“Were I to die this moment, want of frigates would be found stamped on my heart.  No words of mine, can express what I have suffered, and am suffering, for want of them.  Having only La Mutine brig, I cannot yet send off Captain Capel, which I am very anxious to do:  for, as an accident may happen to Captain Berry, it is of some importance, I think, for your lordship to be informed of our success as speedily as possible.  If the King of Naples had joined us, nothing at this moment could prevent the destruction of the store ships, and all the transports, in the port of Alexandria; four bomb vessels would burn the whole in a few hours:  but, as I have not the means, I can only regret the circumstance.  I send you a pacquet of intercepted letters, some of them of great importance; in particular, one from Bonaparte to his brother.  He writes such a scrawl, as no one not used to it can read:  but, luckily, we have got a man who has wrote in his office to decypher it.  Bonaparte has differed with his generals here:  and he did want—­and, if I understand his meaning, does want, and will strive to be, the Washington of France. “Ma mere,” is evidently meant for “my country.”  But, I beg pardon:  all this is, I have no doubt, well known to administration.  I believe, our victory will, in it’s consequences, destroy this army; at least, my endeavours shall not be wanting.  I shall remain here for some time.  I have thought it right to send an officer (by Alexandretta, Aleppo, and Bussorah) over land, to India, with an account of what I have gathered from these dispatches; which, I hope, will be approved.  I have sent a copy of my letter to the Board of Controul, that they may give the necessary directions for paying the officers bills.  If it should have gone to the East India Company, I hope that board will forward it.  Ever believe me, your lordship’s most obliged and obedient servant,

     “Horatio Nelson.”

The letter thus mentioned, as being addressed to the Board of Controul, was written to the Right Honourable Henry Dundas, then President of that Board, the present celebrated Lord Melville, in these words—­

     “Vanguard,
     Mouth of the Nile,
     9th August 1798.

     “SIR,

“As President of the Board of Controul for India, I have addressed this letter to you:  if I ought to have addressed it to the India House, I request you will have the goodness to send it to the Chairman of the Company; and, that you will excuse the trouble I have given you.  I have thought it right to send an officer, Lieutenant Duval, who very handsomely offered his services, by Alexandretta, Aleppo, and Bussorah, to Bombay, to give all the accounts I know of the movements of the French army, and their future intentions.  Herewith, I send a copy of my letter; and of the orders I have given him, to draw for money on the East India Company, &c.  If I have done wrong, I hope the bills will be paid,