Amazon, Ten o’Clock,
October 12, 1801.
MY DEAREST FRIEND,
This being a very fine morning, and
smooth beach, at eight o’clock, I went with
Sutton and Bedford, and landed at Walmer; but found
Billy fast asleep: so, left my card; walked the
same road that we came, when the carriage could not
come with us that night; and all rushed into my mind,
and brought tears into my eyes. Ah! how different
to walking with such a friend as you, Sir William,
and Mrs. Nelson.
Called at the barracks, on Lord George;
but, he is gone to London.
From thence to the Admiral’s,
found him up; and, waiting half an hour to see Mrs.
Lutwidge, who entreated me to stay dinner, came directly
on board.
I did not even call to see poor Langford;
who has been worse these few days past, and God knows
when he will be well. I am afraid it will be
a long time; for several pieces of bone are lately
come away, and more to come.
But Troubridge has so completely prevented
my ever mentioning any body’s service, that
I am become a cypher, and he has gained a victory
over Nelson’s spirit. I am kept here; for
what, he may be able to tell, I cannot: but long
it cannot, shall not, be.
Sutton and Bedford are gone a tour,
till dinner time: but nothing shall make me,
but almost force, go out of the ship again, till I
have done; and the Admiralty, in charity, will be
pleased to release me.
I am, in truth, not over well.
I have a complaint in my stomach and bowels, but it
will go off. If you was here, I should have some
rhubarb; but, as you are not, I shall go without.
Sutton has sent into Yorkshire, for
a cow that, in the spring, will give fourteen pounds
of butter a week; and, he has given Allen the finest
goat I ever saw. The latter, I am afraid, will
be troublesome.
Just as I was coming off, I received
your packet; and thank you, from my heart, for all
your kindness.
What can Reverend Sir want to be made
a Doctor for? He will be laughed at, for his
pains!
I thank you for the King’s letters,
I shall write a kind line to Castelcicala, and answer
the King’s, very soon: and, write to Acton;
for he can make Bronte every thing to me, if he pleases.
I dare say, I did wrong, never to write him; but,
as he treated Sir William unkindly, I never could
bring myself to it.
I am glad the Duke has been to see
you; and taking plants from him, is nothing.
Make my kindest remembrances to him.
I would have every body like your
choice; for, I am sure, you have as fine a taste in
laying out land, as you have in music. I’ll
be damned, if Mrs. Billington can sing so well as
you. She may have stage trick, but you have pure
nature.
I always say every thing, for you
and Sir William. I wish you had translated the
King’s and Acton’s letters, Banti cannot.
I may be able to dispose of Charles,
but not of the other, and he would corrupt Charles.
For ever yours,
NELSON & BRONTE.
Mrs. Lutwidge inquires always particularly
after you. We all laugh, and say she is more
fond of soldiers than ever, since General Don has
shewn her how he would keep off the French!