The affair began some time in 1798 and lasted until Nelson’s death at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805. In that time the lovers were often apart – Nelson was at the beck and call of the Admiralty and spent many months at sea. During his absences the lovers had to communicate by letter and Emma kept every one which Nelson sent to her. In fact, an astonishing number of letters, papers and diaries have survived from that time, revealing the private lives of the key characters involved.

Here we take a closer look at the story of Emma and her Nelson, allowing you to read the actual words of the people themselves. The writers’ spelling and grammar are not always in accordance with modern usage and this has been left uncorrected.

Humble beginnings

Emma was born in Ness, Cheshire, in 1765 and baptised Emma Lyon on May 12. As the daughter of an illiterate blacksmith she had little choice in life but to enter domestic service. These jobs led her, accompanied by her mother, to London where she became a nursemaid. Next she worked as a housemaid for musical impresario Dr Thomas Linley and it may have been here that she began to learn the artistic accomplishments, such as singing, that were to entrance so many of the men in her life.

Emma was growing into a vivacious and beautiful girl and at the age of only 17 became the mistress of aristocrat Sir Harry Fetherstonhaugh. Her exploits at his country home in Sussex were notorious, including, on one memorable occasion, dancing naked on the table! Emma next caught the eye of Sir Charles Greville and he set up a home for her on Edgware Road, Marylebone. She changed her name to Emma Hart and her mother took the name Mrs Cadogan. A true connoisseur of the arts and proud of his ravishingly beautiful mistress, Greville introduced her to the fashionable portraitists of the age, including George Romney, Joshua Reynolds, Thomas Lawrence and John Hoppner. There are 15 pictures of Emma in the National Portrait Gallery alone.

But Greville was not as wealthy as he needed to be to support his lifestyle. He wanted to marry an heiress and Emma was in the way. In an extraordinary piece of underhand dealing, Greville arranged for Emma to be sent to live under the “protection” of his 54-year-old uncle, Sir William Hamilton, the British representative in Naples. In return for the charming Emma, Sir William would name Greville as his heir. Emma thought she was going on holiday, not being sold for an inheritance.

The letters

• Click here to read the letter Emma wrote to Sir William, presumably under the watchful eye of her scheming lover.
  
  
• Click here to read a letter from a triumphant Emma to Greville about her life as an artist’s muse in Naples.
  
  
• Click here to read a description by the German writer Goethe who was visiting Naples, of Emma and her famous “attitudes” which were like living portraits.
  
  
• Click here to read a letter from Nelson to Emma shortly after their affair had begun.
  
  
• Click here to read a letter from Nelson to Emma during one of their separations.
  
  
• Click here to read two letters between Nelson and Mrs Thomson (a pseudonym for Emma that the lovers had worked out to avoid detection).
  
  
• Click here to read a letter from Emma to Nelson about their daughter, Horatia.
  
  
• Click here to read a letter from an exasperated Emma, in a poor state of health and possibly in debtor’s prison, to her teenage daughter.
  
  
• Click here to read one of Nelson's many love letters from the period after Horatia's birth, when the couple's love for each other continued to grow.
  
  
• Click here to read an example of one of the letters he wrote to Emma when he was stuck on a mission in the Baltic and consumed with jealousy.
  
  
• Click here to read a heart-felt letter from Sir William, Emma's husband, about their extraordinary arrangement.
  
  
• Click here to read letters between Nelson and Emma at the dramatic time after Sir William died and the pair exchanged rings in what they considered to be a marriage ceremony. Click here to read how Emma described receiving the news of Nelson's death. Click here to read Nelson’s last-ever letter to Emma.
  
  
• Click here to read the codicil to Nelson’s will that he wrote in his pocket book before the Battle of Trafalgar, leaving Emma as a legacy to his country.
  

