■ST. 41.]
195
[Autograph, in the possession of Sir William Keith Ball, Bart.]
February 27th, 1800.
My dear Ball,
Your letter relative to the movements of the French Shipshas put me a little on the alarm for fear they should escape,therefore, I wish to know precisely whether I may depend oninformation by guns, signals, &c., if the French Ships makeany movements, for instance, this night. I only wish to havean opportunity of getting our lost anchor, to proceed andanchor off La Valetta ; my heart would surely break if theyescape; therefore, either tell me to go directly off Yaletta,or say you may stay safely and trust to our vigilance. TheVincejo brig, the only Vessel with me, shall go off the Town,—communicate to General Graham. Would not false attacksand firing down the harbour prevent their waiting ? for if theEnemy are serious in getting out their Ships, the game is upin La Valetta : write to me this night if it is possible. If weare here to-morrow, I shall rejoice to see you and CaptainVivian ; I rely on Captain Vivian not to let these fellows stealtheir Ships from us. I rejoice to hear Troubridge is better: Iwrote him a line this morning. 6 Ever, my dear Ball, believeme, your obliged and affectionate friend,
Bronte Nelson.
5 A very interesting and warm-hearted letter from Sir Thomas Troubridge toLord Nelson , of the 24th of February, shows that his Lordship had taken slight otfeueeat a supposed want of at tention towards him : “ My Lord,—The trip of yesterday, andthe efforts made the day before, though renlly more an object for an hospital, thanone to pay a friendly visit, General Graham and Ball will tell your Lordship howill I was, and did not reach my Ship till ten o'clock, much tired, &c., &c. All thiswill, 1 trust, cause your Lordship to acquit me of the smallest want of respect andattention, which your letter of the 22nd, which I found on my return last night,
accuses me of..It lias really so unhinged me, that 1 am quite unmanned ami
crying. I would sooner forfeit my life my everything, han be deemed ungratefulto an Officer, and friend, I feel I owe so much to. Pray, pray, acquit me; for 1really do not merit it. There is not a man on earth I love, honour, and esteemmore than your Lordship. Please God I recover, and get from my bed, which 1am now confined to, 1 will be again on board the Foudroyaut. Yesterday 1 had notreceived your letter; 1 had only heard, in a friendly note, that you were surprisedat not hearing from me. At that very time two letters of mine were, and had beenfor days, on their way. . • ■ Ry what Lord Keith said yesterday to the General, youwill be left here. Remember, my Lord, the prospects are rather good at present of
o 2