and neglected me.  I feel much hurt that, after all the loss of health, and risque of fortune, another should be thanked for that which I did, and against his orders.  I either deserved to be sent out of the service, or at least have had some little notice taken of me.  They have thought it worthy of notice, and have neglected me.  If this is the reward for a faithful discharge of my duty, I shall be careful, and never stand forward again.  But, I have done my duty, and have nothing to accuse myself of.”

What is thus urged against the propriety of giving most thanks to him who had, from misconception or misrepresentation, been induced rather to prevent than promote those operations by which thanks were obtained; and not particularly directing the smallest attention, otherwise than by indemnifying his law expences, to the individual who had, at all hazards, effectually performed them; is certainly very natural.  Let it be considered, however, that government might not be so sufficiently informed of all the particulars as to warrant their entering into a nice degree of just discrimination.

About this period, March 1786, Captain Nelson seems to have been engaged in paying his addresses to the widow of Dr. Nesbit, of the Island of Nevis, Mrs. Frances Herbert Nesbit, who was a daughter of William Herbert, Esq. the senior judge, and niece of his brother the president:  for he says, in a letter to Captain Locker, “most probably, the next time you see me, will be as a Benedict; I think, I have found a woman who will make me happy.”  He adds, that he shall tell him more shortly; but, that his paper is full.  In two subsequent letters, however, one of the 29th of December following, and the other of the 9th of February 1787, not an additional word appears respecting the lady.

In the mean time, Admiral Sir Richard Hughes had, in August, quitted the command; and, shortly after, Captain Nelson received orders from the Admiralty, to take the Pegasus and Solebay frigates under his command, immediately on their arrival from Nova Scotia, which was about the latter end of November.  The Pegasus being commanded by Prince William Henry, the Duke of Clarence, his royal highness was, of course, under the command of Captain Nelson; who did every thing in his power to prevent his illustrious friend from being a loser by this pleasing circumstance.  They were, in fact, mutually attached to each other, and almost inseparable companions.  He knew that the prince had foibles, as well as private men; but he knew, also, that they were far overbalanced by his virtues.  In his professional line, he considered him as superior to nearly two-thirds of the list; and, in attention to orders, and respect to his superiors, Captain Nelson declared, that he hardly ever knew his equal.

The prince was every where received with all the honour and respect due to his rank, at our different islands:  and was invited, also, by the French Governor of Martinico, the Viscount de Damas; and the Baron de Clugny, Governor of Guadaloupe; to favour their islands with a visit.