir  Mi^esty's  Ship  Crti>iain,  offCadi.t,  Utb  Ai>ril,  iVOt, 
Sir, 

In  consequence  of  the  unprovoked  declaration  of  War  by 

King  of  Spain,  against   his  Britannic  Majesty  and  the 

tilish  Nation,  it  is  thouglit  right  that  Spain  should  no  longer 

fC  any  Trade: 

I  have,   therefore,  the  honour   to  acquaint  you,   that  no 

tani  rvaAy  for  s«a  ou  llii;  'i'-M,  nnd  tLe  lepoil  ill   L'luliz  \vm,  lliiU  tlicj    Honlil 
li>-uioiT(iw;  tborefore  keep  n  slinrp  look  out.     TLe  iirtiviil  of  fSir  Robert  C 'ftltl«;r 

I  delained  me  tlirec  days  longrr  tLiui  I  intemlrd.  to  deliver  liia  SUip  from  n  large 

lily  of  useful  storcR,  aiid  l«)  remove  myself  niid  siiil*  lulo  the  Ville  dc  l'iui«.     I 

to  g«;t  over  Ibc  li«r  wiili  iim^t  of  tbe  Sqmulrou  in  Uie  eoiirHC  of  tliU  diiy.     Tbc 

Sbips  fhiai  La  Vcni  Ciiik  mid  tbc   llikvituuiili  are  cortuiiily  on  tbcir  piutsugf, 

much  ngiuiiuii  is  felt  in   Spain  uu  ibiit  uccuiint:    lUercfure  ClrnvLua  mny  be 

oiit.     Tbe  Spouinh  fbitrd^c  br-re  -tent  au  expri^s  to  Mmlrid  on  Moiidnr.  to 

^iKcmiiil  of  tbe  reinforcement  from  l^ngloud,  luid  of  my  dropping  down  below 

'ill  Uie  Vit'tory:  whethff  tbis  will  prinJiice  a  I'baugc  iif  ialfmion  we  sboll 

;  «ce.     All  bert'  send  ymi  Jbeir  best  regiini« :  sny  evorytliing  pnipcr  for  um  Iu 

4iuii  SllUeriuid  your  wortbicx,  oud  be-  a.<«surfd  I  am  yonrc  most  truly,    J.Jovis." 

7lnrAe  nuii  M' Arthur, 

ijr  HubiTt  Ciiblrr  broiigbi  Ni'Non  ibiR  bcaiiiiftil  L«Uer — so  cburacterislio  of  tLo 
of  a  Nftvnl  \  eterun — from  Ijuly  S'luker,  tbc  wife  of  bis  early  patron,  Sir  Peter 

krr,  Uurt.,  ibeii  oil  AdmiriLl  of  llic  Wbiie  and  Couimiuuler-iii  C'bicf  at   Forts- 

»Ui:— 

"  rortgnwiiitli,  L'itli  Mai-cfa,  1#07. 
"  Jfy  dear  Nelson, 

'  1  eiuuiot  lei  8ir  Rnbt^rt  Cidjcr  Koil  from  beiicr  witbout  writing^  ynii  n  few  Uiien* 

re  tn  no  rTi>reMsinns  in  ibp  Kngli^b  Inugiiagf,  (but  I  nin  arqnitinlcd  wilb,  i'<jiinl 

[)n»ey  Ilie  idcti  wbirli   I  Imve  of  your  giUbuil   uud  niei-iinriou.s  vxcrlionM  in  your 

yutry'<<  I'niise  npnu  uU  occai«toni«.     Your  conduct    on   Ihe    mpuiorHlile    14tb    of 

iiuy,  n  proud  duy  f<ir  Old  ICuglaiid,  is  above  all  priu*e;  it  never  wnf>  nor  wit  can 

Itialled.     All  Ihnt  1  nLaII  nhv  in,  tbal  your  wotber  cimld  nol  bavo  bennl  i>f  )oiir 

wiUi  mon-  aflVrtioii,  nor  ciiiild  sbe  be  more  rejoiced  ut  your  pen-onol  esrope 

iill  tbe  danger*  to  wbicb  yon  wero  exi>osed  on  tbut  glorious  day.     Long  nmy 

live,  my  deiir  NeUou,  an  ornnnient  lo  your  t'onntrj'  tmd  yiniT  I'rofexHion,  ij»  ibp 

ere  wiab  of  your  old  commnnder  Sir  Peter  and  raym-lf.  and  every  briuich  of  our 
I'ray  oifer  my  most   nflrciionAte  regiinls  to  your  tnily  nble  and   gallant 

nmiiiidcr-iu-CbiVf;  lie  •bull  bemeforlli  be   my  Voleulinc.     1   nnist  m|ne>tl  you 
to  rrmejiilirr  me  to  dear,  good  Collingwood,  in  tLe  kindest  rauiuicr;  1  am  rei-y 

]iy  at  I  be  glory  be  but  gained:  remeuibrr  rue  ul»o  to  George  Martin,  and  tbc 

ule  of  the  iinincible  Fifteen  llmt  I  Imve  the  honour  of  knowing.     Uod  bless  jou, 

dear  Nrlwou,  your  airvotionatc  and  sincere  fticnd,  Mabgabet  VtJi%X%"—Ant9- 
\,'m  tlic  Nebou  Paper*. 


378 


LETTERS. 


[1797. 


Neutral  Vessel  will  be  permitted  in  future  to  enter  or  leave 
the  Port  of  Cadiz,  unless  by  leave  obtained  from  me,  or  the 
Commander-in-Chief  of  the  British  Fleet;  and  that,  from  this 
moment,  Cadiz  is  to  be  considered  as  a  blockaded  Port  I 
Lave  the  honour  to  be,  Sir, 

Your  most  obedient  servant, 

Horatio  Newos. 


TO  THE  UESPECrm:  captains  UNUEII  the  0IU3KRS  OP 
REAR-ADMIRAL  NELSON'. 

[From  tt  Copy,  in  Uie  Admintij'.] 

By  Horatio  Nelson,  Esc].,  Uear-Admlral  of  the  Blue, 
&c  &c  &c 
Admiral  Sir  John  Jervis  having  directed  me  lo  form  ibc 
blockade  of  Cadiz,  und  to  prevent  the  entrance  or  dcpaiiurc 
of  the  Trade  to  and  fro,  with  all  the  precision  in  my  power— 
You  arc  therefore  hci'eby  directed,  when  you  board  anj 
Ships  bound  to  Cadi/,  to  acquaint  tlie  Master  of  such  Ship  thil 
the  Port  is  blockaded,  and  that  he  must  seek  another  market; 
and  in  case  of  boarding  any  Vessel  from  Cadiz,  you  arc  to 
direct  their  return  into  that  Port,  unless  they  should  be  in 
ballast,  when  they  may  be  allowed  to  proceed  on  their 
voyage. 

You  will,  I  ara  confident, execute  this  service  with  all  civility 
and  attention  to  the  Nations  iu  amity  with  Great  Britain. 
Given  ou  boiud  the  Captain,  off  Cadiz, 
the  11th  April,  1797. 

Horatio  Nel80». 


TO  ADMIRAL  8111  JOHN  JERV'li?,  K.B.' 

[Fiom  Clarkd  ud  M'.\rUiur,  vol.  ii.  p.  7.] 

UlU  Apjll.  I7«. 
My  dear  Sir, 

Truubridgc  talked  to  me  last  night  about  the  Viceroy  at 

Teneriffe.     Since  I  first  believed  it  was  possible  that  his  Ex- 

*  Un  the  I'itb  of  .^pril,  Sir  Joiiu  Jervin  liiimked  Lim  Tor  his  fhendly  hint  tbooi 
Porto  FKrmjo,  niid  for  his  offer  to  go  in  quest  of  it,  of  whl«h  be  «ai4  h«  vtaM 
lumsclf  by  seudisg  liioi  unleni  to  iirocred  niili  (lie  Cnpioui,  Coloimu,  ud  Leuuiir, 


^.38.] 


LETTERS. 


379 


lency  might  have  gone  there,  I  have  endeavoured  to  make 
jTself  master  of  the  situation  and  means  of  approach  by  sea 

land.     I  shall  begin  by  sea. 

'he  Spanish  Ships  generally  moor  with  two  cables  to  the 

I,  and  four  cables  from  their  sterns  to  the  shore ;  therefore, 
lough  we  might  get  to  be  masters  of  them,  should  the  wind 

come  off  the  shore,  it  does  not  appear  certain  we  should 
sed  so  complelely  as  we  might  wish.     As  to  any  opposi- 

II,  except  from  natural  impediments,  I  should  not  think  it 
)uld  avail.     I  do  not  reckon  myself  equal  to  Blake;'  but  if 

[recollect  right,  he  was  more  obliged  to  the  wind  coming  off 
land,  than  to  any  exertions  of  his  own :  fortune  favoured 
gallant  attempt,  and  may  do  so  again.  But  it  becomes 
dut^'  to  state  all  the  difficulties,  as  you  have  done  me  the 
iouoiur  to  desire  me  to  enter  on  the  subject. 

The  approach  by  sea  to  the  anchoring  place  is  under  very 
high  land,  passing  three  valleys ;   therefore  the  wind  is  cither 
from  the  sea,  or  squally  with  calms  from  the  mountains. 
>metiuics  in  a  night  a  Ship  may  get  in  with  the  land-wiud 
}d  moderate  weather.     Bo  much  for  the  sea  attack,  which, 
you  approve,  I  am  ready  and  willing  to  look  at,  or  to  carry 
Ito  execution.     But  now  comes  my  plan,  which  could  not 
of  success,  would  inunortatize  the  undertakers,  ruin  Spain, 


fClbnItv,  nnd  ibciicc  up  ilie  Mfilitorraneiui.     iiir  .lohn  .Tenia  sold  lie  Lad  rensoii 

ItliinkUiat  ilie  Giurn'Kdii  wiik  oil  it<*  wny  to  (iibridlRTi  undrr  iLr  escort  of  tlio 

aiiauut,  CnptAin  Frcuifuillo.     lit-  ulded  ilavt  Uie  Dido  iinil  Tei-pHirlmro   were 

to  J'MiiB  Cniz,  Teiierifle.  lo  iisoertftin  whether  !lie  Vice-Roy  of  Atexieo  wos 

4iiJly  Uiprt' ;  lUiit  Ihcrr  w»s  no  oilier  news  from   Kngland  than  that  Kurl  Howe 

gTfing  to  IriLVe  UhiIi  to  be  iiiveKlcd  friih   llic  Ofti-ter,  "which  event   WH!)  miulc 

.  to  Itini  liy  li'tier  under  Hi*  Mi^CHiy'c  own  hniui."     l' |>oii  llu«  ptsoafe  iu  Sir 

JerriM's  LeU«r  it  may  be  remarked,  thnl  ghirions  as  were  the  Naval  Victories 

reigii  of  King  Oeorgc  the  Third,  U"  Admiral  except  l.ord  Howe  ever  obtained 

lini'ter,  and  that  it  vra»  the  great  object  of  Karl  St.  Vincent'»  ambilioii  to  the 

■prof  bis  life.    Several  eminent  military  Commimdcrs  liKve  breu  iiiiule  Knights 

Gorter,  but  i>r»b(il>ly  none  of  tju-in  except  ihe  IJukf  of  Wellington  would 

I  been  honoured  niih  the  distiiu-iion  hn^l  ihi-y  uni  l>ern  I'eerx  by  de«eeni. 

In  April,  IK-VI,  Adiniriil  IJIuVi-    having  received  information  that  ^\x  Spauisli 

iladoH««iih  Aiher,  luul  leu  other  Hlii|iti,hB<l  put  into  Sanlii  Cm/.  U  TeiierifTe, 

lely  rVKolnrd  10  attempt  destroying  them.     He  iiiceeedcd  iu  the  attack,  and 

al  ilie  whole  Spaiiivh  Fleet  down   to  Uie  water's  edge,  except  two  Ships  niiirh 

, ;  arid  iheu  the  wind  veeriug  to  Ihe  <ioutb-wcBt,  he  pasned  with  the  Fleet   «afc 

of  port  *gmn. — Cuviphcll'i)  .liimlraU,  ^n|.  ii,  p.  'JIO.    Sire  alco  Clitrciitlou'a 

fittor^  «/tlu  JitheUioH,  ed.  IH'id,  vol.  vii.  p.  814. 


380 


LETTERS. 


[1797. 


and  has  every  prospect  of  raising  our  Cotintry  to  a  higher 
pitch  of  wealth  than  she  ever  yel  attained  :  but  here  soldien 
imist  be  cotisiilied,  and  I  know  from  cxj)cricnce,  excepting 
General  O'llara,  they  have  not  the  same  bolducbs  in  unda- 
taknig  a  political  measure  that  we  have ;  we  look  to  the 
benefit  of  our  Country,  and  risk  our  own  fame  every  day  to 
serve  her:  a  Soklier  obeys  his  orders,  and  no  more.  Bj 
saying  Soldiers  should  be  consulted,  you  will  guess  1  mean 
the  army  of  3700  men  from  Elba,  with  cannon,  mortars,  aud 
every  implement  now  embarked ;  they  would  do  the  buaincst 
in  three  days,  probably  much  less.  I  will  undertake  with  a 
ver}'  small  Squadron  to  do  the  Naval  part.  The  shore, 
although  not  very  easy  of  access,  yet  is  so  steep,  that  the 
Transports  may  run  in  and  land  the  Army  in  one  day.  The 
water  is  conveyed  to  the  Town  in  wooden  troughs:  this 
supply  cut  off,  would  jjrobably  induce  a  very  sjxredy  eur- 
render :  good  terms  for  the  Town,  private  properly  secured 
to  the  Islanders,  and  only  the  delivery  of  public  stores  and 
foreign  Merchandise  demanded,  with  threats  of  utter  destruc* 
tion  if  one  gun  is  fired.  In  short,  the  business  could  not  mis- 
carry. 

Now  it  comes  for  me  to  discover  what  might  induce 
General  dc  Burgh  to  act  in  this  business.  All  the  risk  and 
responsibiiitj  must  rest  with  you.  A  fair  representation 
should  also  be  made  by  you  of  the  great  National  advantages 
that  woulil  arise  to  our  Country,  and  of  the  ruin  that  o\vr 
success  would  occasion  to  Spain.  Your  opinion  besides 
should  be  stated,  of  the  superior  advantages  a  fortnight  ilius 
employed  would  be  of  to  the  Army,  to  what  they  could  do  iu 
Portugal ;  and  that  of  the  six  or  seven  millions  sterling,  the 
Army  should  liavc  one  half.  If  this  sum  were  thrown  into 
circulation  in  England,  what  might  not  be  done?  It  would 
ensure  an  honourable  Peace,  with  innumerable  other  bless- 
ings.    It  has  long  occupied  my  thoughts. 

Should  General  do  Burgh  not  choose  to  act,  after  having 
all  these  blessings  for  our  Country  stated  to  him,  which  ore 
almost  put  into  our  hands,  we  must  look  to  General  O'Uara. 
The  Royals,  about  600,  are  iu  the  IHcct,  with  Artillery  suffi- 
cient for  the  purpose.     You  have  the  power  of  stopping  the 


riffliT 


LETTERS. 


381 


jre-ships;  1000  more  men  would  still  insure  the  biosiness, 
for  Tencrifte  never  was  bcsiegcil,  therefore  the  hills  that  cover 
Town  are  not  fortified  to  resist  any  attempt  of  taking  them 
storm  ;  the  rest  must  follow — a  Fleet  of  Ships,  and  money 
reward  the  Victors.     But  I  know  with  you,  and  I  can  lay 
ly  hand  on  my  heart  and  say  the  same —  It  is  the  honour  and 
sperity  of  our  Country  that  we  wish  to  extend. 

I  am,  &e. 

Horatio  Nelson. 


to  SIR  JAUIEd  8AUMAREZ,  COMMANDER  OP  HIS  MAJESTY'S 
SHIP  ORION. 

'  [Ongiuol,  ill  itie  po!!se!i«ioii  of  the  Dowtger  Lady  <le  Sanroorez.  TLe  CominAnd 
tlie  Si|uadroii  bluckiuliiit;  (.'oilix,  was  tritasferred  to  Sir  Juiiea  Saamar«s,  oil  Ad^ 
iral  Ntlsou''*  proceeding  lo  l*orto  Femyo.] 

By  Horatio  Nelson,  Esquire,  Rear- Admiral  of  the 
Blue,  &c.  &c.  &c. 
obedience  to  directions  from  Admiral  Sir  John  Jcrvis, 
K.B.,  You  are  hereby  required  and  directed  to  take  under  your 
Dmmand,  the  Ships  named  in  the  margin,'  and  to  carry  into 
execution  the  orders  you  will  herewith  receive  respecting  the 
Blockade  of  the  Port  of  Cadiz. 

Given  on  board  the  Captain,  off  Cadiz,  April  12th, 
1797. 

HoHATio  Nelson. 

TO  ADMIRAL  SIR  JOHN  JERVI8,  K.B. 
[Fron  t  Copy,  tu  tbe  Admiralty.] 

Obtain,  'JO  Leahies  W.  by  S.  of  ilie  Soutljoni  eud  of  Conica, 
April  list,  17l»7. 

My  dear  Sir, 
You  will  rejoice  to  bear  I  nm  with  the  Convoy,'  all  safe  and 
well.     I  shall  now  trouble  you  with  a  detail  of  my  proceedings, 
rhicli  you  may  rea<l  or  not,  as  you  like.     The  day  after  T  left 


'  CiUlodeu,  IrreJiUtiblf.  Zealous. 
*  Willi  the  tron|m  from  Ellin. 


38S 


LETTEB& 


[1797. 


you  ia  the  evening,  Sealiorse,   Caroline,  and  SouthxiDpton, 

joined  lue  off  Cabrita  Point.     I  sent  Gibson  witJi  the  Gibralur 

letters,  and  wrote  a  line  to  General  O'Hara,  to  say,  tliat  if  be 

could  dis|)euse  with  tho  Emperor  of  Morocco's  present  for  a 

little  while,  I  should  like  to  have  the  Meleuger.     Ili^  answer 

wai4,  lie  did  not  care  if  the  Emperor  did  not  get  his  preeent 

this  month;  and,  therefore,  Meleogcr  joined  me,  withGibtODi 

at  noon,  on  Saturday  the   loth.     I  lost  no   time,  speaking 

everything  to   get  information  in    getting   to   the   eastward 

Repeated  Vessels  confirmed  to  me  that  a  French  Squadron  of 

four  Sail  of  the  Line,  one  Frigate,  and  a  Brig,  were  off  the 

south  end  of  Minorca.      The  Soutliatnpton  parted  company, 

in  chase,  I  fancy,  of  a  Spaniard ;  but  I  hope  we  shxUl  either 

pick  him  up,  or  he  will  get  to  Gibraltar  in  time  to  execute 

yoiu"  orders  relative  to  his  Convoy.     On  the  18tli  and  1  Dlh,  1 

passed  Ivica,  Majorca,  and  within  gun-shot  of  Port  Mahon, 

with  a  strong  wind  at  N.W.,  which  I  £incy  blew  the  French 

Ships  under  St.  Peter's,  in  the  Island  of  Sardinia ;  and  this 

morning,  at  7  a.m.,  with  inexpressible  pleasure,  I  saw  the 

Convoy,  wluch  I  shall  hope  to  sec  safe  in  Gibraltar;  and  I 

detach  Gibson  to  tell  you  tliis  good  news.'     By  what  I  learn, 

all  is  lost  in  Italy.     The  whole  state  of  Venice  is  actuallj 

French.     Trieste  is  said  to  be  also  in  their  possession,  and 

Buonaparte  is  within  150  miles  of  Vienna,  with  loO.OlX)  men. 

The  Archduke  Charles  is  fortifying  some  pass  to  make  a  stand; 

but  there  seems  no  prospect  of  stopping  these  extraordinary 

people,     I  will  not  take  up  more  of  your  time  than  to  say,  I 

have  written  to  Gibraltar  for  the  Agent  of  Transports  and  the 

Agent- Victualler  to  be  prepared  to  c^rpedite  my  departure, 

that  I  may  join  you,  and  be  ready  for  other  service. 

Believe  me  ever. 

Dear  Sir, 
Your  most  faithful  servant, 

Horatio  Nbi^son. 
I  have  sent  Seahorse  and  Meleagcr  to  go  on  the  north  side  of 
the  Islands,  to  endeavour  to  get  hold  of  some  Spanbh  Frigates 

'  tn  ilic  iinnorfccl  copy  of  this  f-etier  in  Clurke  ftud  M'Ariliur,  (vol.  ji.  p.  ft,)  ili* 
foUowing  words  occur  liew.  "  I  hopo  you  will  press  Oencml  O'Hwrn  about  Ttixc- 
riflo." 


M 


LETTERS. 


388 


lich  are  thereabout.  I  must  take  the  liberty  of  saying,  I 
llieve  the  weather  was  the  entire  cause  ofOalies's  long  delay 

Gibraltar :  it  was  worse  than  when  wo  were  there  in  De- 
tmber.  However  that  may  be,  the  Seahorse  is  one  of  the 
>ry  best  ordered  Ships  I  have  ever  met  with.  Captain  Oakcs 
Itends  to  speak  to  you  about  going  on  shore  to  Lisbon  for  his 
salth,  or  quilting  and  going  home.     He  is  most  exceed- 

5ly  ilL 


TO  HIS  ROVAL  IIICiHNESS  TirE  DUKE  OF  CLARENCE. 


Sir, 


[From  Cliirke  and  M'Artliur,  vol.  ii.  p.  10,] 

Off  Capeile  GiUle,  ftntb  April,  1707. 


The  French  Squadron,  of  four  Sail  of  the  Line,  one  Frigate, 
id  a  Brig,  were  seen  from  Minorca  only  twenty-two  hours 
}fi)rc  1  passed  it  on  tlie  19tb,  in  my  way  up.  I  observed  a 
^lan-of-VVar  Brig  evidently  looking  at  us ;  but  my  charge  wsls 
loo  important  to  separate  one  Ship  in  chase  of  her,  especially 
as  ihe  Seahorse,  Southampton,  and  Meleager  had  parted 
company ;  for  until  this  Garrison  is  safe  down,  I  do  not  think 
business  is  well  finished.  I  spoke  a  Danisli  Frigate  just 
)w,  six  days  from  Malaga,  who  says  the  Spanish  Fleet  is 
irlainly  ordered  to  come  out  of  Cadiz;  this  redoubles  my 
ixicty  to  join  ray  Admiral,  for  I  should  seriously  lament 
iing  absent  on  such  an  occasion,  especially  as  I  believe  it 
will  Ije  the  last  on  many  accounts ;  first,  that  I  think  we  should 
finish  their  Marine,  and  next,  that  my  health  is  getting  so  in- 
different from  want  of  a  few  months'  repose,  and  the  pains  I 
iffer  in  my  inside,  that  1  cannot  serve,  unless  it  is  absolutely 
ecessary,  longer  than  this  summer. 

In  October  I  intend  to  ask  permission  to  return  to  England 
jtil  February,  should  the  war  still  continue ;  and  when  it  is 
jnsidered  that  I  have  been  four  years  antl  nine  months  without 
ie  moment's  repose  for  body  or  mind,  I  trust  credit  will  be 
ivcn  me  that  I  ilo  not  sham.  I  have  sent  poor  Captain 
lakes*  with  the  Meleager  to  look  for  some  Spanij^h  frigates; 

•  Cupiftin  0<'ort;e  OuVt-s  of  the  Scahorte. 


384 


LETTERS. 


his  hcftlth  is  most  distressing,  and  1  have  strongly  recommended 
to  him  lo  go  home,  and,  if  he  is  fortunate  in  taking  a  Frigate, 
I  am  in  hopes  he  will.  As  I  know  your  Royal  Ilighuea's 
regard  for  this  Officer,  I  must  be  interested  about  Liin. 

I  anij  &c. 

HoBATio  Nbi^x, 


TO  ADMIRAL  SIR  JOHN  JERVIS,  K,B. 

[From  Harrison's  Lift;  of  Lord  X^lsiou,  vol.  i.  p.  IM!].      Another  Coiir  with  aoB* 
iatiuiia  in  ill  Clarke  nud  M'.-Vrlliiir.  j 

Captain,  off  Cope  Pollikis,  Isi  Mtiv.  17IK.  ] 

Dear  Sir, 
As  I  shall  send  away  the  Rose  Cutter  the  moment  I  see 
the  Rock,  you  will  know  from  her  arrival  that  we  are  in  a 
fair  way  for  arriving  safe  at  Gibraltar.  I  spoke  a  Danish 
Frigate  on  the  27th  of  April,  from  Malaga  four  days.  He 
says  the  Spanish  Fleet  has  most  positive  orders  to  come  to  set 
and  fight  you.  This  makes  me  doubly  anxious  to  joiji  you.' 
I  have  not  interfered  with  Captain  FVemanile's  charge  and 
arrangement  of  the  Convoy,  it  could  not  be  in  better  hands; 
therefore  I  only  overshadow  them  with  my  wings.  I  have 
the  satisfaction  to  tell  you,  that  all  the  Troops — except  the 
Royals,  who  were  always  intended  to  be  embarked  in  the 
Ships  of  War — are  embarked  in  the  Transports,  with  the 
exception  of  twenty,  and  General  Horneck,*  who  arc  in  two 
Vessels  loaded  with  wine.  I  offered  to  take  a  hundred  into 
each  Ship  of  my  Squadron,  but  I  found  there  was  not  the 
smallest  necessity  for  it. 

I  hope,  Sir,  you  will  state  this  point  at  Home,  as  it  would 
have  been  a  severe  reflection  on  me,  not  to  have  left  what  was 
necessary  for  the  embarkation  of  the  Army.  I  rejoice  in  this 
opportunity  of  vindicating  my  conduct ;  and  beg  leave  again  to 


*  Clarke  anJ  M'Arilmr  omit  the  prfci'iliiig  passage,  aud  insert  lii.'r«,  "  'Hm*  !^ 
Horse  and  Muleag^^r  »re  ordered  to  bo  there  ou  ibe  4(b,  Melen^r  Uudiu^  lite 
Empi'ror  of  Morocco' !i  clock  iu  ber  witr,"  which  does  noi  occur  iu  Harrisou,  whoto 
Copy  bears  strong  e^Hdcnoe  of  being  correct. 

*  M^or  Geneml  Charles  Iloraeck .  be  died  ri  Lieuleiiiuit  QeverBl  iu  1804. 


r.  38.] 


LETTEns. 


385 


>miuend  Lieutenant  Day,  Agent  for  Transports,  to  your 
>C]ce.     I  placed  my  reliance  on  his  judgment  not  to  leave  a 
lip  more  than  was  necessary,  and  I  am  not  deceived.     A 
lore  zealous,  active  Oflficer  as  Agent  for*  Transports  I  never 
?t  with.    General  de  Burgh  also  speaks  of  him  in  the  highest 
rras,  and  I  hope  the  Transport  Board  will  keep  their  pro- 
mise  of  recommending  those  Officers  in  their  service  who 
tineutly  distinguish  themselves,  which  I  take  upon  myself  to 
liy,  Lieutenant  Day  has  not  only  done  at  Bastia,  but  at  Porto 
Ernrajo.     For  his  conduct  at  the  former  place  you  were  so 
i,  on  my  slating  his  services,  to  recommend  him  to  the 
Ldmiralty ;  I  should  not  do  justice  to  his  Majesty's  service, 
jrere  I  not  to  urge  it  again.     I  have  the  pleasure  Jo  add, 
lat  all  the  Captains  under  ray  orders  have  conducted  them- 
tlves  like  zealoas  good  Officei-s. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c., 

Horatio  Nelson. 


JAMES  8IWPS0N,  ESQ.,  AMERICAN  CONSUL  AT  MALAGA. 

'  [From  C'Infke  and  M'Artbnr,  vol.  ii.  p.  1*2.     In  reply  Id  the  Amt'rifim  (.'iinsnrti 

)ucst  lliiit  lie  would  protect  twelve  Aincrieuti  Vcssi'l.s  at  Mulatpi,  which  mbw  iin- 

I  to  pTUCeed,  on  coconut  ui  three  Freuch  Privateorti  tliat  were  watching  Uicni.J 


Sir, 


Gibralur.  '2()tb  M«y,  1707. 


T  shall  immediately  grant  the  protection  you  have  requested, 

sending  the  Andromache,  Captain  Mansfield,  to-morrow 

Malaga,  who  will  protect  the  Vessels  close  to  the  coast  of 

Urbary,  where  you  tell  roe  they  will  consider  themselves 

ife.     In  thus  freely  granting  the  protection  of  the  BrliLsh 

to  the  subjects  of  the  United  States,  I  am  sure  of  ful- 

Iling  the  wishes  of  my  Sovereign,  and  I  hope  of  strengthening 

[he  harmony  which  at  present  so  happily  subsists  between  the 

two  Nations. 

I  am,  &c., 

Horatio  Nklson. 


TOU  It. 


c  c 


386 


LETTF.R«. 


[1797. 


TO  CAPTAIX  RALPH  WILLETT  MILLER. 

, ta ttw  iiBiiica  ot  Wm  Miller.    C«|)tun  Miller  hm  tb«a  AlnM 
[  HtMlft  flitOiHito  to  Um  Qt9lt^} 

vaie  dr  Pari-.  Miqr  2-lUi,  1797, 

DettrSr, 

Wc  are  lo  go  into  the  Theseus;*  therefore  the  Adminl 
desires  the  Captain  to  be  anchored  near  her.  She  is  next 
Ship  lo  the  Vice-Adiniral ;  therefore  pray  dij^ect  my  tilings 
lo  be  in  readiness — I  mean  my  Store  Room.  Such  OfficcR 
as  wish  to  go  with  me  are  to  get  ready :  Mids..  Uoste  and 
Bolton,  &c.,  aud  such  men  as  came  from  Agamemnon^  if  they 
like  it ;  bat  this  we  can  soon  settle.  Sir  John  desires  yoa 
will  dine  here.  It  is  believed  the  Peace  is  signed.  1  send 
jonr  letters,  and  be  assured  I  am  ever 

Your  obliged, 

Horatio  Nklsok. 


TO  HIS  ROYAL  JUOHNESS  THK  DUKE  OP  CIARrvrp.. 
ITna  Clarke  and  M'Anlmr,  roL  il.  p.  12. ; 

Sir,  o<f  c«di«,  M»r  anut,  i;»7. 

I  Ijog  leave  to  return  you  my  most  sincere  acknowledgment* 
for  the  three  letters  I  have  received  from  your  lloyal  High- 
ness.*    Whtttevi-r  confidence  you  are  pleased  to  repose  in  rae, 

*  Ou  rrjuiiihifr  Sir  -Tolin  ienis  off  Cadii.  lie  nhifled  h'ls  Aog  ii>  IL«  Tbc^ens,  ud 
trax  iqi]N>tti(rtl  III  rotuukiuiil  ilie  ln-«)iore  ^qnnilron,  a  stonier  uf  constant  nclivitv, m 
lite  Mitrur,  uiil  Gun  b<k«is  w^r«  incmsaoiJy  liring  ou  ibc  8|i«niitli  bbif)*,  Bttutka, 
mi  FluliUa.     l^pwaUoiva  mw,  at  the  aanu  tiiaa,  niakiug  fur  iiio  aUack  on  Tea*- 

•  TUe  R)ll»»nii(r  air  the  Ihn^e  L*tters  allndr^l  to :  and,  like  all  Uic  {irecfdjng  oaev 
cattuot  Imi  rfuil  irilUfiiit  inspiring  rv^<]«prl  tor  liisi  Inle  Ml^jeetr'a  sa^acii;  aad 
patrioUnn :  — 

'-  Hear  Nrbon,  "  Rivluuoiiil,  March  13ih,  17!t7. 

••  1  am.  twlU'T"'  nw.  rpry  liappr  to  own  nijsclf  in  the  Tmnig.  and  in  tixtutt  (• 
afkiH»»l>'il)n'  timt  ilw  Ittiiinli  riret  whrn  irr// iliHripliiifii.  i^W  titlicemd,  and  Hoitf 
ronmmtnliHl,  mu  bout  >iiiy  uimtber  of  SiHinuinU.  I  rcJoiCK,  my  n^iixl  n-ieiiil,  witb 
all  my  heart,  at  tin*  siilmiuliU  Virtory  .lrni!>  and  hta  &ue  fellows  La«c  gainrd  o«pr  tlit 
Dun*.  Yiinr  nuidin't  liaa  breit,  us  ttxiial,  in«riion'i>nM,  and  ynu  r«a)ly  tui-d  not  lu 
liav  bt'vu  wrtiiiidfd  l»>  cnninlpto  yonr  fame ;  fnr  anmngKi  all  ntnk*  ol  ficoplo  v«m 
fiiaructi-i'  Itax  li'Hjf  l'ri*ii  r'«tahliHlmi.  J  ani  happy  to  inform  jou  U4at  Itin  Mi^Mv 
haa  rxprrxwd  liUn^i'ir  ill  «Kr  most  (prwiiMis  nmdiii'r  mIm>iiI  you  ;  tuni  ii  i^  t.i.i 
in  Sjieurrr.  lluittiih  I  hat'  him,  to  »ay  iltat  in  Id*  »\>ecvh  lie  did  ytm  ilip  i 

iiply  tuorited.  ^J^my^r  dear  Iriciid,  Iuivl*  long  Imovn  my  sentunnita  abous 


JET.  Sfk] 


LETTERS. 


387 


ill  not,  I  tnist,  Ik?  misplaced ;  but  my  conduct  and  not  my 
rords  must  prove  this.  ,  .  ,  ,  Our  western  Ports  in  Ireland 

ight  siu-ely  be  more  used,  and  stores  procurc<l  as  easily  as  at 

libraliar,  Lisbon,  &c.     A  plan  with  little  expense  might  be 

l)nned>  for  always  having  a  large  Squadron  to  the  westward 

England.     We  rejoice  here  at  the  certainty  of  soon  receiv- 

,  (uul  1  oni  hwpijy  llicy  coincidi-  wiili  yimi^t;  ibf  Action  nud  iis  reiiilt  s]>eak  for 

»lv«<«,  Riid  tiiiisi  (five  ewry  I'liglisliniiiu  siuoeiv  iilt-RKure — niorp  piirliiiilttrly 

•hii  beloiijr  to   dip  Britiisli  Ni<\->,  iiiut   hnvc  rbe  liu{)iiiiie.>i!i,  ns  I  Imve,  of 

ag  intimnio  f^iotiii!!   in  tbal  fralluiiC  Fln^i.     1   nni  vi'r>  ttorry  lo  Hr<>  by  tb« 

tiirtix,  timl  yoM  wiw  AYimndcU,  hihI  hUH  inuii"  so  by  voiir  t^ileurc,  am  1  nlnniietl  Iliut 

iuvit  kcvorely  siiircreti ;  for  1  wii  [Msrsitiulrd  olbi'rwise,  iifUfr  suoli  an   rvcnt,  no 

»n9  lo  tlic  Kogliftb    N«ine,  nnd.   |>nrtictilui-ly.   hii   higlily    liitiionrolilr  to   tbo 

N»VT,  you  would  certttiiily  Imve  wnitc  lo  oiif  who  i*  titlRclied  to  tlie  Sfrvii>i?, 

IHirticuUrly  imereMed  in  your  wi-lfiirc.     My  best  <ti«lu!s  for  your  Leultb  and 

plDi><H  •n«ud  yoii,  ttud  evpr  bclicxc  iwe,  your«  Hincerely,  Wiixiam," 

Dear  Nekon.  "  St.  Jataes'B,  April  7th.  1707. 

*•  Ye«tt;nl*r  I  Trceitrd  yours  of  3nl  Marrb,  ft'om  Lisbon,  giving  me  no  news  «iihcr 
Dm  rortugid  or  SpAiti,  but  coiuineiiting:  on  yuur  late  f^biriuuit  Victory.     I  certainly 
ould  liovf  bpfii  bolter  jdeused,  if  llie  Siuitissimn  Triuidtula  bud  lurivnl  nt  I'orts 
uuth,  ituttesil  ofreiicliing  t'udi/.,  aud  I  luo  cleiirly  of  opinion  tbai  lisd  Mun  and  bin 
inadniii,  nt  llwy  miijlil,  Iiave  becu  witb  Ji^niit,  ilii>  Victory  vronld  bove  bpcu  aiuiii 
F  ailrautage  of  lbif<  Couuiry,  ibuu^b  at  tbu  same  time  it  conid  nm  bnve  been 
to  ib«  credit  of  tbe  gaUnnt  OtSccrit  oiul  Men.     I  am  iiorry  Jerris's  ilJ  iilntt>  uf 
h  boB  made  it  rtquisitt;  for  Tbnnips'ui  I'l  f*rry  on  tbe  Iliixlinur  duly.     1  fin- 
ely bnp«  Jcrxm  18,  by  Ibis  iimi>,  OS  well  iu«  ibis  Couniry-,  aud  oil  Iuk  friendx  in 
itciilur,  iiioRl   b«  auxioiu  tu  SKe  bjui :  give  liiln  tny  bc»t  cotn;ilimenlH.     I   Inist 
if  Cniisi)  with  thr  Frigiites  will  be  ihi'*  lime  «.*  fot-iunatc  nt«  your  liititwiut  gloriou>'. 
w  will,  of  I'oursp,  he  ijermiltfcl  to  uUiruxe  your  Ship,  which,  wbeilier  a  lliiue  or  a 
>-4eoknr,  will   bi>,  I  u.m  Hurc,  wril  iiuuiaged.     I  feel  proud  of  yonr  friendabip  aTid 
and  bctiuvr  uie,  »hatrvi-r  iru>i|   hiK  Mnjr><ty  mas  honour  rite  vitli,  it  will  bi> 
doty  And  inoUnation  to  Oil   wiili  cure  and  attouiiou.     Adieu,  and  ever 
t,  ilfV  Sir,  yours  Btucen-ly,  Willi. iM." 

Sir.  "  Ricbraond,  April  UOtb,  1797. 

ID  to  Ackuuwiedgo  Ibr  rco<'ii>i  ul  your  l\v<i  lollefH,  ibo  one  of  the'i'ind  MiU'c-b, 

otbrr  of  Viiid  .Npril.     1  loniL-ul  wiih  yuii  the  return  of  ilm  bantisiiiina  Tritii- 

inlo  Cuili/,  and  luu  not  i<ur]irib(id  in  lljid  the  Admirals  and  C°aptaiu!«  of  tbe 

itusli  Vlrtx  iu  dirtKr«<>e.     I   am  sorry  by  your  but  li>tlt<r  to  Dnd  Jorvis  bim  joined 

before  yun  fell  In  with  tbe  Vicrltoy  of  MfX)i-<i.     I  wIhIi  ibt*  r<-iiifurc<;in«ut  tri'ui 

luul  \trvu  Mlruugvr,  bncausL'  I  hi){Uly  appiox)  of  your  rciiMoiiiug  rrliiliv(<  in  ibr 

J'tuiu-b  l''l<H't>«,  «nd  likewise  m'o   ibc  nercwity  of  our   (roo|i»  bt<ing 

Klbft,     1  urn  jK'rff cUy  Hitiifiried  with  your  siltrncf ,  tlioiigb  ut  the  time  ii 

I  mm  nnfwiy.     1  rijoioe  ni   iJii-  Kiiig<«  liii>iji^  (-onftfrrr<l  tltc  Balh  ou  yoa  ;  for  I 

I  »ur«  yiiu  ditwnc  ihi>  ItiiyaJ  npprubatiuu. 

You  luy  gofnl  fhend,  I'oiicludo  your  lasl  IflUif  by  Haying  \ou  aro  a  Onlhiiil 
frt,  GnwioiiaQod,  vtbaladilfireiicn  iu  ihiH  (uuntr)  !  'i'lie  tiliip^  lU  ^>pilllead  lor 
•ItulrHri'k  ill  a  pcrrfot  jttiili*  of  uiuliny — llie  Moll  (Hiiiininiiditig  ihcirOfllriir^,  lunl  a 
aoul  ouiuiatliig  of  Udcgatcb  from  each  Ship  of  lh«  liuei  ailting  all  lluil  tiiue 

c  c2 


388 


LETTEB8. 


[1797, 


ing  lai^  Teinforccmenta,  which,  as  the  Comhincd  Fleet  will 
vtT^  soon  be  forty  Sail  of  the  Line,  must  he  acceptable ;  uul 
we  found  our  belief  on  the  abundance  of  spare  Ships  that  are 
at  the  disposal  of  the  Admiralty ;  for,  although  wc  «re  80 
inferior,  we  find  that  a  Squadron  under  Lord  Hugh  So3inour 
ia  actually  cruising  on  our  station. 

I  am,  &c., 

Horatio  Nelsok. 


TO  MRS.  NELSON. 

[From  Clarke  and  M'Artlnir,  vol.  ii.  i>,  12.] 

!27tli  M«y,  1707. 

How  Government  can  answer  for  this  act,*  I  cannot  guess; 
but  I  have  done.  We  are  to  anchor  pff  Cadiz,  in  sight  of  the 
whole  Spanish  Fleet.  I  am  barely  out  of  shot  of  a  S^>aniib 
Rear  Admiral. 

Yours,  &c., 

Horatio  Nelsok. 


TO  ADMIRAL  DON  JOSEF  DE  MAZAREDO,  CADIZ. 


[From  Uorriftou's  Life  of  Nehon,  vol.  i.  p.  IHO.j 


Sir, 


TUeseoa,  M»y  3(Hli.  Vi^r, 


I  have  the  honour  of  sending  your  Excellency  a  packet  from 
Sir  John  Jervis;  and  I  embrace  the  opportunity  of  assuring 

ou  bonnl  tlie  Qnp<*n  Chnrlotto,  luid  issiuDg  Ori«r»  to  liU  Miy'esty*  F1«m,  I  hope, 
though  I  have  not  a  good  opiiiiou  of  Lord  S|)eiiccr,  that  the  Admiralty  have  acted 
with  Jiscretioli,  The  King,  ■with  the  ndvire  of  his  MiiiisterN,  ]iiib  very  propw^J 
))ardoned  the  Seamen  and  Maritte«.  A  Squadron  huH  iimereded  to  Sew,  luul,  fur  ibt 
IHV'.eiit.  di>>ci|iliue  is  once  more  restored  to  thitt  [t*n  of  the  British  Naty  ;  but  Uw 
Mutiny  lia>i  sprrnil  lu  Plyiuniiih,  ntid  istill  nigfs  there.  The  1nlMn^<u^  of  conrsi>, 
niiisi  eonae  lieftire  J'ftrlimuent ;  then-fore,  till  ihi-  inve.>^titaktion,  I  shftll  «iiir  no  moiff. 
Rut  piiint  to  yoiD'Aelf  the  Meet  lit  Spithend,  dnriiig  a  \\i\r,  (nr  n  whole  week,  in  ft 
Complete  »tale  uf  Mutiny,  and  the  ueeessity  of  the  purduu  fur  iLe  whole  frmn  Ui* 
Sovereign!  As  for  lielmid,  thnt  Country  in  in  a  utiUe  of  rebellion ;  therefor*,  «li» 
worst  eouHeiinrnceH  from  the  mnr  MfccJUrtry  wtint  of  discipline,  wonld  nrioe  tu  the 
Sitter  Kingdom,  should  tlie  Freuth  seiitiUNly  turn  llieir  Ihoiijthis  to  the  Inviuiiiw  uf 
Ireiiind.  I'luxhin  my  fflooui ;  bnt  I  hnvc  a  very  greul  slake  In  tliis  Country,  and 
n  family  of  young  ehildrcu  to  proiert.  Iji  iill  siluutiouA,  I  hid  youm  eiticrirly. 
WiiiiAM." — ANtiujrii/ih*,  in  tlie  Nclnon  Paper*. 

*  '•  This  net "  Heeuu)  tu  have  been  the  sending  out  a  Si^iinilrou  uadrr  iJtri  Hugh 
Seymour,  iustcwl  of  reitiforcing  i$ir  Jubu  Jenia'  Fleet. 


_JEI.  38.]  LETTERS.  389 

>u  of  my  high  esteem  of  your  character.     The  4th  of  June 
niig  the  birthday  of  my  Royal  Master,  Sir  John  Jer\is  iu- 
?ndfl  firing  a  fen  de jok,  at  eight  o'clock  in  the  evening;  and 
desired  mc  to  mention  it  to  your  Excellency,  that  the 
liea  at  Cadiz  may  not  be  alarmed  at  the  firing.     Believe 
your  Excellency's  most  faithful  ser\'ant, 

HoiiATio  Nelson.' 


TO  ADMIIUL  sin  JOHN  JERVIS,  K.B.' 

[From  CIvkrnQd  Af'Aribiir,  vol.  ji.  p.  13.] 

My  dear  Sir,  Tbwas,  31«t  Miiy,  1707. 

I  never  have  a  letter  from  the  Duke  of  Clarence,  but 
R»  II.  mentions  you.  I  have  mislaid  that  of  April  5th,  or 
should  have  thought  it  my  duly  to  have  sent  it.  Ilis  lloyal 
Tighncss  therein  said,  '  My  best  wishes  and  compliments 
Itcod  the  illustrious  Jervis;  tell  him  I  admire  him,  1  envy 
^m,  and  I  sincerely  hope  his  Fleet  will  now  fall  in  with  the 
")olUr8.'  A  letter  from  a  humbler  pen  came  to  me  at 
'ibraltar — Collingwood;  and  his  sentiments  arc,  1  am  coti- 
tdent,  those  of  the  whole  Fleet — *  I  have  a  great  desire  our 
'Admiral  should  be  a  Marquis  this  summer,  his  bright  honoiurs 
_yvlll  reflect  on  all  of  us.'  I  am,  &c. 

Horatio  Nelson. 

[•  To  t]jiii  Letter  llic  Spanish  AJmiral  lepliwl  :_ 

"  Uii  Diiard  the  Concpptioii,  oil' Cmli?:,  1st  Jiine,  17n«, 
"  ^fv  rtciir  Sir, — I  r(irTe!«|>on<l  to  Ihv  iirbnuitv  mcritrd  by  the  leit<'r  vitli  wliirh  jim 
DDOurrd  inr,  thii  •'iriili  >lnv  Imtt.     The  Lmlies  uf  I'nili/,  acvuHtomml  to  the  uub-y 
imU  of  ^nlutes  of  ihc  vc>ii«e]s  of  wiir,  will  .til,  and  will  hciur  n'Lnt  ^ir  John  JcrviN 
111*  to  reypdK  tlirm  with,   for  the  vvcniiig'  of  the  4ih  ciirreut,  in  houour  uf  biH 
itftuiiic  Mi^r>st>'s  birthday;  and  the  ^uerul  wi»h  of  Ihc  Sputi»h  mUoii  ciuiuot 
Bt  intercKt  >tJ«(ilf  in  no  augiist  a  motive. 
'  God  preiHirrfl  you  inniiy  yeVM.     I  kiss  your  bonds. 

"  Your  ait«utive  Servtiit, 

"  JosKr  DE  Mazkrrdo." 

*  Tj«  tt  L«ti?r  fli««-d  on  tlie  flth  of  May,  Sir  Jolui  Jer^•is.  ftller  snying  thiit  TriiPiiffi? 

i  no  loiijfrr  liie  iniportuut  olijtT)  it  was  wlipii  Nelson  Hii^gfstiHl  it,  ihiil  be  mimt  con 
uiirHto  all  hiA  f  trrc,  miJ  Dini  he  hiul  nrittpn  stroTiRly  fnr  rciiiforcciorni*,  nJdml ; — 
Wp  Kcl'lom   iliHogrec,  Imi  in  the  in-«tniice  of  tho  leilt>r  from  Hcftr-Adniirftl   I'lirkir 
liHi  f""li'4hly  Rnt  iniii  ibi<  pniMTs,  I   inmlly  Jift'tr  nitli  yini;  fur  it  «vi'*"'"*  ''."  ''"* 
ll«r  itix  Mnrt-ito  poTcreil  Crjrtliivi*  in  ihr  evriiiiij;;  und  thi"  Hour  .Xdmiml  slmll  yo 

L«Da,  and  proir  ibo  lollcr,  if  Moreno  rrqiiir*"*  ii ;  tlii*;  is  dup  to  a  Iuhvc  ninn 

ilfr  i>trrseciitiou.     1  \ery  mupb  ttppriivc  llie  letter  jou  propose  to  'end  with  the 
rw»l«i»ew."     Vide  p.  ;IU:|. 


UE*rTBB8l 

CV8E  rOR  THE  OPIMON  OF  COUNSEU 
[Autograph  drugfat,  in  tbe  NpIkou  Papenu] 

[AniarentJv  wrinen  iti  Mi»y  or  Jnnr.  1  <U*.] 

Admiral  Sir  John  Jcrvb,  with  the  British  Fleet,  blockade 
Cadiz ;  and,  the  more  cffccluallj  to  perfonn  that  service, 
appoints  an  Inner  Squadron  to  lay  at  anchor,  or  keep  utidcr 
sail,  as  the  case  ma}-  require ;  and  four  Ships  are  appointed  foi 
the  Inner  Squadron. 

