to Almighty God, for his
perfect recovery from a severe wound; and, also, for the many
mercies bestowed on him._"

"_December 8th 1797; for next Sunday._"

The original of the above thanksgiving, in his own hand-writing, is
still carefully preserved by the present Reverend Mr. Greville, son and
successor of the venerable clergyman to whom it was delivered by Sir
Horatio Nelson.

On the 13th of December, having been pronounced fit for service, by his
surgeons, he made his appearance at court; and his majesty received him
in the most gracious and tender manner: expressing, with peculiar marks
of sensibility, his excessive sorrow for the loss which Sir Horatio had
suffered, and the regret which he felt at beholding him in a state of
health apparently so far reduced as to deprive the country of his future
services. The brave admiral, however, immediately replied to his
sovereign, with the most respectful but dignified tone of expression, in
the following energetic and affectionate speech--"May it please your
majesty, I can never think that a loss, which the performance of my duty
has occasioned; and, while I have a foot to stand on, I will combat for
my king and country!"

His majesty appeared deeply affected by this manly and loyal answer;
and, in consequence, on the 19th, only six days after, Sir Horatio
Nelson received orders to hoist his flag on board the Vanguard, and
again proceed to the Mediterranean, as soon as that ship could be
properly equipped for the voyage.

Not having been before in England since he lost, at Calvi, the sight of
his right eye, it was about this period that he went, accompanied by Mr.
Bolton, to receive a year's pay, as smart-money; that being the
customary allowance, in the navy, on losing an eye or a limb: but could
not obtain payment, for want of the formality of a certificate from the
faculty, to testify that the sight was actually extinguished. Vexed, for
a moment, at what he considered as a superfluous and almost impertinent
requisition, it's loss being sufficiently notorious, though by no means
apparent, he not only immediately procured the desired certificate; but,
from whimsical pleasantry, humorously requested, and actually obtained,
at the same time, a certificate from his surgeons of the loss of his
arm, which was sufficiently obvious: asserting--with much propriety, in
his particular instance, at least--that one might just as well be
doubted as the other. On go