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diff --git a/947-h/947-h.htm b/947-h/947-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..51494d3 --- /dev/null +++ b/947-h/947-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,9036 @@ +<?xml version="1.0" encoding="us-ascii"?> + +<!DOCTYPE html + PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd" > + +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" lang="en"> + <head> + <title> + The Life of Nelson, by Robert Southey + </title> + <style type="text/css" xml:space="preserve"> + + body { margin:5%; background:#faebd0; text-align:justify} + P { text-indent: 1em; margin-top: .25em; margin-bottom: .25em; } + H1,H2,H3,H4,H5,H6 { text-align: center; margin-left: 15%; margin-right: 15%; } + hr { width: 50%; text-align: center;} + .foot { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; text-indent: -3em; font-size: 90%; } + blockquote {font-size: 97%; font-style: italic; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%;} + .mynote {background-color: #DDE; color: #000; padding: .5em; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 95%;} + .toc { margin-left: 10%; margin-bottom: .75em;} + .toc2 { margin-left: 20%;} + div.fig { display:block; margin:0 auto; text-align:center; } + .figleft {float: left; margin-left: 0%; margin-right: 1%;} + .figright {float: right; margin-right: 0%; margin-left: 1%;} + pre { font-style: italic; font-size: 90%; margin-left: 10%;} + +</style> + </head> + <body> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + +Project Gutenberg's The Life of Horatio Lord Nelson, by Robert Southey + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: The Life of Horatio Lord Nelson + +Author: Robert Southey + +Release Date: February 5, 2006 [EBook #947] +Last Updated: November 4, 2012 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ASCII + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE LIFE OF HORATIO LORD NELSON *** + + + + +Produced by John Hill and David Widger + + + + + +</pre> + <h1> + THE LIFE <br /> OF <br /> HORATIO LORD NELSON + </h1> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h2> + BY ROBERT SOUTHEY (1774-1843) + </h2> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h3> + TO JOHN WILSON CROKER ESQ.,<br /> LL.D., F.R.S.,<br /> SECRETARY OF THE + ADMIRALTY;<br /> WHO, BY THE OFFICIAL SITUATION WHICH HE SO ABLY FILLS,<br /> + IS QUALIFIED TO APPRECIATE ITS HISTORICAL ACCURACY;<br /> AND WHO,<br /> AS + A MEMBER OF THE REPUBLIC OF LETTERS,<br /> IS EQUALLY QUALIFIED TO DECIDE + UPON ITS<br /> LITERARY MERITS,<br /> THIS WORK<br /> IS RESPECTFULLY + INSCRIBED BY HIS FRIEND,<br /> THE AUTHOR + </h3> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <p> + Many Lives of Nelson have been written; one is yet wanting, clear and + concise enough to become a manual for the young sailor, which he may carry + about with him till he has treasured it up for example in his memory and + in his heart. In attempting such a work I shall write the eulogy of our + great national hero, for the best eulogy of NELSON is the faithful history + of his actions, and the best history must be that which shall relate them + most perspicuously. + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h2> + Contents + </h2> + <table summary=""> + <tr> + <td> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0001"> CHAPTER I </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0002"> CHAPTER II </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0003"> CHAPTER III </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0004"> CHAPTER IV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0005"> CHAPTER V </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0006"> CHAPTER VI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0007"> CHAPTER VII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0008"> CHAPTER VIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0009"> CHAPTER IX </a> + </p> + </td> + </tr> + </table> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0001" id="link2HCH0001"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> <br /> <br /> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER I + </h2> + <h3> + 1758 - 1783 + </h3> + <p> + Nelson's Birth and Boyhood—He is entered on Board the RAISONABLE—Goes + to the West Indies in a Merchant-ship; then serves in the TRIUMPH—He + sails in Captain Phipps' Voyage of Discovery—Goes to the East Indies + in the SEAHORSE, and returns in ill Health—Serves as acting + Lieutenant in the WORCESTER, and is made Lieutenant into the LOWESTOFFE, + Commander into the BADGER Brig, and Post into the HINCHINBROKE—Expedition + against the Spanish Main—Sent to the North Seas in the ALBERMARLE—Services + during the American War. + </p> + <p> + HORATIO, son of Edmund and Catherine Nelson, was born September 29, 1758, + in the parsonage-house of Burnham Thorpe, a village in the county of + Norfolk, of which his father was rector. His mother was a daughter of Dr. + Suckling, prebendary of Westminster, whose grandmother was sister of Sir + Robert Walpole, and this child was named after his godfather, the first + Lord Walpole. Mrs. Nelson died in 1767, leaving eight out of eleven + children. Her brother, Captain Maurice Suckling, of the navy visited the + widower upon this event, and promised to take care of one of the boys. + Three years afterwards, when HORATIO was only twelve years of age, being + at home during the Christmas holidays, he read in the county newspaper + that his uncle was appointed to the RAISONNABLE, of sixty-four guns. "Do, + William," said he to a brother who was a year and a half older than + himself, "write to my father, and tell him that I should like to go to sea + with uncle Maurice." Mr. Nelson was then at Bath, whither he had gone for + the recovery of his health: his circumstances were straitened, and he had + no prospect of ever seeing them bettered: he knew that it was the wish of + providing for himself by which Horatio was chiefly actuated, and did not + oppose his resolution; he understood also the boy's character, and had + always said, that in whatever station he might be placed, he would climb + if possible to the very top of the tree. Captain Suckling was written to. + "What," said he in his answer, "has poor Horatio done, who is so weak, + that he, above all the rest, should be sent to rough it out at sea?—But + let him come; and the first time we go into action, a cannon-ball may + knock off his head, and provide for him at once." + </p> + <p> + It is manifest from these words that Horatio was not the boy whom his + uncle would have chosen to bring up in his own profession. He was never of + a strong body; and the ague, which at that time was one of the most common + diseases in England, had greatly reduced his strength; yet he had already + given proofs of that resolute heart and nobleness of mind which, during + his whole career of labour and of glory, so eminently distinguished him. + When a mere child, he strayed a-birds'-nesting from his grandmother's + house in company with a cowboy: the dinner-hour elapsed; he was absent, + and could not be found; and the alarm of the family became very great, for + they apprehended that he might have been carried off by gipsies. At + length, after search had been made for him in various directions, he was + discovered alone, sitting composedly by the side of a brook which he could + not get over. "I wonder, child," said the old lady when she saw him, "that + hunger and fear did not drive you home." "Fear! grandmama:" replied the + future hero, "I never saw fear:—What is it?" Once, after the winter + holidays, when he and his brother William had set off on horseback to + return to school, they came back, because there had been a fall of snow; + and William, who did not much like the journey, said it was too deep for + them to venture on. "If that be the case," said the father, "you certainly + shall not go; but make another attempt, and I will leave it to your + honour. If the road is dangerous you may return: but remember, boys, I + leave it to your honour!" The snow was deep enough to have afforded them a + reasonable excuse; but Horatio was not to be prevailed upon to turn back. + "We must go on," said he: "remember, brother, it was left to our honour!"—There + were some fine pears growing in the schoolmaster's garden, which the boys + regarded as lawful booty, and in the highest degree tempting; but the + boldest among them were afraid to venture for the prize. Horatio + volunteered upon this service: he was lowered down at night from the + bedroom window by some sheets, plundered the tree, was drawn up with the + pears, and then distributed them among his school-fellows without + reserving any for himself. "He only took them," he said, "because every + other boy was afraid." + </p> + <p> + Early on a cold and dark spring morning Mr. Nelson's servant arrived at + this school, at North Walsham, with the expected summons for Horatio to + join his ship. The parting from his brother William, who had been for so + many years his playmate and bed-fellow, was a painful effort, and was the + beginning of those privations which are the sailor's lot through life. He + accompanied his father to London. The RAISONNABLE was lying in the Medway. + He was put into the Chatham stage, and on its arrival was set down with + the rest of the passengers, and left to find his way on board as he could. + After wandering about in the cold, without being able to reach the ship, + an officer observed the forlorn appearance of the boy, questioned him; and + happening to be acquainted with his uncle, took him home and gave him some + refreshments. When he got on board, Captain Suckling was not in the ship, + nor had any person been apprised of the boy's coming. He paced the deck + the whole remainder of the day without being noticed by any one; and it + was not till the second day that somebody, as he expressed it, "took + compassion on him." The pain which is felt when we are first transplanted + from our native soil—when the living branch is cut from the parent + tree is one of the most poignant which we have to endure through life. + There are after-griefs which wound more deeply, which leave behind them + scars never to be effaced, which bruise the spirit, and sometimes break + the heart; but never do we feel so keenly the want of love, the necessity + of being loved, and the sense of utter desertion, as when we first leave + the haven of home, and are, as it were, pushed off upon the stream of + life. Added to these feelings, the sea-boy has to endure physical + hardships, and the privation of every comfort, even of sleep. Nelson had a + feeble body and an affectionate heart, and he remembered through life his + first days of wretchedness in the service. + </p> + <p> + The RAISONNABLE having been commissioned on account of the dispute + respecting the Falkland Islands, was paid off as soon as the difference + with the court of Spain was accommodated, and Captain Suckling was removed + to the TRIUMPH, seventy-four, then stationed as a guard-ship in the + Thames. This was considered as too inactive a life for a boy, and Nelson + was therefore sent a voyage to the West Indies in a merchant-ship, + commanded by Mr. John Rathbone, an excellent seaman, who had served as + master's mate under Captain Suckling in the Dreadnought. He returned a + practical seaman, but with a hatred of the king's service, and a saying + then common among the sailors—"Aft the most honour; forward the + better man." Rathbone had probably been disappointed and disgusted in the + navy; and, with no unfriendly intentions, warned Nelson against a + profession which he himself had found hopeless. His uncle received him on + board the TRIUMPH on his return, and discovering his dislike to the navy, + took the best means of reconciling him to it. He held it out as a reward + that, if he attended well to his navigation, he should go in the cutter + and decked long-boat, which was attached to the commanding-officer's ship + at Chatham. Thus he became a good pilot for vessels of that description + from Chatham to the Tower, and down the Swin Channel to the North + Foreland, and acquired a confidence among rocks and sands of which he + often felt the value. + </p> + <p> + Nelson had not been many months on board the TRIUMPH, when his love of + enterprise was excited by hearing that two ships were fitting out for a + voyage of discovery towards the North Pole. In consequence of the + difficulties which were expected on such a service, these vessels were to + take out effective men instead of the usual number of boys. This, however, + did not deter him from soliciting to be received, and, by his uncle's + interest, he was admitted as coxswain under Captain Lutwidge, second in + command. The voyage was undertaken in compliance with an application from + the Royal Society. The Hon. Captain Constantine John Phipps, eldest son of + Lord Mulgrave, volunteered his services. The RACEHORSE and CARCASS bombs + were selected as the strongest ships, and, therefore, best adapted for + such a voyage; and they were taken into dock and strengthened, to render + them as secure as possible against the ice. Two masters of Greenlandmen + were employed as pilots for each ship. No expedition was ever more + carefully fitted out; and the First Lord of the Admiralty, Lord Sandwich, + with a laudable solicitude, went on board himself, before their departure, + to see that everything had been completed to the wish of the officers. The + ships were provided with a simple and excellent apparatus for distilling + fresh from salt water, the invention of Dr. Irving, who accompanied the + expedition. It consisted merely in fitting a tube to the ship's kettle, + and applying a wet mop to the surface as the vapour was passing. By these + means, from thirty-four to forty gallons were produced every day. + </p> + <p> + They sailed from the Nore on the 4th of June. On the 6th of July they were + in latitude 79d 56m 39s; longitude 9d 43m 30s E. The next day, about the + place where most of the old discoverers had been stopped, the RACEHORSE + was beset with ice; but they hove her through with ice-anchors. Captain + Phipps continued ranging along the ice, northward and westward, till the + 24th; he then tried to the eastward. On the 30th he was in latitude 80d + 13m; longitude 18d 48m E. among the islands and in the ice, with no + appearance of an opening for the ships. The weather was exceedingly fine, + mild, and unusually clear. Here they were becalmed in a large bay, with + three apparent openings between the islands which formed it; but + everywhere, as far as they could see, surrounded with ice. There was not a + breath of air, the water was perfectly smooth, the ice covered with snow, + low and even, except a few broken pieces near the edge; and the pools of + water in the middle of the ice-fields just crusted over with young ice. On + the next day the ice closed upon them, and no opening was to be seen + anywhere, except a hole, or lake as it might be called, of about a mile + and a half in circumference, where the ships lay fast to the ice with + their ice-anchors. From these ice-fields they filled their casks with + water, which was very pure and soft. The men were playing on the ice all + day; but the Greenland pilots, who were further than they had ever been + before, and considered that the season was far advancing, were alarmed at + being thus beset. + </p> + <p> + The next day there was not the smallest opening; the ships were within + less than two lengths of each other, separated by ice, and neither having + room to turn. The ice, which the day before had been flat and almost level + with the water's edge, was now in many places forced higher than the + mainyard by the pieces squeezing together. A day of thick fog followed: it + was succeeded by clear weather; but the passage by which the ships had + entered from the westward was closed, and no open water was in sight, + either in that or any other quarter. By the pilots' advice the men were + set to cut a passage, and warp through the small openings to the westward. + They sawed through pieces of ice twelve feet thick; and this labour + continued the whole day, during which their utmost efforts did not move + the ships above three hundred yards; while they were driven, together with + the ice, far to the N.E. and E. by the current. Sometimes a field of + several acres square would be lifted up between two larger islands, and + incorporated with them; and thus these larger pieces continued to grow by + aggregation. Another day passed, and there seemed no probability of + getting the ships out without a strong E. or N.E. wind. The season was far + advanced, and every hour lessened the chance of extricating themselves. + Young as he was, Nelson was appointed to command one of the boats which + were sent out to explore a passage into the open water. It was the means + of saving a boat belonging to the RACEHORSE from a singular but imminent + danger. Some of the officers had fired at and wounded a walrus. As no + other animal has so human-like an expression in its countenance, so also + is there none that seems to possess more of the passions of humanity. The + wounded animal dived immediately, and brought up a number of its + companions; and they all joined in an attack upon the boat. They wrested + an oar from one of the men; and it was with the utmost difficulty that the + crew could prevent them from staving or upsetting her, till the CARCASS's + boat came up; and the walruses, finding their enemies thus reinforced, + dispersed. Young Nelson exposed himself in a more daring manner. One + night, during the mid-watch, he stole from the ship with one of his + comrades, taking advantage of a rising fog, and set off over the ice in + pursuit of a bear. It was not long before they were missed. The fog + thickened, and Captain Lutwidge and his officers became exceedingly + alarmed for their safety. Between three and four in the morning the + weather cleared, and the two