and desired to present to you, two very handsome
Venetian chains, received from Venice. This I would not suffer; for I
allow no one to make my own Emma presents, but her Nelson. Therefore,
he will be paid for them; but, your obligation is not the less to
him. He is a very worthy, excellent, modest man, and an excellent
secretary.

Dr. Scott is, at times, wrong in the head; absolutely, too much
learning has turned him. But we all go on very well.

I had a letter from Gibbs about Bronte, and from Noble, which will
begin another letter; only, believe me, at all times, sides, and ends,
most faithfully your's, for ever,

NELSON & BRONTE.

LETTER XXXVIII.

September 26th, 1803.

MY DEAREST EMMA,

We have had, for these fourteen days past, nothing but gales of wind,
and a heavy sea. However, as our ships have suffered no damage, I
hope to be able to keep the sea all the winter. Nothing, but dire
necessity, shall force me to that out of the way place, Malta. If I
had depended upon that island, for supplies for the fleet, we must all
have been knocked up, long ago; for, Sir Richard Bickerton sailed from
Malta, the same day I left Portsmouth. So that we have been a pretty
long cruise; and, if I had only to look to Malta for supplies,
our ships companies would have been done for long ago. However, by
management, I have got supplies from Spain, and also from _France_;
but it appears, that we are almost shut out from Spain, for they begin
to be very uncivil to our ships. However, I suppose, by this time,
something is settled; but, I never hear from England. My last letters
are July 6th, near three months. But, as I get French newspapers
occasionally, we guess how matters are going on.

I have wrote Mr. Gibbs, again, a long history about Bronte; and, I
hope, if General Acton will do nothing for me, that he will settle
something: but, I know, whatever is settled, I shall be the loser.
Till next year, the debt will not be paid off; how--

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

LETTER XXXIX.

Victory, off Toulon,
October 18th, 1803.

MY DEAREST EMMA,

Your truly kind and affectionate letters, from July 17th, to August
24th, all arrived safe in the Childers, the 6th of this month.

Believe me, my beloved Emma, that I am truly sensible of all your
love and affection, which is reciprocal. You have, from the variety of
incidents passing before you, much to tell me; and, besides, you have