Autograph letter subscribed "I am for Ever & Ever Only Yours" (unsigned), to Lady Hamilton ("My Dearest Emma"), complaining that his letters are being quoted in the newspapers and impressing upon her the need for security in their correspondence ("...I do not deserve Your scolding...I never have or intend to write by such a very uncertain rout when I could write by a better at the same time, and we may be sure that all my letters would be read not that I care for they are filled with affection to You and I shall be more careful how I write a word of the fleet as I see that extracts from my letters get into the Newspapers...") and upbraiding his friend Alexander Davison, then languishing in gaol ("...Davison is very wrong ever to quote a word I write but I shall not scold him now as I fear poor fellow he is in the Kings bench I am quite hurt about his getting into such a Scrape. He always told me oh I know my Ground let Me alone I cannot be deceived, it oftens [sic] turns out that these very clever Men are oftener deceived than other people...") and explaining that Davison had begged not to be paid ("...You know how 4000£ was meant to be disposed off [sic], but never mind, I never meant but to pay Davison and with many many thanks and a due sense of the Obligations I owe him...I due assure You My dearest Emma that I should have ordered the money to have been paid him but that he begged me not to think of it. I feel it all. I would not have acted so by him had I been as rich so finishes that matter..."); he then turns to the subject of their plans for Merton and Emma's lavish expenditure ("...With respect My dearest Emma to the improvements at Merton I never meant that they should be paid out of the 1200£ a Year and I send You an Order that Davison will pay the bills, as I wish to know exactly what the alterations cost with respect to the Room I hardly know how to find the Money but if it is to be done this Year it is begun before this time it is too late to say a word now..."); and asks after the watch he had sent their daughter ("...I have not heard of the arrival of the Watch for H. or a little box for You but I suppose they went in the British fair Cutter and the answer came out in the Swift..."); and telling her that this letter is being delivered "by the care of friend Gayner", 4 pages, 4to, very minor weakness at folds, but overall in fine and fresh condition, Victory, 22 May 1804