Nelson an Fremantle 

Victory, August 16th, 1805

My dear Fremantle,

I could not last night sit down to thank you for your truly kind letter, and for your large packet of newspaper, for I was in truth bewildered by the account of Sir Robert Calder’s Victory, and the joy of the event; together with the hearing that John Bill was not content, which I am sorry for. Who can, my dear Fremantle, command all the success which our Country may wish? We have fought together, and therefore well know what it is. I have had the best disposaed Fleet of friends, but who can say what will be the event of a Battle? And it most sincerely grieves me, that in any of the papers it should be insinuated, that Lord Nelson could have done better. I should have fought the Enemy, si did my friend Calder; but who can say that he will be more successful than another? I only wish to stand upon my own merits, and not be comparison, one way or the other, upon the conduct of a Brother Officer. You will forgive this dissertation, but I feel upon the occasion. Is George Martin with you? If so remember me to him kindly. I have said all you wish to Admiral Murray, and to good Captain Hardy. Dr. Scott says you member everybody but him. I beg my best respects to Mrs. Fremantle, and with the most sincere wishes that you may have the Neptune close alongside a French three-decker.
Believe me as ever, my dear Fremantle, your most faithful and affectionate friend,

NELSON AND BRONTE