cell; or, from the dearest friends, to no friends. I am now
perfectly the _great man_--not a creature near me. From my heart, I
wish myself the little man again!

You, and good Sir William, have spoiled me for any place but with you.
I love Mrs. Cadogan. You cannot conceive what I feel, when I call you
all to my remembrance. Even to Mira, do not forget your faithful and
affectionate

NELSON.

LETTER IV.

May 20, 1799.

MY DEAR LADY HAMILTON,

Many thanks to you and Sir William for your kind notes. You will
believe I did not sleep much, with all my letters to read, &c. &c.

My letters from Lord St. Vincent are May 6th. He says--"We saw the
Brest squadron pass us yesterday, under an easy sail. I am making
every effort to get information to Lord Keith; who I have ordered
here, to complete their water and provisions. I conjecture, the French
squadron is bound for Malta and Alexandria, and the Spanish fleet for
the attack of Minorca."

I must leave you to judge, whether the Earl will come to us. I think
he will: but, _entre nous_, Mr. Duckworth means to leave me to my
fate. I send you (_under all circumstances_) his letter. Never mind;
if I can get my eleven sail together, they shall not hurt me.

God bless you, Sir William, and all our joint friends in your house;
Noble, Gibbs, &c. and believe me ever, for ever, your affectionate
friend,

NELSON.

LETTER V.

February 3, 1800.

MY DEAR LADY HAMILTON,

Having a Commander in Chief, I cannot come on shore till I have made
_my manners_ to him. Times are changed; but, if he does not come on
shore directly, I will not wait.

In the mean time, I send Allen to inquire how you are. Send me word,
for I am anxious to hear of you. It has been no fault of mine, that I
have been so long absent. I cannot command; and, now, only obey.

Mr. Tyson, and the Consul, have not been able to find out the
betrothed wife of the Priore; although they were three days in their
inquiries, and desired the Neapolitan Consul to send to Pisa. I also
desired the Russian Admiral, as he was going to Pisa, to inquire if
the Countess Pouschkin had any letters to send to Palermo; but, as I
received none, I take for granted she had none to send.

May God bless you, my dear Lady; and be assured, I ever am, and shall
be, your obliged and affectionate

BRONTE NELSON.

LETTER VI.

Off La Valette, Feb. 20, 1800.

MY DEAR LADY HAMILTON,

Had you seen t