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
"WHEREAS the eminent services of EMMA HAMILTON, widow of the Right
Honourable Sir WILLIAM HAMILTON, have been of the very greatest
service to my King and Country, to my knowledge, without ever
receiving any reward from either our King or Country:
"First, that she obtained the King of Spain's letter, in 1796, to
his brother the King of Naples, acquainting him of his intention to
declare war against England; from which letter the ministry sent
out orders to the then Sir JOHN JERVIS, to strike a stroke if
opportunity offered, against either the arsenals of Spain or her
fleets:--that neither of these was done, is not the fault of Lady
HAMILTON; the opportunity might have been offered:[6]
"Secondly: the British Fleet under my command could never have
returned the second time to Egypt, had not Lady HAMILTON'S
influence with the Queen of Naples caused letters to be wrote to
the Governor of Syracuse, that he was to encourage the Fleet's
being supplied with every thing, should they put into any port in
Sicily. We put into Syracuse, and received every supply; went to
Egypt, and destroyed the French Fleet:
"Could I have rewarded these services, I would not now call upon my
Country; but as that has not been in my power, I leave EMMA Lady
HAMILTON therefore a legacy to my King and Country, that they will
give her an ample provision to maintain her rank in life.
"I also leave to the beneficence of my Country my adopted Daughter,
HORATIA NELSON THOMPSON; and I desire she will use in future the
name of NELSON only.
"These are the only favours I ask of my King and Country, at this
moment when I am going to fight their battle. May GOD bless my King
and Country, and all those I hold dear! My Relations it is needless
to mention: they will of course be amply provided for.
"NELSON and BRONTE.
"Witness {HENRY BLACKWOOD.
{T.M. Hardy"
The prayer and codicil were both written with HIS LORDSHIP'S own hand,
within three hours before the commencement of the engagement.
As the Victory drew near to the Enemy, HIS LORDSHIP, accompanied by
Captain HARDY, and the Captains of the four frigates (Euryalus, Naiad,
Sirius, and Phoebe) who had been called on board by signal to receive
instructions, visited the different decks of the ship. He addressed the
crew at their several quarters, admonishing them against firing a single
shot without being sure of their object; and expressed himself to the
Officers highly satisfied with the arrangements made at their respective
stations.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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