There is a curious collection of MSS. on the subject by the late Mr. Osborn, among the _Additional MSS._, Nos. 19,368 and 19,373. H. T. ELLACOMBE. Rectory, Clyst St. George. * * * * * INEDITED LETTER OF LORD NELSON. I have in my possession a long letter written by Lord Nelson, sixteen days before the battle of Trafalgar, to the Right Hon. Lord Barham, who was at that time First Lord of the Admiralty. As an autograph collector, I prize it much; and I think that the readers of "N. & Q." might be glad to see it. It has not yet, as far as I am aware, been published: Victory, Oct. 5th, 1805. My Dear Lord, On Monday the French and Spanish ships took their troops on board which had been landed on their arrival, and it is said that they mean to sail the first fresh Levant wind. And as the Carthagena ships are ready, and, when seen a few days ago, had their topsail yards hoisted up, this looks like a junction. The position I have taken for this month, is from sixteen to eighteen leagues west of Cadiz; for, although it is most desirable that the fleet should be well up in the easterly winds, yet I must guard against being caught with a westerly wind near Cadiz: for a fleet of ships, with so many three-deckers, would inevitably be forced into the Straits, and then Cadiz would be perfectly free for them to come out with a westerly wind--as they served Lord Keith in the late war. I am most anxious for the arrival of frigates: less than eight, with the brigs, &c., as we settled, I find are absolutely inadequate for this service and to be with the fleet; and Spartel, Cape Cantin, or Blanco, and the Salvages, must be watched by fast-sailing vessels, in case any squadron should escape. I have been obliged to send six sail of the line to water and get stores, &c. at Tetuan and Gibraltar; for if I did not begin, I should very {242} soon be obliged to take the whole fleet into the Straits. I have twenty-three sail with me, and should they come out, I shall immediately bring them to battle; but although I should not doubt of spoiling any voyage they may attempt, yet I hope for the arrival of the ships from England, that, as an enemy's fleet, they may be annihilated. Your Lordship may rely upon every exertion from Your very faithful and obedient servant, NELSON AND BRONTE. I find the Guerrier is reduced to the command of a Lieutenant; I hope your Lordship will allow me to seek Sir William Bolton, and to place him in the first vacant frigate; he will be acting in a ship when the Captains go home with Sir Robert Calder. This will much oblige _me_. If any valuable autographs come into my possession hereafter, you may expect to receive some account of them. EUSTACE W. JACOB. Crawley, Winchester. * * * * * FOLK LORE.