  Emma, Lady Hamilton by George Romney Date:c.1786 Medium: oil on canvas Measurements:737mm x 597mm On display at the National Portrait Gallery

[To Sir William Hamilton from Emma Hart at Edgware Road, London, December 3, 1785]

My dear Sir William,
emboldened by your kindness to me when you was in England, I have a proposal to make that I flatter myself will not be disagreable to you. Greville (whom you know I love tenderly) is oblidged to go for four or five months in the summer to places that I cannot with propriety attend him to, & I have too great a regard for him to hinder him from pursuing those plans which I think it is right for him to follow; & I know it is necessary for him to keep up his connexions in the world; - and as you was so good as to give me encouragement, I will speak my mind. In the first place, I should be glad if I was a little more improved that what I am, and as Greville is oblidged to be absent in the summer he has out of kindness to me offer’d, if you are agreeable, for me to go to Naples for 6 or 8 months, and he will at the end of that time fetch me home, and stay a while there when he comes, which I know you will be glad to see him.
He therefore proposes for me to sett of the first of March next, as he will sett of then for his entended tour into Scotland, and I could not bear the thought of staying at home by my self when I know if I come to see you (which will be the greatest pleasure on hearth, Greville excepted) I shall be improving my self and making the time pass agreeable; at the same time he thinks for me to go by the Geneva coach, and if you will lett your man that was in England with you meet me there to conduct me to Naples, I shall be glad; and if you will allot me an apartment in your house that I might be under your protection while I am there, and lett Greville occupye those apartments when he comes, you know that must be; but as your house is very large, and you must, from the nature of your office, have business to transact and visiters to see, I shall always keep my own room
I shall be perfectly happy in any arrangements you will make, as I have full confidence in your kindness and attention to me, and shall long for the time when I can assure you in person how much I am, my dear Sir William, your oblidged humble servant, or affectionate Emma, which you like best. when you are better engaged or go out, and at other times I hope to have the pleasure of your company and conversation, which will be more agreable to me than any thing in Italy...
Morrison, Vol 1, p110
Morrison, Alfred, ed., The Collection of Autograph Letters and Personal Documents Formed by Alfred Morrison: The Hamilton and Nelson Papers (printed for private circulation, 2 vols, 1893-4)





So, Emma was despatched, along with her mother, to Naples. Although initially distraught when she realised that Greville had abandoned her, she soon settled down and made the best of it. She became Sir William’s mistress in 1786 and, in 1791, his wife. She’d come a long way from her humble beginnings in Cheshire! Their life in their various houses and villas was very sociable and centred on artistic pursuits.

[To Charles Greville from Emma Hart at Naples, August 4, 1787]

Sir William is very fond of me, and very kind to me. The house is ful of painters painting me. He as now got nine pictures of me, and 2 a painting. Marchant is cuting my head in stone, that is in cameo for a ring. There is another man modelling me in wax, and another in clay. All the artists is come from Rome to study from me, that Sir William as fitted up a room, that is calld the painting-room. Sir William is never a moment from me. He goes no where without me. He as no diners but what I can be of the party. No body comes without the are civil to me. We have allways good company. I now live upstairs in the same apartments where he lives, and my old apartments is made the musick-rooms where I have my lesson in the morning. Our house at Caserta is fitting up eleganter this year, a room making for my musick, and a room fitting up for my master, as he goes with ous. Sir William says he loves nothing but me, likes no person to sing but me, and tkes delight in all I do, and all I say, to see me happy.
Morrison, Vol 1, p130-31
Morrison, Alfred, ed., The Collection of Autograph Letters and Personal Documents Formed by Alfred Morrison: The Hamilton and Nelson Papers (privately printed, 2 vols, 1893-4)




Emma learned to speak Italian and French fluently as well as continuing with her singing studies and began acting, after a fashion. [Caserta, March 16, 1787]

Sir William, who still resides here as ambassador from England, has at length, after his long love of art, and long study, discovered the most perfect admirers of nature and art in a beautiful young woman. She lives with him: an English woman of about twenty years old. She is very handsome, and of a beautiful figure. The old knight has had made for her a Greek costume, which becomes her extremely. Dressed in this, and letting her hair loose, and taking a couple of shawls, she exhibits every possible variety of posture, expression, and look, so that at the last the spectator almost fancies it is a dream. One beholds here in perfection, in movement, in ravishing variety, all that the greatest of artists have rejoiced to be able to produce. Standing, kneeling, sitting, lying down, grave or sad, playful, exulting, repentant, wanton, menacing, anxious – all mental states follow rapidly one after another. With wonderful taste she suits the folding of her veil to each expression, and with the same handkerchief makes every kind of head-dress. The old knight holds the light for her, and enters into the exhibition with his whole soul…This much at any rate is certain – the entertainment is unique. We spent two evenings on it with thorough enjoyment. To-day Tischbein is engaged in painting her.
Goethe, Johann Wolfgang, Goethe’s Travels in Italy (translated by Rev A J W Morrison and C Nisbet, London, 1892)

