“I beg leave to express, to you and the Committee of West India Merchants, the great satisfaction which I feel in their approbation of my conduct.  It was, I conceived, perfectly clear, that the combined squadrons were gone to the West Indies, and therefore it became my duty to follow them.  But, I assure you, from the state of defence in which our large islands are placed, with the number of regular troops, and numerous well-disciplined and zealous militia, I was confident, not any troops which their combined squadron could carry, would make an impression upon any of our large islands, before a very superior force would arrive, for their relief.

     “I have the honour to remain, Sir, and Gentlemen, your most obliged
     and obedient servant,

     “Nelson and Bronte.

     “Sir Richard Neave, Bart. and the Committee of West India
     Merchants.”

Lord Nelson had, at this period, no intention of again going speedily to sea.  All his stores had been brought up from the Victory; and he was, he said, resolved to enjoy a little leisure, with his family and friends, in the delightful shades of Merton.  The Honourable Captain Blackwood, a few days afterward, brought intelligence that the combined fleets, reinforced by two more Spanish squadrons, and now amounting to thirty-four sail of the line, had left Ferrol, and got safely into Cadiz.  All this, however, was nothing to him; “Let the man trudge it, who has lost his budget!” gaily repeated his lordship.  But, amid all this allegro of the tongue, to his friends at Merton Place, Lady Hamilton observed that his countenance, from that moment, wore occasional marks of the penseroso in his bosom.  In this state of mind, he was pacing one of the walks of Merton garden, which he always called the quarter-deck, when Lady Hamilton told him, that she perceived he was low and uneasy.  He smiled, and said—­“No!  I am as happy as possible.”  Adding, that he saw himself surrounded by his family; that he found his health better since he had been at Merton; and, that he would not give a sixpence to call the king his uncle.  Her ladyship replied, that she did not believe what he said; and, that she would tell him what was the matter with him.  That he was longing to get at these French and Spanish fleets; that he considered them as his own property, and would be miserable if any other man but himself did the business; that he must have them, as the price and reward of his long watching, and two years uncomfortable situation in the Mediterranean:  and finished, by saying—­“Nelson, however we may lament your absence, and your so speedily leaving us, offer your services, immediately, to go off Cadiz; they will be accepted, and you will gain a quiet heart by it.  You will have a glorious victory; and, then, you may come here, have your otium cum dignitate, and be happy.”  He looked at her ladyship for some moments; and, with tears in his eyes, exclaimed—­“Brave