adventurers were seen, at a considerable + distance from the ship, attacking a huge bear. The signal for them to + return was immediately made; Nelson's comrade called upon him to obey it, + but in vain; his musket had flashed in the pan; their ammunition was + expended; and a chasm in the ice, which divided him from the bear, + probably preserved his life. "Never mind," he cried; "do but let me get a + blow at this devil with the butt-end of my musket, and we shall have him." + Captain Lutwidge, however, seeing his danger, fired a gun, which had the + desired effect of frightening the beast; and the boy then returned, + somewhat afraid of the consequences of his trespass. The captain + reprimanded him sternly for conduct so unworthy of the office which he + filled, and desired to know what motive he could have for hunting a bear. + "Sir," said he, pouting his lip, as he was wont to do when agitated, "I + wished to kill the bear, that I might carry the skin to my father." + </p> + <p> + A party were now sent to an island, about twelve miles off (named Walden's + Island in the charts, from the midshipman who was intrusted with this + service), to see where the open water lay. They came back with information + that the ice, though close all about them, was open to the westward, round + the point by which they came in. They said also, that upon the island they + had had a fresh east wind. This intelligence considerably abated the hopes + of the crew; for where they lay it had been almost calm, and their main + dependence had been upon the effect of an easterly wind in clearing the + bay. There was but one alternative: either to wait the event of the + weather upon the ships, or to betake themselves to the boats. The + likelihood that it might be necessary to sacrifice the ships had been + foreseen. The boats accordingly were adapted, both in number and size, to + transport, in case of emergency, the whole crew; and there were Dutch + whalers upon the coast, in which they could all be conveyed to Europe. As + for wintering where they were, that dreadful experiment had been already + tried too often. No time was to be lost; the ships had driven into shoal + water, having but fourteen fathoms. Should they, or the ice to which they + were fast, take the ground, they must inevitably be lost; and at this time + they were driving fast toward some rocks on the N.E. Captain Phipps sent + for the officers of both ships, and told them his intention of preparing + the boats for going away. They were immediately hoisted out, and the + fitting begun. Canvas bread-bags were made, in case it should be necessary + suddenly to desert the vessels; and men were sent with the lead and line + to N. and E., to sound wherever they found cracks in the ice, that they + might have notice before the ice took the ground; for in that case the + ships must instantly have been crushed or overset. + </p> + <p> + On the 7th of August they began to haul the boats over the ice, Nelson + having command of a four-oared cutter. The men behaved excellently well, + like true British seamen: they seemed reconciled to the thought of leaving + the ships, and had full confidence in their officers. About noon, the ice + appeared rather more open near the vessels; and as the wind was easterly, + though there was but little of it, the sails were set, and they got about + a mile to the westward. They moved very slowly, and were not now nearly so + far to the westward as when they were first beset. However, all sail was + kept upon them, to force them through whenever the ice slacked the least. + Whatever exertions were made, it could not be possible to get the boats to + the water's edge before the 14th; and if the situation of the ships should + not alter by that time, it would not be justifiable to stay longer by + them. The commander therefore resolved to carry on both attempts together, + moving the boats constantly, and taking every opportunity of getting the + ships through. A party was sent out next day to the westward to examine + the state of the ice: they returned with tidings that it was very heavy + and close, consisting chiefly of large fields. The ships, however, moved + something, and the ice itself was drifting westward. There was a thick + fog, so that it was impossible to ascertain what advantage had been + gained. It continued on the 9th; but the ships were moved a little through + some very small openings: the mist cleared off in the afternoon, and it + was then perceived that they had driven much more than could have been + expected to the westward, and that the ice itself had driven still + further. In the course of the day they got past the boats, and took them + on board again. On the morrow the wind sprang up to the N.N.E. All sail + was set, and the ships forced their way through a great deal of very heavy + ice. They frequently struck, and with such force that one stroke broke the + shank of the RACEHORSE's best bower-anchor, but the vessels made way; and + by noon they had cleared the ice, and were out at sea. The next day they + anchored in Smeerenberg Harbour, close to that island of which the + westernmost point is called Hakluyt's Headland, in honour of the great + promoter and compiler of our English voyages of discovery. + </p> + <p> + Here they remained a few days, that the men might rest after their + fatigue. No insect was to be seen in this dreary country, nor any species + of reptile—not even the common earth-worm. Large bodies of ice, + called icebergs, filled up the valleys between high mountains, so dark as, + when contrasted with the snow, to appear black. The colour of the ice was + a lively light green. Opposite to the place where they fixed their + observatory was one of these icebergs, above three hundred feet high; its + side toward the sea was nearly perpendicular, and a stream of water issued + from it. Large pieces frequently broke off and rolled down into the sea. + There was no thunder nor lightning during the whole time they were in + these latitudes. The sky was generally loaded with hard white clouds, from + which it was never entirely free even in the clearest weather. They always + knew when they were approaching the ice long before they saw it, by a + bright appearance near the horizon, which the Greenlandmen called the + blink of the ice. The season was now so far advanced that nothing more + could have been attempted, if indeed anything had been left untried; but + the summer had been unusually favourable, and they had carefully surveyed + the wall of ice, extending for more than twenty degrees between the + latitudes of 80d and 81d, without the smallest appearance of any opening. + </p> + <p> + The ships were paid off shortly after their return to England; and Nelson + was then placed by his uncle with Captain Farmer, in the SEAHORSE, of + twenty guns, then going out to the East Indies in the squadron under Sir + Edward Hughes. He was stationed in the foretop at watch and watch. His + good conduct attracted the attention of the master (afterwards Captain + Surridge), in whose watch he was; and upon his recommendation the captain + rated him as midshipman. At this time his countenance was florid, and his + appearance rather stout and athletic; but when he had been about eighteen + months in India, he felt the effects of that climate, so perilous to + European constitutions. The disease baffled all power of medicine; he was + reduced almost to a skeleton; the use of his limbs was for some time + entirely lost; and the only hope that remained was from a voyage home. + Accordingly he was brought home by Captain Pigot, in the DOLPHIN; and had + it not been for the attentive and careful kindness of that officer on the + way, Nelson would never have lived to reach his native shores. He had + formed an acquaintance with Sir Charles Pole, Sir Thomas Troubridge, and + other distinguished officers, then, like himself, beginning their career: + he had left them pursuing that career in full enjoyment of health and + hope, and was returning, from a country in which all things were to him + new and interesting, with a body broken down by sickness, and spirits + which had sunk with his strength. Long afterwards, when the name of Nelson + was known as widely as that of England itself, he spoke of the feelings + which he at this time endured. "I felt impressed," said he, "with a + feeling that I should never rise in my profession. My mind was staggered + with a view of the difficulties I had to surmount and the little interest + I possessed. I could discover no means of reaching the object of my + ambition. After a long and gloomy reverie, in which I almost wished myself + overboard, a sudden glow of patriotism was kindled within me, and + presented my king and country as my patron. 'Well then,' I exclaimed, 'I + will be a hero! and, confiding in Providence, I will brave every danger!'" + </p> + <p> + Long afterwards Nelson loved to speak of the feelings of that moment; and + from that time, he often said, a radiant orb was suspended in his mind's + eye, which urged him onward to renown. The state of mind in which these + feelings began, is what the mystics mean by their season of darkness and + desertion. If the animal spirits fail, they represent it as an actual + temptation. The enthusiasm of Nelson's nature had taken a different + direction, but its essence was the same. He knew to what the previous + state of dejection was to be attributed; that an enfeebled body, and a + mind depressed, had cast this shade over his soul; but he always seemed + willing to believe that the sunshine which succeeded bore with it a + prophetic glory, and that the light which led him on was "light from + heaven." + </p> + <p> + His interest, however, was far better than he imagined, During his + absence, Captain Suckling had been made Comptroller of the Navy; his + health had materially improved upon the voyage; and as soon as the DOLPHIN + was paid off, he was appointed acting lieutenant in the WORCESTER, + sixty-four, Captain Mark Robinson, then going out with convoy to + Gibraltar. Soon after his return, on the 8th of April 1777, he passed his + examination for a lieutenancy. Captain Suckling sat at the head of the + board; and when the examination had ended, in a manner highly honourable + to Nelson, rose from his seat, and introduced him to the examining + captains as his nephew. They expressed their wonder that he had not + informed them of this relationship before; he replied that he did not wish + the younker to be favoured; he knew his nephew would pass a good + examination, and he had not been deceived. The next day Nelson received + his commission as second lieutenant of the LOWESTOFFE frigate, Captain + William Locker, then fitting out for Jamaica. + </p> + <p> + American and French privateers, under American colours, were at that time + harassing our trade in the West Indies: even a frigate was not + sufficiently active for Nelson, and he repeatedly got appointed to the + command of one of the LOWESTOFFE's tenders. During one of their cruises + the LOWESTOFFE captured an American letter-of-marque: it was blowing a + gale, and a heavy sea running. The first lieutenant being ordered to board + the prize, went below to put on his hanger. It happened to be mislaid; and + while he was seeking it, Captain Locker came on deck. Perceiving the boat + still alongside, and in danger every moment of being swamped, and being + extremely anxious that the privateer should be instantly taken in charge, + because he feared that It would otherwise founder, he exclaimed, "Have I + no officer in the ship who can board the prize?" Nelson did not offer + himself immediately, waiting, with his usual sense of propriety, for the + first lieutenant's return; but hearing the master volunteer, he jumped + into the boat, saying, "It is my turn now; and if I come back, it is + yours." The American, who had carried a heavy press of sail in hope of + escaping, was so completely water-logged that the LOWESTOFFE's boat went + in on deck and out again with the sea. + </p> + <p> + About this time he lost his uncle. Captain Locker, however, who had + perceived the excellent qualities of Nelson, and formed a friendship for + him which continued during his life, recommended him warmly to Sir Peter + Parker, then commander-in-chief upon that station. In consequence of this + recommendation he was removed into the BRISTOL flag-ship, and Lieutenant + Cuthbert Collingwood succeeded him in the LOWESTOFFE. Sir Peter Parker was + the friend of both, and thus it happened that whenever Nelson got a step + in rank, Collingwood succeeded him. The former soon became first + lieutenant, and on the 8th of December 1778 was appointed commander of the + BADGER brig; Collingwood taking his place in the BRISTOL. While the BADGER + was lying in Montego Bay, Jamaica, the GLASGOW of twenty guns came in and + anchored there, and in two hours was in flames, the steward having set + fire to her while stealing rum out of the after-hold. Her crew were + leaping into the water, when Nelson came up in his boats, made them throw + their powder overboard and point their guns upward; and by his presence of + mind and personal exertions prevented the loss of life which would + otherwise have ensued. On the 11th of June 1779 he was made post into the + HINCHINBROOK, of twenty-eight guns, an enemy's merchantman, sheathed with + wood, which had been taken into the service. Collingwood was then made + commander into the BADGER. A short time after he left the LOWESTOFFE, that + ship, with a small squadron, stormed the fort of St. Fernando de Omoa, on + the south side of the Bay of Honduras, and captured some register ships + which were lying under its guns. Two hundred and fifty quintals of + quicksilver and three millions of piastres were the reward of this + enterprise; and it is characteristic of Nelson that the chance by which he + missed a share in such a prize is never mentioned in any of his letters; + nor is it likely that it ever excited even a momentary feeling of + vexation. + </p> + <p> + Nelson was fortunate in possessing good interest at the time when it could + be most serviceable to him: his promotion had been almost as rapid as it + could be; and before he had attained the age of twenty-one he had gained + that rank which brought all the honours of the service within his reach. + No opportunity, indeed, had yet been given him of distinguishing himself; + but he was thoroughly master of his profession, and his zeal and ability + were acknowledged wherever he was known. Count d'Estaing, with a fleet of + one hundred and twenty-five sail, men of war and transports, and a reputed + force of five-and twenty thousand men, threatened Jamaica from St. + Domingo. Nelson offered his services to the Admiral and to + Governor-General Dalling, and was appointed to command the batteries of + Fort Charles, at Port Royal. Not more than seven thousand men could be + mustered for the defence of the island,—a number wholly inadequate + to resist the force which threatened them. Of this Nelson was so well + aware, that when he wrote to his friends in England, he told them they + must not be surprised to hear of his learning to speak French. D'Estaing, + however, was either not aware of his own superiority, or not equal to the + command with which he was intrusted: he attempted nothing with his + formidable armament; and General Dalling was thus left to execute a + project which he had formed against the Spanish colonies. + </p> + <p> + This project was, to take Fort San Juan on the river of that name, which + flows from Lake Nicaragua into the Atlantic; make himself master of the + lake itself, and of the cities of Granada and Leon; and thus cut off the + communication of the Spaniards between their northern and southern + possessions in America. Here it is that a canal between the two seas may + most easily be formed—a work more important in its consequences than + any which has ever yet been effected by human power. Lord George Germaine, + at that time secretary of state for the American Department, approved the + plan; and as discontents at that time were known to prevail in the Nuevo + Reyno, in Popayan, and in Peru, the more sanguine part of the English + began to dream of acquiring an empire in one part of America, more + extensive than that which they were on the point of losing in another. + General Dalling's plans were well formed; but the history and the nature + of the country had not been studied as accurately as its geography: the + difficulties which occurred in fitting out the expedition delayed it till + the season was too far advanced; and the men were thus sent to adventure + themselves, not so much against an enemy, whom they would have beaten, as + against a climate which would do the enemy's work. + </p> + <p> + Early in the year 1780, five hundred men destined for this service were + convoyed by Nelson from Port Royal to Cape Gracias a Dios, in Honduras. + Not a native was to be seen when they landed: they had been taught that + the English came with no other intent than that of enslaving them, and + sending them to Jamaica. After a while, however, one of them ventured + down, confiding in his knowledge of one of the party; and by his means the + neighbouring tribes were conciliated with presents, and brought in. The + troops were encamped on a swampy and unwholesome plain, where they were + joined by a party of the 79th regiment from Black River, who were already + in a deplorable state of sickness. Having remained here a month, they + proceeded, anchoring frequently, along the Mosquito shore, to collect + their Indian allies, who were to furnish proper boats for the river, and + to accompany them. They reached the river San Juan, March 24th; and here, + according to his orders, Nelson's services were to terminate; but not a + man in the expedition had ever been up the river, or knew the distance of + any fortification from its mouth; and he not being one who would turn back + when so much was to be done, resolved to carry the soldiers