Emma was a wonderful hostess and became a close friend of the King and Queen of Naples. She first met Nelson in September 1793 when he was sent to Naples on a diplomatic mission. But it was five years later, after the Battle of the Abu Qir Bay in which Nelson saved the kingdom of the Two Sicilies from French invaders and truly became a national hero, that their relationship began to spark. Nelson moved in with the Hamiltons at Palazzo Sessa and many parties were held in his honour. At the end of that year Nelson was involved in the daring evacuation of the Royal Family and the Hamiltons from Naples to Palermo during the revolution. This danger, and Emma’s bravery, may have been what finally drove them into each other’s arms.





[To Lady Hamilton from Lord Nelson, early February 1799]

Last night I did nothing but dream of You, altho’ I woke 20 times in the Night…I can neither Eat or Sleep for thinking of You my dearest love, I never touch even pudding You know the reason. No I would Starve sooner. My only hope is to find You have Equally kept Your Promises to Me…but I rest perfectly confident in the reallity of Your love and that You would die sooner than be false in the smallest thing to Your Own faithful Nelson who lives only for his Emma…I shall run Mad…In one of my dreams I thought I was at a large Table You was not present. Sitting between a Princess who I detest and another. They both tried to Seduce Me and the first wanted to take those liberties with Me which no Woman in this World but Yourself ever did. The consequence was I knocked her down and in the moment of bustle You came in and, taking Me to Your embrace whispered ‘I love nothing but You My Nelson.’ I kissed You fervently And we enjoy’d the height of love. Ah Emma I pour out my Soul to You…no love is like Mine towards You.
Hibbert, Christopher, Nelson: A Personal History, (London, 1994), p176





Letters from officers in Nelson’s crew over the next year mention how he seemed to be obsessed with her. On several occasions he disregarded orders from the Admiralty to combat a new French threat in Minorca because he wanted to stay with Emma. He was then ordered home.
[To Lord Nelson from Lady Hamilton, dated January 25, 1801]

If you’ll believe me, nothing can give me so much pleasure as your truly kind and friendly letters, and where friendship is of so strong a cast as ours, it is no easy matter to shake it – mine is as fixed as Mount Etna, and as warm in the inside as that mountain…I shall write to Troubridge this day to send me your letter, which as I look for as constantly and with more anxiety than my dinner…I delivered poor Mrs Thomson’s note; her friend is truly thankful for her kindness and your goodness. Who does not admire your benevolent heart? Poor man! he is very anxious, and begs you will, if she is not able, write a line just to comfort him. He appears to me to feel very much her situation; he is so agitated, and will be so for 2 or 3 days, that he says he cannot write, and that I must send his kind love and affectionate regards…I shall write every day.
Morrison, Vol 2, p108-9
Morrison, Alfred, ed., The Collection of Autograph Letters and Personal Documents Formed by Alfred Morrison: The Hamilton and Nelson Papers (privately printed, 2 vols, 1893-4)






This letter contains the first mention of Mrs Thomson, a pseudonym for Emma that the lovers had worked out to avoid detection. They pretended to be the go-betweens for the fictitious Mrs Thomson and her husband who was supposed to be in Nelson’s employ. Nelson often wrote to “Mrs Thomson” supposedly on this man’s behalf.

[To Mrs Thomson, to the care of Lady Hamilton from Nelson and Bronte, no date (Feb 1801)]

Your friend is at my elbow, and enjoins me to assure you that his love for you and your child is, if possible, greater than ever, and that he calls God to witness that he will marry you as soon as possible, and that it will be his delight to call you his own. He desires you will adhere to Lady H’s good advice and, like her, keep those impertinent men at a proper distance. He behaves, I can assure you, incomparably well, and loves you as much as man ever loved woman, and do you, my dear, believe me ever your dear friend.
Morrison, Vol 2, p119
Morrison, Alfred, ed., The Collection of Autograph Letters and Personal Documents Formed by Alfred Morrison: The Hamilton and Nelson Papers (privately printed, 2 vols, 1893-4)

