With some difficulty, I have got Suckling placed in the Ambuscade, with Captain Durban, who came on board at the moment I was writing.

  March 31st.

The history of Suckling will never be done.  I have this moment got from him your letter, and one from his father.  I shall say nothing to him; I don’t blame the child, but those who took [him] out of the most desirable situation in the navy.  He never will get into such another advantageous ship:  but, his father is a fool; and so, my dear Emma, that ends.

The box which you sent me in May 1804, is just arrived in the Diligent store-ship.

I have sent the arms to Palermo, to Gibbs.  The clothes are very acceptable; I will give you a kiss, for sending them.

God bless you!  Amen.

  April 1st.

I am not surprised that we should both think the same about the kitchen; and, if I can afford it, I should like it to be done:  but, by the fatal example of poor Mr. Hamilton, and many others, we must take care not to get into debt; for, then, we can neither help any of our relations, and [must] be for ever in misery!  But, of this, we [will] talk more, when we walk upon the poop at Merton.

Do you ever see Admiral and Mrs. Lutwidge?  You will not forget me when you do.

To Mrs. Cadogan, say every thing that is kind; and to all our other friends:  and, be assured, I am, for ever and ever, your’s, and only your’s,

  NELSON & BRONTE.

As I know that all the Mediterranean letters are cut and smoaked, and perhaps read, I do not send you a little letter in this; but your utmost stretch of fancy cannot imagine more than I feel towards my own dear Emma.

God bless you! Amen.

LETTER LIX.

Victory, off Plymouth, September 17th, [1805.] Nine o’Clock in the Morning.  Blowing fresh at W.S.W. dead foul wind.

I sent, my own Dearest Emma, a letter for you, last night, in a Torbay boat, and gave the man a guinea to put it in the Post-Office.

We have had a nasty blowing night, and it looks very dirty.

I am now signalizing the ships at Plymouth to join me; but, I rather doubt their ability to get to sea.  However, I have got clear of Portland, and have Cawsand Bay and Torbay under the lee.

I intreat, my dear Emma, that you will chear up; and we will look forward to many, many happy years, and be surrounded by our children’s children.  God Almighty can, when he pleases, remove the impediment.

My heart and soul is with you and Horatia.

I got this line ready, in case a boat should get alongside.

For ever, ever, I am your’s, most devotedly,

  NELSON & BRONTE.

Mr. Rose said, he would write to Mr. Bolton, if I was sailed; but, I have forgot to give him the direction:  but I will send it, to-day.  I think, I shall succeed very soon, if not at this moment.