protection of the court. Mr. Herbert, the president of Nevis, behaved
with singular generosity upon this occasion. Though no man was a greater
sufferer by the measures which Nelson had pursued, he offered in court
to become his bail for L10,000 if he chose to suffer the arrest. The
lawyer whom he had chosen proved to be an able as well as an honest man;
and notwithstanding the opinions and pleadings of most of the counsel
of the different islands, who maintained that ships of war were not
justified in seizing American vessels without a deputation from the
customs, the law was so explicit, the case so clear, and Nelson pleaded
his own cause so well, that the four ships were condemned. During
the progress of this business he sent a memorial home to the king, in
consequence of which orders were issued that he should be defended at
the expense of the crown. And upon the representation which he made at
the same time to the Secretary of State, and the suggestions with
which he accompanied it, the Register Act was framed. The sanction of
Government, and the approbation of his conduct which it implied, were
highly gratifying to him; but he was offended, and not without
just cause, that the Treasury should have transmitted thanks to the
commander-in-chief for his activity and zeal in protecting the commerce
of Great Britain. "Had they known all," said he, "I do not think they
would have bestowed thanks in that quarter, and neglected me. I feel
much hurt that, after the loss of health and risk of fortune, another
should be thanked for what I did against his orders. I either deserved
to be sent out of the service, or at least to have had some little
notice taken of what I had done. They have thought it worthy of
notice, and yet have neglected me. If this is the reward for a faithful
discharge of my duty, I shall be careful, and never stand forward again.
But I have done my duty, and have nothing to accuse myself of."

The anxiety which he had suffered from the harassing uncertainties of