[To Lady Hamilton from Lord Nelson/Mr Thomson to Mrs Thomson, no date (March 1801)]

You may readily believe, my dearly beloved Mrs. T., how dear you are to me – as much as life, and that every thought and affection is devoted to you alone; and although I am much worn out since we parted, yet, I am sure that the sight of my heaven-given wife will make me again a happy father, and you a mother. Be assured that I love nothing but you in this world, and our dear child. Fancy what would happen, and will happen, when we meet. I can say no more; flattering fancy wafts me to your dear, dear arms…God bless you.
Morrison, Vol 2, p129-130
Morrison, Alfred, ed., The Collection of Autograph Letters and Personal Documents Formed by Alfred Morrison: The Hamilton and Nelson Papers (privately printed, 2 vols, 1893-4)






These letters make reference to the child born to Mr and Mrs Thomson. It was on January 29, 1801 Emma that gave birth to Nelson’s “godchild”, Horatia. (There is a theory that she actually gave birth to twins, the other child either dying, being stillborn or given to the Foundling Hospital). Horatia was quickly and discreetly given to a wet nurse to look after. Nelson and Emma never publicly admitted to being her parents, not even to Horatia herself.
[To Lord Nelson from Lady Hamilton at Canterbury, October 4, 1805]

My most dear Nelson…
I had begun to fret at not having letters from you. I send you a letter of Miss Connor’s, for there is much in it about our dear girl, you will like it. I also had one from my mother, who doats on her, she says she could not live without her. What a blessing for her parents to have such a child, so sweet, altho’ so young, so amiable! God spare her to them, and be assured, my life, my soul, of your own Emma’s fondest affections. You are my all of good. Heavens bless, bless you. Yours only, yours…
Morrison, Vol 2, p268
Morrison, Alfred, ed., The Collection of Autograph Letters and Personal Documents Formed by Alfred Morrison: The Hamilton and Nelson Papers (privately printed, 2 vols, 1893-4)





Horatia was proud to acknowledge that Nelson was her father but never that Emma was her mother. Their relationship was a turbulent one.
[To Horatia from Lady Hamilton, April 18 (Easter Sunday), 1813]

Listen to a kind, good mother, who has ever been your affectionate, truly kind, and who has neither spared pains nor expense to make you the most amiable and most accomplish’d of your sex. Ah, Horatia! if you had grown up as I wish’d you, what a joy, what a comfort might you have been to me! for I have been constant to you, and willingly pleased for every manifestation you shew’d to learn and profit of my lessons, and I have ever been most willing to overlook injuries. Listen, then, from a mother who speaks from the dead! Reform your conduct, or you will be detested by all the world, & when you shall no longer have my fostering arm to sheild you, whoe betide you! you will sink to nothing. Be good, be honourable, tell not falsehoods, be not capricious, follow the advice of the mothr whom I shall place you in at school, for a governess must act as mother. I grieve & lament to see the increasing strength of your turbulent passions; I weep & pray you may not be totally lost; my fervent prayers are offered up to God for you; I hope you will yet become sensible of your eternall welfare. I shall go join your father & my blessed mother & may you on your death-bed have as little to reproach yourself as your once affectionate mothr has, for I can glorify, & say I was a good child. Can Horatia Nelson say so? I am unhappy to say you CANNOT. No answer to this? I shall to-morrow look out for a school, for your sake & and to save you, that you may bless the memory of an injured mother.
P.S. – Look on me now as gone from this world.
Morrison, Vol 2, p365
Morrison, Alfred, ed., The Collection of Autograph Letters and Personal Documents Formed by Alfred Morrison: The Hamilton and Nelson Papers (privately printed, 2 vols, 1893-4)

Just before Horatia’s 14th birthday, Emma died and she was taken in by Nelson’s sister. After a time she went to live with the Bolton family in Burnham Market, Norfolk, the neighbouring village to where her father grew up (Susannah Bolton was the sister of Nelson’s brother-in-law). Horatia married the local curate and became the mother of a large family.





