Called at the barracks, on Lord George; but, he is gone to London.

From thence to the Admiral’s, found him up; and, waiting half an hour to see Mrs. Lutwidge, who entreated me to stay dinner, came directly on board.

I did not even call to see poor Langford; who has been worse these few days past, and God knows when he will be well.  I am afraid it will be a long time; for several pieces of bone are lately come away, and more to come.

But Troubridge has so completely prevented my ever mentioning any body’s service, that I am become a cypher, and he has gained a victory over Nelson’s spirit.  I am kept here; for what, he may be able to tell, I cannot:  but long it cannot, shall not, be.

Sutton and Bedford are gone a tour, till dinner time:  but nothing shall make me, but almost force, go out of the ship again, till I have done; and the Admiralty, in charity, will be pleased to release me.

I am, in truth, not over well.  I have a complaint in my stomach and bowels, but it will go off.  If you was here, I should have some rhubarb; but, as you are not, I shall go without.

Sutton has sent into Yorkshire, for a cow that, in the spring, will give fourteen pounds of butter a week; and, he has given Allen the finest goat I ever saw.  The latter, I am afraid, will be troublesome.

Just as I was coming off, I received your packet; and thank you, from my heart, for all your kindness.

What can Reverend Sir want to be made a Doctor for?  He will be laughed at, for his pains!

I thank you for the King’s letters, I shall write a kind line to Castelcicala, and answer the King’s, very soon:  and, write to Acton; for he can make Bronte every thing to me, if he pleases.  I dare say, I did wrong, never to write him; but, as he treated Sir William unkindly, I never could bring myself to it.

I am glad the Duke has been to see you; and taking plants from him, is nothing.  Make my kindest remembrances to him.

I would have every body like your choice; for, I am sure, you have as fine a taste in laying out land, as you have in music.  I’ll be damned, if Mrs. Billington can sing so well as you.  She may have stage trick, but you have pure nature.

I always say every thing, for you and Sir William.  I wish you had translated the King’s and Acton’s letters, Banti cannot.

I may be able to dispose of Charles, but not of the other, and he would corrupt Charles.

For ever yours,

  NELSON & BRONTE.

Mrs. Lutwidge inquires always particularly after you.  We all laugh, and say she is more fond of soldiers than ever, since General Don has shewn her how he would keep off the French!

LETTER XXI.

  Amazon, October 15th, 1801.

MY DEAREST FRIEND,

I have received all your letters of yesterday, and the one sent from the post at Merton; and, also, one mis-sent to Poole:  but I do not write direct to Merton, till I hear that mine to Sir William, sent yesterday, gets to you before those by London.