On  tlie  afternoon  of  the  27th,  [of  April,  1797,]  a  Conv( 
under  a  Venetian  Frigate  and  several  other  Neutral  Ves 
came  out  of  Cadiz ;  and  the  more  effectually  to  examine  the 
closely,  and  to  prevent  any  of  them  from  eluding  a  search,  two 
of  the  Inner  Squadron  were  onlered  by  the  Commander 
the  Inner  Squadron  to  keep  under  sail.     During  the  night,  i 
boats  of  all    the   Ships  were    employed  in   examining 
Convoy,  the  whole  British  Fleet  being  in  sight  in  the  olfin{ 

During  the  night,  two  Spanish  Frigates  jiasscd  through 
Fleet ;  and  in  the  morning  of  the  28ih,  soon  after  dayli« 
the  Commander  of  the  Inner  Squadron  made  the  signal 
the  two  Ships,  Avho  had  been  under  sail  during  the  night, 
chase  the  Frigates,  which  they  did,  then  in  sight  of  the  whole" 
Fleet.'     The  two  Frigates  run  close  to  the  shore,  anchore 
and  fired  their  guns  at  the  two  Ships  sent  in  chase,  for 


*  Till-  niriiir  lierc  nilmlrd  lu  is  bent  described  in  tbe  brief  oflioi*]  C«|ion  itf  Ci 
Mnrtiu,  of  ibe  Irresistible,  (tiow  Adrijirnl  Sir  Oeoixe  Murtin,  O.C.B.,  G.C'.M.O^| 
Admirit]  Sir  .loLii  Jei-viH,  wlio  Noid  UiiU  iLc  "  i<kilfiilnra«"  iind  "  dccbdon"  «iie« 
CaptALD  Miiriiji,  rendered  tliis  "  one  of  tbe  niusi  notable  ftctions  tlut  ever  eune  i 
my  observAtiou : " — • 

'■  IrrvBii>tible,  off  Lador,  April  ifih,  lU 

'<  Sir, — I  beg  leavr  to  nt^quaint  yuii,  ibiii  «n  ilie  morning  uf  tbe  'iOUi.  at  uz  i 
1  gave  chMe.  in  bis  Mi^eHiy's  sbip  under  mj  commuid,  to  twp  Hliips  in  lb« 
in  compAny  M'itb  tbe  Emerald,  and  tbiit  ut  liidf-piibt  two  p.m.  we  atiackiHl  tbe 
Coral  Day,  near  Trafal^pir,  wbero  tbey  bml  anchored ;  iLal  m  four  Uiey   !«ir\icl 
tuR  Miyesty'a  ybipn,  and  proved  to  he  the  Spanish  friffotes  Elotia  and  Ninte,  i 
tng  iliirty-aix  gnm  and  tliree  buudred  nud  twenty  men  rnrb,  from  tbe  liar 
IkiimuI  to  Cadiz.     Tbe  fomier  cut  ber  cable  ofler  Kbe  boil  sinick,  and  mu  on  •iifl 
and  i40iwiUi»tiuidin);  we  got  ber  off,  front  tbe  damaipe  sbe  received,  we  weiv  iiot^ 
i«  kwp  ber  afloiii.     I'wrl  of  tbe  creMr*  left  tbe  slajw,  and  got  on  ♦bore, 

"  From  evury  account  I  bave  been  ablo  In  collect,  tbe  Iwn  tr\g»i/e»  Uad  «ig 
men  kilipd  nnd  ibirty  tvnumlfil.  Tbe  Irresistible  bad  one  man  kiUed  «ad 
wiiunded,     I  bnxe  tbu  boiiour  to  In  ,  (nc..,  (Jsohgk  Maitin." — L-nulon  Gusetit 


iBT.  38.] 

one  hour  and  a  half,  when  one  Frigate  cut  her  cable  and  drove 
oo  shore.  The  other  hauled  down  her  colours,  and  was  im- 
mediately taken  possession  of  and  towed  out  to  sea.  The 
other  Frigate  who  had  run  on  shore  was  also  got  atioat,  hut 
soon  afterwards  sunk  at  her  anchors. 

Your  Opinion  is  desired,  who  by  Law  are  entitled  to  the 
Ue«d-money,  the  value  of  the  Prize  bciug  acknowledged  the 
properly  of  the  whole  Fleet, — whether  the  whole  Fleet,  tlie 
Ships  who  occupied  the  Inner  Squadron,  or  only  the  two  Ships 
who  lircd  and  took  possession  of  the  two  Frigates  ? 


TO  JOHN  M'ARlTlin,  E8Q. 

[The  •'  Vvnl  Chronidp,"  vol.  iii.  p.  'MM.    This  Ixikt  i»  rrpriutcd  wuli  -..iini. 
wlditiona,  bnt  very  inperfecOy,  In  Clarke  anJ  M'Arthiir,  viil.  ii.  p.  LI.] 


My  dear  Sir, 


TIieBcii5,  June  lnL,  17117. 


LWc  are  off  Cadiz  with  a  greater  inferiority  than  before.  I 
barely  out  of  shot  of  a  Spanish  Rear-Admiral.  Wc  have 
day  Flags  of  Truce  ;  the  Dous  hope  for  peace,  but  must 
Boon  fight  us,  if  the  war  goes  on.  I  wish  it  was  all  over,  for 
c&nnot  fag  much  longer ;  and,  to  please  our  Fleet,  I  hear 
it  a  Squadron  is  looking  out,  in  the  limits  of  this  station, 
■  the  galleons  daily  expected :  what  a  special  mark  of  favour 
ko  us,  who  arc  enabling  them  to  cruise  so  much  at  their  ease  ! 
teelicve  me,  dear  Sir,  your  obhged  and  faithful  siervant, 

Horatio  Nelson. 
P.S.     Sam  Hood'  is  gone,  I  hope,  to  get  riches;  sure  to 
get  honour. 


TO  SIR  JAMES  .SALMAREZ,  CAPTAIN  OF 
HIS  majesty's  ship  ORION. 

[Antograpli,  iii  Uie  posausiou  oril4e  Dow>g«r  Luly  ie  SuuiuumO 
My  dear  Sir,  'riip..-u>*.  .inne  1st,  r.ir,. 

Some  of  your  people  yesterday  said  that  they  heard  some 
Ship  in  the  Fleet  had  served  the  whole  allowance.     Sir  John 

*  CnyUiji  of  tljc  Zeiiloiis,  ofWrwurda  B«arAdiiura]  Sir  Sudiu-I  Hu<:xi,  K.B.,  But., 
of  Ui«  nioHt  ditttiognished  Offlcen  in  tbe  Service :  Lc  is  ignin  vDeu  uieutionvdi 


392  LKTTEns.  [Mi 

Jcrvis  wishes  to  know  the  Ship  they  have  hoard  haa  done 
I  inust  therefore  request  you  will  have  the  goodness  to  inqi 
if  they  know  tlic  Ship,  or  what  made  them  fancy  it  was  go, 
if  any  iwrsun,  and  who,  told  thenu     I  forgot  it  this  day] 
therefore  pray  excuse  this  trouble,  and  believe  me. 

Ever  your  obliged, 

Horatio  Nblson. 


TO  ADMIRAL  SIR  JOHN'  JERVIS,  K.B. 

rFrom  Cl«rke  and  M'Artliur,  Tol.  ii.  p.  11.] 

AlMint  Oili  Jaw,  ITfft.' 
My  dear  Sir, 

Mr.  Jackson'  has  delivered  me  your  conBdential   letter: 
yon  may  depend  upon  me.     I  want  nothing  but  what 
have,  except  two  five-inch  howitzers,  two  four  or  six-poundei 
field-pieces,  500  shells,  some  caaes  of  fixed  ammunition, 
two  or  three  artillerymen  (no  Officer)  to  fix  the  fusees,  and  a" 
devil-cart.     With  this,  and  what  you  propose,  I  have  no  doul 
of  doing  the  job  as  it  ought  to  be,  the  moment  the  Ships  con 
in  sight.     I  also  want  twenty  ladders ;  the  size  and  dimcnsiol 
I  will  get  from  the  Carpenter  of  the  Blenheim,  late  of  tl 
Captain,  who  has  made  proper  ones,  which  one  man  cot 
carry  for  escalade,  for  my  use  in  former  times. 

I  am,  &c. 

Horatio  Nelson. 


TO  ADMIRAL  SIR  JOHN  JERVI8,  K.B. 

'row  rinrke  mid  M'Arllinr,  vol.  ii.  p.  14,  who  Lave  no  mftng-led  this  inti 
T«tlvr  Oini  ibwe  ia  iin  olbi/r  way  of  giving  its  Ponlenls  Ihaii   in  Uieir  own 
fuciory  maimer; — "  lii  writiug  lo  his  Admiral  on  ibe  aomo  diiy   (7tli  June.  ITfl 
lie  iiirurmcil  In'm,  that,  according  to  ibc  intelligfrncc  rorinved  from  an  Ainrrican,  t| 
ToAvii's-iJCoplp  nt  Cadiz  were  fearftil  of  an  attack,  and  that  not  one  half  of  thf 
were  monnied  on  tlic  walln.     ^' I  h>i»j  to  be  at  them!"  cxclaime^l  tin?  gallant 
man.     He  also  at  the  same  time,  toncbed  upon  the  Tcnerifle  exiM<dition,] 

Ttb  June,  ITftT. 

You  must  think,  my  dear  Sir,  of  giving  me  200  Marines  ii 
addition  lo  what  I  can  land ;  the  whole  business  is  arran^ 

'  Mamcr  of  the  Vilte  de  Ptiris. 


LETTERS. 


393 


my  mind,  and  I  can  point  out  to  you  the  absolute  necessity. 
tain  Oldfield  of  the  Marines,  who  was  with  Dacrcs'  in  the 
ptrc  at  tlie  bcgiuniiig  of  the  war,  is  a  very  worthy  man ; 
under  Capta'm  Troubridgc  ashore,  and  myself  afloat,  I  am 
fideut  of  success. 

I  am,  &c. 

Horatio  Nelson, 


lY)  VICE-ADMIRAL  MORKXO,  OF  THE  SPANISH  XAVY. 

UFrtun  Clarke  and  M'Artlmr,  vol.  ii.  p.  L't,  Vide  p.  flSO,  vtilo,  wlictip)^  it  would 
Mu  iLiU  tliia  Letter  wm  written  enrly  in  Mny.] 


Sir, 


Tliesetis.  f^ili  of.lunr,  IVtlT. 


A  Spanish  Officer  having  said,  that  you  had  expressed  a 
rish  to  obtain  a  Letter  stipposcd  to  have  been  written  from  his 
ajesty's  Ship  Eginont,  and  inserted  in  an  English  News- 
per,  relating  to  the  Action  of  February  14lh,  every  intiiury 
beeu  made  to  obtain  the  Newspaper,  and  hitherto  without 
Captain  Sutton  of  the  Egmont  has  also  done  evcry- 
ing  in  his  power,  but  without  being  able  to  learn  whether 
Letter  from  that  Ship  has  been  pu!jlished»  The  inquiry 
however,  produced  from  my  Commander-in-Chief,  Sir 
hn  Jcrvis,  the  most  handsome  testimony  of  the  gallant  con- 
ict  of  a  Three-decked  Ship,  bearing  the  Flag  of  a  Vice- 
dmiral,  who  did  everything  which  a  good  Officer  could  do,  to 
tempt  to  cut  through  the  British  liuo,  between  the  Victory 
id  the  Egmont. 

I  am,  &c. 

UoRATio  Nelson. 


TO  ADMIIUI-  Rin  JOHN  JEUVl!*,   K.U. 

[From  Clarke  aud  M.Vrtlmr,  Tol.  ii.  p.  10.] 

OUi  June,  1797. 
My  dear  Sir, 
The  Newspaper  was  at  last  found  in  the  night,  on  the 
quarter-deck,  and  is  gone  as  you   desired :  it  will,  I  fear, 

*  Cuptiiiu  James  RicUvd  Dncrcs> 


3M 


miHlli*  ■gainst  Cordova,  if  anj  weight  be  given  to  a  Ncws- 
p^MT  Mxount     Your  testimony  of  ^(orcno'^  conduct  nill  do 
doobc  be  of  serrice  to  him;  the  Trials  are  commeti' 
ererj  day  an  account  is  sent  off  to  Madrid.   The  hea\  -        ^ 
flgnnst  CoidoTa  is>  not  coming  into  Cadiz  with  his  Convoy, 
which  thej  say  he  could  bare  done  the  Jny  nAer  he  ha  ' 
the  Straits.     Monies,  it  is  expected)  will  be  shot,  « 
broke,  Moreno  acquitted.     The  long  trial  of  the  Officers  who 
gave  up  Figoens  is  jtist  finished,  and  five  arc  to  be  shot    Ail 
the  Offioen  who  composed  the  Council  of  War  arc  to  be 
degraded  in  their  public  and  private  rank.     According  lo 
zeporta,  the  French  have  been  refused  a  passage  tlirough  Spain 
to  Portngol ;  and  a  Minister  of  ours  is  at  Paris.  Tbc  Venetians 
are  suffering  everv  misery  from  the  French.     I  was  in  great 
hopes  the  salute  was  from  an  Admiral  from  England.    The 
number  of  men  you  propose  lo  give  me,  I  have  no  doubt «« 
all-sufficient ;  but  I  well  know  that  a  few  more  red  coats  have 
their  use  in  dazzling  the  eyes  of  the  Enemy. 

I  send  you  the  State  of  the  .Swiftsiurc ;  even  the  sight  of  the 
two  poor  men*  in  irons  on  board  her  has  affected  nic  more 
than  I  can  express :  if  !Mr.  Weir*  would  look  at  thcni»  I  should 
be  glad.  Tlie  youth  may,  I  hope,  be  save<l,  us  lie  has  inter* 
vak  of  sense,  his  countenance  is  most  interesting.  If  anj 
mode  can  be  devised  for  sending  him  home,  I  will  with 
pleasure  pay  fifly  pounds  lo  place  bim  in  some  proper  place 
for  bis  recovery  ;  the  other,  I  tear,  is  too  old.  Your  manage- 
ments are  always  goo<l,  and  nothing  shall  be  wanting  in  the 
execution.  Martin'  has  got  an  idea  that  I  am  likely  to  move; 
and  should  it  be  proper  to  enlarge  the  Squadron,  I  beg  he 
may  go,  but  not  to  displace  one  of  the  others.  1  hope  the 
reinforcement  will  soon  arrive.  I  do  not  build  much  on  the 
acts  of  the  Portuguese  Squadron,*  even  if  they  go  off  Spartcl. 

I  am,  &c., 

Horatio  Nelsok. 

»  TbcMinen  were  sas^ieoivd  of  Lnviug  simuUtcd  Jcnuigemeul,  lo  obuiu  liii-ir  tli»- 

•  Dr.  Weir,  Phipviciaii  U»  lln?  F1»H. 

•  C«pU»u  fl<-orce  Miuriin  ofllm  IrresiMiblc 

•  I'uiler  Be»r  AHmirnl,  ihe  Mnrqiiis  d«  NU». 


38.J 


LETTERS. 


395 


LPTAIN  Sm  JAMES  SAUftlABEZ,  HIS  MAJESTY'S  SHIP  ORION. 
[Autograph,  in  the  iwMesjiion  of  tlio  Dowager  Laif  da  Sumuuvx.] 

Thesous,  .June  l)Ui,  l<!t7. 

[3fy  dear  Sir  James^ 

&nd,  I  beg,  whatever  you  think  Ht  towards  San  Lucar :  all 
lo  is  right,  and  cau  hardly  wont  ray  sanction.     I  hope 
Boats  will  be  rewarded  for  their  trouble :  they  take  all 
rizes  for  our  Squadron,     Believe  me  ever. 
Your  most  iaithiul 

UoaATio  Nelson. 


TO  ADMIRAL  SIR  JOHN  JERVIS,  K.B. 

[From  Clarke  and  M'Artliiir,  rol.  U.  p.  IT.] 

lOtb  June,  ITQr. 

My  dear  Sir, 

ope,  for  the  poor  men's  sakcs,  that  they  are  imposing  on 

\  but  depend  on  it,  that  God  Almighty  has  afflicted  them 

kith  the  most  dreadful  of  all  diseases.     They  do  not  sham ; 

^eed,  you  will  find  I  am  not  mistaken,  and  all  the  Comrais- 

ioners  in  the  World  cannot  convince  me  of  it.     For  what 

turpose  can  these  poor  wretches  attempt  to  destroy  themselves? 

br  what  purpose  can  one  of  them  have  spoken  to  me  as 

■ationally  as  any  person  could  do  ?     Do  let  Mr.  Weir  look  at 

cm :  I  am  sure  he  will  think  with  me,  fi'om  the  order  to 

irescnt  those  who  are  objects  unlit  for  the  service,  I  could 

lOl  do  otherwise  than  I  did;  but  if  you  think  I  have  said  too 

ucb,  pray  curtail  my  Report.    But  I  will  get  to  picasanter 

objecL<».     I  am  forming  a  ladder  for  the  escalade,  which  when 

nished,  I  will  send  to  the  Ville  dc  Paris,  that  we  may  have 

cnty  at  least.    Ten  hours  shall  make  me  either  a  conqueror, 

defeat  me.     I  long  to  be  at  work,  for  I  begin  to  think  these 

llows  will  not  soon  come  out,  at  least  not  whilst  negotiations 

going  on. 

I  am,  &c. 

HOBATIO  NeL80N. 


398 


LETTER ^ 


TO  ADMIRAL  SIR  JOHN  JOIVLS  K.B. 

[FVom  Tnckcr'B  Mnnoin  of  Eirl  8t.  Vincent,  toI.  i.  p-Ail.j 

TI.M.S.  TUefiran.  13th  Juo*. 
My  dear  Sir, 
The  Flag  of  Truce  was  only  to  bring  the  letters  - 
with;  but  it  brought  out  in  conversation  a  circu 
which,  though  believed  by  many,  I  have  my  doubts  about 
least,  that  the  Spaniards  would  have  acknowledged  it— vlt 
that  the  Trinidad  not  only  struck  her  Colours,  but  hoiiite 
tm  Pavilion  Parliamcntaire ; '  the  fact  is  now  so  well  establishei 
that  it  cannot  be  done  away.  The  next  momir 
attended  by  the  Frigate,  seeing  some  of  our  Ships  n 
I  suppose  Egmont  and  Namur,  she  hoisted  an  English  Jidc 
over  the  Spanish  Flag,  to  induce  the  English  to  siu 
was  a  prize.  Everybody,  their  Officer  says,  expcr 
to  be  settled,  and  that  it  will  bo  known  here  by  the  end  of  Ai 
month.' 

Believe  me  your  most  faithful, 

IIoBATio  Nbi 


TO  ADMIRAL  SIR  JOHN  JERVlS,  K.B. 
[From  Clarke  uid  AlvVrthur,  vol.  ii.  (^  17.] 

The  ladder  sent  is  not  so  light  as  I  wished,  but  we  i 
not  do  any  better  with  the  stuff'  we  had.    Three  men  can  i 
it  with  pleasure,  and,  if  possible,  there  should  be  ten  mcoi 
a  lime  on  it :  in  short,  the  actors  in  our  performance  musti 
be  too  anxious  to  mount.     Wishing  that  I  may  soon  sec 
used. 

Believe  vac  yours  faithfully, 

Horatio  Ni 


'  St'C  Criloiiel  Drinkwuter's  Xnrrnlivr,  p.  GOi,  mile. 

•  Clarke  and  M■;^rtlMl^  aJilcd  to  their  tcrtion  of  tlii*  Lftler  flmt  it  iJor»i 
upon  wrlint  niitlioriiy)   tliii  [Mirngmpli :  "I    liu\p  our  Irulclpr  ItnislirH,  thirty  I 
long,  Mild  wlipii  j'on  tliiuk  Ui^  Lime  draws  uear  lo  make  {•eopkt  gues*,  1  ahovtil 
one  from  over)  Shiji  in  jh**  IImJi" 


LETTERS. 


397 


TO  ADMII^\L  SIR  JOHN  JERV18,  K.B. 
[From  Tucker' ti  Monioira  ofEorl  Ht.  Vincent,  vol.  i,  p.  iVi.] 

Il.M.S.  TheseiiM,  June  13ib,  0,  p.m. 

My  dear  Sir, 

^hal  ihc  intentions  of  the  Dons  are,  I  know  not;  but  their 
»menls  would  assure  mc,  if  English,  that  they  arc  on  the 
)f  coming  out  We  see  that  thirteen  Sail  of  the  Line  are 
loored  and  hove  short.  I  saw  Gravina  cat  his  anchor, 
they  did  it  hriskly ;  but  the  accommodation  ladder  of  his 
vras  not  in  at  sunset.  The  signals  which  they  have  bcco 
king  this  day  are  not  their  usual  Harbour-signals.  I  will 
;ivc  them  credit  for  their  alertness,  if  they  come  out  in  the 
Qorning.  This  Squadron  have  their  bulkheads  down,  and  in 
lerfect  readiness  for  battle,  and  to  weigh,  cut,  or  slip,  as  tlie 
ion  may  require.  I  have  given  out  a  Line  of  Battle, — 
slf  to  lead ;  and  you  may  rest  assiured  that  I  will  make  a 
>rous  attack  upon  them,  the  moment  their  noses  are  outside 
he  Diamond.  Pray  do  not  send  me  another  Ship,  for  they 
nay  have  an  idea  of  attacking  the  Squadron ;  and  if  you  send 
more,  they  may  believe  we  arc  prepared,  and  know  of 
intention.  It  will,  Sir,  be  my  pride  to  show  the  world 
your  praises  of  my  former  conduct  have  not  been  un- 
thily  bestowed.  Believe  me  ever,  my  dear  Sir, 
Your  most  affectionate  and  faithful, 

Horatio  Nelson. 


TO  JIRS.  NEliiOX. 
[From  CUrkc  and  M'.Vrtkur,  vol.  ii.  ji.  m.] 

I'itliJiino,  17(»". 

A  few  nights  ago  a  Paper  was  dropped  on  the  quarter  deck, 
if  which  tills  is  a  copy  : — '  Success  attcnil  Admir.il  Nelson ! 

K  bless  Captain  Miller !     We  thank  them  for  the  Officers 
have  placed  over  us.     We  are  happy  and  comfortable, 
and  will  shed  every  drop  of  blood  in  our  veins  to  support  them, 
the  name  of  the  Theseus  shall  be  immortalized  as  high  as 
Captain's.     Snip's  Company.' 

Yours,  &c. 

Horatio  Nelson. 


SW  LETTERS.  [1797. 


TO  ADMIRAL  SIR  JOHN  JERVIS,  K-B* 

fFrom  Tncker'a  Mcmoin  of  Karl  of  St.  Vincvat,  ml,  L  |t.  414. 

TliM«ns,  JuTU>  aUl.  lift;. 
My  dear  Sir, 
The  liistory  of  women  was  brought  forward,  I  remember,  in 
the  Channel  Fleet  last  War.  I  know  not  if  your  Ship  was  on 
exception,  but  I  will  venture  to  say,  not  an  Honourable  but 
had  plenty  of  them ;  and  they  always  will  do  as  they  please. 
Orders  are  not  for  them — at  least,  I  never  yet  knew  one  who 
obeved. 

Tour  most  faithful, 

Horatio  Nei-son. 


TO  ADMIHAL  SIR  JOHN  JERVI8,  K,B. 

[From  Clarke  ami  M'ArUior,  toI.  ii.  p.  21.] 

.lune'iOth,  170T, 
Mv  dear  Sir, 

The  two  Vessels  which  came  out  of  Cadiz  this  day  nearij 
agree  in  the  same  story,  that  the  Spanish  Fleet,  twenty-cij^ht 
Sail  of  the  Line,  is  full  manned,  chie0y  Soldiers,  and  is  ready 
for  sea,  and  there  are  two  Sail  also  nearly  fitted  out  whicli  arc 
not  manned  j  the  Toulon  Ships  and  those  from  Carthagem 
are  cxjKJctcd  the  first  Levanter.  The  people  of  Cadiz  hayc 
I^litioned  Government  to  order  the  Fleet  to  sail;  for  that, 
whatever  may  be  the  event,  it  must  force  us  to  quit  thi< 
ground;  and  as  three  Ships  from  Lima  are  momentarilv 
expected,  and  the  Havannah  Convoy  (for  every  morning  the 
Merchants  are  on  the  walls  to  see  if  they  are  in  our  Fleet), 
they  declare  if  they  should  fall  into  our  hands,  that  the  Mer- 
chants in  Spain  would  be  ruined.  They  know  we  have  a 
Bomb-vessel  fitting  at  Gibraltar,  and  are  in  terror  of  a  bont 

•  Sir  John  JerrU'  rci^y  lo  Ihig  I.«tler,  dnU-d  on  lUc  'Jlsl,  cuminenofd  llin»  :— 
"  i  perfecUy  ngree  with  jro«  Uml  tUc  owrflow  nf  Honournblr*  aail  (ho  Di«eipl»« 
llu-y  Imve  miuie  iwioiig  the  t'lebttiuis  lioa  b«.-«ru  ibe  ruin  of  »Lt<  Scriiec  I  wiw 
iwrmitted  h  woiimu  i<j  ^  lo  neu   in  tlie  Sliiii,"  Ikii,—Aul4,$jniyh,  in  tbr  SrUon 


j«T.  38.]  LETTERS. 

bardment  I  will  write  to  Don  Josef  Mazareclo,  and  he  sball 
luve  ibe  letter  soon  after  daybreak  to-morrowr :  he  is  a  Eis- 
ner— they  are  not  famed  for  politenosa  or  gallantry.  I 
I  shall  always  have  to  boast,  and  truly,  of  your  unalterable 
friendship,  which  it  shall  ever  be  my  study  to  deserve. 

I  am,  &c. 

lIoRATio  Nelson. 


'IX)  MRS.  sy±so\. 

^From  Clarke  atul  M*AtlJ)ur,  ro).  ii.  p.  3].] 

20tli  Jnne.  1T07. 
"ReM  assured  of  my  most  perfect  love,  affection,  and  esteem 
for  your  person  and  character,  which  the  more  I  see  of  the 
■world,  tlic  more  I  must  admire.  The  imperious  call  of  honour 
to  serve  my  (country,  is  the  only  ihin^  which  keeps  mc  a 
inoroenl  from  you,  and  a  hoj^e,  that  by  staying  a  little  longer, 
it  may  enable  you  to  enjoy  those  little  luxuries  which  you  so 
highly  merit.  I  pray  God  it  may  soon  be  peace,  and  that  we 
may  get  into  the  cottage. 

I  have  to  thank  many  friends  for  their  kind  congratulations, 
and  have  had  a  long  letter  and  genealogy  from  the  York 
Herald,  Mr.  Nayler,  whom  I  have  refen-ed  to  my  brother 
Maurice.  I  have  sent  my  brother  my  Sup|X)rtcrs,  Crest,  and 
Motto :  on  one  side  a  Sailor  j)roperly  habited,  holding  in  his 
id  the  Broad  Pendant  on  a  staff,  and  trampling  on  a 
ish  flag;  on  the  other  side  the  British  Lion  tearing  the 
isth  Hag,  the  remnants  Imaging  down,  and  the  flag  in 
■rs.  Motto,  what  my  brother  William  jsuggcstcd,  turned 
English—"  Faith  and  Works." ' 


It  Wing  ncer»>iiuy  for  ttio  erection  of  his  Bouuer  ns  n  Knight  of  the  BaUi  In 

litiaior  Ahlicr,  ttint  lii!'  vliotiM  hnvr  Annnrinl  Kiisigni,  mtd  not  ImvlTig  a  right 

r  4r^ei>iii,  hi'  iibtuiiieil  two  Cir«tiU> ;  iin<\  ft  Lin  (JrvM  nuii  Anitn:   itie  nUier, 

foniu%,  coittcn  of  wliich  docnroe>nis  nrc  prLntnl  in  Clarke  and  M'.lrthar, 

^f^riKliT,  No<i.  i  And  •'>.      The  nmni,  riiOed  nu  Uic  '^Hth  Octn)><>r.  1797, 

titki  U»  wM  hv  Iradiiiun  dcsvi-tided  fruui  tliu  KAiuily  of  Neixon,  regiatored 

ilnmldii'  VinlliitioM  of   lltl(4,   "  hjn  fiunily   having  tyinio  tli(>  Amu  «o  n- 

[ria.  'Or  a  Crom,  H*Me,  unniutiinled  br  a  Bciid.  i^uIm,']   hut  tliat  ke 

^vnaMc.  Anm  tbe  mun  of  family  ptldnni^i^.  to  a«cprtnin  liis  Minnexion  wiili 

laid   family,"   anil   it  (iruoopdi'd   i<i    "  gniut,  exeiiiplify.  aiid   coiiOrm  to   Sjk 


LETTERS. 


[1797. 


I  hope  you  will  like  them.  I  intend  my  next  winler's  ^ 
at  Burnham  should  be  fifty  good  large  blankets  of  the  very  best 
quality,  and  they  will  last  for  seven  years  at  least.  This  will 
not  laiic  from  anything  the  Parish  might  give.  1  wish  inquiry 
to  be  made,  and  the  blanketa  ordered  of  some  worthy  inan; 
they  arc  to  be  at  my  father's  disposal  in  November.  I  have 
received  my  dear  father's  letter.     God  bless  him  and  you. 

Yours,  &c 

Horatio  Nelsok. 


TO  GEORGE  NAVF.EIl,  ESQ.,  YORK  HERALD  A\D  GENEALOCBT 
OF  THE  ORDF.H  OF  THE  DATIL 

( Autogritpli,  iu  Uiv  (MstiesHion  of  Albert  Willium  Woods,  Esq.,  Lwowler  H«talA.] 

TLeaeiu,  off  Ctulix,  June  29th,  1TB7. 

Sir, 
I  am  honoured  with  your  letter  of  May  29,  relative  to  mj 
Pedigree  ;  and  I  have  desired  my  Brother  to  deliver  you  this 
letter,  and  to  arrange  such  matters  as  are  proper  with  you. 
As  Government  have  always,  I  believe,  on  occasions  like  th« 
present,  paid  all  the  Fees  of  Office,  Installation,  &c.,  I  ex])€Cl 
they  will  do  it  on  the  present  occasion,  for  I  cannot  think  of 

IIoHATio  Nelsox  ibe  Aruu  rolluwinj;;  that  U  to  sav,  Or,  a  CrOMs  flon,  uUt, 
a  Bviitl.  giiU'A,  siirtiitiiiiitcd  by  Aitullifr  engi'iuled  of  ibe  Jield,  cliar)j;Fil  wltb  Um* 
UoiubH,  liiwl,  jirii|MT.  Ami  for  a  I'lest,  on  u  wTCftlh  nf  the  colours,  liie  sirrti  nf 
n  Spniiisli  Mun-ol'-Wiir,  projier,  Iben^uu  iuscribcKl,  '  Sun  Jiturf,'  U'iii^  lb«?  luOM 
of  oui!  of  ilie  I.iiie-of-l}iit(Je  Sbi|w,  taki>u  iu  ibe  Eiih'ii^'<fuieiit  with  tbe  S|i«ultli 
Heft,  oQ'  Cik|»«  St.  Viiicenl,  on  the  14lb  diiy  of  IVbmiiry,  1707,  by  IIi»  Myi-«i}'« 
Fleet  iilidvr  the  Couiiuuud  of  Sir  John  Jei'vix,  Knigbt  of  lUe  Mu<>t  tluiiuiirublc  Ordrf 
of  lli(^  Bath,  (now  ICorl  of  Sitint  Viiicnil,^  to  be  borue  iiiid  listed  for  rvrr  brrniti^ 
by  bini  tbe  inid  Kt-ar-AdiuiriU  bir  Horntio  NelMiii  [»»  u  ifH^niorinJ  nf  [an  dlttin 
triiished  soi^ices  aud  meiitH.  wLioh  will  be  oiore  piii'liculiirly  ktuletl  iu  bik  i'auulul 
Su|>porterH)  oud  liin  di-<ic-oudAnt>>,  »iiJ  by  tbosit^  of  bk  Mild  fMher,  Kdiiiuud  NeliM 
with  due  and  projier  ditreivm-eii  m-cordiiig'  to  tbe  lawH  of  Anns,  witboiil  llii;  let  i4 
interruption  of  any  iH-Mon  or  |>ersons  Hh«t'»oever."  His  Siipportfrs,  (but  flbrlli 
Hiiggestcd  by  the  Hfrnlds*  or  by  biniHelf,  is  doiiblfid,)  as  dr«cnbed  iu  llie  Gnuil 
theni,  were,  "  Ou  tbe  L>e\ler,  n  Siiilor,  iimied  with  a  cutloMs,  aud  •  |jair  of 
iu  bis  bvlt,  |>ro|)cr,  tbe  exterior  bniid  supporting  ii  Slalf,  thereon  boistcd  •  CoBUM 
ibiR-'s  Flag,  giJe.4 ;  ori  tlie  Siuisler,  n  Liou,  rompiuit,  leguonUiiL,  |iru|irr,  ia  U 
luouili  u  brokeu  lliig-itlui)',  tbvrefruiu  flowiujr  a  SinuukIj  Fl»g,  or  and  gulas." 


tT.  38w] 


LETTERS. 


401 


at  one  sixpeDce  expense :'  but  my  Brother  will  express 
itimeot^  fully  on  this  head,  and  I  have  the  honour  to 
Sir, 

Yoiir  mofit  obedient  servant, 

UoBATio  Nelson. 


I  HIE  REV.  DIXON  HOSTE,  OOODWICKE,  NEAR  ROL'GHAM. 

[ABtOgn^>li,  in  the  possession  of  Sir  JoUn  Bielcerton  Williuas.] 

TUescoii,  June.'iOtlj,  1797, 
My  dear  Sir, 
\Ab  I  have  desired  my  dear  William  to  write  you,  I  8hall 
Jy  ex|»res3  my  anxiety  that  his  Time  should  be  sent  lo  me. 
bear  be  was  borne  some  short  time  on  the  Grampus'  bonks, 
;  of  this  you  know  more  than  I  can  do.  My  health  is  so 
indifferent,  that  longer  than  the  30th  September  I  can- 
serve  without  a  short  respite  from  fatigue  ;  but  I  hope  the 
fla  will  be  over  by  that  time ;  for,  unless  we  are  united  at 
le  much  good  cannot  be  expected, — let  it  bo  a  War  of  the 
JO,  and  what  signify  France,  Holland,  and  Spain. 
Tcare  looking  at  the  Ladies  walking  the  walls  and  Mull  of 
iiz,  and  know  of  the  ridicule  they  make  of  their  Sea  Officers, 
lirty  Sail  are  now  peri'cctly  ready,  and,  the  first  east  wind, 
tpect  the  Shijw  from  the  Mediterranean,  which  will  make 
tn  forty  Sail  of  the  Line.  We  are  now  twenty ;  some  of 
Ships  being  always  obliged  to  be  absent  for  water,  pro- 
ma,  &c.  However  equal  we  may  be  to  do  the  business, 
I  cannot  bring  myself  to  believe  that  it  is  good  policy  to 
leave  u»  eo  inferior,  whatever  honour  there  may  be  in  it.  The 
merchants  of  Cadiz  have  repeatedly  petitioned  Government 
tu  fdtce  out  the  Fleet;  and  say  truly,  that  ten  Sail  of 
iba  Line  had  better  be  sacrificed  than  the  loss  of  their  three 
^nifi  from  Lima,  and  their  Homeward  Convoy,  which  must 
^M  into  the  hands  of  the  English,  if  they  arc  not  forced  from 

•  KvUiiDM  r«fi)»al  to  pay  uny  Ftscs  for  the  Honour  ooufenf d  upon  liim,  cnlb  for 

^tlioii  tlir  fiu<l  itiiglii  ucvra  lu  jiiKtify,  becauM  it  relides  Iv  a  Mtill 
y  rrpaRiiaiit  to  tlic  f«cliu(^  of  diBtiugiiiitlicd  Officers,  irgiiHous 
"inAtjry  to  iho  ilif^iiiiy  of  tlu-  Ci-owu.    Sec  the  AppiiXDix,  p,  itti. 
D  D 


402 


I.ETTE1& 


[ITM 


before  the  harbour.  I  nm  of  opinion  that  some  momhig 
when  least  expected,  I  shall  see  them  tumbling  out  of  Cadis 
We  in  the  advance  are,  night  and  day,  prepared  for  battle: 
our  friends  in  England  need  not  fear  the  event.  At  preseni 
we  are  all  quiet  in  our  Fleet ;  and,  if  Government  hang  sodu 
of  the  Nore  Delegates,  we  shall  remain  so.  I  am  entirely 
the  Seamen  in  their  first  Coinplaiut  We  aic  a  neglecto 
and,  when  ])eaec  comes,  arc  shamefully  treated;  but, 
Nore  scoundrels,  I  should  be  happy  to  command  a 
against  them.  We  have  reports  through  Spain  that  Pi 
out:  it  is  Measures  must  be  changed,  and  not  merely  Mei 
I  beg  m}'  respects  to  Mr.  Coke  and  Mrs.  Coke,  and 
me,  dear  Sir, 

Your  very  obedient  servant, 

Horatio  N 


TO  ADMIRAL  DON  JOSKF  DE  MAZARKDO.  CADIZ. 


[From  Harmon'A  Life  ofNvlHon,  vol.  i.  p.  IM). 


Sir, 


nOth  Inn*.  If 


I  am  directed  by  my  worth}'  Commander-in-Chief  to  ini 
your  Excellency,  that  numbers  of  the  Spanish  fishing-1 
are  found  at  such  a  distance  from  the  land  as  plainly  to 
that  they  have  something  farther  in  view  than  r,r  '  ' 
and,  therefore,  that  orders  are  given,  that  no  1  . 
be  in  future,  permitted  to  go  farther  from  the  shore  than  Cheil 
usual  fishing-ground,  which,  we  understand,  is  in  al>out  thirty- 
five  fathoms  water. 

Your  Excellency,  I  am  confident,  will  receive  this  com- 
munication as  an  adddilional  mark  of  attention  from  itiy 
('ommander-in-Chicf  to  the  inhabitants  of  Cadi/.,  and  it> 
environs,  and  will  take  measures  for  the  infurmatioti  nf  the 
fishermen,  that  iheir  boats  will  Ijc  sunk,  if  found  .i" 
contradiction  to  this  notification  of  the  British  .\ 
With  every  sincere  good  wish  towards  your  Excellency, 
me,  your  most  obedient, 

Horatio  N 


TO  ADMIRAL  SIR  JOIJN  JERV19,  K.B. 

[Trom  Clttrko  Aud  M'Artliiir,  vol.  ii,  ji,  2*3.] 

3r.l  July.  17«7, 

We  will  begin  this  night  by  ten  u'cluck ;'  anil  I  beg  that  all 
le  launches  of  the  Fleet  may  be  with  nie  by  ciglit,  or  half- 
at  farthest,  also  all  the  barges  or  pinnaces.     I  wish  to 
it  a  •warm  night  at  Cadiz.     The  Town  and  their  Fleet 
repared,  and  their  Gun-boats  are  advanced  ;  so  much  the 
■tier.     If  they  venture  from  their  walls,  I  shall  give  Johnny 
full  scope  for   fighting.      Mazaredo  will    be  more    than 
itman,  if  he  can  keep  the    Merchants   of  Cadiz   in   good 
lour.     I  am  inclined  to  think  he  has  been  out  this  after- 
I  intend,  if  alive,  and  not  tired,  to  see  you  to-momnv, 
id  ever  to  the  lust  believe  me  your  faithful, 

Horatio  Nelson. 


TO  AD  JURAL  SIR  JOHN  JERVIS,  K.D.* 
,  [OrigiiuU  in  i1>«  Admiralty.     Publi«lied  in  ibe  London  Gazette,  of  the  IslAn^Rt, 

The«eu»,  July  4lh,  1707. 

Sir, 

In  o})edience  to  your  orders,  the  Thunderer  Bomb  was  placed, 

the  good  management  of  Lieutenant  Gourly,  her  present 

Jommander,  assisted  by  Mr.  Jackson,  Master  of  the  Ville  dc 

*  'the  prt^ionUious  raeutiotird  in  this  Letter  were  made  for  tlir  tonibiutlmcul  of 
lis.  which  took  |iI«<t  in  thv  liighl  of  (lie  !lri1  of  July,     (tii  thiU  d«y  Sir  JnUn  .Icrvi.i 

the  followinft  Uoicriil  OiiUr: — "  All  tlie  biirgex  utid  Innnchrk.  irilliniit  rjrirp 

tm,  with  their  ciuToniidc¥  pro|KTly  fitted,  Hlid  plenty  of  nuUMiiiilinii  rend   pikes,  iirc 

I  be  with  AdmirHl   Neiiinii  at  halfpiist  H  n'ldock  lliix  night,  fur  n  purticiitiu'  Kenietf. 

I  WftlvriiiK  miiHt  r«ii»<:  for  to-night."    The  |iai'liculiirs of  the  Alfiiir  lue fully  delaili-d 

.  Nelaou's  official  Dispatch. 

*  Thi>«LKtt4<r  wi»  inumtnilted  to  the  Admirulty,  with  the  folliiwiag  Diiijialoh.  from 
Cowniiinder- in-Chief; — 

"Ville  dc  PoriH,  oiriftdi*,  July  Mb,  1707. 
>Sir. 

["IdenTre  you  will  acqiiuinl  tht'  Lords  rommiH»ion*ni  of  ih«  Adniir«)iy.  thru  iht' 

kichnn^,  witli  Uie  Thunder  hi)ni1i,  hnviti);  a  dctaclunout  of  ArtillciY  on  buarJ, 

1  iho  I'rchin  tliin  ho»t  (mm  Gihrnltir,  joined  on  th(<  :Jnd  InNiJini,  anil  th«»  iiiijht 

Ifiwing,  near-AduiitiU  N'elHun,  hnviiig  tniule  hix  dispositioiK,   the   Iloml),   co^fr«rit 

tli»  (itm  huftt,  Launfbe?^,  mid  Barges  of  the  Fleet,  \nv  plnred  near  thp  Towt  of 

dd2 


^MfiaBtiBB 


E^ 


404 


LETTEIIS. 


[17W. 


Paris,  who  volunteered  his  ahle  services  within  2500  yards  of 
the  vialh  of  Cadiz ;  and  the  shells  were  thrown  from  her  with 
much  precision,  under  the  directions  of  Lieutenant  Baynes.  of 
the  Royal  Artillery;  but,  unfortunately,  it  was  soon  found 
that  the  large  Mortar  was  materially  injured,  from  its  former 
services ;  I  therefore,  judged  it  proper  to  order  her  to  return 
under  the  protection  of  the  Goliath,  Terpsichore,  and  Fox, 
which  were  kept  under  sail  for  that  purpose,  and  for  whoM 
active  services  1  feel  much  obliged. 

The  Spaniards  having  sent  out  a  great  numl)er  of  ^(orttf 
Gun-boats  and  armed  Launches,  I  directed  a  vigorous  attack 
to  be  made  on  them,  which  was  done  with  such  gallantry,  tlttt 

S«n  ScbwtJan,  luid  llreil  same  sL^lU  into  tlic  To^u.  wlien  lui  uioupt  wtn  inMa  kf 
Ihc  (iiiii'bon(<i  and  Lnuiickc^s  of  the  Enemy  to  earre  lj«r.  Tbc  Heor-Adminti,  vb* 
U  fllwuyii  preseni  in  tbe  hiomI  arduous  enierpriscM,  wiUi  the  iU)i*ii>tKnc«  of  «oiw  ntiirr 
Bnr((M,  bonrdeil  iml  carried  two  of  the  Enemy's  Oiin-boALs,  lutd  a  B«r^  liuiiidi  of 
one  of  their  Ships  nf  Wur,  with  tbe  CominaudAnt  of  tbe  FlotiUn.  tnilus!>Lon  tm 
fliot  eiglxeen  or  iwenlyHpiuiiani!>  were  killed,  ihe  ComniMidaul  Rnd  sevorM]  «oand«d; 
he  imd  twenl)-llve  men  were  made  priifonf'r* ;  the  rest  swum  ashore. 

'*  TLii*  spirited  Aotinu  wis  performed  with  inconsiderable  Iom  on  our  pan,  M  ptr 
enclosed.  The  I^uimch  nf  ilic  V'ille  de  Paris  was  sunk  by  »  ntkitig  nhoi  frvn  tlv 
T.nemfe  {pin-boaUH ;  but,  by  the  aotire,  intelHgcTirt  mind  of  CuptAiu  Troiibridije,  got 
lip  VMtcrday  woniiug,  and  repured  on  board  iJio  Ciilloden. 

"  Renr-Admiml  Nelson'a  acCioas  speak  for  themselves ;  any  |ii  a.iHe  uf  miiie  irodU 
vcrj  short  of  liis  merit.  "I  luu,  Sir,  &o. 

"J.  J««ri». 

"  P.S.  The  inclosed  Report  from  Bear-Adnurol  Nelson  hu  just  reached  roe " 

"  BETVBN  OF  THB  KILLSD  AND  WOCXDED  IX  THE  ATTACK  OT  THK  aPAKIEU 
aU>-BOATH,  TJIK  KIOUT  OT  rilK  .'JBD  Jl'LT,   1T07. 

Theseus  .'•  wnniideil, 

Irrvfti^tible     ....  1  woiiuded. 

Seahorse                 ...  1  wnuudcd. 

Ville  de  Paris         .         .         .  '>  wouiidod. 

Prince  George  i  lulled  ;  5  woundtd. 

Diadem  I  woutidvd. 

Barfleur         ....  1  wtiunded. 

Egmont         ....  1  wo  muled. 

Total :  1  killed  ;  20  wounded. 

"  OrncEBS  WOUKDBD. 

SealiOT^e. — Cnfitaiu  Fremaiitle,  nli^Llly. 

Ville  de  Paris. — Licnteniuit  William  Belby,  ditto. 

Diadem. — Lieuteunm  W.  J.  llowe.  ditto. 

Prince  George, — Lieutenant  Gregory  (JrMtt.  ditt04 

Ditto. — Mr.  R.  Toolcy,  Mid»hipmiiii,  ditto. 

Barfleur, — Mr.  Hugh  Pearson,  Master's  Male. 

Theseus. — Jolui  Sykca,  Adiuiral'a  Coxswain. 

J.  Jaan*." 


88.] 


LETTERSw 


405 


iy  were  drove  and  pursued  close  to  the  walls  of  Cadiz,  and 

it  have  soifered  considerable  loss :  and  I  have  the  pleasure 

inform  >ou,  that  two  Mortar-boats  and  an  armed  Launch 

lained  in  our  possession. 

1  feel  myself  particularly  indebted,  for  the  successful  ter- 

lation  of  this  contest,  to  the  gallantry  of  Captains  Fre- 

itle  and  Miller,  the  former  of  whom  accompanied  me  in 

Barge ;  and  to  my  Coxswmn,  John  Sykes,*  who,  in  defeod- 

my  person,  is  most  severely  wounded;  as  was  Captain 

jmantle,   slightly,   in   the   attack/'     And   my  praises  are 

lerally  due  to  every  Officer  and  man,  some  of  whom  I  saw 

ive  in  the  most  noble   manner;   and  I  regret  it  is  not 

my  power  to  particularize  them.     I  must  also  beg  to  be 

litted  to  express  my  admiration  of  Don  Miguel  Tyrason, 

ie  Commander  of  the  Gun-boats.     In  his  Barge,  he  laid  my 

>at  alongside,  and  his  resistance  was  such  as  did  honour  to  a 

ive  Officer ;  eighteen  of  the  twenty-six  men  being  killed, 

himself  and  all  the  rest  wounded.    Not  having  a  correct  list 

killed  and  wounded,  I  can  only  state,  that  I  believe  about 

are  killed  and  twenty  wounded. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c, 

HoHATio  Nelson. 


Si.  Vuicent  rewarded  tikis  gallODi  fellow  witU  ■  Ounoer's  wtrrant,  tad 
tinted  iiltu  lo  the  Andftunacbe.     CitptAin  Miller,  «Ttiiiig  to  Nelson,  townrdf  the 
[of  17ft7,  said,  "  I  wi»li  iLot  Sykcs  liiul  served  time  sufficient,  os  I  would  Lnvti 
roitrtd  lo  {ireviul  on  Lord  St.  ViDceni  to  moke  him  n  Ueiilriiiuit ;  lii»  man- 
■od  conduct  UT  to  entirely  above  lu»  sitiiniioiu  tlmt  Katiir<-  certiuiil;  iiitended 
I  for  a  grntlemAii." — Clarke  and  M'Arihur.     Svkc»  was  killed  by  tlic  burst 
Fof  A  lUUKiou,  before  Oclol>er  1 TU1I. 
Speaking  of  the  Itlorkiule  nf  CmUx,  mii)  of  this  Aflur,  in  the  "  SketeU  of  liia 
Nolsnn  Ha}«,  "  II  wns  ihiriug  lliis  period  that  perhnim  lUy  perBoii*]  roitni{{c 
1  man  eoiwpicuoii"'  than  at  iin_>  other  part  of  my  life.     In  aii  attark  of  the  Spamsb 
a-boau:,  I  wiu.  bon»led  iu  uiy  Barge  with  its  comnioii  orew  nf  leu  >ncn,  eockfiwiun, 
t:a|iiaiu  Freeniantle,  and  myself,  by  thp  Comiiinmler  of  the  Qun-lioats;  the  Spaiil&b 
rowed  twenty-six  oiim.  besides  Offieer*.  thirty  men  in  the  whole.     Tlii.s  was  a 
ire  hand  to  hand  with  swordi,  in  which  my  Coxiwnin,  John  Sykes,  now  no 
K,  twice  Rated  my  life.     Eighteen  of  the  Spouianls  beiu^  killed   and  several 
iIH,  we  sncceeded  iii  tiikiiig  their  Commander."      (Vide  vol.  i.  p.  lU.)     Clarke 
.SI'Anlmr  state  that  Sykes  sn\ed  lii»  Admiral'H  life*  by  pRrn-ing  the  blow,  aimed 
Di,  aad  that  he  ouce  ot-tuully  inierponed  his  own  head  lo  receive  the  fuU  forcu 
Spaniiih  sabre,  which,  fighting  band  to  baud,  be  could  in  uo  otb«r  way  pre- 
\  from  falling  oa  Nelaon. 


40G 


LETTERS. 


11787. 


TO  ADmRAL  SIR  JOHN    JERVIS,  K.B. 

[From  Clwrke  and  M'Arthttr,Tol.Ii.p.24.] 

July  .'lUi,  111''. 

My  dear  Sir, 
1  am  thankful,  for  your  flattering  letter,"  which,  aa  we  all 
like,  I  will  believe  as  much  of  as  1  can.     To-night'  my  plim 
is  for  Cadiz,  on  the  outside  of  the  lighthouse :  Jackson  knows  I 
a  good  berth.     If  the  Brigs  come  out,  wc  will  have  a  dash  at 
them,  and,  as  the  Boats  will  be  in  three  divisions  under  Cap-j 
tains,  we  may  expect  a  little  more  regularity,  in  case  of  any  j 
unforeseen  event.     Your  encouragement  for  those  Lieutenant 
who  may  conspicuously  exert  themselves,  cannot  fail  to  hare 
its  good  effect  in  serving  our  Country,  instead  of  their  think- 
ing that  if  a  Vessel  is  taken,  it  wotdd  make  the  son  of  some! 
great  man  a  Captain,  in  the  place  of  the  gallant  fellow  who 


'  "  My  (lenr  Admirnl. 

"  I  crinjj'niliiliite  yoii  mosi  beartily  on  iLeeyeiiU  of  last  uiglil.    Ercry  »enl«! 
lire  cngugvd   in  juUh  ftrsL  Instre  to  iLc  BriUnU  onns,  aini  to  your  rbamrtrr.  (*|(1 
F.xiuuiiii.-  strictly  your  pridoner*,  to  ili^tcovcr  ifiuiy  of  ilifin  mr  nnilrrilic  ron<'»>nii«l 
of  Triiiiiliul  or  Lugo*,  and  timke  the  Spaniali  CKIict'n  uleurlj  iniilmtiuiil  llic  utgrd 
of  yoiir  iiivtstigatiim.  ( f )     SIosl  truly  yonrs. 

