He was during these weeks particularly pressed, because in treaty for a house which he bought at Merton in Surrey, and for which he had difficulty in raising funds.

In this his friend Davison helped him by a generous and unlimited offer of a loan.

"The Baltic expedition," wrote Nelson in his letter of thanks, "cost me full L2,000.

Since I left London it has cost me, for Nelson cannot be like others, near L1,000 in six weeks.

If I am continued here, ruin to my finances must be the consequence." On the 1st of October the Preliminaries of Peace with France were signed, and on the 9th news of their ratification reached Nelson on board his ship.