m to speak. He had been
given over by his physicians for this complaint nearly forty years
before his death; and was, for many of his latter years, obliged to
spend all his winters at Bath. The sight of his son, he declared, had
given him new life. "But, Horatio," said he, "it would have been better
that I had not been thus cheered, if I am so soon to be bereaved of you
again. Let me, my good son, see you whilst I can. My age and infirmities
increase, and I shall not last long." To such an appeal there could be
no reply. Nelson took up his abode at the parsonage, and amused himself
with the sports and occupations of the country. Sometimes he busied
himself with farming the glebe; sometimes spent the greater part of the
day in the garden, where he would dig as if for the mere pleasure of
wearying himself. Sometimes he went a birds'-nesting, like a boy; and
in these expeditions Mrs. Nelson always, by his expressed desire,
accompanied him. Coursing was his favourite amusement. Shooting, as he
practised it, was far too dangerous for his companions; for he carried
his gun upon the full cock, as if he were going to board an enemy;
and the moment a bird rose, he let fly without ever putting the
fowling-piece to his shoulder. It is not, therefore, extraordinary that
his having once shot a partridge should be remembered by his family
among the remarkable events of his life.

But his time did not pass away thus without some vexatious cares to
ruffle it. The affair of the American ships was not yet over, and he was
again pestered with threats of prosecution. "I have written them word,"
said he, "that I will have nothing to do with them, and they must act as
they think proper. Government, I suppose, will do what is right, and not
leave me in the lurch. We have heard enough lately of the consequences
of the Navigation Act to this country. They may take my person; but if
sixpence would save me from a prosecution, I would not give it." It was
his great ambition at this time to possess a pony; and having resolved
to purchase one, he went to a fair for that purpose. During his absence
two men abruptly entered the parsonage and inquired for him: they then
asked for Mrs. Nelson; and after they had made her repeatedly declare
that she was really and truly the captain's wife, presented her with
a writ, or notification, on the part of the American captains, who now
laid their damages at L20,000, and they charged her to give it to her
husband