on his return. Nelson, having bought his pony, came home with
it in high spirits. He called out his wife to admire the purchase and
listen to all its excellences: nor was it till his glee had in
some measure subsided that the paper could be presented to him. His
indignation was excessive; and in the apprehension that he should be
exposed to the anxieties of the suit and the ruinous consequences which
might ensue, he exclaimed, "This affront I did not deserve! But I'll be
trifled with no longer. I will write immediately to the Treasury, and
if government will not support me, I am resolved to leave the country."
Accordingly, he informed the Treasury that, if a satisfactory answer
were not sent him by return of post, he should take refuge in France.
To this he expected he should be driven, and for this he arranged
everything with his characteristic rapidity of decision. It was settled
that he should depart immediately, and Mrs. Nelson follow, under the
care of his elder brother Maurice, ten days after him. But the answer
which he received from government quieted his fears: it stated that
Captain Nelson was a very good officer, and needed to be under no
apprehension, for he would assuredly be supported.

Here his disquietude upon this subject seems to have ended. Still he
was not at ease; he wanted employment, and was mortified that his
applications for it produced no effect. "Not being a man of fortune," he
said, "was a crime which he was unable to get over, and therefore none
of the great cared about him." Repeatedly he requested the Admiralty
that they would not leave him to rust in indolence. During the armament
which was made upon occasion of the dispute concerning Nootka Sound, he
renewed his application; and his steady friend, Prince William, who had
then been created Duke of Clarence, recommended him to Lord Chatham.
The failure of this recommendation wounded him so keenly that he again
thought of retiring from the service in disgust; a resolution from which
nothing but the urgent remonstrances of Lord Hood induced him to desist.
Hearing that the RAISONNABLE, in which he had commenced his career,
was to be commissioned, he asked for her. This also was in vain; and a
coolness ensued, on his part, toward Lord Hood, because that excellent
officer did not use his influence with Lord Chatham upon this
occasion. Lord Hood, however, had certainly sufficient reasons for not
interfering; for he ever continued his steady frie