“October the 21st, 1805, then in sight of the
combined Fleets of France and Spain,
distant about ten miles.

“Whereas the eminent services of Emma Hamilton, widow of the Right Honourable Sir William Hamilton, have been of the very greatest service to our King and Country, to my knowledge, without her receiving any reward from either our King or Country—­

“First, that she obtained the King of Spain’s letter, in 1796, to his brother the King of Naples, acquainting him of his intention to declare war against England; from which letter the ministry sent out orders to the then Sir John Jervis, to strike a stroke, if opportunity offered, against either the arsenals of Spain or her fleets:  that neither of these was done, is not the fault of Lady Hamilton; the opportunity might have been offered.

“Secondly, The British fleet under my command could never have returned the second time to Egypt, had not Lady Hamilton’s influence with the Queen of Naples caused letters to be wrote to the Governor of Syracuse, that he was to encourage the fleet being supplied with every thing, should they put into any port in Sicily.  We put into Syracuse, and received every supply; went to Egypt, and destroyed the French fleet.

“Could I have rewarded these services, I would not now call upon my country!  But, as that has not been in my power, I leave Emma Hamilton, therefore, a legacy to my King and Country; that they will give her an ample provision, to maintain her rank in life.

     “I also leave to the beneficence of my country, my adopted
     daughter, Horatia Nelson Thompson; and I desire she will use, in
     future, the name of Nelson only.

     “These are the only favours I ask of my King and Country, at this
     moment, when I am going to fight their battle.

     “May God bless my King and Country, and all those I hold dear!  My
     relations it is needless to mention; they will, of course, be amply
     provided for.

     “Nelson and Bronte.” 
     “Witness,

     Henry Blackwood,

     T.M.  Hardy.”

This solemn call on his country can require no comment.  Woe to the nation, which could dare to neglect such strong claims on it’s justice and beneficence!  The proverbial generosity of Britons will, no doubt, in due time, bountifully display it’s accustomed munificence in favour of the parties.

The Honourable Captain Blackwood, who is a subscribing witness to the above codicil, after watching the enemy all night, had got on board the Victory about seven in the morning:  and, with Captain, Capel, of the Phoebe; and Captain Prowse, of the Sirius; remained several hours in consultation with Lord Nelson.  When his lordship became convinced, that the enemy could not possibly avoid an engagement, he displayed the highest degree of animation.  Confident of