having
one, only one, object in mind, that of the comforts, and ultimate
happiness, of our dear--_your_ beloved Nelson; for whom, what would
you or I not do?

What a world of matter is now in agitation! Every thing is big with
events; and soon, very soon, I hope to see--what I have long desired,
and anxiously [been] waiting for--an event to contribute to the glory,
the independency, of our Nelson.

I still hope, ere Christmas, to see him: that hope founded on the
darling expectation of his squadron falling in with a rich _Spanish_
flotilla. I think, too, that the French fleet will _now_ come out.

I have written to our dear friend every information I have been able
to collect, and have sent him a continuation of all the newspapers.

It affords me particular pleasure, to hear you feel so happy in
Norfolk. How is it possible it can be otherwise! seated, as you
are, in the midst of the friends of your best friend; enjoying every
kindness and attention in their power to shew to the favourite of
their brother.

I shall be very much rejoiced, when you come back, to talk over very
interesting objects which our dear friend will _now_ have to pursue.

My best respects to your fire-side; and believe me, most sincerely,
your's,

ALEX. DAVISON.

III.

Saturday, 22d September 1804.

MY DEAR MADAM,

Ever obedient to your _lawful_ commands, I have implicitly obeyed your
orders, in the purchase, this morning, of Messrs. Branscomb and Co.
four quarter lottery-tickets--

{ No. 593.}
{ 10,376.}
{ 14,381.}
{ 20,457.}

Each, I hope, will come up prize; and be entitled to receive, at
least, on the whole, twenty thousand pounds! I paid eighteen pounds
eight shillings for them; and I have written upon the back of
each--"_Property of Lord Nelson, 22d September 1804. A.D."_

When I have the pleasure of seeing you, I shall deliver the trust over
to you, to receive the _bespoken_ said sum of twenty thousand pounds.
What a glorious receipt will it be!

I am glad you received my letters, though I could not make out the
name of the place; the Post-Office runners are expert at it.

What do you say to a Spanish war? I think, now, the breeze begins to
freshen; and that the flames, _at last_, will succeed.

I sent off, last night, a very long epistle to our dear Nelson. I am
truly distressed at his not receiving my letters; though I can
pretty well guess how to account for it, and in whose hands they