s about the
latter end of November. The Pegasus being commanded by Prince William
Henry, the Duke of Clarence, his royal highness was, of course, under
the command of Captain Nelson; who did every thing in his power to
prevent his illustrious friend from being a loser by this pleasing
circumstance. They were, in fact, mutually attached to each other, and
almost inseparable companions. He knew that the prince had foibles, as
well as private men; but he knew, also, that they were far overbalanced
by his virtues. In his professional line, he considered him as superior
to nearly two-thirds of the list; and, in attention to orders, and
respect to his superiors, Captain Nelson declared, that he hardly ever
knew his equal.

The prince was every where received with all the honour and respect due
to his rank, at our different islands: and was invited, also, by the
French Governor of Martinico, the Viscount de Damas; and the Baron de
Clugny, Governor of Guadaloupe; to favour their islands with a visit.

On the 14th of February, Captain Nelson writes to his friend Captain
Locker, from Montserrat--"I am here, with the Pegasus and Solebay. The
island has made fine addresses, and good dinners. Tomorrow, we sail for
Nevis and St. Christopher's, where the same fine things will be done
over again. His royal highness keeps up strict discipline in his ship;
and, without paying him any compliment, she is one of the first ordered
frigates I have seen. He has had more plague with his officers than
enough. His first-lieutenant will, I have no doubt, be broke. I have put
him under arrest; he having written for a court-martial on himself, to
vindicate his conduct, because his captain thought proper to reprimand
him in the order-book. In short, our service has been so much relaxed
during the war, that it will cost many a court-martial to bring it up
again."

The affair above alluded to, which made considerable noise at the time,
appears to have been this: the prince, on going ashore, is said to have
left express orders, that none of the crew should, during his absence,
be permitted to quit the ship. The lieutenant, however, from the general
maxim, that the superior officer on board has a right to exercise
uncontrouled command, permitted a boat to go on shore with some of the
men. This coming to his royal highness's knowledge, who could not
possibly be pleased with what appeared manifestly done in defiance of
his instructions, he adopted the m