I visited the two light-houses, and found them perfectly clean, and in good order:  and I never could conceive the brilliant light that they give; one has sixteen reflected lights, and the other ten.

To-day, I go upon my last visit to Lord Milford; and, on Saturday, set out for Piccadilly:  and where I am not without hopes of meeting your Lordship; as I think, in the manner you dispatch business, you will have completed all by Wednesday next, the day I shall probably be in London.

Charles Greville’s kind compliments.  The name of Nelson is in every mouth; and, indeed, we owe every thing to your judgment and exertions.

Adieu!  God bless you.  Ever your Lordship’s affectionate friend, and obliged humble servant,

  Wm. HAMILTON.

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.

I.

  Bastia, May 24th, 1794.

MY DEAR SIR,

Will you have the goodness to forward the inclosed to Mr. Brand, and to present my letter to Lady Hamilton?

Every lover of his country will rejoice in our great and almost unexampled success, to the honour of my Lord Hood, and to the shame of those who opposed his endeavours to serve his country.