[The Life of Horatio Lord Nelson by Robert Southey]@TWC D-Link bookThe Life of Horatio Lord Nelson CHAPTER IV 45/46
But when the mob were told that Admiral Nelson lay there in bed, badly wounded, the foremost of them made answer: "You shall hear no more from us to-night:" and in fact, the feeling of respect and sympathy was communicated from one to another with such effect that, under the confusion of such a night, the house was not molested again. About the end of November, after a night of sound sleep, he found the arm nearly free from pain.
The surgeon was immediately sent for to examine it; and the ligature came away with the slightest touch. From that time it began to heal.
As soon as he thought his health established, he sent the following form of thanksgiving to the minister of St.George's, Hanover Square:--"An officer desires to return thanks to Almighty God for his perfect recovery from a severe wound, and also for the many mercies bestowed on him." Not having been in England till now, since he lost his eye, he went to receive a year's pay as smart money; but could not obtain payment, because he had neglected to bring a certificate from a surgeon that the sight was actually destroyed.
A little irritated that this form should be insisted upon, because, though the fact was not apparent, he thought it was sufficiently notorious, he procured a certificate at the same time for the loss of his arm; saying, they might just as well doubt one as the other.
This put him in good humour with himself, and with the clerk who had offended him.
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