My dear Lord

Now that your Ceremonies and representations are nearly gone through, allow me to congratulate you on your safe return to a grateful Country, and to add that not having been acquainted with your views on whether the state of your health would admit of your serving in these Seas, during the Winter months, I have constantly kept the San Josef in my minds Eye, for you, as the most appropriate ship in all respects, and to this Effect I contrived to keep the Namur in the Squadron, until pretty far in the last month although her Beams were in danger of slipping from the Clamps, and the ship tumbling all to pieces at the same time, I endeavoured to impress Lord Spencer with a just opinion that her ships Company, having behaved in the most correct manner during the whole time of tumult and sedition at home and abroad, they ought to be an exception; from a wise general principle, and to continue serving together and I recommended in the most ernest manner, that they should from the Basis of the San Josefs crew, that Captain [?Latue] would do justice to her in the equipment, and give her up like a Saint to any Flag officer who might fall in love with her keeping your home and pretensions out of sight.  To the Builder and other dock officers at Plymouth, I held out an idea that I intended to fix upon her for my Flag, with a view to have her better finished, and fitted than ordinary.  

Remember me in the kindest manner to Lady Nelson, say every thing proper to Sir William and Lady Hamilton, and be assured I am yours most truly
Saint Vincent
Tor Abbey
17th November 1800

My Carcass is very crazy, the mind active as ever, Saint Vincent.