XII.
Piccadilly, April 28th, 1802.
MY DEAR LORD,
Emma says—I must write a letter to you, of condolence for the heavy loss your Lordship has suffered.
When persons, in the prime of life, are carried off by accidents or sickness—or what is, I believe, oftener the case, by the ignorance and mistakes of the physicians—then, indeed, there is reason to lament! But as, in the case of your good Father, the lamp was suffered to burn out fairly, and that his sufferings were not great; and that, by his Son's glorious and unparalleled successes, he saw his family ennobled, and with the probability, in time, of its being amply rewarded, as it ought to have been long ago—his mind could not be troubled, in his latter moments, on account of the family he left behind him: and, as to his own peace of mind, at the moment of his dissolution, there can be no doubt, among those who ever had the honour of his acquaintance.
I have said more than I intended; but dare say, your Lordship had nearly the same thoughts—with the addition of the feelings of a dutiful Son, for the loss of a most excellent Father.
It is, however, now—as your Lordship is the Father of your
Family—incumbent upon you to take particular care of your own health.
Nay, you are, by the voice of the nation, its first prop and support.
Keep up your spirits; and, that you may long enjoy your well-earned honours, is the sincere wish of your Lordship's affectionate friend, and attached humble servant,
Wm. HAMILTON.
Letters
FROM
LORD NELSON
TO
SIR WILLIAM HAMILTON, K.B.
Letters OF LORD NELSON, &c.