Nelson & His World

Nelsonians have long puzzled over an incomprehensible expression that Nelson uses in two letters to Emma and the assumption seems to be that it is a private code known only to the two of them. Still, a mystery is always intriguing, and perseverance brings rewards, sometimes. After all, it took a couple of thousand years for someone to decode Linear B!

Here they are: in a letter dated 'August 31st 1804 - say 30th, at evening........I shall rejoice to hear that you and Horatia are safe at Merton, and happy shall I be the day I join you. Gannem justem.'

And in a letter dated 7 October 1804, 'I shall only say - Guzelle Gannem Justem - that I love you beyond all the word. This may be read by French, Dutch, Spanish or Englishmen; for it comes from the heart....'

Does anyone have any bright ideas?