Nelson's letters to Emma are both romantic and erotic, extraordinary records of an overwhelming passion.
[To Lady Hamilton from Lord Nelson, dated March 1, 1801, 9 o’clock (this was his third letter to her that day)]

Now, my own dear wife, for such you are in my eyes and in the face of heaven, I can give full scope to my feelings, for I daresay Oliver will faithfully deliver this letter. You know, my dearest Emma, that there is nothing in this world that I would not do for us to live together, and to have our dear little child with us…I love, I never did love any one else. I never had a dear pledge of love till you gave me one, and you, thank my God, never gave one to any body else. I think before March is out you will either see us back, or so victorious that we shall insure a glorious issue to our toils. Think what my Emma will feel at seeing return safe, perhaps with a little more fame, her own dear loving Nelson…You, my beloved Emma, and my country, are the two dearest objects of my fond heart – a heart susceptible and true. Only place confidence in me and you never shall be disappointed. I burn all your dear letters, because it is right for your sake, and I wish you would burn all mine – they can do no good, and will do us both harm if any seizure of them, or the dropping even one of them, would fill the mouths of the world sooner than we intended. My longing for you, both person and conversation, you may readily imagine. What must be my sensations at the idea of sleeping with you! it setts me on fire, even the thoughts, much more would the reality. I am sure my love & desires are all to you, and if any woman naked were to come to me, even as I am this moment from thinking of you, I hope it might rot off if I would touch her even with my hand. No, my heart, person, and mind is in perfect union of love towards my own dear, beloved Emma…
Monday morning. – Oliver is just going on shore; the time will ere long arrive when Nelson will land to fly to his Emma, to be for ever with her. Let that hope keep us up under our present difficulties. Kiss and bless our dear Horatia – think of that.
Morrison, Vol 2, p123-4
Morrison, Alfred, ed., The Collection of Autograph Letters and Personal Documents Formed by Alfred Morrison: The Hamilton and Nelson Papers (privately printed, 2 vols, 1893-4)





Nelson was unable to contain his jealousy while the notorious womaniser the Prince of Wales was visiting the Hamiltons at their home and he was stuck on a mission in the Baltic.

[To Lady Hamilton from Lord Nelson, aboard the St George, February 19, 1801]

Forgive my letter wrote and sent last night, perhaps my head was a little affected. No wonder, it was such an unexpected, such a knock-down blow, such a death. But I will not go on, for I shall get out of my senses again. Will you sing for the fellow, The Prince, unable to Conceal His Pain, &c? No, you will not. I will say no more for fear of my head. It was so good of you to send to thank Mr Nisbet for his not asking you to meet the fellow, as he knew his vile intent, and yet, the same morning to let him come and dine with you en famille! – but I know it was not my Emma; Sir William always asks all partys to dinner. I forgive you. Forgive, I beseech, your old and dear friend! Tell me all, every word, that passes. He will propose if you – no, you will not try; he is Sir Wm’s guest.
Thursday.- I have just got your letter, and I live again. DO NOT let the lyar come. I never saw him but once, the 4th day after I came to London, and he never mentioned your name. May God blast him! Be firm! Go and dine with Mrs Denis on Sunday. Do not, I beseech you, risk being at home. Does Sir William want you to be a whore to a rascal? Forgive all my letter; you see what I feel, and have felt. I have eat not a morsel, except a little rice, since yesterday morning, and till I know how this matter is gone off. But I feel confident of your resolution, and thank you 1,000,000 of times. I write you a letter, which may be said as coming of me if you like, I will endeavour to word it properly. Did you sit alone with the villain for a moment? No, I will not believe it! Oh, God! oh, God! keep my sences. Do not let the rascal in.
Morrison, Vol 2, p118
Morrison, Alfred, ed., The Collection of Autograph Letters and Personal Documents Formed by Alfred Morrison: The Hamilton and Nelson Papers (privately printed, 2 vols, 1893-4)




Despite Nelson’s jealousy of the Prince of Wales, it is important to remember that both Nelson and Emma were married to other people all this time. Nelson had separated from his wife in late 1800 but Emma continued to live with Sir William until his death in 1803. In fact, the three of them lived together, initially in a rented house at 23 Piccadilly and then at Merton Place, Wimbledon. The “Tria Juncta in Uno” as they called themselves, caused a national scandal. There were cartoons about them in the newspapers and endless gossip.
[To Lady Hamilton from Sir William Hamilton, no date (1802)]

