land, to send this letter: for I would not,
for the world, miss any opportunity of sending you a line.

By Gibraltar, I wrote you, as lately as the 4th; but all our ways of
communicating with England, are very uncertain: and, I believe, the
Admiralty must have forgot us; for, not a vessel of any kind or sort
has joined us, since I left Spithead.

News, I absolutely am ignorant of: except, that a schooner, belonging
to me, put her nose into Toulon; and four frigates popped out, and
have taken her, and a transport loaded with water for the fleet.
However, I hope to have an opportunity, very soon, of paying them the
debt, with interest.

Mr. Acourt says, at Naples, they hope that the mediation of Russia
will save them: but, I doubt, if Russia will go to war with the French
for any kingdom; and they, poor souls! relying on a broken reed, will
lose Sicily.

As for getting any thing for Bronte, I cannot expect it; for, the
finances of Naples are worse than ever. _Patienza_, however; I will--
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

I see, many Bishops are dead. Is my brother tired of Canterbury? I
wish I could make him a Bishop. If you see him, or write, say that I
have not ten minutes to send away Mr. Acourt, who cannot be detained.

I hope Lord St. Vincent has sent out Sir William Bolton. As soon as I
know who is first Lord, I will write him.

LETTER XXXV.

MY DEAR LADY HAMILTON,

Your friend's godson arrived safe yesterday afternoon; and I shall,
you know, always feel too happy in obeying your commands: for, you
never ask favours, but for your friends.

In short, in every point of view, from Ambassatrice to the duties of
domestic life, I never saw your equal!

That elegance of manners; accomplishments; and, above all, your
goodness of heart, is unparalleled: and only believe, for ever, and
beyond it, your faithful and devoted

NELSON & BRONTE.

Victory, August 24th, 1803.

LETTER XXXVI.

[_N.B. The Mysterious Letter appears to have been inclosed in this
Packet_.]

August 26th, 1803.
Wrote several days past.

MY DEAREST EMMA,

By the Canopus, Admiral Campbell, I have received all your truly kind
and affectionate letters, from May 20th to July 3d; with the exception
of one, dated May 31st, sent to Naples.

This is the first communication I have had with England since we
sailed.

All your letters, _my dear letters_, are so entertaining! and which
paint so clearly wha