nd most obliged and affectionate friend,

Wm. NELSON.

II.

Hilborough, March 29th, 1801.

My Dear Lady,

As I have duty to-day, both morning and afternoon, and to preach
_twice_, I have only time to scrawl a few lines to you between the
services. I will write to my deary to-morrow.

I do not much wonder we have no news from the Baltic, considering the
state of the wind; and, unless it changes, it may be some time first.
Pray God it may be good, when it does arrive.

I was rather surprised to hear _Tom Tit_ (that bad bird) had taken his
flight to town: but, he is a prying little animal, and wishes to know
every thing; and, as he is so small and insignificant, his movements
are not always observed. But, for God's sake, take care of him; and
caution our little jewel to be as much upon her guard as she can. I am
terribly afraid, this bird will endeavour to do mischief. He must be
watched with a hawk's eye. I almost wish some hawk, or _Jove's eagle_,
would either devour him or frighten him away.

It is not very likely I should hear from Yarmouth before you, because
our Yarmouth letters generally go to London first; but if I
should, accidentally, your Ladyship shall depend on hearing from me
immediately.

I am glad my little Horace looks so well; and that you think him so
like his great, his glorious, his immortal Uncle. Why should he not be
like him? Is it so very uncommon for such near relations to have some
similitude? They who say otherwise, only say it out of envy, malice
and hatred, and all uncharitableness; out upon all such miscreants!
say I.

My love to deary, Charlotte, and the hereditary Duke of Bronte.

God bless you, my dear Lady; and believe me, your's faithfully,

Wm. NELSON.

Tell me, in your next, whether you have seen that little bird, called
_Tom Tit_.

III.

Hilborough, August 23d, 1801.

MY DEAR LADY HAMILTON,

I have written two long letters to my jewel, but I still seem to
have more to say. I can't find out whether a certain Viscountess is
expected at Burnham, or no.

I am pleased that you propose bringing Mrs. Nelson to Hilborough. I
hope, Sir William will be able to amuse himself with fishing a little.
The weather is too hot for me to come to London, and I can't leave my
parish at this time.

Tell my Brother, I should have great pleasure in seeing him; and will
go with him to Plymouth, or any where else, if he particularly
desires it. When you have