He evinced great solicitude for the event of the battle, and fears for the safety of his friend Captain Hardy.  Doctor Scott and Mr. Burke used every argument they could suggest, to relieve his anxiety.  Mr. Burke told him “the Enemy were decisively defeated, and that he hoped His Lordship would still live to be himself the bearer of the joyful tidings to his country.”  He replied, “It is nonsense, Mr. Burke, to suppose I can live:  my sufferings are great, but they will all be soon over.”  Doctor Scott entreated His Lordship “not to despair of living,” and said “he trusted that Divine Providence would restore him once more to his dear Country and friends.”—­“Ah, Doctor!” replied His Lordship, “it is all over; it is all over.”

Many messages were sent to Captain Hardy by the Surgeon, requesting his attendance on His Lordship; who became impatient to see him, and often exclaimed:  “Will no one bring Hardy to me?  He must be killed:  he is surely destroyed,” The Captain’s Aide-de-camp, Mr. Bulkley, now came below, and stated that “circumstances respecting the Fleet required Captain HARDY’S presence on deck, but that he would avail himself of the first favourable moment to visit His Lordship.”  On hearing him deliver this message to the Surgeon, His Lordship inquired who had brought it.  Mr. Burke answered, “It is Mr. Bulkley, my Lord.”—­“It is his voice,” replied His Lordship:  he then said to the young gentleman, “Remember me to your father.”

An hour and ten minutes however elapsed, from the time of His LORDSHIP’s being wounded, before Captain HARDY’s first subsequent interview with him; the particulars of which are nearly as follow.  They shook hands affectionately, and Lord Nelson said:  “Well, Hardy, how goes the battle?  How goes the day with us?”—­“Very well, my Lord,” replied Captain Hardy:  “we have got twelve or fourteen of the Enemy’s ships in our possession; but five of their van have tacked, and shew an intention of bearing down upon the Victory.  I have therefore called two or three of our fresh ships round us, and have no doubt of giving them a drubbing.”  “I hope,” said his Lordship, “none of our ships have struck, Hardy.”—­“No, my Lord,” replied Captain Hardy; “there is no fear of that.”  Lord Nelson then said:  “I am a dead man, Hardy.  I am going fast:  it will be all over with me soon.  Come nearer to me.  Pray let my dear Lady Hamilton have my hair, and all other things belonging to me.”  Mr. Burke was about to withdraw at the commencement of this conversation; but his Lordship, perceiving his intention, desired he would remain.  Captain Hardy observed, that “he hoped Mr. Beatty could yet hold out some prospect of life.”—­“Oh! no,” answered his Lordship; “it is impossible.  My back is shot through.  Beatty will tell you so.”  Captain Hardy then returned on deck, and at parting shook hands again with his revered friend and commander.