to the local knowledge of Mr. Yawkins, he could not
think himself justifiable in proceeding farther with the business;
though he liberally acknowledged the admiration which he felt of the
zeal of Captain Owen, in the anxious desire of that able officer to get
at the enemy. The hazard, it appeared, was far greater, and the object,
from the few ships there, considerably less, than had been imagined.

On the 27th, Lord Nelson returned to the Downs, in the Medusa; and, next
day, hoisted his flag on board the Amazon. His worthy old friend,
Admiral Lutwidge, being port-admiral at Deal, and residing there with
his excellent and truly amiable lady, an indissoluble friendship was
formed between them and Sir William and Lady Hamilton. The gallant and
good Captain Parker, having been under the necessity of submitting to an
amputation of his thigh, suffered the most excruciating tortures for
about a month; and then died, with the most magnanimous and pious
resignation, surrounded by these estimable friends, who had contributed
to afford him every solace of which his dreadful state was susceptible.
As the French, now attacked on their own shores, seemed likely soon to
accept propositions of peace, Lord Nelson thought it advisable to
purchase a pleasant rural retreat, where he might enjoy the benefit of
good air, and yet be "within hail of the Admiralty." Sir William
Hamilton, therefore, was requested to search out a spot adapted to their
joint establishment: and, shortly after his return to London, learning
that Merton Place, in Surry, about eight miles distant from Westminster
Bridge, was to be disposed of, he immediately bought this estate; which
was expeditiously prepared for their mutual reception, under the
guidance of that classical and elegant taste for which Sir William and
Lady Hamilton were both so peculiarly distinguished. The site of this
house and grounds is said to have been part of the ancient abbey lands
of Merton, situated within about two hundred and fifty yards of the
present remaining abbey wall; and, in digging to effect the various
improvements, many old coins, and other antiquities, have been
occasionally dug up. Though this place was familiarly denominated a
farm, by our hero and his friends, it had been, for many years before,
the respectable seat of Sir Richard Hotham. The ground, however, was
certainly very contracted on one side of the house, being there little
more than sufficient to bound the moat by wh