letters. I shall try and persevere this expedition, and further it is useless to look. I suppose we shall anchor this evening about 8 o'clock, between the Koll and Cronenburgh, not only to prepare for battle, for no signal is yet made, although I believe several have followed my example. I have not had a bulk head in the ship since last Saturday. It is not so much that being in the way as to prepare people's minds that we are going at it, and that they should have no other thought but how they may best annoy their enemies. Every letter of yours is in the fire, and ever shall, for no good but much harm might arise from their falling into improper hands. What a villain that young underling must be, but I dare say it was only an idle curiosity and not a desire to steal. Botany Bay would be a good berth for him. Both Hardy and myself rejoice that Parker acquits himself so well, and I hope he will get the gold chain and medal for burning a firstrate. 1⁄2 pt. 5, the signal is just made to prepare for battle, therefore many of our ships may amuse themselves. We were at quarters and have nothing to do. The wind is getting directly contrary at S.S.W. May God send us success, is the fervent prayer of your most affectionate friend, We anchored last night. It blew fresh all night, and this morning only 38 sail out of 58 were with us. Bellona and Russel missing; wind just getting to W.S.W. Signal to prepare to weigh. Much snow, I see, about our rigging. I find it very sharp. I suppose we shall anchor in the passage, and in the night collect our ships. I shall not close my letter till then. March 23rd, 1801. MY DEAR TROUBRIDGE: As I hear the Danes will listen to no terms I have only to regret our loss of time. Till our arrival here we have had only one day's foul wind. Our small craft are behind-there is no activity. Now we have only to fight, and I trust we shall do honor to our country. With my best regards to the Earl, Believe me ever Your affectionate friend, NELSON AND BRONTE. We anchored off the Koll the 20th, 1801. Since then, the wind has been foul. The commander in chief has just sent for me, and shall have my firm support, and my honest opinion, if he condescends to ask it. The wind will be at West or N.W. tomorrow. On the 29th of March, Lord Nelson shifted his flag from the St. George, 98, to the Elephant, 74, commanded by Captain Foley. She was a lighter ship than the St. George. Captain Foley had arrived with intelligence of the loss of the Invincible. "ELEPHANT,” March 29th, 1801. MY DEAR TROUBRIDGE: You will, I have no doubt, be very much surprized by the account given by Mr. Vansittart, and I hope he has fully stated the conversation and language I held to Sir Hyde Parker, which I believe, for I do not know the contents of Sir Hyde's letters except the last; compleatly altered his opinion, or rather the opinion of Captain Domett; for let me do justice, and if I speak on such a delicate subject that it may be as clear as it is true; that being the case, I do say that from all I have heard that Sir Hyde never would have thought of not passing the Sound if Domett had not seen great difficulty and danger in the passage, and no possible good, for very far be it from me to detract from the very high character of Captain Domett: his bravery, his abilities in the conduct of a fleet are, I hear (for I never served with him), of the very highest class; but perhaps they are calculated for the fleet off Ushant, not clearly in my judgment for a situation such as Sir Hyde Parker's, where the spur of the moment must call forth the clearest decision and the most active conduct. On occasions we must sometimes have a regular confusion, and that apparent confusion must be the most regular method which could be pursued on the occasion. To this service (with all respect for Domett) I cannot yet bring myself to think Domett is equal, and so much was working in my mind that I would not trust myself, after I had seen Sir Hyde the day Mr. Vansittart [left], to write the scrape of a pen. My last line to you before I left the St. George was, if you recollect, "Now we are goLittle could I think it was to converse on ing to fight, I suppose I am to be consulted." command of myself, for I should have let out not fighting. I feel happy I had so much what you might have been sorry to see, especially fancying I had been, to say no worse, very unkindly treated by Sir Hyde, that is, with a degree of hautiness which my spirit could not bear. However I have now every reason to believe that Sir H. has found it is not necessary to be high to me, and that I have his real honor at heart, and in having that, I have the honour of my country. His conduct is certainly the very reverse to what it was. God knows I wish Sir Hyde could perform such