I shall not go yet, and when I may go is quite uncertain--must depend upon events, and upon my own precarious health; at the same time, I am doing you an evident injustice, by detaining you here so long in uncertainty." Este of course expressed his willingness to remain while needed, but Nelson interrupted him, saying, "No, _my_ wish is that you should go,--I am anxious that you should go, and go without further delay.

To tell you the truth, I am not entirely disinterested.

Go home; get confirmed in your appointment, according to my desire, and return to me as soon afterwards as you can.

Should I retain my command in the Mediterranean, with the powers already conceded to me, I shall require your assistance." It seems probable that he was anxious to get some one home as rapidly as possible, to forestall, if time permitted, a final recall, which the appointment of a successor would be.

"Long before this time," he had written Lady Hamilton, "I expect, another admiral is far on his way to supersede me.