up. About two + hundred, therefore, were embarked in the Mosquito shore craft and in two + of the HINCHINBROOK's boats, and they began their voyage. It was the + latter end of the dry season, the worst time for such an expedition; the + river was consequently low. Indians were sent forward through narrow + channels between shoals and sandbanks, and the men were frequently obliged + to quit the boats and exert their utmost strength to drag or thrust them + along. This labour continued for several days; when they came into deeper + water, they had then currents and rapids to contend with, which would have + been insurmountable but for the skill of the Indians in such difficulties. + The brunt of the labour was borne by them and by the sailors—men + never accustomed to stand aloof when any exertion of strength or hardihood + is required. The soldiers, less accustomed to rely upon themselves, were + of little use. But all equally endured the violent heat of the sun, + rendered more intense by being reflected from the white shoals; while the + high woods, on both sides of the river, were frequently so close as to + prevent any refreshing circulation of air; and during the night all were + equally exposed to the heavy and unwholesome dews. + </p> + <p> + On the 9th of April they reached an island in the river, called San + Bartolomeo, which the Spaniards had fortified, as an outpost, with a small + semicircular battery, mounting nine or ten swivels, and manned with + sixteen or eighteen men. It commanded the river in a rapid and difficult + part of the navigation. Nelson, at the head of a few of his seamen, leaped + upon the beach. The ground upon which he sprung was so muddy that he had + some difficulty in extricating himself, and lost his shoes: bare-footed, + however, he advanced, and, in his own phrase, BOARDED THE BATTERY. In this + resolute attempt he was bravely supported by Despard, at that time a + captain in the army, afterward unhappily executed for his schemes of + revolutionary treason. The castle of San Tuan is situated about 16 miles + higher up; the stores and ammunition, however, were landed a few miles + below the castle, and the men had to march through woods almost + impassable. One of the men was bitten under the eye by a snake which + darted upon him from the bough of a tree. He was unable to proceed from + the violence of the pain; and when, after a short while, some of his + comrades were sent back to assist him, he was dead, and the body already + putrid. Nelson himself narrowly escaped a similar fate. He had ordered his + hammock to be slung under some trees, being excessively fatigued, and was + sleeping, when a monitory lizard passed across his face. The Indians + happily observed the reptile; and knowing what it indicated, awoke him. He + started up, and found one of the deadliest serpents of the country coiled + up at his feet. He suffered from poison of another kind; for drinking at a + spring in which some boughs of the manchineel had been thrown, the effects + were so severe as, in the opinion of some of his friends, to inflict a + lasting injury upon his constitution. + </p> + <p> + The castle of San Juan is 32 miles below the point where the river issues + from the Lake of Nicaragua, and 69 from its mouth. Boats reach the sea + from thence in a day and a-half; but their navigation back, even when + unladen, is the labour of nine days. The English appeared before it on the + 11th, two days after they had taken San Bartolomeo. Nelson's advice was, + that it should instantly be carried by assault; but Nelson was not the + commander; and it was thought proper to observe all the formalities of a + siege. Ten days were wasted before this could be commenced. It was a work + more of fatigue than of danger; but fatigue was more to be dreaded than + the enemy; the rains set in; and could the garrison have held out a little + longer, diseases would have rid them of their invaders. Even the Indians + sunk under it, the victims of unusual exertion, and of their own excesses. + The place surrendered on the 24th. But victory procured to the conquerors + none of that relief which had been expected; the castle was worse than a + prison; and it contained nothing which could contribute to the recovery of + the sick, or the preservation of those who were yet unaffected. The huts + which served for hospitals were surrounded with filth, and with the + putrefying hides of slaughtered cattle—almost sufficient of + themselves to have engendered pestilence; and when at last orders were + given to erect a convenient hospital, the contagion had become so general + that there were none who could work at it; for besides the few who were + able to perform garrison duty, there were not orderly men enough to assist + the sick. Added to these evils, there was the want of all needful + remedies; for though the expedition had been amply provided with hospital + stores, river craft enough had not been procured for transporting the + requisite baggage; and when much was to be left behind, provision for + sickness was that which of all things men in health would be most ready to + leave. Now, when these medicines were required, the river was swollen, and + so turbulent that its upward navigation was almost impracticable. At + length even the task of burying the dead was more than the living could + perform, and the bodies were tossed into the stream, or left for beasts of + prey, and for the gallinazos—those dreadful carrion birds, which do + not always wait for death before they begin their work. Five months the + English persisted in what may be called this war against nature; they then + left a few men, who seemed proof against the climate, to retain the castle + till the Spaniards should choose to retake it and make them prisoners. The + rest abandoned their baleful conquest. Eighteen hundred men were sent to + different posts upon this wretched expedition: not more than three hundred + and eighty ever returned. The HINCHINBROOK's complement consisted of two + hundred men; eighty-seven took to their beds in one night, and of the + whole crew not more than ten survived. + </p> + <p> + The transports' men all died, and some of the ships, having none left to + take care of them, sunk in the harbour: but transport ships were not + wanted, for the troops which they had brought were no more: they had + fallen, not by the hand of an enemy, but by the deadly influence of the + climate. + </p> + <p> + Nelson himself was saved by a timely removal. In a few days after the + commencement of the siege he was seized with the prevailing dysentery; + meantime Captain Glover (son of the author of LEONIDAS) died, and Nelson + was appointed to succeed him in the Janus, of forty-four guns; Collingwood + being then made post into the HINCHINBROOK. He returned to the harbour the + day before San Juan surrendered, and immediately sailed for Jamaica in the + sloop which brought the news of his appointment. He was, however, so + greatly reduced by the disorder, that when they reached Port Royal he was + carried ashore in his cot; and finding himself, after a partial amendment, + unable to retain the command of his new ship, he was compelled to ask + leave to return to England, as the only means of recovery. Captain + (afterwards Admiral) Cornwallis took him home in the LION; and to his fare + and kindness Nelson believed himself indebted for his life. He went + immediately to Bath, in a miserable state; so helpless that he was carried + to and from his bed; and the act of moving him produced the most violent + pain. In three months he recovered, and immediately hastened to London, + and applied for employment. After an interval of about four months he was + appointed to the ALBEMARLE, of twenty-eight guns, a French merchantman + which had been purchased from the captors for the king's service. + </p> + <p> + His health was not yet thoroughly re-established; and while he was + employed in getting his ship ready, he again became so ill as hardly to be + able to keep out of bed. Yet in this state, still suffering from the fatal + effect of a West Indian climate, as if it might almost be supposed, he + said, to try his constitution, he was sent to the North Seas, and kept + there the whole winter. The asperity with which he mentioned this so many + years afterwards evinces how deeply he resented a mode of conduct equally + cruel to the individual and detrimental to the service. It was during the + armed neutrality; and when they anchored off Elsinore, the Danish Admiral + sent on board, desiring to be informed what ships had arrived, and to have + their force written down. "The ALBEMARLE," said Nelson to the messenger, + "is one of his Britannic Majesty's ships: you are at liberty, sir, to + count the guns as you go down the side; and you may assure the Danish + Admiral that, if necessary, they shall all be well served." During this + voyage he gained a considerable knowledge of the Danish coast and its + soundings, greatly to the advantage of his country in after-times. The + ALBEMARLE was not a good ship, and was several times nearly overset in + consequence of the masts having been made much too long for her. On her + return to England they were shortened, and some other improvements made at + Nelson's suggestion. Still he always insisted that her first owners, the + French, had taught her to run away, as she was never a good sailer except + when going directly before the wind. + </p> + <p> + On their return to the Downs, while he was ashore visiting the senior + officer, there came on so heavy a gale that almost all the vessels drove, + and a store-ship came athwart-hawse of the ALBEMARLE. Nelson feared she + would drive on the Goodwin Sands; he ran to the beach; but even the Deal + boatmen thought it impossible to get on board, such was the violence of + the storm. At length some of the most intrepid offered to make the attempt + for fifteen guineas; and to the astonishment and fear of all the + beholders, he embarked during the height of the tempest. With great + difficulty and imminent danger he succeeded in reaching her. She lost her + bowsprit and foremast, but escaped further injury. He was now ordered to + Quebec, where his surgeon told him he would certainly be laid up by the + climate. Many of his friends urged him to represent this to Admiral + Keppel; but having received his orders from Lord Sandwich, there appeared + to him an indelicacy in applying to his successor to have them altered. + </p> + <p> + Accordingly he sailed for Canada. During her first cruise on that station + the ALBEMARLE captured a fishing schooner which contained in her cargo + nearly all the property that her master possessed, and the poor fellow had + a large family at home, anxiously expecting him. Nelson employed him as a + pilot in Boston Bay, then restored him the schooner and cargo, and gave + him a certificate to secure him against being captured by any other + vessel. The man came off afterwards to the ALBEMARLE, at the hazard of his + life, with a present of sheep, poultry, and fresh provisions. A most + valuable supply it proved, for the scurvy was raging on board: this was in + the middle of August, and the ship's company had not had a fresh meal + since the beginning of April. The certificate was preserved at Boston in + memory of an act of unusual generosity; and now that the fame of Nelson + has given interest to everything connected with his name, it is regarded + as a relic. The ALBEMARLE had a narrow escape upon this cruise. Four + French sail of the line and a frigate, which had come out of Boston + harbour, gave chase to her; and Nelson, perceiving that they beat him in + sailing, boldly ran among the numerous shoals of St. George's Bank, + confiding in his own skill in pilotage. Captain Salter, in the STA. + MARGARETTA, had escaped the French fleet by a similar manoeuvre not long + before. The frigate alone continued warily to pursue him; but as soon as + he perceived that this enemy was unsupported, he shortened sail and hove + to; upon which the Frenchman thought it advisable to give over the + pursuit, and sail in quest of his consorts. + </p> + <p> + At Quebec Nelson became acquainted with Alexander Davison, by whose + interference he was prevented from making what would have been called an + imprudent marriage. The ALBEMARLE was about to leave the station, her + captain had taken leave of his friends, and was gone down the river to the + place of anchorage; when the next morning, as Davison was walking on the + beach, to his surprise he saw Nelson coming back in his boat. Upon + inquiring the cause of this reappearance, Nelson took his arm to walk + towards the town, and told him that he found it utterly impossible to + leave Quebec without again seeing the woman whose society had contributed + so much to his happiness there, and offering her his hand. "If you do," + said his friend, "your ruin must inevitably follow." "Then let it follow," + cried Nelson, "for I am resolved to do it" "And I," replied Davison, "am + resolved you shall not." Nelson, however, upon this occasion, was less + resolute than his friend, and suffered himself to be led back to the boat. + </p> + <p> + The ALBEMARLE was under orders to convoy a fleet of transports to New + York. "A very pretty job" said her captain, "at this late season of the + year" (October was far advanced), "for our sails are at this moment frozen + to the yards." On his arrival at Sandy Hook, he waited on the + commander-in-chief, Admiral Digby, who told him he was come on a fine + station for making prize-money. "Yes, sir," Nelson made answer, "but the + West Indies is the station for honour." Lord Hood, with a detachment of + Rodney's victorious fleet, was at that time at Sandy Hook: he had been + intimate with Captain Suckling; and Nelson, who was desirous of nothing + but honour, requested him to ask for the ALBEMARLE, that he might go to + that station where it was most likely to be obtained. Admiral Digby + reluctantly parted with him. His professional merit was already well + known; and Lord Hood, on introducing him to Prince William Henry, as the + Duke of Clarence was then called, told the prince, if he wished to ask any + questions respecting naval tactics, Captain Nelson could give him as much + information as any officer in the fleet. The Duke—who, to his own + honour, became from that time the firm friend of Nelson—describes + him as appearing the merest boy of a captain he had ever seen, dressed in + a full laced uniform, an old-fashioned waistcoat with long flaps, and his + lank unpowdered hair tied in a stiff Hessian tail of extraordinary length; + making altogether so remarkable a figure, that, says the duke, "I had + never seen anything like it before, nor could I imagine who he was, nor + what he came about. But his address and conversation were irresistibly + pleasing; and when he spoke on professional subjects, it was with an + enthusiasm that showed he was no common being." + </p> + <p> + It was expected that the French would attempt some of the passages between + the Bahamas; and Lord Hood, thinking of this, said to Nelson, "I suppose, + sir, from the length of time you were cruising among the Bahama Keys, you + must be a good pilot there." He replied, with that constant readiness to + render justice to every man which was so conspicuous in all his conduct + through life, that he was well acquainted with them himself, but that in + that respect his second lieutenant was far his superior. The French got + into Puerto Cabello, on the coast of Venezuela. Nelson was cruising + between that port and La Guapra, under French colours, for the purpose of + obtaining information; when a king's launch, belonging to the Spaniards, + passed near, and being hailed in French, came alongside without suspicion, + and answered all questions that were asked concerning the number and force + of the enemy's ships. The crew, however, were not a little surprised when + they were taken on board and found themselves prisoners. One of the party + went by the name of the Count de Deux-Ponts. He was, however, a prince of + the German empire, and brother to the heir of the Electorate of Bavaria: + his companions were French officers of distinction, and men of science, + who had been collecting specimens in the various branches of natural + history. Nelson, having entertained them with the best his table could + afford, told them they were at liberty to depart with their boat, and all + that it contained: he only required them to promise that they would + consider themselves as prisoners if the commander-in-chief should refuse + to acquiesce in their being thus liberated: a circumstance which was not + likely to happen. Tidings soon arrived that the preliminaries of peace had + been signed; and the ALBEMARLE returned to England and was paid off. + Nelson's first business, after he got to London, even before he went to + see his relations, was to attempt to get the wages due to his men for the + various ships in which they had served during the war. "The disgust of + seamen to the navy," he said, "was all owing to the infernal plan of + turning them over from ship to ship; so that men could not be attached to + their officers, nor the officers care the least about the men." Yet he + himself was so beloved by his men that his whole ship's company offered, + if he could get a ship, to enter for her immediately. He was now, for the + first time, presented at court. After going through this ceremony, he + dined with his friend Davison at Lincoln's Inn. As soon as he entered the + chambers, he threw off what he called his iron-bound coat; and, putting + himself at ease in a dressing gown, passed the remainder of the day in + talking over all that had befallen them since they parted on the shore of + the River St. Lawrence. