Letter – neat hand-writing
To Richard Creed? from Nelson’s Secretary
Secret and Confidential
(faint text under – L Sea ce?)
Victory at Sea, 24th February 1810
My dear Sir, This is on the subject of Agency and meant for Mr Marsh and you in confidence. My former letter to you on this had mentioned His Lordship’s intentions of dividing any principal concern in that way between Mr Davison and Mr Marsh, men for whom he had the highest regard, both for their friendship and the integrity of their principles, such was the communication he made to me, which you will naturally believe afforded me infinite pleasure, not on account of the former, who I did not know, but of the latter who I know and with gratitude regard.
It however since appears as the good Lord has told me, that Mr Davison’s applications for the whole has been so repeated as to oblidge Lord Nelson to acquiesce and grant his request, in a private and confidential conversation on this subject he told me such was the case, and that he must either do so, or offend and quite St.James’s Square for ever, and in justice to that great and noble character I declare he is distressed on the occasion, for of Mr Marsh he speaks with warmth of attachment and sincere regard, and I am sure he feels more on the occasion than he can express,and I assure you My Dear Sir, it equally concerns me, Mr Davison is Kind in a certain quarter and there the heart strings lead, in spite of the Noble Chief, I have much to say on this, but shall leave it ’till we meet,the present is in justice to the candour I owe my friend, as well as to the neat and meritorious Lord of whom I am writing, and whose heart spurns the idea of wrong.
Mr Davison writes him that whatever part of the Agency he wishes me to receive, that he will pay it with pleasure, only that he wishes tohave the honor of being considered as the Sole Agent on any great occasion,which certainly in the event of an Action with the Enemy will be the case.
I never have on any occasion (limited?) self, but he told me my Interest in that should not be lost sight of, he knows the side I lean to and feels painful on that account, but that there are circumstances which oblige Men to Act in Contradiction to their judgment and inclinations, that every happiness may attend you with the blessing of health will ever be the wish of My Dear Sir,
Your Sincere and Attached friend,
(W.M.Kelly? Scott?) Nelson’s Secretary
Richard Creed Esq.
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File 9990
Note
1st March 1810
Dr.Foster Piggott on subject of our friend Mr Graham’s Trust concerns – with my answer of the 2nd inst.