test man that ever England produced.
I know it, from the few words of conversation I have already had with
him. I pronounce, that he will one day astonish the world. I have never
entertained any officer at my house, but I am determined to bring him
here. Let him be put in the room prepared for Prince Augustus."

Captain Nelson was, accordingly, introduced to her ladyship; and resided
with Sir William Hamilton during his short stay at Naples: and thus
commenced that fervid friendship between the parties, which continued to
glow, with apparently increasing ardour, to the last moment of their
respective existences whom it has been Lady Hamilton's severe lot to
survive.

The introductory compliment which had been paid by Sir William Hamilton,
to Captain Nelson's transcendent abilities, was not ill requited by one
of the latter's first salutations of the worthy envoy--"Sir William,"
said he, in consequence of the dispatch made use of in obtaining the
Neapolitan troops, "you are a man after my own heart: you do business in
my own way! I am, now, only a captain; but I will, if I live, be at the
top of the tree."

These reciprocal good opinions of each other, which form the basis of
all substantial friendships, could not fail to unite such excellent and
enlightened minds in a sincere amity. It can never appear wonderful,
then, that Lady Hamilton, herself a person of very considerable talents,
and possessing a warm and affectionate heart, naturally attached to
splendid abilities, should be forcibly struck with the pleasing manners,
extreme goodness and generosity of mind, and evident proofs of
comprehensive intellect, which she continually witnessed in the new
friend of her intelligent husband, during the few days of his
continuance at Naples.

The frank and friendly attentions of her ladyship, at the same time, it
must necessarily be supposed, made no slight impression on the
susceptible bosom of Captain Nelson; who was charmed with the
characteristic sweetness of disposition which she so fascinatingly
displayed for the promotion of his ease and comforts.

The imperious calls of professional duty soon separated the hero from
his affectionate friends; but they parted not without mutual assurances
of losing no opportunity which might occur of corresponding with or
seeing each other.

It appears, from Lord Hood's dispatches to the Admiralty, that the first
division of the Neapolitan troops disembarked at Toulon on the 28th