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THE
Letters
OF
LORD NELSON
TO
LADY HAMILTON;
WITH A
SUPPLEMENT
OF
INTERESTING LETTERS,
BY
Distinguished Characters.
* * * * *
London:
Printed by Macdonald and Son, Smithfield,
FOR THOMAS LOVEWELL & CO. STAINES HOUSE,
BARBICAN;
1814.
In presenting to the Public the Letters of LORD NELSON to LADY
HAMILTON, something may justly be expected elucidatory of them.
Their mutual attachment is so generally known, that for the Editorsto have given notes, however desirable and explanatory, might not,perhaps, have been deemed perfectly decorous.
They now stand on their own real merits. Some parts (though not verynumerous) have been suppressed, from the most honourable feelings toindividuals, as they would certainly have given pain.
That portion of Letters now offered to the BRITISH NATION, writtenby the first of her Naval Commanders, will shew his most privatesentiments of men and measures, of countries and their rulers.
It is the duty of the Editors to state, that every letter hasbeen most accurately transcribed, and faithfully compared with theoriginals in their possession.
Should our IMMORTAL HERO have expressed an erroneous opinion of someindividuals and of things, let us ever remember, they were written(often under the feelings of sickness and of disappointment) byhim who so repeatedly fought, and almost as frequently bled, for ourcountry—for his "DEAR ENGLAND;" and let us never forget, that to himwe owe more than to any man for our existence as a great and powerfulNation.
His country has truly honoured him; and it is not presumptuous in theEditors to affirm, that his deeds will be remembered, not only inname, but in their consequences, by our remotest posterity.
Were we to dedicate them, unto whom should we?—To the BRITISH NAVY;as the genuine sentiments of a true seaman—the first even oftheir own Heroes; for NELSON could forego all private feelings, allselfish motives, for that which will ever be the first object of atruly great and brave man—the glory and happiness of his country.
Our task, which has, from various causes, been attended with moredifficulties than could be imagined, is thus far accomplished; and wehave the pleasure to inform the public, that a very large collectionof LORD NELSON'S most important public and private correspondence,&c. with the most distinguished characters (at home and abroad) isnow in preparation for the press. Many of the documents will certainlythrow a light on political transactions at present very imperfectlyunderstood; and those which we intend to present to the world, wedoubt not, will be found more than usually interesting.
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