o Mr.
Matcham, Nelson's brother-in-law, "to say every particular in which
was always displayed the infinite cleverness and goodness of heart of
our dearly beloved Hero. As a woman, I can only be a judge of those
things that I could comprehend--such as his attention to the young
gentlemen who had the happiness of being on his quarter-deck. It may
reasonably be supposed that among the number of thirty, there must be
timid as well as bold; the timid he never rebuked, but always wished
to show them he desired nothing of them that he would not instantly do
himself: and I have known him say, 'Well, Sir, I am going a race to
the masthead, and beg I may meet you there.' No denial could be given
to such a wish, and the poor fellow instantly began his march. His
Lordship never took the least notice with what alacrity it was done,
but when he met in the top, instantly began speaking in the most
cheerful manner, and saying how much a person was to be pitied that
could fancy there was any danger, or even anything disagreeable, in
the attempt. After this excellent example, I have seen the timid youth
lead another, and rehearse his captain's words. In like manner, he
every day went into the school-room, and saw them do their nautical
business, and at twelve o'clock he was the first upon deck with his
quadrant. No one there could be behindhand in their business when
their captain set them so good an example. One other circumstance I
must mention which will close the subject, which was the day we landed
at Barbadoes. We were to dine at the Governor's. Our dear captain
said, 'You must permit me, Lady Hughes, to carry one of my
aid-de-camps with me;' and when he presented him to the Governor, he
said, 'Your Excellency must excuse me for bringing one of my
midshipmen, as I make it a rule to introduce them to all the good
company I can, as they have few to look up to besides myself during
the time they are at sea.' This kindness and attention made the young
people adore him; and even his wishes, could they have been known,
would have been instantly complied with."

The charm and wisdom of such a bearing is patent; but it was the
natural character of the man that thus shone out, and no mere result
of conscientious care. To the last, through all his ill-health,
anxiety, and sufferings, the same genial sweetness of manner, the
outcome of an unaffected, cordial good-will to all, was shown to those
who came in contact with him. Captain Duff, wh