island, should not even yet muster sufficient resolution to say that he
was then going to take possession of the woman who, he thought, was
destined to make him happy.
To this lady, who had a son then about nine years of age, he was, at
length, early in March 1787, actually united. The marriage was
celebrated with considerable splendour, and his Royal Highness the Duke
of Clarence did them the honour to stand as the bride's father on the
joyful occasion.
A very few days afterwards, he proceeded, in the Boreas, on his passage
to Tortola, with his royal highness, who had then only that island and
Grenada left unvisited. Indeed, ever since November, his time had been
entirely taken up in attending the prince on his tour round these
islands.
On the 21st of March, he wrote, while at sea, to Captain Locker,
expressing how happy he should be when the time arrived for a voyage to
England. "No man," he observes, "has had more illness, or more trouble,
on a station, than I have experienced: but, let me lay a balance on the
other side--I am married to an amiable woman, that far makes amends for
every thing. Indeed, till I married her, I never knew happiness. I shall
have great pleasure in introducing you to her."
The prince, he adds, who has shewn him every act of kindness that the
most professed friendship could bestow, was expected to leave the
country in June; and, by that time, himself hopes orders will arrive for
his returning to England. He wonders that any independent man will
accept the command of this station: "for," he concludes, "there is
nothing pleasant to be got by it."
In June 1787, accordingly, the term of three years usually allotted to
ships employed on such stations in times of peace being expired, he was
ordered home; and arrived at Portsmouth the beginning of July, with Mrs.
Nelson and her son.
From this place he writes, on the 3d instant, to his friend Captain
Locker; and, speaking of his "dear wife," says-- "I have no doubt you
will like her, on acquaintance; for, although I must be partial, yet she
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