Nelson an Marsden

Victory, off Cadiz, 2nd October, 1805.

Sir,
In consequence of the inclosed letter from Vice-Admiral Sir Robert Calder, requesting for the reasons therein mentioned, that I will allow the Captains of His Majesty's Ships named in the margin [Thunderer, Ajax, Defiance, Sirius], to return to England, you will please to acquaint the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty, that the Captains of the Thunderer and Ajax having signified to me their willingness to attend as evidences at the Court Martial required by the Vice-Admiral, I shall permit them to return with him to England, and appoint Acting Captains to their Ships till they rejoin them; and should Captain Durham, on the Defiance joining the Fleet, wish to return to England for the above purpose, I shall also permit him, and appoint an Acting Captain during his absence; but I do not feel authorised to order him, or any others, who may not wish to go home on this service, without their Lordships' direction, although I am at the same time satisfied that they would not deprive Sir Robert Calder of any evidence he might think necessary to have on the occasion. I trust their Lordships will approve of this measure, and send me such further direction as they may think necessary.

I am, Sir, &c.,
NELSON AND BRONTE

P.S.-The Sirius is daily expected from Gibraltar, when I shall determine upon sending Captain Prowse home with the others.