'Orient, the
officers of the fleet vied with each other in causing numerous articles
to be manufactured, as commemorations of this glorious victory, which
they most affectionately presented to their respected commander. Captain
Hallowell, in particular, with singular zeal and attachment, procured a
coffin to be made, by his carpenter, on board the Swiftsure, entirely
from the wreck of L'Orient, iron as well as wood, in the most elegant
manner that the workman could effect with such limited materials, and so
little skill in that particular branch of business; which was delivered
to Admiral Nelson with the following letter.

Swiftsure,
August 1798.

"SIR,

"I Have taken the liberty of presenting you a coffin made from the
mainmast of L'Orient; that, when you have finished your military
career in this world, you may be buried in one of your trophies:
but, that that period may be far distant, is the earnest wish of
your sincere friend,

"Benjamin Hallowell."

The present of this worthy and brave officer, however singular, was
received with an affectionate regard equal to that felt by himself. So
highly, indeed, did the hero prize this gift, that he had it immediately
placed upright in his cabin; and, though he was at length prevailed on,
by the intreaties of an old and favourite servant, to have the coffin
carried below, nothing could possibly prevent his resolution to have it
finally made use of for the purpose originally intended by the gallant
and esteemed donor.

While the various dispatches were preparing to be sent by Captain Capel
to England, as soon as La Mutine could be got ready for sailing, those
of Bonaparte to France were fortunately intercepted; as appears in the
continuation of the following letter from Admiral Nelson to Sir William
Hamilton.

"Vanguard,
Mouth of the Nile,
8th August 1798.

"MY DEAR SIR,

"Almighty God has made me the happy instrument of destroying the
enemy's fleet; which, I hope, will be a blessing to Europe. You
will have the goodness to communicate this happy event to all the
courts in Italy; for my head is so indifferent, that I can scarcely
scrawl this letter. Captain Capel, who is charged with my
dispatches for England, will give you every information. Pray, put
him in the quickest mode of getting home. You will not send, by
post, any particulars of this action;