it is a singular fact that, being asked
by the post-boy, which was the house; his lordship could only reply,
that he knew no more than himself. It was, however, soon found; and
never was man more delighted, than our hero, at beholding his new
residence. Every glowing feature of his amiable friends spoke the
welcome which was felt by each heart, as the various beauties of this
little spot were pointed out to his inquisitive eye. He viewed all with
admiration and astonishment, so greatly did it surpass every idea which
he had formed. "Is this, too, mine?" he repeatedly asked, as he was
shewn the different parts of his estate; the house, the gardens, the
dairy, &c. He was particularly charmed with the admirable contrivance of
a commodious subterranean passage, formed beneath the high road, and
leading to the beautiful and extensive plantation walks with which the
fields and kitchen gardens, on that side, are so agreeably environed;
this estate, among others in that neighbourhood, having been formerly
severed, in consequence of an act of parliament for intersecting it by a
new road to Epsom. "Oh, Sir William!" exclaimed his lordship, embracing
his most worthy friend, when he had seen the whole, "the longest liver
shall possess it all!" Lord Nelson was never a man of words; the memory
of this engagement, when he afterwards made his will, has conveyed the
beautiful villa of Merton Place to Lady Hamilton.

The peace that at this period ensued, happily prevented any necessity
for his lordship's return to the fleet, which was soon after paid off.
In the attainment of this peace, it will be the province of every
historian who duly considers the entire combination of causes and
effects, justly to appreciate the merits of our hero; who, however, was,
by no means of opinion that it could prove of any very long duration,
till the restless ambition of Bonaparte should be still more
efficaciously checked.

His lordship was ever affectionately attached to his Royal Highness the
Prince of Wales; as well as to the Duke of Clarence, and all the other
royal brothers: he was fully sensible, too, of the brilliant political
abilities of some of the chief members of the opposition, and felt
sincerely desirous of seeing them fairly devoted to the service of the
country. He regarded, however, what was universally deemed "the honest
administration of Mr. Addington," the present Lord Sidmouth, as entitled
to all the support which he could render m