Nelson to Lady Hamilton, Victory, under Majorca, 13 January 1804, (Harrison II, 5; not in Nicolas) one page, letter incomplete, on renovations at Merton.

Nelson has received the letters Emma wrote between 29 September and 24 November, and says that her words of kindness and affection are reciprocated by him in every respect. He writes of his desire to return to the shore of Portsmouth, and if the French venture out to sea, he thinks this will happen long before next Christmas. He encloses a letter from the Queen of Naples, where the people call out strongly for protection and depend on his support. Elliott complains of the expense and says that he will retire as soon as peace comes. Nelson says Emma should not pay attention to all the reports she sees. Acourt came on board the VICTORY for one day, not for eight days as was wrongly stated. Nelson defies all the people who have pleasure in telling such lies. He is glad that Emma is going to Merton, as it will be much more comfortable and cheaper to live there than in London. If she wishes to have the house altered in the spring, then Davidson’s architect should be the one to inspect the work and ensure that the cost does not exceed the estimate. To avoid running up bills, Nelson believes that it will be better to buy the materials himself and put out the building to respectable workmen under a contract…