Naples, 7th Dec. 1798

     “MY DEAR LORD,

“On my arrival here, from Leghorn, I received your lordship’s letter of October 7, communicating to me the title his majesty had been graciously pleased to confer upon me; an honour, your lordship is pleased to say, the highest that has ever been conferred on an officer of my standing, who was not a commander in chief.

“I receive, as I ought, what the goodness of our sovereign, and not my deserts, is pleased to bestow:  but, great and unexampled as this honour may be, to one of my standing—­yet, I own, I feel a higher one, in the unbounded confidence of the king, your lordship, and the whole world, in my exertions.  Even at the bitter moment of my return to Syracuse, your lordship is not insensible of the great difficulties I had to encounter, in not being a commander in chief.  The only happy moment I felt, was in the view of the French; then, I knew, that all my sufferings would soon be at an end!

“I observe what your lordship is pleased to say, relative to the presenting myself, and the captains who served under me, with medals; and, also, that the first lieutenants of the ships engaged will be distinguished by promotions, as well as the senior marine officers.  I hope, and believe, the word “engaged” is not intended to exclude the Culloden; the merit of that ship, and her gallant captain, are too well known to benefit by any thing I could say.  Her misfortune was great, in getting aground, while her more fortunate companions were in the full tide of happiness.  No; I am confident, that my good Lord Spencer will never add misery to misfortune.  Captain Troubridge, on shore, is superior to captains afloat.  In the midst of his great misfortunes, he made those signals which prevented, certainly, the Alexander and Swiftsure from running on the shoals.  I beg your pardon for writing on a subject which, I verily believe, has never entered your lordship’s head; but my heart, as it ought to be, is warm to my gallant friends.

     “Ever your lordship’s most faithful and obedient

     “Nelson.”

So anxious was Lord Nelson for his gallant friend Troubridge, and the other brave officers of the Culloden, that he thus urges, at the same time, in a letter to the Earl of St. Vincent, the subject which occupied his feeling heart.  “I received, yesterday,” writes he, “a private letter from Lord Spencer; saying, that the first lieutenants of all the ships engaged would be promoted.  I sincerely hope, this is not intended to exclude the first of the Culloden.  For Heaven’s sake, for my sake, if it be so, get it altered!  Our dear friend Troubridge has suffered enough; and no one knows, from me, but Culloden was as much engaged as any ship in the squadron.  His sufferings were, in every respect, more than any of us.  He deserves every reward which a grateful country can. bestow on the most meritorious sea-officer of his standing in the service.  I I have felt his worth every hour of my command.  I have before wrote you, my dear lord, on this subject; therefore, I place Troubridge in your hands.”