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0002" id="link2HCH0002"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER II + </h2> + <h3> + 1784 - 1793 + </h3> + <p> + Nelson goes to France—Reappointed to the BOREAS at the Leeward + Islands in the BOREAS—His firm conduct concerning the American + Interlopers and the Contractors—Marries and returns to England—Is + on the point of quitting the Service in Disgust—Manner of Life while + unemployed—Appointed to the AGAMEMNON on the breaking out of the War + of the French Revolution. + </p> + <p> + "I HAVE closed the war," said Nelson in one of his letters, "without a + fortune; but there is not a speck in my character. True honour, I hope, + predominates in my mind far above riches." He did not apply for a ship, + because he was not wealthy enough to live on board in the manner which was + then become customary. Finding it, therefore, prudent to economise on his + half-pay during the peace, he went to France, in company with Captain + Macnamara of the navy, and took lodgings at St. Omer's. The death of his + favourite sister, Anne, who died in consequence of going out of the + ball-room at Bath when heated with dancing, affected his father so much + that it had nearly occasioned him to return in a few weeks. Time, however, + and reason and religion, overcame this grief in the old man; and Nelson + continued at St. Omer's long enough to fall in love with the daughter of + an English clergyman. This second attachment appears to have been less + ardent than the first, for upon weighing the evils of a straitened income + to a married man, he thought it better to leave France, assigning to his + friends something in his accounts as the cause. This prevented him from + accepting an invitation from the Count of Deux-Ponts to visit him at + Paris, couched in the handsomest terms of acknowledgment for the treatment + which he had received on board the ALBEMARLE. + </p> + <p> + The self-constraint which Nelson exerted in subduing this attachment made + him naturally desire to be at sea; and when, upon visiting Lord Howe at + the Admiralty, he was asked if he wished to be employed, he made answer + that he did. Accordingly in March, he was appointed to the BOREAS, + twenty-eight guns, going to the Leeward Islands as a cruiser on the peace + establishment. Lady Hughes and her family went out with him to Admiral Sir + Richard Hughes, who commanded on that station. His ship was full of young + midshipmen, of whom there were not less than thirty on board; and happy + were they whose lot it was to be placed with such a captain. If he + perceived that a boy was afraid at first going aloft, he would say to him + in a friendly manner, "Well, sir, I am going a race to the mast-head, and + beg that I may meet you there." The poor little fellow instantly began to + climb, and got up how he could,—Nelson never noticed in what manner, + but when they met in the top, spoke cheerfully to him, and would say how + much any person was to be pitied who fancied that getting up was either + dangerous or difficult. Every day he went into the school-room to see that + they were pursuing their nautical studies; and at noon he was always the + first on deck with his quadrant. Whenever he paid a visit of ceremony, + some of these youths accompanied him; and when he went to dine with the + governor at Barbadoes, he took one of them in his hand, and presented him, + saying, "Your Excellency must excuse me for bringing one of my midshipmen. + I make it a rule to introduce them to all the good company I can, as they + have few to look up to, besides myself, during the time they are at sea." + </p> + <p> + When Nelson arrived in the West Indies, he found himself senior captain, + and consequently second in command on that station. Satisfactory as this + was, it soon involved him in a dispute with the admiral, which a man less + zealous for the service might have avoided. He found the LATONA in English + Harbour, Antigua, with a broad pendant hoisted; and upon inquiring the + reason, was presented with a written order from Sir R. Hughes, requiring + and directing him to obey the orders of Resident Commissioner Moutray + during the time he might have occasion to remain there; the said resident + commissioner being in consequence, authorised to hoist a broad pendant on + board any of his Majesty's ships in that port that he might think proper. + Nelson was never at a loss how to act in any emergency. + </p> + <p> + "I know of no superior officers," said he, "besides the Lords + Commissioners of the Admiralty, and my seniors on the post list." + Concluding, therefore, that it was not consistent with the service for a + resident commissioner, who held only a civil situation, to hoist a broad + pendant, the moment that he had anchored he sent an order to the captain + of the LATONA to strike it, and return it to the dock-yard. He went on + shore the same day, dined with the commissioner, to show him that he was + actuated by no other motive than a sense of duty, and gave him the first + intelligence that his pendant had been struck. Sir Richard sent an account + of this to the Admiralty; but the case could admit of no doubt, and + Captain Nelson's conduct was approved. + </p> + <p> + He displayed the same promptitude on another occasion. While the BOREAS, + after the hurricane months were over, was riding at anchor in Nevis Roads, + a French frigate passed to leeward, close along shore. Nelson had obtained + information that this ship was sent from Martinico, with two general + officers and some engineers on board, to make a survey of our sugar + islands. This purpose he was determined to prevent them from executing, + and therefore he gave orders to follow them. The next day he came up with + them at anchor in the roads of St. Eustatia, and anchored at about two + cables' length on the frigate's quarter. Being afterwards invited by the + Dutch governor to meet the French officers at dinner, he seized that + occasion of assuring the French captain that, understanding it was his + intention to honour the British possessions with a visit, he had taken the + earliest opportunity in his power to accompany him, in his Majesty's ship + the BOREAS, in order that such attention might be paid to the officers of + his Most Christian Majesty as every Englishman in the islands would be + proud to show. The French, with equal courtesy, protested against giving + him this trouble; especially, they said, as they intended merely to cruise + round the islands without landing on any. But Nelson, with the utmost + politeness, insisted upon paying them this compliment, followed them close + in spite of all their attempts to elude his vigilance, and never lost + sight of them; till, finding it impossible either to deceive or escape + him, they gave up their treacherous purpose in despair, and beat up for + Martinico. + </p> + <p> + A business of more serious import soon engaged his attention. The + Americans were at this time trading with our islands, taking advantage of + the register of their ships, which had been issued while they were British + subjects. Nelson knew that, by the Navigation Act, no foreigners, directly + or indirectly, are permitted to carry on any trade with these possessions. + He knew, also, that the Americans had made themselves foreigners with + regard to England; they had disregarded the ties of blood and language + when they acquired the independence which they had been led on to claim, + unhappily for themselves before they were fit for it; and he was resolved + that they should derive no profit from those ties now. Foreigners they had + made themselves, and as foreigners they were to be treated. "If once," + said he, "they are admitted to any kind of intercourse with our islands, + the views of the loyalists, in settling at Nova Scotia, are entirely done + away; and when we are again embroiled in a French war, the Americans will + first become the carriers of these colonies, and then have possession of + them. Here they come, sell their cargoes for ready money, go to Martinico, + buy molasses, and so round and round. The loyalist cannot do this, and + consequently must sell a little dearer. The residents here are Americans + by connection and by interest, and are inimical to Great Britain. They are + as great rebels as ever were in America, had they the power to show it." + In November, when the squadron, having arrived at Barbadoes, was to + separate, with no other orders than those for examining anchorages, and + the usual inquiries concerning wood and water, Nelson asked his friend + Collingwood, then captain of the MEDIATOR, whose opinions he knew upon the + subject, to accompany him to the commander-in-chief, whom he then + respectfully asked, whether they were not to attend to the commerce of the + country, and see that the Navigation Act was respected—that + appearing to him to be the intent of keeping men-of-war upon this station + in time of peace? Sir Richard Hughes replied, he had no particular orders, + neither had the Admiralty sent him any Acts of Parliament. But Nelson made + answer, that the Navigation Act was included in the statutes of the + Admiralty, with which every captain was furnished, and that Act was + directed to admirals, captains, &c., to see it carried into execution. + Sir Richard said he had never seen the book. Upon this Nelson produced the + statutes, read the words of the Act, and apparently convinced the + commander-in-chief, that men-of-war, as he said, "were sent abroad for + some other purpose than to be made a show of." Accordingly orders were + given to enforce the Navigation Act. + </p> + <p> + Major-General Sir Thomas Shirley was at this time governor of the Leeward + Islands; and when Nelson waited on him, to inform him how he intended to + act, and upon what grounds, he replied, that "old generals were not in the + habit of taking advice from young gentlemen." "Sir," said the young + officer, with that confidence in himself which never carried him too far, + and always was equal to the occasion, "I am as old as the prime minister + of England, and I think myself as capable of commanding one of his + Majesty's ships as that minister is of governing the state." He was + resolved to do his duty, whatever might be the opinion or conduct of + others; and when he arrived upon his station at St. Kitt's, he sent away + all the Americans, not choosing to seize them before they had been well + apprised that the Act would be carried into effect, lest it might seem as + if a trap had been laid for them. The Americans, though they prudently + decamped from St. Kitt's, were emboldened by the support they met with, + and resolved to resist his orders, alleging that king's ships had no legal + power to seize them without having deputations from the customs. The + planters were to a man against him; the governors and the presidents of + the different islands, with only a single exception, gave him no support; + and the admiral, afraid to act on either side, yet wishing to oblige the + planters, sent him a note, advising him to be guided by the wishes of the + president of the council. There was no danger in disregarding this, as it + came unofficially, and in the form of advice. But scarcely a month after + he had shown Sir Richard Hughes the law, and, as he supposed, satisfied + him concerning it, he received an order from him, stating that he had now + obtained good advice upon the point, and the Americans were not to be + hindered from coming, and having free egress and regress, if the governor + chose to permit them. An order to the same purport had been sent round to + the different governors and presidents; and General Shirley and others + informed him, in an authoritative manner, that they chose to admit + American ships, as the commander-in-chief had left the decision to them. + These persons, in his own words, he soon "trimmed up, and silenced;" but + it was a more delicate business to deal with the admiral: "I must either," + said he, "disobey my orders, or disobey Acts of Parliament. I determined + upon the former, trusting to the uprightness of my intentions, and + believing that my country would not let me be ruined for protecting her + commerce." With this determination he wrote to Sir Richard; appealed again + to the plain, literal, unequivocal sense of the Navigation Act; and in + respectful language told him, he felt it his duty to decline obeying these + orders till he had an opportunity of seeing and conversing with him. Sir + Richard's first feeling was that of anger, and he was about to supersede + Nelson; but having mentioned the affair to his captain, that officer told + him he believed all the squadron thought the orders illegal, and therefore + did not know how far they were bound to obey them. It was impossible, + therefore, to bring Nelson to a court-martial, composed of men who agreed + with him in opinion upon the point in dispute; and luckily, though the + admiral wanted vigour of mind to decide upon what was right, he was not + obstinate in wrong, and had even generosity enough in his nature to thank + Nelson afterwards for having shown him his error. + </p> + <p> + Collingwood in the MEDIATOR, and his brother, Wilfred Collingwood, in the + RATTLER, actively co-operated with Nelson. The custom-houses were informed + that after a certain day all foreign vessels found in the ports would be + seized; and many were, in consequence, seized, and condemned in the + Admiralty Court. When the BOREAS arrived at Nevis, she found four American + vessels deeply laden, and what are called the island colours flying—white, + with a red cross. They were ordered to hoist their proper flag, and depart + within 48 hours; but they refused to obey, denying that they were + Americans. Some of their crews were then examined in Nelson's cabin, where + the Judge of Admiralty happened to be present. The case was plain; they + confessed that they were Americans, and that the ships, hull and cargo, + were wholly American property; upon which he seized them. This raised a + storm: the planters, the custom-house, and the governor, were all against + him. Subscriptions were opened, and presently filled, for the purpose of + carrying on the cause in behalf of the American captains; and the admiral, + whose flag was at that time in the roads, stood neutral. But the Americans + and their abettors were not content with defensive law. The marines, whom + he had sent to secure the ships, had prevented some of the masters from + going ashore; and those persons, by whose depositions it appeared that the + vessels and cargoes were American property, declared that they had given + their testimony under bodily fear, for that a man with a drawn sword in + his hand had stood over them the whole time. A rascally lawyer, whom the + party employed, suggested this story; and as the sentry at the cabin door + was a man with a drawn sword, the Americans made no scruple of swearing to + this ridiculous falsehood, and commencing prosecutions against him + accordingly. They laid their damages at the enormous amount of L40,000; + and Nelson was obliged to keep close on board his own ship, lest he should + be arrested for a sum for which it would have been impossible to find + bail. The marshal frequently came on board to arrest him, but was always + prevented by the address of the first lieutenant, Mr. Wallis. Had he been + taken, such was the temper of the people that it was certain he would have + been cast for the whole sum. One of his officers, one day, in speaking of + the restraint which he was thus compelled to suffer, happened to use the + word PITY! "Pity!" exclaimed Nelson: "Pity! did you say? I shall live, + sir, to be envied! and to that point I shall always direct my course." + Eight weeks remained in this state of duresse. During that time the trial + respecting the detained ships came on in the court of Admiralty. He went + on shore under a protection for the day from the judge; but, + notwithstanding this, the marshal was called upon to take that opportunity + of arresting him, and the merchants promised to indemnify him for so + doing. The judge, however, did his duty, and threatened to send the + marshal to prison if he attempted to violate the protection of the court. + Mr. Herbert, the president of Nevis, behaved with singular generosity upon + this occasion. Though no man was a greater sufferer by the measures which + Nelson had pursued, he offered in court to become his bail for L10,000 if + he chose to suffer the arrest. The lawyer whom he had chosen proved to be + an able as well as an honest man; and notwithstanding the opinions and + pleadings of most of the counsel of the different islands, who maintained + that ships of war were not justified in seizing American vessels without a + deputation from the customs, the law was so explicit, the case so clear, + and Nelson pleaded his own cause so well, that the four ships were + condemned. During the progress of this business he sent a memorial home to + the king, in consequence of which orders were issued that he should be + defended at the expense of the crown. And upon the representation which he + made at the same time to the Secretary of State, and the suggestions with + which he accompanied it, the Register Act was framed. The sanction of + Government, and the approbation of his conduct which it implied, were + highly gratifying to him; but he was offended, and not without just cause, + that the Treasury should have transmitted thanks to the commander-in-chief + for his activity and zeal in protecting the commerce of Great Britain. + "Had they known all," said he, "I do not think they would have bestowed + thanks in that quarter, and neglected me. I feel much hurt that, after the + loss of health and risk of fortune, another should be thanked for what I + did against his orders. I either deserved to be sent out of the service, + or at least to have had some little notice taken of what I had done. They + have thought it worthy of notice, and yet have neglected me. If this is + the reward for a faithful discharge of my duty, I shall be careful, and + never stand forward again. But I have done my duty, and have nothing to + accuse myself of." + </p> + <p> + The anxiety which he had suffered from the harassing