When I have the pleasure of seeing you, I shall deliver the trust over to you, to receive the bespoken said sum of twenty thousand pounds.  What a glorious receipt will it be!

I am glad you received my letters, though I could not make out the name of the place; the Post-Office runners are expert at it.

What do you say to a Spanish war?  I think, now, the breeze begins to freshen; and that the flames, at last, will succeed.

I sent off, last night, a very long epistle to our dear Nelson.  I am truly distressed at his not receiving my letters; though I can pretty well guess how to account for it, and in whose hands they were detained.  Experience teaches us how better to guard against similar misfortunes; and, in future, I shall be cautious to whom I give my letters.

So that I know the Hero of heroes is well, I care the less about letters; knowing that writing, delivering, or receiving them, will not, either in him or me, make the least alteration, or lessen our attachment or affection.

I am pleased to see how happy you are in Norfolk.  I wish you may not find it so fascinating, that the arrival of “Lord Nelson” at Merton would not induce you to [quit] the county!!!

I beg you will make my best respects acceptable to every friend (real) of that invaluable man, Lord Nelson.

    Your’s, most truly,
      ALEX.  DAVISON.

Letter

from

Lady Hamilton

TO

ALEXANDER DAVISON, ESQ.

INCLOSING

Her Ladyship’s Verses on Lord Nelson.

Letter OF Lady Hamilton, &c.

  Clarges Street,
  [26th January 1805.]

I have been very ill, my Dear Sir; and am in bed with a cold, very bad cold indeed!  But, the moment I am better, I will call on you.

I am invited to dine with Mr. Haslewood to-morrow, but fear I shall not be able to go.

I am very anxious about letters; but Admiral Campbell has told me, he thinks my dear Lord will soon be at home.  God grant! for, I think, he might remove that stumbling-block, Sir John O!  Devil take him!

That Polyphemus should have been Nelson’s:  but, he is rich in great and noble deeds; which t’other, poor devil! is not.  So, let dirty wretches get pelf, to comfort them; victory belongs to Nelson.  Not, but what I think money necessary for comforts; and, I hope, our, your’s, and my Nelson, will get a little, for all Master O.

I write from bed; and you will see I do, by my scrawl.

I send you some of my bad Verses on my soul’s Idol.

God bless you!  Remember, you will soon be free; and let that cheer you, that you will come out with even more friends than ever.  I can only say, I am your ever obliged, and grateful,