proper indulgences, with
some slight addiction to that other vicious habit of British seamen, the
occasional use of a few thoughtlessly profane expletives in speech, form
the only dark specks ever yet discovered in the bright blaze of his
moral character. Truth must not be denied, nor vice advocated; but,
surely, the candid admission of these disagreeable verities, can never
induce a single virtuous mind unjustly to criminate the hero in any
higher degree. Could the biographer believe, that Lord Nelson had ever
indulged even an idea of dishonouring the wife of his bosom friend,
which no one worthy and intelligent person intimately acquainted with
all the parties ever yet did believe, he would that moment indignantly
throw up his brief. With respect to the mysterious child, whose
unfortunate mother may, most probably, now be no more, it is only
certain that Lady Hamilton was induced to receive her, at a very tender
age, as his lordship's adopted daughter. They had been godfather, and
godmother, in the baptismal ceremony; and her ladyship, at Lord Nelsons
request, kindly undertook the care of Miss Horatia's education: as she
had already done, for some years, that of the present highly
accomplished Lady Charlotte Nelson; and, since, of the amiable Miss Ann
Bolton. Those who have had the pleasure of beholding with what
incomparable skill, indefatigable zeal, and ardent affection, Lady
Hamilton discharges the difficult and important duty of cultivating such
comprehensive minds to the full extent of their faculties, will agree
that Lord Nelson could not possibly have confided the guardianship of
his adopted daughter to any person so well qualified, in all respects,
for the due performance of such a task. When his lordship, on the 10th
of May 1803, immediately after compleating his purchase of Mr. Axe's
estate at Merton, executed his last will and testament, it does not
appear that he made any sort of provision for this infant; nor is she
mentioned in the first codicil thereto annexed, the 13th of the same
month: yet, on this last day, it seems somewhat remarkable, the child
was baptized in the parish of St. Marylebone, though then more than two
years of age; and, a very few days after, his lordship first sailed to
take the Mediterranean command. On the 6th day of the September
following, however, Lord Nelson added a second and secret codicil to his
will, in which he gives and bequeaths to his adopted daughter, Miss
Horatia, th