The Archduke Albert, the emperors uncle, formerly Governor of the Low Countries, gave a grand dinner to his lordship and friends, at the Au Gardens, near Vienna:  which was likewise honoured with the presence of the Elector of Cologne, another uncle of his imperial majesty; the Prince of Wirtemberg; his brother, the Governor of Vienna; all the foreign ministers; and about fifty other persons of the first nobility.

An aquatic fete was also given by the Count Bathiani, on the Danube, within a mile of Vienna; where Lord Nelson was particularly invited to see some experiments made with a very large vessel, which had been projected and constructed by the count, having machinery for working it up against the powerful stream of that rapid torrent.  This vessel had been so splendidly prepared for the reception of the illustrious guests, that it would not have disgraced a congress of sovereigns.  The party were served with coffee, fruits, cakes, ices, &c. in the utmost profusion, and were much pleased with their entertainment; but his lordship did not appear to consider the count’s plan, though prodigiously ingenious, as likely to answer the intended purpose.  The pleasure of the day was considerably enhanced, by their having previously formed a fishing-party, and dined on what they caught by angling, which was Sir William Hamilton’s favourite diversion, at Bridgid Au, near the Au Gardens; two long-boats having conveyed the company to that charming place, with an excellent band of music.

Arnstein, too, the banker, at Vienna, a most opulent, liberal, munificent, and benevolent Jew, whose family may be considered as the Goldsmids of Germany, gave a grand concert, and splendid supper, to his lordship and friends; at which all the foreign ministers and principal nobility were present.

Though the Queen of Naples insisted on defraying all sorts of expences incurred by his lordship and friends during their stay at Vienna, whither they had so handsomely escorted her—­and who had, accordingly, every thing prepared for them at the palace, and regularly sent—­they constantly purchased, without her majesty’s knowledge, whatever they might happen to want.  Mr. Oliver, being one day informed that the Champagne was nearly exhausted, went immediately in search of a fresh stock.  It being a prohibited article at Vienna, the merchant whom he applied to, observed that he did not sell it.  Mr. Oliver then asked, where he could procure some, as he feared his lordship would have none at table.  “What!” said the merchant, “do you want it for the great Lord Nelson?” On being answered in the affirmative, he immediately replied—­“Then you shall take as much as you like; for, no man on earth is more welcome to any thing I have.”  Mr. Oliver took only two bottles, as the owner positively refused to receive any money from his lordship; who, with his usual benignity of heart, on being informed of this generous act, immediately invited the merchant to dine with him next day.