JET. 41.]

LETTERS.

133

fore, although the orders for those Ships cruising may havebeen given by my Seniors at that time in the Mediterra-nean, yet consider myself from the time (I think, of theirquitting the Station, but most assuredly from either theirFlags being struck, or having passed under the command ofother Officers,) entitled to the emoluments arising from Prizestaken by Mediterranean Ships, as much as if I had a Com-mission as Commander-in-Cliief. I therefore desire, in caseany difficulty arises from improper claims, that you will layin my claim as Commander-in-Cliief for all Prizes taken;and if this is not authority enough for you to act, pray begMessrs. Marsh and Creed to do it. I am cut short enoughby having no other emoluments. I, as the King gives methis, am determined no power shall take it from me. I con-sider my right for the Ethalion and Alcmene , as two-thirds ofone-eighth, and Duckworth for the other. Ever, my dearfriend, believe me your obliged,

Brontf, Nelson.

TO LIEUTENANT PHILIP LAMP.

[Letter-Book.]

Palermo, 11th December, 1799.

Dear Sir,

I have received your letter of November 21st, relative tothe propriety of Admirals sharing prize-money for a Shipunder the circumstances of the Dover. Although it is not inmy power to give up without the consent of Admiral Duck-worth, yet from the circumstances as stated by you, and theaccompanying paper, I have no scruple of declaring that, inmy opinion, the Admirals have no right to share for theVessel taken by the Dover. Having given this as my opinion,I cannot but highly reprobate the measure of granting aLetter of Marque to the Transport-Board, as an act highlydetrimental to the King’s service, by holding out a reward forthe searching for Prizes, instead, probably, of pursuing thevoyage, and of giving to the Board a part of the profit arisingfrom the cruizing of the Store-ships. Here let me be clearlyunderstood, that although I reprobate the idea of prize-money for the Board in all cases, yet it should be held out to