Friday Night, Nine o’Clock.
St. George. [March 1801.]
Having, my truly Dearest Friend, got
through a great deal of business, I am enabled to
do justice to my private feelings; which are fixed,
ever, on you, and about you, whenever the public service
does not arrest my attention.
I have read all, all, your kind and
affectionate letters: and have read them frequently
over; and committed them to the flames, much against
my inclination. There was one I rejoiced not to
have read at the time. It was, where you consented
to dine and sing with . Thank God, it
was not so! I could not have borne it; and, now,
less than ever. But, I now know, he never can
dine with you; for, you would go out of the house
sooner than suffer it: and, as to letting him
hear you sing, I only hope he will be struck deaf,
and you dumb, sooner than such a thing should happen!
But, I know, it never now can.
You cannot think how my feelings are
alive towards you; probably, more than ever:
and they never can be diminished. My hearty endeavours
shall not be wanting, to improve and to give US NEW
ties of regard and affection.
I have seen, and talked much with,
Mrs. Thomson’s friend. The fellow seems
to eat all my words, when I talk of her and his child!
He says, he never can forget your goodness and kind
affection to her and his dear, dear child. I
have had, you know, the felicity of seeing it, and
a finer child never was produced by any two persons.
It was, in truth, a love-begotten child! I am
determined to keep him on board; for, I know, if they
got together, they would soon have another. But,
after our two months trip, I hope, they will never
be separated; and, then, let them do as they please.
We are all bustle and activity.
I shall sail, on Monday, after your letter arrives.
Troubridge will send it, as an Admiralty letter.
On Tuesday I shall be in the Downs, if we have any
wind; and Troubridge will send, under cover to Admiral
Lutwidge.
It is not my intention to set my foot
out of the ship, except to make my take-leave bow
to Admiral Milbank. I have been much pressed to
dine ashore: but, no; never, if I can help it,
till I dine with you.
Eleven o’Clock.
Your dear letters just come on board.
They are sympathetic with my own feelings; and, I
trust, we shall soon meet, to part no more!
Monday, I shall be here for letters;
Tuesday, at Deal. Recollect, I am, for ever,
your’s; aye, for ever, while life remains, your’s,
your’s faithfully,
NELSON & BRONTE.
I charge my only friend to keep well,
and think of her Nelson’s glory.
I have written to Lord Eldon, the
Chancellor, as my brother desired.
Pray, as you are going to buy a ticket
for the Pigot diamond buy the right number,
or it will be money thrown away.
For ever, ever, your’s, only your’s.
Kindest regards to my dear Mrs. Thomson, and my God
Child.