glory to England's
fame, if Nelson survives; and that Almighty Providence, who has
hitherto protected me in all dangers, and covered my head in the day
of battle, will still, if it be his pleasure, support and assist me.

Keep me alive, in your and Sir William's remembrance. My last thoughts
will be with you both, for you love and esteem me. I judge your hearts
by my own.

May the Great God of Heaven protect and bless you and him! is the
fervent prayer of your and Sir William's unalterable friend, till
death.

LETTER XII.

Friday Night, Nine o'Clock.
St. George. [March 1801.]

Having, my truly Dearest Friend, got through a great deal of business,
I am enabled to do justice to my private feelings; which are fixed,
ever, on you, and about you, whenever the public service does not
arrest my attention.

I have read all, all, your kind and affectionate letters: and have
read them frequently over; and committed them to the flames, much
against my inclination. There was one I rejoiced not to have read at
the time. It was, where you consented to dine and sing with * * * *.
Thank God, it was not so! I could not have borne it; and, now, less
than ever. But, I now know, he never can dine with you; for, you would
go out of the house sooner than suffer it: and, as to letting him hear
you sing, I only hope he will be struck deaf, and you dumb, sooner
than such a thing should happen! But, I know, it never now can.

You cannot think how my feelings are alive towards you; probably,
more than ever: and they never can be diminished. My hearty endeavours
shall not be wanting, to improve and to give US NEW ties of regard and
affection.

I have seen, and talked much with, Mrs. Thomson's friend. The fellow
seems to eat all my words, when I talk of her and his child! He says,
he never can forget your goodness and kind affection to her and his
dear, dear child. I have had, you know, the felicity of seeing it, and
a finer child never was produced by any two persons. It was, in truth,
a love-begotten child! I am determined to keep him on board; for, I
know, if they got together, they would soon have another. But, after
our two months trip, I hope, they will never be separated; and, then,
let them do as they please.

We are all bustle and activity. I shall sail, on Monday, after your
letter arrives. Troubridge will send it, as an Admiralty letter. On
Tuesday I shall be in the Downs, if we have any wind; and Troubridge
wil