oley; gave up a great deal,
to marry the relation of a great man: although, in fact, she is no
relation to the Duke of Portland.

I wish, I could but be at dear Merton, to assist in making the
alterations. I think, I should have persuaded you to have kept the
pike, and a clear stream; and to have put all the carp, tench, and
fish who muddy the water, into the pond. But, as you like, I am
content. Only take care, that my darling does not fall in, and get
drowned. I begged you to get the little netting along the edge; and,
particularly, on the bridges.

I admire the seal; and God bless you, also! Amen.

The boy, South, is on board another ship, learning to be a musician.
He will return soon, when he shall have the letter and money. I
hope, he will deserve it; but he has been a very bad boy: but good
floggings, I hope, will save him from the gallows.

Mr. Falcon is a clever man. He would not have made such a blunder as
our friend Drake, and Spencer Smith. I hear, the last is coming, _via_
Trieste, to Malta. Perhaps, he wants to get to Constantinople; and, if
the Spencers get in, the Smiths will get any thing.

Mr. Elliot, I hear, is a candidate for it. He complains of the expence
of Naples, I hear; and, that he cannot make both ends meet, although
he sees no company.

The histories of the Queen are beyond whatever I have heard from Sir
William. Prince Leopold's establishment is all French. The Queen's
favourite, Lieutenant-Colonel St. Clair, was a subaltern; La Tour, the
Captain in the navy; and, another!

However, I never touch on these matters; for, I care not how she
amuses herself.

It will be the upset of Acton; or, rather, he will not, I am told,
stay.

The King is angry with her; his love is long gone by.

I have only one word more--Do not believe a syllable the newspapers
say, or what you hear. Mankind seems fond of telling lies.

Remember me kindly to Mrs. Cadogan, and all our mutual friends; and
be assured, I am, for ever, my dearest Emma, your most faithful and
affectionate

NELSON & BRONTE.

George Campbell desires me always to present his best respects; and
make mine to good Mr. Yonge. What can I write him? I am sure, he must
have great pleasure in attending you: and, when you see Sir William
Scott, make my best regards acceptable to him. There is no man I have
a higher opinion of, both as a public and private character.

You will long ago have had my letter; with one to Davison, desiring