{ No. 593.} { 10,376.} { 14,381.} { 20,457.}
Each, I hope, will come up prize; and be entitled to receive, at least, on the whole, twenty thousand pounds! I paid eighteen pounds eight shillings for them; and I have written upon the back of each—"Property of Lord Nelson, 22d September 1804. A.D."
When I have the pleasure of seeing you, I shall deliver the trust over to you, to receive the bespoken said sum of twenty thousand pounds. What a glorious receipt will it be!
I am glad you received my letters, though I could not make out the name of the place; the Post-Office runners are expert at it.
What do you say to a Spanish war? I think, now, the breeze begins to freshen; and that the flames, at last, will succeed.
I sent off, last night, a very long epistle to our dear Nelson. I am truly distressed at his not receiving my letters; though I can pretty well guess how to account for it, and in whose hands they were detained. Experience teaches us how better to guard against similar misfortunes; and, in future, I shall be cautious to whom I give my letters.
So that I know the Hero of heroes is well, I care the less about letters; knowing that writing, delivering, or receiving them, will not, either in him or me, make the least alteration, or lessen our attachment or affection.
I am pleased to see how happy you are in Norfolk. I wish you may not find it so fascinating, that the arrival of "Lord Nelson" at Merton would not induce you to [quit] the county!!!
I beg you will make my best respects acceptable to every friend (real) of that invaluable man, Lord Nelson.
Your's, most truly,
ALEX. DAVISON.