I shall send on shore, if fine, to-morrow; for the feluccas are going to leave us, and I am sea-sick.

I have got the piece of wood for the tea-chest; it shall soon be sent.

Pray, present my humble duty and gratitude to the Queen, for all her marks of regard; and assure her, it is not thrown away on an ungrateful soil.

LETTER III.

  Vanguard, May 19, 1799,
  Eight o’Clock.  Calm.

MY DEAR LADY HAMILTON,

Lieutenant Swiney coming on board, enables me to send some blank passports for vessels going to Procida with corn, &c. and also one for the courier boat.

To tell you, how dreary and uncomfortable the Vanguard appears, is only telling you, what it is to go from the pleasantest society to a solitary cell; or, from the dearest friends, to no friends.  I am now perfectly the great man—­not a creature near me.  From my heart, I wish myself the little man again!

You, and good Sir William, have spoiled me for any place but with you.  I love Mrs. Cadogan.  You cannot conceive what I feel, when I call you all to my remembrance.  Even to Mira, do not forget your faithful and affectionate

  NELSON.

LETTER IV.

  May 20, 1799.

MY DEAR LADY HAMILTON,

Many thanks to you and Sir William for your kind notes.  You will believe I did not sleep much, with all my letters to read, &c. &c.

My letters from Lord St. Vincent are May 6th.  He says—­“We saw the Brest squadron pass us yesterday, under an easy sail.  I am making every effort to get information to Lord Keith; who I have ordered here, to complete their water and provisions.  I conjecture, the French squadron is bound for Malta and Alexandria, and the Spanish fleet for the attack of Minorca.”

I must leave you to judge, whether the Earl will come to us.  I think he will:  but, entre nous, Mr. Duckworth means to leave me to my fate.  I send you (under all circumstances) his letter.  Never mind; if I can get my eleven sail together, they shall not hurt me.

God bless you, Sir William, and all our joint friends in your house; Noble, Gibbs, &c. and believe me ever, for ever, your affectionate friend,

  NELSON.

LETTER V.

  February 3, 1800.

MY DEAR LADY HAMILTON,

Having a Commander in Chief, I cannot come on shore till I have made my manners to him.  Times are changed; but, if he does not come on shore directly, I will not wait.

In the mean time, I send Allen to inquire how you are.  Send me word, for I am anxious to hear of you.  It has been no fault of mine, that I have been so long absent.  I cannot command; and, now, only obey.

Mr. Tyson, and the Consul, have not been able to find out the betrothed wife of the Priore; although they were three days in their inquiries, and desired the Neapolitan Consul to send to Pisa.  I also desired the Russian Admiral, as he was going to Pisa, to inquire if the Countess Pouschkin had any letters to send to Palermo; but, as I received none, I take for granted she had none to send.