services that he might receive more honors and rewards than any admiral. March 30th, 6 o'clock in the morning. We are now standing for Cronenburgh: the Van is formed in a compact line, and old Stricker, for that is the Governor's name, had better take care we do not strike his head off. I hope we shall mend on board the London, but I now pity both Sir Hyde and Domet; they both, I fancy, wish themselves elsewhere. You may depend on every exertion of mine to keep up harmony. For the rest, the spirit of this fleet will make all difficulty from enemies appear as nothing. I do not think I ever saw more true a desire to distinguish themselves in my life. I have more to tell you if ever we meet. With kindest regards to the Earl, Believe me, Ever your affectionate NELSON AND BRONTE. Foley desires his best regards to you. SIR THOMAS TROUBRIDGE, BART. never was shown. Yesterday I was closeted 2 hours with the Prince Royal, and he allowed me to speak my mind freely, and I believe I told him such truths as seldom reach the ears of princes. H. R. H. seemed much affected, and I am satisfied 't is only fear of Russia and other powers that prevents the renunciation of his alliance with Russia and Sweden. However, he is to send off some proposition to Sir Hyde Parker, but I have not much hopes. My reception was too flattering, and landing at Portsmouth or Yarmouth could not have exceeded the blessings of the people; even the Palace and staircase were crowded, and huzzas, which could not have been very grateful to royal ears. I am, my dear Troubridge, very candidly pleased respecting the promotion. My duty pointed out the promotion of the first Lieutenant of the Elephant and all my own children are neglected. I should hope that the admiralty, if they promote the first Lieutenants of the ships engaged, will consider that Lord Nelson's recommendation may have some little weight. On the back of this letter (March 30) is Mr. Bolton and Mr. Loyne it is my wish to written the following list: The battle which was fought three days after this letter was written was one fraught with greater difficulty and risk than any won by Nelson, partly from the unfavorable situation of the ships, close to the large shoal which lies in front of Copenhagen, and also from the formidable defenses with which the Danes had lined their shores. Nelson, too, was only second in command. On that momentous Good Friday Eve, when the English fleet took up its position and commenced the action, the firing of the Danish guns was so incessant -unslackened even after three hours that Sir Hyde Parker signaled to Nelson to retreat. Nelson, however, disregarded the signal for discontinuing to fight. "You know, Foley," turning to his captain, "I have only one eye; I have a right to be blind sometimes; I really do not see the signal; d-n the signal. Keep mine for closer battle flying." In the simplest words, Nelson, in the following letter, tells the result of the engagement, which he considered likely to be one of the most important, in its results, of all those he had gone through. Apl. 4th, 1801. MY DEAR TROUBRIDGE: The job is done, and the State of Denmark is convinced we can fight a little; more distinguished bravery have promoted. I only hope that I may have provisional leave to return home, for neither my health or spirits can stand the hard fag of body and mind I have endured since the 24th of last month. Pray send my letters as directed, and believe me Ever your attached and affectionate friend, NELSON AND BRONTE. black sheep, thank God. Captain Thesiger Apl. 9th, 10 o'clock at night. MY DEAR TROUBRIDGE: I have only a moment to write my letters, as Colonel Stewart goes off at 4 o'clock in the morning. I am in a fright at the decision about the ministers thought of this armistice [sic]. Be it good or bad it is my own; therefore if blamable, let me be the only person censured. I shall certainly give up instantly. I believe no person can arrive from this fleet who will not tell you that mine has not been quite a life of inactivity since the 23rd. Foley and Murray's ships, and indeed all, are perfection again. I am trying to get over the ground, but Sir Hyde is slow, and I am afraid the Revel fleet will slip through our fingers. Why we are not long since at Revel is past my comprehension. Pray send my letters, and I have, my dear friend, a 1000 thanks for your care of those sent me; they are my only comfort. Mr. Lay- in check. May God bless you, my dear Trouman is really an acquisition when kept within bridge, and believe me forever, your most bounds. Ever, my dear Troubridge, Your affectionate friend, affectionate friend, NELSON AND BRONTE. Your son was well at 6 o'clock. April 12th, 1801. Ah, my dear Troubridge, the wind is now at the same point it was when I carried