uncertainties of law + is apparent from these expressions. He had, however, something to console + him, for he was at this time wooing the niece of his friend the president, + then in her eighteenth year, the widow of Dr. Nisbet, a physician. She had + one child, a son, by name Josiah, who was three years old. One day Mr. + Herbert, who had hastened half-dressed to receive Nelson, exclaimed, on + returning to his dressing-room, "Good God! if I did not find that great + little man, of whom everybody is so afraid, playing in the next room, + under the dining-table, with Mrs. Nisbet's child!" A few days afterwards + Mrs. Nisbet herself was first introduced to him, and thanked him for the + partiality which he had shown to her little boy. Her manners were mild and + winning; and the captain, whose heart was easily susceptible of + attachment, found no such imperious necessity for subduing his + inclinations as had twice before withheld him from marrying. They were + married on March 11, 1787: Prince William Henry, who had come out to the + West Indies the preceding winter, being present, by his own desire, to + give away the bride. Mr. Herbert, her uncle, was at this time so much + displeased with his only daughter, that he had resolved to disinherit her, + and leave his whole fortune, which was very great, to his niece. But + Nelson, whose nature was too noble to let him profit by an act of + injustice, interfered, and succeeded in reconciling the president to his + child. + </p> + <p> + "Yesterday," said one of his naval friends the day after the wedding, "the + navy lost one of its greatest ornaments by Nelson's marriage. It is a + national loss that such an officer should marry: had it not been for this, + Nelson would have become the greatest man in the service." The man was + rightly estimated; but he who delivered this opinion did not understand + the effect of domestic love and duty upon a mind of the true heroic stamp. + </p> + <p> + "We are often separate," said Nelson, in a letter to Mrs. Nisbet a few + months before their marriage; "but our affections are not by any means on + that account diminished. Our country has the first demand for our + services; and private convenience or happiness must ever give way to the + public good. Duty is the great business of a sea officer: all private + considerations must give way to it, however painful." "Have you not often + heard," says he in another letter, "that salt water and absence always + wash away love? Now I am such a heretic as not to believe that article, + for, behold, every morning I have had six pails of salt water poured upon + my head, and instead of finding what seamen say to be true, it goes on so + contrary to the prescription, that you may, perhaps, see me before the + fixed time." More frequently his correspondence breathed a deeper strain. + "To write letters to you," says he, "is the next greatest pleasure I feel + to receiving them from you. What I experience when I read such as I am + sure are the pure sentiments of your heart, my poor pen cannot express; + nor, indeed, would I give much for any pen or head which could express + feelings of that kind. Absent from you, I feel no pleasure: it is you who + are everything to me. Without you, I care not for this world; for I have + found, lately, nothing in it but vexation and trouble. These are my + present sentiments. God Almighty grant they may never change! Nor do I + think they will. Indeed there is, as far as human knowledge can judge, a + moral certainty that they cannot; for it must be real affection that + brings us together, not interest or compulsion." Such were the feelings, + and such the sense of duty, with which Nelson became a husband. + </p> + <p> + During his stay upon this station he had ample opportunity of observing + the scandalous practices of the contractors, prize-agents, and other + persons in the West Indies connected with the naval service. When he was + first left with the command, and bills were brought him to sign for money + which was owing for goods purchased for the navy, he required the original + voucher, that he might examine whether those goods had been really + purchased at the market price; but to produce vouchers would not have been + convenient, and therefore was not the custom. Upon this Nelson wrote to + Sir Charles Middleton, then Comptroller of the Navy, representing the + abuses which were likely to be practised in this manner. The answer which + he received seemed to imply that the old forms were thought sufficient; + and thus, having no alternative, he was compelled, with his eyes open, to + submit to a practice originating in fraudulent intentions. Soon afterwards + two Antigua merchants informed him that they were privy to great frauds + which had been committed upon government in various departments; at + Antigua, to the amount of nearly L500,000; at Lucie, L300,000; at + Barbadoes, L250,000; at Jamaica, upwards of a million. The informers were + both shrewd sensible men of business; they did not affect to be actuated + by a sense of justice, but required a percentage upon so much as + government should actually recover through their means. Nelson examined + the books and papers which they produced, and was convinced that + government had been most infamously plundered. Vouchers, he found, in that + country, were no check whatever: the principle was, that "a thing was + always worth what it would bring;" and the merchants were in the habit of + signing vouchers for each other, without even the appearance of looking at + the articles. These accounts he sent home to the different departments + which had been defrauded; but the peculators were too powerful, and they + succeeded not merely in impeding inquiry, but even in raising prejudices + against Nelson at the Board of Admiralty, which it was many years before + he could subdue. + </p> + <p> + Owing probably, to these prejudices, and the influence of the peculators, + he was treated, on his return to England, in a manner which had nearly + driven him from the service. During the three years that the BOREAS had + remained upon a station which is usually so fatal, not a single officer or + man of her whole complement had died. This almost unexampled instance of + good health, though mostly, no doubt, imputable to a healthy season, must + in some measure, also, be ascribed to the wise conduct of the captain. He + never suffered the ships to remain more than three or four weeks at a time + at any of the islands; and when the hurricane months confined him to + English Harbour, he encouraged all kinds of useful amusements—music, + dancing, and cudgelling among the men; theatricals among the officers; + anything which could employ their attention, and keep their spirits + cheerful. The BOREAS arrived in England in June. Nelson, who had many + times been supposed to be consumptive when in the West Indies, and perhaps + was saved from consumption by that climate, was still in a precarious + state of health; and the raw wet weather of one of our ungenial summers + brought on cold, and sore throat, and fever; yet his vessel was kept at + the Nore from the end of June till the end of November, serving as a slop + and receiving ship. This unworthy treatment, which more probably proceeded + from inattention than from neglect, excited in Nelson the strongest + indignation. During the whole five months he seldom or never quitted the + ship, but carried on the duty with strict and sullen attention. On the + morning when orders were received to prepare the BOREAS for being paid + off, he expressed his joy to the senior officer in the Medway, saying, "It + will release me for ever from an ungrateful service; for it is my firm and + unalterable determination never again to set my foot on board a king's + ship. Immediately after my arrival in town I shall wait on the First Lord + of the Admiralty, and resign my commission." The officer to whom he thus + communicated his intentions behaved in the wisest and most friendly + manner; for finding it in vain to dissuade him in his present state of + feeling, he secretly interfered with the First Lord to save him from a + step so injurious to himself, little foreseeing how deeply the welfare and + honour of England were at that moment at stake. This interference produced + a letter from Lord Howe the day before the ship was paid off, intimating a + wish to see Captain Nelson as soon as he arrived in town; when, being + pleased with his conversation, and perfectly convinced, by what was then + explained to him, of the propriety of his conduct, he desired that he + might present him to the king on the first levee-day; and the gracious + manner in which Nelson was then received effectually removed his + resentment. + </p> + <p> + Prejudices had been, in like manner, excited against his friend, Prince + William Henry. "Nothing is wanting, sir," said Nelson, in one of his + letters, "to make you the darling of the English nation but truth. Sorry + am I to say, much to the contrary has been dispersed." This was not + flattery, for Nelson was no flatterer. The letter in which this passage + occurs shows in how wise and noble a manner he dealt with the prince. One + of his royal highness's officers had applied for a court-martial upon a + point in which he was unquestionably wrong. His royal highness, however, + while he supported his own character and authority, prevented the trial, + which must have been injurious to a brave and deserving man. "Now that you + are parted," said Nelson, "pardon me, my prince, when I presume to + recommend that he may stand in your royal favour as if he had never sailed + with you, and that at some future day you will serve him. There only wants + this to place your conduct in the highest point of view. None of us are + without failings—his was being rather too hasty; but that, put in + competition with his being a good officer, will not, I am bold to say, be + taken in the scale against him. More able friends than myself your royal + highness may easily find, and of more consequence in the state; but one + more attached and affectionate is not so easily met with: Princes seldom, + very seldom, find a disinterested person to communicate their thoughts to: + I do not pretend to be that person; but of this be assured, by a man who, + I trust, never did a dishonourable act, that I am interested only that + your royal highness should be the greatest and best man this country ever + produced." + </p> + <p> + Encouraged by the conduct of Lord Howe, and by his reception at court, + Nelson renewed his attack upon the peculators with fresh spirit. He had + interviews with Mr. Rose, Mr. Pitt, and Sir Charles Middleton, to all of + whom he satisfactorily proved his charges. In consequence, if is said, + these very extensive public frauds were at length put in a proper train to + be provided against in future; his representations were attended to; and + every step which he recommended was adopted; the investigation was put + into a proper course, which ended in the detection and punishment of some + of the culprits; an immense saving was made to government, and thus its + attention was directed to similar peculations in other arts of the + colonies. But it is said also that no mark of commendation seems to have + been bestowed upon Nelson for his exertion. It has been justly remarked + that the spirit of the navy cannot be preserved so effectually by the + liberal honours bestowed on officers when they are worn out in the + service, as by an attention to those who, like Nelson at this part of his + life, have only their integrity and zeal to bring them into notice. A + junior officer, who had been left with the command at Jamaica, received an + additional allowance, for which Nelson had applied in vain. Double pay was + allowed to every artificer and seaman employed in the naval yard: Nelson + had superintended the whole business of that yard with the most rigid + exactness, and he complained that he was neglected. "It was most true," he + said, "that the trouble which he took to detect the fraudulent practices + then carried on was no more than his duty; but he little thought that the + expenses attending his frequent journeys to St. John's upon that duty (a + distance of twelve miles) would have fallen upon his pay as captain of the + BOREAS." Nevertheless, the sense of what he thought unworthy usage did not + diminish his zeal. "I," said he, "must buffet the waves in search of—What? + Alas! that they called honour is thought of no more. My fortune, God + knows, has grown worse for the service; so much for serving my country! + But the devil, ever willing to tempt the virtuous, has made me offer, if + any ships should be sent to destroy his Majesty of Morocco's ports, to be + there; and I have some reason to think that, should any more come of it, + my humble services will be accepted. I have invariably laid down, and + followed close, a plan of what ought to be uppermost in the breast of an + officer,—that it is much better to serve an ungrateful country than + to give up his own fame. Posterity will do him justice. A uniform course + of honour and integrity seldom fails of bringing a man to the goal of fame + at last." + </p> + <p> + The design against the Barbary pirates, like all other designs against + them, was laid aside; and Nelson took his wife to his father's parsonage, + meaning only to pay him a visit before they went to France; a project + which he had formed for the sake of acquiring a competent knowledge of the + French language. But his father could not bear to lose him thus + unnecessarily. Mr. Nelson had long been an invalid, suffering under + paralytic and asthmatic affections, which, for several hours after he rose + in the morning, scarcely permitted him to speak. He had been given over by + his physicians for this complaint nearly forty years before his death; and + was, for many of his latter years, obliged to spend all his winters at + Bath. The sight of his son, he declared, had given him new life. "But, + Horatio," said he, "it would have been better that I had not been thus + cheered, if I am so soon to be bereaved of you again. Let me, my good son, + see you whilst I can. My age and infirmities increase, and I shall not + last long." To such an appeal there could be no reply. Nelson took up his + abode at the parsonage, and amused himself with the sports and occupations + of the country. Sometimes he busied himself with farming the glebe; + sometimes spent the greater part of the day in the garden, where he would + dig as if for the mere pleasure of wearying himself. Sometimes he went a + birds'-nesting, like a boy; and in these expeditions Mrs. Nelson always, + by his expressed desire, accompanied him. Coursing was his favourite + amusement. Shooting, as he practised it, was far too dangerous for his + companions; for he carried his gun upon the full cock, as if he were going + to board an enemy; and the moment a bird rose, he let fly without ever + putting the fowling-piece to his shoulder. It is not, therefore, + extraordinary that his having once shot a partridge should be remembered + by his family among the remarkable events of his life. + </p> + <p> + But his time did not pass away thus without some vexatious cares to ruffle + it. The affair of the American ships was not yet over, and he was again + pestered with threats of prosecution. "I have written them word," said he, + "that I will have nothing to do with them, and they must act as they think + proper. Government, I suppose, will do what is right, and not leave me in + the lurch. We have heard enough lately of the consequences of the + Navigation Act to this country. They may take my person; but if sixpence + would save me from a prosecution, I would not give it." It was his great + ambition at this time to possess a pony; and having resolved to purchase + one, he went to a fair for that purpose. During his absence two men + abruptly entered the parsonage and inquired for him: they then asked for + Mrs. Nelson; and after they had made her repeatedly declare that she was + really and truly the captain's wife, presented her with a writ, or + notification, on the part of the American captains, who now laid their + damages at L20,000, and they charged her to give it to her husband on his + return. Nelson, having bought his pony, came home with it in high spirits. + He called out his wife to admire the purchase and listen to all its + excellences: nor was it till his glee had in some measure subsided that + the paper could be presented to him. His indignation was excessive; and in + the apprehension that he should be exposed to the anxieties of the suit + and the ruinous consequences which might ensue, he exclaimed, "This + affront I did not deserve! But I'll be trifled with no longer. I will + write immediately to the Treasury, and if government will not support me, + I am resolved to leave the country." Accordingly, he informed the Treasury + that, if a satisfactory answer were not sent him by return of post, he + should take refuge in France. To this he expected he should be driven, and + for this he arranged everything with his characteristic rapidity of + decision. It was settled that he should depart immediately, and Mrs. + Nelson follow, under the care of his elder brother Maurice, ten days after + him. But the answer which he received from government quieted his fears: + it stated that Captain Nelson was a very good officer, and needed to be + under no apprehension, for he would assuredly be supported. + </p> + <p> + Here his disquietude upon this subject seems to have ended. Still he was + not at ease; he wanted employment, and was mortified that his applications + for it produced no effect. "Not being a man of fortune," he said, "was a + crime which he was unable to get over, and therefore none of the great + cared about him." Repeatedly he requested the Admiralty that they would + not leave him to rust in indolence. During the armament which was made + upon occasion of the dispute concerning Nootka Sound, he renewed his + application; and his steady friend, Prince William, who had then been + created Duke of Clarence, recommended him to Lord Chatham. The failure of + this recommendation wounded him so keenly that he again thought of + retiring from the service in disgust; a resolution from which nothing but + the urgent remonstrances of Lord Hood induced him to desist. Hearing that + the RAISONNABLE, in which he had commenced his career, was to be + commissioned, he asked for her. This also was in vain; and a coolness + ensued, on his part, toward Lord Hood, because that excellent officer did + not use his influence with Lord Chatham upon this occasion. Lord Hood, + however, had certainly sufficient reasons for not interfering; for he ever + continued his steady friend. In the winter of 1792, when we were on the + eve of the revolutionary war, Nelson once more offered his services, + earnestly requested a ship, and added, that if their lordships should be + pleased to appoint him to a cockle-boat he should feel satisfied. He was + answered in the usual official form: "Sir, I have received your letter of + the 5th instant, expressing your readiness to serve, and have read the + same to my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty." On the 12th of December + he received this dry acknowledgment. The fresh mortification did not, + however, affect him long; for, by the joint interest of the Duke and Lord + Hood, he was appointed, on the 30th of January following, to the + AGAMEMNON, of sixty-four guns. