As I wrote so much on Sunday, and you said—­you thought you should leave Deal on Tuesday or Wednesday, I said—­I should write no more till you got back to London.  Nor should I now, was it not to rebut the charge of remissness and inattention to you.

I am glad Mrs. Nelson is likely to come home soon; but, I hear nothing about your intentions.  I shall write to her to-morrow, and direct my letter to Piccadilly; where, I hope, it will find her:  and, if this letter travels to Deal, and follows you to London, it is no matter; it is not worth having, when you get it.  Only, I could not bear the thoughts of the appearance of neglect, without deserving it.

One or two letters I wrote to Mrs. Nelson last week, I gave public notice, were intended, in a great degree, for the whole party.

Mrs. Bolton is here for a day, to help my solitary life.  I find Lady N. has taken a house in Somerset Street, Portman Square.  She, and my Father, are to spend the winter in London; and, I am informed, he is to pay half.  Whether it is ready-furnished, or not, I can’t tell.

Mr. Edwards is this moment gone, and begs his compliments to you all.

Believe me, your’s most faithfully,

  Wm. NELSON.

Compliments to Parker and Langford.

VI.

  Canterbury, February 9th, 1805.

Dear Lady Hamilton,

I send you a small parcel; which I will thank you to forward to my Brother, if you think there is a chance of his getting it before he leaves the Mediterranean.  But, if you have reason to expect him home very soon, you will be kind enough to return it to me again; or, keep it till I see you.

The ceremony of electing the new Archbishop takes place on Tuesday morning.  I think it more than probable, we shall make choice of the person his Majesty has recommended to us, in his letter, which the Chapter received yesterday.

Mrs. Nelson begs her love to you, Charlotte, Mrs. Bolton, &c. &c.

Your’s, very faithfully,

  Wm. NELSON.

I received Mrs. Bolton’s parcel safe on Friday.

Letters

FROM THE

EARL OF ST. VINCENT

         TO

LADY HAMILTON.

Letters OF THE EARL OF ST. VINCENT, _&c._

I.

My Dear Madam,

The prodigies of valour performed by your new Chevalier have, I fear, obliterated the memory of your ancient Knight.  Nevertheless, I beg your Ladyship will lay me at the feet of the Queen of the Two Sicilies, and assure her Majesty of my profound respect for her person, and that my life is devoted to the defence of it:  and, for yourself, accept every kind wish of your Ladyship’s truly affectionate and faithful Knight,

  ST. VINCENT.

Gibraltar, 18th October 1798.

II.