It is not very likely I should hear from Yarmouth before you, because our Yarmouth letters generally go to London first; but if I should, accidentally, your Ladyship shall depend on hearing from me immediately.

I am glad my little Horace looks so well; and that you think him so like his great, his glorious, his immortal Uncle.  Why should he not be like him?  Is it so very uncommon for such near relations to have some similitude?  They who say otherwise, only say it out of envy, malice and hatred, and all uncharitableness; out upon all such miscreants! say I.

My love to deary, Charlotte, and the hereditary Duke of Bronte.

God bless you, my dear Lady; and believe me, your’s faithfully,

  Wm. NELSON.

Tell me, in your next, whether you have seen that little bird, called Tom Tit.

III.

  Hilborough, August 23d, 1801.

MY DEAR LADY HAMILTON,

I have written two long letters to my jewel, but I still seem to have more to say.  I can’t find out whether a certain Viscountess is expected at Burnham, or no.

I am pleased that you propose bringing Mrs. Nelson to Hilborough.  I hope, Sir William will be able to amuse himself with fishing a little.  The weather is too hot for me to come to London, and I can’t leave my parish at this time.

Tell my Brother, I should have great pleasure in seeing him; and will go with him to Plymouth, or any where else, if he particularly desires it.  When you have seen Parker and Langford, you can give me a particular account of the state of their wounds.  I feel much for them.  I think it is better the Cub did not speak to Mrs. N. It will save some trouble.

I wish you could get a comfortable house near London.

You will find Mr. Nayler, of the Herald’s Office, a pleasant young man.  I believe, he is my friend, and will readily give every information in his power.

If Jove gets a higher title, perhaps things may be settled more to our minds.  Now we are already in the patent, as Barons; it will be no difficult matter, in that case, to have our entails advanced to the highest honour, if my brother wishes.

This I only mention entre nous, without having a desire on the subject.  I am perfectly satisfied, that I am in the patent.  I don’t mean to say more to my Brother.

I am told, there are two or three very old lives, Prebends of Canterbury, in the Minister’s gift—­near six hundred pounds a year, and good houses.

The Deans of Hereford, Exeter, Litchfield and Coventry, York, and Winchester, are old men.

Write from Deal, and tell me when you are likely to return to London.

You can’t come from thence nearer than London, unless my Brother lands you on the other side of the river Thames, on the Essex or Suffolk coasts.  If that plan takes place, Mrs. Nelson had better send Sarah home before you go.