"SIR,

"I have only this day received the honour of your letter (when Lord
Mayor) of the 16th October; and I beg that you will convey to the
Court of Common Council my sincere gratitude for all their goodness
to me; and assure them, it shall be the business of my life, to act
in the manner most conducive to the prosperity of the city of
London, on which depends that of our country.

"I am truly sensible of your politeness, in desiring me to say what
particular devices I should wish on the sword which is to be
presented to me by the city of London; but, I beg to leave that to
the better judgment of my fellow-citizens. Believe me, when I
assure you, that I feel myself your most faithful and obliged
servant,"


Nelson.

"Sir William Anderson, Bart late Lord-Mayor of London.

"Vanguard, Palermo,
31st Jan. 1799.


"SIR,

"I have this day received your letter, conveying to me the great
honour conferred upon me by the worshipful Company of Drapers of