my division about the middle, and all our 74s and 64s ought this day to be over the grounds, but I am fretting to death. We had a report yesterday that the Swedish fleet were above the grounds, but nothing can rouse our unaccountable lethargy. I hope from my heart that my leave is coming out, and another Admiral, if it is necessary, in my place, for, my dear friend, I am miserable myself at being useless to our country. "ELEPHANT," April 20th. East of Bornholm 7 or 8 leags. MY DEAR TROUBRIDGE: As Sir Hyde may probably send something to Copenhagen to keep up our communication with England, and to know what is passing in the world, I send you a line which probably will be read, and therefore I shall not enter into the thou sand things I could say in case the War in the Baltic goes on, to which, although I shall only be listener, yet from my heart shall I wish as much brilliant success as ever graced the arms of England, nor can anything prevent it that I can see. The St. George not able to get over the grounds, on the 14th, Sir Hyde sent me word that the Swedish fleet was at sea, consisting of ten sail of the line, making fourteen sail in the whole. You will believe that I came up 7 or 8 leags in a bitter cold night, and Foley was kind enough to receive me in the Elephant-for this I feel much obliged to Sir Hyde, for to have been left behind in the expectation of an action would have been worse than death. I hope that the first vessel will bring my leave of absence, either from the Board or from the First Lord. If not, I shall make my application to Sir Hyde Parker, for longer I cannot stay, and if I could tell you all which is passing in my mind, I am sure you and all good men would approve. We saw the Swedes yesterday very comfortable in Carlscroone, eight sail of the line and two frigates; whether they had more at sea is matter of doubt. I believe not, for where should they send them? The Cattegat I should suppose in the summer, if this northern war goes on, will be impassable for Swedish craft. It will require a ship of the line, a frigate, and some good sloops to keep the Swedish flotilla and frigates in Gottenburg NELSON AND BRONTE. "ST. GEORGE," April 23d. Off Moon Island near Amark. MY DEAR TROUBRIDGE: Pray send the enclosed. I am longing to hear from England; not a scrap since the 5th. I could tell you such things that you would go quite mad. As for me, I am only half, but cannot sleep — you may fancy anything. Send for us all home, at all events for your old and faithful friend, NELSON AND BRONTE. In 14 days from this date I hope to shake hands with you. "ST. GEORGE," KOIGE BAY, April 25th, 1801. SIR: From my state of health and other serious considerations, I have to request that missioners of the Admiralty that I may be you will be pleased to move my Lord's compermitted to return to England and to go on shore for the purpose of re-establishing my health, and to enable me to, attend to those affairs which require my personal attendance. I have the honor to be, sir, with great respect, your most obedient servant, NELSON AND BRONTE. EVAN NEPEAN, ESQR. "ST. GEORGE," KIOGE BAY, April 28th, 1801. MY DEAR TROUBRIDGE: You may be useful to my friends, and those who have a fair and honourable claim for my interest to get them promoted, and I feel confident that you will. Most probably I shall never have the power myself, or be in any situation to be useful to either any of your or the Earl's friends. Last night's attack almost did me up, and I can hardly tell how I feel today. I have this day wrote to Sir Hyde Parker. Whatever has again brought on my old complaint, I cannot tell; the two last I had was going down to Plymouth with my brother, and a little one in Yarmouth Roads. Lt. Bolton, Lyne, and Langford are our old Mediterranean friends; the two first, I trust, will be made by the Admiralty. the last was with me in the action on board the Elephant, and, had I followed the plan of my commander in chief, I should have named him, but I could not, unfortunately for Mr. Langford, bring myself to do an act of injustice. You must recollect him-Lord St. Vincent placed him with Niza; he has no interest, and is as good an officer and a man as ever lived. -- These are my three first, and were with us in the Mediterranean. All the others are really good, and if I ever serve again, will most assuredly be with me. Ever, my dear Troubridge, your affectionate friend, NELSON AND BRONTE. SIR THOMAS Troubridge, Bart. "St. George," May 2nd, 1801. MY DEAR TROUBRIDGE: If I had been strong enough, I should have set out for England over land, but Sir Hyde sends me word that the Blanche shall go as soon as the Cruizer arrives. I believe one thing is pretty certain, that, if I do not get from here in a very short time, that I