The Life and Letters of Emma Hamilton by Hugh Tours

Author:Hugh Tours [Tours, Hugh]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Biography & Autobiography, Royalty, Women, History, Europe, Great Britain, Georgian Era (1714-1837)
ISBN: 9781526770448
Google: BIrcDwAAQBAJ
Publisher: Frontline Books
Published: 2020-03-30T00:36:37+00:00

Chapter 8

The Journey Home

THE FIRST PART of the overland journey to England is vividly described by Cornelia Knight in a letter to Captain Sir Edward Berry which she wrote at various stages along the route. She confirms the fact that Emma was ruthlessly having her own way, and her description of the coach accident makes one feel that Nelson was lacking in gallantry in his eagerness to be with Emma, when he left the elderly Mrs Cadogan and the rather naïve Cornelia, albeit in her early forties, to face what might easily have been a most dangerous situation. Only Sir William, ill as he was, expressed concern at having to abandon them. What, one wonders, were Captain Berry’s thoughts when he read this letter:

Leghorn, July 2, 1800.

Dear Sir,

The very great, indeed, I may say, fraternal care you had the goodness to take of me while I was on board the Foudroyant, and the very sincere esteem I shall always have for Sir Edward Berry, induces me to trouble you with these few lines, as you will be desirous to hear of Lord Nelson, and the plan proposed for the party. The Queen wishes, if possible, to prosecute her journey. Lady Hamilton cannot bear the thought of going by sea; and, therefore, nothing but impracticability will prevent our going to Vienna. Lord Nelson is well, and keeps up his spirits amazingly. Sir William appears broken, distressed, and harassed.

July 16th. It is, at length, decided that we go by land; and I feel all the dangers and difficulties to which we shall be exposed. Think of our embarking on board small Austrian vessels at Ancona, for Trieste, as part of a land journey! to avoid the danger of being on board an English man-of-war, where everything is commodious, and equally well arranged for defence and comfort; but the die is cast, and go we must. Lord Nelson is going on an expedition he disapproves, and against his own convictions, because he has promised the Queen, and that others advise her. I pity the Queen. Prince Belmonte directs the march; and Lady Hamilton, though she does not like him, seconds his proposals, because she hates the sea, and wishes to visit the different Courts in Germany, Sir William says he shall die by the way, and he looks so ill, that I should not be surprised if he did. I am astonished that the Queen, who is a sensible woman, should consent to run so great a risk; but I can assure you that neither she nor the Princesses forget their great obligations to you. If I am not detained in a French prison, or do not die upon the road, you shall hear from me again.

Ancona July 24th, 1800

As I find delays succeed each other, and England still recedes from us, I will not omit at least informing you of our adventures. We left Leghorn the day after I wrote to you by Mr Tyson, and owing more to good fortune than

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