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Conclusion.

wish to marry her, if he should prove worthy, in Lady Hamilton's estimation, of such a treasure as I am sure she will be." In subsequent codicils, he gave to Lady Hamilton* the net yearly sum of £500, to be paid out of the rental of his estate at Bronte; the sum of £2000, and all his hay, at Merton; and he desired that the annual sum of £100 might continue to be paid to the widow of his brother Maurice.

The results of Nelson's last victory were not confined to the destruction of the combined fleet opposed to him. It taught the enemies of Britain a lesson, of which they were duly mindful. Throughout the succeeding nine years of war, not a fleet of their's durst venture to sea; so that all their subsequent attempts on that element were confined to objects of comparatively little importance. But those events are not within the scope of this narrative.

The writer's task is finished. It has been his aim to present, in a small compass, a comprehensive account of the life of the most successful commander that ever wielded the naval thunders of Britain, employing, wherever it was possible, his own words, which give a complete insight into his extraordinary character, and infuse into the narrative the spirit and charm of auto-biography; in short, to offer such a picture of the man and of his achievements, as may contribute to form future NELSONS. Where, indeed, can we look for a brighter pattern! His were not the vain ambition of conquest and power, the sordid

*Lady Hamilton died, in comparative poverty, in an obscure lodging in Calais. I saw her a short time previously to her death at a rustic fête, about four miles from Calais-there were still remains of beauty, but it was tempered by advancing age, and saddened by sorrow. I was near her when she died-she loudly exclaimed against the ingratitude of her country, but her last hours were passed in wild ravings, in which the name of Caraccioli was frequently distinguished. -THE OLD SAILOR.

Conclusion.

desire of wealth and splendour. DUTY, Honour, GLORY, were the principles which stimulated his mighty mind to the accomplishment of prodigies, unmatched in the history of any nation, and which have rendered him a model for his profession in all future ages. Well might King George III., in his reply to the congratulatory address of the City of London on his last achievement, emphatically remark: "His transcendent and heroic services will, I am persuaded, exist for ever in the recollection of my people; and, whilst they tend to stimulate those who come after him to similar exertions, they will prove a lasting source of strength, security, and glory, to my dominions."

THE END.

LONDON:

T. SHOBERL, JUN., LEICESTER STREET, LEICESTER SQUARE.

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