"  VUle  lie  Piirin,  4iL  .Tuly,  1707."  "  J.  Jbhtis. 

Tlie  ui\jii.<itin»li)e  niiuiuer  in  vrbich  I'liu'ke  uid  M'Artliiir  bare  ]iriut4Hl  dociunFiili 
it  titi'ikiiigly  f^brwii  liy  tboir  ropy  of  ibis  Lettrr.  At  tbe  pliico  marked  (•)  ibcybiv 
iulrrjMiliilr'd  ilii^i  pnrngfrapli,  "  Tbo  letter  w  cbnrurieriatic  of  jour  noblt-  <ouK  mid  ( 
not  be  iiJipi-ovtHl  liy  iliu  (iblrsi  pou  in  Furojw ;"  and  nt  t  f  >  ihry  hnvp  ndHcd,  "  Job 
Kinit -lieutenant  uf  Ibe  l-'uipndd,  w  a  niiui  aft^r  yonr  own  licurt ;  put  bim  iu  •  «< 
of  tukiiiK  n  Onii-boat,  nud  I  will  AiiAwcr  be  sucreedw,  or  loses  bix  life  iu  tbr  nlieuiji 
I  iliiiik  thi'  BnrgeK  nud  Lnum-beii  sboiild  eoine  to  yoti  io-inorron  nitirr  Uie  Vi% 
bus  elu8L-d,  uiid  yuii  i«^ill  muke  your  arrangFmenls  ncconlinglr ;  pprbsps  it  woidd  1 
belter  to  try  to  carry  wjnic  more  Ouivbonls,  wittioMt  tbe  Bomb-ketcb.  The  LieuH 
unnt,  wbo  bns  tbr  grentoM  merit  in  taking  a  Brig  r>biill  be  mode  Captain  of  I 
imnieiLntely" — neitlHrr  <if  which  pnsinget  ifi  to  be  Jiiuml  in  tin-  Oii-iiiutl  I.rth 
iu  tlM  Nelsou  Pnt>ers. 

*  Of  iluH  »eeoiHl  bombnrdinent  of  C&diz,  ibc  Conunauiliriu  t  itin  ^•me  iJi<-  mn'm* 
ing  oilicial  aeconnt  to  Mr.  NepeRu,  tbe  Serrctary  to  the  Admiralty.     (Lrrntlon  Gaieb 
Jut  Angtinl,  1707.) 

"  Ville  de  ruris,  off  Codii,  tbe  lOtlt  Jxdj,  17BT.  j 
"  Sir, 

"I  desire  you  will  acquaint  tbe  LonU  ConunlMioDcra  of  the  Adnufidty.tliitf  Era 
Adraiml  Nelson  ordered  a  second  Bombardment  of  CBiii*,  nn  tbe  uiglit  of  tb»  3< 
under  the  direetion  of  Cnptniu  Dowen  of  tbe  Terpsiebore,  L'aptoin  Miller  nf 
I'besens,  and  Captain  Waller  of  tbe  Emerald  ;  and  a{ipoiiited  Mr.  Joe^anti,  M« 
of  tbe  V'iUe  de  PArin,  to  plnco  tbe  Tbundercr.  Terror,  und  i^trombolo ;  and  tliat 


r.  38.] 


LETTERS. 


407 


l^plured  licr.     At  present  the  Brigs  lie  too  close  tu  each 
ler  to  hope  for  a  dash  at  them,  but  soon  I  expect  to  find 

)e  off  her  guard,  and  then .  We  have  eighty-seven  living 

)nei'8  now  on  board,  and  near  tliirtj  have  since  died  of 
^ir  wounds.     News  from  (.'adiz  this  morning  is,  that  sonic 
)plc  were  killed  in  the  Town,  and  fifteen  were  killed,  and 
[great  number  wounded  in  the  Spanish  j^un-boats. 

I  am,  &c. 

Horatio  Nelson, 


TO  ADMIRAL  SIR  JOHN  JERVIS,  K.B. 
[Pram  Tucker'a  Memoirs  oflhe  Eurl  of  St.  Vinc«iit,  vol.  I.  p.  4l8.] 

n.M.S.  Sliip  Tlirsfus.  Ttb  July.  ITOT. 

My  dear  Sir, 
'Hie  Officer  who  came  out  with  the  Flag  of  Truce  says, 
lat  our  Ministers  at  hisle  are  Lords  Grcnville,  Malmcsbury, 

amtinftliiifnt  prmlnceil  cDiuidnnilile  otkcl  tn  tlic  Town  Anil  among  the  S]ii|i]>ing. 
Soil  of  i\if  Line,  oiuoiig  lliciii  the  Ships  cnmiiig  the  lings  of  AilmiruJs  Mu 
i^iln  anii  Oravinii,  having  warpt^l  out  of  the  ranfie  of  Hhell,  with  much  jirecijiilii- 
tn  ihn  fifllowiug  ranrniug;  luid  it  i»  -with  great  HBLixliiciiott  I  iufonn  yon,  that  lliiH 
iportAOl  nervice  wns  effcfted  with  very  little  lo»«  on  our  side,  ns  per  euclojinl  return 
Villril  at»l  wo<ii)(1p<I.  The  Itenr-Ailmir*]  in^iliiutrd  nnother  operitliuii  on  titn 
jLl  of  Saliinlay  llir  ■>th,  ntiiler  his  own  "iireolioii ;  but  the  wiuil  birw  so  strong 
»wn  ll4e  I'uj,  lie  coiiW  not  gel  hiH  homli  ^e^selH  up  lo  the  point  of  otturk  in  time. 
"  Mr,  Honisfrr.  MiiMter'ti  Mnfe  ot  the  Seahorse,  di^tingiii:<>hed  LimHclf  in  n  very 
niarluible  mutuier.     I  luu,  Str. 

"St,  Vixckxt." 

Isrrriix  or  rnc  orrtcxni  axd  mkx  dslosoiwo  to  tab  sqitadiiok,  who  wcbk 

KILt.rc  on  WOl'StiFD  ox    TIIR  KIOMT  oir  THK  ritll  ISMT.UiT,  ATTJCXDISO  TUB 

BniiH'V»:HM:i.!i  A?(n  attacki.s'g  the  xPAXiaii  ocx  boaih: 
'  Victory,  Willinni  •.'urainn,  t'ommnnder. — I  riBicer  wfmmU'd. 
Blenhritu,  W.  Unwen,  Commander. — 1  neitmiin  killed. 

Tbesoat.  I{.  VV.  Miller,  Conmntnder.'— 1  neiuniiti  killed;   'i  offlocn,  3  niAritUM  or 
ulilier*  wounded. 
Cnllnden,  T.  TrnnhridRe,  Commander.— 1  «riunnn  killeil ;   '2  seamen  woiiuded. 
Irrciiiiilihie,  G.  Miulin,  Commander. — 1  seomiui  nonnded. 
Andftcious,  D,  Gould,  Commander. — I  officer,  ,'l  wameu  wmmded. 
Seahorse,  T,  F.  Kremiinlle,  Cnmniiuider. — J  officer  wounded. 
OrpicnRH  Woi'moBO. 
Victory, •^Lie«te^autCuUin^',  much  limited. 
Thc^eu!». — John  Oldlield.  Captmn  of  Miuinea. 
I'iiio. — .lohn  Collier,  Midshipman. 

AnrUw  ji'os.^ SleplienMim,  ditto. 

BeftUorse, — John  Homaey,  AotingAaelttant. 

"J.  Junv-jo." 


408 


LETTERS 


[1797. 


and  St.  Helens ;  Dell '  Campu  aud  Camporusa,  on  the  part  of 
Spain ;  and  De  la  Croix,  Le  Tumeur,  and  another  on  the 
part  of  Fnuice:  that  Peace  is  expected  every  day, — thst 
with  the  Em[>cror  is  ratified  aud  tinished ;  also,  that  the 
GoveniDicDt  of  Genoa  is  completely  altered, — many  of  the 
Senators  were  massacred,  and  their  palaces  plunderciL  NewB 
from  Cadiz,  by  a  Market-boat,  that  our  Ships  did  niudi 
damage ;  the  Town  was  on  fire  in  three  places ;  a  shell  that 
fell  in  a  Convent  destroyed  several  priests  (that  no  hartn,  iliey 
will  never  be  missed);  that  plunder  and  robbery  was  going 
on — a  glorious  scene  of  confusion ;  that  representations  have 
been  made  to  Mazaredo,  and  to  the  Admiral,  to  come  out 
with  the  Fleet.  I  see  an  Admiral  moving  forwards,  aud  now 
I  perceive  it  is  Mazaredo.  The  bombs  and  mortars  will  be 
finished  to  night,  but  I  cannot  part  with  the  L>is.  I  haw 
arranged  about  the  change  of  howitzers:  to-morrow  1  \Till 
write  on  that  subject.  I  wish  you  had  mentioned  about  Zea- 
lous :  we  hear  nothing  of  her. 

Ever  yours  most  faithfully, 

Horatio  Nelson. 
Please  God,  I  hope  the  Spanish  Fleet  are  coming  out,  and 
the  Admiral  is  under  sail ;  aud  I  open  my  letter  to  say  they 
arc  all  on  the  move. 


TO  ADJURAL  SIR  JOHN  JERVIS,  K-B. 
[From  Tucker's  Memoirs  of  il)«  Eoi'l  of  St.  Viueent.  vol.  i.  p.  W».j 

Theseus,  Jnly  »,  lim. 

My  dear  Sir, 
In  the  first  place,  I  congratulate  you  on  the  finish,  as  it 
ought,  of  the  St.  George's  business,"  and  I  (if  I  may  he  }>eT- 

•  SviD]i(oniM  of  mnUay  Lftving  aliewvd  ilit'm«elve»  on  l>o(ird  «oine  of  th«  Sbift 
of  Sir  John  Jems's  Flert  off  Cwllz.  Uf  (inyipro»sfd  them  wiib  lii»  clmrMleriatlc 
%itfour  lind  deciniou.  On  Friday  the  »lh,  Miid  Sntiinlny  l)ic  Mil  of  .Iiily,  four  mnli- 
neers  of  tlm  Snim  Geoj-Hx-  won-  Irin]  liy  n  Coiiri  MrtriiiU ;  (uul  on  tJie  latter  il«y,  fISt 
John  .T<«ni.i  wrote  two  Notets  Tcin*otiBp  them  to  Nelson.  In  the  Atki  he  imid,  •*  tl 
lUainr.  four  luiftirlitnate  men  rercive  sentence  of  denih,  «»  tljKrr  is  ii\fn  reiwoii  lo  be 
liove  thoy  will,  fruiii  ihe  aironff  anddireet  cvideiiet  which  luin*  honio  to  the  boaooi* 
of  (JI  vfiirrdny,  nnd  the  Court  Mnriial  end*  thin  ilny,  thvy  -nrilll  mffer  lU  II  o'clock  Ui 
the  creoing,  therefon',"  Aw.    \h  ilie  trial  did  uot  icmiiiuUe  uitiil  after  tiinset.  tltr 


:t.  38.] 


LETTER& 


409 


ed  to  say  so)  very  much  approve  of  its  being  so  speedily 
fed  into  execution,  even  although  it  is  iSunday,    The  par- 
'  situation  of  the  service  requires  extraordinary  measures. 
>pe  this  will  end  all  the  disorders  in  our  Fleet :  had  there 
the  same  determined  spirit  at  home,  I  do  not  believe  it 
Id  have  been  half  so   bad,  not  but  that  I  think   Lord 
lowe'g  seuding  back  the  first  petition  was  ^vroug. 

Yours  most  affectionately  and  gratefully, 

UoaATio  Nelson. 


TO  SIR  ROBERT  CALDER,  KMGIIT,  FIRST  CAPTAIN  TO 
ADMIRAL  THE  EARL  OF  ST.  VINCENT,  K3. 

ZTnm  Tucker"«  "  Memoiw  of  Uie  E«rl  of  St.  Vincent,"  toI.  i.  p.  326.] 

My  dear  Sir,  •  tlcscur,  July  «ith,  im. 

^am  sorry  that  you  should  have  to  differ  with  [Vicc- 
liral  Thompson]  but  had  it  been  Christmas  Day  instead 
%y,  I  would  have  executed  them. 


WM  not  ourird  into  cxjeotuiou  oii  Uie  Htli,  uid  Sir  John  Jervis  ooiiae> 

Jjr  wroU)  to  Reai-AdiairKl  NrUoo :  "  Tlie  sentence  iniisi  \x!  curried  into  cxccn- 

'inorrow  ntoruiiig,  aliLougli  it  is  Sunday,  nnd  you  will  take  cije  tn  bavp  the 

of  Uic  delnolied  S(^iiadrini  uji  ill  time." — AnOujraph*  i>J  Uie  Kelson  FniicrB. 

iLetUir  lo  NVlsoD,  dated  "  ViUe  dc  I'liris,  Sunday  Eveiiinp,  Jtili  July,  1707," 

>Ua  Jcrvi5s  said: — "  ViceAdniind    Tliorapsmi  lias  ]irc«nmed  to  censure   the 

[ion  on   tli«   ijtlibnlh,  in  n  pubUc  letter;  and  I  Lave  iuiixled  on  hi>>  ticing 

frunj  l)ii>  Fltret  LmniediBtely,  or  ihat  1  sliiU  be  cklled  lioiue ;  and  I  havo 

itrd  for  no  more  Ailmifiilt." — A uloijrnph  in  Uie  Nelaoti  Pajicrs.     Writinff  to 

Sftenccr  on  Ibnt  day,  tlie  Comnnuider-in-Chief  olinerved,  "  The  Court  MnrtiHl 

mutinwrs  nf  tin*  St.  CJcorjfe  did  not  fliiisli   before  i)nnHt<t  yestenlBy,  <tr  Ihry 

I  hav«  been  rxfcnttd  Uut  nigl%],     The  most  during  and  |iroiliiriue  of  ibem  coQ- 

10  \Ue  Cler^>-nian  wLo  ivitrnded  liim,  that  the  iilu)  lutd  been  in  coiiiemplii- 

■X  months,  in  concert  wiili  tlie  nritaiiiitn,  Ci4ilaui.  tiimteui,  mid  Fymuat.     1 

f  I  ^Iwll  not  be  cetutnred  by  llie  Brncli  of  Bisliops,  ii«  I  Litre  hern  by  Vlce- 

'l'Tioinp»on,]  for  profaning  tlip  HubbMh  ;  tUc  eriiiiinaJM  iwked   IWe  dayn  In 

r,  in  wLieli  tlxty  would  hnve  Liuclied  Ave  liundred  trenMOiu';  lienidcb  ibnt,  we 

Toldng  tlie  Spani'b  Fleet  to  <oinc  out  by  every  meiuis  iu  our  powor ;  and 

mid  twenty  Gun  and  Mortar  biini»  did  iicluiilly  advAnec,  dnstardly  enough,  it 

confessed,  and  eannonaded  tlie  advanced  Sqnailron,  now  cotu|<oK«d  of  irn 

titr  Une,  on  seeing  Iweniy  Barge*  and  Piunoren  ^  to  uttend  the  excention 

annteitct'.* — Titrkrr't  Mrwutrt  ol  Earl  St.  ritKcnl,  vol.  i.  p,  IVI'.     €*d  tlic 

|of  September,  tlie  .\dininiJly  acknowledged  tlie  rereijii  of  Lord  St.  Vincent's 

anmmncing  the  exe<'iitirin  of  Uie  niiiliueerK  on  the  Siindny,  and  Uieir  J^ord- 

[»]ipr«»4cd  "Uielr  very  Itigb  approbation"  of  Ijts  "oooduot  on  Ibat  nnpleMant 

o«<uion."^/Ai</.  p.  32M, 


410  LETTERS.  [1707. 

We  know  not  what  might  have  been  hatched  by  a  Sunilarii 
grog :  nuw  your  discipline  is  safe.  I  talked  to  our  people, 
an<l,  I  hoi>e,  with  good  efFcct:  indeed,  they  seem  aveiy  quicl 
set.     Ever  your  most  faithful, 

HOBATIO  NsLfiON. 


TO  ADMlllA-L  SIR  JOHX  JERVIS,  K.B. 

fProm  Clwke  •ml  M" Arthur,  vol.  ii.  p.  'ill,  wJio  iliu«  ftlirid^  ibn  fciTwer  pwl  of 
tluK  Letter:' — *' On  tlip  Dili  of  Jul)',  iillT,  he  iufunuod  LunI  St.  Vincrnl,  tktt, 
oltlioiigb  Ue  hoped  enoui;h  LaJ  tx-en  done  to  force  nnl  the  StuuiuIi  yieM,y(t  in  cM 
iliere  lind  not,  be  would  tn.-  theni  apwii, '  wbru,"  lie  nUded,'] 

Oth  July,  1191. 

Down  comes  (^adiz ;  and  not  only  Cadiz,  but  their  Fleet, 
if  Mazitredo  will  not  come  out.  The  people  of  Ca(Hj 
arc  told,  that  they  have  made  great  dcstniction  amongst 
us,  and  believe  it ;  aud  reports  say  their  gun  and  mortar-boats 
arc  to  attack  our  advanced  Squadron  the  very  first  c.ilm  night. 
If  they  succeed  in  either  destroying  some  of  us,  or  crippling 
our  masLs,  then  Mazaredo  puts  to  sea,  and  destroys  jou: 
therefore  do  not  be  surprised,  my  dear  Sir,  if  you  hear  a  auj- 
nonade ;  I  am  prepared. 

I  am,  &c. 

Horatio  Nklsox. 


TO  ADMIRAL  SIR  JOHN  JERVIS,  K.B. 

[From  Tucker's  Memoirs  of  tUc  Eori  of  St.  ViiKicnt,  toL  i.  p.  410.] 

H.M.S.  TIiMCns,  Jiiljr  lOUt,  170T. 
My  dear  Sir, 

1  will  send  Mr.  Yawkins  off  San  Pedro,  and  hope  it  will 

answer  its  intended  purpose.     I  was  in  hopes  the  gentij 

would  have  enabled  me  to  have  a  run  at  them,  but  they  arc  too 

much  ou  their  guard.     If  the  King  of  Spain  goes  on  tliis  way, 

and  the  Mexican  Fleet  fall  into  our  hands,  he  will  be  like 

Billy  Piu,  give  nothing  but  pajx^r.     As  for  those  shots  living 

about  the  Thcsctis,  it  will  do  her  good,  and  make  her  die 

'  CWke  nnd  M'.Anlmr  iutrodiiced  iuto  tlii*  LeUer,  two  pwngnq^Iio  mu 
lowiug  L«tter  uflhe  lOtU  of  Jiilv. 


r.  3a]  LETTERS.  411 

^ttcr  for  your  support  in  aome  proud  day,  uot  far  dislaut,  I 
Portugal  ought  to  be  grateful  for  your  attention  to  her 
kterest^  and  &o  ought  little  England. 

Believe  mc  ever  your  most  faithful, 

Horatio  Nelson. 
Tlie  Dons  will  be  tired  enough  to  take  a  good  nap  thifi 
leruooQ. 


|T0  SIR  JAaiES  SAUMAREZ,  CAPTAIN  OP  HIS  MAJESTY'S  SHIP 

ORION. 

[Aiitognqili,  in  Um  posMSsion  of  (he  Dowb^ft  Lady  rie  Soiimarea.j 

Tbesens.  July  lOiU,  IT'JT. 

Dear  Sir, 
I  beg  vou  will  have  the  goodness  to  immediately  send  in  my 
flter  for  Don  Josef  dc  Mazarcdo:  his  Letter  of  yesterday 
ia  not  please  the  Admiral. 

Ever  your  most  obedient  Servant, 

HoiiATio  Nklson. 


TO  fAPTAlX  JOHN  NICHOLSON  INGLRFIELD, 
COMMISSIONER  OF  THE   NAVY   AT  GIlilULTAIL 

f  From  C1«rke  «iid  M'ArlLnr,  vol.  ii,  p.  'il,] 

JiUy  UUi,  1707. 

My  dear  Sir, 
I  am  sorry  to  find,  from  General  O'Hara's  letter,  that  he 
the  smallest  alarm  for  our  success  in  anything  my  great 
)mmander-in-Chief  plans :  had  my  orders  been  well  exc- 
ited, not  n  Spanish  gun  or  mortar  boat  would  have  been  left 
Cadiz.  Our  loss  of  men  is  most  trifling;  but,  however 
lat  might  have  been,  1  had  rather  see  fifty  shot  by  the 
jemy,  than  one  hanged  by  us.  It  is  good  at  these  times  to 
keep  the  Devil  out  of  their  heads. 
^_  Mazaredo  is  alarmed ;  has  drawn  all  his  Ships  between  St. 
^Hdary's  and  Cadiz ;  and  if  you  make  haste  with  the  sea-mor- 
^Btr,  I  will  bomb  him  out  of  Cadiz  baj'.  Three  fires  were  seen 
^^j  the  Town,  but  they  were  got  under  without  much  difficulty. 
1  laid  myself  with  the  Bomb  on  the  strong  face  of  Cadiz^  seventy 


412 


LETTERa 


guns  and  eight  mortars.  They  expected  me  on  the  weak  side. 
The  next  night  I  took  them  on  the  soft  side,  and  eighty  sheik 
fell  in  the  Town,  and  some  over  it  amongst  their  S! 
Yesterday,  in  the  Theseus,  I  had  the  honour  of  every  g 
the  southern  part  of  Cadiz,  and  of  every  Gun  and  Mortar-lwai. 
I  could  not  get  them  out  so  far  as  I  wished,  or  some  of  tbcia 
should  have  paid  me  a  visit.  I  sent  ninety-one  prisoners  iuU> 
Cadiz,  whom  I  took  on  the  night  of  the  3rd;  and,  as  to  killed, 
I  know  nothing  about  them :  eighteen  were  killed  in  the 
Commanding  OfBcer's  boat,  that  bad  the  presumption  to  Uy 
ly  Barge  aboard,  manned  with  some  of  the  Agamemnon's 
;ople.  My  Squadron  is  now  ten  Sail  of  the  Line,  IS  tbcj 
come  out,  there  will  be  no  fighting  beyond  my  Squadron. 

I  am,  &c., 

UoBATlO  NEL.SO}f. 


TO  MBS.  NELSON. 

[ftom  Clftrke  nad  M'ArUinr,  vol.  iL  p.  28.J 

.bilr  l'-2th  to  Ute  lAUi,  IVUT. 
I  should  be  glad  if  the  house  were  bought :  and  if  yoo  do 
not  object,  I  should  like  Norfolk  in  preference  to  any  other 
part  of  the  Kingdom;  but  do  you  choose.  I  am  sure  the 
time  is  past  for  doing  anything  for  George  Tobin ;  had  he 
been  with  mc,  he  would  long  since  have  been  a  Captain,  iwd 
I  should  have  liked  it,  as  being  most  exceedingly  pleased  with 
him.  My  late  Affair  here  will  not,  I  believe,  lower  mc  in  the 
opinion  of  the  world.  I  have  had  flattery  enough  to  make 
me  vain,  and  success  enough  to  make  me  confident.  When 
you  know  I  am  sent  from  the  Fleet,  never  calculate  on  a  letter 
imtil  you  hear  I  am  returned.  I  am  always  sorry  when  you 
are  disappointed ;  aud  as  I  may  now  be  absent  lor  a  short 
lime,'  do  not  be  anxious  about  letters,  for  you  cannot  hear 
from  me.     Ever  believe  me  your  roost  affectionate  bus' 

UOIIATIO  NeLcl... 


'  The  ComnMiider-ii]  Chief  baring  rrorived  intelligcucr  tbsi  a  K]iani»li  ^bip  i-alM 
"  KI  T'rinfip"  tl'.AstimdB,''  riclJy  liuien,  from  Manilla  to  Cadiz,  was  a(  Snnla  Tnur, 
It  wa'*drionniiieil  to  critt  Nelson's  favourite  design  of  nttAokingUiflt  plaop  iD]o«A>«t; 
but  it  miiai  not  be  forgoueu,  that  a  priBcipal  oauie  of  iu  tulnn  wts,  iltai,  an  eaavntiil 


MEMORANDA. 

[Atrtomipli,  in  XUt  Nekon  Pupers.     TIuh  I'«iK>r  upp^nr*  to  couUin  oerUin  Qbm- 
iii  till!  laurk  nn  ToufrifTe.  ntucli  Nelaou  tubmiued  to  Adsiinl  Sir 

WKj*e  doci»juii  upon  iln;m  is  ftdded.] 

When  the  Summons  is  sent  in  to  demand  the  immediate 
Surrender  of  Santu  Cruz,  or  the  whole  Island,  with  the  entire 
Cargoes  of  such  Ships  as  a\ny  have  lauded  them  at  that  place, 
md  every  species  of  property,  together  with  Cannon,  Stores, 
■fkc,  which  is  not  bond  Jidc  the  actual  growth  of  the  Island  of 
Teneriffe,  or  such  goods  us  may  be  the  properly  of  shop- 
keepers for  ibe  consumption  of  the  inhabitants  of  the  Island — 
I  wish  to  know  if  it  is  your  directions,  that  I  do,  at  the  same 
time,  demand  a  contribution  of  dollars  for  the  preservation  of 
all  other  property  in  the  Island  of  Teneriffe,  together  with  the 
Vessels  employed  on  the  fishery  on  the  African  Coast  ? 

Not  to  demand  any  contribution  if  all  is  given  up. 

Is  it  your  opinion,  that  the  Summons  should  be  for  the 

put  of  lilir  oTigiinil  pirtii  ww  iiui  carripd  niif,  nunvly  thp  ■utsistunrc  of  %  Inrj^e  IxmI}-  of 
TrcKipo.  ( Vide  \i\\.  :I7II,  .'{HO,  ante. )  Ou  tlie  tdoming  of  ibc  MtL  of  July,  ki>  quiiUid 
(li«  iuohom  Squadron,  nml  joim*d  tlip  nuiin  body  of  the  Fleet.  He  tLeu,  it  appears,  sub- 
mitted Ihr  khiivf-uit'iilionud  poiiilA  for  8ir  Jotin  Jer^-ix's  consideratiou,  luid  recpirmi 
tbe  following  ordrr  for  lUf  Ktpeditiou : — "  By  Sir  John  Jervis,  Kiiiglit  of  ibe  BftUi, 
A^iitul  »if  ibe  Bliip,  and  Commnnrtor  in-Cbief  of  bi*  Mi^esty's  Ships  and  Ve«iieL<i 
C8iiil<>;(od,  (ind  to  Iw  cinployi'd,  iu  the  Mediterrnuenn,  itx.  kx.  kx-.  \w\  are  hereby 
rrqiiiroii  iiud  directed  lo  lAkv  the  Sbipa  DHlued  in  the  lutirgiu'  under  your  comniiUid, 
Uirir  Ciipiuiu---  being  insimcted  to  obey  your  ordera,  iind  to  proceed  wiib  tlic  utmoKt 
CTpeditiui)  oti'  the  Itland  of  TeiieriiTe,  rihI  there  make  your  diniKwitioni  for  taking 
po*i«^8ion  of  the  Town  of  Santa  Cruz,  by  a  Rudden  aiid  vigoruus  Assault.  In  cane 
of  ■iicciu*',  you  ore  (uiihorizr>d  to  lay  u  heavy  contributiou  ou  the  inliabitant«  of  tlie 
Town  and  ajjiu-i-iit  diitlnct,  if  they  do  noi   pul  you  iu  possefl-iion  of  the  wboln  ear^^i 

i-af  El  Prineipe  d" A-iiiria-*,  flrotn  MoikiUn,  Ixmud  to  Cndiz,  iielotii^ig  lo  ilie  Philippine 
roinpniiy.  and  idl  tb»  trea-iiiro  bclouf^iu^  to  ibe  (.'I'owu  uf  Spftiu;  and  yoti  are  lo 
mdramur  to  take,  Mink,  burn,  or  otberwTsi'  destroy,  nil  Vessels  of  every  dp»enption, 
•«en  thoM:  employed  iti  tlio  Fiabery,  on  the  Coa-it  of  Afrinii,  unless  a  juKt  coiitribn- 
Hon  is  made  for  liielr  prescrvaiion,  by  tbn  inhabitants  of  ibe  Canary  Ulaud»;  and 
haviij|{  pi'rfiinned  your  miwtion,  yoti  are  to  make  the  best  of  your  way  back,  to  Join 
roe  oB"  iliix  Tort.     OiNfii  on  lioard  the  Ville  de  Paris,  off  Cadii,  the  IJtb  July,  17»7. 

|J,  JkbvIh." — Or»yi«o/ ill  the  NeUon  l'aper», 

Om   the   l.'^lh  of  July,  Sir  John  Jcr>is  ihiiK  alTcaiionalelT  expreascd  bis  wishes  for 

[N>lavn'*i  «uopc«*  : — "  <.>o<l  bless  and  prosper  you.     I  oin  «ure  you  wiU  deserve  9UC- 
ftm.     To  mortals  is  not  given  the  power  of  couuiiouding  ii,"— Ibid. 

'  "  Thcaeiia.  CuUoden,  '/.ralotm,  Leandcr,  Seabor«r,  I'^mitndd,  Terii^tohore,  Fox 
'(1).  Cutter." 


1 
I 

I 
I 


414 


LETTERS. 


[17W. 


whole  Island  of  Tcneriffe,  or  only  for  the  Town  of  Santa  Crux, 
and  the  district  belonging  to  it? 

For  the  whole  Island. 

WlisU  contribution  do  yon  wish  me  to  demand  for  the 
preservation  of  private  properly,  with  the  exceptions  as  before, 
for  the  Grand  (^annri,'? 

Prtlnia,  Gomeiii,  Ferro,  Forte  Ventura,  Lancerote. 
And,  in  case  of  a  refusal  to  what  I  may  tlilnk  reasonable 
Terms,  to  what  length  may  I  proceed  with  propriety  ? 

[The  iiii6Wfr  to  lliin  Qaenliuu  jb  not  tpvra.J 


MRMOIUXDL.M. 

[Autograjili,  in  tlie  Nelson  Papers.] 

The  Culloden  and  Zealous  to  each  make  a  Platform*  for  one 
18-poimder.  The  Theseus  to  make  a  slay  for  drawing  cannuo. 

Each  Ship  to  make  as  many  iron  ram-rods  as  possible,  it 
being  found  that  the  wooden  ones  are  very  liable  to  break 
when  used  in  a  hurrj-. 

The  Seahorse  to  make  &  platform  for  one  nine-pounder. 
July  17  th,  Delivered. 

*  'Ilie  Auuexrd  Section  of  Uie  rintform  in  lunoug  tlie  Nelsou  r«p«rs :— 

4r,,t 

6tnt*  Sm: 


ahtnmfOt 


rE»8. 


QirKSmOXS  WHICH  APPEAR  TO  HAVE  BEEN  SUBMITTED  TO 
ONE  OR  MORE  OF  TFIE  CAPTAINS  OF  TIIE  SQUADRON. 

[AuUiKMiib,  ill  Uie  Nekiou  Papers.] 

Qdestion  1st. 
Is  it  your  opinion  that  from  the  information  wo  have  been 
>le  to  collect,  and  from  Lieutenant  Wably's  plan,  that  the 
iding  shmiUl  bo  made  in  the  valley  marked  K.,  known  by 
le  name  of  Liou'a  Mouth,  and  endeavour  to  get  over  the 
lountain  marked  F.  and  attack  the  fort  marked  G?  Or  is  it 
>ur  opinion  tliat,  at  least,  600  men  should  be  landed  under 
clAne  Wall>  and  to  escalade  that  wall  ? 

2nd. 

jposing  the  escalade  of  the  Line  Wall  to  be  successful, 

it  your  opinion  that  an  immediate  attack  should  be  made 

the  Town  and  Mole,  by  turning  to  the  left,  or  should  the 

Itack  be   made  by  turning  to  the  right,  and  attacking  the 

Itery  G.? 


THE  FOLLOWING  REGIILATIONS  ARE  RECOMMENDED  BY 
REA R-ADM I R A  L  N  El^iON . 

f Antognfli,  iu  Uie  Nelson  Ptjiersi.] 

July  ITUi,  [1700.] 
Ist. 

That  each  Ship's  Boats  should  be  kept  together  by  lowing 
:h  other,  which  will  keep  the  peojile  of  each  Ship  collected, 
the  Koati)  will  be  in  six  divisions,  and  nearly  got  on  shore 
the  same  moment. 

2nd. 
The  Marines  of  each  Ship  of  the  Line  to  be  put  in  tlieir 
uinches,  which  will  carry  them. 

3rd. 

The  moment  the  Boats  are  discovered  by  a  firing  being 
lade  on  them,  the  Bomb-vessel  to  commence  her  fire  on  the 
['own,  and  to  keep  it  up  till  the  Hag  of  mice  is  hoisted  from 
»ithcr  the  Enemy  or  from  us. 

4th. 
That  a  Captain  should  be  directed  to  see  the  Boats  put  off 


416  LEITBUk  [1797. 

from  the  beach,  that  more  men  may  be  speedily  got  oa  skore 
with  the  field-pieces. 

5tb. 

Frigates  to  anchor,  as  soon  as  possible  after  the  alarm  ia 
given,  or  the  forces  ashore,  near  the  battery  in  the  N.E.  put 
of  the  Bay. 

6th. 

Immediately  as  the  forces  get  on  shore,  they  are  to  get  in  the 
rear  of  the  battery  marked  G.,  in  the  N.E,  part  of  the  Baj, 
and  to  instantly  storm  it,  and  also  to  take  post  on  the  top  of 
the  hill  which  is  above  it. 

Every  Ship  to  land  the  number  of  men  as  against  their 
names  expressed,"  with  a  proper  proportion  of  Officers  and  Mid- 
shipmen, exchisive  of  Commissioned  Officers  and  servants. 

And  the  Captains  are  at  liberty  to  send  as  many  more  xaea 
as  they  please,  leaving  sufficient  to  manage  the  Ship,  and  to 
man  the  launch  and  another  boat.  Every  Captain  that 
chooses,  is  at  liberty  to  land,  and  command  his  seamen,  under 
the  direction  of  Captain  Troubridge. 

It  is  recommended  to  put  as  many  Marine  coats  ur  jackets 
on  the  seamen  as  can  be  procured,  and  that  all  should  have 
canvas  cross-belts. 

The  jNIarines  to  be  all  under  the  direction  of  Captab 
Oldfield,  the  senior  Marine  Officer ;  and  he  is  directed  lo  put 
himself  under  the  direction  of  Captam  Troubridge,  as  is 
Lieutenant  Baynes,  of  the  Royal  Artillery,  with  his  Detach' 
ment. 


TO  THOMAS  TKOUBRIDGE.  ESQ^  CAPTAIN  OF  H.M.  SHIP  CULLO- 
DEiV,  AND  fOMMAXDER  OF  THK  FORCES  ORDERED  TO  BE 
LANDED  FOR  TAKING  SANTA  CRl'Z. 

[Aiitogrnph  dnroghl,  in  Uie  Nelson  Pnpers.] 
Sir,  ThMcns  at  Se*.  !iOUi  July,  1707 

1  desire  you  will  take  under  your  command  the  number  of 
Seamen  and  marines  named  in  the  Margin,*  who  will  be  under 

»  TUcseiiR.  200.  Zvalona,  200,  Tcrp&jeliore.  100. 

CuUoden,  ','00.  Sfuhonic.  100.  Emerald,  ItDO. 

Exdoaive  of  UAoen  Mil  8erruit»,  900. 
•  [A«  above,] 


LETTERS. 


417 


_  imand  of  Captains  Hood,  Frcmantle,  Bowcn,  Miller, 
Waller,  and  the  Marines  under  the  command  ol'  Captain 
IBS  Oldficld,  and  a  detachment  of  the  Royal  Artillery 
jr  the  command  of  Lieutenant  Baynos,  all  of  whom  are 
embarked  on  boanl   his   Majesty's  Frigates,   Seahorse, 
sichore,  and  Emerald. 
With  this  detachment  you  will   proceed   as  near   to   the 
ra  of  Santa  Cruz  as  possible,  without  endangering  your 
ig  perceived;  when  you  will  embark   as  many  men   as 
Boats  will  carry,  and  force  your  landing  in  the  north- 
part  of  the  Bay  of  Santa  Cruz,  near  a  large  battery, 
moment  you  are  on  shore,  I  recommend  you  to  first 
sk   the    battery ;    which   when    carried,   and  your  post 
»d,  you  xvill  either  proceed  !)y  storm  against  the  Town 
Mole-head  battery,  or  send  in  my  Letter,  as  you  judge 
proper,  containing  a  Summons,  of  which  I  send  you  a 
■ ;  and  the  terms  are  either  to  bo  accepted  or  rejected  in 
time  specified,  unless  you  see  good  cause  for  prolonging 
[it,  as  no  alteration  will  be  made  in  them  :  and  you  will  pursue 
[such  other  methods  as  you  judge  most  proper  for  speedily 
jcliog  my  orders,  which  are  to  possess  myself  of  all  cargoes 
treasures  which  may  be  landed  in  the  Island  of  Teneriffe. 
Taving  the  firmest  confidence  in  the  ability,  bravery,  and 
of  yourself,  and  all  placed  under  yoiu:  command,  1  have 
to  heartily  wish  you  success,  and  to  assure  you  that  I 
^our  most  obc^lient  and  faithful  servant, 

Horatio  Nelson. 


[AnCogrnpli,  in  the  Nelson  Papere,] 

Theseas,  July  30tb,  1707. 

le  Cullodcn's  OflBccre  and  men,  with  only  their  arms,  to 

sady  to  go  on  board  the  Terpsichore,  at  1  P.>r.,  this  day  ; 

lo  carry  with  them  four  ladders,  (each  of  which  to  have  a 

^anyard  four  fathoms  long,)  a  sledge-hammer,  wedges,  and  a 

axe. 

le  Boats'  oars  to  be  muffled  with  cither  a  piece  of  canvas 

ccrsey.  H.  N. 

Delivered  July  20th,  to  the  Culloden,  Zealous,  and  The* 


)L,  II. 


£  E 


418 


LETTERS. 


ri797. 


TO  UEirrEXAXT  BAYNE8,'  ROYAL  ARTILLERY. 

rFrom  ■  Copy,  la  Uie  NebAn  Pcpen.] 

Theseus,  Julr  QOth.  1707. 

Sir, 
As  I  have  directed  Captain  Thomas  Troubritlge,  of  his 
Majesty's  Ship  Culloden,  to  command  the  Forces  destined  to 
take  the  Town  of  Santa  Cniz,  I  have  to  request  that  jou  will 
attend  lo  all  his  desires,  for  the  more  speedily  executing  my 
order*,  and  1  send  you  the  third  Article  of  the  Regulations  I 
have  recommended.     I  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c. 

Horatio  Nblbon. 
Article  3rd. 

The  moment  the  boats  are  discovered  by  a  firing  l>e)ng 
made  on  them,  the  Bomb-vessel  to  commence  lier  firlr 
the  Town,  and   to  keep  it  up  till  a  Flag  of  Truce  is  hw 
either  from  the  Enemy  or  from  us. 


CAPTAIN  THOMAS  OI.DFIELD,  RENTOR  CAPTAIX  OP  TlfE 
MARIN' R*  ORDERED  TO  DISEMBARK. 


Sir, 


[From  a  Copy,  in  the  Nelson  Pap«ra.] 

TbeMUS,  Jnlj  ^tb,  1T97, 


You  will  take  the  command  of  all  the  Marines  of  the 
Sfiuadron,  and  put  yourself  under  the  command  of  Captain 
Troubridge  «if  II.l\r..S.  Cdlodcn,  who  has  my  oixlcr  to  com- 
mand the  Forces  landed  for  the  taking  the  Town  of  Santa 
Cruz.  ' 

I  am,  &c. 

Horatio  Nei-son. 


'  Licntennnt  Bitjites,  nvbo  is  nflerwnrda  so  higlJj  spoken  of,  n|)tun^d  ili«  rank  of 
Uentennnt-Colonel.  in  Deeembor  1814,  and  died  on  ihe  l«ib  of  January  l«lSi. 


v^V 


■'  ■  ^  c^ 


LETTERS. 


419 


OR  COMMANDIXG  OFFICER  OF  SANTA  CRUZ. 
pli  ilfwiglil,  iu  tLe  Nelson  Papers,] 

TelsdD,  Knight    of  the  Most    Honourable 
Bath,    Rear-Admiral    of   the   Blue,    and 

(Chief  of  his  Britannic  Msijcsty's  Forces  by 

"^hcforc  Santa  Cruz. 

TbflBeiu,  SOiL  July,  170T. 

snour  to  acquaint  you,  that  I  am  come  here 
"immediate  surrender  of  the  Ship  El  Principe 
Manilla  bound  to  Cadiz,  belonging  to  the 
ipany,  together  with  her  whole  and  entire 
all  such  other  cargoes  and  property  as  may 
in  the  Island  of  Tencriffc,  and  not  intended 
>tion  of  its  Inhabitants.  And,  as  it  is  my 
let  not  one  individual  inhabitant  of  the  Island 
>uld  suffer  by  my  demand  being  instantly  cora- 
Bfer  the  following  most  honourable  and  liberal 
111"  refused,  the  horrors  of  war,  which  will  fall  on 
i  of  Tcncriffe,  must  be  by  the  World  imputed 
p  you  only ;  for  I  shall  destroy  Santa  Cruz, 
Towns  in  the  Island,  by  a  bombardment,  and 
Igv  contribution  on  the  Island. 
^B         Article  1st. 

Bin>e  delivered  to  me ;  and  instantly  a  party  of 
shall  be  put  in  possession  of  the  gates. 
AnriCLB  2nd. 
"shall  lay  down  their  arms ;  but  the  Officers 
to  keep  their  swords,  and  ihe  Gairison,  with- 
in of  being  prisoners  of  War,  shall  be  tran- 
or  remain  in  the  Island  whilst  their  conduct 
proper,  as  the  Commanding  Officer  pleases. 

Article  3rd. 
bress  condition  that  the  full  and  entire  cargoes  of 
^sturias,  and  all  such  other  cjygoes  and  pro- 
lave  been  landed  on  the  Island  of  Teneriffo, 
pd  for  the  consumption  of  its  Inhabitants,  [shall 
l]  and  the  fiist  Article  complied  with,  not  the 
ition  shall  be  levied  on  the  Iidiabitants ;  but 
£  E  2 


420 


LETTERS. 


[1797. 


they  shall  enjoy  the  fullest  protection  in  their  persons  and 
properties. 

Article  4th. 

No  interference  whatever  shall  be  made  in  the  Holy  Ca- 
tholic Religion  ;  the  Ministers  of  it,  and  and  all  its  Religions 
Orders,  shall  be  considered  as  under  my  especial  care  and 
protection. 

Article  3th. 

The  Laws  and  Magistrates  shall  be  continued  88  at  present, 
unless  by  the  general  wish  of  the  Islanders.  These  Terms 
subscribed  to,  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  Santa  Cruz  shall 
lodge  their  arms  in  one  house,  under  the  joint  care  of  the 
Bishop  and  Chief  Magistrate;  and  it  will  be  my  pride  to 
consult  vnili  those  Gentlemen,  what  may  be  most  advantageous 
for  the  Inhabitants.  Horatio  Nelson. 

I  allow  half  of  one  hour  for  acceptance  or  rejection. 

Horatio  Nelson.- 


TO  ADMIRAL  SIR  JOHN  JERVIS,  K.B. 

[From  «  Copy  iu  ilip  NVlgon  Papers.  A  full  Recount  of  tLe  piocMdings  umI  Ckiliirr 
f<f  Uio  Squadron  (it  Teiierilfc  will  be  fuuui]  in  Nrl.son'>4  Journal,  ami  iu  Cuptiun  TrOii. 
Li-idge'H  Mepari.  (Vide  p.  4'.!7,  post.)  It  i*.  iliorefojr,  only  nccesMury  to  oWm 
berr,  that  Ibe  Ili-sl  attem]it  n<;iuiis(  SantR  t'ruz  was  iuteiidnd  to  have  Wto  iniidc  iu 
ilie  iu|(lit  or  the  '-^ist,  but  the  Sliipn  were  discovered  before  they  cSeeted  a  landing. 
The  fulloiriiiK  Ltitt^r,  wbieb  announced  Nel»ou'>  iiit4?utioti  to  i'puew  tb«  kttuk  is 
penon.  during  llic  night  ofMouduj,  tht>  iUh  of  July,  is  gnpposed  to  \m  tli»  last  he 
««vi;r  wmtf  wiili  bi«  light  huEd,  and  Clarke  mid  M'.\rtlinr  h«ye  given  a/uc  timilf  of 
it.  ThoHe  writem  htule  ilinl  previous  to  the  iittAclc,  NcLton,  nntli  »oiue  of  the  C»p- 
toins  of  hi«  Squadron,  Hiijipcd  on  board  the  SeaLonMf,  Captiun  Fremiuillc,  ni  TtiwM 
table  the  lady,  whom  he  hml  lately  tnarried  in  tlie  Afrdiierraneiui.  pr^mded,  and  mIdtJiil 
"  Ni'lHOn,  on  leaving  the  Theseus,  being  Keiwible  of  the  e-stn'mi-  danger  to  which  lie 
was  about  to  bo  exposed,  hod  called  his  son-in-luw,  lieilteliaiit  Ni»bcl.  who  had  thu 
vrnteh  on  deck,  into  the  cabin,  that  he  niiglit  MJ»«iiil  iu  arnuiging  and  biiniing  hit 
.Mother's  lelten ;  \\1ii>n  perceiving  that  the  yonng  man  was  aiincd,  hr  hod  lie^^geU  of  hint 
earnestly  to  reinnin  behind,  adding,  ■  Should  we  both  fall,  Joslah,  whatvonld  bocotne 
of  your  poor  Mother  ?  The  care  of  the  Thesena  falls  to  rou ;  »t«y,  tlirreforr,  autl  taJke 


^  On  tlie  Paper  containing  the  dronght  of  this  Letter,  Nelson  wrote  (be  Ajllowios 
Memoranda: — 

r>t1,  Lannch.  QO..  Frigate**  Lancch. 

'in.  Barge.  •    2ri,  Barge. 

U.  Yawl.  j:l,  Cntter.  410 

in,  Pinnnce.  I7i 


U»8 


68 


bOO 


38.]  LETTERS.  421 

PP*  of  lipr.'  '  Sir,'  replied  Ni.<tbet, '  the  Sliixi  inu»(  Ulcc  cnre  of  henieir.  t  will 
(itMli  yon  lo-night,  if  I  never  go  ngniii." — Cffirkc  fiiH  M'Artliur^  vol.  ii.  yo. 
'bu«vpr  other  nrrkngicniRikiA  Nelnuu  mnj  Lnve  miulc,  lie  certulnly  iliil  not  (kttUruy 
I  Wife's  Letter!),  because  lliey  still  exist  Bmoiig  liie  Nclsou  Papers.] 

My  dear  Sir,  Tliescws,  off  SanU  Cmr,  July  'riilb,  b  r.M. 

I  shall  not  enter  on  the  Bubject  while  we  are  not  in  posses- 
sion of  Santa  Cruz  ;  your  partiality  will  give  credit,  that  all 
has  hitherto  been  done  which  was  possible,  but  without  effect : 
!  this  night  I,  humble  as  I  am,  command  the  whole,  destined  to 
L  land  under  the  batteries  of  the  Town,  and  to-morrow  my 
^Bcad  will  probably  be  crowned  with  either  lamrel  or  cypress, 
^Bhavc  only  to  recommend  Josiah  Nisbet  to  you  and  my 
^Bountry.  With  every  affectionate  wish  for  your  health,  and 
^■rery  blessing  in  this  world,  believe  me  your  most  faithful, 
^™  UoRATio  Nelson, 

The  Duke  of  Clarence,  should  I  fall  in  the  service  of  my 
King  and  Country,  will,  I  am  confident,  take  a  lively  interest 

Ir  ray  Sou-in-Law,  on  his  name  being  mentioned. 
-: 
lea 


TO  Ills  EXCELLENCE  DON  ANTONIO  CITIERREZ. 
COMMANDAN'r-GENERAL  OF  THE  CANAKV    ISLANDS 


Sir, 


fFrom  ItArrisoirn  "  life  ofNt'koii,"  vol.  I.  p.  'IV>.\ 

His  Mttjeaiy's  Sliip  TIiphpm*.  opponito  Saula  Crui  dc  TenerilTe, 
■iOib  JiiIt,  ITUr, 


I  cannot  take  my  departure  from  this  Island,  without  rc« 
pluming  your  Excellency  my  sincerest  thanks  for  your  atten- 
^Hon  towards  mc,  by  your  humanity  in  favour  of  our  wounded 
^Ben  in  your  power,  or  under  yotir  care,  and  for  your  gene- 
^B^il^y  towards  all  our  people  who  were  disembarked,  which  I 
>hall  not  fail  to  represent  to  my  Sovereign,  hoping  also,  at  a 
proper  time,  to  assure  your  Excellency  in  person  how  truly  I 
_am.  Sir,  3'our  most  obedient,  humble  servant, 

Horatio  Nelson. 


