Early on the 22d of October, Lord Nelson quitted the Amazon, in the Downs; and, immediately landing at Deal, set off post for Merton.  On arriving at this small village, it is a singular fact that, being asked by the post-boy, which was the house; his lordship could only reply, that he knew no more than himself.  It was, however, soon found; and never was man more delighted, than our hero, at beholding his new residence.  Every glowing feature of his amiable friends spoke the welcome which was felt by each heart, as the various beauties of this little spot were pointed out to his inquisitive eye.  He viewed all with admiration and astonishment, so greatly did it surpass every idea which he had formed.  “Is this, too, mine?” he repeatedly asked, as he was shewn the different parts of his estate; the house, the gardens, the dairy, &c.  He was particularly charmed with the admirable contrivance of a commodious subterranean passage, formed beneath the high road, and leading to the beautiful and extensive plantation walks with which the fields and kitchen gardens, on that side, are so agreeably environed; this estate, among others in that neighbourhood, having been formerly severed, in consequence of an act of parliament for intersecting it by a new road to Epsom.  “Oh, Sir William!” exclaimed his lordship, embracing his most worthy friend, when he had seen the whole, “the longest liver shall possess it all!” Lord Nelson was never a man of words; the memory of this engagement, when he afterwards made his will, has conveyed the beautiful villa of Merton Place to Lady Hamilton.

The peace that at this period ensued, happily prevented any necessity for his lordship’s return to the fleet, which was soon after paid off.  In the attainment of this peace, it will be the province of every historian who duly considers the entire combination of causes and effects, justly to appreciate the merits of our hero; who, however, was, by no means of opinion that it could prove of any very long duration, till the restless ambition of Bonaparte should be still more efficaciously checked.

His lordship was ever affectionately attached to his Royal Highness the Prince of Wales; as well as to the Duke of Clarence, and all the other royal brothers:  he was fully sensible, too, of the brilliant political abilities of some of the chief members of the opposition, and felt sincerely desirous of seeing them fairly devoted to the service of the country.  He regarded, however, what was universally deemed “the honest administration of Mr. Addington,” the present Lord Sidmouth, as entitled to all the support which he could render men who not unworthily enjoyed a high degree of their sovereign’s confidence and favour.  No considerations of private friendship could ever induce him to unite in any systematic opposition of his majesty’s ministers.  He was, he said, the King’s servant; and would, in every way, defend him with his best abilities.  His lordship joined not in any condemnation of the peace; which