Victory, October 1st, 1805.

MY DEAREST EMMA,

It is a relief to me, to take up the pen, and write you a line; for I have had, about four o’clock this morning, one of my dreadful spasms, which has almost enervated me.

It is very odd! I was hardly ever better than yesterday. Freemantle stayed with me till eight o’clock, and I slept uncommonly well; but, was awoke with this disorder. My opinion of its effect, some one day, has never altered. However, it is entirely gone off, and I am only quite weak. The good people of England will not believe, that rest of body and mind is necessary for me! But, perhaps, this spasm may not come again these six months. I had been writing seven hours yesterday; perhaps, that had some hand in bringing it upon me.

I joined the fleet late on the evening of the 28th of September, but could not communicate with them until the next morning.

I believe, my arrival was most welcome; not only to the commander of the fleet, but also to every individual in it: and, when I came to explain to them the Nelson touch, it was like an electric shock. Some shed tears, all approved “It was new, it was singular, it was simple!” and, from Admirals downwards, it was repeated “It must succeed, if ever they will allow us to get at them! You are, my Lord, surrounded by friends whom you inspire with confidence.” Some may be Judas’s; but the majority are certainly much pleased with my commanding them.