I have passed the last 40 years of my life in the hurry & bustle that must necessarily be attendant on a publick character. I am arrived at the age when some repose is really necessary, & I promised myself a quiet home, & altho’ I was sensible, & said so when I married, that I shou’d be superannuated when my wife wou’d be in her full beauty and vigour of youth. That time is arrived, and we must make the best of it for both parties. Unfortunately our tastes as to the manner of living are very different. I by no means wish to live in solitary retreat, but to have seldom less than 12 or 14 at table, & those varying continually, is coming back to what was to become so irksome to me in Italy during the latter years of my residence in that country. I have no connections out of my own family. I have no complaint to make, but I feel that the whole attention of my wife is given to Ld N. [Lord Nelson] and his interest at Merton. I well know the purity of Ld N.’s friendship for Emma and me, and I know how very uncomfortable it wou’d make his L[ordshi]p, our best friend, if a separation shou’d take place, & am therefore determined to do all in my power to prevent such an extremity, which wou’d be essentially detrimental to all parties, but would be more sensibly felt by our dear friend than us. Provided that our expences in housekeeping do not encrease beyond measure (of which I must own I see some danger), I am willing to go on upon our present footing; but as I cannot expect to live many years, every moment to me is precious, & I hope I may be allow’d sometimes to be my own master, & pass my time according to my own inclination, either by going my fishing parties on the Thames or by going to London to attend the Museum, R[oyal] Society, the Tuesday Club, & Auctions of pictures. I mean to have a light chariot or post chaise by the month, that I may make use of it in London and run backwards and forwards to Merton or to Shepperton, &c. This is my plan, & we might go on very well, but I am fully determined not to have more of the very silly altercations that happen but too often between us and embitter the present moments exceedingly. If realy one cannot live comfortably together, a wise and well concerted separation is preferable; but I think, considering the probability of my not troubling any party long in this world, the best for us all wou’d be to bear those ills we have rather than flie to those we know not of. I have fairly stated what I have on my mind. There is no time for nonsense or trifling. I know and admire your talents & many excellent qualities, but I am not blind to your defects, & confess having many myself; therefore, let us bear and forbear for God’s sake.
Morrison, Vol 2, p197
Morrison, Alfred, ed., The Collection of Autograph Letters and Personal Documents Formed by Alfred Morrison: The Hamilton and Nelson Papers (privately printed, 2 vols, 1893-4)




Sir William died on April 6, 1803, with both Emma and Nelson at his side. Shortly after this, in May, Nelson was once called to sea. He was gone until August 1805. In the few weeks they spent together after this long absence, they exchanged rings in what they considered as a marriage ceremony. (Nelson’s wife was still alive). He left Merton Place on September 13 to sail to the Mediterranean to intercept the combined French and Spanish fleets…

[To Lady Hamilton from Lord Nelson while on board the Victory before the Battle of Trafalgar, 1805]

I love and adore you to the very excess of the passion, but with Gods blessing we shall soon meet again. Kiss dear Horatia a thousand times for me…I entreat, my dear Emma, that you will cheer up; and we will look forward to many, many happy years, and be surrounded by our children’s children…God Almighty can, when he pleases, remove the impediment. My heart and soul is with you and Horatia.
Nicolas, viii, p40
Nicolas, Sir Harris, ed., Dispatches and Letters of Vice-Admiral Lord Viscount Nelson (7 vols, London 1844-6)




[To Lord Nelson from Lady Hamilton at Canterbury, October 8, 1805]

My dear girl [Horatia] writes every day in Miss Conner’s letter & and I am so pleased with her. My heart is broke away from her, but I have now had her so long at Merton that my heart cannot bear to be without her. You will be ever fonder of her when you return. She says, “I love my dear, dear, godpapa, but Mrs. Gibson told me he kill’d all the people, and I was afraid.” Dearest angel she is! Oh, Nelson, how I love her, but how do I idolize you – the dearest husband of my heart, you are all in this world to your Emma. May God send you victory, and home to your Emma, Horatia and paradise Merton, for when you are there it will be paradise.
Morrison, Vol 2, p268
Morrison, Alfred, ed., The Collection of Autograph Letters and Personal Documents Formed by Alfred Morrison: The Hamilton and Nelson Papers (privately printed, 2 vols, 1893-4)




[To Lady Hamilton from Lord Nelson on board the Victory, October 19, 1805]

