8 SEPTEMBER 1849, Page 15

ENGLISH REPUDIATION.

A CLAIM is made on behalf of Nelson's representative—Horatia, now the wife of an exemplary country clergyman, Mr. Ward, Vicar of Tenterden. Nelson left Lady Hamilton to his country, and a grateful country left her to beggary. The said grateful country accepted his services, which were carried to the sacrifice of his life, and chose to entertain a controversy with him on the point of morals after his death. Lady Hamilton was tolerated on the deck of the ship that he was needed to command, —nay, she was allowed to afford most material aid to his diplo- macy; but when be was gone, the virtuous country, by its pub- lic servants, began to entertain scruples. It is a pity that this question was not settled before Nelson committed himself to the battle of Trafalgar : but virtue winked at his victories. It may indeed be presumed that he would not have withheld his sword from the cause of his country through any fear about the ultimate requital, although even Emma was to share the injury : no doubt, he would have "gone in and won," even with the certainty of that crowning ingratitude. But, some- how, it does appear to us that the absence of the man precludes this country from too nice an overhauling of his little bill after death. It ought to have been paid in full, with a mere glance at the total.

The debt is due still, and, luckily, there is a representative of the creditor to receive the due.