422  LETTERS.  [1797. 


TO  ADMIRAL  SIR  JOHN  JERVIS,  K.B. 

f  From  B  Copy  in  the  Nelson  Papcn,  print<jd  in  the  London  G«e1ie  nf  Srpun- 
Imt  2iiil,  17(17.  U  is  rcmarkoblp  that  in  lliin,  his  oRirinl  DixpaJih,  Nelson  dow 
DAI  lURUlion  iii«  o«ni  wound,  uf  wliicL  Uia  biogrn|ili«TS  (five  tUt;  fnUowiug  lueount:— 
"  Att«ii(li?il  bjr  liiB  Ron-in-kw,  Nelsou  had  proceeded  fpom  ibe  S<»hor»«  in  Ibe 
Mole  of  SHUtu  Cruz,  ntid  hud  there  receivfd  his  st'vuro  woiitid  £«  jrnijiv-sholj  Utrougl 
thf  riglit  flbow.  I^thf  same  Arc  linving  vrmindrd  »(«vfn  other  men  in  tJi*ir  ri^l 
•nnn,]  as  he  ww  in  tht'  act  vt  i)rii\riug  bio  Sword  oihJ  ntciiping  ont  uf  the  Bod. 
'i'hia  Swotd,  which  he  hiui  so  h>ng  anil  deserredlv  vkined  fmiu  r«spe<.'l  Uv  hi»  itudc 
Mnaricf.'  Suckling,  was  graspud,  when  falling,  iu  Ids  left  baud,  uolwithstAnding  lltf 
Affoiiy  he  ru<liir*^d.  Lieiitcnnut  Nitdwl,  who  lind  rcDiaiiK^  rl<>Ke  to  Iiitn,  aaw  bi< 
fatlir-rin-law  wuiiuded  from  the  tretuendous  fire  of  the  Spaniards,  ui)d  Ui'Ud  hia 
rxrliuin,  '  I  ain  shot  through  the  ami,  I  am  a  dead  man.'  Nislict  placed  him  al  llw 
Imtluui  iif  the  Bunt,  tuid  utecrtiug  that  (he  bight  of  the  quantity  of  blttod  which  iiail 
rmihcd  trout  th<-  shntit-rpd  itrin  seemed  to  increase  the  raiiilue«s,  lie  took  off  hi*  b«l 
to  riiucenl  it.  He  then  with  grciil  presence  of  mind  examined  the  vtntv  of  tlir 
wound,  and  holding  the  bhiittered  arm  to  lU  to  ittaneh  the  UoimI,  he  took  nou*  silk 
Lundkerchiefi)  from  Ids  neck,  and  bound  Ihem  tightly  nbox^e  the  la«>eraied  icMrJi; 
but  for  tluM  attention,  Nelson,  ii»*  he  iifterwnnls  declured,  mnxl  hure  jHTiKhcd.  Mr. 
Niitbet  was  Bssisipd  by  ft  seanmu  of  the  name  of  Lovel,  mie  of  the  Admind'*  Barge- 
men ;  who,  Imving  torn  his  kIutI  into  shred*,  consitmcted  h  ftlijig  for  the  wotindrd 
Arm.  They  then  collected  fiYe  other  seiuuen,  and  ut  length,  with  their  a>.si«l<iurc 
got  tlio  Boat  afloat,  which  had  grounded  from  the  fntling  of  the  tide.  Hating  liiiit 
far  snceeeded,  Lieuteniiut  NLsbet  took  one  of  the  ours  iliiit  n'niiiiued,  and  nrdorrd  tbe 
inan  who  ateered  to  gii  close  under  the  gnu*  of  the  bAlterie«.  tJial  iher  might  be  udi' 
from  llieir  tremeudnus  flre.  The  voire  of  hi*  son-in-law  enforcing  tlii»  judiriou* 
order,  roused  Nel^iou  from  his  fainting  sinte,  und  he  immediittely  desired  lo  be  lifted 
U|i  in  the  boat,  thiit,  to  u«c  hif'  own  words,  '  he  lutK'ht  bxjk  a  little  nhoiit  Uim ;'  be 
was  aceonlingly  rained  by  Ni^bet.  The  scene  of  desirnciion  and  the  tempevtiiou* 
sea  witre  nublimely  dreadful :  a  painful  uncertainty  prevailed  n'specting  tlie  fal»  uf  hi* 
brnve  oonipanioa^;  when,  on  a  nndden,  a  general  uliriek  from  the  orew  nt  the  Fot, 
which  had  tttnik  from  n  mIioI  rIic  hail  received  under  water,  made  the  Admiral  form't 
hia  own  weak  and  puiofnl  stutc.  iVf any  were  rescued  frtmi  n  watery  gTiti\r  b}  Nelson 
himself,  whojie  humane  nxertiouR  uti  this  ocromnu  added  eonsideraidy  to  the  agony 
and  danger  of  hi*  wound.  Ninety-»eveu  men.  ineludiug  Lieutenant  Gibsiin,  wrre 
lost,  ond  eighty-three  were  saved.  The  tirst  Ship  whieh  the  Boat  could  iroeh.  Lap- 
]ien»l  to  be  tlie  Sealiorae ;  but  nothing  could  induce  the  .\diuind  in  g<i  nu  board, 
tlioagh  he  was  aMiircd  that  it  might  be  at  the  rii*k  of  his  life,  if  tiiey  juiempl«d  lo 
row  lo  iinoiber  Ship :  '  Then  I  will  die,'  he  exclnjmed,  '  for  1  would  naher  huBm 
death  than  alarm  Mrs.  Fremanlle  by  her  seeing  me  ui  thi)^  state,  and  when  I  ran 
give  her  no  lidingti  whatever  of  her  husband.  They  accordingly  proceeded  without 
further  delay  for  the  The$en»;  when,  notwithstanding  the  increased  pais  aiul  weak- 
ness which  he  e:$i>ericnced,  he  peremptorily  refnsed  all  nsaiatanee  in  geuiug  on 
board :  •  l^t  me  (done,  I  have  yet  my  lega  left,  and  one  onu.  Tell  the  anri^an  (o 
moke  haute  and  get  bin  instruments.  I  know  I  must  lose  mjr  right  urn,  m  the 
sooner  it  is  off  the  better." — Clarke  tuiit  M' Arthur,  vol.  d.  p.  'ii'>. 

Home  acconnt  of  wlmt  passed   after  the  Admiral  bod  been  wounded,  is  eoa- 
tMued  in  a  letter  tnm  Mr.  Hosie,  one  of  the  tnidsliiptaoDt  to  lii»  ikiLor.    "  At  two 


o'clock    [in    the    inoraiDf;]   Admind  Nelsou   retnri]«»d  on   bourd,   bdup   drpudfiilly 
jQuodcd  in  ihn  riglu  ami  with  «  gr«pe-«hot.     1  leuve  you  to  judgr  of  my  Bitu«iioii, 
I'U  t  bebuld  our  Iwiii  iqiproiub  with  liiin  who  I  may  nay  bu  beeaa  Micx)ud  I'utLpr 
me,  lila  right  nrtu  diuigliu^  tiy  hiii  Midc,  wUiUt  with  Lite  Other  he  helped  hiiuHclf 
Ijuni]!  np  th««  Sliip%  side,  und  with  n  spirit  that  Bstonishcd  fvrry  otic,  told  the  sur- 
Dn  U>  get  hiB  iiuilniineiilK  reiuly.  for  he  knew  he  iniiHt  lose  hi*  urn,  iind  tliMt  the 
>iicr  it  WM  olTthc  hcitcr.     lie  iiuderweui  the  AiiipiitAtiou  \»ith  the  -latue  nriiu)e»» 
ooan^  that  havo  »lwiiy»  marked  his  ehurricter.'" — Memoirs  o/  Caplain  Sir 
fiUiam  HiMitr,  Tol.  i.  p.  73.J 


Sir, 


Theseus,  offSuiU  Crtui,  27 Ui  July,  1797. 


In  obedience  to  your  orders  to  make  a  vigorous  attack  on 
ta  Cruz,  in  the  Island  of  Teoeriffo,  I  directed  from  the 
ips  under  my  command,  1000  men,  including  Marines,  to 
prepared  for  lantling,    under   tlic    direction   of  Captain 
Troubridge,  of  his  Majesty's  Ship  Ciilloden,  and  Captains 
Hood,  Thompson,    Frcmanlle,    Bowcn,    Miller  and  Waller, 
vrho  very  handsomely  volanlecred  their  services  ;  and  although 
I  am  under  the  painful  necessity  of  acqutunting  you  that  we 
,ve  not  been  able  to  succeed  in  our  attack,  yet  it  is  my  duty 
state  that  I  believe   more  daring   intrepidity  was  never 
cwn  than  by  the  Captains,  Officers,  and  Men  you  did  me 
c  honour  to  place  under  my  command.' 
Enclosed  I  transmit  to  you  a  list  of  tlie  killed  and  wounded, 
d  amongst  the  former,  it  is  with  the  deepest  sorrow,  I  have 
o  place  the  name  of  Captain  Richard  Bowen,  of  his  Majesty's 
Ship  Terpsichore,  than  whom  a  more  enterprising,  able,  and 
llant  Officer  does  not  grace  his  Majesty's  Naval  service  ;  and 
ith  great  regret  I  have  to  mention  the  loss  of  Lieutenant 
John  Gibson,  Commander  of  the   Fox  cutter,,  and  a  great 

t>f  gallant  Officers  and  men. 
I  have  the  honour  to  be,  Sir, 
With  the  greatest  respect. 
Your  most  faithful  and  obedient  Servant, 
Horatio  Nelson. 

*  In  the  Copy  in  iLe  Nelaun  Papers  the  following  paragrapb  ocotim  b«rc,  hut  it 
i«  not  in  the  Letter  in  ihe  Londoo  Oazelle  : — "  AimI  the  Joiimal  which  I  triuisniii 
you  brrewitb  will,  1  hope,  coD%-i]icc  you  that  my  abiUiicts,  humble  at  they  are, 
have  b«eti  exerted  on  tlie  present  ocosniou." 


.Shi 
^^it 


424 


LETTEB& 


[1191. 


I.18T  OF  KILLED,  WOUNDED,  DHOWNED,  ANT)  MI^SINOj  Or  UtS 
majesty's  sniFS  under- mentioned,  in  storming  SANTA 
CRUZ,  IN  THE  ISLAND  Olr*  TENERIFPE,  ON  THE  KIGHT  Of 
THE  24th  of  JULY,  1797. 

Theseus. — 8  Bcatnon,  4  marines,  killed;  25  seamen 
wounded ;  34  seamen  and  marines  drowned, 

Culiodcn. — 1  seaman,  2  marines  killed;  12  seamen,  6  ma- 
rines, wounded ;  36  seamen  and  marines  drowned- 

Zealous. — 3  seamen,  2  marines,  killed ;  19  seamen,  2  ma- 
rines, wounded. 

Leander. —  1  seaman,  5  marines,  killed;  1  seaman,  4  ma- 
rines, wounded ;  1  ditto  missing. 

Seahorse. — 2  seamen  killed ;  13  seamen,  1  marine,  wounded. 

Terpsichore. — 8  seamen  killed;  9  seamen,  2  marine^ 
wounded  ;  4  seamen  and  marines  missing. 

Emerald. — 5  seamen,  3  marines,  killed;  11  seamen 
wounded ;   10  seamen  and  marines  drowned. 

Fox  Cutter. — 17  seamen  and  marines  drowned. 

Total:  28  seamen,  16  marines,  killed;  90  seamen,  15 
marines,  wounded ;  97  seamen  and  marines  drowned ;  6 
seamen  and  marines  missing. 

Officers  killed. 

Richard  Bowen,  Captain  of  the  Terpsichore. 

Geoi^e  Thorpe,  First  Lieutenant  of  ditto. 

John  Weatherhead,  Lieutenant  of  the  Theseus. 

Wilham  Eam.shaw,  Second  Lieutenant  of  the  Leander. 

Raby  Robinson,  Lieutenant  of  Marines,  of  ditto. 

Lieutenant  Bashain,  Marines,  of  the  Emerald. 

Lieutenant  John  Gibson,  of  the  Fox  cutter,  drowned. 
Officers  wounded. 

Rear-Admiral  Nelson,  his  right  arm  shot  off. 

Captain  Thompson,  of  the  Leander,  slightly. 

Captain  Frcmantle,  of  tlie  Seahorse,  in  the  arm. 

Lieutenant  J.  Douglas,  of  ditto,  in  the  band. 

Mr.  Waits,  Midshipman,  of  the  Zealous. 

Horatio  Nelson. 


88.] 


LETTERS. 


425 


DEfAIL  OF  THE  PROCEEDINGS  OF  TfJE  EXPEDITION  AGAINST 
TIIE  rows  Of  SANTA  CJilZ,  IN  THE  LSLAND  OF  TENEIUFFE. 

I  pfVom  k  Copy  in  th«  Kelsou  rapvn>,  Uic  original  LitTing  apparently  been  tmu«i 
"^^  1  in  Ui*  prcecding  Leller.] 

On  Friday,  the  21st  inBtant,  (July,)  I  directed  to  be  em- 
rkcd  on  board  the  Seahorse,  Terpsichore,  and  Emerald - 
frigates,  one  thousand  men,  (including  250  Marines,  under 
be  command  of  Captain  Thomas  Oldfield,)  the  whole  com- 
led  by  Captain  Troubridgc,  attended  by  all  the  boats  of 
be  Squadron,  scaling-ladders,  and  every  implement  which  I 
bought  necessary  fpr  the  success  of  the  cntcrjirise.  I  directed 
It  the  Boats  should  land  in  die  night,  between  the  Fort  ou 
le  north-east  side  of  the  Bay  of  Santa  Cruz  and  the  Town, 
ad  endeavour  to  make  themselves  masters  of  that  Fort,  which 
»rhen  done,  to  send  in  my  Summons,  the  liberal  terms  of  which 
am  confident  you  will  approve. 

Although  the  Frigates  approached  within  three  miles  of  the 
ilace  of  debarkation  by  twelve  o'clock,  yet  from  the  imfore- 
ten  circumstance  of  a  strong  gale  of  wmd  in  the  offing,  and 
I  strong  current  against  them  in  shore,  they  did  not  approach 
rithin  a  mile  of  the  landing-place  when  the  day  dawned, 
rhich  discovered  to  the  Spaniards  our  force  and  intentions. 
my   approach  with  tlie  Line-of-Battle  Shijjs,  Captauis 
)ubridge  and  Bowen,  with  Captain   Oitlfield,  of  the  Ma- 
les, came  on  board,  to  consult  with  me  what  was  best  to  be 
>nc,  and  were  of  opinion,  if  they  could  possess  themselves  of 
»e  heights  over  the  Fort  above  mentioned,  that  it  could  be 
jrnicd,  to  which  I  gave  my  assent,  and  directed  the  Line- 
of-Battle  Ships  to  batter  the  Fort,  in  order  to  create  a  diver- 
sion ;  but  this  \fas  found  impracticable,  not  being  able  to  get 
nearer  the  shore  than  three  miles,  from  a  calm  aud  contrary 
currents,  nor  could  our  men  possess  themselves  of  the  heights, 
as  the  Enemy  had  taken  possession  of  them,  and  seemed  as 
ADxious  to  retain  &c.  as  we  were  to  get  them.     Urns  foiled 
roy  original  plan,  I  considered  it  for  the  honour  of  our 
Ling  and  Country  not  to  give  over  the  attempt  to  possess 
rselves  of  the  Town,  that  our  enemies  might  be  convinced 
lerc  is  nothing  which  EngUshmcn  arc  not  equal  to ;  and 


426 


LETTER& 


[1797. 


confident  in  the  bravery  of  those  who  would  be  employed  In 
the  service,  I  embarked  every  person  from  the  shore  on  the 
22Dd  at  night. 

On  the  24th,  I  got  the  Ships  to  an  anchor  about  two  miles 
to  the  northward  of  the  Town,  and  made  every  shew  for  ■ 
disposition  of  attacking  the  heights,  which  apf)oared  to  answer j 
the  end,  from  the  great  number  of  people  they  had  placed 
on  them.  The  Loauder,  Captain  Thompson,  joined 
afternoon,  and  her  Marines  were  added  to  the  force  beforf" 
appointed,  and  Captain  Thompson  also  volunteered  his  ser- 
vices. 

At  11  o'clock  at  night  the  Boats  of  the  Squadron,  cor 
talning  between  six  and  seven  hundred  men,  one  hundred  and 
eighty  men  on  board  the  Fox,  Cutter,  and  about  seventy 
eighty  men  in  a  Boat  we  had  taken  the  day  before,  pnx'ccdc 
towards  the  Town.     The  divisions  of  the  Boats,  conducted  b^ 
all  the  Captains,  except  Fremantle  and  Bowen,  who  att^ude 
with  me  to  regulate  and  lead  the  way  to  the  attack  ;  ever 
Captain  being  acquainted  that  the  landing  was  to  be  made  o| 
the  Mole,  and  from  whence  they  were  to  proceed,  as  fast 
|X)S8ible,  into  the  Great  Square,  where  they  were  to  form,  and 
proceed  on  such  services  as  might  be  found  necessary.     Wf 
were  not  discovered  till  within  half  gun-shot  of  the  landin 
)lace,  when  I  directed  the  Boats  to  cast  off  from  each  othoi 
jive  an  hurra,  and  push  for  the  shore. 

A  fire  of  thirty  or  forty  pieces  of  cannon,  with  muskotrj 
from  one  end  of  the  Town  to  the  other,  ojiencd  upon  us,  bi 
lothing  could  stop  the  intrepidity  of  the  Captains  leading 
divisions.     Unfortunately,  the  greatest  part  of  the  Boats  did 
not  see  the  Mole,  but  went  on  shore  through  a  raging  st 
which  stove  all  the  Boats  to  the  left  of  it. 

For  the  detail  of  their  proceedings,   I  send  you  a  copy 
Captain  Troubridge's  account  to  me,"  and  I  cannot  but  expr 


'  TO    HOBATIO   mLSOK,    ESQ.,    REAn-ADMtBAL   Or  TBI    8LVX. 

[Origiiul,  in  the  Nelson  Papers.] 

"  Cullodea,  3Ath  Jnljr,  17»7. 
"  Sir, 

"  Fraui  Iho  du-loicfes  of  the  uigtit,  I  did  not  immediaU'lj  hit  ihe  Mole,  Uie  •{ 
Appointed  to  land  «l,  b«t  pushed  ou  shore  under  the  F.ucmy'B  batter)-,  plo»e  to  i 
southward  of  tho  Citadel.    Captain  Wdler  lauded  at  the  suae  instwit,  nnd  two 


r.  38.] 


LETTERS. 


427 


Imiration  of  the  finnuess  with  which  he  and  his  brave 
iates  supported  the  lionour  of  the  British  Flag. 
Captains  Fremantle,  Bowen,  and  myself,  with  four  or  five 
Its,  stormed  the  Mole,  although  opposed  apparently  by  400 
600  men,  took  jyossession  of  it,  and  spiked  tbc  gnns;  but 
ich  a  heavy  fire  of  musketry  and  grape-shot  was  kept  up 

[fltiicr  iMkts.  TLe  surf  wu  no  higli,  mftii;  put  bock :  the  bo«Ls  were  full  uf 
fin  an  instant,  and  stovp  agBiiwt  tlip  rooIcK,  und  inoat  of  the  uninuuitiou  iu  the 
pciK'lirv  wet.  As  soon  us  I  had  collccled  u  f(<w  men.  I  itnmcdiaivlT  {iiiBhed, 
Capuia  Wftller.  for  the  Squtrc,  tJic  ploee  of  liendezvous,  in  hopes  of  there 
rting  you  Mid  the  remaixtder  of  the  p^nple,  atid  wiilteU  ahoiil  nn  huur,  dnring 
icdi  time  I  neut  a  Sergeant  nith  two  genllemcu  of  the  Tonii,  tu  siiiumous  the 
If  1.     I  fear  the  Sergeant  wm  shot  on  his  way,  as  I  beard  nothing  of  him  aflcr- 

the  Inddcm  being  all  lost  iu  the  snrf,  or  not  to  be  found,  uo  immediate  attempt 

aid  lie  uiad«  un  llie  Citadel.     I  therefore  inarched  to  join  Captaiua   Hood  and 

r,  who,  I  had  intelligence,  hud  niiuh-  good  Iheir  lauding  to  the  S.W.  of  thi.< 

ee  I  did,  with  a  body  of  men.     I   endeavoured  then  to  procure  Koiue  iut4-l- 

hnee  of  yon,   and  the  rest   of  the  offirer«,  without  success.      By  day-break, 

J  cuU<*cted  about  eighty  Marines,  eighty  I'ike-inen,  and   one   biiudred  and 

:ily  aniall  ano  Seamen.     Thc^e,  J  ftniiid,  were   ull  that  Mere  alive  that   hiul 

de  good  Iheir  lauding.     With   this  force,  having  procured  some   lunmunitiou 

the  Spnuish  [irisooers  we  had  roatle,  we  were  maiching  to  trj'  wlmt  i:yiild 

•  done  with  the  Citad*'!  wiihntit  laddera ;  but  found  the  wliole  of  the  sf rrntji  com- 

jlMnded  by  field-pieces,  and  upwar<li<  of  eiglit  ihouaand  Spaninrd.s  and  une  hundix'd 

*D«h  under  atui»,  a]ii>i oacliing  by  every  avenue.    As  the  boats  wrere  all  stova,  ujid 

•w  no  pot^ibitity  of  t,'i-itiiig  more  men  on  xbore — (he  ainmuniiiou  wet,  and  no 

viaiiiiia — I  sent  Captain  Hood  with  a  Flag  of  Truce  lo  the  r.ovcmor,  to  «ay  I 

pri'pwed   to  bnni  the  Town,  whicli  I   <)hniild   iirunedialely  put  in  force  if  he 

bpruachcd  our  inch  further:  and,  at  ihi'  xamc  lime.  I  denired  Captiuii  Hood  lo 

py  it  would  be  done  witii  regret,  im  I  had  uo  wish  to  injure  the  inhubitiuits  ;  tliat 

'he  would  cnme  to  my  lenu"*,  I   «!La  vimrty  to  treat,  whicli  Im  reudilv  a^eed  to; 

copy  of  which   I  huii  the  honour  to  send  yon  by  Captain  Waller,  which,  I  ho|>c, 

meet  jour  approbation,  and  appear  highly  honourable. 

the  '(nioJI  body  of  uieu,  and  ilie  greatiT  part  being  pike  and  Nmall-arm  aea- 
D,  wliicli  can  be  only  called  irregulam,  with  very  little  aiomunition  in  thepourbos 
bat  wu!<  wet  in  the  surf  at  lauding,  I  could  not  ex^iect  lo  iuceecd  in  any  at- 
upuu  the  Enemy,  who^e  !»ai»erior  strength  I  liavc  before  mrnlioued.     The 
Offlcerij  aHstire  me   they  expected   nx,  and  were  perfectly  prepared  with 
batteries,  and  the   number  of  men  I  have  before  mentioned  under  arms : 
the  great  disadvantage  of  a  rocky  const,  high  anrf,  and  in  the  face  of  forty 
i  of  OMiaoD,  tbongh  we  were  not  saccessAil,  will  ahew  what  an  Englkhmaa  is 

I  have  the  houonr  to  be, 

With  great  rei*peel,  Sir, 

Vonr  most  obedient  humble  servant, 

T.  TanuDBtDas. 
P,S.  I  beg  to  say,  liiat  when  the  Tcrnu  were  wgued  and  ralificd,  Uie  GoTemor, 


428 


LETTEnS. 


[1797. 


from  the  Citadel  and  houses  at  the  head  of  the  Mole  lliat  we 
could  not  advance,  and  we  were  all  nearly  kilted  or  wounded' 

The  Fox,  Cutter,  in  rowing  towards  the  Town,  recr^ 
shot  under  water,  from  one  of  the  Enemy's  distant  l»aii 
immediately  sunk,  and  Lieutenant  Gibson,  her  Commandeti 
with  ninety-seven  men,  were  drowned. 

I  must  not  omit  to  acquaint  you  of  the  satisfaction  I  received 
from  the  conduct  of  Lieutenant  Baynes,  of  the  Royal  Artilicrj', 
not  only  from  the  ardour  with  which  ho  undertook  every  sc^ 
vice,  but  also  from  his  professional  skill. 


JOURNAL. 


BKMABKB   BTC.   oh   SOASO   Mil   KMISTl'a   SHIP   T8B»KC«. 


[From  a  Copy,  io  tkcNeUon  Papcn.] 


ITW. 


Friday,  July  14th. — Wind  S.S.W,  Moderate  breezes  and 
cloudy  weather.  At  half-past  8,  I  weighed,  and  made  sail  to- 
wards the  Fleet.  At  noon,  I  received  my  orders  from  Sir 
John  Jervis,  K.B.,  Commander-in-Chief,  &c.  to  take  under  my 
command  ll.M.  Ships  Theseus,  Cullodcn,  Zealous,  I*eander, 
Seahorse,  Terjisichore,  Emerald,  and  Fox  Cutler,  and  Mortar 
boat. 

July  loth. — Wind  S.S.W.  Moderate  breezes  and  cloudy. 
At  5  A.M.,  made  signal  for  the  Captains  of  the  S(^uadron 
under  my  command  (except  the  Leander  and  Terpsichore,  who 
were  to  join  me  at  sea)  and  gave  them  orders  to  put  ihcro- 

ili  Uie  liaiulsoniest  maniipr,  senl  a  ]argv  projiortiou  of  wiuc,  bre«i4,  &«.,  Xo  nfWctt 
llie  i>coi>Ip,  nnd  «liewe<l  every  in*rk  of  iitteDtaoii  iu  Lis  power. 

A  copy  of  tb is  Letter,  in  the  Nelson  Paper*,  contiuiix  the  fullnn'm);  iulililiou«i 
IMnigrapli,  ntUr  the  words  "  is  equal  to,"  but  it  is  not  in  lite  Origio*!  Li-ttcr ; — 

"  1  Imve  tbe  plea>>iire  to  acqawnt  yoti,  ibnt  we  mtirchcJ  through  tlia  Town  od  wr 
rvtiirn,  with  tbe  British  Colonrs  flung  at  our  bewl. " 

'  Clarke  auil  M'.Vrthitr  state  that — "  Tliis  IaaC  nenteiice  if>  oii]|  foiwil  iu  Um>  rougti 
MS.  cnpj  of  this  .lourBAl  dictntcd  by  the  Aduiml,  mid  drawn  np  by  the  Secppt*ry ; 
»ud  hiut  n  pen  drnwii  M<r«is  it,  iw  if  Nelson  hud  resolved  not  to  speak  lilmMif  of  du* 
wnauil  hp  liA<l  rcceive<l ;"  but  thotr  sUieroent  is  not  boriie  old  by  ib<i  Copy  nvie  in 
the  NeUon  Pupern. 


38.] 


LZTTEBft. 


res  under  my  oomaaid,  t 

[case  of  separation.     At  6,  wiigbul,  and  maitt  wA  to  Ae 
tward,   vriili   H.M.    Slips   CoBoden^  Zeain 
;rald,  Fox  Cutter,  and  Gun-boal  in  tov. 
seTeral  scaling-Iadden  fimn  tbe  JVeL 
Majesty's   [^^>p]  Alcmcne  and  Coamj  fin 
It  the  Emerald  to  look  oat  W.N.W.  fir  ijhe 
[11,  wore  the  Squadron,  and  made  all  sail  to  W.N.W. 
>unday,  July  16tk— Wind  W.N,W. ;    Cape  St.  Viooent 
It  30  leagues ;  light  airs  and  ckar  weatber.     At  5, 1  was 
by   lib   Majesty's   Ships   Terpsidiore  and  Blancbe. 
Captain  Bowen  orders  to  pat  tiitw— if  mder  mj  com- 
id.    Parted  company  with  the  Bbodke,  and  Mood  oo  with 
Squxtdron  under  my  commaDd.     At  I  AJt^  ordered  tbe 
lerald  and  Seahorse  (o  diase  in  the  SwS.£. :   made  and  , 
Drteued  sail  occasionally  :  Squadron  in  company. 

[onday,  July  17  th. — Wind  N.W.     North  point  of  Tene- 
le  S.   46°  W.  distant  166  leagues.     Moderate  breezes  and 
weather.      Stowed  the  anchors:    shortened  aafl  occa- 
\j.    At  10  iLM.,  made  signal  for  the  Captains  of  tbe 
ron  to  come  on  board  and  receive  my  fiirther  instmc- 
IS.     At  II,  bore  up  with  the  Squadron  in  company. 
[Tuesday,  July  18ib.    Wind  N.E.     North  part  of  Teneriffe 
47  W.,  distant  117  leagues.     Moderate  breezes  and  clear 
_ weather.     Made  and  shortened   sail  occasionally.     General 
il  for  Midshipmen :  directed  the  Sraall-arm-mcn  to  exer- 
theroselves,  and  fire  at  a  target.     At  noon,  fresh  breezes 
cloudy.     Squadron  in  company. 
[Wednesday,    19th.— Wind    N.E.  by   E.     Teneriffe   bears 
4.V  W.,  distant  63  leagues.     Fresh  breezes  and  clear  wea- 
ther.   Made  and  shortened  sail  occasionally :  Squadron  in  cora- 
jy.     Directed  the  Theseus  to  make  a  slay  for  an  cightecn- 
iinder;  tbe  CuUoden  and  Zealous  each  to  make  a  platform, 
the  Seahorse  to  make  a  platform  for  a  nine-pounder, 
"hureday,  July  20th.— Wind  N.N.E. :  Teneriffe  S.  33°  W.. 
Itant  13  leagues:  fi'esh  breezes  and  clear  weather.     Made 
shortened  sail  occasionally :  Squadron  in  company.  Made 
general  signal  for  Captains, 
lyridiiy,  July   21st.— Wind  N.N.E. :  North-East  pfjint  of 


430 


LETTER& 


TenenfTe  W.  by  S.,  ^  S.  distant  9  leagues :  moderate  breei 
and  cloudy  weather.     Made  and  shortened  sail  occasionalljl 
At  fotir  P.M.  shortened  sail,  and  hove  to,  to  the  N.W.     At  six7 
flaw  the  Island  of  Teneriiie  hearing  W.  ^  S.,  distant  10  or 
eagaes.     At  eight  A.M.  made  the  signal  for  the  Squadron 
[.Wear  to  the  eastward,  and  hoist  out  their  Boats  to  take 
Marines  and  Sniall-armed-men  on  board  the  Seahorse,  Terpsi- 
chore, and  Emerald.     Made  a  general  signal  for  Captaina, 
gave  them  Rules,  Orders,  and  Regulations  for  their  landing  «H^ 
^  Santa  Cruz.     Sent  Captains  Troubridge,  Hood,  ami    MilicipH 
with  the  rest  of  the  Officers,  Marines,  and  small-armed  men  on 
board  the  Frigates.     Wore  the  Line-of-Battle  Ships  to  tl 
f eastward:  in  sight  at  noon — the  Seahorse,  Terpsichore,  and 
Emerald ;  Culloden  and  Zealous  in  company. 

Saturday,   July   22nd.— Wind    N.E.   by  E.:  Sania    tni 
N.W.  by   W.,  distaut  10  or  12  miles.     Fresh   breezes  ac 
cloudy  weather.     Squadron  in  com[>any.     Tacked  and  mad 
sflil  to  the  eastward.     North  end  of  Teneriffe  W\  by  N.,  H 
or  11  leagues.     At  seven,  bore  up  for  the  Island.     At  half- 
past  one  A.M.  shortened  sail,  and  hove  to  with  our  heads  to 
the  eastward.     At  half-past  three,  bore  up  for  Santa  Cri; 
At  half-past  four,  saw  the  Seahorse,  Terpsichore,  and  Emeral 
off  Santa  Cruz,  with  the  Mortar-boat  and  the  Ships'  bos 
pulling  off  shore.     At  six.  Captains  Troubridge  and  Bowci 
with  Captain  Oldfield  of  the  Marines,  came  on  board  to  cot 
suit  with  me  what  was  best  to  be  done,  and  represented 
me,  although  the  Frigates  approached  within  three  miles  of  i 
place  of  landing  by  twelve  o'clock,  yet  from  tlic  unforeseel 
circumstance  of  a  strong  gale  of  wind  in  the  ofHng  and 
strong  current  against  them  in  shore,  they  did  not  approac 
within  a  mile  of  the  landing-place  when  the  day  dawnec 
which  discovered  to  the  Spaniards  their  force  and  intentions; 
and  were  of  opinion,  if  they  could  possess  themselves  of  tht 
heights  over  the  Fort,  that  it  could  be  stormed,  to  which 
gave  my  assent.     At  nine,  the  Frigates  anchored  in  shore,  ol 
the  etist  end  of  the  Town,  and  landed  their  men.     Stood  ot 
and  on  Santa  Cruz,  with  the  Line-of-Battle  Ships,  and  wor 
occasionally.     At  ten  o'clock,  made  the  signal  to  prepare  for 
battle,  intending  to  batter  the  Fort  with  the  Line-of>batti( 


JtT. 


LETTERS. 


ps,  in  order  to  create  a  diversion,  but  this  was  found  im- 
rticable,  not  being  able  to  get  nearer  the  shore  than  three 
les,  from  a  calm  and  contrary  currents:  nor  could  our  men 
themselves  of  the  heights,  as  the  Enemy  had  taken 
)58ession  of  them,  and  aceniod  as  anxious  to  retain  as  we 
?re  to  get  them. 

Sunday  23rd. — Santa  Cruz  distant  eight  or  ten  miles. 
>ng  gales  and  cloudy  weather.  At  four,  struck  top-gallant 
Its.  A.M.  at  half- past  one,  wore  the  Linc-of-Batilc 
ups.  At  day-light,  the  Zealous  took  a  Boat  from  the  Grand 
Janarics,  bound  to  Santa  Cruz  with  stock.  At  seven,  Cap- 
in  Troubridgc  came  on  board,  and  acquainted  me  of  his  not 
jing  able  to  get  possession  of  the  heights  over  the  Fort,  and 
lat  he  had  embarked  the  Troops  on  board  the  Frigates  the 
receding  evening.  At  nine,  made  the  signal  for  the  Frigates 
weigh  and  join  me.  At  noon,  employed  the  Boats  c^UTy- 
ihe  men  from  the  Frigates  to  the  Line-of-battle  Ships, 
tnding  off  and  on  :  Scpiadron  in  company. 
July  24th. — Santa  Cruz  N.W.  by  W.,  distant  five  or  six 
lilcs.  Fresh  gales  and  cloudy  weather.  Employed  taking  the 
camen  and  Marines  on  board  from  the  Frigates:  hoisted  all  the 
loats  in :  made  and  shortened  sail  occasionally.  Standing 
and  on  Santa  Cruz:  Squadron  in  company.  A.M.  at 
at,  Santa  Cruz  N.  four  leagues.  Answered  the  Ter]>sichorc 
lal  for  a  strange  sail  N.E. ;  made  the  private  signal,  which 
roved  his  Majesty's  ship  Lcandcr,  who  joined  the  Squadron 
noon.  Made  the  Terpsichore's  signal  to  anchor. 
Tuesday,  July  25ih.'— Wind  E.N.E.  Santa  Cruz  distant 
or  twelve  miles.  Strong  gales  and  clear  weather.  At 
le,  made  the  general  signal  to  anchor.  At  half-past  five  the 
cjuadron  anchored  a  few  miles  to  the  northward  of  Santa 
At  six,  made  the  signal  for  Boats  to  prepare  to  pro- 
ed  on  service,  as  previously  ordered.  At  eleven  o'clock, 
twcen  600  and  700  men  embarked  in  the  Boats  of  the 
quadron,  180  men  on  board  the  Fox  Cutter,  and  about  70 
or  80  men  in  a  Boat  wc  had  taken,  who  proceeded  in  six 


*  In  (koi  tlte  '^tli.    A  Ship'*  Log  ie  kept  from  Noon  to  Nooo,  so  Uuu  Uie  eveui* 
whicli  iiApiieued  aaer  Noon  <^  the  24tli,  would  be  cntored  under  Uie  2fiU). 


432 


LETTERS. 


division;),  under  Captains   Troubridge,    Hood,   Thompson, 
Miller,  and  Waller,  Captains  Fremantle  and  Bowen  ailen<l« 
iiig  the  Admiral  to  regulate  tlic  attack.     At  half-past  one 
A.M.,  we  got  within  half  gvm-shot  of  the  Mole  Lead,  MJtboul 
being  discovered,  when  the  alarm  bells  rang,  and  30  or  40 
pieces  of  cannon,  with  musketry  from  one  end   of  the  Town 
to  the  other,  opened  upon  us.     The  night   being  extremely 
dark,  it  was  only  the  Admiral,   Captains  Thompson,   Fre- 
mantle, and  Bowen,  with  four  or  five  boats  in  the  whole,  who 
found  the  Mole,  which  was  instantly  stonnod  and  carric'd, 
although  defended  by  400  or  500  men,  and  the  guns  (six 
24-ponndcrs,)  were  spiked ;  but  such  a  heavy  firo  of  musketry 
and  grape-shot  was  kept  up  from  the  Citadel  and  houses  &l 
the  head  of  the  Mole,  that  we  could  not  advance,  and  nearljr 
all  were  killed  or  wounded. 

Captains  Troubridgc,  Hood,  Miller,  and  Waller,  landed 
with  part  of  the  Boats  just  to  the  southward  of  the  Citadel, 
passing  through  a  raging  surf,  which  stove  all  the  Boats,  and 
wet  all  the  ammunition.  Notwithstanding  these  difficulties, 
they  pushed  over  the  Enemy's  line  wall  and  batteries,  and 
formed  in  the  Great  Square  of  the  Town,  about  80  marines, 
80  pikcmcn,  and  180  small-armed  seamen,  (total  340,)  where 
they  took  possession  of  a  convent,  from  whence  they  marched 
against  the  Citadel,  but  found  it  far  beyond  their  power  to 
take.  At  daylight,  from  prisoners  taken,  Captain  Troubridge 
found  there  were  8000  Spaniards  in  arms,  and  100  French, 
with  five  field-pieces,  assembled  at  the  entrance  of  the  Town; 
and  seeing  the  impossibility  of  getting  any  assistance  from  the 
Ships,  at  seven  o'clock,  he  sent  Captain  Hood  with  a  mcasage 
to  the  Governor,  that  if  he  should  be  allowed,  freely  and 
without  molestation,  to  embark  his  people  at  the  Mole-head, 
taking  off  such  of  our  Boats  as  were  not  stove,  and  that  the 
Governor  should  find  others  to  carry  off  the  people,  the  Squa- 
dron now  before  the  Town  would  not  molest  it.  The  Go- 
vernor told  Captain  Hood  he  thought  they  ought  to  surrender 
prisoners  of  war,  to  which  he  replied  that  Captain  Troubridge 
had  directed  him  to  say,  that  if  the  terms  he  had  offered  were 
not  accepted  in  five  minutes,  he  would  set  the  Town  on  fire, 
and  attack  the  Spaniards  at  the  point  of  the  bavonet.  on 


If.SS.] 


LETTERS. 


4Si 


^hlch  the  Governor  instantly  closed  with  the  Terms,*  when 
iptain  Troubridge  vith  hi$  party,  marched,  with  the  BritJBli 
)iirs  flying,  to  the  Mole,  where  they  embarked  in  such  of 
Boats  AS  were  not  stove,  the  Spaniards  fmding  others  to 
them  off  to  the  Ships.  And  here  it  is  right  that  we  should 
itice  the  generous  and  noble  conduct  of  Don  Juan  Antonio 
lulierrez,  the  Spanish  Governor.  The  moment  the  terms 
fere  agreed  to,  he  directed  our  wounded  men  to  be  received 
Ho  the  hoepitals,  and  all  our  people  to  be  supplied  with  the 
st  provisions  that  could  be  procured ;  and  made  it  known 
tat  tlie  Ships  were  at  liberty  to  send  on  shore  and  purchase 
whatever  refreshments  tliey  were  in  want  of  during  the  time 
bey  might  he  off  the  Island. 
The  Fox  Cutter,  in  approaching  towards  the  Town,  received 
shot  under  water  from  one  of  the  Enemy's  l>atlerics,  on 
|rbicb  she  immediately  sunk,  and  lieutenant  John  Gibson, 
fr  commander,  and  ninety-seven  men  were  drowned.  At 
even,  got  under  weigh.  S(}uadron  in  company,  standing  off 
ad  on. 

July  27th. — Received  the  remainder  of  the  Officers,  Sea- 
men, and  Marines  on  boarcL     Ordered  the  body  of  Captain 
lichard  Bowen*  to  be  committed  tolhedeep  with  the  honours 
war. 


*  rxjiut  AuaaiD  nrox  mra  the  ootkbxoi  or  tub  caxaby  i^laxps. 

<•  SmiIh  Crua,  2.^  Jnlf,  1797. 
"TJial  Uie  Troop!*,  Ah?,  belonging  to  his  Qritaunic  Miycslv  sliall  emliark  *iib  iJI 
tit  Wit  (if  even'  kiiiil,  anJ  take  llicir  BnaU  off,  if  ttavrd,  niut  Ik-  provided  Willi 
Bch  otiirr  Ns  muy  Ik-  wiuiiiuf!;;  in  consideration  of  wbicli  ii  in  eugnged  on  ilieir 
lh#j  chilli  not  mol«m  tli«  Town  in  any  manner  by  tlia  Sliipe  of  tke  Britisb 
Baadn>n  now  b<■ror^  It,  or  Mtj  of  the  Islftuds  in  Uie  CRunripp;  Nid  priwnMn)  ntaaU 
V<a  up  on  ^Hith  Kida*. 

"  Qiven  under  mj  Ltnd  and  word  of  honour, 

"  8am'  .  Hood. 
"  n«iifled  by 
"  T.  TnovBxiroB.  Commander  of  the  BritiBh  Tro<iii». 
"J".  Aktosio  Gt-TIBUKEZ,  Com'«.  Gen',  de  liu  Yslitn  de  timarift.' 
inal.  in  tb«  Neiwm  Pupew,  in  tho  hand-writing  of  Ciqitain  Hood,  »nd  •i|fu»'d 
by  him.  Capliun  Troubridge,  and  ibe  Sponixb  Governor, 
,  Memoir  and  P«.r«riul  of  lbi»  Kftllunt  ( ifflcer,  wlio  hud  frequonUy  distingwinheil 
t,  ore  gi»eu  itt  the  \aviil  Oiroiiicli',  vol,    mjii.   p.  -V>:1.      Th*  KnrI  of  Si. 
and  Nf Uoii  nnod  tprvai  io(«ftioiis  to itidnce  the  OoternuiMit  to  place  a  tnonu- 
Bi«nt  to  hi*  iteraory  iu  Wostminstrr  Abbey,  bitt  without  kucccm,  there  Iwing  ii» 

VOX*  II.  f  P 


434  LETTERS.  [1797 

Joined  I^rd  St  Vincent/  Wednesday,  August   16tb,  at  I] 
A.N. 

[To  tliia  NurratiTe  tbe  Runned  rough  S'ktlch  la  adJeil :] 


TO  ADMIRAL  SIR  JOHN  JER^TS,  K.B. 
[From  A  Fuc-timilc  iii  CUrke  and  M'.lrtliur,  vol.  ii.  p.  41.] 

Tbeaeiia,  July  2»tk.  1»07. 

My  dear  Sir^ 

I  am  become  a  burtlicn  to  my  iriends,  and  useless  to  my 
Country ;  but  by  my  letter  wrote  the  24th,  you  will  perceive 
my  anxiety  for  the  promotion  of  my  son-in-law,  Josiah 
Nisbet.  When  I  leave  y^ur  command,  I  become  dead  to  tJic 
World]  I  go  hence,  and  am  no  more  seen.  If  from  poor 
Bowen's  loss,  you  think  it  proper  to  oblige  me,  I  rest  con- 
fident you  will  do  it;  the  Boy  is  under  obligations  to  mei 
but  he  repaid  me  by  bringing  me  from  the  Hole  of  Santa 
Cruz. 

'  Tho  foUowiMJt  Letter  vras  Lord  St  Vjocem'ti  official  ncconnt  of  Uie  L\ih  liiinn, 
piiLII&ljed  in  tl|p  London  Onu-itv  of  the  'hxA  of  Septi-mber,  171)7  • — 

"Sir,  "Ville  de  furis,  oB't'iuli*.  Aiipist  Kiili,  l7»«7. 

"  I  dcxire  yon  will  ncqiiainttlie  T^onU  Comini^siouen  of  the  AilniintUr,  iliu  I  d« 
laelied  Rear  Admirnl  Nulsou.  oiid  the  S«]itiulrnii  luunod  in  the  murgin,*  widi  unlen 
to  iiinkc  lui  ntteuijii  upon  tlic  Tower  of  S«ni«  Cruit,  in  ihr  Istuul  uf  T«tierlffr, 
which,  from  n  variety  of  iiilfUigence,  I  t'onceived  was  \7ilneraUe.  Ou  SatnrJay  Ui« 
ir»th  of  July,  the  Hew  AdmiriU  imrted  compnuy,  and  on  Taesdny  iIip  IHUi,  tlw 
Lraiidor  Laving  joined  f^oni  Lialion,  I  sent  ber  After  Itu;  Itettr  Admind,  nndrr  ia- 
slnictions  left  by  liim. 

"The  lluernlil  joined  yesterdoy,  with  the  enclased  dii^pkli'h  atid  reports  frmu  ikr 
Keu'-Adiniml ;  and  olthongh  the  enterpriiic  has  not  :>acceedi;d,  liis  Majesty'*  arm* 
hfiw  acquired  a  Tery  great  degree  of  lastre.     Notliiug  from  my  |ien  can  ad«l  lo  th# 


»  TluseMs,  C'lilloden,  Zealnns,  Beafaorse,  Emerald.  Toqraicbora,  Fo«  (flnd>  Cnittr. 


I  Lope  you  will  be  able  to  give  me  a  frigate,  to  convey  the 
remains  of  my  carcase  to  England.     God  bless  you,  my  dear 
r,  and  believe  me,  your  most  obliged  and  faithful, 

lIoRATio  Nelson. 
You  will   excuse   my   scrawl,   considering  it  is  my  first 
Uempt. 
Sir  Jviia  JcnriB,  K3^. 


TO  ADMIRAL  SIR  JOHN  JERVIP,  K.B. 
[Aulogrifh,  ia  tint  Nelson  Papers.] 

TUvseua,  August  lOlh,  1707. 

My  dear  Sir, 

I  rejoice  at  being  once  more  in  sight  of  your  Flag,"  and  with 

permission  will  come  on  board  the  Ville  de  Paris,  and 

ly  you  my  respects.     If  the  Enierakl  has  joined,  you  know 

wishes.     A  left-handed  Admiral  will  never  again  be  con- 

jred  as  useful,  therefore  the  sooner  I  get  to  a  very  humble 

>ttiige  the  better,  and  make  room  for  a  better  man  to  serve 

ie  State  ;  but  whatever  be  my  lot,  believe  me,  with  the  most 

were  affection,  ever  your  most  faithful, 

Horatio  Nelson. 
Turn  over. 
The  papers  I  sent  by  Waller  were,  I  find,  neither  correct 
all  which  I  wislied  to  send.     I  send  you  the  total  by  Cap* 
io  Miller.^ 


tjogy  Uie  Rfar-AilmiriU  gives  of  tlie  gaUanlrr  of  ilie  Ofllcera  and  men  employed 
J«r  Lim.  I  \ia.\e  (^Tcaily  to  liuuent  the  lienvy  loss  the  Countr)'  has  siittloinetl  iu 
••etere  wauiiil  tif  RcorAcluiiral  Nel.<ioii,  luid  the  death  ufCaptniii  Jticliunl  Oi^wen, 
KUieumit  Gibisou,  aiii)  the  other  brnve  Officers  wid  Men  who  fell  iu  this  vi^urous 
.  pcrstrvering  n&snult. 

'  The  uibineiit  ihi>  Reiir  Adinirul  juius,  it  ia  my  luleuliou  to  send  Senkone  to  Kug- 
vltli  liiiu,  the  wound  (.'ii|ftaiti  I'reinmitl?  has  recciveii  in  his  lu-in  olsn  i-Piiniring 
Dge  of  cUiuuie ;  and  1  hojie  that  both  uf  tlieui  will  live  Iu  render  impoiiuui  at- 
to  lli«(r  King  Rtid  Cuuutry. 

"  I  nm,  Sir,  your  most  obedient  bumble  KenriMit, 

St.  Vikcbst." 
The  Theseuis  joined  Sir  Juhu  .ler\'i)i's  Fleet  on  tliiU  day. 

Nothing  conlii  be  mare  kind  or  encouraging  thun  LotU  ^\.  Vincent'*  nmwer: — 
"  My  dew  Admiml,  "  Ville  de  P«ri».  lOtli  Aupisl,  I70r. 

I'*  MortiUa  nuinot  roniTnaiid  §iiec«ai) ;  you  luid  your  L'oropauioiH  linve  enrliuuty 
il,  by  tJie  prealfst  degree  of  heroism  and  iirrseveranee  ilmt  ever  was  es 
t  ^«ve  for  the  lo»s  of  yoitr  arm.  ami  for  the  nttc  of  poor  Bowuu  ami  Oib- 
F  F  2 


48e 


LETTEBa 


TO  UVDY  NELSON. 


|,noin  »  Coitf,  iji  Uie  NeUou  Papers.] 


[1797. 


i:!i: 


Tliewas.  at  Sen.  Angnst  3td  [to  in 

My  dearest  Fanny, 
I  am  90  confident  of  your  aflecuon,  that  I  feel  the  pleasure 
you  will  receive  will  be  equal,  whether  my  letter  is  wrote  by 
ray  right  hand  or  left.  It  was  the  chance  of  war,  and  I  have 
great  reason  to  be  thankful ;  and  I  know  that  it  will  add  much 
to  your  pleasure  in  finding  that  Josiah,  under  God's  Provi- 
dence, was  principally  instrumental  in  saving  my  life.  As  to  my 
health,  it  never  was  belter;  and  now  1  hope  soon  to  return  to 
you ;  and  my  Country,  I  trust,  will  not  allow  me  any  longer 
to  linger  in  want  of  that  pecuniary  assistance  which  I  have 
been  fighting  the  whole  war  to  preserve  to  her.  But  I  shall 
not  be  surprised  to  be  neglected  and  forgot,  as  probably  I 
shall  no  longer  be  considered  as  useful.  However,  I  shall 
feel  rich  if  I  continue  to  enjoy  your  affection.  The  cottage  is 
now  more  necessary  than  ever.  You  will  sec  by  the  papers, 
Lieutenant  Weatherhead  is  gone.  Poor  fellow  !  he  lived  four 
days  after  he  was  shot.  I  shall  not  close  this  letter  till  I  join 
the  Fleet,  which  seems  distant ;  for  it's  been  calm  these  three 
days'  past.  I  am  fortunate  in  having  a  good  surgeon  on 
board;  in  short,  I  am  mdch  more  recovered  than  [Ij  could 
have  expected.  I  beg  neither  you  or  my  father  will  think 
much  of  this  mishap :  my  mind  has  long  been  made  up  to 
such  an  event.     God  bless  you,  and  Ijclicvc  me 

Your  most  afifectionatc  husband, 

Horatio  NELeoK. 

son,  will)  th«  otlier  bnve  nun  wbu  fell  so  gnllanily.  I  bop«  you  ui4  Cupuiu  Frr 
mimtlf  are  doing  well ;  llie  Scnhorsp  hhidl  woA.  yim  U>  KTigUitd  ihe  luoituiiil  her 
uritnta  *re  Mi|i]i)te<l.  Your  Sou-in-lnw  i.<i  CapUin  of  Uie  Dol]itiiti  no'syil«)>«lii|i, 
mid  nil  oilier  wisbes  yon  amy  fnvniir  iiie  witb  kIidII  lio  fiilftlJcd,  ft*  fur  u  U  rouMfttrtil 
with  wli)it  I  ovre  to  yolni'  \iUiinble  OffSi-ers  in  tlie  Ville  ile  I'ariH.  Wv  vifwct  (o  ltf>ar 
of  the  Prelimiiiaricn  of  Peaco  bcinn  agr««<l  <iii  every  Lour.  I  Uitvv  b«:LiiMl  IfXt/,  iliitl 
tb<?y  yt¥>r«  itetUeil  ou  or  lirfore  tbt)  l'2lli,  nnit  that  the  DKiiuitive  Ttvnty  u  algiiad  bribre 
dial  (Iny  month.  Give  lov  love  lo  Mra.  FreiiuiTitle.  1  will  huluut  U«r  atxi  Uiw  14 
yonr  »iimi|i  iu-n>nrrow  taomitig,  if  you  will  g\\>i  n>«  li'Mve.  Yoiiit>  uwioi  irutv  aiul 
aCcctiouiiioiy,  8t.  VixcmsT."    Autoyraph  ia  Uie  Kelson  Pa^nt 


^T,  38.] 


