Amazon, October 17th, 1801.
MY DEAREST FRIEND,
Although my complaint has no danger
attending it, yet it resists the medicines which Dr.
Baird has prescribed; and, I fancy, it has pulled
me down very much.
The cold has settled in my bowels.
I wish the Admiralty had my complaint: but, they
have no bowels; at least, for me.
I had a very indifferent night, but
your and Sir William’s kind letters have made
me feel better.
I send you a letter from Lord Pelham.
I shall certainly attend; and let them see, that I
may be useful in council as I have been in the field.
We must submit; and, perhaps, these Admiralty do this
by me, to prevent another application.
You may rely, that I shall be with
you by dinner, on Friday; at half past three, or four
at farthest.
I shall not dine with Pitt, as Mr.
and Mrs. Long are staying there. Not that I ever
saw her in my life, nor care if I never do.
I pray that I may not be annoyed,
on my arrival: it is retirement with my friends,
that I wish for.
Thank Sir William, kindly, for his
letter; and the inclosure, which I return.
Sutton is much pleased with your letter;
and, with Bedford, will certainly make you a visit.
They are both truly good and kind to me.
Our weather has been cold these two
days, but not bad. I have got a fire in the cabin;
and, I hope my complaint will go off.
May Heaven bless you!
I send this, through Troubridge, direct in Piccadilly.
I shall, you may rely, admire the
pig-stye, ducks, fowls, &c. for every thing you do,
I look upon as perfect.
Dr. Baird has been aboard, to see
me. He thinks, I shall be better; and, that a
few days on shore will set me up again.
Make my kind remembrances to Sir William,
the Duke, and all friends; and believe me, ever, your
most affectionate
NELSON & BRONTE.
Bedford has made me laugh. Mrs.
Lutwidge has been babbling, that she will go to Portsmouth
with the Admiral; who says, he shall be so fully employed
that he cannot be much with her. She whispered
Bedford “I have many friends in the
army there!”
She will certainly marry a soldier,
if ever she is disposable. But, perhaps, you
will agree with me, that no good soldier would take
her. I am sure, the purchase would be dear, even
if it was a gift. Don’t call this
a bull.
Sutton’s man was on the farm;
and the sheep, when not belonging to the farm, always
paid so much sheep, so much lambs: but, I dare
say, you manage well.
Sir William’s letter has delighted
me, with your activity and prudence.