shall remain forever. I am dreadfully pulled down. May God bless you, and believe me ever yours faithfully, NELSON AND BRONTE. SIR THOS. TROUBRIDGE, BART. May 7th, 1801. MY DEAR TROUBRIDGE: The Cruizer arrived last night, and brought me yours of the 23rd. I hope to meet Lord St. Helens in Russia, if it please God I live to get there, which I assure you is matter of doubt, for my night sweats and cough are much against me. You may believe that nothing could have been more gratifiying under good health than this command,1 where I find everybody devoted and kind to me in the extreme. Had it been given to me at first, good to myself and the cause might have arisen, but it's now too late. Quiet I must have to have a chance of restoration to my health, but I dare say I have tormented you so much on this subject that you say, "Damn him, I wish he was dead, and not plaguing me this way"-therefore, I never shall mention to you one more word on the subject. I hope the next commander will be as strong as a horse. However, I wish you health and many years of it, and ever believe me, your affectionate friend, NELSON AND BRONTE. Tom 2 is well. SIR T. TROUBRIDGE, BART. MY DEAR TROUBRIDGE: Captn. Nowell is come out to supersede Bligh, who is gone home in the Monarch, having changed with Captn. Birchall. I have not returned Captn. Birchall to his Harpy, as I believe his confirmed post will come out in due time. As s yet I have heard nothing of promotion, but I trust it will arrive before my departure. Pray send the enclosed. I am sending to Rodwell to en 1 The recall of Sir Hyde Parker, and the appointment of Lord Nelson as commander-in-chief, had arrived by this vessel. quire the prices of beef and bread we have. I shall be, I dare say, miserably cheated. Ever yours faithfully, NELSON AND BRONTE. SIR THOS. TROUBRIDGE, BART. Foul wind, 2 P. M., May 8th, 1801. Lord Nelson had concluded an armistice with Denmark, to last for fourteen weeks, and just before the date of the next letter had gone with the fleet to Revel, intending to ask an interview with the Emperor Alexander, and to negotiate a peace. He did not succeed in obtaining the interview, and the final peace was not made until after Nelson had quitted the fleet for England. "St. GEORGE," May 17th, 1801. MY DEAR TROUBRIDGE: I left Revel this morning. I believe the ministers thought with. eleven ships I should run away with their miserable fleet of 43 sail of the Line, including 5 first rates. I expect to meet Murray en route, as he was directed to join me when relieved by Rear Ad. Totty. If we had been at war with Russia (and I do not find we are at peace with her) till the 3rd May nothing could have saved the Revel fleet, and as they now lay, if our ministers do not show by their conduct that we are coming we can attack them before they knew we were in the Gulph of Finland. I hope to meet a new Admiral when I see Bornholm. You will see our state of bread. The Russians wanted to cheat us, but we did not stay long enough. Pray send the enclosed. Expecting to shake hands with you in fourteen days from this day, I shall only say with truth that I am your most faithful friend, NELSON AND BRONTE. SIR THOS. TROUBridge, Bart. MY DEAR TROUBRIDGE: I hope all will end to the advantage of our country. In the Baltic the raising of the embargo must give pleasure in England. Pray forward the enclosed. I hope my successor is near at hand. Ever your faithful friend, NELSON AND BRONTE. "ST. GEORGE," May 27, 1801. I am forced to pay as much again as I ought. SIR T. TROUBRidge, Bart. MY DEAR TROUBRIDGE: However flattering the honor done me by the Admiralty is, yet I must be sorry to tell you that it is a good 2 Edward Thomas Troubridge, only son of Sir Thomas Troubridge, was serving on board Nelson's ship as midshipman. Farther down on the same side of Cheap- of the days when Kent had a king of its own. side, beyond the Church of St. Mary-le-Bow, At the end of the court is the magnificent hall is a block of stone buildings with an ornate of the Grocers' Company. Their records esmodern door decorated in the middle with caped the fire, and few companies have such sculpture. It lies between Ironmonger lane and full means of explaining their history in detail. Old Jewry. This is the property of the mercers, On June 12, 1345, a number of pepperers, one of the richest of the great companies, and as the grocers were then styled, met together here is their hall on the site, as very old Lon- at dinner by agreement at the town mansion don tradition says, of the house of Gilbert, of the Abbot of Bury in St. Mary Axe. They father of Thomas à Becket, for so many centuries talked their common affairs over and agreed the pride of the citizens of London as St. to form themselves into a voluntary associa |