Note 13 — NELSON AND HIS CIRCLE (continued 2)
Reading edition
TROUBRIDGE'S BLUFF LETTER TO LORD NELSON.
"Pardon me, my Lord, it is my sincere esteem for you that makes me mention it. I know you have no pleasure in sitting up all night at cards; why then sacrifice your health, comfort, purse, ease, everything, to the customs of a country where your stay cannot be long? I would not, my Lord, reside in this country for all Sicily. I trust the war will soon be over, and deliver us from a nest of everything that is infamous, and that we may enjoy the smiles of our countrywomen.
"Your Lordship is a stranger to half that happens, or the talk it occasions; if you knew what your friends feel for you, I am sure you would cut all the nocturnal parties. Gambling of the people at Palermo is publicly talked of everywhere. I beseech your Lordship leave off. I wish my pen could tell you my feelings, I am sure you would oblige me.
"I trust your Lordship will pardon me; it is the sincere esteem I have for you that makes me risk your displeasure."
No reply, so far as is known, was ever sent to this outspoken letter.