LETTERa 


437 


Aiigiifit  Idlli. 

Just  joined  the  Fleet  perfectly  well,  and  shall  be  with  you, 
Jtpe,  as  soon  as  this  letter.  Good  Earl  St.  Vincent  has 
Ic  Josiah  a  Master  and  Commander.  I  shall  come  to 
laxh  the  moment  permission  comes  from  the  Admiralty  for 
iC  to  strike  my  Flag.  Sir  Peter  feels  himself  authorized  to 
Jve  me  leave  of  absence,  when  the  first  you  hear  of  me  will 
at  the  door.  God  bless  you  and  my  father,  and  ever 
;lieve  me, 

Your  most  affectionate, 

HoaATio  Nelsoh.* 


i  *  About  tliu  tine  he  receired  die  following  LeiUir  from  UU  Bojnl  Highness  Uio 
kr  nf  Cl«retice  ;— 

'DcuNclaoD,  dlh  Jnly,  1797. 

'1  WH  very  Lappy  to  Qnd  you  had  czecatcd  with  ito  mnch  succeu  utd  prompLi- 

I  Loii  bt.  Viuceot's  order  for  the  evaouatiou  of  Porlo  Krrrigo.     I  feci  for  poor 

ICn  tfvcry  ncconnl,  and  sincerely  wIhU  Le  y(M  (uife  ai  home ;  and  bt'lieve  iiif,  I 

mauh  concerned  bX  the  state  of  yuur  own  health.     Alter  such  long  oiul  dis- 

Bgili.''hi.'<l  service,  you  will  of  oourM-  get  leave  to  retitni.     In  unswcr  to  your  liwl 

tier,  1  can  only  lay,  thftt  I  hope  and   believe  nnr  coafldenen  i«  mutual ;  thercforo 

future  no  more  nirolojjy  on  either  side  is  \Miiited.     Under  this  idea,  I  nittst  l>e);in 

'  defending  BTi  Officer  agnioHt  ■wlmm  you  hnvr  hepnmn  prejudieed Wimt  nf  dis- 

lldijie  iu  some  of  our  home  Srjuftdroim,  luid  the  energ)  of  iufajnouii  iiiernHuirie»,  had 

nuuiy  months  ilirown  the  whole  Fleet  into  a  siutc  of  democracy  iiud  lUixolciic  re- 

Bltion.     I  rejoice  that  the  Tl^'xeus  Iibh   ftilleti  into  sricli  gomi  hands,  and   1  »hal] 

(irtly  hew  that  «he  is  in  the  best  order  of  the  Me<liierr»inean  fleet,    One  woni  more 

i)ui  what  haa  passed  at  ^pithead,  Plymouth,  aikd  the  Nore,  and  1  will  n«ver  nien- 

Bii  the  diagnuMifiil  ImsiiMiNM  oguin ;  but  1  cannot  pu^R  over  nutioticed  your  rcrourk 

out  Mhort  weighii)  and  nienitures.     Krery  Cifficer  mnnt  know  that  by  the  old  ullow- 

Dce,  the  mi"ii  on  board  tbi'  Kinp"^  fchi]>s  biid  more  provi?iiou.i  than  thpy  could  con- 

kmc  nud  Ihiil  llicy  always*  M>ld  ii  part;  llitrcfore  on  increaiie  of  provisions  nit»  not 

I  will  not  iinrt  yonr  mind  by  relating  the  horrid  portienlurs  of  the  late 

BBtft.  but  Rhall  conelMde  the  Kubjeotby  observing,  that  iii  your  next  you  will  iiit^niy 

you  hare  too  huwiily  expre»!*ed.    I  dread  nothiuf;,  a.s  the  pivernmenl  here  B|ipi<ar 

pHT^uv  pro]icr  rarnsures,  and  I  am  convinced  8l  Vincent  will  ket-p  up  Iiih  Fle^-t  tu 

elpline.     I^uify  at  (in*l  i*  severity  ul  the  last.     My  liest  wImIip*  and  eorophmeuts 

tui  your  ((allaiit  Comninuder:  my  only  acqnainlanoe  with  him  ia  ha  an  Offlecr. 

5m  tvT}  tfreat  attention  and  nbililiei  were  shown  to  me  during  the  Spoiiiah  ann*- 

M,  niuee  which  lime  I  linve,  and  always  sboll,  re«p«ot  him. 

'  Yon  will,  I  am  ittte,  always  dittinguish  yourself:  and  I  am  afhud,  from  the  ex- 

rbiiant  demands  of  the  Directory,  that  for  some  time  yoiu  fleet  will  be  couftoutly 

uployed.    I  lun  happy  to  Cud  yon  are  at  Iftst  come  over  to  my  way  of  thinking.    An 

iroatanuex  ari^e,  imiy  write ;  and  ever  believe  me,  dear  Sir,  yours  sincerely — 

^LLiAM.      Cl-irkr  and  Af' Arthur,  vul.  ii.  p.  20.     This  Letter  in  not  now  in  the 

teUon  Papeiv. 


438  LETTEBR  [17&7. 

TO  BEAR-ADMIKAL  WILLIAM  PAIIKLU/ 

[From  the  "  NktbI  Clironiclp,"  vol.  xzi.  p.  UO^J 

Dear  Sir,  AngjiM  loib.  itot. 

I  must  acknowledge  the  receipt  of  your  letter  of  the  25lb 
July;  and,  after  declaring  that  I  know  nothiog  of  tbe  Priace 
George  till  she  was  hailed  from  the  forecastle  of  the  San 
Nicola^  it  is  impossible  I  can  enter  into  the  subject  of  yotir 
letter,  &c.  I  am,  &c., 

HOBATIO  NgL60N. 


TO  ADMIRAL  SIR  JOHN  JERVIS,  K.B. 

[From  ClAikc  uid  M'Anhur,  vol.  ii.  p,  13.  On  tbe  20lb  of  Augnsi,  NeWon  ob- 
tiiiiieil  bis  CliirrH  pennmsiou  lo  reiuru  Cu  England,  nnd  whs  AiierteA  on  that  day  to 
strike  his  Flog  in  llie  ThcHeiis,  tiaii  hoist  it  on  hoard  tlic  Sea-horse,  taking  Cai>t«ia 
FrnnJintle  uuiI«'T  hi^  command  (whose  yound  oliso  rendered  it  uecr^Ksry  tfaat  Iw 
sbuiilil  go  ou  shoi'Pi,  ftnd  lo  jiroceed  lo  Spithend — Original  Orders  iu  the  Ndboo 
Fftpera.] 

'Cflween  the  20lh  and  iWtli  AiJgW!"!,  1707.] 

I  cannot  let  Dido  pass,  without  beginning  to  express  my 
thanks  for  your  unvaried  goodness  to  me,  which  I  hope  I 
shall  never  forget.  As  to  myself,  I  am  exactly  as  I  left  you. 
Frcmantlc  I  think  very  bad,  and  a  month  hence  he  may  lose 
his  arm.'     Wc  have  a  fine  fair  wind. 

I  am,  &c. 

lIoRATio  Nei^sow. 


To  WrLLIAM  SUCKLING,  ESQ. 
[From  "  Tbe  Atbeuteum."] 

Seahorse,  ulT  ScUiy,  Aopisl  ."mOi,  170?. 

My  dear  Sir, 

As  I  can  write  but  slowly,  I  am  forced  lo  begin  my  letter 
a  great  way  from  Portsmouth,  where,  please  God,  I  am  bound. 
I  have  ever  been  a  trouble  to  you,  and  am  likely  so  to  con- 
tinue, as  I  have  now  to  re(|uest  you  will  have  the  goodness  to 

•  Vide  p.  830.  040.  «»/«■,  mid  the  Appi;snTX. 

'  Tliougli  Cii|iliiiit  Frrnniiitlo  did  not  lose  bi«  iiriB,  be  suffrrcd  so  iCTTi»l<  *i  I** 
bit  nuulik'  to  "jcrvo  for  more  lUnn  ii  veur. 


38.J 


LETTERS. 


439 


sk  ihe  CoUector  t>l'  the  Customs  at  Porlsmoutli  to  take  care 
my  tttnc,  and  such  ihlngs  as  I  iimy  place  uudcr  his  care, 
till  I  cuu  (iud  a  hut  (o  put  uiy  luuliluted  ciU'casc  iu. 

it  is  my  intention  to  set  of  directly  for  Bath,  if  the  Athuirai^ 
ID  give  me  leave  of  absence,  but  to  be  in  London  in  one 
reek.  Pray,  remember  me  kindly  to  Mrs.  SuckUug,  and  all 
\y  good  friends  near  you,  and  believe  uic, 

Your  most  affectionate  Nephew, 

HooATio  Nelson. 


TO  EVAA  SEPEAS,  ESQ.,  SECnETAKY  TO  THE  ADWllULTV. 

[Origiaiil,  iu  (be  Admindt).} 

Seahorse,  Spithewl,  istl  Seiilember,  HOT. 
Sir, 
I  have  the  honour  to  acquaint  you  of  my  arrival  here, 
agreeable  to  oixlcrs,  of  which  the  enclosed  is  a  copy.     And  I 
UTC  to  request  their  Lordships'  permission  to  go  on  shore*  for 
ic  recovery  of  my  wounds.* 

I  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c., 

UoRATio  Nelson. 


iilil  tncuA  Aiul  eiirly   [latron,   Sir  Peter  Parker,  Comnrnwleriii-CLicr  at 

Riulltll. 

•  Hnvini;  rrcfivcd  itpniiissioii  to  sirikp  lii".  Flng  on  tlip  ;lril  of  Srivteitil>rr,  Sir  Ho- 
in  NrlMin  tmuieiliiitely  prucetiliHl  lo  Uitili,  wlierv  lie  jutueil  his  Wife  uui!  Fallicr. 

*  TliK  Order  for  him  to  »lnke  hh  Flng  i»  iu  the  NelHuii  I>iip«nt,  atid  Uie  fi>nii  uf 
ch  doctUHrnls  Juhj  be  ucw  to  iinprofiMstoiiitt  rcnJera  ;_ 

"  Wp,  Uie  Coinniissioiicnt  for  cxrouliiiR  tlic  Office  of  Lord  Higb  Adtnintl  of 
Great  Britain  And  Ircldud,  i^c. 
Wliemtt  vcr  lliiiik  lit  tlini  yon  !<liivll  Mrikc  your  l-'ln^,  uud  cojnv  on  sliorr,    Vikj 
hrroby  required  luid  dirGctcd  In  xlrike  your  Vlitg,  oud  come  ou  tliure  luroordiugly. 
JHeo  uuUer  our  litiud^,  the  2nd  l^rpteuiber,  1TU7. 

"11.  SfitMoim. 
"J.  (jAMnitn. 
"To  Sir  Uor*t»o  NcIhou,  K.B..  He.tr-. \d mi rnl  "  W.  Yolno. 

nf  liir  Bill)!,  Ill]  Itoard  liis  Mi\je«ty\  skip 
Seakoi^c,  at  Spiiliriul. 

"  By  CouuDOud  of  tlieir  LvnUhipw, 

"  EVA>  NEI-EiJr." 


440 


LETTERS, 


[17W» 


TO  JOHN  PAL.MLIt,  IjyQ. 
[OriginiJ,  in  llio  posseweion  of  Mrs.  Palmer.! 

Bmli,  8rpl«iDb«r  AUi,  KPT. 

Dear  Sir, 
I  left  Lord  St  Vincent  perfectly  well,  fifteen  days  ago,  and 
he  begged  me  to  assure  you,  tiiat  the  moment  your  son '  baa 
flerved  bis  Time,  he  will  instantly  promote  hira. 
Believe  me.  Dear  Sir, 

Your  most  obedient  servant, 

Horatio  Nelson. 


TO  Tire  llEVKKEND  aiR.  NELSON,  HILBO ROUGH. 
I  Autograph,  in  the  Nelnon  Papen.] 

BbUi,  Hpptemltor  0th,  l\in. 

My  dear  Brother, 
Yesterday  brought  me  your  truly  aflPectionate  letter.  A»  lo 
[myj  personal  health,  it  never  was  better,  and  my  arm  is  in 
tlie  fairest  way  of  soon  healing.  Next  week,  I  intend  to  be 
in  Town,  and  it  is  not  impossible,  but  I  may  visit  Norfolk  for 
a  few  days,  especially  if  a  decent  house  is  likely  to  Iw  met 
with  near  Norwich;  but  Wroxham  very  far  indeed  exceeds 
my  purse.  Bath  will  be  my  home  till  next  spring.  I  think 
our  good  Father  is  not  in  the  smallest  degree  altered.  Lady 
Nelson' joins  me  in  kind  love  l«  Mrs.  NcLson,  our  Aunt,  and 


•  Thfl  l«le  Cupfiiin  Kdmuiid  Poliucr.  L  .B.,  who  wbcii  i-oiiiuhuhLj 
of  3H  trims,  i;*iiiuriMl.  ou  lUe  •,*7th  of  Slwclt.  IHH,  1,'EtoUr.  Vxr .. 
Aelioii  tti  remarlERltlc  for  ils  ((iiUiiutrr,  iw  fur  bpiii^  Uic  iMt  in  which  ilio  i  ri  i^  uluut 
Flog  WUH  struck  tn  Unit  nf  Kngkiid.  (.'nplain  Piihii<<r  was  rpwnnlxil  wiih  the  Nftvil 
Mt-tlHl,  and  oAorwHixlii  wii)i  ihe  CroHs  iif  Cnntpimiaii  of  iln-  Hith.  lie  prewnlfd 
lltp  Ennign  of  L  ttoiJe  lo  EnrI  81.  Vinoeiu,  wIioha  gruid-iuoci'.  ll«iuietw  Mw} 
Ellizabelli,  daiighler  nud  L<o-heire»«s  of  Captaiu  Jmix,  he  to>tm«il  in  IHIT,  iui4  who 
has  obliginglv  i'<n»lriJniUHl  ihr  ivIkivp  Knd  some  other  LelliTs.  CHptiitti  Pnlmer  died  in 
Srpteinhcr,  lH.14. 

'  The  folUiwiug  account  of  llic  wounded  AdmimJ.  in  n  Inciter  from  IMy  HtUtiu  U> 
his  uncle,  Mr.  Snckiing,  ^ril1  In*  roul  wilh  macli  intorrst!— 

"  My  dew  Sir,  "  Uftth,  Wcdntsdnr.  8rp<nnl)«r  Olh,  1707. 

••  I  Iwg  you  will  ftccepi  the  iiuittd  lh«nl>  of  my  Amr  hiisliaiul  and  ni\-«olf  for  fvur 
kiud  inqiiirieR  mid  truly  ft-ipiidly  invilolioa  lo  yniif  hoiiB«,  vhich  iv*  «uu]d  h«v»  «r 
orpt«d  had  it  not  bern  for  the  uccessicy  of  my  hn^baad'*  ■rni  bring  drrswd  mri 


MT,  38,] 


LETTERS, 


441 


;nds  at  SwaiThaoi,  and  believe  me,  jour  most  affectionate 
>ther, 

Horatio  Nelson. 
I   left  Captain  Nisbet  perfectly  well.     He  saved  my  lilb 
>y  his  recollection  in  stopping  the  bleeding. 


TO  HIS  ROYAL  lUGHNF.SS  THE  DUKE  OF  CLARENCE.' 
[From  Clukc  and  M'Anhur,  toI.  ii.  p.  40.] 
K,  September  7tb,  1707. 

"trust  your  Royal  Highness  will  attribute  my  not  having 
itit  a  letter  since  my  arrival  to  its  true  cause — viz.,  the  not 
being  now  a  ready  writer.  I  feel  confident  of  your  sorrow  for 
mj  accident ;  but  I  assure  your  Royal  Highness,  that  not  a 
scrap  of  tliat  ardour  with  which  I  have  hitherto  served  our  King 
has  been  shot  away.  I  am,  &c., 

Horatio  Nelson. 


■y  by  a  surgeon.  We  piiq)osc  beiiiR  in  Loudon  the  middle  <j(  iif xt  week.  I  liavo 
itten  to  Mr.  M.  Nelson  to  lukn  ii:i  ii  lodging,  aud  on  soon  im  my  litirttiAJid  ciui  do 
lUioiil  A  Hurgenu,  we  kIiiiH  MfM-tid  Bomc  time  with  yi.iu.  Karl  Spcucer  lias  writico  a 
nuic  letter,  and  ia  to  be  in  town  next  wrek.  Jkfj  liaEbuud'H  i<iiirits  ore  very 
Itliougb  Lr  •iiiffV<r><  ti  gund  dvnl  ^>f  piiin — tlir  mm  in  Idkcii  off  ^it>'  liigbi  nror 
Oltiiini  pruciirtiii  liiiu  not,  uid  lust  night  lie  was  prptly  nuit-i.  Tbc 
lorporotion  Lnvi;  biuidsomely  coiigmtulatcd  kitn  uii  liis  <fAtv  arrivnl.  Hucb  a  letter 
Willi  I.ortl  HikmI  1 — ii  dues  hini  honour,  and  I  have  forgut  tlm  ill  treatment  of  formrr 
^can  Mliich  my  good  man  n-crivtHl  from  bim.  Kvcmliing  wliirli  concernH  my 
lisfauid  I  know  you  feel  interrsted  in,  therefon*  shall  uui  lunkc  uy  exi'iiKr'N  fur 

I  li»T(j  lold  yon." — Fmm  "  7'h-r  AlhvnteHm." 
'  The  Duke  of  Cbireucis  wrote  to  NeKon  on  the  same  day ; 

"TO  Ain  UOR.tTIO  XBLHOTt,  K.B. 

"  Dew  Sir.  Dov.-r.  Soptember  7tb,  1 707. 

f^*!  omtgratulnM  yonwhball  my  bean  n|Hiii  your  nnfe  iu-iival  at  lu«it,  covrrrd  with 
Doonr  nwil  glory.  A»  an  old  fi-it'nd,  ]  oanuot  Imt  Innirtit  ilic  v«<ry  wvcre  loss  you 
Me  8n»itiiucd  in  lof«ing  yonr  right  nmi.  I  bo|H<  your  hfiUtli  i«  giHid,  iiiul  ihiU  }uu 
tne,  lu  1  aiu  infunued,  moif  tot  the  purpusc  of  joinin|it  Lwly  NrlMon,  than  fur 
^ci«tah1ii<litnrtit  of  a  rou«liluti<jn  in  whioh  1  nui  doubly  intcn^lcd,  butb  tut  a 
Inul,  niid  n»  niic  whn  in  anxionx  lu  Me  llin  eonnti'y  hitrv  renlurrd  tu  her  ii  bra>r  and 
Kccllcnt  i.>lfio«r.  Kxoukc  my  anxiety,  a»  It  proreedh  frnui  (^irndnLip  uud  odnurntiou 
'  y«nr  public  cliBriirtpr,  nud  I  must  rpqneHt  yon  «nll  allow  Lady  Nelson  to  write  to 
how  ynii  arv,  and  when  you  will  l>c  aide  (o  br  iu  London,  Uial  I  may  be  one  of 
lio  ftrvt  to  tliake  you  by  ibo  haiiil.  My  bei.!  witdiea  lUid  compliiueut«  alteud  you 
nd  Ijftdy  Nelson,  aud  ever  believe  nu',  Dear  Sir,  yours  fdncerely,  William." — 
Autfi^ntph  in  the  Nelaou  Papcrsi. 


442 


LETTERS. 


10  —  MAN  LEY.  Lsy. 
[Autograph,  in  tbn  poB6c»<ston  of  Mi«i>  Millrr.j 

Batli,  ScpleznWr  8Jli    I  -'•' 

My  dear  Manlcy, 
Ralph  WiUett  MUlcr  I  left  most  perfectly  well ;  he  is  uul 
only  a  most  excellent  aud  gallant  Officer,  but  the  only  truly 
virtuouB  man  that  1  ever  saw.  Ue  longs  to  get  home  to  lua 
wife  and  family.  Lord  St.  Vincent  has  been  so  good  as  lo 
promote  Josiah  to  be  Master  and  Commander,  and  ^ill,  ii'bo 
deserves  it,  in  proper  time  do  more  for  him.  His  Lordship 
has  been  always  so  partial  to  me,  that  I  should  be  an  iogratc 
was  I  not  on  every  occasion  to  suppoit  his  honour  and  glory  at 
all  personal  risk.  I  regret  not  the  loss  of  my  arm  in  the  cause 
it  fell  from  mc. 

God  bless  you,  and  believe  me 

Your  most  affectionate, 

Horatio  Nblsok. 
Lady  Nelson  desires  her  kiud  love. 


TO  TIIK  REVEREND  DIXON  IIO^^IE. 

rAiiUigTn|i1i,  iu  ibv  |>08!«i-:>}<ion  uf  Captftiit  Sir  Williiun  ITomIc.  B»ri.  Tlii^  t^iK-r 
19  ffitliniil  A  date,  biu  ai  it  bcitrs  Ul(^  I'oA  inurk,  "  Bntb, "  ii  mu«t  bftvr  bci-n  «rtUra 
in  bepH'iubcr,  l'!i7.] 

[Dalb,  Rcrlember.  ITOT.J 
My  dear  Sir, 

I  did  write  a  line  to  Mr.  Coke  to  tell  him  how  I  had  dis- 
posed of  his  recommendations  both  of  whom  have  done  him  bo 
much  honour ;  but  one  gallant  fellow  is  gone.'  Your  dear 
good  son  is  as  gallant;  and  I  hope  he  will  long  live  to  honour 
Norfolk  and  England.  I  grieved  to  have  left  him  ;  but  it  was 
necessary,  and  Lord  St.  Vincent  will  continue  to  be  his  kind 
protector  and  friend.  His  worth  both  as  a  man,  and  as  an 
Officer,  exceeds  all  which  the  most  sincere  friend  can  say  of  hioL 
1  pray  God  to  bless  my  dear  William.  Happy  father  in  such  A 
son  I  As  to  myself,  I  suppose  I  was  getting  well  too  fast,  for 
I  am  beset  with  a  Physician,  Surgeon,  and  Apothecary,  and, 

•  LJeuleuaut  WciuUcrheoJ,  wbo  wim  tilkd  Kl  TcnerUK?. 


say  the  truth,  am  suffering  much  paiu  with  some  fever ; 
It  lime,  I  hope,  will  restore  me  to  tolernble  health.  Captain 
ualph  Willct  Miller  is  Captain  of  the  Thcsciis — one  who  loves 
Willirtni,  and  ib  the  only  truly  virtuous  man  that  I  ever  saw. 
I  beg  ray  best  respects  to  Mrs.  Hostc,  and  believe  me, 
Dear  Sir, 

Your  rtiost  obedient  servant, 

Horatio  Nelson. 
ly  Nelson  desires  her  compliments. 


TO  CAPTAIN  SIR  ANDREW  8XAPE  IIAMOXD,  BAJIT., 
COMPTllOLLEK  OF  THE  NAVY. 

Intognipb.  in  the  ^sseavjuu  of  bia  buu,  Vice-Admu-iU  Sir  OrtOiain  Edeu  Unmond, 
Bwt.,  K.C.D.] 

Datli,  September  eih,  1191. 
My  dear  Sir  Andrew, 

I  have  ever  been  fully  sensible  that  you  have  spoken  of  my 

[Kivices  in  the  most  flattering  manner,  and  for  this  last  mark 

your  kindness,  1  cannot  sufficiently  thank  you.     Success 

jvers  a  multitude  of  blunders,  and  the  want  of  it  hides  the 

reatest  gallantry  and  good  conduct.     You  will  see  by  my 

*  Journal    the   first   attack   on    the    21st,    under   Troubrld^c, 

jrorapletcly  failed  ;  and  it  was  the  25th'  before  it  could  be 

jain  attacked,  which  gave  four  days  for  collecting  a  force 

lo   oppose    us.     Had   I  been   with   the  first  party,  I  have 

reason  to  believe  complete  success  would  have  crowned  our 

idcavours.     My  pride  suffered;    and   although  I    felt  the 

?cond  attack  a  forlorn  hope,  yet  the  honour  of  our  Country 

called  for  the  attack,  and  that  I  should  command  it,     1  never 

ixpcctcd  to  return,  and  am  thankful,     I  shall  not  go  to  Town 

ill  the  20th,  or  my  arm  is  well :  I  suffer  a  good  deal  of  pain, 

Jwing  to  a  cold  falling  on  it.'     Lady  Nelson  and  myself  most 


*  On  tbc  lil^■.lI  vi  liir  iiiii  mill  iiiDriniig  of  ibe  2*>tli. 

*  The  foltowiiig  piinoits  furt!i,  rriipcrtuig  tUr  loss  of  luR  Ann,  lutvc  been  obligiugly 
icnlril  liv  Sir  (lonrgi;  Mngriitli,  K.II.,  Sreilicial  luHiH-ctnr  of  Ilnopiliili-  iviiil 
vlio  wiiALArtl  NeWn'^  Sdryt-uii  in  ilie  Victory,  in  iLe  »i-ms  MH):i  kikI  l*iOJ, 

of  wli'iKf"  profc-isioiirtl  iihililie*,  it  will  be  tcrti  by  a  subsrqurni  Lrttct,  bi'  Loul 
•bii<  Utui  tbe  liiij-lK-xt  o|>iiii<Mi.     AArr  »t«(iu^'  lliot  iu  l^Oi  Ltn'il  Nrlvou  iran  vuJetadt 


444 


LETTERS. 


[1797. 


vout 


sincerely  hope  your  tour  will    perfectly  re-establisli 
health,  and  beg  to  be  kindly  remembered  lu  Lady  Uiunond. 
Believe  me,  ever 

Your  obliged  and  afiecdonaU, 
Horatio  Nklbos. 


TO  ADMIRAL  THE  EARL  OF  8T.  VINCENT,  KJJ. 

[From  Clarke  and  M'ArUiur,  voL  U.  p.  4C.>] 

London,  18Ui  Spptcmbcr,  1707. 
My  dear  Lord, 
1  shall  l)e  brief  at  first.     I  had  a  very  miserable  paseage 
home,  and  this  day  am  not  the  least  better  than  when  I  left 

nor),  llml  the  cDpilliiry  •.vstcni  was  eii&ily  influrnced  by  tbc  trciithcr  whicU  prtnlut*! 
dnraiigvmetu  of  tlic  Hlonutch  uud  iiidigcMiiou,  cniisitii;  tu'nonn  irrilHiiilily  iu  dUTovii 
jMirt*  of  the  liody,  liul  which  Nelnou  cnlli-d  rhcuniiitibnt.  Sir  Qeorgn  Mngnali  mfit»— 
"  I  thiiik  Uiis  netirnlffir  |tri>dis{>08i(ion,  ww*  nrigitiidly  imliired  by  the  uliinuy  BtipliM 
lion  of  ilie  ligii>ur«  ( iiicliidiiig  I  iirosiiniv  the  M-ivr )  i»  i1j<'  hiitiinrH]  >i ' :  '' '  mi. 
whtrtt  it  wu  na|iutiUed;  Aitd  from  its  long  (ui<t  paiiiAtl  rctrution,  [n  "iit- 

iilg  (pikBiDH  of  the  >ituinp,  whirh  i>erioii«ly  nffrcted  his  ponrraJ  lieivlll.,  iliuMigli  tb* 
lUcdittiii  i>r  Ihr  ncrvoiiR  NVMtelii.  Yet,  of  idl  the  lufn-rin^N  of  ll>r  oprnlion,  lUid  10 
BdbNoqneiU  fiicln.  so  strongly  pretsed  ii|K>n  his  mind,  he  coiii|iIftifie(l  l■lo^l  of 'tin 
ouldncfis  of  the  kiitfp,'  in  iiittking  tlie  f)ri«t  circnloj-  nit  throngh  tlip  in(r!?timpiit«  tai 
niitMdrs.   f>o  pftinftilly  mid  deeply  nii.s  iiic  ri«coU('fiiion  cngTnftfd  oil  I r  tiiii 

1  htid  gnicml  instniciioiin,  in  i'on»p<nieiicp.whi'iicvcr  therf  wna  n  pt"  lUii 

to  .Sciidu,  In  hMve  u  hiiUKitig  Move  ki'|ii  in  th*  pdly.  for  Ht^  purjiusir  ui  lirjoini 
wiiipr,  iu  which  to  irnwirrM!  ihe  kwife,  in  the  event  of  I(In  Ix^iiig  ilic  sulijrei  of  oprni- 
tinn,  lutd  on  which  he  hImiiysi  riilutiUtml.  Hirt  Lordship' i>  ttldiorrruoe  of  tttr  rnU 
ituitriiiueni  wrm  pritetically  illu*iir»ti!«1  off  Totdnu,  when  expecting  to  vumc  into 
lU'tioTi  *ilh  Monsieur  Latoiiche  Trcnlle.  In  the  Uuitv  of  ulcoxing  iJir  Slap,  lb* 
Cook|iil  brul  become  tlir  reei|iienl  of  mtichof  the  tnovettUleluniber.  I  applied  lo  tk* 
exeeitlive  Officers  lo  hiiM-  my  liuiirlern  clriirpil,  bin,  froin  Ihn  biixtle  on  ihi'  <»oni»Jmi. 
ineftcclimUy.  In  r  state  of  dospnir,  I  wo.'*  eouipelled  to  Appeal  to  liisi  L(>t\iiihip  ou  tin 
QtiATter-Deek,  who  promptly  sent  for  the  Fii^t  Lient^muiC  (QuillMn),  lo  %Uom  h' 
gHTfi  peremptory  onlent  iiHtnntiy  to  see  the  Cockpit  in  a  proiior  »nii«,  otHMnipaliirl 
with  the  siptiiflrnni  remurk,  thiit  '  he  i  Qnilloiii  i  might  I*  ntuon^t  the  first  to  n^ain 
it*  dccomnioitatJuu.'  When  I  ihnidicd  his  LonlKhip  for  bix  int^irfnrrtior,  miuI  vm  tt 
parting  for  tuy  QtinrtfRi.  he  culled  nie  linck.  and  good-nntnreiUy  Miid — '  I)oo((it,i(im'' 
fnryrt  Ihr  trnnn  n-aler ;'  I  tbouiiitiiunt'-il  (i,i  him,  llml  a  htiugiug  stove  wta  in  rr«Ii- 
U»»  in  the  f^y,  when  he  Hifniii)<>d  IiIa  iipprobniJon  by  a.  s-niile.  Mid  nn  apx^rovinc 
Dod."  Sir  Georgv  Mii^mlh's  intoreHtiiig  neroimt  of  Lord  Nelnon's  Imiiitb.  «hUr  under 
hi*  ewe,  will  He  given  iu  Itn  proper  pliice. 

'  He  left  Batli  for  Town  a  few  days  before  the  diite  of  this  Letter,     nie  |tnort|«I 
olgect  of  his  coiuiug  to  London  was  to  be  Invested  with  tbo  Ensigns  of  ibr  Onler 


Teir;'  nnd  Croikshanks^  hM  me  now  in  band.    I 
domestic  happiness  perfect,  and  I  hope  time  will 
jme  about  again ;  but  I  have  suffered  great  misery.     My 
)tiou  from  John  Bull*  has  been  just  what  1  wished. 


fifth,  Vhicli  C<>ronioiiy  look  [Aace  at  Hi.  JaIllcs'^  Palace,  om  tli«  'JTiU  of  thiU 
I  II  w»«  iiitKiiiled  iLdt  hv  »honlil  hnvc  brcu  Jtivrst«tl  by  lb*>  KnrI  <>f  8t.  Vincent, 
b  iUe  followirij;  L^Ucr  whm  wrilti-n  nii  thn  «iilijei't  by  tliti  Btiki>  of  PortluiJ, 
hr  of  S(«|p  for  the  Tloiuv  lJe|)iirlin(>iii ;  but  liiw  abitoncc  on  the  Hxpt'diLion 
pTeneriffe  wlirn  it  rccicLcJ  tLe  Kiirl,  ttrnl  IiIh  wmitid,  nfter  Us  retiini  to  tbe 
L  prctentMl  the  King'!)  iustnicliDUs  n'oiu  ti«iug  curried  into  rifect:  li«  hod 

E'  Um  KmlflciUioii  of  being  luvcRtcd  bv  Uic  Sovrreigii  lumH«lf,  with  tbe  n«ii«l 
«>«,  oti  iUp  'ilth  of  8«tpi«aib«<r.  Strictly  Kpeakiiig,  tlie  attribution  of  the  Titl« 
t  to  bim,  ill  the  aiciuiiime,  wiu  mcnrrect,  as  be  did  not  rMfiive  Knlgbtbood 
9t  oocaidon.  Fl«  wn*  Iivitallcd  in  May,  li*(Ki.  It  is  s  rernvkabk  circiim' 
ibti  iLh  Du]c»  of  Welliugton  (wbu  bail  been  uppointMl  an  Exlra  Knight  iu 
tau^dMl  Nckon  as  one  of  the  CoHttitticiit  Knigbta  of  tlie  Order  of  tbe 

^V  »  TO  ADHIKAL   THE   KABL   OP   BilXT   VIKCBKT. 

Hy  Loni.  "  WUtebilV  June  HHtid,  1707. 

t  Mi^osty  linviug  been  gnuiouHly  pleiucd,  w  n  murk  nf  his  Rny«]  npprola* 
Ibe  emiueol  eort-ioes  of  Renr-Adinind  Nehou,  to  uouiiiiatc  liira  to  be  one  of 
|gbt«  CompMiionH  of  tb«  Mo«t  Honourable  Order  of  tbe  BatL,  aud  it  being 
ty  iliat  be  sboiUd  be  Invented  with  tbe  Ensig^iLs  of  Ibc  said  Order,  which  lire 
bed  to  bim  by  this  opportunity,  1  oja  to  li^ify  to  your  LordNliip  the  King's 
t  tiwt  you  vbould  peribnn  tbtit  Ceremony  :  and  it  being;  Hia  Mt^ett/s  luten 
t  tbe  Mine  should  l>e  done  in  the  most  boDonmbU-  nnii  dlstinguiiihcd  manDer 
ittOUitADoe*  will  olUow  of,  you  will  concert  aad  wljuBt  with  bim  mucIi  liuiv  nud 
[(br  Inreniing  bim  nitb  the  Emtifftis  of  the  Order  of  the  Unth,  mi  Mbnll  appew 
biost  proper  for  gbowing  fill  due  rexpeot  to  tbe  Kinij'H  order;  and  m  may  at 
■|ta|0  nuirk  in  tbe  most  pnblio  miuiuer  His  M'^CAtya  jiut  sense  of  tbe  ceal 
^H^lrbicb  iii-ai'  Admiral  Neltoii  hns  exerte^l  in  th**  senrioe  of  bin  King  and 
J^l  bnvc  the  hoiiuiu  >u  be,  niy  Lord,  your  InrdnLip'a  most  obedient,  bunblo 
^ro»Ti.A»D."— From  n  Copy  in  i\\6  Nelson  ra|>ci-8. 

the  Earl  of  St.  Vincent's  Fle»l. 

Snrgeon.  Prenoiix  lo  his  leaving  Bath,  L«<iy  J4elion  at  tbt 
'her  bnaboiid,  lutd  attended  the  dressing  of  hia  arm,  until  nbe  had 
at  skill  ttiid  reitoluliou  lo  (terform  it  herself,  wliioh  she  aftemanls 
On  bis  lu-rival  in  London,  be  wa«  attended  by  Mr,  Cmiksbankii, 
iK-phew,  Mr.  Thoma-s;  by  Mr.  .lefierxou,  who  bad  been  Suri^run  of  tha 
Inoo:  and,  nl  lite  re<|iieAl  nf  Mr.  Btilkely,  one  of  tbe  two  surviving  OIBoos 
I  been  oil  tbe  Son  .Inan  rxpp<litiiiii.  Dr.  Motoley  was  afterwards  called  in, 
I  Wunnd  iMi^niniog  still  niurr  painful,  and  hi*  •pirita  very  low,  it  wiu  alto 
|o  other  eminent  Sur((e«n*,  aiul  amoiig'fit  the  rcet  to  Mr.  Krate ;  wbi>  Airuiigly 
Isndtog  tltal  the  cure  sbould  be  l«n  lo  liiue  aiul  luUiire,  it  wa«  accordingly 
Id  to  uiurf  vioietit  niplhods." — Clnrle  mid  M'ArthNr.  vol,  ii.  p,  4*1. 
jft  {iroaf  of  the  kind  f«eliug  of  "John  Bull"  tuwiudH  bim  dnriug  hia  iOntsa, 
^4  M' Arthur  relate,  that  "During  the  month  of  October,  whilst  he  eon- 


446 


LETTERS. 


for  1  assure  you  they  never  forget  your  name  in  their  honest 
praises.     I  have  now  a  favour  to  heg  of  you. 

After  George  Cockbum's  galhuit  action  with  the  Sabioa,  I 
directed  a  gold-hilted  Sword  to  be  made  for  him,  which  I  bad 
hoped  to  present  to  him  myself  in  the  most  public  and  hand- 
some manner;  but  as  Providence  has  decreed  otherwise,  1 
must  beg  of  you  to  present  it  for  me.  My  good  frien<l  Grey* 
will,  I  hope,  inquire,  and  get  it  out  of  the  Argo.  1  feel  con- 
fident of  your  goodness.  Good  Captain  Locker  has  just  been 
with  me,  and  made  the  most  kind  inquiries  after  you.  I  am 
not  to  go  to  the  Levee  until  the  end  of  next  week.  ImIj 
Nelson  sends  her  love.     God  bless  you. 

I  am,  &c 

Horatio  Nelson. 


TO  MAJOR  SUCKLING,  THIRD  REGIMENT  DRAGOON  GUARDS. 

[.Aii(ogr*j>li,  in  Uj«  poammJoo  orCnpiiuu  Moutogu  MoutAgn,  B.N.   It  luu  no  dtl», 
liiil  \a  endorsed,  mid  Iim  Uie  Poat  mark  of  "  '2d  Scptetuber,  1707."] 

141,  Boad-»tr««t,  [abouJ  Seiilembcr  *i4lh,  lUt'i.] 

My  dear  Sir, 

I  feel  very  much  obliged  by  your  kind  inquiries.     I  am  at 

present  under  the  care  of  Mr.  Cruikshanks,  but  may  be  some 

time  before  I  am  perfectly  recovered.     Your  good  father  tells 

me  you  are  [in]  great  [hopes]  of  the  Lieutenant-Colonelcy.    I 


tinned  in  ihiti  slAte  of  Buflering;,  At  tlie  ImlgingM  of  Sir.  Jonn,  iu  Boad-atreet,  NeboB 
luui  one  iiiglit  i'«iir<rtl  to  hi<)  lifd-room,  oAer  n  day  of  cousiaiii  jmiu,  bri}iing  wtib  iIm 
lussiHtmice  uf  luudauitiu  Iu  eujoy  it  little  re^t ;  wbeu  tbe  etliilunuing  licw^  of  Adinlnl 
Diuicon'ti  A-iclory  ilii-ew  the  wliolf  nii'irojwlin  into  nn  uproar.  Tlit  firtt  iilrit  iltat 
presented  itavlt  to  tlie  raniily,  was  All  ultmn  of  some  dreadful  &rv.  The  tutib  kuut-kol 
rppcaf^y  iuid  viulc-nily  at  tbe  duor,  ns  ilie  bouse  bod  not  b«en  illiimiiuurd.  It  wm 
tit  lengib  oiw'iied  by  a  s«r>iint,  wbo  informinl  (bem,  tbai  .Sir  Hontiio  Nrbon,  wlio 
bud  been  ho  bndlr  wounde<I,  loilj^-d  tb«rc,  uid  could  not  be  diKtiir]>i'>d.  A  ^oirfil 
iiiti^rt'fil  for  tho  VHltiiible  life  of  their  bonoured  Adiniml,  for  an  iniiiiuit  re|irK*!iNd  (br 
joy  wbicb  Duncan's  \ieiory  bud  occasioned:  'You  will  bear  iw  more  from  o»  to- 
niglil,'  exclaimed  tbe  foremost  uf  tlie  pni-ty  -.  and  tbat  imirerstil  sympolby  fur  tb* 
beallb  of  Nelson  wliicb  jiorvndi'd  even  ibu  minds  of  tbe  lowest  of  bis  uoDutrrineu 
WOK  clearly  oboim,  no  subseqiii-nt  viiit  being  paid  by  tbe  luob,  UolVltLstiuidiHg  Ui» 
Inninll  tbnt  prevailed." —  IhiJ. 

•  C'«pi*iu,  afterwM'd!!  tbe  lIoimorsbl«  Sir  George  Grey,  Ourl.,  K.C.B-,  then  C«f- 
tuiu  of  ilie  Victory,     lie  died  iu  IH'^6, 


39.] 


LETTERS. 


447 


icerely  wish  you  success.     Lady  Nelson  joins  me  in  best 
?cts  to  Mrs.  Suckling,  and  believe  me,  dear  Sir,  your  most 

>liged, 

lIoBATio  Nelson. 

You  must  excuse  short  letters. 


!  inlenJcJ  (o  (jinut  Nelson  a  Pension  of  £1000  a-year.  custom  reudered 
BAH'  ilial  lie  »liuulti  <tlate  Uis  Senices  iu  a  Mcmnriiil  to  the  King.] 

TO  THE  king's  most  EXCELLKNT  INIAJESTV, 

HE  MEMOIUAL  OF    SIR    IIOHATIO    NEL80X,   K.D„    AND    REAK- 

ADiMlRAL  IX  VOIR  MAJESTY'S  FLEET, 

Humbly  Shewcth, 
That,  during  the  present  War,  your  Memorialist  has  been 
four  Actions  with  the  Fleets  of  the  Enemy — viz.,  on  the 
"I3th  and  14tli  of  March  1795,  on  the  13th  of  July  1795,  and 
>n  the  14lh  of  February  1797;  in  three  Actions  with  Fri- 
itea ;  in  six  Engagements  against  Batteries ;  in  ten  Actions 
in  Boats  employed  in  cutting  out  of  Harbours,  in  destroying 
Vessels,  and  in  taking  three  Towns.  Your  Memorialist  has 
also  sen'ed  on  shore  with  the  Army  four  months,  and  com- 
manded the  Batteries  at  the  Sieges  of  Bastia  and  Calvi ; 

That,  during  the  War  he  has  assisted  at  the  Capture  of 
seven  Sail  of  the  Line,  six  Frigates,  four  Con-ettcs,  and  eleven 
Privateers  of  different  sizes,  and  taken  and  destroyed  near 
fifty  Sail  of  Merchant  Vessels ;  and  your  Memorialist  has 
actually  been  engaged  against  the  Enemy  upwards  of  one 
hundred  and  twenty  times^.  In  which  Service  your  Memo- 
rialist has  lost  his  right  eye  and  arm,  and  been  severely 
pounded  and  bruised  in  his  body.  All  of  which  Services 
knd  wounds  your  Memorialist  most  humbly  submits  to  your 
ajesty's  most  gracious  consideration. 

Horatio  NEt.80>f. 

About  October,  ITdT. 


448 


LETTEnSw 


[1797 


10  ADMIRAL  THK  EAHL  OF  ^l\  YhN'CEXT.  K.B. 
[From  Clarke  uid  lI'Artljur,  vol.  ii>  p.  47.] 

Louilon,  0th  Oitotier.  I797j| 

My  dear  Lonl, 

The  King  asked  after  your  general  health.^  I  told  his 
Majesty  that,  considering  the  great  fatigue  you  were  under- 
going, your  health  was  tolerable.  Lord  Uowe  made  many  of 
not  only  handsome,  but  kind  inquiries  after  you.  Lord 
Spencer  says,  my  pension  will  be  the  same  as  those  for  the 
1st  of  June,  £712  with  the  deductions.  My  poor  ami  con- 
tinues quite  as  it  was,  the  ligature  still  fast  to  the  nerve,  and 
very  painful  at  times.  The  moment  I  am  cured  I  tsbaU  ofler 
myself  for  Service  ;  and  if  you  continue  to  hold  your  opinion 
of  me,  shall  press  to  return  with  all  the  zeal,  although  not 
with  all  the  personal  ability,  I  had  formerly, 

I  am,  &c., 

Horatio  Nrlsok. 


TO  EVAN  NEPEAN.  ESQ..  SECRCTARY  TO  THE  ADlkURALTY. 

[Origiiul,  in  Uic  AtlminJty.] 

Londoo,  Dill  Ooiolinr,  l707i| 
Dear  Sir, 
I  have  this  moment  received  the  enclosetl  from  Licutcni 
Withers*  who  served  with  me  in  the  Agamemnon  and  Caf 

*  Cluke  and  M'Artliur  nay  (val,  U.  p.  43),  that  the  King'»  gT*ciou»  mauiin,  ■> 
IttTestiijg  hl/u  Willi  the  Onler  of  tbp  Bsth,  mftde  o  Inslicg  iniprpssion  6U  Li-  - 
but  N«l»on  nowhere   s{i«akji   of  the  Kin(;'ii  rccpption  of  him.      Of  ilie  niiK,_ 

I  eoniiL<«  of  hi«  Uiueoty'w  tcidatIu  to  liim  ou  lii«  fint  ^lftuu^ct  u  Cuun  »t\et  il>« 
'  lo8s  of  his  arm,  aud  of  hiit  utswera,  the  fuDoM-iug  has  be«n  T«rifle«l  by  Lwly  . 
¥vlio,  in  reply  to  the  Editor's  iiiqxiiry,  obliRUigly  iiiformed  bim  lliAt  "  iho 
•litlwl  of  NcNun's  hariiig  enipL«tio»lly  called  Berry  Lis  '  right  haJwl,'  oo  pr 
him  i<>  ihp  Kiitg,  iii  nqily  to  IltK  >[i^c«ty'8  espKMion  of  concern  u  ih«  Iom  ( 
right  alio;  oud  thou)(h  the  wortU  tnny  uot  lx>  rxtwtly  correal,  they  ure  es«eulia 
the  same."  "  'Yon  have  lost  your  right  iinu,'  olwen-ed  ilu-  Kiiijt— 'hul  not  ray  i 
huid,'  replied  Sir  llomtio,  '  ns  I  h«ve  the  honour  of  prr*pntinj!  Csptniu  Berry  I 
you  t  Mid,  besideK,  mity  it  pleu«r  your  Mi^jeBiy.  T  can  ucvor  thttik  thnl  h  1o«»  whirh 
the  pvrfonnnnce  of  uiy  diuy  hm  occasioued ;  aitd,  ^o  long  ««  I  hMtn  ■  foot  lo  stand 
ou,  I  will  i-timlmL  fur  my  country  luid  Kiug.' "  The  hitter  |Mirt  of  (hit  vprveh.  liks 
the  «xelAiniiiiou  of  "  Vieioiy,  or  Westiuinsler  AbU-y,"  on  hoaiding  the  Hmu  ^■t"'' 
neemti  niucli  too  mfLidntmalic  to  be  true.  Lonl  Eldon  relnt^'s  that  the  Kin;.', 
acknowledging  hi»  grent  service!!,  added,  "But  youi  Couniry  has  n  claim  for 
morf  of  yoa." — Twitt'M  Manoin  of  Lord  EMon,  toI.  i,  p.  103. 

*  Lieuienimi  ThofflM  WiUiera  died  a  Pott  Captain. 


450 


LETTBItfi. 


1797, 


voure  to  serve  the  State.     I  therefore  enclose  my  reqaeity' 
which,  if  your  Lordship  has  the  gooduess  to  comply  wilii, 
will  be  a  small  provision  for  the  youngest  son  of  my  vcnaw 
able  father,  and  a  lasting  obligation  conferred  upon 
Your  most  obedient  servant, 

UOOATIO  NeL608. 


TO  JOHN  IIALKETT.  ESQ.,  SECRETARY  OF  PRESEVTATlOJfa  TO 
THE  LOUD  CHANCELLOR. 


fFfum  ■  Copy,  ill  the  NeUon  Pupeis.] 


Sir, 


141,  Bond-street,  Ootober  2Sd,  nm. 


The  Lord  Chancellor  having  been  so  good  as  to  write  me 
that  he  will  comply  with  my  request  in  giving  my  brother,  the 
Reverend  Siicklini;  Nelson,  A.B.,  of  Burnham  in  Norfolk,  tltf 
Rectory  of  Burnham  St.  Albert's,  (alias  Sutton,)  with  tl»e 
mediety  of  Burnham  St.  Margaret's,  {alias  Norton,)  with  the 
mediety  of  Burnham  All  Saints,  (alian  Ulph,)  County  Norfdllc, 
Diocese  of  Norwich,  when  it  shall  be  vacant  bj  the  resign alion 
of  my  father,  the  Reverend  Edmund  Nelson,  which  it  now  is, 
lie  having  wrote  to  the  Bishop  of  Norwich  for  that  ]" 
I  have,  therefore,  to  request  the  favour  of  you  (or  li. 
will  have  the  kindness  to  put  me  in  the  way)  to  expedite  the 
forms  it  is  necessary  to  go  through  in  order  to  obtain  the  Pre- 
sentation as  speedily  .is  possible.     Your  compliance  witli  UMi 
request  will  very  much  oblige 

Your  most  obedient  servant, 

UOHATIO  Ne 


'  To  (»iv«  hi*  yonn^Jt  broUior.  tli«  Btivvrend  Suckling  Nelww.  our  of  the  U* 
lirJJ  bj  his  fHibcr  OH  )i«R  fuliiT'ii  resignation  of  ii.     Lonl  LoiigbborougU'*  mbmui  ] 
wiu conveyed ia  tennn»  tbai  iliil  him  honour: 
"  Sir. 

"  Yon  Imve  jmljifird  (<orfeollv  rigUl  iu  llic  miMle  of  your  njiplicivtiou  Jo  inr.     A^ 
Ifttcrniice  wnitlil  bare  inctch  iliminiAbcl  ibc  Kftltsfncliuu  1  fnl  in  •cktiowli'ilgil 
|i«rffot  proprioiy  of  your  reijqrKi,  nuil  ihe  jn«i  tlilv  your  (fniU  »crriec»  ItMv 
to  every  inirk  of  stteutiou  wbioli,  in  ibc  exrniise  of  u  jmblic  duty,  it  i»  in  mj 
lo  DXjircw.     Yours,  &<i.,  LnvuHuaftouon." — Aulmjr.iph  iu  the  NoUuu  P«|M>r 


ITOTHE  REVEREND  MR.  WEATHERHEAD,SEDCEFOnD,  NORFOLK.' 

