Authentic Narrative of the Death of Lord NelsonBeatty, William
History
Authentic Narrative of the Death of Lord Nelson
Beatty, William
Admirals -- Great Britain -- Biography; Nelson, Horatio Nelson, Viscount, 1758-1805 -- Death and burial
low tone, "Don't throw me overboard, HARDY." The Captain answered: "Oh!
no, certainly not."--"Then," replied HIS LORDSHIP, "you know what to
do:[16] and," continued he, "take care of my dear Lady HAMILTON, HARDY;
take care of poor Lady HAMILTON. Kiss me, HARDY." The Captain now knelt
down, and kissed his cheek; when HIS LORDSHIP said, "Now I am satisfied.
Thank GOD, I have done my duty." Captain HARDY stood for a minute or two
in silent contemplation: he then knelt down again, and kissed HIS
LORDSHIP'S forehead. HIS LORDSHIP said: "Who is that?" The Captain
answered: "It is HARDY;" to which HIS LORDSHIP replied, "GOD bless you,
HARDY!" After this affecting scene Captain HARDY withdrew, and returned
to the quarter-deck, having spent about eight minutes in this his last
interview with his dying friend.
Lord NELSON now desired Mr. CHEVALIER, his Steward, to turn him upon his
right side; which being effected, HIS LORDSHIP said: "I wish I had not
left the deck, for I shall soon be gone." He afterwards became very low;
his breathing was oppressed, and his voice faint. He said to Doctor
SCOTT, "Doctor, I have _not_ been a _great_ sinner;" and after a short
pause, "_Remember_, that I leave Lady HAMILTON and my Daughter HORATIA
as a legacy to my Country: and," added he, "never forget HORATIA." His
thirst now increased; and he called for "Drink, drink," "Fan, fan," and
"Rub, rub:" addressing himself in the last case to Doctor SCOTT, who
had been rubbing HIS LORDSHIP'S breast with his hand, from which he
found some relief. These words he spoke in a very rapid manner, which
rendered his articulation difficult: but he every now and then, with
evident increase of pain, made a greater effort with his vocal powers,
and pronounced distinctly these last words: "Thank GOD, I have done my
duty;" and this great sentiment he continued to repeat as long as he was
able to give it utterance.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account