Volume I Part 20 (1/2)

IV.

MY DEAR LADY HAMILTON,

Permit me to introduce to your acquaintance and protection another hero of the Nile, in Captain Darby, of the Bellerophon; who you will find a pleasant, queer, and faithful Irishman.

I also beg leave to interest you in favour of Mrs. Lock; a daughter of the d.u.c.h.ess of Leinster, by Mr. Ogilvie. Her husband is appointed Consul at Naples; which may occasion some difficulty in bringing her forward, unless the etiquette is altered touching Consuls.

G.o.d bless you, my dear Madam; and, be a.s.sured, I always am your Ladys.h.i.+p's truly affectionate

ST. VINCENT.

Rosia House, Gibraltar, 1st January 1799.

V.

MY DEAR LADY HAMILTON,

I cannot sufficiently thank you, for sending me her Sicilian Majesty's most gracious letter; the contents of which I feel, as becomes a good royalist, and loyal subject: and for your goodness to Mrs. Lock; who, poor thing! merits a more respectable situation than that of Consuless. She is, certainly, a very comely woman, and truly amiable.

The designation Sir William has in contemplation for him, will place them in an honourable stile; and, I have no doubt, from the protection they have at home, will lead to ministerial character.

You are very good to my old friend Darby--who is a good-humoured, blundering Irishman; and will make you laugh, in the midst of the pangs your Ladys.h.i.+p must suffer for the destiny of the delightful city and country to which you have so long contributed a large portion of the gaiety and charming society of Sir William's hospitable mansion: for, although I had not the good fortune to revisit Naples after Sir William's return, all my travelling friends did ample justice to the liberality of the representatives of our Royal Master and Mistress.

Mr. Preston was charge, when I was at Naples with the Duke of Gloucester; and, though a worthy gentleman, and since a pious Bishop, he was certainly a dry comedian.

Have the goodness to commend me to the Queen; continue to nurse my excellent friend, Nelson; and, when I have the happiness to see Sir William and your Ladys.h.i.+p here, I will pour the effusions of my heart upon you both. The Governor has added two rooms to the convent, for your accommodation; and Mrs. Grey, late Miss Whitbread, wife to the Captain of the Ville de Paris, will contribute all that this house affords for the entertainment of both.

G.o.d bless you, my dear Lady Hamilton; and, be a.s.sured, no man respects and esteems you more truly than your Ladys.h.i.+p's truly affectionate

ST. VINCENT.

Rosia House, 27th February 1799.

Letters

FROM

SIR ALEXANDER JOHN BALL

TO