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0003" id="link2HCH0003"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER III + </h2> + <h3> + 1793 - 1795 + </h3> + <p> + The AGAMEMNON sent to the Mediterranean —Commencement of Nelson's + Aquaintance with Sir W. Hamilton—He is sent to Corsica, to cooperate + with Paoli—State of Affairs in that Island—Nelson undertakes + the Siege of Bastia, and reduces it—Takes a distinguished Part in + the Siege of Calvi, where he loses an Eye—Admiral Hotham's Action—The + AGAMEMNON ordered to Genoa, to co-operate with the Austrian and Sardinian + Forces—Gross Misconduct of the Austrian General. + </p> + <p> + "THERE are three things, young gentleman," said Nelson to one of his + midshipmen, "which you are constantly to bear in mind. First, you must + always implicitly obey orders, without attempting to form any opinion of + your own respecting their propriety; secondly, you must consider every man + your enemy who speaks ill of your king; and, thirdly, you must hate a + Frenchman as you do the devil." With these feelings he engaged in the war. + Josiah, his son-in-law, went with him as a midshipman. + </p> + <p> + The AGAMEMNON was ordered to the Mediterranean under Lord Hood. The fleet + arrived in those seas at a time when the south of France would willingly + have formed itself into a separate republic, under the protection of + England. But good principles had been at that time perilously abused by + ignorant and profligate men; and, in its fear and hatred of democracy, the + English Government abhorred whatever was republican. Lord Hood could not + take advantage of the fair occasion which presented itself; and which, if + it had been seized with vigour, might have ended in dividing France:—but + he negotiated with the people of Toulon, to take possession provisionally + of their port and city; which, fatally for themselves, was done. Before + the British fleet entered, Nelson was sent with despatches to Sir William + Hamilton, our envoy at the Court of Naples. Sir William, after his first + interview with him, told Lady Hamilton he was about to introduce a little + man to her, who could not boast of being very handsome; but such a man as, + he believed, would one day astonish the world. "I have never before," he + continued, "entertained an officer at my house; but I am determined to + bring him here. Let him be put in the room prepared for Prince Augustus." + Thus that acquaintance began which ended in the destruction of Nelson's + domestic happiness. It seemed to threaten no such consequences at its + commencement. He spoke of Lady Hamilton, in a letter to his wife, as a + young woman of amiable manners, who did honour to the station to which she + had been raised; and he remarked, that she had been exceedingly kind to + Josiah. The activity with which the envoy exerted himself in procuring + troops from Naples, to assist in garrisoning Toulon, so delighted him, + that he is said to have exclaimed, "Sir William, you are a man after my + own heart!—you do business in my own way:" and then to have added, + "I am now only a captain; but I will, if I live, be at the top of the + tree." Here, also, that acquaintance with the Neapolitan court commenced, + which led to the only blot upon Nelson's public character. The king, who + was sincere at that time in his enmity to the French, called the English + the saviours of Italy, and of his dominions in particular. He paid the + most flattering attentions to Nelson, made him dine with him, and seated + him at his right hand. + </p> + <p> + Having accomplished this mission, Nelson received orders to join Commodore + Linzee at Tunis. On the way, five sail of the enemy were discovered off + the coast of Sardinia, and he chased them. They proved to be three + forty-four gun frigates, with a corvette of twenty-four and a brig of + twelve. The AGAMEMNON had only 345 men at quarters, having landed part of + her crew at Toulon, and others being absent in prizes. He came near enough + one of the frigates to engage her, but at great disadvantage, the + Frenchman manoeuvring well and sailing greatly better. A running fight of + three hours ensued, during which the other ships, which were at some + distance, made all speed to come up. By this time the enemy was almost + silenced, when a favourable change of wind enabled her to get out of reach + of the AGAMEMNON's guns; and that ship had received so much damage in the + rigging that she could not follow her. Nelson, conceiving that this was + but the forerunner of a far more serious engagement, called his officers + together, and asked them if the ship was fit to go into action against + such a superior force without some small refit and refreshment for the + men. Their answer was, that she certainly was not. He then gave these + orders,—"Veer the ship, and lay her head to the westward: let some + of the best men be employed in refitting the rigging, and the carpenter in + getting crows and capstan-bars to prevent our wounded spars from coming + down: and get the wine up for the people, with some bread, for it may be + half an hour good before we are again in action." But when the French came + up, their comrade made signals of distress, and they all hoisted out their + boats to go to her assistance, leaving the AGAMEMNON unmolested. + </p> + <p> + Nelson found Commodore Linzee at Tunis, where he had been sent to + expostulate with the dey upon the impolicy of his supporting the + revolutionary government of France. Nelson represented to him the atrocity + of that government. Such arguments were of little avail in Barbary; and + when the Dey was told that the French had put their sovereign to death, he + drily replied, that "Nothing could be more heinous; and yet, if historians + told the truth, the English had once done the same." This answer had + doubtless been suggested by the French about him: they had completely + gained the ascendancy, and all negotiation on our part proved fruitless. + Shortly afterward, Nelson was detached with a small squadron, to + co-operate with General Paoli and the Anti-Gallican party in Corsica. + </p> + <p> + Some thirty years before this time the heroic patriotism of the Corsicans, + and of their leader Paoli, had been the admiration of England. The history + of these brave people is but a melancholy tale. The island which they + inhabit has been abundantly blessed by nature; it has many excellent + harbours; and though the MALARIA, or pestilential atmosphere, which is so + deadly in many parts of Italy and of the Italian islands, prevails on the + eastern coast, the greater part of the country is mountainous and healthy. + It is about 150 miles long, and from 40 to 50 broad; in circumference, + some 320; a country large enough, and sufficiently distant from the + nearest shores, to have subsisted as an independent state, if the welfare + and happiness of the human race had ever been considered as the end and + aim of policy. The Moors, the Pisans, the kings of Aragon, and the + Genoese, successively attempted, and each for a time effected its + conquest. The yoke of the Genoese continued longest, and was the heaviest. + These petty tyrants ruled with an iron rod; and when at any time a patriot + rose to resist their oppressions, if they failed to subdue him by force + they resorted to assassination. At the commencement of the last century + they quelled one revolt by the aid of German auxiliaries, whom the Emperor + Charles VI. sent against a people who had never offended him, and who were + fighting for whatever is most dear to man. In 1734 the war was renewed; + and Theodore, a Westphalian baron, then appeared upon the stage. In that + age men were not accustomed to see adventurers play for kingdoms, and + Theodore became the common talk of Europe. He had served in the French + armies; and having afterwards been noticed both by Ripperda and Alberoni, + their example, perhaps, inflamed a spirit as ambitious and as unprincipled + as their own. He employed the whole of his means in raising money and + procuring arms; then wrote to the leaders of the Corsican patriots, to + offer them considerable assistance, if they would erect Corsica into an + independent kingdom, and elect him king. When he landed among them, they + were struck with his stately person, his dignified manners, and imposing + talents. They believed the magnificent promises of foreign assistance + which he held out, and elected him king accordingly. Had his means been as + he represented them, they could not have acted more wisely than in thus at + once fixing the government of their country, and putting an end to those + rivalries among the leading families, which had so often proved pernicious + to the public weal. He struck money, conferred titles, blocked up the + fortified towns which were held by the Genoese, and amused the people with + promises of assistance for about eight months: then, perceiving that they + cooled in their affections towards him in proportion as their expectations + were disappointed, he left the island, under the plea of expediting + himself the succours which he had so long awaited. Such was his address, + that he prevailed upon several rich merchants in Holland, particularly the + Jews, to trust him with cannon and warlike stores to a great amount. They + shipped these under the charge of a supercargo. Theodore returned with + this supercargo to Corsica, and put him to death on his arrival, as the + shortest way of settling the account. The remainder of his life was a + series of deserved afflictions. He threw in the stores which he had thus + fraudulently obtained; but he did not dare to land, for Genoa had now + called in the French to their assistance, and a price had been set upon + his head. His dreams of royalty were now at an end; he took refuge in + London, contracted debts, and was thrown into the King's Bench. After + lingering there many years, he was released under an act of insolvency, in + consequence of which he made over the kingdom of Corsica for the use of + his creditors, and died shortly after his deliverance. + </p> + <p> + The French, who have never acted a generous part in the history of the + world, readily entered into the views of the Genoese, which accorded with + their own policy: for such was their ascendancy at Genoa, that in subduing + Corsica for these allies, they were in fact subduing it for themselves. + They entered into the contest, therefore, with their usual vigour, and + their usual cruelty. It was in vain that the Corsicans addressed a most + affecting memorial to the court of Versailles; that remorseless government + persisted in its flagitious project. They poured in troops; dressed a part + of them like the people of the country, by which means they deceived and + destroyed many of the patriots; cut down the standing corn, the vines, and + the olives; set fire to the villages, and hung all the most able and + active men who fell into their hands. A war of this kind may be carried on + with success against a country so small and so thinly peopled as Corsica. + Having reduced the island to perfect servitude, which they called peace, + the French withdrew their forces. As soon as they were gone, men, women, + and boys rose at once against their oppressors. The circumstances of the + times were now favourable to them; and some British ships, acting as + allies of Sardinia, bombarded Bastia and San Fiorenzo, and delivered them + into the hands of the patriots. This service was long remembered with + gratitude: the impression made upon our own countrymen was less + favourable. They had witnessed the heartburnings of rival chiefs, and the + dissensions among the patriots; and perceiving the state of barbarism to + which continual oppression, and habits of lawless turbulence, had reduced + the nation, did not recollect that the vices of the people were owing to + their unhappy circumstances, but that the virtues which they displayed + arose from their own nature. This feeling, perhaps, influenced the British + court, when, in 1746, Corsica offered to put herself under the protection + of Great Britain: an answer was returned, expressing satisfaction at such + a communication, hoping that the Corsicans would preserve the same + sentiments, but signifying also that the present was not the time for such + a measure. + </p> + <p> + These brave islanders then formed a government for themselves, under two + leaders, Gaffori and Matra, who had the title of protectors. The latter is + represented as a partisan of Genoa, favouring the views of the oppressors + of his country by the most treasonable means. Gaffori was a hero worthy of + old times. His eloquence was long remembered with admiration. A band of + assassins was once advancing against him; he heard of their approach, went + out to meet them; and, with a serene dignity which overawed them, + requested them to hear him. He then spake to them so forcibly of the + distresses of their country, her intolerable wrongs, and the hopes and + views of their brethren in arms, that the very men who had been hired to + murder him, fell at his feet, implored his forgiveness, and joined his + banner. While he was besieging the Genoese in Corte, a part of the + garrison perceiving the nurse with his eldest son, then an infant in arms, + straying at a little distance from the camp, suddenly sallied out and + seized them. The use they made of their persons was in conformity to their + usual execrable conduct. When Gaffori advanced to batter the walls, they + held up the child directly over that part of the wall at which the guns + were pointed. The Corsicans stopped: but Gaffori stood at their head, and + ordered them to continue the fire. Providentially the child escaped, and + lived to relate, with becoming feeling, a fact so honourable to his + father. That father conducted the affairs of the island till 1753, when he + was assassinated by some wretches, set on, it is believed, by Genoa, but + certainly pensioned by that abominable government after the deed. He left + the country in such a state that it was enabled to continue the war two + years after his death without a leader: the Corsicans then found one + worthy of their cause in Pasquale de Paoli. + </p> + <p> + Paoli's father was one of the patriots who effected their escape from + Corsica when the French reduced it to obedience. He retired to Naples, and + brought up his youngest son in the Neapolitan service. The Corsicans heard + of young Paoli's abilities, and solicited him to come over to his native + country, and take the command. He did not hesitate long: his father, who + was too far advanced in years to take an active part himself, encouraged + him to go; and when they separated, the old man fell on his neck, and + kissed him, and gave him his blessing. "My son," said he, "perhaps I may + never see you more; but in my mind I shall ever be present with you. Your + design is great and noble; and I doubt not but God will bless you in it. I + shall devote to your cause the little remainder of my life in offering up + my prayers for your success." When Paoli assumed the command, he found all + things in confusion: he formed a democratical government, of which he was + chosen chief: restored the authority of the laws; established a + university; and took such measures, both for repressing abuses and + moulding the rising generation, that, if France had not interfered, upon + its wicked and detestable principle of usurpation, Corsica might at this + day have been as free, and flourishing and happy a commonwealth as any of + the Grecian states in the days of their prosperity. The Genoese were at + this time driven out of their fortified towns, and must in a short time + have been expelled. France was indebted some millions of livres to Genoa: + it was not convenient to pay this money; so the French minister proposed + to the Genoese, that she should discharge the debt by sending six + battalions to serve in Corsica for four years. The indignation which this + conduct excited in all generous hearts was forcibly expressed by Rousseau, + who, with all his errors, was seldom deficient in feeling for the wrongs + of humanity. "You Frenchmen," said he, writing to one of that people, "are + a thoroughly servile nation, thoroughly sold to tyranny, thoroughly cruel + and relentless in persecuting the unhappy. If you knew of a freeman at the + other end of the world, I believe you would go thither for the mere + pleasure of extirpating him." + </p> + <p> + The immediate object of the French