rld, it has
brought me so intimately acquainted with you, who my soul holds most
dear. I well know that you will keep it, and have my dear Horatia to
drink my health. Forty-six years of toil and trouble! How few more,
the common lot of mankind leads us to expect; and, therefore, it
is almost time to think of spending the few last years in peace and
quietness!

By this time, I should think, either my successor is named, or
permission is granted me to come home; and, if so, you will not long
receive this letter before I make my appearance: which will make us, I
am sure, both truly happy.

We have had nothing, for this fortnight, but gales of easterly winds,
and heavy rains; not a vessel of any kind, or sort, joined the fleet.

I was in hopes Dr. Scott would have returned from Naples; and that I
could have told you something comfortable for you, from that quarter:
and it is now seven weeks since we heard from Malta. Therefore, I know
nothing of what is passing in the world.

I would not have you, my dear Emma, allow the work of brick and mortar
to go on in the winter months. It can all be finished next summer;
when, I hope, we shall have peace, or such an universal war as will
upset that vagabond, Buonaparte.

I have been tolerable well, till this last bad weather, which has
given me pains in my breast; but, never mind, all will be well when I
get to Merton.

Admiral Campbell, who is on board, desires to be remembered to you.
He does not like much to stay here, after my departure. Indeed, we all
draw so well together in the fleet, that I flatter myself the sorrow
for my departure will be pretty general.

Admiral Murray will be glad to get home; Hardy is as good as ever; and
Mr. Secretary Scott is an excellent man.

God bless you, my dearest Emma! and, be assured, I am ever your most
faithful and affectionate

N. & B.

Kiss dear Horatia. I hope she is at Merton, _fixed_.

LETTER LV.

Victory, October 7, [1804.]
2 P.M.

I wrote you, my Dearest Emma, this morning, by way of Lisbon; but
a boat, which is going to Torbay, having brought out a cargo of
potatoes, will I think get home before the Lisbon packet. I shall
only say--_Guzelle Gannam Justem_--and that I love you beyond all the
world! This may be read by French, Dutch, Spanish, or Englishmen; for
it comes from the heart of, my Emma, your faithful and affectionate

NELSON & BRONTE.

I think the gentry will soon come out. I cannot say m