[Autograpb.] 

lil.  Bond-street,  October  91tt,  17D7. 

Dear  Sir, 

Bolieve  me,  I  luve  largely  partaken  in  our  real  cause  for 

pjef  in  the  loss  of  a  most  excellent  young  man.     Whether  he 

considered  in  his  moral  character,  or  as  an  Officer,  he  was 

blight  example  to  all  around ;  and  when  I  reflect  on  that 

night,  I  cannot  but  bring  sorrow  and  his  fall  before  my 

ires.     Dear  friend,  he  fought  as  he  had  always  done,  by  my 

le,  and  for  more  than  one  hundred  times  with  success ;  but 

)r  wise  reasons  (we  are  taught  to  believe)  a  separation  was  to 

ce  place,  and  we  must,  however  hard  the  task,  be  resigned. 

^ith  most  sincere  good  wishes  for  your  future  happiness  with- 

tt  alloy,  believe  me,  dear  Sir, 

Your  most  faithful  servant, 

Horatio  Nelson. 


TO  CAPTAIN  KNIGHT,  II.M.  WllP  MONTAGU,  SHEERNE88. 
[Atitognqili,  in  ilio  Nelson  PA|»ers.] 

My  dear  Sir, 
Most  heartily  do  I  congratulate  you  on  your  hard-earned 
and  gl — 

[The  rrtnainder,  except  dip  si^nlure,  Is  not  in  Sir  Horatio  XelaonV  liftiiJ.] 

irious  Victory.'     I  take  the  opportunity  of  sending,  by  a 
lost  particular  friend  of  mine,  Mr.  George  Preston,  319  J  dol- 

\ '  The  Letter  to  wliicli  this  wtw  on  answer,  is  in  the  Nelson  Papers,  nnil  wiu 
''  f'liuriv  anil  M'Anhur.     It  in  dnlttd  'Jdili  Ucloh«r,  1707,  uul  exprmsod 
|t:  f;^itiituJo  for  Sir  Huiniio  NcLmuu'v  fuvoiiri)  to  UU  luie  xoii. 

Ill''  iiMtU  of  r'Aiiiiienlowii,  iu  wliich  Ca]iTaiii  Ktiiglit  (ofterwiu'iU  Admiral  Sir 
nhn  Kni(rlit<  KX'.B. )  curiiiimlidt-d  lln-  Mouliigii  mid  idmiiiicd  llie  Mfdiil.  This  Let- 
do*«  not  HiiiKmr  lo  |inv«  l>crii  fotwardi'd ;  Hiid  iiiite«sj  the  dulLars  wi're  for  Priiie 
[ooey  iue  to  sooie  of  tlip  crew  nf  tlio  Moiitit}(ii,  while  bor\inK  iu  tlin  Agun)«miinii  or 
)c|rtMn,iii  the  MrdilL-rnuieitii,  iiix  difflriiit  to  iiny  for  wlint  tlir  pnTrariilx  wric  inudc, 
Soliin*]  Drlnkuulcr  orrituM,  tliiu  idi  InS  nci|tiiuiiliiig  Nvlxnn  llint  iiu  eui^igpioPtit  miu 
riy  fxpfrtcd  hriwcfn  Admiral  Diiiiriui's  J-'lefii,  tuid  tlifU  ofHnlliaid,  "  lie  xUirird 
gi  ill  111*  iM-fiuJinr  rD(ir(!ri)pnmiitirr,  TiolM'itlihlAndiiig  I. ml)'  Nelson '»  Kttcin[it  lo  qtiit't 
im,  Mid  i«ir<'lcliin(f  uul  Iu«  iiuw«>iiiidrd  nnn — '  Itrinkw ut««r,'  said  lie,  '1  wniiU  give 
otltvr  «rni  to  [)i!  yriilk  LuucAU  itl  Uiis  niumejii.' " — Xurraliv*  i>J'  tluf  Daltlt  nf 

G  o2 


452 


LETTERS. 


[1797. 


lars,  being  2^  fur  each  common  man,  and  10^  for  each  Petly 
Officer.     Any  clviHty  you  can  show  3Ir.  Preston  I  shall  con- 
sidcr  as  an  obligation  conferred  upon. 
My  dear  Sir, 
Your  most  obedient  humble  servant, 

Horatio  Nei-son. 
J  return  the  List  you  sent  me. 


TO  THE  REVEREND  IIEN'RV  CROWE,  S>ULLBUROn,  NORWICH. 

[Aiitofp'oplii  in  tlie  posscusion  of  tli«  Betrarend  Ilenry  Crowir,  son  of  (])e  griiU» 
mau  10  wbuiii  tlir  Letter  wm  iddrenwd.J 

London,  111,  Bond-«treel,  Koreinb«r  10th,  1797, 
Dear  Sir, 

The  First  I^rd  of  the  Admiralty  cannot  assure  to  you  that 
any  particular  Ship  shall  be  kept  in  Commission  after  a  Pence. 
Chaplains,  after  so  many  years'  service,  are  entitled  to  half- 
pay,  but  which  only  extends  to  a  certain  number.  Ladj 
Nelson  and  myself  thank  you  for  your  congratulations,  and 
believe  me. 

Dear  Sir, 

Your  faithful  servant, 

Horatio  Nelson. 


TO  THE  CHAMBERLAIN  OF  THE  CITY  OF  LONDON.* 
[AiUojrmpli,  in  tlie  posMssion  of  Juhu  Wild,  Esq.] 

Sir  Horatio  Nelson  presents  bis  most  respectful  Complimeuts 
to  the  Chamberlain  of  the  (.'ity  of  London,  and  begs  leave  lo 
acquaint  him,  that  he  will  attend  at  his  Office  on  Tuesday 
next,  at  one  oVIock,  unless  any  other  hour  should  be  more 
agreeable. 

Wediieailny,  November  'i'ini,  1707. 


♦  On  itic  aMlh  December,  I  TOT.  Sir  Horatio  Ntlson  rtrelved  tlie  FrcC'dom  of  l)i« 
City  of  London,  in  ii  r„,U\  |,„x,  nf  ibi-  value  of  one  liiiudivd  OiiinoNi,  Oti  iLat 
orcusiun,  lb?  (."biiniboiliiin  (tbc vtk-lralcd  John  Wilk.i>  Ibns  addressed  hlia: 

"  Rear  .\dnnnU  Sir  Honiiio  NiU.m,  I  give  yon  joy.  and  «iUi  Inie  viUsfection  1 


TO  CAPTALV  BERRY,  R.N.,  DR,  FORSTER'S,  NORWICH. 

[AulogtAiili,  in  Uie  posseMiou  or  Ludf  ficny.*] 

My  dear  Sir,  NoTtmWaHOi,  il  ru.  [1T0?.J 

Any  event  which  has  the  prospect  of  adding  to  your  felicity 

innot  but  afford  me  pleasure;  and  1  most  heartily  congratu- 

ilc  you  on  becoming  one  of  us,  and  we  shall  have  great  plca- 

ire  in  being  known  to  Mrs.  Berry.     I  am  confident  nothing 

kill  alter  you  for  the  worse,  and  I  wish  you  to  be  no  better : 

icrefore  we  will  leave  ofl"  further  complimenting. 

The  Foudroyant  will  be  launched  in  January,  and  in  cora- 

)ission  early  in  February.     I  am  not  jvcrfectly  at  liberty  about 

First-lieutenant,  but  I  believe  Galwey*  will  be  the  man ;  Mr. 

VassalU  second,  although  a  much  older  Officer ;  but  if  they  do 

•turn  Toii  (luuiks,  in  Iko  mane  of  the  Lord  Mayor,  Aldermen,  uui  Cominnn-Coiuicil 
Ikeiabled,  wbo  bnve  miaiiinioiinly  voted  yon  tlie  Freedom  of  llie  Cnptiul,  for  your 
lbitiaRiii«l>pd  vftlour  mui  nundiict  in  the  f«vouriie  wrvice  of  tbc  Va\r,  mid  i>iirl«- 

Jarly  ii^iuiutl  uverj-  huperior  force  of  llie  Kneniy  off  t'lqw  St.  Vincput,  on  the  Jith 
FrbniBTV  Insl.  Muuy  of  oiir  Nuval  Commanders  biive  merilcd  bigbly  of  ibeir 
Buniry  by  iboir  eKertionn,  bnt  in  your  cumj  tbere  is  a  mrc  heroic  modesty,  •which 

tinot  hr  siiflicieutiT  Mlniirod.  You  have  given  the  warme.st  itpphui^e  to  your 
Irotber-Offlcers  and  the  Seameu  under  )-oiir  cummond  ;  but  your  own  merit  yo«t 
ave  nut  iiiciitioncd,  even  in  the  slif^litest  luaiiner,  and  the  relation  of  ibr  *evpiT 
«cl  womid-*  yoii  sufiV-red  in  (lie  '«pr\ice  of  your  eoiintry  is  tranxniillrd  by  your 
C'ntnniRnder'iu-C'bii'r.     ^fay  you  h)ni;  live  to  enjoy  tlte  gratefUl  beuediciious 

f  the  tViunlry  wliirb  )-on  honour  nnd  protect." 

To  tbJH  Speech  Sir  tlomtio  Ni'hon  replied : — 

"Sir,  nnthiug  could  be  luore  t.^lifying  to  me  (as  it  must  be  to  every  Sea  Officer^ 
tian  receiviug  the  high  honour  tliis  diiy  confeiTt'd  u|M»n  me,  iu  Itecoming  n  Freeman 

'the  great  City  of  Londou  ;  tind  I  beg  \ou  to  believe,  and  to  tussure  my  Fellow- 
;iti<eun,  Ihul  iny  hand  and  beail  shall  ever  be  exerted,  witli  all  my  heart,  ia  drfeuec 

'  my  King,  the  Laws,  and  the  just  liberties  of  my  Country,  in  which  we  inclnded 

erytliiug  which  can  be  beneli<~ial  to  the  Capiial  of  the  Empire.     I  beg  leave.  Sir, 

renim  you  my  sincere  thniits  for  the  very  flatleriug  expre<s(iioU8  you  have  lio- 
koured  me  with  on  thix  occai<ioa." 

»  The  late  Rear  Admiral  Sir  Edward  Berry, Bart..  K.C.B.,  motried  on  the  I'JtU  of 

)ecenl}er  l/flT,  Lnni)>a,  daughter  of  Samuel  Fortter,  M.T>.,  of  Norwich.     To  this 

ly.  the  Kditor  it>  indebted  for  much  valuable  iufnnnntioti,  rouvryed  to  liim  iu  I.et« 

m  alike  charming  IVom  iheir  unaffected  grncc  niid  «im)dirity.  their  true  womanly 

eling,  and  the  affectionate  interest  they  displHr  ff,r  (he  fame  of  Lord  KeUou  and 

'of  her  distiugnished  IliiHband.     Laily  Berry  was  the  inlimale  fHeud  of  Lmly  Nelson, 

to  whniie  merits  she  ha'<  reudeivtl  such  antple  juntiee. 

•  The  laic  lU'tti-Admiral  Edwiird  Oalwey.  wlio  die<I  a  few  nmntlis  ago. 
'  Ijentenant  Niithauiel  Vivh^rill,  who  oblaiued  that  rank  iu  November  I'WM,  about 
liree  yean  before  I.icuteiuuit  Onlwey, 


LETTERS, 

not  choose  to  stand  as  I  like  in  tbo  Ship,  they  may  stay  awsj| 
und  so  I  have  told  Mr.  Vassal!.     Wc  ore  feurful  of  inidcrtik 
ing  our  trip  to  Balb,  as  Lord  Sjwncer  says  I  must  he  in  To« 
to  attend  the  Procession  on  the  lUth  ot  December,*  which  ij 
to  be  very  fine.     I  enclose  you  the  Arms,*  and  1  beg  you 
make  my  best  resjiects  to  the  Mayor ;  alao,  to  Doctor  Foratcr" 
utid  fjitiiilv,  and  believe  uic  ever, 

Your  roost  faithfid, 

iloRATio  NblsoK 


•TO  F.VAN  NEPEAN,  ESQ,  SECREIARY  IX)  THE  ADNUILVLTY. 

[i^rigitud,  ill  l\ic  Adatlnkltj.] 

Sir,  London,  Nov«]ut>er  a«iU,  iTOiJ 

I  beg  you  \\ill  infonn  their  Lordships  that,  on  tlic  31st  I 
Miwch  last,  I  sent  my  Agents,  Messrs.  March  and  Creed,  i 
order  from  Sir  John  JerviA,  now  Lord  St.  Vincent,  dat) 
'lib  of  April  1796,  for  my  hoisting  a  Distinguishing  I'endt 
and  desired  that  the  same  might  be  presented  to  their  Lot 
shi|)6,  fur  the  purpose  of  procuring  the  neceesary  order 
payment  of  the  usual  allovrRnce.     This,  they  inform  me, 
doue ;  but,  on  inquiry  at  the  Admiralty,  I  find  that  the  or 
is  nowhere  to  be  found,  and  I  can  therefore  only  conch 
that  Messrs.  31arch  and   Creed's  letter,  enclosing  the  Ct 
mandcr-ia-Chiefs  order,  never  wa«  delivered,  or  that  if  it 
it  must  have  been  by  some  means  mislaid     la  cither 
I  trust  their  Lordships  will  reganl  my  assurance  thui  I 
hoist  my  Distinguishing  Pendant  under  a  positive  order  fr 
Sir  John  Jervis,  and  the  acknowledgment  of  my  Agents 
such  order  was  actually  received  by  them,   as  proof  bid 
cieut  for  their  Lortlships  to  grant  me  an  order  for  payment' 
the  customary  allowance;  and  I  have  to  flatter  myself  i 
such  an  order  will,  in  consequence,  Ix;  issued. 

I  am^  Sir^  &e., 

Horatio  N8t«o».] 


•  Vidr  p.  4V»,  ptm. 

•  A  (Irnwiiif^or  Ills  .\rra»,  ]imlinl))v  w«  iiRtteru  fbr  tliom'  to  lir  pl»c«>4  tt^trl 
bwonl  uf  »l4e  iSiiaiiiisL  .\(liiiirnt,  »*ldc-b  lie  jj^ve  lo  Uif  Ct<rjHjrMiun  of  Noiirick 


r.  39.] 


LETTERS. 


455 


'.S.     I  have  been  paid  as  a  Rcar-Admiral  from  August 

^ih,  1796,  when  a  Captain  was  appointed  to  the  Ship  in 

ich  my  Pendant  flew;  but  from  April  4th  to  August  1  Ith, 

iraj   to   be  allowed  for  the   Distinguishing   Pendant  ten 

per  day. 

U.N. 


TO  TIIK  lUGirr  HONOURABLE  TIIE  IjORD  CIIANCELLOU. 

[From  a  Copy,  in  the  Nelsoo  Prqien.] 

Ul,  Boud-slnct,  December  '.'uJ,  17l>7. 
My  Lord, 

Your  goodness  in  further  offering  to  serve  my  relatives  was 

tnucli  more  than  I  had  any  reason  to  hojic  or  ex{x;ct;  but,  in 

cousc<iucuec   of  it,  I  wrote   to  my  brother,    the    Reverend 

William  Nelson,  of  Christ's  College,  Cambridge,  anil  Rector 

of  llilboro',  in  Norfolk.     His  wish  and  niuid  was  for  a  Stall 

at  Norwich ;  but  as  that  is  out  of  the  question,  any  Kcsi- 

denliary  Stall  will  be  acceptable,  the  nearer  Norfolk  the  more 

^Kccablc. 

^^  have  the  honour  to  be,  with  the  highest  rcsjx^t  and 
obligation, 

^v  Your  lordship's  most  obedient  servant, 

^M  IIORATIU  N£LSON. 

HiAN 


IANK801V1NG  IX  ST.  ORORGE's  CHURCH,  HANOVER-SQUAr.E, 
LONDON*. 


niost  iutercrsting  Paper  is  lolicii  ft'oni  hJiil-mihUc  Arliioli  wm>  iu  Uic  po*i»Cc- 
of  Uk  fiuuily  of  the  Bcv.  Mr.  GrovUl«,  tbeu  &lini)iter  ul  St.  Gcvrgc'»,  llnuovvr- 

^LAa  Officer  desires  to  return  Thanks  to  Almighty  God  for 

^W  perfect  recovery  from  a  severe  Woimd,  and  also  Ibr  the 

many  mercies  bestowed  upon  him. 

[For  next  Sunday.] 
i>ecember  6Uiv  ITOT. 


456  LETTERS. 


TO  CAFTAfN  BKRIIY,  R.N^  DR.  yOR^TEk'S,  XORWIOL 
[Autogmph,  in  U»«"  ik>m*«i*Iiiu  of  Ludy  Bern] 

Secrttf  except  to  Dr.  Foretcr  and  Miss. 

bccembcr  Stb,  [I'Ti.] 
My  dear  Sir, 
If  jou  mean  to  nmrry,  I  would  recommend  your  doing  il 
s|H.'cdily,  or  the  to  l>c  Mrs.  Berry  will  have  very  Utile  of  your 
company ;  for  I  am  well,  and  you  may  expect  to  Ijc  called 
Ibr  every  hour.  We  shall  probably  be  at  sea  before  the 
Foudroynnt  is  launched.  Our  Ship  is  at  Chatham,  a  Scvenly- 
fuur,  and  she  will  be  choicely  manned.  This  may  not  happen, 
but  it  stands  so  to-day 

Ever  yours  most  faithfully, 

Horatio  Nelson. 


TO  CAPTAIN  RALPH  WILLLTT  MIIXER. 

[AuUigrniili,  iu  Uic  iiuMCMioa  of  Miss  Milli<r/] 

DrcrmWr  I  lib.  [Ii»7.] 

My  dear  Sir, 

As  I  have  not  the  hand  of  a  ready  writer,  my  friends  must 
put  up  (at  the  best)  with  short  letters,  and  oflencr  excuse  my 
writing  anything.  I  could  say  nothing  of  you  anywhere,  or 
to  any  person,  that  was  not  pleasant  to  your  friends,  aud 
strictly  true.  John  Bull  docs  not  forget  the  Captain  on  the 
14th  February,  for  both  at  the  London  Tavern  and  Guild- 
hall after  *Lord  Duncan' (the  last  Action  being  the  best)  'and 
his  Fleet,'  comes  *  Earl  St.  Vincent  and  the  glorious  14lh 
Febniary' ;  then  •  Sir  II.  N.,  and  the  brave  Officers  and  men 
who  fought  on  board  the  Captain  on  the  14th  February';  and 
had  our  Battle  been  in  the  Channel,  it  would  have  been  so 
much  the  better  for  us. 

[Tlic  following,  esorpi  Ujf  SipmUirt  nutl  PimUfriiU,  in  iu  LjmIj  NcIbod'h  writutcj 

Lady  Nelson  and  myself  called  to  sec  your  little  girl  at 
Mr.  Taylor's.  She  is  a  very  fine  girl,  and  a  great  fuvourilc 
with  Mr.  ami  Mrs,  Taylor,  who  seem  very  fond  and  kind  to 
her.     They  are,  1  am  sure,  gootl  people,  and  spoke  m  n)osl 


4 


Icctionalo  terms  of  Mrs.  Miller.  It  ia  fixed  I  am  to  have 
ie  Vanguard.  She  will  be  out  of  dock  in  ten  days ;  and  as 
lere  arc  many  Ships  paying  off  at  Chatham,  I  sliall  be  well 
lanncd  and  soon ;  therefore  I  am  in  hoi>cs  of  joining  Lord 
5t.  Vincent  some  time  in  February.  Lady  Nelson  begs  you 
rill  accept  her  coinjiliaienls. 

Believe  mc,  your  sincere, 

Horatio  Nelson. 
Berry  is  married,  but  still  goes  with  me.     Many  thanks  for 
konr  letters. 


TO  TTtE    REVEREXD   MP.  MORRIS.  THESEUB,   LISBON. 
[Autogmpli,  in  tlic  pOBscssion  o/  Dawson  Turner,  £»q.,  F.R.S.] 

DeccmWr  llUi,  17i)7. 

My  dear  Sir, 
I  can  afisure  you  that  notliing  could  give  mc  greater  plea- 
ire  than  to  have  you  once  more  with  nie.     The  Foudroyant* 
is  at  i)rcsent  the  Ship  named  for  my  Flag,  and  she  will  be 
commissioned  by  Captain  Berry  about  the  middle  of  February, 
is  my  wish  to  go  to  Lord  St.  V'incent ;  but,  as  that  must  be 
mcertain,  and  I  am  determined  not  to  go  to  sea  again  with- 
>ut  a  Chaplain,  I  must  leave  the  matter  to  your  consideration, 
!low  far  it  may  be  eligible  for  you  to  come  home  for  such  an 
ppoinlmenL     I  sluiU  not  engage  myself  lill  the  Ship  is  com- 
lissioned,  unless  I  hear  first  from  you.    I  beg  my  best  regards 
Captain  Oldfield,"  and  thank  him  for  his  kind  letter;  and 
»licve  me  ^vcr  your  obliged, 

Horatio  Nelsox. 

P.S-  Tlie  Vanguard  is  my  Ship;  and  she  will  [be]  next 
week  in  commission :  this  change  must  for  the  present  deprive 
[me]  of  you. 


*  Ob  Uie  1-tdi  nt  DeoemWr.  Sir  Ilomiio  Nelson  b«in^  prniiounccd  AtforSrnicp, 
lie  Foudroyiuit  wiw  ititnulptl  to  ri'onive  liis  Flug,  Imt  ihr-  Ship  noi  being  in  a  «iifl5 
ieniJy  forwnnl  nutc,  ilie  Vniigiuinl  was  siibMitiileii  for  lirr. 

*  Of  ilic  Mju-tiiCN,  wbu  in  piU'ticiiJiu'ly  mpniioueil  in  Um  Arruuiit  of  ibc  Atliick  <>n 
|MitA  Cnu,  unte.  lie  obtiuncd  lii4  Mojoriiv,  and,  to  nse  tbc  wnnls  pf  Uir  offif^inl 
>i«p«l<-li,  "  fell  d'lurioiwly"  in  coninuuid  of  tlic  Miuiites  of  Uie  'rii«8«u»,  iit  Acit.  in 
Ipril.  IT'.IU. 


45S 


LETTERS. 


[17W. 


TO  CAPIAIX  ALBEMARLE  DEIITIE,  OF  U^.  ^IllP  BRAKEL 

[From  Uio  "Nn»«l  tlinmiele,"  vol,  «tI.  |v  10. J 

My  dear  Beriie,  ***'  Don<i-»irwt,  Dweinbirr  iitii,  I'ln. 

You  have  reason  to  abuse  me,  for  not  long  ago  answering 
your  affectionate  letter;  but  truly,  till  last  Monday,  I  have 
suffered  so  much,  that  I  hope  for  your  forgiveness.  I  am  now 
perfectly  recovered,  and  on  the  eve  of  being  employed.  You 
are  on  a  most  unpleasant  service,'  but  the  Country  demands 
a  strict  scrutiny,  and  we  rest  confident  that  you  will  do  ample 
justice,  be  that  what  it  may.  Remember  rae  kindly  to  your 
worthy  President,*  and  such  of  those  witli  you  that  I  know,  aud 
believe  me  ever, 

Your  affectionate  ft-iend, 

Horatio  Nelsdn. 


TO  WILLLIM  MAUSDEN,  ESy„  SECIIETAIIY  TO  THE  ADMIHALTV. 

[Originiil,  in  Xhn  Admiroltv.  j 
Sif  DceemJirr  IJUi,  170*. 

I  am  honoured  with  your  letter  of  yesterday,  and  beg  leave 
to  HC((uaiiU  you,  that  I  aui  ready  to  attend  at  St.  Paul  s,  on 
the  I'Jlh,'  in  such  manner  as  their  Lordsbip^s  may  be  plciiseJ 
to  direct,  and  also  that  Captains  Berry  and  Noblc^  will  atlenil 
with  me.     I  am,  Sir,  your  most  obedient  servant, 

IIuRATio  Nei^ok. 

'  !>ittiag  AS  n  MeiuW  of  tbe  Court  MnrUiil  nt  SUe«nie6«,  Tor  iitv  tri«]  of  C«)U«in 
J»lin  Willioinitiin,  rlmrgfil  wifh  naiscoDiInct  in  rnmnnmil  i>f  llic  Afiinrouri,  In  U»e 
D(illloorCain(M>nlon-i),  on  the  llt]i  of  October,  nf  wtiii:)!  clKir^ce  lir  vna  I'oiiBil  Ijiiilty, 
•iwl  XKiitciiCPil  to  lie  |)liu<cd  at  Ihr  bottoin  of  tlie  List  of  I'ost  (.'H|<lliitLv,  uui  Rtulprvd 
ineitpablu  of  f.\er  scr%ing  on  bnonl  any  of  lii*  Majenty's  ith{i>«. 

•  AdmimI  Skefflngton  Liitwidgp. 

■  On  tbu  l!)t}i  L>t  DeovaiWr,  His  Miut^Kiy  ami  (lie  Itoynl  Funiijr  ttUftUM nt  Su  PmT* 
"10  rrtiini  llinitk.*i  to  Almiglity  God,  for  llje  many  ^iguid  and  imjHirtont  Viclnric*  (ib- 
tniiicd  hy  tils  M«ucsty'»  Na^7,  diiniig  the  jircwnl  Ww."  Sent*  were  i<ruvi(lrdror  lho<« 
King  Officers  wbo  lind  coniiuimdcd.  or  l>een  prricul  in  h  0«<M<'nJ  Artiou  Ld  wttirli 
miy  Shi|>s  of  the  Eneroy'n  Lmv  bud  been  cn|>t«rr«l.  Mid  NrUon  w»s  on«  nf  the 
Admiral*  who  were  iiivitM  liy  the  Lords  of  thd  Admiralty  to  attend.  One  of  the 
origiunl  tirf)(rramiiic»  of  tbe  I'crcraoiiy  is  now  in  the  NeUou  P»|Wf» ;  lud  it  will 
kI«0  Ih!  found  in  tbo  Anntinl  lifi/itter. 

•  Btfor*  mentioned  ai  «  IJeinrnant  of  the  Agnmcmnon  and  Thcsewa.  He  wa* 
tiicn  «  Comnnuider,  wits  Post«Hl  in  Aiiril  l»(i"2,and  is  now  aBcar-Adnural  oJihc  Red, 


LITTERS. 


459 


Agreement  of  the  admirals  serving  under  tiik  earl 
of  st.  vincent,  to  insiituie  legal  rroceedings  for 
the  recoverv  of  piuze  and  freight  monev. 

[Origiiutl,  in  Ihv  NeUun  Papen.     This  P«t)«r  vu  drawn  np  b}  Iteur-Aibiiintl  Sir 
jFillimm  P«rk«r,  but  it  api)eAr9  Uint  Nel«on  Miaeil  miuif  objeotivuK  to  tUc  pi-oposi- 

(Jotobci  and  l^ib  D«c«rab«r,  1707. 
We,  the  undersigned,  Sir  Charles  Thompson,  Vice- Admiral 
the  Blue,  tiic  Honourable  Vicc-Adniiral  William  Waldc- 
wcy  Rear-Adiniruls  Sir  VVilliam  Faiker,  Sir  IJoratio  Nelstm, 
jrving  in  the  Fleet,  under  the  eomniand  of  the  Right  Ho- 
tourable  the  Earl  St.  Vincent,  conceiving,  and  Laving  no 
mbt  (except  the  Tablc-raoney  allowed  to  the  Commandcr- 
i-Chief)  that  all  the  emoluments — viz ,  Prize-money  and 
;ight-moncy,  belonging  or  appertaining  to  the  Admiral  or 
lag-Officer  in  a  Fleet,  where  there  is  only  one,  must  and 
Iocs  by  right  belong  to  the  Flag-Offieei-s  jointly,  in  a  Fleet 
:rc  there  are  many,  to  be  divided  in  proportions,  agrcc- 
>lc  to  his  Majesty's  Order  in  Council  for  the  distribution  of 
'rizc-money.  And  as  it  has  been  customary  to  divide 
•"reight-moncy  in  this  manner,  in  Fleets  where  there  ai-e  more 
Flag-OflSccrs  than  one,  and  been  invariably  practised  in  every 
istancc  as  far  back  as  the  highest  Officer  upon  the  Navul 
<ist,  tlie  Earl  St.  Vincent,  notwithstanding,  arrogates'  to  him- 
slf  a  right  to  the  whole  of  the  Flag-Officers'  share  of  the 
Treight- money,  as  Commander-in-Chief,  and  retains  the  same 
his  own  use. 

We,  the  undersigned,  do  hereby  engage  and  bind  ourselves 

Bspectivcly,  to  have  recourse  to  the  Laws  of  our  Country,  to 

)laiu  that  justice  we  are  not  likely  to  obtain  otherwise;  and 

the  times  of  our  coming  under  the  said  Earl  St.  Vincent  8 

jmmand  haa  happened  at  different  periods,  the  proportion  of 

rroight-moncy  due  to  each  of  tis  respectively,  of  course,  is 

different  also;  the  said  Parties  do  therefore  hereby  further 

jrcc  that  each  and  every  one  shall,  immediately  upon  signing 

names  to  this  agreement,  deposit  the  sum  of  one  huu- 

fd  {Kiunds,  and  so  on,  more  if  requisite,  in  equal  proix>rtions, 

kerwards,  to  carry  on  the  Law-suit :  but  that  in  the  end, 

'  NoUou  wrote,  iii  iLe  miu^,  '■  clniiuit." 


460 


LETTEB8. 


[1797. 


u|X)n  obtaining  a  Decree,  each  Parly's  expense  shall  be  pru- 
jKjrtioned  accortUng  to  the  sum  cnch  respectively  recovere— 
viz.,  if  from  the  difference  of  time  cither  party  recovers  a  sum 
double  to  that  which  either  of  the  others  recover,  that  person 
is  to  stand  at  double  the  expense  of  the  other,  and  so  on,  in  a 
like  proportion  with  respect  to  each  other,  agreeably  to  the 
sums  respectively  recovered. 

To  which  we  hereunto  set  our  Uands  and  Seals,  at  the  times, 
and  in  the  presence,  as  against  our  names  expressed. 

[Added  in  Nelson's  liuidwriiuig.] 

Lord  Howe,  paid. 

Hood,  paid,  but  not  certain  as  to  righu 
Duncan,  ditto  ditto. 

Hotham,  paid. 
Harvey,  paid. 

[tn  Nelson's  Autognqih.] 

December  13th. — From  inquiry,  have  my  doubts. 

I  think  the  opinion  of  three  Lawyers  should  be  taken  as  to 
our  right  to  share  in  Freights,  if  any  can  be  found  supposed 
capable  of  judging  for  us,  before  we  embark  ourselves  in  u 
Law-suit  which  they  arc  to  determine.  I  recommend  asking 
Admirals  Lord  Howe,  Barrington,  Hood,  Hotham,  Duncan, 
&c.,  how  they  have  acted,  before  we  involve  in  Law.  Lord 
St,  Vincent,  on  being  informed  of  their  opinion,  will  no  doubt 
act  accordingly. 


TO  EVAN  .NKrEAN,  F-«*Q.,  SECRETARY  TO  THE  ADMIKAITY. 


[Original,  in  tlic  Adminlty.] 


Sir, 


UOi  Dee«inbcr,  1707. 


As  it  is  my  wish  that  Lieutenant  Edward  Galwcy  should  be 
First  Lieutenant  of  the  Vanguard,  and  as  he  is  now  under 
sailing  orders  on  board  the  Arcthusa,  at  Spithcad,  1  have  to 
request  their  Lordships  will  be  plcjised  to  ortlcr  his  immctliate 
discharge,  without  waiting  till  he  be  relieved. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c. 

Horatio  Nelson. 


;et.  S9>]  letters.  461 

to  earl  spencer,  first  lord  of  the  admiralty. 

[Antograpli,  in  the  Admiralty.] 
Admiralty,  Noon,  Monday,  [apparently  December  18th,  1707.] 

My  Lord, 
I  am  just  from  Chatham.    The  Vanguard  will  be  out  of 
dock  at  half-past  one  this  day,  and  ready  to  receive  men 
whenever  your  Lordship  is  pleased  to  direct  her  being  Com- 
missioned. 

Ever  your  most  obedient, 

Horatio  Nelsok. 


4  * 


APPENDIX. 


NOTE  A,  pag«  10. 

ruE  proofedisgfi  of  the  Agnmemnon  ou  the  13th  of  Muoli  arc  tbni  iucorrectljr 

liAled  by  Mr.  Jiuiifn: — "  Al  10  li,  •k'l  m.  Ibe  AgHmeinnan  got  itpoii  Lbc  quarter  of 

f«  Im,  iiiilJ  ui  low  by  lUe  VtmuUv,  luxi.  iiiiii'*!  for  »  sliurl  time  by  the  Captain, 

iieti  K  (liMtiU)i  eiigftgenictti  with  iIih  orii'iilcd  ho,  imlil  uboiit  'ili.  1>')di.  p.m., 

I  MreriJ  of  tbn  I'rwicl)  Ship*  bearing  down  to  ihn  iirotociion  of  ilicir  <Ii!irU4cd 

ompMiioii,  tbr  Agninctnnon  oeiuHtl  flrinff,  luiil  droiiiH'd  ii)to  bcr  •inlion  in  tbr'  line," 

(AVivu/  Hitlury,  vol.  i.  |>.  "ifkH,)   wberciw  ibe  '^  tlinlniil  vmjnyemenl"  (luntineiicpd 

vUMh  ont  liitniifctl  ifu-hh,  aiiiJ  lowufdi*  itti  cltiftc  wha  within  Ihi(/'  piiiol  nhut,     Jn 

aiiit  of  limp,  tim,  Jtune-t  in  iiu'orr<*ci,  tut  tbo  liniig  ciutej  at  liulf-put  one,  iiUitiaU  of 

hn\r\'aat  two.     Nur  diil  ibe  Agaiiieiuiioii  i-cimc   firing  on  nccuuul  vt  tbc  np|irunoh 

Ike   ItviioIi   Bhi[>H,   liiil   retiirucd  tu   ibe  Fl<<<>t  iu  obedienon    lo    tltn    AdiniriU'H 

Ilerr, bowpver,  JntiivHiuny  bnvn  bcciiiui»lt!d  l>yAdmit'iil  HoOinmn  DitjMlcb, 

\te  i]o<*6  unt  HIB.IU  tbiii  lie  rcoJled  tbe  Vuii'i>bii«,  iiiii  merely  sayH,  tbm  ibf^  Aga- 

viaiion  vid  Invott^tHtit  wvtc  '>  olilii/t-tl  Itt  quit"  ilie  Kiirmy,  as  if  it  bnd  bren  ibc 

milaneoim  net  of  their  (.'npiiiiutt,  luid  nut  douo  in  obedioiu'e  to  liie  o«ru  >igiial. 

lutlire  will,  however,  be  boat  rendered  lo  tlic  AgiuuemuuuB  Mrnic«H  ou  tbe  lOtlt 

lllb  iif  Mai'idi,  by  «  rupy  of  bet  Lug  iif  iIiomc  day*. 

"  Friday,  \'M\t  Mairb Light  lirci'xni  and  buy;  at  }  piiir  1,  wore  Ship  lo  Uic 

ttward.     Tlic  Admiral  mode  the  HJgurd  to  bear  North  WcnI  of  «aeh  other.     At 

>  past  'i,  Genon  Light  floiise,  N.E.  by  F..     NYore  and  luade  nail  after  the  Knciny. 

It  I  |ia«l  •')  the  .^diitirnl  luiuht  the  nignul  lu  prcjiiue  fur  Action.     At  <1  uiiuuteii  paHt 

to  form  tlie  Line  uf  Ualllv  un  tjje  Liirbuard  Taeic  i  nt  \  past  1,  fur  the    Bedford 

Captain  to  make  more  Mil;  Ditto  fur  tbein  to  get  in  their  station*.     Al  |  {mat 

iUo  (he  I'HucesH  RoyiU  made  llu>  C.'n{>ttdu'»  Kigiinl  lo  gel  iii  her  ktatiou.     Ditto  io 

taVo  DKire  kail,  and  for  every  Ship  to  eiurry  lighK  during  the  uight.     At  A,  tlio 

edfonl  aud  dipiMn'M  Kigiinl  rep'raled.     The  Admiral  made  the  i<igiiKl  to  keep  in 

l|iMW  onU-r  uf  sailing ;   Ditto  fur  llie  Moxcllc  to  keep  within  ><igbt  of  the  F.iicmy,  and 

l^oc  CiittcT  to  ihuiH  M'iihlH  hail.     .\t  III  niiniitca  ymul  Ti,  the  AduiiraJ  mode  the  signal 

I  cugup*  tbe  I'/ueiuy  kn  eoniiiig  up  with  iheni.     At  '•in  miuiitea  htiture  <l,  the  sigiiul 

tack  together.     At  )  before  >>,  the  Moselle  maile  tlie  nigiial   iIkU  iho  Lnciuy  Uad 

Idler  toeked  or  uoi-e.     Made  and  Hhoi-tened  vail  per  tngnnl,  llie  iliiemy  iu  Mght. 

LM.  nt  4,  oil  our  Meet  iu  rompmir ;  cighl  kiuI  lo  tlie  windward.     At  daylight  saw 

of  the  Biieiny'H  linu-of-Uatile  f^hip'x  nuiy  away  liiw  topnuutN.     The  lacoiifttaiil 

Diuiug  fa«t  tip  with  thin  di<iAl>Iod  Ship,  (which  altei words  proved  to  he  Le  ^'a  Ira,  of 

'  guiu. )    Hove  te\-eu  live  bullocks  ovviboonl,  clearing  lite  dcuks.    At  \  iiott  Uj  Qu! 


464 


APPENDIX 


iMomUurt  Itrgtn  Bring  at  tLe  ili>iitltlrd  Bhiii — muU  ull  po««dUe  au] .  At  |^  bftCor*  1 1 
vc  brgnn  our  Hrv  ii|>oti  iHtlo ;  til  Noon,  lite  Action  couiiiinin?. 

"  Sudinluy,  Iltli. — Netirly  ciiljn:  we  kepi  up  *  CAiminnt  Qro  upon  Ute  (^a  In:  il 
llii*  time  HOvorftl  of  iliu  Kiienir'n  Sliipa  boivriitg  down  upon  ii« ;  lU  )  pmat  1,  Un 
AdinirrU  luiulr  our  Mi^niftl  lo  (liMontiiinr  tlir  Aiiioii ;  n»M«-eml  iliiui ;  bniiM  ufl^ 
nuJ  Moih]  fur  llie  I-1ri<t.  At  tLe  siinit'  liiiir,  fur  the  FlcAt  lo  coaie  to  iUe  wiitd  npiw 
UiH  iHtrliitnril  Tuok.  Al  I  hctom  -l,  lo  fomi  the  Order  of  BMUe  on  the  !  ■  -»— t 
line  of  iM^uring;  at  |  !>«!•(  i,  for  the  Moxolld  lo  keep  Higlit  of  tbr  F.neaiT  d 
NighL  At  /^,  the  prrpnriktjvc  signnlH  to  lark  mA  fur  uU  Shipx  to  ourt  u  n-ui ; 
tnwle  mnI  xburteued  ^lil.  At  1,  a.m.,  the  l>riu«e«8  Itoval  wed  |  a  roU« :  nil  ih» 
I-lei'i  in  coni|Muiy.  At  0,  the  Adiitinil  lundc  the  si^nitl  for  n  gvtirrW  chue  in  clot* 
Lij»e  of  B«ltlp.  At  \  p»st  do.,  to  funn  the  Llue  of  BnHle  8.E.  iiuJ  N.W. ;  tliUii  for 
thr  WhilK  Divi»ioii  m  niiike  more  snil,  Citi>e  Dellc  Melle,  W.N.W.  r>  or  *>  IctgnM. 
At  40  uiiuiitr*  past  diidi,  the  sigiud  for  ilic  lArdford  nud  Cnptoin  to  otlaok  Om 
EuFiny ;  nt  V,  tlie  sipiiul  rpiK'utcd ;  ditto,  for  the  Bedford  to  euifiige  closer ;  ditto  for 
the  Captiiiii  to  eiigtigc  closer.  At  *>  iiiiiinle^  pnAi  ditto,  for  n  genernl  t-ngngrumtl. 
At  ^  post  ditto,  to  oonte  to  tin-  Wiml  on  llie  Larboard  Ttick.  At  '-^0  uiiiuuei  pawl.  M 
nntiiil  ditto.  At  '.iO  uiiiiites  post  ditto,  for  Coungeiix  and  lUiii>lrious  to  moke  men 
Eiiil;  111  I  piiMl  7,  fur  lUem  |u  g«|.  in  their  stotioiK.  At  H,  for  illttu  In  wnor.  The 
LlnemyV  Siiip'4  began  llring  on  the  Van  of  otir  Line,  whioL  thev  retnr&rd,  At 
^  pa!it  H,  we  hegojt  to  engH^e  on  n\ir  StHrhoord  side,  as  did  the  I*rince«»  UoyaL  A« 
the  Ship  ROt  np.ilic  enKMgemeut  hevnnic  general,  but  at  a  great  divtouce  oa  the  Iju- 
buunl  fiide,  the  Enemy  Imvinff  the  Mind.  At  ^  pitst  [0],  we  lie^on  lu  eug«|^  ou  both 
tiidesi,  iLr  did  the  Prinee<i!i  Euyol.  At  ^  miiiutea  poxt  10,  t<ro  of  the  Euciny's  Ships 
Htnic'k  their  eolour<;  boordeil  them,  and  hoisted  KngH«h  eolour<<,  They  proved  M 
t>e  Le  (,'«  Ira,  of  SO  )04ns  and  1  :{<><)  men,  Le  Ceimenr,  of  74  {pin8,  IfliVl  men.  Ttaa 
engiigemeut  continued,  but  nt  a  grenl  distance  friim  the  centre  to  the  cwir.  BaW 
that  the  Couriigens  nnd  IlliiKtrions  hod  lovl  their  main  and  mizeu  nu»ta.  The  eu* 
]ienirr8  and  seiuueu  employed  repairing  our  domo^ee." 

Mr.  Hoste's  (then  n  MidMhipmnn  of  the  Agamemnon)  account  of  her  |iroeeeilinfi 
on  tlie  L^ith  of  March,  in  n  letter  to  his  father,  doted  on  Um  20ih  uf  ilnu  munih. 
agrees  both  with  Captain  Nelsoik's  Narmtive  ud  with  the  Agwneuiuou'i  Log 
"  The  French  Fleet  were  ibun  Htnnding  to  wiiidwrord,  carrying  a  press  of  sail.  We 
hod  not  eha^ed  long,  when  one  of  the  French  Shi]>8  carried  away  her  topuaala  and 
felt  to  leewonl.  The  Agumemnon  being  one  of  the  fast  Milen,  m>ou  oorao  up 
urilh  her,  and  engaged  her  for  three  bourn.  We  were  obliged  in  leave  her,  or 
the  whole  French  Fleet  would  have  tiieked  and  bnre  down  upon  iir  in  •  Luie  of 
Battle  abreiiNi,  to  save  their  disabled  Ship.  The  AdmirHl  si'eing  nw  !ii  dongvr, 
mode  onr'signni  to  join  our  Fleet,  the  French  bein^;  then  within  random  ahot,  iml 
firing  nt  uii.  We  joined  our  Fleet,  nnd  the  Frenrh  Fleet  Imuleil  t1>elr  wind  ua 
the  hu-lH>ard  lot'k,  formed  in  a  Line  of  Batib-  abend  blanding  from  ns,  bating  their 
disabled  Ship  in  tow.  The  ^bip  we  engaged  was  the  C»  Iro,  of  KJ  guns,  and  l^Hk 
men;  iibe  had  110  men  killed  and  wounded  in  llie  Action  with  ns,  nnd  Utv  ww 
otherwise  nineh  diisubled  in  lier  mitit.s  and  ri|<giug.  We  very  Inekiiy  hud  not  a  man 
hurt.  I  OMSure  you  the  Againrninon  wils  the  sole  cause  of  the  Frvneh  Fl<;et  brtUf 
bnaighl  to  Action  the  day  following,  nn  we  duinbled  the  Ca  Ini  «o  ninrli  ua  iIm*  l:ttli. 
that  she  conld  nut  gut  lO)iinuslB  up  in  the  night.  We  were  nt  qnart^i't  all  thai  niglii, 
hoping  In  have  another  bru'^b  with  Ibem  in  the  nionilng. 

••  At  daylight  the  wind  'aliining,  finve  n»  ilie  weather-gage.  Admlnil  Holhotu 
ininiediaii'ly  made  ilie  signal  to  fbnn  the  Line  nbeail,  and  iir««piuT  for  .\rliou.  The 
L^ngUsh  rieet  coiuiistcd  of  fourteen  Sail  of  the  Line.     Al  forty  iiiinntr*  ptul  tU, 


APPENDIX. 


465 


:  uf  onr  Vm  wnn  png«g»l  wiiU  the  Enemy,  awi  about  half  poAt  nine  the  whole  Fleet 
ill  Acliuu.  We  oaiitiiiiicU  eu|;tii(,niig  llii;tu  fiiir  five  or  »>%  hours,  iiiiiJ  llm  iliiy 
lied  wiih  the  lAkioir  »f  i|it<  (,'n  Ira  nii>.l  Lr  Ceiueur.  of  74  giiu»  luxl  llKK)  men. 
|i«!  A|7)i.mrtiuiciii  liiul  not  a  tuaii  killeil;  Inn  slightly  HOiiiwk'il.  1'lie  iiiinilHT  of 
tu  killed  on  iMtoril  the  two  French  Ship,  1  have  not  lioen  iihlo  to  hear  exActly, 
k<  I  bi'liere  aiioiit  MiO  killed  aiul  wonuJed."— ilfrmuirii  u/Sir  WiUinvt  Hvilr, 
Bl  i.  11.  .'10. 


NOTE  B,  p.  IHS. 

CAFTAIX    BALPH    VILLBTT   MIUB*. 

The  following  account  of  thi<4  gallant  Officer,  who  is  tnict*  cni|ihRtically  ili'iicril>e>l 
'  Nebon,  niter  diaut  year*,  of  intimacy,  ns  "  the  only  truly  \iriuoii»  jiiiui  he  rvpi- 
r,"  ia  foiiinled  on  an  nfleftionalc  noting  of  Idni  in  the  Km-iU  Chnmirli',  (vol,  [i. 
j|l,)  signed  "  C.  V.  P.,"  (apparently  the  hite  Vice  Admiral   Sh:  Clinrli'<i  Vimii 
I  Penrose,  O.C.M.O.,  K.C.B.) 

jn  Miller  wiM  honi  in  New  York  on  the  ~-llli  of  .launary,  t  iOv>,  and  WM  the 

»on  of  an  Aiuoricnii  gLMitlemali,  who  sncriHceil  the  whole  uf  hix  prop<irty  to  Ills 

nnd  fiteaily  Bitochiuent  to  Loyalty,  by  his  wife,  Miss  Mnrthn  Willeti.     He  wnn 

M  e4Hy  to  Enj^lauii  fur  edneatiou,  and  was  entered  on  boaitl  the  Anient  in  1T7H, 

bin   leAl  and  ahilitii-s  were  so  conapicnous  as  to  recoramend  him  tu  the 

attention  of  Aitniirid  tiiunbier,  who  appointed  hint  liis  Aide-de  eanip,  iind 

nily  employed  him  Lii  tlie  flatbottonied  Loat«  a);iuniit  the  reWU  in  Ainericu. 

vohmleered  for  every  service,  wai  in  ull  the  uutionn  fonf;ht  liy  Adniiriilit  Ban'injj- 

Ruduey,  Hood,  uud  firnve!!,  and  wa!<   three  times  wounded.     In  17HI,  he  wait 

Je  B  IJeutenant  by  I^rd  RiMlney ;  and,  while  Lieutenant  of  the  Windior  C'oxtltf ,  lir? 

Bl  the  dedlruetiou  of  the  French  ttliips  ou  (he  e\ucuatiun  of  Toulon,  in  170;|, 

MMd  and  enterprise  on  that  ucciision,  which   nearly  proved  faial   to  liiui,  are 

hf  Sir  Sidney  SmithV  public  letter.     Lieutenant  Miller  wa<t  foon  after  re- 

Co  the  Victory  by  Lord  Hood,  and  wait  actively  employed  in  the  lioatM  and 

(bore  at  the  reduction  of  St.  Fioreuzo,  Da^tio,  and  Calvi.     Ha>'ing  volunteered 

•«l  fire  to  the  French  fleet  in  Gonijeau  Buy,  in  July  1701,  Lord   Unod  inimc- 

ely  vppuiate<l  him  to  comniaud  La  Poulettc,  witli  onlers  to  lit  her  out  an  a  Fir«- 

for  that  purpose.     He  attcntpled  that  object  five  time.?,  hut,  owing  to  the  failure 

'  the  wind,  without  success.     In  Jainiary,  179(1,  he  was  pruiuoied  to  the  rank  of 

■Captain,  and  appointed  to  the  command  of  the  Mignonue,  but  F.arl  Si.  Vincent 

■unaing  the  command  in  the  Mediterranean,  being  informed  of  his  nierir*, 

hint  to  the  Unite,  and  $;ent  liim  on  an  important  ««ervice  to  the  Adriatic. 

ia\,  1701,  Commodore  Nelson  selected  him,  hoIcIy  from  hisi  repuliilioii,  In 

tia  Captain  in  the  "  Captain,"  which   Ship  he  commanded ,  and  grwutly  diKtin- 

Dished  himself,  on  the  14lh  of  Fcbnmry,   171)7.     During  the  blockade  of  Cadiz, 

wa«  frequently  employed  in  the  Ca|itain'9  boats  againxi  the  Spaniith  <Jnn-hoaia. 

lien  Uie  expedition  against  Teueriffe  was  undertaken,  Captain  Miller  was  rciiioved 

I  Theseus,  and  in  the  attack  on  the  town  of  Santa  Cruz,  wua  the  first  who 

red  the  F.nemy's  work*,  at  the  Mole.     Having  driven  the  Fneniy  frum  those 

I,  he  narrowly  escaped,  his  chithei  Itcing  toi-n,  and  himself  much  bruised  nnd 

Si  by  llie  stones   which   ihe  F.nemy's  shot  llirew  over  him.     After  Sir  Horatio 

^elaon'*  return  to   Fngland,  he  continued  iu  Ihe  ThenMi!<,  wast  again  etuphiyed  in 

be  blneVade  of  Cadlie,  and  km  tniee  engoifrd  with  the  Fnemy's   gun-boal«  In 

vou  II.  a  H 


4C6 


APPENDIX. 


