The Letters of Lord Nelson to Lady Hamilton, Vol. I. | Page 6

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.

LETTER XIII.
Deal--[Shall be on board the Medusa before this letter go from the Downs]--July 31, 1801.
MY DEAREST EMMA,
Did not you get my letter from Sheerness on Thursday morning, telling you I was just setting off for Deal; as I have no letter from you of yesterday, only those of Wednesday, which went to Sheerness? It has been my damned blunder, and not your's; for which I am deservedly punished, by missing one of your dear letters. They are my comfort, joy, and delight.
My time is, truly, fully taken up, and my hand aches before night comes.
I got to bed, last night, at half past nine; but the hour was so unusual, that I heard the clock strike one. To say that I thought of you, would be nonsense; for, you are never out of my thoughts.
At this moment, I see no prospect of my getting to London; but, very soon, the business of my command will become so simple, that a child may direct it.
What rascals your post-chaise people must be! They have been paid every thing. Captain Parker has one receipt for seven pounds odd, and I am sure that every thing is paid; therefore, do not pay a farthing. The cart-chaise I paid at Dartford.
You need not fear all the women in this world; for all others, except yourself, are pests to me. I know but one; for, who can be like my Emma? I am confident, you will do nothing which can hurt my feelings; and I will die by torture, sooner than do any thing which could offend you.
Give ten thousand kisses to my dear Horatia.
Yesterday, the subject turned on the cow-pox. A gentleman declared, that his child was inoculated with the cow-pox; and afterwards remained in a house where a child had the small-pox the natural way, and did not catch it. Therefore, here was a full trial with the cow-pox. The child is only feverish for two days; and only a slight inflammation of the arm takes place, instead of being all over scabs. But, do you what you please!
I did not get your newspapers; therefore, do not know what promise you allude to: but this I know, I have none made me.
The extension of the patent of peerage is going on; but the wording of my brother's note, they have wrote for a meaning to. The patent must be a new creation. First, to my father, if he outlives me; then to William, and his sons; then to Mrs. Bolton, and her sons; and Mrs. Matcham, and her's. Farther than that, I care not; it is far enough. But it may never get to any of them; for the old patent may extend by issue male of my own carcase: I am not so very old; and may marry again, a wife more suitable to my genius.
I like the Morning Chronicle.
Ever, for ever, your's, only your,
NELSON & BRONTE.
Best regards to Mrs. Nelson, the Duke, and Lord William.
I have totally failed for poor Madame Brueys.
Bonaparte's wife is one of Martinique, and some plan is supposed to be carried on.

LETTER XIV.
Sheerness, August 11th, 1801.
MY DEAREST EMMA,
I came from Harwich yesterday noon; not having set my foot on shore, although the Volunteers, &c. were drawn up to receive me, and the people ready to draw the carriage.
Parker had very near got all the honours; but I want none, but what my dear Emma confers. You have sense to discriminate whether they are deserved or no.
I came on shore; for my business lays with the Admiral, who lives in a ship hauled on shore, and the Commisioner. Slept at Coffin's: and, having done all that I can, am off for the Downs; to-day, if possible.
As