published by Mr. Pettigrew. Besides his last will, properly so
called, which had been some time executed, Lord Nelson wrote and
signed another paper of testamentary character immediately before
he commenced the battle of Trafalgar. It contained an enumeration
of certain public services performed by Lady Hamilton, and a
request that she might be provided for by the country. "Could I
have rewarded those services," Lord Nelson says, "I would not now
call upon my country; but as that has not been in my power, I
leave Emma Hamilton, therefore, a legacy to my king and country,
that will give her ample provision to maintain her rank in life."
He also recommended to the beneficence of his country his adopted
daughter. "My relations," he concludes, "it is needless to
mention; they will of course be amply provided for."

This paper was delivered over to Lord Nelson's brother, together
with his will. "Earl Nelson, with his wife and family, were then
with Lady Hamilton, and had indeed been living with her many
months. To their son Horatio, afterwards Viscount Trafalgar, she
was as attentive as a mother, and their daughter had been almost
exclusively under her care for education for six years. The
Earl kept the codicil in his pocket until the day 120,000l. was
voted for him by the House of Commons. On that day he dined with
Lady Hamilton in Clarges Street, and learning at table what had
been done, he brought forth the codicil, and throwing it to
Lady Hamilton, coarsely said, she might now do with it as she
pleased."--Pettigrew's _Memoirs of Nelson_, ii. 624, 625. Lady
Hamilton took the paper to Doctors' Commons, where it stands
registered as a codicil to Nelson's will. A knowledge of these
circumstances is necessary to the full understanding of our
correspondents communication.]