Amazon, October 8, 1801.

MY DEAREST FRIEND,

I do not expect, although I am writing, that any boat can communicate with us to-day.

What can be the use of keeping me here? for, I can know nothing such weather; and, what a change since yesterday!  It came on, in one hour, from the water like a mill-head, to such a sea as to make me very unwell.  If I had gone to make my visit, I could not have got off again.  I rejoice that I did not go.

Until I leave the station, I have no desire to go on shore; for, Deal was always my abhorrence.

That Parker is a swindler.  Langford owed our dear Parker twenty-five pounds, of which there was no account; but Langford desired his agents to pay Mr. Parker.  Langford requested, that he would wait two or three months, as it would be more convenient to him.  To which the other agreed—­“Aye, as long as you please.”  He got one pound eleven shillings and sixpence from Samuel, by casting his account wrong.  The first thing he does, is to desire Langford’s agents to pay thirty-four pounds for Langford, nine pounds more than the debt.  He is worse than a public thief.  His conduct to me was, absolutely, the worst species of thieving; for, it was under false pretences.  He sent Dr. Baird on board, to me, to say that, in London, his pocket book was stole, in which was twenty pounds; and begged my assistance to get him home; and that he had not a farthing to buy mourning for his dear son.  At this time, he had forty-seven pounds in his pocket, besides what he had sold of his son’s.  He has behaved so unlike a gentleman, but very like a blackguard, to both Captain Sutton, Bedford, and Hardy, I am now clear that he never lost one farthing, and that the whole is a swindling trick.  So, you see, my dear friend, how good-nature is imposed upon.  I am so vexed, that he should have belonged to our dear Parker!

I have now done with the wretch, for ever.  I hope he has got nothing from you; and, if you have promised him any thing, do not send it.

  Ten o’Clock.

Your kind letters are arrived.  I rejoice that you have got into Merton.  I hope to get the letter on shore; but, it is very uncertain.

Ministry, my dearest friend, think very differently of my services from you!  But, never mind; I shall soon have done with them afloat.

Make my kindest regards to Sir William, and all our friends; and believe me, ever, your faithful and affectionate

  NELSON & BRONTE.

I have just got a very kind letter from Captain Read.  He says, he will come and see me, be where it will.  He inquired after you and Sir William.

LETTER XX.

  Amazon, Ten o’Clock,
  October 12, 1801.

MY DEAREST FRIEND,

This being a very fine morning, and smooth beach, at eight o’clock, I went with Sutton and Bedford, and landed at Walmer; but found Billy fast asleep:  so, left my card; walked the same road that we came, when the carriage could not come with us that night; and all rushed into my mind, and brought tears into my eyes.  Ah! how different to walking with such a friend as you, Sir William, and Mrs. Nelson.