Many thanks for Mrs. Nelson’s letters.

The Reverend Doctor likes going about.  Only think of his wanting to come up with an address of thanks!  Why, [the] King will not receive him, although he is a Doctor; and less, for being my brother—­for, they certainly do not like me.

LETTER XXIX.

  Amazon, October 20th, 1801.

MY DEAREST FRIEND,

Only two days more, the Admiralty could, with any conscience, keep me here; not that I think, they have had any conscience.

I dare say, Master Troubridge is grown fat.  I know, I am grown lean, with my complaint:  which, but for their indifference about my health, would never have happened; or, at least, I should have got well, long ago, in a warm room, with a good fire, and sincere friends.

I believe, I leave this little squadron with sincere regret, and with the good wishes of every creature in it.

How I should laugh, to see you, my dear friend, rowing in a boat; the beautiful Emma rowing a one-armed Admiral in a boat!  It will certainly be caricatured.

Well done, farmer’s wife!  I’ll bet your turkey against Mrs. Nelson’s; but, Sir William and I will decide.

Hardy says, you may be sure of him; and, that he has not lost his appetite.

You will make us rich, with your economy.

I did not think, tell Sir William, that impudence had got such deep root in Wales.  I send you the letter, as a curiosity; and to have the impudence to recommend a midshipman!

It is not long ago, a person from Yorkshire desired me to lend him three hundred pounds, as he was going to set up a school!

Are these people mad; or, do they take me for quite a fool?

However, I have wisdom enough to laugh at their folly; and to be, myself, your most obliged and faithful friend,

  NELSON & BRONTE.

Best regards to Sir William, Mrs. Cadogan, and all friends.

LETTER XXX.

  Amazon, October 21st, 1801.

MY DEAREST FRIEND,

It blows strong from the westward, and is a very dirty day, with a good deal of surf on the beach; but Hardy and Sutton recommended my going on shore this morning, as they believe it may blow a heavy gale to-morrow.  But, what comfort could I have had, for two whole days, at Deal?

I hope the morning will be fine:  but I have ordered a Deal boat, as they understand the beach better than our’s; and, if I cannot land here, I shall go to Ramsgate Pier, and come to Deal in a carriage.

Has Mrs. Cadogan got my Peer’s robe? for I must send for Mr. Webb, and have it altered to a Viscount’s.

Lord Hood wrote to me, to-day, and he is to be one of my introducers.  He wanted me to dine with him the 24th; but I’ll be damned if I dine from home that day, and it would be as likely we should dine out the 23d.