Some explanation of the contents of this Volume seems necessary, because many of the public documents in it are of rather a different description from those that preceded them, and Lord Nelson's private correspondence was partly with different persons, and on different subjects from his former Letters. Though equally illustrative of his character, occasionally treating of important topics, and forming valuable materials for Naval, and sometimes for General History, they have not the vivid interest of either his previous or his subsequent correspondence, being written while he was on half-pay, or during the monotony of a blockade. They exhibit Nelson, however, in a new position; and the admiration which was bestowed on his matchless exploits, will now be given to the wonderful energy and zeal which he displayed as Commander-in-Chief in the Mediterranean; and the Public will learn for the first time, what were the multiplied duties of an Officer holding that most important post.