n the
occasion was addressed to the very person whom, he could not but be of
opinion, least deserved it. "The treasury," says he, "by the last
packet, has transmitted thanks to the commander in chief, and the
officers under him, for their activity and zeal in protecting the
commerce of Great Britain. Had they known what I have told you, I don't
think they would have bestowed thanks in that quarter, and neglected me.
I feel much hurt that, after all the loss of health, and risque of
fortune, another should be thanked for that which I did, and against his
orders. I either deserved to be sent out of the service, or at least
have had some little notice taken of me. They have thought it worthy of
notice, and have neglected me. If this is the reward for a faithful
discharge of my duty, I shall be careful, and never stand forward again.
But, I have done my duty, and have nothing to accuse myself of."

What is thus urged against the propriety of giving most thanks to him
who had, from misconception or misrepresentation, been induced rather to
prevent than promote those operations by which thanks were obtained; and
not particularly directing the smallest attention, otherwise than by
indemnifying his law expences, to the individual who had, at all
hazards, effectually performed them; is certainly very natural. Let it
be considered, however, that government might not be so sufficiently
informed of all the particulars as to warrant their entering into a nice
degree of just discrimination.

About this period, March 1786, Captain Nelson seems to have been engaged
in paying his addresses to the widow of Dr. Nesbit, of the Island of
Nevis, Mrs. Frances Herbert Nesbit, who was a daughter of William
Herbert, Esq. the senior judge, and niece of his brother the president:
for he says, in a letter to Captain Locker, "most probably, the next
time you see me, will be as a Benedict; I think, I have found a woman
who will make me happy." He adds, that he shall tell him more shortly;
but, that his paper is full. In two subsequent letters, however, one of
the 29th of December following, and the other of the 9th of February
1787, not an additional word appears respecting the lady.

In the mean time, Admiral Sir Richard Hughes had, in August, quitted the
command; and, shortly after, Captain Nelson received orders from the
Admiralty, to take the Pegasus and Solebay frigates under his command,
immediately on their arrival from Nova Scotia, which wa