I rejoice exceedingly I did not follow the advice of the physician and our good father to change the climate, and I hope my health will be established by hot sea-bathing and the warmth of the summer.
"I can with safety put my hand on my heart and say it has been my study to please and make you happy, and I still flatter myself we shall meet before very long.

I feel most sensibly all your kindnesses to my dear son, and I hope he will add much to our comfort.

Our good father has been in good spirits ever since we heard from you; indeed, my spirits were quite worn out, the time had been so long.

I thank God for the preservation of my dear husband, and your recent success off Malta.

The taking of the Genereux seems to give great spirits to all.
God bless you, my dear husband, and grant us a happy meeting, and believe me," etc.[14] From the difficulties attendant upon the mails in those days, this letter would not be likely to reach Nelson till towards the end of May, when he was on the point of leaving Palermo finally; and, having regard to the uncertainties of his movements before quitting Leghorn, it is not improbable that it was among the last, if not the very last, he received before landing in England.