sary, and
useful, in the beginning of November.

I hope it will prove so; but, I feel, my duty lays at present in the
East; for, until I know the shipping in Egypt are destroyed, I shall
never consider the French army as completely sure of never returning
to Europe.

However, all my views are to serve and save the Two Sicilies; and
to do that which their Majesties may wish me, even against my own
opinion, when I come to Naples, and that country is at war. I shall
wish to have a meeting with General Acton on this subject.

You will, I am sure, do me justice with the Queen; for, I declare to
God, my whole study is, how to best meet her approbation.

May God bless you and Sir William! and ever believe me, with the most
affectionate regard, your obliged and faithful friend,

HORATIO NELSON.

I may possibly, but that is not certain, send in the inclosed letter.
Shew it to Sir William. This must depend on what I hear _and see_; for
I believe scarcely any thing I hear.

Once more, God bless you!

LETTER II.

[May 12, 1799.]

MY DEAR LADY HAMILTON,

Accept my sincere thanks for your kind letter. Nobody writes so
well: therefore, pray, say not you write ill; for, if you do, I will
say--what your goodness sometimes told me--"You l--e!" I can read, and
perfectly understand, every word you write.

We drank your and Sir William's health. Troubridge, Louis, Hallowell,
and the new Portuguese Captain, dined here. I shall soon be at
Palermo; for this business must very soon be settled.

No one, believe me, is more sensible of your regard, than your obliged
and grateful

NELSON.

I am pleased with little Mary; kiss her for me. I thank all the house
for their regard. God bless you all!

I shall send on shore, if fine, to-morrow; for the feluccas are going
to leave us, and I am sea-sick.

I have got the piece of wood for the tea-chest; it shall soon be sent.

Pray, present my humble duty and gratitude to the Queen, for all
her marks of regard; and assure her, it is not thrown away on an
ungrateful soil.

LETTER III.

Vanguard, May 19, 1799,
Eight o'Clock. Calm.

MY DEAR LADY HAMILTON,

Lieutenant Swiney coming on board, enables me to send some blank
passports for vessels going to Procida with corn, &c. and also one for
the courier boat.

To tell you, how dreary and uncomfortable the Vanguard appears, is
only telling you, what it is to go from the pleasantest society to a
solitary