You may rely, that I shall be with you by dinner, on Friday; at half past three, or four at farthest.

I shall not dine with Pitt, as Mr. and Mrs. Long are staying there.  Not that I ever saw her in my life, nor care if I never do.

I pray that I may not be annoyed, on my arrival:  it is retirement with my friends, that I wish for.

Thank Sir William, kindly, for his letter; and the inclosure, which I return.

Sutton is much pleased with your letter; and, with Bedford, will certainly make you a visit.  They are both truly good and kind to me.

Our weather has been cold these two days, but not bad.  I have got a fire in the cabin; and, I hope my complaint will go off.

May Heaven bless you!

I send this, through Troubridge, direct in Piccadilly.

I shall, you may rely, admire the pig-stye, ducks, fowls, &c. for every thing you do, I look upon as perfect.

Dr. Baird has been aboard, to see me.  He thinks, I shall be better; and, that a few days on shore will set me up again.

Make my kind remembrances to Sir William, the Duke, and all friends; and believe me, ever, your most affectionate

  NELSON & BRONTE.

Bedford has made me laugh.  Mrs. Lutwidge has been babbling, that she will go to Portsmouth with the Admiral; who says, he shall be so fully employed that he cannot be much with her.  She whispered Bedford—­“I have many friends in the army there!”

She will certainly marry a soldier, if ever she is disposable.  But, perhaps, you will agree with me, that no good soldier would take her.  I am sure, the purchase would be dear, even if it was a gift.  Don’t call this a bull.

Sutton’s man was on the farm; and the sheep, when not belonging to the farm, always paid so much sheep, so much lambs:  but, I dare say, you manage well.

Sir William’s letter has delighted me, with your activity and prudence.

LETTER XXV.

The two letters would have been over-weight, so I send you the letter I have answered.  Pray, take care of it, it is a curiosity!

Ever your faithful

  NELSON & BRONTE.

  Amazon, 2 P.M.

Yawkins is in great distress:  his cutter paid off; and he, like many others, very little to live upon.  He begs his best respects to Sir William.  He breakfasted here this morning.

Many very long faces at peace!

LETTER XXVI.

MY DEAREST FRIEND,

Hardy begs you will send the inclosed to Naples.

I wish Tyson would come home; for many are pulling at him, and I want to pay him.  I will not be in his debt forty-eight hours after his arrival.

Hardy is just anchored, and his commodore gone on shore.

Ever your most faithful

  NELSON & BRONTE.