GilimJur  Der.  TTe  s^n  dtsiingrai*)te<l  1um*Hrtn  Mmmtihl  of  the  ThMca*  $1  Ih* 
UktUr-  of  tJi«>  Nflo,  when  he  yrnn  wounAt^  in  Oir  ftir«:  aiul  at  tlic  Siege  of  A«rr,  kc 
oammaculvd  the  X«v»l  njM-nitiaOt  with  grrnl  rretlii  anil  «u(io«t9, 

HU  mcUooboly  fktr  ix  ftilly  dexcribtiJ  lu  tUr  ofliciiU  Rtfport  oftli^  First  Llentpncnl 
of  Hut  TlieweuH,  Mr.  KiigUnd,  to  Sir  Sidiuiy  Smitti,  du^d  "  Tlica«iiB,  ai  S««,  aff 
Mount  Uarmol  In  Syria,  IM\  of  Miiy,  1T99  :" — 

"  It  in  with  extreme  concern  T  have  to  lU'qitnint  ron  tkiU  yrntcnlay  morning,  U 
lialf  |itet  iiini^  uVloek,  iwouty  .'Ht-howiuer  alielU  und  ttftjr  l^-fMnindPT  sbelta  tu4 
been  ^ot  up  and  prt'pnred  irudy  for  srrricc  by  Capliiin  MiUrr'o  onlir^^e  Ship 
ihnn  idosi!  olT  CV'serca.  vthi'ii  in  nu  instant,  owiug  tu  on  aocidom  Utat  me  \f\» 
not  hecn  able  to  dineoMT,  llie  whole  wm  on  ftir,  nnd  b  dre«dfiil  •  -    '  'ok 

p1aoi>.     The  Shi|<  wits  immrdiiiUrly  in  flttta«a  :  in  ibe  irtaiurigg!ii)>   .  >m 

In  the  ci>c]qiit,  iii  the  tim,  in  !<pvvru)  places  about  the  main-decV,  aii<i  m  Miiii-iat 
other  piuiK  of  the  Ship.  Th«t  diuigrr  wh»  very  iuiminenl.  And  rciiuired  «n  uncocainoii 
evrtion  of  evnrjr  one  to  get  under  so  cuUcetcd  a  body  of  fire  a«  nuute  iu  a{i| ' : 
mi  I  lutre  the  hnppiness  lu  luhl,  lliat  our  fsrrtiotis  were  crnwned  with  hii>-' 
Arc  got  under,  miJ  tho  Ship  most  miraculously  prfserfed."   •••■••  Qnr  Um  rn<B 
the  cxplo>>ion.  I  herr  liuucui,  lots  fwen  very  great ;  tiud  Captain  Miller,  I  am  uof 
to  add,  in  of  ilie  number  killfU,  which  aiiionni  to  twenty ;  dniwuud.  tunc :  and  fi>rt7- 
Ave  wounded.     Tlic  whule  of  thr>  poop  and  arter-port  nf  tbr  (luarler-dcck  i»  etitM} 
bbiwn  to  pieo-OH.  and  all  Uie  broAH  dt^kiroyvd :  right  of  the  iimiR-d«ck  beaau  iIm 
broke,  which  fell  down  niul  jouuiinl  the  tiller,  all  the  wnrd-rooia  huUcheath  and 
windows  (intirfly  bl<itt-ii  to  piexien,  and  the  Ship  left  a  perfect  wreck.     In  - 
greater  Hi-cue  nf  horror  or  devoHtallou  could  not  be  produced;  aud  we  dtl  .. 
gmteAil  to  t^od  Almighty  for  lli.i  most  Bignul  pre«erTatiun,  iu  sariog  ii!>  Uuiu  a 
danger  so  very  greiil  itnd  itlArming." 

In  tranMiitling  this  Itcport  to  Earl  St,  Vincent.  Sir  Sidney  Smith  ihna  allu4*l 
to  Capttin  Miller: — "The  «er\ine  Muflera  froui  ihiii  1on>>  ilI  ihi9  coiijnneinre,  !li 
the  proportion  by  which  it  gained  advnulnge  fk'cui  hi<i  galliint  e\aiitj>' 
tigable  zeal,  and  ooii<inmmAie  !«kill,  iu  eoudticting  the  o)>riittiuiii>  for 
the  north  side  of  tliifs  Towni,  oommiltcd  to  his  managumenl.  He  hod  lung  bcoii  la 
the  practice  of  collectiug  ^urh  of  the  Enemy's  *helk  as  fell  iu  the  Town  wtihoul 
liunliiig,  luid  of  ttending  th^-ni  bock  to  the  Eni^my  belter  prepared,  ami  with  n ideal 
effect.  He  liiul  a  dcpoxit  on  bonrd  the  Theseus  ready  for  sserWcc,  and  Mnipe  were 
propuriug,  when,  by  on  iiccideut,  for  w1ui;h  uobody  can  tuTCOUnt,  iLc  wbolr  took  flr», 
and  exploded  at  ^hort  [nien'nl.<i." 

Capiuiu  MJlliVa  chnriMUer,  n»  di'jiwii  by  one  of  hid  profeftfiiounl  1'^  <Jnt 

best  conclusion  to  this  Sketch  uf  Itiii  senrices: — "I  have  often  lii<  to 

lulmire  llic  dfLsbing  intrepidity  of  N'elwtn,  and  the  judicious  detrrimned  coudiict  of 
Trivuliriiigc ;  but  theoe  united  chaiaclerN  arc  no  firmly  hlenib-d  iu  thai  of  mj 
excellent  frieuJ,  Miller,  that  wordtj  fall  for  below  my  cslimniion  of  his  rinur^  uid 
abilities — humanity,  benevolence,  and  the  accomplished  g«nileiiutn,  (brm  llir  fraltu^ 
of  liifi  countenance  aud  ckufoctcr  iu  so  cmiuetit  a  degree,  tliat  no  otie  c$A  tw  *»*" 
without  admiration." 

At    the    suggestion   of  Cnplnin   Sir   Edward    Beiry  in   l>*01,  a  Monumcat   bj 
Flaxmnn  was   erected   to   Captain  Millers    memory  in    .St.  raiil'*    CatbeilnLl    lr« 
his  brother  OHlcers;  mid   Lord  NeUou'i  feeling  IcUer  on  the  subject,  nr, 
.lannary  1«01,  will  he  found  under  that  year.     He  KA  a  niJuvt  mul  two  i!i. 
onljr  one  of  whom,  Miss  Miller,  hi  now  living. 


APPKXniX. 


467 


NOTE  C.  p.  401. 


TUB   OBDEB   nr  TBB    BATH. 

In  I"^"*,  fiir  Robert  Wulpole  advised  King  George  flip  First  tn  rrvivc  tlir  Onnicii 

'  tii»  Uatii  ;  mnd  Ik-  thii«,  to  ntte  Horace  Walpole's  words,  pr<>»l4?d  "  nn  nrtfiil  Uaiik 

'llilnjr-KtT  RiWmridH,  lo  mipply  n  ftiod  of  fftvoitni  in  lion  of  iiliux-n."     Anutlior  joh, 

boagi)  of  All  inferior  kind,  arose  out  of  llint  raea,snrT,  by  the  itppoiiitinriit  of  tlic 

I  of  Muntngu  nn  <ir(<Kt  Mnst«r,  mid  of  ii  Coriis  uf  nniiecesanry  Offiren*,  wlncli 

*err  rniiUett,  by  tiie  StaliileH,  to  demand  from  CRch  Knight  an  immodlnic 

Bill  of  £r}-2fi  1(18,  lid.  ou  liiR  uominalioti,  £7(1  Ids.  M.  on  hia  InHtallHlioit,  nnd 

tIA  p*T  aniMttn. 

Tlic  annuel  pnrmriita  hvid  lonR  Wn  discouiiiiiicd.  and  the  Croirn  hn%  vver  i<iiipi> 
iM  SiliwiM  to  i>ie  Offlrcrs  iimiead.     As  no  Great  Master  bns  Wen  apjioiuti-il  since 
doath  of  tlie  Duke  of  Moiitagni  in  17  lit,  the  Fc*'  lo  that  OfBeer  has  oeaaed ;  Imt 
iLe  other  Fees,  nmnMiititi^  to  £HnO  lis.  'id.,  am  atill  demanded  of  every  Knight 
I  CroKi,  on  lii«  iiomiiiAticin.     To  Ihlfi  are  lo  be  added  £'i'i  IOh.  for  a  Grant  of 
B,  bnt  which  is  "oplionid;"  (ind  if  (like  NeUon)  he  hail  no  ramily  Anns, 
I  ^Ich  to  aflln  llif  (!«id  R(ipporl«rrs,  Anns  miiBl  also  be  gmiit<>d  to  Jiim — the  cost  of 
.  Grant  in  Nelson's  lime,  wtw  £l',i  I'is.  lid.,  hut  is  now  £70.     Wlujn  iheltrder 
Jc  the  reward  of  lU'lmil  Naval  and  Mililiiry  Ser\-ieen,  the  (Ifllccra  on  whoni  it 
iTorrad,  naturally  and  jrwlly  declined  pnyinp  the  Fee«,  as  sneh  a  paynu-nt  hiul 
Me  of  jKtifinn  J'or  ^fi'i'i'i"^  "'ftl  liml  1  wen  fairly  and  hnrilly  eivmed.      The 
I  tlierefiir<«  obliged,  in  Hitch  cities,  to  lake  upon  ilM'lf  to  difiehiirge  thitfe 
llhereby  virtnaliy  admitting  that  the  Order  is  Botnetunes  not  given  f'>r  dis- 
Servirv*,  vreating  a  bruud  and  invidiana  distinction  between  the  iiierilM 
the  Knighla,  and  tioublif  paying  ita  own  S'^naiiU.     'I'he  areonnl  demanded  of 
9,  M4'i^  7a.  M.,  waa  paid  by  the  Treajiiiry;  and  ft'oui  IWM)  to  lH:i<i,  no  1e«n 
ttban  X7013  wa«  paid  by  the  I'liblic  to  the  Ofllccrs  of  the  Order,  firesides  their 
»,)  for  the   Feea  of  Navnl  and  Miliini'v  tiffloertt,  or  on  llie  nomination  of 
fenAtern  of  the  Rayol  Fiimily  and  Forcigiiem,  iw  KnighlR  of  the  (Irder. 
On  the  enlarpement  of  the  t.>rdi'r  of  the   Bath  iu   IHl.%,  another  and  ■ilill  more 
■graceful  7»fc  occnrre<l  by  the  deniiuid  of  £'il  IDs.  fhini  enrh  KuiKhl  Conimandcr, 
his  Banner  and  Plate  of  Arms  to  be  placed  in  Westminster  Abbey,  for  r<-conllng 
Pedigree,  and  for  n  Copy  of  the  ftiile»  and  Ordinanee*;  and  jE'?  IVs.  Md,  from 
eb  Coiiipaiiiou  fur  a  Plate  of  luit  Nonic  and  8l>le  in  the  Abbey,  reeoniing  hia 
►Ims,  and  tor  the  RiiJea  and  t  inlinftnees.     As  there  have  been  more  tlinii  8Mfl 
f;oimnHiideni,  and  more   than  Oi'Hi  Companions,  (Hupp^ising  that    I'lO  of 
•dans,  and  UlHI  of  the  other,  but  which  i»  ccrtninly  too  large  n  propnrtinn, 
enough   not  to  pay  tliose   Fee«i,)  at  leaxt  XfMMHI  had  been  taken  tttttn 
Offl«cn».  mo^t  of  whom  had  far  more  merits  than  money  ;    and   to  tluM  hour  no 
H^Senner  nor  Piatt   hat  rrcr  hern  plnrrd  in    Wr»tmin*lrr  Abhry,  nnil  n»  Jiulff* 
Ordiiianect  k<ive  rver  been  iMiii'if,  nttr  rvrn  written  .' 
\  Thi* /rautf,  and  the  original  'i&ioit  of  Foen,  having  at  la»t  atiracleil  the  utiimiion 
f  tb«  Oovemment,  Mr.  Secretary  Stoidey  bronghi  down  a  Me.ssage  from  the  Crowu 
Ibc  Ilou^e  of  CommonN,  on  the  17tli  of  April   1HX4,  iLniionnring  that  "  [lis 
iQeatT  deemed  it  proper  that  meAaores  aboald  be  taken  for  relle>iiig  ihir  |ivrwoii!i  on 
Ibe  Unler  might  in  fiittire  be  conferred  ft-oin  the   payment   of   Fees    and 
a*  authorized  by  tlie  ezisUug  8liit»t«a  and   Regulations,  and  expressing 
JMty'«  confldenee  that  "  his  fliitliful  Common.*  will  direct  the  inquiry  lo  Iw 
titnt«d  OS  to  the  loss  which  will  be  snsiaiued."   On  the  following  day,  Mr.  Sutiley, 

n  H  2 


468 


APPENDIX 


in  a  rm  »l>l«  i^tM^reli.  aJluilt-d  to  n  wi«1i  tliAl  linit  he*n  liUelv  npr«n»J  1  ^  dif  IIoij«. 
Ibu  MUliary  OfflffT^  »boulil  \>e  r«lie««il  from  lUate  Fees.  wUioli,  he  r , 
|rahlic  nJility  wlnOi-vct ;"  tiful  Iip  prorefdinl  to  olwtTve  Uiat  tlii<  onm  «f  i 
ma*t  iueonvenlfnl  to  he  puJ  by  muny  uf  tli«tn  ;  tJtoi  il  w*«  jtfrt]»o«rd  »a  mlnrr  tbr 
Oflk^n  of  ilif  CirdiT  Trom  nine  to  four,  to  p»y  tlicm  stOAriea  out  f«r  iln  ri  il  L-t. 
■nd  to  iln  tt«*>  with  tlic  r<>e<  i«lt<ig«>tL«>r  ;  but  lii>  iiItlKil,  tlinl  fur  tlif  : 
of  ll>i»  "gnat  puLlio  oliject,"   iu  wi  Kijiiiuiblo  turmiii'r,  il  *««  iif-i-  ~.   .    ,"? 
c«m|wnitiili<>n  t«>  tlio»i«  jiprsom  whose  Olfic*.'-  »«<»  to  be  aiMlisttcJ.     Mr.  Sufllfj 
•ftcnrtnln  ol».cn-ed,  ••  1  only  wi»li  for  itiiiuuy  in  otJrr  to  noccrtain  wliAi  Fee*  nwf. 
irtthont  huuktiro.  lie  abnlislKul,  aiul  «luu  p^rsous  nrtt  MitiiJcd  tn  eompMiutini)'*   If 
Miy,  tliMt  to  conaiiLer  whtlker  you  u-ill  coHlinnc  th*  ahuse  nf  »n/>iHi»y /i*t»i«i^ 
fitr  HoHfiMrn  yranlfd  to  Ihrm  en  Ihr  yrtuintl  nf  merit,  or  YiiW  iiupo«e  «  tb»rj»  <rf 
Mom«  f»w  liiiitdmd  ponnds  u)kiii  tUe  I'libltc,  «nd  by  doin(;  *o,  i^l  rid  of  n  XiImiw' 
i/rirj'ii/irc',    rtjiii  n   y<itioHal  dithniinur."     Tlie   Hoiisr,  uud   purtirularly  iIm'  ^^T"! 
«nd    LibvraJ    MftubetD,   liiglily  upproveJ  of  ll»e  obolition  of  ibn  Fcrs,   trtii  ilwj 
•FfmMl  to  dennr  to  gtxc  coin|H>UHiitir>n  wlicre  noiir  niiglii  l»«  justly  due — 1««  rf 
IIm9   Miti    Fees  being,  a5  Mr.  Siuulxy  lufornictl   ilieiu,  £U  to  tlie   Kin(;'«  biiWI 
Adnind   Sir  Edwwrd    Codrington.  UX'.B.,   said   ibe    sulge«?t   w«e   of  \erj  pwJ 
iBi)«ort«oee  to  NmviU  orecrrx;  iliat  lie  b>'ld  in  hix  hiuid  the  Rill  jirvvrntMl  lo  Itin: 
Ibat  lie  wa»  Allocked  on  nrtiving  ii,  lo  (iud  ibal  uny  Ofllorr  liariiig  reccivnl  tvi 
•ti  fToninir  fnim  Ins  Sovcrcijfn  should  Ix)  tailed  upon  lo  pay  for  it !  llml  \ir  toi^ 
ueYi^r  ]t4iy  uue  fwrtliiug  of  the  money ;  and  tlint  tbr  Onler  wm  IffaeiMid  In  U* 
CHtimntion  Aom  the  uiuniuut  hn  r(<(Miived  this  Bill.     Mr.  O'Covsru.  < 
Foe»  ''alisolitiM  piriu'y ;"  nnd  Stn  noHEUT  I'KEt  sjwko  in  siip|K>rt  of  Mt. 
motion,     (lu  tlit  '^Ist  of  Ajiril,  iIhs  fuUnwing  Resolution  wn»   mj^vwI   in   li;  '^t 
nuiifte.  "  That  the  LonN  of  ihc  Treasury  be  aiithurizol  lo  moke  i-ompptiMUiQii 
out  of  tho  Coit.<*olid«t«d  Fond  lo  such  OfflcerK  of  ilio  Ordrr  uf  the  Dslli  m  mtj 
be  deprived  of  their  Salaries  and  Fees ;"  and  ii  Uill  wivi  licooriiiugly  onlercil  vo 
be  brought  iu. 

Fxtriu>fdiiiary  «s  it  must  appear,  no/A  i/>jr  mnrr  wns  <i*>nt ;  and  though  tit*  di«- 
linguialied  person  who  supportod  the  muiiou  on  Ihut  uCL-iuiii>ii  is  n«iw  Piim* 
Aliuiaier,  luid  iliongh  Ihe  Miuiiiter  who  brought  forward  the  measure,  and  who  llirii 
80  cntpiiiilicaJly  luid  wo  jnsUy  described  those  Fees  as  "n  Kt$iitinnl  ilisifrorf  anJ  a 
Knlixtinl  tlUhituDitr"  Aguiu  presides  oyer  the  Departineut  to  which  tlie  Onlur  uf  tb* 
Bath  belong*,  tho  Feet,  on  ilie  nppointiMnt  of  n  Knight  tJrimd  Cro«s  rrmaia  •» 
jirri-iAfly  thr  mmv  «^</f  n*  in  1834.  Even  ii  vatiuicy  in  one  of  il»e  uiue  UlDe«i, 
wliii'li,  as  the  House  of  Commons  were  Infumtrd.  it  was  Lnteulrd  to  obolith, 
li)»  hcou  lately  tilled  np,  (thus  perpetuating  the  chief  obfitndu  lo  a  b<«iter  By«teni;) 
ami  the  only  improveiuent  that  luis  token  place  iii  the  very  proper  ond  obvious  one 
(Uie  merit  uf  which  is  due  to  I.onl  Stanley)  of  divciontinuiug  to  ilemand  of  ilur  ne« 
Kjiigliis  Coinmikuders  und  CointMinlous  a  Fee  for  Ilanuers  ainl  Plnle*  wliieh  wUl 
never  be  miule,  and  foi-  Rulen  and  OixliiiiUMiea  wliirli  Nvill  ptxtlMibly  ue^er  be  wriltau. 
I'light  of  ihn  uiue  OCRoer*  <oue,  but  who  hiul  iiciiher  Mmliiry  nor  Fee*,  lian&g, 
without  either  his  knowWge  or  consent, been  removed)  retoiu  iheir  siiincun»;  aiitl 
Uie  Officers  of  Her  Miyesiy's  Service,  Civil,  Niivul,  and  Military,  who  vmincndf 
distinguish  themselves  by  their  lolenls  or  prowew.  are  still  e<itnp<<lhHl  ( nii]«M<*  tl» 
Country  pays  the  absurd  demand)  lo  eoiitribtite  out  of  their  ppri^oiuvl  rccuurrtr*  la 
the  nittlulenancc  of  the  Porter,  Trumpeler.  Cook,  and  Earlier  of  tlui  lluyal  (Inuveh'dH  I 

That  the  Otllccrs  of  Uie  Navy  und  Army,  ami  the  I'llblie.  may  Unovs  vxoi-tly  hit* 
those  Fee.1,  whicli  retleci  "  dUijriict "  aud  "  tliaAoiioiir"  on  the  Natiop.  ut  dlatribulcd. 
a  Cnfiy  of  the  JfiU  actit  to  Nfilaou  is  here  giren : 


APPENDIX.  469 

IN  ACCOUNT  OF  FEES  PAID  BY  TIBTUE  OF  THE  KIKO's  SIGN  UAMVAL  FOB 

BEAB-AOMIBAL  HOBATIO  NELBOH.  £    S.      d. 

tarj-  of  State's  Office       070 

Chamberlain's  Office 20  14     0 

To  tlie  Seven  Officers  of  the  Order,  viz. —  £,    t.    d. 

Dean 23    0    8 

Genealogint 22    0    0 

Bath  King  of  Arms 22    0    0 

Bcgister 22    0    0 

Secretary 22    0    0 

GenUeman-Usher 22     0    0 

Messeuger 18  10    4 

jel51     0    0 

King  of  Arms,  for  Book  of  Statutes 0  13    4 

«■}•  for  Notice  of  Election 0134 

f  the  Order  to  the  Book 0  10     0 

£104  17     2 

e  Garter,  and  the  Officers  of  Arms  for  the  Patent  of  Supporters,        40  12    0 
e  King  of  Arms,  and  other  Officers  of  Arms,  for  the  Patent  of  "I 

ifinnation  and  Exempliacation  of  the  Arms J  4.  I-,     0 

!cs  of  Honour  to  the  King's  Household 128     0     0 

int  for  dispeufuitiou  for  wearing  the  Star 7  13     0 

luits  of  Bibbous 0  13     0 

ting  the  same,  &c 10  10    0 


£428     7    fi 


e  Inst  Item  has  rather  an  awkward  appearance  in  a  Bill  relating  to  Honoun. 


he  Fees  of  Houonr  to  the  King's  Household"  appear  to  have  been  thus  distri-  ■ 

LIST  OF  FEES  ON  BECEITIXO  KXIOBTBOOD.'  £     $.  d. 

^larHlud  of  England 3  13  4 

r  and  Heralds  at  Arms 8  10  0 

and  Heralds  of  ScoUaud 8  10  0 

?men  Usliers  of  the  I'rivy  Chamber 0     0  0 

;meu  Ushers  Daily  Waiters 0     0  0 

;men  Usher  Assistaut 1     •')  0 

;men  Ushers  Quarter  Waiters 4    0  0 

is  of  the  Privy  Chamber 5    0  0 

)  to  the  Yeomen  of  the  Guard 0     0  0 

it  Harbinger 3     0  8 

;men  and  Yeomen  Harbingers 508 

ofKobes 4    0  0 

fiug  Wardrobe 2     5  4 

Carried  forward       ....  £00  17  0 


ipied  from  the  origiuaJ  Bill  delivered  to  Sir  James  Duff,  in  May  I77U,  now  in 
svessiou  of  Thomas  Willemeut,  Esq. 


470 


APPENDIX. 


r-lil    fiirWbltl 


I  of  ih<'  B«d  CbAm})«r   .     . 

Ser^ftiiU  at  Anns 

Srr^uit  Porl«*r 

Spige*fll  lUtd  OflSoc  of  TnuiipeU 

Darbrr       .     , 

Si!«wr»  or  ili«  CliAmber    .     .    . 

Groom*  of  tbo  Grett  ChuDlKT  . 

lIrMis«)ialil  Unims  . 

Viigce  of  Uie  Pr«!Hencc 

Sunrtyor  of  tlie  Way* 

Vcojoen  of  lUe  Moufb 

Gcnitrmcn  of  ilic  Buttery  ami  i.  rimr 

Surveyor  (if  thr  Drewer  .... 

Yeoruen  Usli^rw 

Muster  Cook 

Keoiwrs  ofllie  f'mnoil  L'liiiiubi-r 

FoolRieD  and  Coocbmrn    .     .     . 

1'ort«Ri  at  GHle  . 

Closet  Keeper 

Regislmr  of  tlw?  College  ol  <Vnus 

FritKipal  L'sbvr  of  ScuUiuid      .     . 


£ 

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0 

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£08     ^     li 


The  F«!:*8  on  Kiiigblliood  ore  M  tlic  present  time  £ll")8,  Iml  il  ba*  not  born  asj^r- 
luned  huw  the  additional  U'h  |KiUTid»  Are  distributed,  no  ffiH  being  at  pmcnl  fiur- 
tiisbed  ti)  tbc  KiughL,  nbo  merely  receives  all  imiuediotc  demand  in  writing  from 
ihc  Lf»r»l  ClmniberlAin's  Office  for  the  money,  and  unless  il  be  paid,  tbw  Uimoiir  Is 
not  notified  in  Ibo  "  Loudon  Gazette."  Nnr  bns  it  be(>n  diseovered  in  wbitt  maonrr 
the  Aifli-renei"  betwi^eu  ibe  Fei-i  to  tbe  Royal  Hnimebold  for  making  a  Kui^bt  of  llin 
,  Bntb,  and  those  on  simple  Knighthood,  were  applied.  Prubably  tbe  Cook  and  the 
fiarU'r  were  more  liigbl)  remuneroled  by  the  Knigbls  of  Uie  Bath,  to  whom,  in  fomcr 
nges,  Uk08c  iniportaut  fiinotionarie*  rendered  aotanl,  though  ridiculous,  serviom. 


REAB-.VDMTILMi  SIH  WILLIAM  PABKEBS  LETTER  AND  STATEMENT 
RESPECTING  THE  BATTLE  OF  ST.  VINCENT- 

[From  lUe  •'  Naval  Chronicle,"  to).  xxL  p.  901.  Befeircd  to  pp.  3-30. 310.  iSO,  aat«.] 

"  Blenheim,  off  Cadis,  September  1, 1707. 

<•  Dear  Bingham, 
"  1  have  heard  some  time  back,  by  aome  of  my  friends  in  EagUnd,  that  from  t 
slatement  of  tbc  Action  of  the  14th  Fcbrunrr,  by  then  Commodore  Nelson,  I  bwl 
not  that  predit  that  properly  Ixilonged  to  me-  I  linve  bud  no  power  to  do  my»elf  tlM 
jiutticf  I  might  be  enliiled  to,  for  want  of  a  nigbi  of  diiu  Letter,  which  1  did  not  get 
until  tho  3(lth  of  July.  It  is  of  no  moment  to  me  to  make  any  obsorvatiowM  foitJtcr 
ilian  concerns  mynolf ;  I  have  vrrilteu  to  liim  npou  the  anbjeci,  which,  least  any  of 
my  friendn  may  not  hare  conaidered  roe  in  the  situation  i  really  stood,  in  tlio  ne- 
eebs  of  that  day  from  that  oatise  abo,  I  here  send  yon  the  copy  of  what  T  lll^^T 

rii,  with  hill  au&wer, 


APPENDIX. 


471 


ITAMat  from  tlte  Fleet  at  tlii!  time  1  wrote,  and  «Len  Lc  relunied,  liiul  lout 

I  arm.   T  liiui  no  imtuodintc  answer ;  it  wii*  left  with  the  Ccinimandcr-iu  Cliicf,  by 

Dm  bo  desired  it  to  In-  di-livert'd  lo  nie  a/tcr  lie  wu  gone  lo  EngUiid,  ««  I  wmk  told 

[ftereot  a  rvjoLudcr;  but  villi  lucunBCca  tbai  no  olfence  man  meant  hj  him  to 

,  uul  liM.  he  ii«TCT  Ui«iiglil  it  aould  Iw  uodentwd  tluit  boUi  Ships  lidd  struck  to 

>TbiH  uiRWcr  it  little'to  the  potpoie,  though  aJUr  what  be  hod  written  it  oould 
.  be  much  otherwise,  fie  hiu  got  my  olioei-vntioni  its  fur  •*  respects  myself;  and 
nve  tn  words,  what  I  Miipjio^e  witt  thought  hv  !>hould  not  commit  to  pnpvr,  fgr 
liwve  hi<  hdd  advice  upon  the  occoaion.  1  have  no  other  objoot  or  wish  thiin  to 
[>ttoiil«rpd  Inr  my  (heuds  in  the  wny  I  am  entitled,  or  any  iutimtiou  of  niuking 
eni«  upon  Adnuml  Nelson's  Letter,  but  what  concerned  my  own  situation,  and 
Jlups  he  did  not  mention, 

"  Dear  Bingham, 
<>  Vour  nriend  and  well-wisher, 

"  W.  Pabueji. 
^  P.S.  Yon  may  shew  thin,  with  its  cucloaiire,  to  any  of  my  friends  whom  yott 
'  nup|K>se  ImTe  read  Admirid  Nelson's  Letter." 

"  TO    BIAH-AnMIHAI.   KBbBQJT. 
'  My  (Irnr  Sir,  "  Blenheim,  off  Cadiz,  ^'ilh  July,  17(17. 

'Il  wsH  not  until  tbe  2l8l  of  this  Inst.  July,  tliot  I  sun  thr  Letter  in  the  Sun, 
the  20th  AInrch,  with  Bemorki)  uiMn  the  proceedings  of  hie  Mi^jeaty's  Sliip  tho 
in,  in  the  Action  of  the  14th  February,  to  the  whole  of  which,  from  a  near 
htion,  I  was  itn  eye  witness. 

H  Tsry  riraUily  admit  tlmt  you  hnve  all  the  credit  that  belongs  to  an  able  Offioer 
i  a  bnnic  man ;  but  in  support  of  myself,  the  Officers  of  the  IVinee  George  and 
^n  <iuul  Blenheim,  previous  to  your  (wtkuowleilgiug  her)  I  cannot  but  espreaa 
kurpKiie  at  the  statement  contained  in  your  Letter. 

I  You  !>ay, '  After  wcarinf;,  thai  nt  a  quarter  pait  one  o'clock  you  were  engaged,  and 

liotrly  joined,  utid  most  nobly  supported  by  the  CiiUoUen,  Cuplnin  Troubridge. 

'  an  hour,  did  tlic  Cullodcn  and  Captain  support  this  apparently,  tliough  not 

i{aBl  contest,  when  the  Blenheim  paaslng  between  yon  and  tbe  Luemy,  gave 

pite,*  kc. 

"J  mu<it  here  take  the  opportimity  of  pointing  out  to  you,  that  after  passing 
through  the  Enemy's  disordered  Line  upon  the  slar-bonrd  tack — viz.,  the  Cullodcn, 
Blenheim,  Prince  George,  Orion,  and  Colossus — the  Cnlloden  and  ColoH«ns  more  to 
windward  than  the  other  three  Ship«,  which  were  in  an  exact  line  close  to  each  other, 
tacked  jier  signal  in  Rucccssion,  and  stood  niter  the  Enemy  upon  Ltie  larboard  tack 
is  the  following  order — \vi.,  Culloden,  Blenheim,  Prince  George,  and  Orion — 
Colossu*  baring  lost  her  fore  und  fore  -top-snil  ynrds,  missed  stays,  and  remained  oatem ; 
daring  the  progress  towards  the  Enemy  upon  the  larboard  tack,  you  were  observod 
to  vear  from  the  rear  of  our  line,  itnd  stand  towards  the  Enemy  also,  the  CuUoden 
by  the  nunotes  on  board  the  Prince  George,  began  to  engage  first — via.,  twenty  mi- 
niitM  paat  one  o'clock — and  yon  fell  in  ahead  of  her  some  time  after,  and  began  to 
U  half-past  one.  Soon  after  yon  began,  the  Blenheim  waK  odTanoed  upon 
Jodeu's  larboard  quarter  as  for  ahead  as  she  could  be,  keeping  out  of  her  Are, 
began  ahso  ;  and  not  long  afterwards  the  Prince  George  was  tlie  same  with  re- 
;  to  the  Blenheim,  and  Orion  with  rcvpect  lu  the  Prince  George.  The  I'rinoo 
)  began  at  thirty-five  minnlcs  post  one,  but  for  »ome  time  could  nut  gel  ad- 
Dugh  to  bring  her  broiulside  to  bear  without  yawing,  occasionally;  the 


4Y2 


Appendix. 


Orion  lit  the  Prince  George'*  rcftr  begun  as  soon  m  ftbe  cooW  get  Hntttcienlly  ad- 
innrfd ;  tlifn.'fnir,  xu  ililTt-rtftil  In  yiiiif  sUtletnrul,  very  miou  afier  you  rotinii«np«4 
jiittr  Bit,  jdii  lind  fiiiir  Hlii|ii«  iirewiuj  on,  iilmo9t  ou  bnaid  of  v»ch  other,  rli>«i  in 
jotir  reiir ;  bur  the  Shifw  thus  jirr^siiig  npon  earh  other,  attil  tli»«  t*u  latter  tiut  tu 
Enough  aJiewJ  to  fire  willi  |imiHT  elTri-l.  benidi-n  haviti;;  Jtonc  of  the  Kueroy't  Ship* 
left  iu  Uie  rear  for  our  succccdiniJ  Ship«,  nt  ihirtppii  muiiiirs  iibkI  one  1  moJe  Uw 
higtiii],  No.  IWI  (flit  autd  kLiiuiI  on),  the  nioRt  Bii|>liciilile  w  i  ibungbl  to  the  occsatcnit 
wliinli,  though  uccHtiionnlljr  «hol  nwAV,  wrut  rc-hoisied,  uid  kept  Ay'ng  Uie  ftealer 
pan  i)f  the  Action.  * 

"  Fn>Mi  Die  tiiue  Mntetl  tliiii  the  Prince  Oeorge  hfg^ui  to  cngitgr  the  Kurntj  vrfov 
the  lurhoard  tuck,  luitil  the  Sui  Jo«ef  struck  her  Colour*  <  my  aliMit  Hve  or  Ita  mi- 
inrtex  piwt  four),  iifler  fnUing  on  b<>anl  the  San  Nicolas,  the  flro  of  die  Prince  Geoq^ 
WNN  wiihniil  intenuis^ion,  except  ft  xniall  wpuce  of  lluif',  edging  under  your  J««  whe« 
dlvidifig  from  the  San  Jo«ef,  her  then  anUi^niM,  not  heing  able  to  fum  to  irtinlwnrd 
nf  ynur  Ship,  anil  the  8nn  Nicolas,  then  on  hoard  i-nch  other— viz..  your  lartioaMl 
bow  upon  her  he  quarter — tin;  San  Josef  inizen-mast  Using  pone,  and  tuiun-f>p-nia^t 
liewl  liehiw  the  rij^ging  shot  away,  fell  on  board  the  San  Nicnh»s  to  windwaxd,  Ihr 
Prince  Gi-ur^  in  tlic  uieanLiiin-  (.-J|,nng  to  Ivrwnnl  of  yon  auiI  the  ^an  Nicolas,  and 
nilviini'iiig  Niillicieutly  iiheutl  of  llir  Captni}!  to  Arc  clear  of  her,  recomtueuccd  her 
Urv  both  upon  the  Sou  Nicolan  anil  Sim  .lusef,  from  i-eceiviAg  nbot  from  the  San 
Nirnlns  upon  pAS!«ing  alicful  of  the  Captain,  then  on  board  of  her ;  thiH  contiuaed 
pretty  heavy  eight  ur  ten  iuLuutes,  until  Uie  San  JuM'f  slnttk  her  Colunrv  ;  then,  opoil 
ccating  to  tire,  vtf  were  hailed  from  the  Cflpljun,  waving  both  Ships  hud  stmck.  TIm< 
Prince  George  eudeiivoiired  to  proceed  on  iilipiul.  lenving  the  San  Jo«f,  as  also  Uir 
tither,  to  lie  taken  poftsc-tsion  of  by  yon.  aAsinicd  by  such  succeeding  Ships,  as  ill* 
Comnuiuder-iu-chief,  who  had  urriTcd  up,  might  direct. 

«  'I'Le  UrNt  Ship  that  came  within  uiy  ohiservation,  except  the  fiTe  Shipn  alhide4 
to.  was  the  Excellent,  whose  (.'nptnin  neither  i-eqiiircN  yourtewliinouy  or  mine  iu  proof 
nf  hiK  bravery  and  i;oo<l  conduct ;  he  c]o»e<l  with  the  San  Inidro  u  twelre  nuitntca 
|i«)4t  three,  mid  nhc  M>on  Ntruck :  he  had  all  Un  Sails  set,  piusing  on  ahetid ;  (h« 
Niuunr  Nome  time  came  up,  flred  at  oonie  Shiii  iu  the  rviu-,  and  posMd  on  ahead 
al»o  ;  and  about  this  lime  iJie  Orion,  in  luy  rear,  lowered  her  boat  down  to  t«k«  poa- 
DBMion  of  a  three-decker  (the  SiUvndor),  which  sh«  had  hern  «<ime  lime  opposed  to, 
after  the  Prince  George  had  paused  her;  this  v\n>v,l  think,  about  the  time  Ui« 
Prince  George  wu.s  edging  under  your  lee,  luul  the  Conitoander-in-rhief  arriving  np- 

"  Of  this  Action,  luy  dear  Sir,  1  felt  conscious  lU  the  tiiie,  aitd  feel  »<i  now,  that 
every  exertion  wa.^  nsed  on  my  part  as  a  Flag  Officer,  and  :  iu  and  Offleew, 

and  Compnuy  of  tAic  Prince  George,  in  whicli  I  was  cnii  '  •'  ind  da^trn; 

the  Cneniy,  uitd  believe  me,  neither  they  or  uiy^elf  expected  t'  i^ouut  fto 

ditlereut  to  the  real  statement  of  that  Action  ns  is  observed  in  -  f  nm 

well  awoiT  thnt  i>eoplo  iu  Action  know  but  little  of  occurrences  in  y"l 

when  a  Letter  is  written  lo  be  cx])osed  to  public  view,  positive  a>-'  "''»' 

be  miuie  with  great  circuaHpootinu, 

"1  obNcrveJ  nothing  but  golluulry  and  good  conduct  Lu  every  Ship  iln  '  ""' 
iiuder  my  ob^erv uliou,  fitim  first  lo  lust,  and  think  mynelf  equally  cnlidrd  lo  J^  l^" 
luiowledgmeut  of  a  proportion  of  the  success  of  ihiu  day,  with  any  nniu  preiiP* 

"  1  fael  much  cnocem  at  the  occasion  of  this  Letter,  but  remain,  &o. 

••  W.  Pa»*iiji. 

"  To  Admiriii  N«Iimju. 


APPENDIX. 


473 


UKAB  jU>UtIIAI.  XBIS0!('B   JUCSWBS. 

"  De«  Sir,  "  Augmt  IDlL  [1V07.] 

**  I  miiol  ucknowledge  tlju  rpcei|il  uf  yuur  Letter  of  iLe  2-%lh  .lulr  ;  ahA  atler  i)*- 

iog.  tiini  T  know  notliing  of  tiic  Priurt*  George  till  nLe  was  liiiiled  from  Uie  roro- 

ie  of  Uie  Sou  Nicolas,  it  is  impossible  ]  cut  cuter  into  tiic  bul^cct  of  your 

^ettrr,  )cc. 

"  HORJITIO  Nsuox." 


yABJt4TIVE  or  THE  PBOCEEDIKOB  OP  BIB  MAJZSTT'b  VLSKT  l/KDEIl  THE  COM- 
MAVD  or  ADMIBAL  Itrit  JOHV  JEBTIS,  K.B.  A50  COJlMjUiDEB-I.S  CUIJfi',  gTC. 
TUB  IlTU  or  rEBBC^LBT,  1707. 

"  Lu  the  nigbt  of  tbe  13tL  we  keoni  tliv  Signal  Guns  of  the  Enemy,  ani  at  dny- 

ligtu  tliv  Mgiul  to  prepare  for  battie.     The  morning  (jfing  pretty  liuzy,  we  did  not 

■right  of  iLem  by  our  Frigates  until  seven  o'clock,  and  tbrn  only  partially  ;    at 

Ihirty-cight  minutes  post  uinc,  tbe  sigiuil  for  genera)  chose :  at  Lalf-pa.it  ten  a  Frigate 

lie  known,  per  signal,  twenty-five  Sail  of  the  Lin«  were  in  sight,  and  «oon  aflcr, 

Ivigtit  Sail  tnort' ;  at  u  quarter  past  eleven,  the  signal  for  the  order  of  biitilr,  without 

[Tegard  to  the  Order  prescribed ;  the  Enemy  now  being  open  to  onr  view,  and  iti  dis- 

[ordorod  line  npou  the  larboard  inck,  the  King'i^  Fleet  upon  the  ^tarlionrd ;  at  forty- 

Ilwo  miniiiex  past  eleven,  the  Ni(,iial  tn  cut  thron|{l]  the  Kuemy's  lane,  1  being  (bo 

[only  nag  ((IRcer  in  the  von ;  this  was  effected  by  the  Cullodcii,  Bleiilieitu,  mvaelf  in 

fctbe  Prince  George,  Orion,  and  Colossus,  the  Cullmlen  piissed  iliroiigh,  leaving  some 

[Ship*  of  tbe  Enemy  between  the  Prince  George   and  herself,  the  other  four  of  u» 

(were  close  after  each  oilier,  which  oocatiioned  the  Enemy's  Ships  k-fl.  in  their  reoTi 

|tiiuugb  the  two  hea4lmoBt  were  three-deckers,  to  tack,  aud  soon  after  they  wore  about, 

iaiade  a  good  dcol  of  soil.     At  forty-eight  minutes  pa»t  eleven,  the  signal  to  cn- 

whicli  continued  duinng  our  passing  ihrnugb  a  number  uf  the  Enemy's  Shiiis 

I  Iha  contrary  tack,  in  no  regular  order,  close  on  board  of  some,  aud  others  mora 

t;  ukI  until  eighteen  minutes  paat  twelve,  when  we  tacked,  per  aignul,  in  whidi 

nie  the  Colo'«sus  lost  her  fore  and  fore  top-soil  yards,  and  the  Enemy  a  good  deal 

|ilb«abl«d  :  aud  at  twenty  minutes  past  one  o'clock,  the  signal  to  out  back  tlirough  the 

fEnetny"*  Line  and  engage  them  to  leewonl :  when  we  lai^kol,  tbe  two  three-devkers 

,  tacked  after  us,  and  which  the  rest  of  the  Enemy's  rear  were  about  to  do ;    but  the 

Comnmnder-iu-cliief,  with  the  Sliips  of  centre  and  rear,  folltiwiug  rlose,  covered  us 

tmta  their  attack  upoi  the  rear  of  the  Ships  with  me.  aud  obliged  liiem  to  re-tack, 

engaging  thai  part  of  the  Enemy's  Fleet,  and  efTectually  divided  it;  Comniodora 

'  Nelniin,  in  the  Captain,  being  in  the  rear  of  our  Liuc  n|>ou  the  starboard  taok, 

lacked,  and  joined  the  Ships  with  mc  in  the  van.   The  Knemy'M  van,  now  consisting 

of  nortsidrrably  the  larger  number  of  their  Fleet,  in  great  disorder,  we  got  up  wilh, 

and  began  to  engage  upon  the  larboard  tack  ;  at  half  post  one  o'clock  close  on  boani 

!  of  ihem ;  at  fnrty-ihree  uiinules  past  one,  the  signal,  per  my  order,  for  the  iihips 

iduiad  to  nil  and  ntorid  on,  and  which  1  found  neoessory  again  to  rc|*«at  at  three 

l«^clock;  the  Commander -in-ohief  arriving  up  in  the  rear  of  the  Uriun,  my  second 

[aslerri,  at  a  quarter  past,  repeated  it  also.     This  port  of  the  Action  was  supported 

,  unin  tills  time  by  the  Cullo<leu,  Captain,  Blenheim,  Prince  George,  and  Urion,  during 

.  wtiieh  time  the  Enemy  never  fonned;  therefore,  though  wc  souetiiues  had  the  (ire 

of  two  or  three  Sliips  together,  yet,  from  tlieir  disordere<l  slate,  our  Ore  hail  great 

cflect  upon  them,  for  it  could  nut  be  lost,  even  if  it  hod  not  the  full  iffrol  upon  tbe 

Hhip  wc  happened  to  be  most  panioularly  opino^ed  to ;  tliey  were  genenUly  huddled 

togotlior  in  a  >-ery  irregular  aumncr,  and  1  have  no  doubt  but  lliey  did  each  other  a 


474 


APPENDIX. 


|iMl  4«tl  of  It^nrj.  Br  Uus  tiaw.  Ovr  of  tbem  IjeoMte  nrj  mnth  dlsabloL  orf  a 
l««Wy-Uitt«  niaiiUi*  post  ihrcr.  UiC  nxcclltnit.  Captain  CoUingwood,  oitmiag  ^ 
'  cloMr  witb  one  of  tbem  mo^t  to  wiudwivd,  usd  ><br  Mrork  litr  Coloim ;  aiul  oi  htif- 
ftM,  iIm  Vieioi7  tip  a»terti  nf  the  Orion,  wlieu  oBr  of  iL«  tlue«'deck4rrR,  wtticli  v* 
haA  taf»§eA,  and  left  iii  ■  rear  tcry  macb  dln&blrd,  stmck  facr  Coliwri,  1  bclkv«,l0 
llM  YlMviy;  aoon  aftvr,  frnm  the  dik»]il«J  atnte  uf  the  Captiuo.  (m-  ivf-mmi  gum, 
■ha  Ml  6B  board  uw  uf  tlie  Sliijw  »li«  lind  bi-eu  ii{i|M)srd  to ;  Imt  vlntber  from  ite 
•not  iaMaifaiii  of  Oaminodorc  Ncbou,  1  un  to  U-oru ;  bowevcr,  Ue  Luonled  her  mi 
ttada  bar  •trikc ;  uU  »  Uirreitprfcer,  hvjiring  n  Kpiir-Adiniml'><  nng,  stmck  tn  the  ftm 
uf  tU»  Prince  Geaqi*.  tuai,  fhiiu  licr  disabled  f<tu.c,  fell  on  lioard  tlii;  wiune  Spuibth  6bJ|i 
Coiamodorr  Nebon  wu  on  board  of,  upon  tho  quarter  ou  the  otber  side,  llii:  Nusnr 
hy  ibi»  time  camv  up  lo  windwnnl,  aud  piuisrd  betwt-eo  tbc  rriuce  Gcor^,  Cullodcii, 
MBil  Uir  8L  Tritiiilad,  iif  130  kuii*.  l)cii  Curdevit,  Ibe  C'uiuxaander-ui-chi*f,  vidiifa 
Ship  was  Tery  mucb  beatou  at  that  time,  and  in  K|>p«rftiily  a  ainkiog  stai«.  Iliu  tha 
•apport  very  opportuimly  gi\e\i  lo  bitr  by  ibc  two  lluTc-deckent,  in  the  eailjr  part 
alluded  to.  junt  am%iDg  up.  BO\ed  ber  from  tlie  necessity  of  striking,  ibou^h  it  hti 
b«<>n  aaacrted  alio  did  atriki*.  Tlie  four  Ships  tbal  wc  in  tlie  ran  bad  loft  in  our  rev 
tluu  bad  slnink.  iri!i«  Ijikeu  pos»e&ston  of  b;  our  fenoceeding  Sbijis  :  at  Kon-set,  Ika 
ai^al  lo  wear  and  coiii«<  to  the  \rind  npou  the  olber  tork.  and  «oon  alter  lu  fum  ill 
w4*r  of  battle,  iu  close  order  to  cover  tlii!  Prisea.  T<.>o  inuok  cauoot  he  add  of  tb» 
temvrr;  displayed  in  ibe  conduct  of  tbc  8bi]«  with  roe,  mid  I  certainly  fW  u  iji- 
cuinb«m  (lu  me  to  Kuy,  Ihat  the  Captain,  CuUodeu,  and  Blenboizo.  but  nufTr  par 
ticularl}  the  two  funncr,  bore  luofL'  of  the  biiiul  of  tli«<  Action  tlian  tLe  Prince Ueor^t 
and  Orion,  fVom  ibnir  beitig  more  iu  tbo  von.  The  Commuuderlu^eliior  nvrtainly 
displayed  ({real  Na«al  abilitiea  Lucondiiriing  ibis  Attack,  and  maoagcmenl  tltrouglmdl« 
and  1  do  not  bebevc  tlu*  King  ba^  a  more  ocun{>cU--ni  Officer,  1  am  in  tbe  full  belief 
Uiat  w»n  acts  uf  gallaulry  and  goni  conduct  were  displayed  tbiui  possiibly  cuuU 
MOM  mibin  my  obwrvation. 

"W.  Parkbr. 
"  Mbm. — Tbe  PriiiMO«or^  oxponded  107  ban«Is  ofjwwder ;  lost  l«n  men  killed 
$ai  niue  badly  wotmded,  aligbtly  wounded  innnmerahltr." 

Bbiiiiih  NAnr. — Number  of  tbrir  Gun*,  I,'^ll. 
SfAiriau  NAVT.^Number  of  tbcir  Guns,  2,408. 


LETTERS 


INSERTED    IN    THE    SECOND    EDITION 


®!)e  Jpirst  Folume, 


WHICH  DO  NOT  OCCUR  IN  THE  FIBST  EDITION. 


ADVERTISEMENT 


SECOND  EDITION. 


[Since  the  publication  of  the  First  Volume  of  this  Work,  the 
t£ditor  has  been  favoured  with  many  communications,  which 
lavc  caused  some  additional  Letters  to  be  inserted  in  the  pre- 
sent Edition. 

Through  the  influence  of  a  friend,  access  has  been  obtained 
to  the  Papers  of  the  late  Dr.  M'Arthur,  which  are  now  in  the 
lossession  of  bis  daughter,  Mrs.  Conway ;  but  the}'  contain 
few  original  documents  relating  to  Lord  Nelson,  and  scarcely 
lY  of  the  Manuscripts  that  were  used  in  Clarke  and  M*  Arthur's 
'*  Life  of  Nelson."  If  no  other  Papers  of  Dr.  M'Arthur  are  in 
jxistence,  the  suggestion  in  the  Preface  (hat  his  family  had 
[retained  Letters  which  were  lent  to  him  is  without  foundation ; 
\d  the  Editor,  therefore,  willingly  recalls  it.  The  feet,  how- 
fever,  remains,  that  many  of  the  persons  who  lent  original  Let- 
[ters  to  Dr.  M'Ariliur,  never  recovered  them.  It  is  therefore 
possible  that  they  may  have  been  lost. 