My dearest, beloved Emma, the dear friend of my bosom, the signal has been made that the enemy’s combined fleet are coming out of port. We have very little wind, so that I have no hopes of seeing them before to-morrow. May the God of Battles crown my endeavours with success; at all events, I will take care that my name shall ever be most dear to you and Horatia, both of whom I love as much as my own life; and as my last writing before the battle will be to you, so I hope in God that I shall live to finish my letter after the Battle. May Heaven bless you prays your Nelson and Bronte…May God Almighty give us success over these fellows, and enable us to get a peace.
[The original of this letter is in the British Museum. At the end of the letter, Emma has written “This letter was found open on HIS desk, & brought to Lady Hamilton by Captain Hardy. Oh, miserable, wretched Emma! Oh, glorious & happy Nelson!”]
Morrison, Vol 2, p269
Morrison, Alfred, ed., The Collection of Autograph Letters and Personal Documents Formed by Alfred Morrison: The Hamilton and Nelson Papers (privately printed, 2 vols, 1893-4)
 
During the Battle of Trafalgar on October 21, 1805, Nelson was hit by a French musket ball while on the deck of the Victory. He died three hours later.




[Lady Elizabeth Foster’s account of what Emma told her]

I sent to enquire who was arrived. They brought me word, Mr Whitby from the Admiralty. “Show him in directly,” I said. He came in, and with a pale countenance and faint voice said, “We have gained a great Victory.” - “Never mind your victory,” I said. “My letters – give me my letters” – Captain Whitby was unable to speak – tears in his eyes and a deathly paleness over his face made me comprehend him. I believe I gave a scream and fell back, and for ten hours I could neither speak nor shed a tear…
Fraser, Flora, Beloved Emma: The Life of Emma, Lady Hamilton (London, 1986) p311

Emma was not alone in her grief. The whole nation went into mourning. Nelson had been anxious about how Emma would manage in the event of his death. She was an extravagant spender and, because he had obligations to his wife and other family, had only been able to leave her a modest inheritance.






[Nelson’s pocket book]
Victory, 21 October 1805, then in sight of the combined fleets of France and Spain, distant about ten miles.

Whereas the eminent services of Emma Hamilton, widow of the Right Honourable Sir William Hamilton, have been of the very greatest service to our King and Country, to my knowledge, without her receiving any rewards from either our King or Country: first, that she obtained the Kind of Spain’s letter in 1796, to his brother the King of Naples, acquainting him of his intentions to declare war against England; from which letter, the Ministry sent out orders to the then Sir John Jervis, to strike a stroke, if opportunity offered, against either the arsenals of Spain or her fleets. That neither of these was done, is not the fault of Lady Hamilton. The opportunity might have been offered. Secondly, the British fleet under my command, could never have returned the second time to Egypt, had not Lady Hamilton’s influence with the Queen of Naples, caused letters to be wrote to the Governor of Syracuse, that he was to encourage the fleet being supplied with every thing, should they put into any port in Sicily. We put into Syracuse, and received every supply, went to Egypt, and destroyed the French fleet. Could I have rewarded these services, I would not now call upon my country; but as that has not been in my power, I leave Emma, Lady Hamilton, therefore, a legacy to my King and country, that they will allow her an ample provision to maintain her rank in life. I also leave to the beneficence of my country, my adopted daughter, Horatia Nelson Thompson; and I desire she will use in future the name of Nelson only. These are the only favours I ask of my King and country, at this moment, when I am going to fight their battle. May God bless my King and country, and all those who I hold dear. My relations it is needless to mention, they will, of course, be amply provided for.
[The codicil to the will is signed by Captains Hardy and Blackwood]
Morrison, Vol 2, p269-70
Morrison, Alfred, ed., The Collection of Autograph Letters and Personal Documents Formed by Alfred Morrison: The Hamilton and Nelson Papers (privately printed, 2 vols, 1893-4)

Emma herself wrote to the King a few times in 1813 detailing the services she had done for England, reminding him of Nelson’s dying request and asking for remuneration. No attention was paid to these petitions. She was arrested for debt and imprisoned in 1813, escaping to France in July 1814 with Horatia. Emma died in Calais, friendless, penniless and, most probably, drunk on January 15, 1815 - an ignominious end to such a passionate life.