happened to be purely mercenary: they + wanted to clear off their debt to Genoa; and as the presence of their + troops in the island effected this, they aimed at doing the people no + farther mischief. Would that the conduct of England had been at this time + free from reproach! but a proclamation was issued by the English + government, after the peace of Paris, prohibiting any intercourse with the + rebels of Corsica. Paoli said, he did not expect this from Great Britain. + This great man was deservedly proud of his country. "I defy Rome, Sparta, + or Thebes," he would say, "to show me thirty years of such patriotism as + Corsica can boast!" Availing himself of the respite which the inactivity + of the French and the weakness of the Genoese allowed, he prosecuted his + plans of civilising the people. He used to say, that though he had an + unspeakable pride in the prospect of the fame to which he aspired; yet if + he could but render his countrymen happy, he could be content to be + forgotten. His own importance he never affected to undervalue. "We are now + to our country," said he, "like the prophet Elisha stretched over the dead + child of the Shunamite,—eye to eye, nose to nose, mouth to mouth. It + begins to recover warmth, and to revive: I hope it will yet regain full + health and vigour." + </p> + <p> + But when the four years were expired, France purchased the sovereignty of + Corsica from the Genoese for forty millions of livres; as if the Genoese + had been entitled to sell it; as if any bargain and sale could justify one + country in taking possession of another against the will of the + inhabitants, and butchering all who oppose the usurpation! Among the + enormities which France has committed, this action seems but as a speck; + yet the foulest murderer that ever suffered by the hand of the executioner + has infinitely less guilt upon his soul than the statesman who concluded + this treaty, and the monarch who sanctioned and confirmed it. A desperate + and glorious resistance was made, but it was in vain; no power interposed + in behalf of these injured islanders, and the French poured in as many + troops as were required. They offered to confirm Paoli in the supreme + authority, only on condition that he would hold it under their government. + His answer was, that "the rocks which surrounded him should melt away + before he would betray a cause which he held in common with the poorest + Corsican." This people then set a price upon his head. During two + campaigns he kept them at bay: they overpowered him at length; he was + driven to the shore, and having escaped on shipboard, took refuge in + England. It is said that Lord Shelburne resigned his seat in the cabinet + because the ministry looked on without attempting to prevent France from + succeeding in this abominable and important act of aggrandizement. In one + respect, however, our country acted as became her. Paoli was welcomed with + the honours which he deserved, a pension of L1200 was immediately granted + him, and provision was liberally made for his elder brother and his + nephew. + </p> + <p> + About twenty years Paoli remained in England, enjoying the friendship of + the wise and the admiration of the good. But when the French Revolution + began, it seemed as if the restoration of Corsica was at hand. The whole + country, as if animated by one spirit, rose and demanded liberty; and the + National Assembly passed a decree recognising the island as a department + of France, and therefore entitled to all the privileges of the new French + constitution. This satisfied the Corsicans, which it ought not to have + done; and Paoli, in whom the ardour of youth was passed, seeing that his + countrymen were contented, and believing that they were about to enjoy a + state of freedom, naturally wished to return to his native country. He + resigned his pension in the year 1790, and appeared at the bar of the + Assembly with the Corsican deputies, when they took the oath of fidelity + to France. But the course of events in France soon dispelled those hopes + of a new and better order of things, which Paoli, in common with so many + of the friends of human-kind, had indulged; and perceiving, after the + execution of the king, that a civil war was about to ensue, of which no + man could foresee the issue, he prepared to break the connection between + Corsica and the French Republic. The convention suspecting such a design, + and perhaps occasioning it by their suspicions, ordered him to their bar. + That way he well knew led to the guillotine; and returning a respectful + answer, he declared that he would never be found wanting in his duty, but + pleaded age and infirmity as a reason for disobeying the summons. Their + second order was more summary; and the French troops, who were in Corsica, + aided by those of the natives, who were either influenced by hereditary + party feelings, or who were sincere in Jacobinism, took the field against + him. But the people were with him. He repaired to Corte, the capital of + the island, and was again invested with the authority which he had held in + the noonday of his fame. The convention upon this denounced him as a + rebel, and set a price upon his head. It was not the first time that + France had proscribed Paoli. + </p> + <p> + Paoli now opened a correspondence with Lord Hood, promising, if the + English would make an attack upon St. Fiorenzo from the sea, he would at + the same time attack it by land. This promise he was unable to perform; + and Commodore Linzee, who, in reliance upon it, was sent upon this + service, was repulsed with some loss. Lord Hood, who had now been + compelled to evacuate Toulon, suspected Paoli of intentionally deceiving + him. This was an injurious suspicion. Shortly afterwards he dispatched + Lieutenant-Colonel (afterward Sir John) Moore and Major Koehler to confer + with him upon a plan of operations. Sir Gilbert Elliot accompanied them; + and it was agreed that, in consideration of the succours, both military + and naval, which his Britannic Majesty should afford for the purpose of + expelling the French, the island of Corsica should be delivered into the + immediate possession of his Majesty, and bind itself to acquiesce in any + settlement he might approve of concerning its government, and its future + relation with Great Britain. While this negotiation was going on, Nelson + cruised off the island with a small squadron, to prevent the enemy from + throwing in supplies. Close to St. Fiorenzo the French had a storehouse of + flour near their only mill: he watched an opportunity, and landed 120 men, + who threw the flour into the sea, burnt the mill, and re-embarked before + 1000 men, who were sent against him, could occasion them the loss of a + single man. While he exerted himself thus, keeping out all supplies, + intercepting despatches, attacking their outposts and forts, and cutting + out vessels from the bay,—a species of warfare which depresses the + spirit of an enemy even more than it injures them, because of the sense of + individual superiority which it indicates in the assailants—troops + were landed, and St. Fiorenzo was besieged. The French finding themselves + unable to maintain their post sunk one of their frigates, burnt another, + and retreated to Bastia. Lord Hood submitted to General Dundas, who + commanded the land forces, a plan for the reduction of this place: the + general declined co-operating, thinking the attempt impracticable without + a reinforcement of 2000 men, which he expected from Gibraltar. Upon this + Lord Hood determined to reduce it with the naval force under his command; + and leaving part of his fleet off Toulon, he came with the rest to Bastia. + </p> + <p> + He showed a proper sense of respect for Nelson's services, and of + confidence in his talents, by taking care not to bring with him any older + captain. A few days before their arrival, Nelson had had what he called a + brush with the enemy. "If I had had with me 500 troops," he said, "to a + certainty I should have stormed the town; and I believe it might have been + carried. Armies go so slow that seamen think they never mean to get + forward; but I daresay they act on a surer principle, although we seldom + fail." During this partial action our army appeared upon the heights; and + having reconnoitered the place, returned to St. Fiorenzo. "What the + general could have seen to make a retreat necessary," said Nelson, "I + cannot comprehend. A thousand men would certainly take Bastia: with five + hundred and the AGAMEMNON I would attempt it. My seamen are now what + British seamen ought to be—almost invincible. They really mind shot + no more than peas." General Dundas had not the same confidence. "After + mature consideration," he said in a letter to Lord Hood, "and a personal + inspection for several days of all circumstances, local as well as others, + I consider the siege of Bastia, with our present means and force, to be a + most visionary and rash attempt; such as no officer would be justified in + undertaking." Lord Hood replied that nothing would be more gratifying to + his feelings than to have the whole responsibility upon himself; and that + he was ready and willing to undertake the reduction of the place at his + own risk with the force and means at present there. General D'Aubant, who + succeeded at this time to the command of the army, coincided in opinion + with his predecessor, and did not think it right to furnish his lordship + with a single soldier, cannon, or any stores. Lord Hood could only obtain + a few artillerymen; and ordering on board that part of the troops who, + having been embarked as marines, "were borne on the ships" books as part + of their respective complements, he began the siege with 1183 soldiers, + artillerymen, and marines, and 250 sailors. "We are but few," said Nelson, + "but of the right sort; our general at St. Fiorenzo not giving us one of + the five regiments he has there lying idle." + </p> + <p> + These men were landed on the 4th of April, under Lieutenant-Colonel + Villettes and Nelson, who had now acquired from the army the title of + brigadier. Guns were dragged by the sailors up heights where it appeared + almost impossible to convey them—a work of the greatest difficulty, + and which Nelson said could never, in his opinion, have been accomplished + by any but British seamen. The soldiers, though less dexterous in such + service, because not accustomed, like sailors, to habitual dexterity. + behaved with equal spirit. "Their zeal," said the brigadier, "is almost + unexampled. There is not a man but considers himself as personally + interested in the event, and deserted by the general. It has, I am + persuaded, made them equal to double their numbers." This is one proof, of + many, that for our soldiers to equal our seamen, it is only necessary for + them to be equally well commanded. They have the same heart and soul, as + well as the same flesh and blood. Too much may, indeed, be exacted from + them in a retreat; but set their face toward a foe, and there is nothing + within the reach of human achievement which they cannot perform. The + French had improved the leisure which our military commander had allowed + them; and before Lord Hood commenced his operations, he had the + mortification of seeing that the enemy were every day erecting new works, + strengthening old ones, and rendering the attempt more difficult. La Combe + St. Michel, the commissioner from the national convention, who was in the + city, replied in these terms to the summons of the British admiral—"I + have hot shot for your ships, and bayonets for your troops. When + two-thirds of our men are killed, I will then trust to the generosity of + the English." The siege, however, was not sustained with the firmness + which such a reply seemed to augur. On the 19th of May a treaty of + capitulation was begun; that same evening the troops from St. Fiorenzo + made their appearance on the hills; and, on the following morning, General + d'Aubant arrived with the whole army to take possession of Bastia. + </p> + <p> + The event of the siege had justified the confidence of the sailors; but + they themselves excused the opinion of the generals when they saw what + they had done. "I am all astonishment," said Nelson, "when I reflect on + what we have achieved; 1000 regulars, 1500 national guards, and a large + party of Corsican troops, 4000 in all, laying down their arms to 1200 + soldiers, marines, and seamen! I always was of opinion, have ever acted up + to it, and never had any reason to repent it, that one Englishman was + equal to three Frenchmen. Had this been an English town, I am sure it + would not have been taken by them." When it had been resolved to attack + the place, the enemy were supposed to be far inferior in number; and it + was not till the whole had been arranged, and the siege publicly + undertaken, that Nelson received certain information of the great + superiority of the garrison. This intelligence he kept secret, fearing + lest, if so fair a pretext were afforded, the attempt would be abandoned. + "My own honour," said he to his wife, "Lord Hood's honour, and the honour + of our country, must have been sacrificed had I mentioned what I knew; + therefore you will believe what must have been my feelings during the + whole siege, when I had often proposals made to me to write to Lord Hood + to raise it." Those very persons who thus advised him, were rewarded for + their conduct at the siege of Bastia: Nelson, by whom it may truly be + affirmed that Bastia was taken, received no reward. Lord Hood's thanks to + him, both public and private, were, as he himself said, the handsomest + which man could give; but his signal merits were not so mentioned in the + despatches as to make them sufficiently known to the nation, nor to obtain + for him from government those honours to which they so amply entitled him. + This could only have arisen from the haste in which the despatches were + written; certainly not from any deliberate purpose, for Lord Hood was + uniformly his steady and sincere friend. + </p> + <p> + One of the cartel's ships, which carried the garrison of Bastia to Toulon, + brought back intelligence that the French were about to sail from that + port;-such exertions had they made to repair the damage done at the + evacuation, and to fit out a fleet. The intelligence was speedily + verified. Lord Hood sailed in quest of them toward the islands of Hieres. + The AGAMEMNON was with him. "I pray God," said Nelson, writing to his + wife, "that we may meet their fleet. If any accident should happen to me, + I am sure my conduct will be such as will entitle you to the royal favour; + not that I have the least idea but I shall return to you, and full of + honour: if not, the Lord's will be done. My name shall never be a disgrace + to those who may belong to me. The little I have, I have given to you, + except a small annuity—I wish it was more; but I have never got a + farthing dishonestly: it descends from clean hands. Whatever fate awaits + me, I pray God to bless you, and preserve you, for your son's sake." With + a mind thus prepared, and thus confident, his hopes and wishes seemed on + the point of being gratified, when the enemy were discovered close under + the land, near St. Tropez. The wind fell, and prevented Lord Hood from + getting between them and the shore, as he designed: boats came out from + Antibes and other places to their assistance, and towed them within the + shoals in Gourjean Roads, where they were protected by the batteries on + isles St. Honore and St. Marguerite, and on Cape Garousse. Here the + English admiral planned a new mode of attack, meaning to double on five of + the nearest ships; but the wind again died away, and it was found that + they had anchored in compact order, guarding the only passage for large + ships. There was no way of effecting this passage, except by towing or + warping the vessels; and this rendered the attempt impracticable. For this + time the enemy escaped; but Nelson bore in mind the admirable plan of + attack which Lord Hood had devised, and there came a day when they felt + its tremendous effects. + </p> + <p> + The AGAMEMNON was now despatched to co-operate at the siege of Calvi with + General Sir Charles Stuart; an officer who, unfortunately for his country, + never had an adequate field allotted him far the display of those eminent + talents which were, to all who knew him, so conspicuous. Nelson had less + responsibility here than at Bastia; and was acting with a man after his + own heart, who was never sparing of himself, and slept every night in the + advanced battery. But the service was not less hard than that of the + former siege. "We will fag ourselves to death," said he to Lord Hood, + "before any blame shall lie at our doors. I trust it will not be + forgotten, that twenty-five pieces of heavy ordnance have been dragged to + the different batteries, mounted, and, all but three, fought by seamen, + except one artilleryman to point the guns." The climate proved more + destructive than the service; for this was during the lion sun, as they + call our season of the dog-days. Of 2000 men, above half were sick, and + the rest like so many phantoms. Nelson described himself as the reed among + the oaks, bowing before the storm when they were laid low by it. "All the + prevailing disorders have attacked me," said he, "but I have not strength + enough for them to fasten on." The loss from the enemy was not great; but + Nelson received a serious injury: a shot struck the ground near him, and + drove the sand and small gravel into one of his eyes. He spoke of it + slightly at the time: writing the same day to Lord Hood, he only said that + he had got a little hurt that morning, not much; and the next day, he + said, he should be able to attend his duty in the evening. In fact, he + suffered it to confine him only one day; but the sight was lost. + </p> + <p> + After the fall of Calvi, his services were, by a strange omission, + altogether overlooked; and