Sorry am I to say, much to the contrary has been dispersed." This was not flattery, for Nelson was no flatterer.

The letter in which this passage occurs shows in how wise and noble a manner he dealt with the prince.
One of his royal highness's officers had applied for a court-martial upon a point in which he was unquestionably wrong.

His royal highness, however, while he supported his own character and authority, prevented the trial, which must have been injurious to a brave and deserving man.
"Now that you are parted," said Nelson, "pardon me, my prince, when I presume to recommend that he may stand in your royal favour as if he had never sailed with you, and that at some future day you will serve him.
There only wants this to place your conduct in the highest point of view.

None of us are without failings--his was being rather too hasty; but that, put in competition with his being a good officer, will not, I am bold to say, be taken in the scale against him.

More able friends than myself your royal highness may easily find, and of more consequence in the state; but one more attached and affectionate is not so easily met with: Princes seldom, very seldom, find a disinterested person to communicate their thoughts to: I do not pretend to be that person; but of this be assured, by a man who, I trust, never did a dishonourable act, that I am interested only that your royal highness should be the greatest and best man this country ever produced." Encouraged by the conduct of Lord Howe, and by his reception at court, Nelson renewed his attack upon the peculators with fresh spirit.