The Keith Papers

2. St. Vincent to Keith

Admiralty,
March 11, 1803.

My dear Lord, Not having entertained an idea of your wishing to serve abroad after your successful achievements in the late war, and Lord Nelson having held himself in readiness to proceed to the Mediterranean in a frigate for some time past, it is not in my power to meet your wishes upon that subject. Should a war take place, the command in the North Sea will be an important one, and I will do my best to place you in it, should that service suit your ideas.

Believe me to be, my dear Lord, yours most truly

ST. VINCENT.