by John Marshall

“ Your son is a very good young man, and I sincerely hope that, now your flag is up, you will be able to promote him. It would give me great pleasure to do it, but I see no prospect, unless we capture the whole French fleet in Toulon; therefore do you consider about him. You are sure of my regard, but I cannot kill people, and I am more likely to go off myself than any one about me. ”

“ We should here observe, that the Admiralty had previously refused to confirm his appointment to the Etna, and had directed him to join the Ocean 98, fitting for the flag of Nelson’s successor; but which he declined doing in consequence of not having sufficiently recovered from his wound, and the unhandsome treatment he experienced from the board.
Captain Bligh continued in the Pylades, actively employed on the Mediterranean station, upwards of three years. ”

“ Your son is certainly upon the Admiralty list, but so far down that nothing less than the French and Spanish fleets being captured can give him a reasonable chance – however, it is good to be upon that list. I can assure you that your son is an excellent young man. You must forgive my short letter, and only believe that I am ever, my dear Admiral, your most faithful servant,
(Signed) ⁠“Nelson and Bronte.” “To Vice-Admiral Bligh.”
Three days previous to the glorious battle of Trafalgar, Mr. Bligh was appointed by Nelson to command the Etna bomb ”