Though  the  examination  of  Dr.  M*Arthur's  Papers  was  not 
'attended  with  the  expected  result,  some  valuable  original 
Ixittcrs,  and  Copies  of  a  few  others,  have  thereby  been  ob- 
tained. Tlie  original  Letters  were  addressed  to  Lord  Hood, 
I  during  the  Sieges  of  Bastia  and  Calvi,  or  to  Dr.  M'Arthur ; 
and  (together  with  two  Letters  from  other  sources)  are  in- 
serted in  their  jnopcr  places  in  this  Volume. 


478 


APPENDIX. 


The  most  important  document  in  Mrs.  Conw8y*8  possession 
is,  the  ordinal  Manuscript  of  Lord  Nelson's  autobiographical 
«'  Sketch  of  his  Life,"  which  is  now  for  the  first  time  printed 
exactly  as  it  was  written. 

The  Editor  is  much  indebted  to  Lady  Bolton,  a  niece  of 
Lord  Nelson,  for  many  Letters  and  Papers  of  great  interest, 
which  were  obligingly  communicated  by  James  Young,  Es(i., 
of  Wells  in  Norfolk.  He  has  also  to  offer  hia  best  acknow*^ 
ledgments  to  the  Dowager  Lady  de  Saumarez»  and  to  Lord 
de  Saumarez,  for  Lord  Nelson's  Letters  to  that  distinguished 
nrnamcnt  of  the  Naval  Service,  the  late  Admiral  Lord  de 
Saumarez;  to  Mrs.  Ellis,  daughter  of  Admiral  Sir  Peter 
Parker,  (Nelson's  early  patron  and  friend ;)  to  Admiral  Sir 
Robert  Otisay,  Bart.,  ILC.B. ;  to  Colonel  Hugh  Percy  Da- 
vison ;  to  Captain  Sir  Andrew  Pellet  Green,  ICCH. ;  to  the 
Reverend  Henry  Girdleston;  to  Captain  Sir  George  Au- 
gustus Wcstphal,  R.N. ;  to  Captain  Widdrington,  R.N. ;  to 
Captain  Robert  Fitz-Gerald  Gambier,  R.N. ;  to  Nathaniel 
Young,  Esq. ;  and  to  the  Reverend  Edward  Bushby,  of  St. 
John's  College,  Cambridge. 

He  also  begs  leave  to  thank  Ix)rd  Stanley  for  his  permis- 
sion to  print  Lord  Nekon's  Letters  to  the  Secretary  of  State 
for  War  and  Colonies,  in  the  years  1803,  1804,  and  1805, 
which,  as  stated  in  the  Preface,  arc  now  in  the  Colonial 
Office. 

Advantage  has  been  taken  of  this  Edition  to  supply  some 
particulars  of  Lord  Nelson's  family,  as  well  as  of  himself; 
to  insert  additional  Notes ;  and  to  correct  typographical  and 
other  errors. 


Jtnnary  13, 1845. 


LETTERS  OMITTED  IN  THE  rmST  \'OLUME. 


479 


TO  WILLIAM  SUCKLING,  ESQ. 
[From  ihe  "OentleniBM'*  Magnziue,"  vol.  xcv.  jurt  i.  p.  106.] 
My  dear  Uncle,  January  l-lth,  1784, 

There  arrives  in  general  a  time  in  a  man's  life  (who  has 
lends),  that  either  they  place  him  in  life  in  a  situation  that 
tea  his  application  for  anything  farther  totally  unnecessary, 

give  him  help  in  a  pecuniary  way,  if  they  can  afford,  and 

deserves  it. 

The  critical  moment  of  my  life  is  now  arrived,  that  either  I 
to  be  happy  or  iniserablo: — it  depends  solely  on  you. 

You  may  possibly  think  I  am  going  to  ask  too  much.  I 
ive  led  myself  up  with  hopes  you  will  not — till  this  trying 
loment.  There  is  a  lady  I  have  seen,  of  a  good  family  and 
>nnexions,  but  with  a  small  fortune, — lOOOi  I  understand.' 

le  whole  of  my  income  (Iocs  not  exceed  130/.  per  annum. 
Tow  1  must  come  to  the  point : — will  you,  if  I  should  marry. 
How  me  yearly  100/.*  until  my  income  is  increased  to  that 
im,  cither  by  employment,  or  any  other  way  ?  A  very  few 
ears  I  hope  will  turn  something  up,  if  ray  friends  will  but 
tcrt  themselves.  If  you  will  not  give  tne  the  above  sura, 
ill  you  exert  yourself  with  either  Lord  North  or  Mr.  Jcnkin- 
)n,  to  get  mo  a  Guard-ehip,  or  some  employment  in  a  Public 
>ffice  where  the  attendance  of  the  principal  ia  not  necessary, 
ind  of  which  they  must  have  such  numbers  to  dispose  of.  In 
the  India  Service  I  understand  (if  it  remains  under  the  Di- 
BCtors)  their  Marine  force  is  to  be  under  the  command  of  a 
/aptain  in  the  Royal  Navy  :  that  is  a  station  I  should  like. 

You  must  excuse  the  freedom  with  which  this  letter  is 
ictated ;  not  to  have  been  plaiu  and  explicit  in  my  distress 
id  been  cruel  to  myself.     If  nothing  can  be  done  for  me,  I 

low  what  I  have  to  trust  to.  Life  is  not  worth  preserving 
rithoul  happiness ;  and  I  care  not  where  I  may  linger  out  a 
nserable  existence.     I  am  prepared  to  hear  your  refusal,  and 


'  ApltareuU.T  Mif>»  Audrcwg.     Vide  vol.  i.  p.  91. 
Tbr  gcuilcroau  who,  uudor  tLe  Kignoliue  "  P.,"  i.e.,  the  iMc  WilUain  Peuce, 
tvt  the  Adniirnliy,  coiumiiiucaJ-L'd  iliis  lectt-r  to  tlic  "  CtvnilrniMi'*  Mi^ozirM," 
Ui«x  Mr.  SuckliiiK  immrdintcly  complird  vtitli  ihe  requexi.     If  so,  Neboii 
pjrobftbljr  rcAued  hy  the  ttii  object  of  Ida  aflcotioUB. — See  tqI.  i.  p.  Ul). 


480 


APPENDIX. 


have  fixed  my  resolution  if  that  should  happen  ;  but  in  every 
situation,  I  shall  be  a  well-wisher  to  you  and  your  family,  and 
pray  they  or  you  may  never  know  ihe  pangs  which  at  thu 
instant  tear  my  heart.  God  blcsa  you,  and  aaeure  yourself,  I 
am.  Your  most  afl'ectionate  and  dutiful  nephew, 

IIoBATio  Nei^sok. 


TO  COMMODORE  LINZEE. 

[Autogmplt.  in  tht^  |MMe«i«iou  of  the  Hononrnble  Mrs.  Gregory,  «tiit«r  nf  tb» 
prMcnt  Vlacoiiut  Hood.  The  A^nuiemuon  jouind  Comniodare  LilUiM  «t  Ct^ari, 
ou  Ui«  'iUh  uf  OcUib<<r.     Vide  p.  331.J 

AgAmemaou,  October  V4tli,  1709. 
My  dear  Sir, 
I  am  Borry  to  have  been  so  long  in  joining  you,  as  1  feci 
great  satisfaction  In  being  put  under  your  orders.  What  ha« 
contributed  to  delay  me  a  little,  was  four  French  Frigates  and 
a  Brig  crossing  rac.  A  few  shot  was  exchanged  with  one  of 
them,  who  I  left  in  a  sinking  state.  Wc  having  lost  (he  use 
of  our  main  topmast,  could  not  haul  the  wmd  to  them,  and 
they  seemed  to  have  got  enough :  therefore  would  not  come 
down  to  me.     Believe  mc  yours  most  faithfully. 

HooATio  Nelsox. 
Sailmakers  would  be  of  great  service  to  us  for  a  dav,  and 
some  Carpenters  with  their  tools :    24  hours  will  fit  us  for 
ser\'ice. 

Ten  days  pavst  we  boarded  a  Ship  from  Smyrna,  but  I  tUiolc 
we  ought  not  to  be  put  into  quarantine. 


TO  VTCE-ADMIRAL  LORD  HOOD. 
[Aatogrtpli,  in  the  posscsaion  of  Mrs.  Cosw&y.] 

Agnniemnou,  at  onclior,  off  Porto  Novo,  Frlmittry  Nth,  I'M. 

My  Lord, 

Yesterday  at  this  place,  they  hoisted  National  colours  u 
I  passed,  as  also  the  Vessels  in  the  harbour.  I  went  to 
I'Avasina,  but  there  is  no  Ship  there.  Captain  Freemandc 
tells  me,  a  Ship  under  Ragtisa  colours  is  in  Bastia.  This 
morning  being  very  fine,  I  anchored  here,  and  sent  on  shore 


LETTERS  OMITTED  IN  THE   FIRST  VOLUME.  481 

measage  to  say  I  was  come  to  deliver  them  from  the  Re- 
iblicnns,  and  wished  to  be  received  as  friends,  but  that  it*  a 
it  was  fired,  I  would  burn  the  Town.     The  answer*  is 
Uy  as  translated,  viz., 
'We  are   Republicans  ;    that  is  suificicnt      It  is  not  at 
laggio  you  ought  to  address  yourself.    Go  to  St.  Fiorenzo, 
or  Calvi : — they  will .  give  you  au   answer  such    as 
you  desire.     The  soldiers  which  I  command  are  true  soldiers 
of  France,     The  Commander  of  the  Military  of  Cape  Corse." 
From  this  answer,  I  landetl,  and  struck  the  National  colours 
fitb  ray  own  band,  and  ordered  the  Tree  of  Liberty  to  be  cut 
>wn.      The  Commander  retiring  to  a  hill,  with  National 
)Ioar8,  and  his  troops.     We  ilesiroyed  about  five  hnndrod 

of  wine  ready  to  be  shipped,  and  ten  sail  of  Vessels. 
Just  as  we  were  coming    .    .     [  The  Remainder  u  iost.l 


TO  ADMIRAL  LORD  HOOD. 
[AntogTttph,  iu  the  p«ss«B«ioa  of  Mrs.  Conwiy.} 

AgMaemnou,  Felimwy  'iluA,  1794,  between  C»peCone  and  Buftttn. 

My  Lord, 
I  was  honoured  by  your  letter  of  the  19th,  yesterday  morn- 
ing, by  the  Cutter,  and  beg  leave  most   sincerely   to  con- 
^^n^alate  your  Lordship  on  the  taking  Fiorenzo."    We  saw 
lainty,  when  evening  set  in  on  the  19tb,  the  fire  at  Fiorenzo, 

*  The  t'Ttyinal  hexitix  of  tbe  French  Coinniuidiuit  w  iii  tbe  NelHon  Papers: 
'  N«iiu«  xouuneii  HcimblioaioB.     Qv  mot  seal  doit  siiffire,     Ce  ii'esi  fioiiit  mi 
i:iu«4^o,  lien  siuiH  ilelTencti,  ii  ijni  il  Tiuit  vous  lulrettser.     Allvz  i  St.  Fiorvnt, 
bUh,  oil  Colri,  el  I'ou  vnus  repondra,  '^elnn  \o*  desirs,     Vt>nt  la  trouppci)  ijue  jc 
de  cllf  ett  prcie  i^  vous  moulrcr  tiu'ellc  c»i  cumpo«^  de  Solduia  Frwicnis. 

"  Lc  Conumuid*.  Militolre  du 

"  C*p«i  C'or»e." 

Fiorcneo  vu  Uikcn  ua  the   17th  of  February;  nud  Utc  French  having 

>  tA  Bwlia,  Lort]  Hood  projiused  to  Liciiiennnt-Gt'uenil  Dtindw  (uAcrwardit 

tnX  Sir  David  Diuidu,  K.B.,j   lUc  rouiiuaiidcr  of  thi.>  Foroc«,  to  redtiire  iu 

acral  Dunda^,  however,  couxideriDg  tlic  [dau  tuvraotioabJc,  rrfliaed  hl»  co  opcra- 

wiilumi  a  reinforceiueut  of  ^(MM)  lueii  fruin  UiliriUiar.     I.onl  Hood  det«rnuiied 

take  Biutia  with  the  Navid  force  only,  nod  gave  llic  commatid  of  thu  Maamrii 

ployed  in  the  batteries  to  Nebon.     Clarke  *ud  M'Arthtir  have  {innttd  the 

VOL.  n.  II 


482 


APPENOIX- 


and  had  no  doubts  but  it  vtas  the  Frigates  on  Rre.  Wc  were 
close  to  Bastia.  On  receiving  your  letter,  I  bore  away  for  the 
Cape,  and  at  4  p.m.  joined  llomulus.  Captain  Sutton  had 
landed  the  onns,  &c,,  before  I  got  to  him  at  the  place  he  was 
ordered.  I  hope  ray  letter  sent  by  the  Tartar,  and,  bjf 
Captain  Freinantle  jnit  on  boanl  the  Terpsichore,  will  conmj 
to  your  Lurdship  the  information  you  wanted  about  Bastift. 
I  am  now  going  to  take  another  look  at  the  place,  when  1 
shall  send  this  letter.  To  the  northward  of  the  Town,  at  three 
miles  distance,  troops  may  be  safely  lauded  ;  and  a  good  road 
for  marching  all  the  way  to  Bastia,  but  not  for  heavy  artillery; 
but  probably  landing-places  may  be  found  to  the  northwtud 
of  Bastia,  much  nearer  than  three  miles.  I  see  the  litde 
Camp  with  two  guns,  en  barbette^  Is  intended  to  prevent  land- 
ing to  the  southward,  as  I  dare  say  the  shot  will  reach  to 
tlie  opening  of  the  Lagoon  :  but  then  troops  may  land  under 
cover  of  Gun-boats  and  other  small  Vessels,  although  Ships 
cannot  get  in.  But  every  defence  of  Bastia  is  plainly  to  be 
seen  from  the  sea,  and  in  ray  opinion  will  soon  fall.  Yesterday 
morning,  a  very  large  Swedish  ship  from  the  Levant,  loaded 
with  corn,  was  within  two  miles  of  Bastia.  I  believe  he  in- 
tended for  that  Port ;  but  if  [he]  had  not,  the  boats  ivould 
have  carried  her  in,  but  we  were  between  her  and  the  Town. 
We  could  not  get  to  his  papers,  except  the  common  ones,  it 
he  is  in  quarantine.  Nothing  shall  get  in,  you  may  be  »• 
sured. 

following  remiu-Vnble  KxtTMt  from  Lord  Hood's  Letter  to  Qeneral  Dtuiiioa  rr4]i*eJjil( 
ilifl  operiaions  agivinsi  llostia,  d«tfld  Vioior)  in  MurkOlo  Dfty,  0th  Much  HOI:  "I 
am  liouourcd  witli  yonr  Letter  of  y^eaterday's  ilatr,  in  wliicb  you  ore  (ilriued  to  t}, 
'atler  nmliire  coiiKideration,  and  *  pen>onnl  inH|>cction  for  »e\erml  dnj^  uf  lO 
circunutaitecs,  local  at>  well  iis  others,  I  consider  the  Sieg*  of  Bustlu.  wiili  Mt 
preMSl  Tne«ii«  itud  force,  (o  i>c<  n  tnon  risioiiAry  iind  rash  nlteiiiiit,  siirh  u  m 
Officer  could  be  juslineJ  in  undertaking.'  lo  MUwer  to  nrliicll,  1  lliuil  laic  lli» 
liberty  to  observe,  ilitit  however  visionarr  and  mah  an  aUenijit  to  rediiee  Barti* 
ay  be  in  yunr  o|>iiiion,  to  me  it  appears  very  much  tlie  reverse,  and  Id  b* 
■fectly  a  right  measure  ;  and  1  lieg  here  to  repeat  tny  uiswer  to  you,  upon  jr»M 
saying,  l\ro  days  Rg<o,  that  I  should  be  of  a  difTerent  opinion  to  whni  I  \ui 
expressed  were  the  renponsibiliiy  upon  my  aboulden,  Mhai  notliing  Mould  W 
wore  gratifying  lo  my  feelings,  than  to  Imve  the  whole  reMpoosibLlicy  upon  aiti' 
and  1  am  now  ready  and  willing  to  nnderlnke  the  reduction  of  Bftstia  at  m>  em 
rink,  with  the  force  and  means  at  preMnt  here,  being  strongly  Liopre<£cd  with  ilx 
nevesjiiiy  of  ii." 


LETTERS  OMITTED  IN  THE  FIRST  VOLUME.  483 

Saturday  evening.  I  have  just  had  a  boat  off  from  Erba- 
nga  :  they  say  that  our  hinding  at  I'Avasina,  and  marching 
near  Bastia,  has  been  of  the  greatest  service  to  them,  as 
I  Enemy  intended  that  night  coming  with  Gun-boats  and 
ops,  and  burning  all  the  revolted  villages.  All  the  Corsi- 
ns,  to  the  very  walls  of  Bastia.  have  now  dechu"cd  for  us, 
d  they  tell  me  not  much  less  than  1000  ore  now  under  the 
utworks  of  Bastia ;  indeed,  we  have  seen  the  firing  of  musketry 
e  whole  evening, 

Sunday  noon.     It  is  only  just  now  1  have  been  able  to 

xamlne  Bnstia  more  closely.     I  find  the  Enemy  every  hour 

e  strengthening  their  works.     The  two  guns  mounted  in 

■irl/ette  are  now  making  a  half-moon  battery.     1  passed  close 

th  Romidus  and  Tartar,'  the  Enemy  opened  their  fire  from 

the  battery-.     We  directly  dislodged  them,  and  they  to  a  man 

uitted  the  works.     The  Town  opened  on  us  with  shot  and 

ells,  but  without  doing  us  any  damage  of  consequence  :  our 

were  so  exceedingly  well  pointed,  that  not  one  shot  was 

d  in  vain  ;  a  parcel  of  powder  for  one  battery  blew  up,  and 

apparently  considerable  damage.      Indeed,  my  Lord,  I 

ish  the  troops  were  here :  I  am  sure,  in  its  present  state  it 

soon  fall.     I  don't  think  the  Corsicans  have  the  strong 

General  Paoli  mentions,  or,  I  think  I  must  have  known 

They  tell  me  the  garrison  of  Fiorenzo  is  got  into  Bastia. 

I  au],  Sic, 

Horatio  Nelsok. 


TO  THE  RIGHT  IIOXOURABLE  ADMIRAL  IXDRD  HOOD. 
[Autograph,  in  Ibe  poBsesHtoti  of  Mrs.  Codwhv.] 

Agatu«iiiiioii,  .liiiir  ',{U,  1794. 

My  Lord, 

I  liave  cleared  our  between  decks   of  all  our  Ordnance 

toreii,  and  sent  them  to  the  Dolphin.     I  have  not  touched 

lose  in  our  hold,  which,  unless  your  Lordship  chooses  we 

Ud  be  entirely  cleared  of,  all  the  stores  will,  I  think,  be  no 

'ltoDiiiln«,  'W,  (.'apiojii  John  Sutton,  unervrard^  Vicc-Atlmir*]  Sir  .lohn  Siiuoii, 
C3.     Tht?  Tartar,  'JH,  was  conunanilcd  bjr  Captain,  aflcrwardK  Vice -Admiral  Sir 
if  remanUe.  Bwt.,  G.CS.,  G.C.M.O.j 

112 


APPENDIX. 


great  inconvenience  for  q  short  cmizc-     Wc  are  oninc 
and  i)K>rt  on  our  other  anchor:  will  send  for  tb« 

dirpctlr. 

I  am  mill  great  respect. 

Your  Lordship's  most  faithful  servant, 

HoBATio  Nblsc^ 

1  have  wrote  Captain  Inglefield  to  request  some  of 
Transports'  boats  may  take  some  wads  and  platforms  fro 
lis. 


TO  ADMIRAL  LORD  HOOD. 
[Aitlofp^tili,  ia  the  )M)«BuMinii  oFMn.  Cumr*} 

Agruncmaoit,  nctr  I'liri,  19Ui  Jaaa,  ITHt 

My  dear  Lord, 
Believing  that  what  T  should  do  wotdd  be  of  servioo 
our  (Country,  and  of  course  meet  with  yonr  Lordship's  ap- 
probation, I  have  the  lionour  to  acquaint  you  thai  on 
arrival  in  Mortella  Bay,  on  the  15th  instant.  General  StuI 
was  anxious  to  proceed  on  our  expedition  against  Calvi, 
which  I  own  I  most  heartily  concurred  with  him,  believ 
ourselves  safe  under  your  Lordship's  wing.     I  sailed  on 
16th,  in  the  evening,  from  jSfortella  Bny,  and  anchored  h( 
on  the  17th  at  night     Yesterday  was  taken  up  in  looking 
the  Enemy,  and  this  morning  at  daylight,  the  troops  14^ 
were  landed,  together  with  seventy  volunteers  from  the  Tra 
ports,  thirty  men  which  I  took  out  of  the  Inflexible,  and  o( 
hundred  Seamen  from  the  Agamemnon.     I  was  obliged  to  \ 
every  effort  to  forward  the  service.    The  General,  after  lookii 
at  Calvi,  wished  to  have  some  additional  force  ;  therefore , 
sent  the  Fox  to  Fiorenzo,  with  orders  to  Captain  Wallis' 
proceed  to  Bastia,  for  such  troops  as  General  Stuart  wish* 
to  have.     As  the  Gorgon  had  not  men  enough  left  her 
your  Lordship  to  take  care  of  her,  I  was  obliged   to  solic 
volunteers  from   the  Transports   to  bring  her  round  mi 


*  Cttplttin  .Initiet   Widli^,  trbo   -irrved  >riili  Nelkoji  u  First  LimuzBMU  ofl 
Borciu.     lie  t]jeu  comiuurulpil  ilie  Goriroii,  Siorp  Sliip. 


LETTERS  OMITTED  IN  THE  FIRST  VOLUJtE. 


48: 


and    therefore    was    under   the   necessity    of  desiiing 

lexible  to  lend  twenty  men  to  assist  in  navigating  the 

lip.     TUe   Fox   if»  to  bring   150  of  the  Royal  Loui9.     If 

Victory  does  not  join  us  l>efore  tlie  Lutine  is  cleared,  I 

itist  send  her  for  guns  from  the  Commerce  dc  MarseLiles,' 

%rhich  are  much  wanted,   (^aptain  (^ookc,  who  I  found  at  Fio- 

jrento,  with  a  zeal  which  will  ever  do  him  credit,  wished  to 

ccompany  me  on  the  present  Expedition.     I  not  only  have 

greatest  pleasure  in  having  him  with  me,  but  his  assistance 

me  has  been  very  great :  and  as  he  is  anxious  to  remain, 

hope  he  will  be  allowed  by  your  Lordship  to  stay  with  mc 

ill  the  Siege  is  over.     I  have  much  to  say,  but  wish  not  to 

jep  the  Scout 

Believe  mc,  with  highest  res|)ect, 

Your  Lordship's  most  faithful, 

UoRATio  Nelson. 

General  Stuart  requests  mc  to  say  that  nothing  particular 
las  hop{>cned  since  our  landing,  and  that  he  is  really  so  buny 
lat  lie  cannot  find  time  to  write  to  your  Lordship ;  but  begs 

refer  you  to  me  for  particulars,  which  I  have  given  in  uiy 
titer. 


TO  AOMIIIAL  LOUD  HOOD. 

[Autogni|ih,  iu  tlie  povaewiou  of  Mm.  C(in«ray.] 

Cuiui>,  Jiiu«  'JlHr,  1704. 

My  Lord, 
;  did  myself  the  honour  of  writing  your  Lordship  by  the 
It,  who  was  in  search  of  you  here,  to  acijuaint  you  of  our 
lluatiou.     You  will  know  from  my  letters  to  Captain  Tyler' 
Captain  Wallis,  of  what  I  thought  it  right  to  order,  in 
uqucncc  of  General   Stuart's   finding    this   i»lttcc   much 
roDger  than  he  exj>cctcd.     As  the  General  will  write  to  tell 

•  Tbtf  Cimuuerce  Oc  M«r»eiU*s,  of  VH)  guns,  wna  one  or  iht  8hiji<i  liroutfltl  tmtn 
^oulou  by  Lord  HuchJ,  in  Dcci«mb«r  17113. 

'  C«iUBin  Tjlor,  .if  iLc  MKleitgrr  of  .Ti  giiii*.  TLi»  gtUliuit  (.Ulii-ir,  «lio  wm 
^vwrly  woiiaaed  in  xoousaud  of  iho  Tommut,  M  lUe  U«Ue  of  TtiiAUgw,  (Ije4  M 
Sir  Cburles  Tyler,  O.C.D.,  in  Sfptewlitr,  1H35. 


486 


APPENDIX. 


you  his  wants  and  wishes,  it  is  only  necessary  for  me  to  say. 
that  had  not  the  weather  been  so  bad  as  to  preclude  all  iul 

LCoiirsc  with  Ships  for  the  last  twenty-four  hours,   and  sti 

rcontiuucs  very  bad,  the  Lutinc  would  have  been  cleared 
her  stores  and  sent  to  Fioren^o  to  request  ten  more  gui 

.from  the  Commerce  de  Marseilles,  the  general  intc;  '  'OT 
lave  seventeen  guns  of  the  French  against  the  Eiit  ^  d' 
thr«c  or  four  of  my  24-pounder8  to  fire  shells  from.  Our 
landing  place  is  very  bad ;  the  rocks  break  in  this  weall 
so  far  from  the  shore,  and  the  mountain  we  have  to  drag  tl 
guns  up  so  long  and  so  steep,  that  the  whole  of  yesterday 
were  only  able  to  get  one  gun  up,  and  then  we  have  oat 
mile  and  a  half  at  least  to  drag  Uiem.  1  hope  before  long  vc 
shall  be  able  to  land  some  to  the  eastward  of  Cape  Reveliata| 
but  it  being  within  half  gun-shot  of  the  Enemy,  it  cannot 
present  be  done.  General  Stuart  wishes  much  for  the  Tor 
tunee  Gun-boat  to  lay  in  this  Bay,  to  the  eastwanl  of  Revellat*, ' 
to  prevent  the  Enemy's  Gun-boat  from  coming  in  there  to^ 
annoy  our  ititended  Battery,  and  proposes  to  place  a  heavj 
gun  as  a  defence  for  her.  She  can  lay  with  another  ema 
Vessel  under  a  high  point  of  land  between  her  and  thej 
Enemy.  I  wrote  to  Lieutenant  Fennell  to  try  and  get  son 
volunteers,  and  to  bring  the  Gun-boat  to  me.  Your  Lordship  | 
so  well  knows  our  want  of  seamen  here,  that  I  am  sure  I  nccJj 
not  mention  it:  we  shall  have  more  than  forty  pieces  o( 
ordnance  to  drag  over  these  mountains  :  ray  numbers  are  two 
hundred,  barely  sufficient  to  move  a  twenty-four  pounder. 
The  two  Vessels  laden  with  powder  at  Fiorenzo,  the  Genen 

■  On  Ute  21i>t  uf  Jniie,  Lord  Hood  wrote  offlciiOly  to  CapUin  Kelttou  tnm  > 
Viclory  in  Mortella  B«y  ;— 

"  Sit, — I  nin  wojiing  with  greot  impntience  to  heur  from  yon.  not  Imowiof 'M 
Slxiivs  yoi)  twk  wilii  yoii,  and  nLm  more  mny  be  wruitcd.  The  wliliiioURl  ur'or 
Gnntrul  8tnwt  ordeird  rrom  Basiin  ctnViArkpd  tliin  muniiug,  \u\i  1  exfect  to  yr  i''' 
Ariiulur  Rud  Tran.niwrtff  to-morrow,  wlicn  I  fihikll  join  and  jirornnl  »iili  Iiim  I" 
luldilioii  In  Uic  Rirn  fr<im  iliis  Sliip  alit'iuiy  on  tbe  ex]>fdiiioii,  1  1ia>f  vtai  fiAy  Rvnr 
under  tlip  couimaiid  of  (.'aplnin  Flollawrll.  who  is  nccompanied  by  CHptniii  f>ti>.«  M. 
liolli  wry  Mv,  wLUiiiff,  iind  zfaloiiN  Officers,  IVom  wLoin  you  will  h«<c  uunJ^ 
lusittance,  and  lliey  are  dirt-cted  to  ftdlow  your  orders,  which  1  am  ronfid 
will  both  do  with  grent  ulnrrity,  «)id  th«t  nil  will  go  on  with  equ»l  coriM 
pood  hiiniiMtr  W  ftl  BAMtiw.  I  am,  Sir,  with  great  regard,  kr,,  Hoor.  P.8-- 
trvmble  for  whnt  mny  hnvc  bApppned  from  lost  iiigbi's  wind.' — From  » 
certified  by  Nelxon,  in  the  Hood  Paii^ra. 


LETTERS  OMITTED  IN  THE  FIRST  VOLUME,  487 

j|ill  write  jou,  I  take  for  granted,  about.     Uc  sajs  he  shall 

It  the  powder  they  have  on  board.     Had  not  the  weather 

Ben  bad,  I  nni  sure  one  battery  against  Monacheaco  would 

ive  o{)ened  to-iuorrow  morning.    Twenty-four  hours,  I  think, 

fill  put  us  in  possession  of  it.     We  seem  here  determined 

act  with  vigour,  and  it  is  the  only  thing  to  get  us  on. 

ic  Enemy  are  hard  at  work  making  batteries-  I  wrote 
aur  Lordship  that  Captain  Cooke  is  with  me,  who  with 

jat  zeal  and  activity  could  not  think  of  laying  idle  at 
Fiorcnzo,  therefore  offered  his  services  to  mc,  which  I  checr- 
lUy  accepted.  If  it  is  not  contrary  to  your  Lordship's  plan 
jr  hini,  I  believe  he  wishes  much  to  stay  with  me.     He  bega 

will  present  his  respects  ;  and  believe  me  your  Lordship's  I 
jost  faithful  servant, 

Horatio  Nelson. 

The  Dolphin  is  in  the  greatest  distress  for  men — not  having 
lough  to  weigh  an  anchor,  so  Captain  May  tells  roe.  The 
!<utinc  shall  sail  the  moment  she  is  cleared  of  her  stores. 

Many  of  the  Transports  have  been  obliged  to  leave  this 

ichorage,  from  the  badness  of  the  anchoring  ground,  none 

if  which  are  now  in  sight. 


TO  ADMIRAL  LORD  HOOD. 
[Aiitoi^apli,  in  (HMMiesfiion  of  Mra.  Conw*}.] 

Ciunp,  Jnne  93nl,  1794. 

My  Lord, 

The  Agamemnon  who  put  to  sea  in  the  evening  of  the 

21st,  is,  I  hope,  at  Fiorcnzo,  and  ho]Xi  very  soon  to  see  her 

again  with  the  Store-ships,  who  put  to  sea  the  day  before. 

lot  one  Ship  is  returned  to  us.     The  General  this  monung 

fnt  Captain  Stephens,'  of  the  Artillery i  to  ask  me,  as  ranrc 

•'rcnch  twenty-pound  shot  could  not  be  got,  to  give  him  my 

>pinion  what  other  guns  could  best  be  spared,  nud  shot  for 

lem,  to  make  up  the  original  demand,  all  of  which,  I  am  told, 

•  Citpuiu  Ktlwiiid  Swiilicii!.  or  ihc  .Vrtill*ry,  wnx  lUc  Seninr  Otllcpr  nf  iliul  Coip» 

:  the  Siege:  lie  hecmne  «  LieuleuMit-ColDncl  in  Jwiurvry  1704,  iiiul  m  Licuiwiaol- 

SeDrntl  iu  Jniii!,  ibVi. 


APPENDIX. 

will  certainly   be  wanted.     I  cndenvowcd   to  fix  on 
wxes  which  I  thought  most  likely  to  be  obtained  ;  and  as 
LGeiicrnl  wishes  to  write  your  I.'     '  '       1  scud  the  Fox  Cutler* 
he   Lutinc,  if  the  weather  m  >  will  be  deaml  U>^ 

morrow,  when  I  shall  immediately  send  her  to  your  Lordshi| 
at  Fiorenzo,  for  these  guns,  &c.  No  more  gnns  haTc  beei 
able  (o  be  landed,  the  swell  has  been  so  great :  therefore  tl 
battery  against  Manachesco  cannot  be  o])ened  till  anothe 
battery  of  four  twenty-four  pounders  is  erected  to  draw  off  i 
Enemy's  fire.  Twelve  guns  are  judged  necessary  for  the 
parallel  If  we  cannot  get  on  faster,  we  shall  be  a  long 
in  getting  posscEeion,  if  the  Enemy  make  an  obstinate 
ance.  The  Vessels  with  the  powder  having  gone  to  «em, 
have  been  obliged  to  order  the  Dolphinc  and  Ludne  to  land 
powder,  and  Woiseley*  having  twenty-four  barrels  of  prti 
>wder,  that  is  bought  of  him. 

I  am,  with  highest  respect. 
Your  Lordship,  your  most  &itbful  servant, 

Horatio  N£l.8om. 

Captain  Cooke  desires  to  present  his  respectful  compU- 
ments. 


TO  THE  HON.  UEUTENANT-GENERAL  STUART. 
[Aiitogmph,  in  the  poaseanoo  of  Mxb.  C'onviy.] 

ianc-iiittl,  iriH' 

Two  thirty-six  poundei-s  from  Commerce  de  Marseille 
and  3000  shot. 

Two  twenty-four  pounders  from  Agamemnon,  and  2( 
shot. 

N.B. — The  Agamemnon  has  not  900  shot  of  this  calibre. 

Four  eighteen-poundcrs  French,  and  6000  shot,  supposed 
from  Pearl  and  Fiorenzo. 

Three  twelve  pounders  French,  and  4500  shot. 

Two  twenty-fom-  pounders  from  Agamemnon  fur  sholla 

*  CkjjUuu  of  lb«  LvwMtofl^,  vide  f.  3&0,  ulc. 


LETTERS  OMITTED  FN  THE  FIRST  VOLUME. 


489 


Uesc  wanted,  exclusive  of  the  five  guns  and  ten-inch  how- 

OD  board  the  Victory. 
I  think  these  gtins  are  more  likely,  with  the  shot,  to  be  got 
in  any  others. 

Horatio  Nelson. 


TO  ADMIRAL  LORD  HOOD. 
[Autogniplt,  in  the  posseiision  of  Mrs.  Coowty.] 

Ciunp,  June  'ib\h,  1794. 
My  Lord, 

I  am  sorry  your  Lordship  has  not  received  my  letters  as  I 

lave  wrote  three  since  my  landing.     We  go  on  well ;  and 

il  though  we  have,  in  appearance,  a  great  deal  of  hard  work 

get  through,  yet  I  have  no  doubt  but  it  will  be  accomplished 

a  proper  manner, 

Tlie  seamen  are  in  want  of  tents,  except  the  Agamemnon's 

iea,  all  the  others  (Victory's,  who  came  yesterday,  excepted) 

lodged  in  sail  tents,  which  are  wanted  for  the  Artillery 

jree,  Commissaries,  and  Hospitals.     There  being  no  houses 

lear  us,  makes  the  application  to  the  Navy  very  frequent  and 

»nt.     If  those  Ships  who  have  tents  can  send  us  thirty,  wc 

them.     I  have  landed  the  Purser  of  the  Agamemnon 

issue  provisions  for  the  seamen.     I  have  also  to  reciuest 

lat  300  pair  of  shoes  may  be  oixlercd  directly.     1  had  not 

IOCS  more  than  sufficient  fur  the  Transport's  people,  and  zmne 

'are  barefooted 

I  can  iissurc  your  Lordship  that  1  bcUcvc  all  will  go  on 

lere  with  harmony  and  spirit.     The  General  has  an  opinion 

>f  his  own  which  is  not  lo  be  drawn  from  its  proper  object 

y  the  talking  of  any  people,  and  he  keeps  his  opinion  and 

itcntions  to  himself;  therefore  prevents  any  opinions  being 

tiven. 

Captain  Cooke  goes  in  the  Lntiue  to  join  your  Lordithip. 

merits  your  Lordship  is  fully  acquainted  with,  and  I  have 

>nly  to  say  that  they  are  certainly  not  lessened  by  his  services 

ider  me.     I  send  a  Kctiu'n  of  seamen.     I  am,  with  highest 

set.  Your  Lordship's  most  faithful  servant, 

IIoRATio  Nelson. 


490 


APPENDIX- 


Siuce  writing,  Lieutenant  FcnncU  is  just  arrived  in  the 
Fonuii^e  Guu-boat.  No  account  of  stores  or  troops  being 
given  me,  it  was  impossible  I  could  give  your  Lordship  anj 
account,  or  of  what  stores  when  wished,  to  be  followed.  I 
shall  never  omit  writing  your  Lordship  every  occurrence. 

The  Tisiphone  is  just  arrived.  I  have  desired  Captain 
Elphinstonc  to  join  Wolseley.  Many  thanks  for  the  Devr»> 
papers. 


TO  ADMIRAL  LORD  HOOD. 

[AutugrKpb,  ill  Uie  possesftiou  «/  Mn.  Couwfef.] 

C«nip,  Judo  ;.i()tii,  r.m. 
My  Lord, 

The  General  has  thought,  as  wc  all  did,  of  llic  necessity  of 
landing  two  12-poundcrs  on  the  jKiint  near  Revellata.  A 
battery  is  made  there,  and  I  have  put  a  Midshipman  and 
twelve  men  to  fight  it.  The  General  tells  nie  he  cannot 
afford  men  to  encamp  there  for  its  defence.  The  36-pounderg, 
so  soun  as  the  Dolphin  is  cleared  of  shot  and  shells,  I  shall 
take  out  of  the  Gun-boat  and  put  on  board  her.  They  arc 
not  to  [be]  landed  at  present,  nor  do  I  think  they  ever  will. 
Two  26-pounder8  are  to  be  landed  from  Lutinc  this  moniing^ 
and  the  day  after  to-morrow  our  battery  is  to  open  against 
Monachcsco  ;  for  it  is  found  wc  cannot  carry  on  o\u:  batteries 
against  the  Mozellc  till  that  post  is  damaged.  To  our  batteiy 
against  Mozellc  from  the  landing  jilacc  is  three  miles,  Wolseley, 
as  soon  as  he  has  completed  getting  up  the  12-pounders,  tells 
me  he  shall  go  on  lx)ard  the  Victory  and  acquaint  your  Lord- 
ship of  his  proceedings. 

1  am  with  highest  respect. 

Your  Lordship's  most  obedient  Servant, 

Horatio  Nelson. 

We  want  provision  for  the  seamen  on  shore,  pariicularij 
meat :  our  consumption  of  that  article  is  very  great.  Whit 
Vessel  would  yoiu:  Lordship  wish  me  to  find  for  it  ?  if 
only  to  Fiorenzo,  the  Fox  Cutter  would  very  soon  get  it 
for  us. 


LETTERS  OMITTED  IN  THE  FIRST  VOLUME.  4eL 

TO  ADMIRAL  LORD  HOOD. 
[AutogrApli,  in  the  ]>o«8ussioa  of  Mn.  Coiiwii;.  | 

Battery,  Jul;  niM,  KOL 

My  dear  Lord, 
I  own  1  rejoiced  when  our  fire  opened  against  the  Enemy, 
eing  thoroughly  convinced,  all  we  have-to  guard  against  is 
unnecessary  delay  :    the  climate  is  the  only  Enemy  we  have 
to  fear ;  that  we  can  never  conquer.     The  garrison  knew  it, 
i«tud  wished  to  make  use  of  their  knowledge.    Our  fire  has  had 
all  the  effect  which  could  be  hoped  for.     Except  one  general 
discharge,  and  a  gun  now  and  then  still  at  us,  we  have  had  no 
opposition.    Every  creature  (very  few  excepted)  of  the  Troops 
are  in  the  lower  Town,  which  we  are  to  respect,  it  being  fiJl 
of  black  Flags.*     Far  be  it  from  me  to  cast  a  reflection  on  the 
General's  humanity — I  admire  it ;  but  there  are  times,  and  I 
think  the  present  is  one,  when  it  would  be  more  charitable  to 
our  Trqpps  to  make  the  Enemy  suffer  more,  than  for  our  brave 
fellows  to  die  every  hour,  four  or  five  of  a  day.     Why  might 
I       not  the  General  send  notice,  that  they  must  remove  from  the 
^^■lower  Town  all  their  sick  to  the  upper  Town,  for  that  it  might 
^H  be  a  necessary  measure  to  destroy  it?     In   that  case,  tliey 
B  would  be  so  crowded,  the  casements  being  filled  with  sick, 
that  a  few  hours  must  make  them  submit  to  any  terms.     We 
cannot  fire  at  the  small  craft  which  lay  under  the  walls,  for  the 
lower  Town,  and  these  Vessels  I  dare  say  are  filled  with 
people  or  Troops. 

The  General  is  very  unwell,  not  able  to  remain  here  last 
night ;  I  have  not  heard  of  him  this  morning.  This  is  my 
ague  day,  but  I  hope  this  active  scene  will  keep  off  the  fit. 
It  has  shook  me  a  good  deal ;  but  I  have  been  used  to  them, 
and  don't  mind  them  much.  Lieutenant  Byron,*  heir  to  the 
title  of  Lord  Byron,  with  an  Ensign  of  the  51sl,  were  killed 
yesterday  afternoon,  and  one  Officer  wounded.     I  hope  our 

*  lodicating  tbe  llo»piul«. 

"  Lieiitrnuit  Williun  Byron,  of  tlie  Roynl  Iritih  Tte^mpnt,  ouJy  son  of  Uii* 
llonoorablc  Willinnj  Bvtou,  (who  <li>il  in  1770, i  tion  of  Williiun,  StL  Lonl  Byron, 
wu  OQ  lu>i  il<!c«a<ip,  heir  Bppnrent  of  Uis  griuitlfatber  to  ilic  Pevritgr,  'I'Le  otlier 
OAoer  iflio  fell  wne  Eutign  fioggu. 


I 


n 
n 

4 


492 


APPEKDDU 


Naples  friend,  Pierson,'  will  get  a  Commiasioa :  be  u%  a  vct; 
good  ^ouug  man.  The  Dolphin's  men  are  on  board:  and 
both  her  and  the  Againcuinon  I  ordered  to  be  readv  to  Mt-igh 
against  they  should  receive  your  Lordship's  directioDS.  Ilallih 
well  is  very  well,  and  joins  in  best  respects  with  your  mosi 
ikithfuJ, 

HORATJO  NeIKiN. 

One  Seaman  slightly  wounded. 


TO  ADMIRAL  UlHD  11000. 
[Auiogrkph,  in  Ute  poMestfon  of  Mn.  OMpntf.j 

Cusp,  AnguBt  iuA,  liOl 

My  dear  Lordj 
I  am  just  come  from  the  General :  asking  him  if  he  hid 
■ny  letter  or  message  to  send  to  your  Lordship,  as  I  ttw 
going  to  send  the  Cutter,  his  answer  wns,  Nothing.  1  there- 
fore conclude  you  know  of  this  Truce,  and  how  it  will  end  s 
probably  till  the  time  you  granted  them  for  receiving  snc* 
conrs  ;  if  so,  five  days  are  elajwicd.  The  Officers  who  came 
out  were  very  inquisitive  about  the  terms  which  were  granted 
Bastia — whether  they  were  not  allowed  to  carrj*  tlieir  Arms 
to  the  water-side.  If  there  is  no  chance  of  firing,  the  keep- 
ing our  seamen  on  the  Batteries  in  the  heat  of  the  day  b 
cruel-  Sixteen  fell  ill  yesterday,  absolutely  from  the  heat.  I 
hope  the  Cutter  has  l)i*ought  good  news.  Believe  me  ytnit 
most  faithful, 

lioRATIO  NELaOK. 

The  General  is  quite  recovered. 

I  would  not  wish  anything  to  be  said  to  the  General  about 
our  seamen.  Hullowell  and  myself  are  always  on  the  battcriM 
with  them,  and  our  Jacks  don't  mind  it. 

^  He  is  fre<]ueut]y  mesliosed  in  subsniticat  LcHen. 


AgnmcmnoDi  Genon  Hole»  September  iUri,  1704. 

[t.  Drake  is  not  yet  arrived^  nor  have  we  any  account  of 

M9  movements  since  the  Letter  he  wrote  the  Consul,  saying 

be  expected  to  be  here  on  the  20th.     On  Sunday  evening  I 

[waited  on  the  Doge,  and,  as  Mr.  Drake  was  not  arrived,  I 

jund  it  absolutely  necessary  to  say  something  civil,  which 

[I  did  in  the  following  words  :     '  That   I  was  come  to  pay 

ly  respects  to  bis  Serenity,  and  to  assure  hira,  that  both  by 

Iduty  and  inclination  I  should  pay  the  strictest  attention  to 

[the   neutrality   of  Genoa  ;    and  should  be  happy  in   doing 

everything  in  my  power  to  cement  the  harmony  which  sub- 

[ftisted    between    the   two   Nations.'      The  Doge  was  much 

[pleased,  and  very  civil ;  saying,  '  That  he  thanked  me  for  my 

[expressions  of  fHendship,  and  begged  to  assiire  me,  that  it 

should  be  reciprocal  on  his  part ;    and  that  from  so  pleasing  a 

I  beginning  of  our  renewal  of  friendship,  he  had  no  doubt  of  its 
being  lasting  ;    that   he    was   always  happy  to  see  English 
Men-of-War  in  Genoa ;  aud  whatever  1  found  a  difficulty  in 
getting,  by  making  it  known  to  him,  he  would  be  happy  in 
removing  it;  and  that  the  gates  were  always  at  my  disposal.' 
1  was  received   in   some  State,  the  Doge  advancing  to  the 
middle  of  the  rooiu  to  receive  me,  and  I  had  the  hunurs 
of  a  Senato.     On  my  departure  from  the  Palace,  the  orders 
of  the  Doge  had  preceded  me  to  the  gates,  where  the  Cap- 
tain of  the  Guard  told  me  he  had  the  decree  for  the  gates  at 
It-whatever  time  I  pleased.      I  hope  your  Lordship  will  think  I 
[did  right  in  expressing  myself  in  the  manner  I  did.    I  can  tell 
[your  Loixlship  for  your  private  ear,  that  uever  man  was  so 
[unpopular  as  Mr.  Drake  in  Genoa — the  Nobles,  Middle  class 
)nd  Lowest,  equally  hate  him.     Even  the  boat  people  speak 
>f  him  as  being  so  unlike  auy  other  Englishman.     Yesterday 
[evening  I  had  an  application  from  the  ^faster  of  an  English 
brig,  taken   by  the  French  privateers  under  the   guns  of  a 
I  Genoese  fort,  in  March  last,  and  kept  with  his  people  in  one 
of  the  Lazzarettos,  till  the  Genoese  Courts  determine  whether 
.she  was  taken  witliiu  the  Uuiits  of  their  Coasts.     The  Maslei 


I 


494 


APPENDIX. 


and  crew  yi'ish  my  application  for  them  to  be  liberated  in  the 
first  instance,  and  secondly,  that  an  imincdialc  examiuaLiuu  of 
the  case  may  take  place,  as  they  are  sure,  they  say,  of  proriug 
that  the  Vessel  was  taken  under  the  guns  of  the  Genoese  fort. 
I  told  the  Merchants  that  this  was  more  a  business  for  Mr. 
Drake  than  Diyself,  but  that  if  Mr.  Drake  did  not  soon  anriTCy 
I  would  apply  for  the  Master  and  crew  to  be  liberated.  The 
Cousul,  fi'oin  late  circumstances,  has  no  weight.  I  »bali  ac- 
quaint Mr.  D.  of  the  circumstance  so  soon  as  he  arrivesL 


TO  JOHN  M'ARTHUB,  ESQ. 


[Antograpb,  in  tLe  pouession  of  Mrs.  Conwiiv.] 

A^unemnon,  Leghorn,  Norember  29th, 

My  dear  Sir, 

I  dare  say  you  inquired  at  Gibraltar  about  the  expense 
the  Com  vessel,  and  have  directed  Littledale  and  Brodcrip 
to  pay  the  amount,  although  tlie  letter  is  not  yet  arrived. 
This  letter  is  on  the  subject  of  our  Bastia  and  Calvi  Priic- 
money. 

What  I  have  got  at  present  is  nothing  :  what  I  have  lost  i», 
an  eye,  300/.,  and  my  health,  with  the  satisfaction  of  my 
Ship's  company  being  completely  ruined :  so  much  for  debtor 
and  creditor.  It  is  absolutely  necessary  you  should  know 
how  the  Prize-money  is  to  be  distributed.  It  may  be  ne- 
cessary, and  I  think  must  be  finally  determined  by  the  King 
in  Council.  Shall  those  who  were  present  at  the  commence- 
ment, those  who  only  came  time  enough  to  see  the  Enemy's 
flags  struck,  share  equal  to  us  who  bore  the  burden  of  the 
day  ?  It  must  be  considered  as  very  different  to  sharing 
Prize-money  at  sea.  There  the  object,  if  resistance  was  made, 
could  be  assisted :  with  us  it  was  quite  different.  Far  be  it 
from  me  to  be  illiberal.  Those  Ships  who  rode  guard  the 
whole  time,  aa  Victory,  Princess  Royal,  and  Fortitude,  and 
Agamemnon,  are  the  only  Ships  who  remained  the  whole 
Siege  ;  Gorgon,  great  part ;  L'Imperieuse,  certain ;  and  Fox 
Cutter.  How  the  others  are  to  be  discriminated,  I  cnnnot 
say. 


LETTERS  OMITTED  IN  THE  FIRST  VOLUMR 


495 


I  think  you  ought  to  get  the  opinion  of  two  good  Counsel, 
and  from  their  opinion  you  may  form  some  judgment  what  may 
be  necessary  to  be  done.  Colonel  Villettes  and  myself  have 
talked  the  matter  over,  and  think,  as  we  were  joined  together 
in  the  same  service,  that  we  should  be  considered  as  different 
firom  the  others.  Then  Brereton  and  the  Captains  who  block- 
aded the  Port,  and  served  on  shore — under  what  head  those 
[Ships J  who  accidentally  assisted  for  one  moment  and  were 
gone  the  next,  is  not  for  me  to  determine.  If  it  is  thought 
right  these  points  ought,  and  I  must  desire  may  be,  inquired 
into.  I  know  no  reason  why  every  one  that  pleases  is  to  share 
ivith  us.  It  may  be  necessary  to  speak  to  Lord  Hood  on  the 
subject,  who,  I  am  sure,  will  recommend  what  is  just,  and 
that  I  would  have  you  pursue.     Believe  me. 

Your  very  obedient  humble  Servant, 

Horatio  Nelson. 


END  OF  VOL.   II. 


T.  C.  SaviU,  Printer,  107,  St.  Martin's  Lane. 


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