Memoirs of the Life of Vice-Admiral Lord Viscount Nelson, Volume 1

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T. and W. Boone, 1849 - Admirals

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Page 33 - ... former taciturnity. It was impossible, during this visit, for any of us to make out his real character ; there was such a reserve and sternness in his behaviour, with occasional sallies, though very transient, of a superior mind. Being placed by him, I endeavoured to rouse his attention by showing him all the civilities in my power ; but I drew out little more than ' Yes,' and ' No.' If you, Fanny, had been there, we think you would have made something of him ; for you have been in the habit...
Page 222 - To tell you," he says, writing to Lady Hamilton, "how dreary and uncomfortable the Vanguard appears, is only telling you what it is to go from the pleasantest society to a solitary cell; or from the dearest friends to no friends. I am now perfectly the great man, — not a creature near me. From my heart I wish myself the little man again. You and good Sir William have spoiled me for any place, but with you.
Page 35 - Have you not often heard,' says he, in another letter, 'that salt water and absence always wash away love ? Now I am such a heretic as not to believe that faith ; for, behold, every morning I have had six pails of salt water poured upon my head, and instead of finding what seamen say to be true, it goes on so contrary to the prescription, that you must, perhaps, see me before the fixed time.
Page 220 - The sole result was, that the governor of Malta became an especial object of its hatred, its fear, and its respect.
Page 121 - I ought not to call what has happened to the Vanguard by the cold name of accident ; I believe firmly it was the Almighty's goodness, to check my consummate vanity.
Page 279 - I am fully aware of the act I have committed; but I am prepared for any fate which may await my disobedience. Capua and Gaieta will soon fall; and the moment the scoundrels of French are out of this kingdom I shall send eight or nine ships of the line to Minorca. I have done what I thought right: others may think differently: but it will be my consolation that I have gained a kingdom, seated a faithful ally of his majesty firmly on his throne, and restored happiness to millions.
Page 30 - I understand.* The whole of my income does not exceed £130 per annum. Now I must come to the point: — will you, if I should marry, allow me yearly £1oo.| until my income is increased to that sum, either by employment, or any other way? A very few years I hope will turn something up, if my friends will but exert themselves.
Page 444 - I disapprove most exceedingly ; honour may arise from them, good cannot. I hear we are likely to anchor outside Cronenburg Castle, instead of Copenhagen, which would give weight to our negotiation : a Danish Minister would think twice before he would put his name to war with England, when the next moment he would probably see his Master's Fleet in flames, and his Capital in ruins ; but ' out of sight out of mind,' is an old saying. The Dane should see our Flag waving every moment he lifted up his...
Page 112 - Memorialist has also served on shore with the Army four months, and commanded the Batteries at the Sieges of Bastia and Calvi...
Page 365 - of your kindness in wishing my presence at the finish of the Egyptian fleet, but I have no cause for sorrow. The thing could not be better done, and I would not for all the world rob you of one particle of your well-earned laurels.

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