the 23d, Sir Richard Neave, Bart, in the chair, unanimously and
expressly agreed--"That the prompt determination of Lord Nelson to quit
the Mediterranean, in search of the French fleet; his sagacity in
judging of, and ascertaining, their course; and his bold and unwearied
pursuit of the combined French and Spanish squadrons to the West Indies,
and back again to Europe; have been very instrumental to the safety of
the West India islands in general, and well deserve the grateful
acknowledgments of every individual connected with those colonies: and,
that a deputation from the Committee of Merchants of London trading to
the West Indies, be appointed to wait upon Vice-Admiral Lord Viscount
Nelson, to express these their sentiments, and to offer him their
unfeigned thanks."

The deputation, accordingly, having waited on Lord Nelson, at Gordon's
Hotel, Albemarle Street, where his lordship had taken up his temporary
town-residence, with a copy of the above resolutions, he immediately
returned the following answer.

"London, August 28, 1805.

"SIR

"I beg leave to express, to you and the Committee of West India
Merchants, the great satisfaction which I feel in their approbation
of my conduct. It was, I conceived, perfectly clear, that the
combined squadrons were gone to the West Indies, and therefore it
became my duty to follow them. But, I assure you, from the state of
defence in which our large islands are placed, with the number of
regular troops, and numerous well-disciplined and zealous militia,
I was confident, not any troops which their combined squadron could
carry, would make an impression upon any of our large islands,
before a very superior force would arrive, for their relief.

"I have the honour to remain, Sir, and Gentlemen, your most obliged
and obedient servant,

"Nelson and Bronte.

"Sir Richard Neave, Bart. and the Committee of West India
Merchants."

Lord Nelson had, at this period, no intention of again going speedily to
sea. All his stores had been brought up from the Victory; and he was, he
said, resolved to enjoy a little leisure, with his family and friends,
in the delightful shades of Merton. The Honourable Captain Blackwood, a
few days afterward, brought intelligence that the combined fleets,
reinforced by two more Spanish squadrons, and now amounting to
thirty-four sail of the line, had left Ferrol, and