regularly; but it was not till
daylight that I could bring myself to a sufficient degree of
composure. Never were letters more welcome--never did any yield
greater joy and comfort; they have since formed my chief happiness,
and will continue so to do until the end of our voyage. Had we
unfortunately sailed one day sooner, I should have lost these precious
letters: judge then how fortunate I think myself, particularly so at
their having been preserved from the wreck of the poor L'Aigle; as I
find that several packages, &c. for this squadron, with the good
things you sent me, shared the fate of the poor ship; Captain Hay
having written to me from Gibraltar that they were put on board her.

"Sir Horatio Nelson wrote to me that he had not heard from his family;
but, as Captain Nisbet came in the brig, he will give him accounts
from Lady Nelson.

"I now come to the sequel of our voyage, having accounted for my being
so _unseasonably_ disturbed from a sound sleep."

Sir James now received the following letters.

August 15th, 1798.

MY DEAR SIR JAMES,

I am not very anxious to receive any persons of the description
you mention; they will all eat our meat, and drink. As they
choose to serve the French, there let them remain. I have not a
line from home, all lost in L'Aigle. You will get off in good
time, I dare say. I am sure you will not lose a moment off Cape
Bronte; the shoal extends six miles. If you favour me with a
line, direct it for Naples, where I am going to join the
Portuguese squadron. Zealous, Swiftsure, and the two frigates, I
have kept here as long as possible. Nisbet thanks you for your
inquiries. I send you a copy of my letter intended to be sent to
Mr. Nepean; keep it quiet till you get off. Wishing you health,
and good passage,

Believe me ever,
Your obliged,
HORATIO NELSON.

To Sir James Saumarez.

I hope Lady S. and all the little ones are well.

(Copy.)

Secret, for Sir James.

SIR,

Six of the prizes sailed yesterday with Sir James Saumarez;
three others, viz. Guerrier, Heureux, and Mercure are in the act
of repairing. In this state I received last evening Earl St.
Vincent's most secret orders, and most secret and confidential
letters. Thus situated, it became an important part of my duty
to do justice between my King and country, and the brave
officers and men who captured those ships at the Bat