The Letters of Lord Nelson to Lady Hamilton, Vol. I. / With A Supplement Of Interesting Letters By Distinguished Characters

by Viscount Horatio Nelson Nelson

ALEXANDER JOHN BALL.

Alexander, 9th February 1799.

Davidge Gould is sighing for Palermo; alias Miss K——. I wish the Admiral would let him recreate for a fortnight, and send Hardy to me again.

II.

My Dear Madam,

I had the honour of writing to your Ladyship and Sir William, by the Vanguard; since which, I have read the few lines you had the goodness to address to me at the bottom of Lord Nelson's letter of the 9th inst.

I cannot entertain any hopes of personally paying my respects to you and Sir William, before your departure for England; but, be assured, that I can never forget the very flattering attention you have both been pleased to honour me with.

You must wait a month longer, for the warm weather; otherwise, the transition may be too great for Sir William.

We are anxiously waiting for the Maltese deputies to return from Palermo. The inhabitants are critically situated; but, I hope, all will end well. Good news from you will determine it.

I find, that you fascinate all the navy as much at Palermo as you did at Naples. If we had many such advocates, every body would be a candidate for our profession.