AIT. 46.]

LETTERS.

403

TO WILLIAM MARSDEN , ESQ., ADMIRALTY.

[Original, in the Admiralty.]

Victory, at Sea , 11th April, 1805.

Sir,

I am extremely concerned to acquaint you, for the informa-tion of the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty, that Lieu-tenant ., (son to that excellent and respectable Officer

Captain.,) from an unfortunate desire to travel, and

perhaps an imprudent attachment to an Italian female, quittedthe Hydra when she was last at Malta , without, I fear, thesmallest inclination of ever returning to his duty in that Ship.I have, in consequence, removed the Honourable LieutenantWaldegrave , 2 of the Victory, into the Hydra, and appointedMr. William Ram , 3 of the Spencer, in his room, a copy ofwhich is herewith transmitted for their Lordships’ approbation;and also a copy of a Commission which I have given to Mr.George Scott , 4 a former Admiralty recommendation, and alsoof Admiral Lord Keith’s, to be Lieutenant of the Childers, inthe room of the Honourable Lieutenant Maitland , 5 ordered toEngland by their Lordships, which you will be so good as laybefore them for confirmation; and I must beg that you willinterest their Lordships in favour of this unfortunate young

Officer, Lieutenant.. whose youthful imprudence I trust

their Lordships will take into consideration, and, on account of

his worthy and respectable father, Captain., allow his

name to remain on the list of Lieutenants . 6 Their Lordships

will readily conceive the feelings of Captain., and, I

hope, enter into my wishes on this occasion. I am, Sir, &c.

Nelson and Bronte.

* Now Rear-Admiral Lord Radstock, C.B.

8 Lieutenant William Ram was killed in the Victory, at Trafalgar.

4 Promoted to the rank of Commander, in 1812, for his gallantry while SeniorLieutenant of the Phcehe in action with an Enemy’s Squadron off Madagascar , andmade a Post Captain in February 1830.

5 Now Rear-Admiral the Honourable Sir Anthony Maitland, K.C.M.G., and C.B.

6 Lord Nelson’s intercession was successful. The Officer alluded to was, manyyears afterwards, promoted, and is still living.

dd‘2