his name was not even mentioned in the list of + wounded. This was no ways imputable to the admiral, for he sent home to + government Nelson's journal of the siege, that they might fully understand + the nature of his indefatigable and unequalled exertions. If those + exertions were not rewarded in the conspicuous manner which they deserved, + the fault was in the administration of the day, not in Lord Hood. Nelson + felt himself neglected. "One hundred and ten days," said he, "I have been + actually engaged at sea and on shore against the enemy; three actions + against ships, two against Bastia in my ship, four boat actions, and two + villages taken, and twelve sail of vessels burnt. I do not know that any + one has done more. I have had the comfort to be always applauded by my + Commander-in-Chief, but never to be rewarded; and, what is more + mortifying, for services in which I have been wounded, others have been + praised, who, at the same time, were actually in bed, far from the scene + of action. They have not done me justice. But never mind, I'll have a + GAZETTE of my own." How amply was this second-sight of glory realised! + </p> + <p> + The health of his ship's company had now, in his own words, been miserably + torn to pieces by as hard service as a ship's crew ever performed: 150 + were in their beds when he left Calvi; of them he lost 54 and believed + that the constitutions of the rest were entirely destroyed. He was now + sent with despatches to Mr. Drake, at Genoa, and had his first interview + with the Doge. The French had, at this time, taken possession of Vado Bay, + in the Genoese territory; and Nelson foresaw that, if their thoughts were + bent on the invasion of Italy, they would accomplish it the ensuing + spring. "The allied powers," he said, "were jealous of each other; and + none but England was hearty in the cause." His wish was for peace on fair + terms, because England he thought was draining herself to maintain allies + who would not fight for themselves. Lord Hood had now returned to England, + and the command devolved on Admiral Hotham. The affairs of the + Mediterranean wore at this time a gloomy aspect. The arts, as well as the + arms of the enemy, were gaining the ascendancy there. Tuscany concluded + peace relying upon the faith of France, which was, in fact, placing itself + at her mercy. Corsica was in danger. We had taken that island for + ourselves, annexed it formally to the crown of Great Britain, and given it + a constitution as free as our own. This was done with the consent of the + majority of the inhabitants; and no transaction between two countries was + ever more fairly or legitimately conducted: yet our conduct was unwise;—the + island is large enough to form an independent state, and such we should + have made it, under our protection, as long as protection might be needed; + the Corsicans would then have felt as a nation; but when one party had + given up the country to England, the natural consequence was that the + other looked to France. The question proposed to the people was, to which + would they belong? Our language and our religion were against us; our + unaccommodating manners, it is to be feared, still more so. The French + were better politicians. In intrigue they have ever been unrivalled; and + it now became apparent that, in spite of old wrongs, which ought never to + have been forgotten nor forgiven, their partisans were daily acquiring + strength. It is part of the policy of France, and a wise policy it is, to + impress upon other powers the opinion of its strength, by lofty language: + and by threatening before it strikes; a system which, while it keeps up + the spirit of its allies, and perpetually stimulates their hopes, tends + also to dismay its enemies. Corsica was now loudly threatened. "The + French, who had not yet been taught to feel their own inferiority upon the + seas, braved us in contempt upon that element." They had a superior fleet + in the Mediterranean, and they sent it out with express orders to seek the + English and engage them. Accordingly, the Toulon fleet, consisting of + seventeen ships of the line and five smaller vessels, put to sea. Admiral + Hotham received this information at Leghorn, and sailed immediately in + search of them. He had with him fourteen sail of the line, and one + Neapolitan seventy-four; but his ships were only half-manned, containing + but 7650 men, whereas the enemy had 16,900. He soon came in sight of them: + a general action was expected; and Nelson, as was his custom on such + occasions, wrote a hasty letter to his wife, as that which might possibly + contain his last farewell. "The lives of all," said he, "are in the hand + of Him who knows best whether to preserve mine or not; my character and + good name are in my own keeping." + </p> + <p> + But however confident the French government might be of their naval + superiority, the officers had no such feeling; and after manoeuvring for a + day in sight of the English fleet, they suffered themselves to be chased. + One of their ships, the CA IRA, of eighty-four guns, carried away her main + and fore top-masts. The INCONSTANT frigate fired at the disabled ship, but + received so many shot that she was obliged to leave her. Soon afterwards a + French frigate took the CA IRA in tow; and the SANS-CULOTTES, one hundred + and twenty, and the JEAN BARRAS, seventy-four, kept about gunshot distance + on her weather bow. The AGAMEMNON stood towards her, having no ship of the + line to support her within several miles. As she drew near, the CA IRA + fired her stern guns so truly, that not a shot missed some part of the + ship; and latterly, the masts were struck by every shot. It had been + Nelson's intention not to fire before he touched her stern; but seeing how + impossible it was that he should be supported, and how certainly the + AGAMEMNON must be severely cut up if her masts were disabled, he altered + his plan according to the occasion. As soon, therefore, as he was within a + hundred yards of her stern, he ordered the helm to be put a-starboard, and + the driver and after-sails to be brailed up and shivered; and, as the ship + fell off, gave the enemy her whole broadside. They instantly braced up the + after-yards, put the helm a-port, and stood after her again. This + manoeuvre he practised for two hours and a quarter, never allowing the CA + IRA to get a single gun from either side to bear on him; and when the + French fired their after-guns now, it was no longer with coolness and + precision, for every shot went far ahead. By this time her sails were + hanging in tatters, her mizen-top-mast, mizen-top-sail, and + cross-jack-yards shot away. But the frigate which had her in tow hove in + stays, and got her round. Both these French ships now brought their guns + to bear, and opened their fire. The AGAMEMNON passed them within + half-pistol shot; almost every shot passed over her, for the French had + elevated their guns for the rigging, and for distant firing, and did not + think of altering the elevation. As soon as the AGAMEMNON's after-guns + ceased to bear, she hove in stays, keeping a constant fire as she came + round; and being worked, said Nelson, with as much exactness as if she had + been turning into Spithead. On getting round, he saw that the + Sans-Culottes, which had wore, with many of the enemy's ships, was under + his lee bow, and standing to leeward. The admiral, at the same time, made + the signal for the van ships to join him. Upon this Nelson bore away, and + prepared to set all sail; and the enemy, having saved their ship, hauled + close to the wind, and opened upon him a distant and ineffectual fire. + Only seven of the AGAMEMNON's men were hurt—a thing which Nelson + himself remarked as wonderful: her sails and rigging were very much cut, + and she had many shots in her hull, and some between wind and water. The + CA IRA lost 110 men that day, and was so cut up that she could not get a + top-mast aloft during the night. + </p> + <p> + At daylight on the following morning, the English ships were taken aback + with a fine breeze at N.W., while the enemy's fleet kept the southerly + wind. The body of their fleet was about five miles distant; the CA IRA and + the CENSEUR, seventy-four, which had her in tow, about three and a half. + All sail was made to cut these ships off; and as the French attempted to + save them, a partial action was brought on. The AGAMEMNON was again + engaged with her yesterday's antagonist; but she had to fight on both + sides the ship at the same time. The CA IRA and the CENSEUR fought most + gallantly: the first lost nearly 300 men, in addition to her former loss; + the last, 350. Both at length struck; and Lieutenant Andrews, of the + AGAMEMNON, brother to the lady to whom Nelson had become attached in + France, and, in Nelson's own words, "as gallant an officer as ever stepped + a quarter-deck," hoisted English colours on board them both. The rest of + the enemy's ships' behaved very ill. As soon as these vessels had struck, + Nelson went to Admiral Hotham and proposed that the two prizes should be + left with the ILLUSTRIOUS and COURAGEUX, which had been crippled in the + action, and with four frigates, and that the rest of the fleet should + pursue the enemy, and follow up the advantage to the utmost. But his reply + was—"We must be contented: we have done very well."—"Now," + said Nelson, "had we taken ten sail, and allowed the eleventh to escape, + when it had been possible to have got at her, I could never have called it + well done. Goodall backed me; I got him to write to the admiral; but it + would not do. We should have had such a day as, I believe, the annals of + England never produced." In this letter the character of Nelson fully + manifests itself. "I wish," said he, "to be an admiral, and in the command + of the English fleet: I should very soon either do much, or be ruined: my + disposition cannot bear tame and slow measures. Sure I am, had I commanded + on the 14th, that either the whole French fleet would have graced my + triumph, or I should have been in a confounded scrape." What the event + would have been, he knew from his prophetic feelings and his own + consciousness of power; and we also know it now, for Aboukir and Trafalgar + have told it. + </p> + <p> + The CA IRA and CENSEUR probably defended themselves with more obstinacy in + this action, from a persuasion that, if they struck, no quarter would be + given; because they had fired red-hot shot, and had also a preparation + sent, as they said, by the convention from Paris, which seems to have been + of the nature of the Greek fire; for it became liquid when it was + discharged, and water would not extinguish its flames. This combustible + was concealed with great care in the captured ships; like the red-hot + shot, it had been found useless in battle. Admiral Hotham's action saved + Corsica for the time; but the victory had been incomplete, and the arrival + at Toulon of six sail of the line, two frigates, and two cutters from + Brest, gave the French a superiority which, had they known how to use it, + would materially have endangered the British Mediterranean fleet. That + fleet had been greatly neglected at the Admiralty during Lord Chatham's + administration: and it did not, for some time, feel the beneficial effect + of his removal. Lord Hood had gone home to represent the real state of + affairs, and solicit reinforcements adequate to the exigencies of the + time, and the importance of the scene of action. But that fatal error of + under-proportioning the force to the service; that ruinous economy, which, + by sparing a little, renders all that is spent useless, infected the + British councils; and Lord Hood, not being able to obtain such + reinforcements as he knew were necessary, resigned the command. "Surely," + said Nelson, "the people at home have forgotten us." Another Neapolitan + seventy-four joined Admiral Hotham, and Nelson observed with sorrow that + this was matter of exultation to an English fleet. When the store-ships + and victuallers from Gibraltar arrived, their escape from the enemy was + thought wonderful; and yet, had they not escaped, "the game," said Nelson, + "was up here. At this moment our operations are at a stand for want of + ships to support the Austrians in getting possession of the sea-coast of + the king of Sardinia; and behold our admiral does not feel himself equal + to show himself, much less to give assistance in their operations." It was + reported that the French were again out with 18 or 20 sail. The combined + British and Neapolitan were but sixteen; should the enemy be only + eighteen, Nelson made no doubt of a complete victory; but if they were + twenty, he said, it was not to be expected; and a battle, without complete + victory, would have been destruction, because another mast was not to be + got on that side Gibraltar. At length Admiral Man arrived with a squadron + from England. "What they can mean by sending him with only five sail of + the line," said Nelson, "is truly astonishing; but all men are alike, and + we in this country do not find any amendment or alteration from the old + Board of Admiralty. They should know that half the ships in the fleet + require to go to England; and that long ago they ought to have reinforced + us." + </p> + <p> + About this time Nelson was made colonel of marines; a mark of approbation + which he had long wished for rather than expected. It came in good season, + for his spirits were oppressed by the thought that his services had not + been acknowledged as they deserved; and it abated the resentful feeling + which would else have been excited by the answer to an application to the + War-office. During his four months' land service in Corsica, he had lost + all his ship furniture, owing to the movements of a camp. Upon this he + wrote to the Secretary at War, briefly stating what his services on shore + had been, and saying, he trusted it was not asking an improper thing to + request that the same allowance might be made to him which would be made + to a land officer of his rank, which, situated as he was, would be that of + a brigadier-general: if this could not be accorded, he hoped that his + additional expenses would be paid him. The answer which he received was, + that "no pay had ever been issued under the direction of the War-office to + officers of the navy serving with the army on shore." + </p> + <p> + He now entered upon a new line of service. The Austrian and Sardinian + armies, under General de Vins, required a British squadron to co-operate + with them in driving the French from the Riviera di Genoa; and as Nelson + had been so much in the habit of soldiering, it was immediately fixed that + the brigadier should go. He sailed from St. Fiorenzo on this destination; + but fell in, off Cape del Mele, with the enemy's fleet, who immediately + gave his squadron chase. The chase lasted four-and-twenty hours; and, + owing to the fickleness of the wind, the British ships were sometimes hard + pressed; but the want of skill on the part of the French gave Nelson many + advantages. Nelson bent his way back to St. Fiorenzo, where the fleet, + which was in the midst of watering and refitting, had, for seven hours, + the mortification of seeing him almost in possession of the enemy, before + the wind would allow them to put out to his assistance. The French, + however, at evening, went off, not choosing to approach nearer the shore. + During the night, Admiral Hotham, by great exertions, got under weigh; + and, having sought the enemy four days, came in sight of them on the + fifth. Baffling winds and vexatious calms, so common in the Mediterranean, + rendered it impossible to close with them; only a partial action could be + brought on; and then the firing made a perfect calm. The French being to + windward, drew inshore; and the English fleet was becalmed six or seven + miles to the westward. L'ALCIDE, of seventy-four guns, struck; but before + she could be taken possession of, a box of combustibles in her fore-top + took fire, and the unhappy crew experienced how far more perilous their + inventions were to themselves than to their enemies. So rapid was the + conflagration, that the French in their official account say, the hull, + the masts, and sails, all seemed to take fire at the same moment; and + though the English boats were put out to the assistance of the poor + wretches on board, not more than 200 could be saved. The AGAMEMNON, and + Captain Rowley in the CUMBERLAND, were just getting into close action a + second time, when the admiral called them off, the wind now blowing + directly into the Gulf of Frejus, where the enemy anchored after the + evening closed. + </p> + <p> + Nelson now proceeded to his station with eight sail of frigates under his + command. Arriving at Genoa, he had a conference with Mr. Drake, the + British envoy to that state; the result of which was, that the object of + the British must be to put an entire stop to all trade between Genoa, + France, and the places occupied by the French troops; for unless this + trade were stopped, it would be scarcely possible for the allied armies to + hold their situation, and impossible for them to make any progress in + driving the enemy out of the Riviera di Genoa. Mr. Drake was of opinion + that even Nice might fall for want of supplies, if the trade with Genoa + were cut off. This sort of blockade Nelson could not carry on without + great risk to himself. A captain in the navy, as he represented to the + envoy, is liable to prosecution for detention and damages. This danger was + increased by an order which had then lately been issued; by which, when a + neutral ship was detained, a complete specification of her cargo was + directed to be sent to the secretary of the Admiralty, and no legal + process instituted against her till the pleasure of that board should be + communicated. This was requiring an impossibility. The cargoes of ships + detained upon this station, consisting chiefly of corn, would be spoiled + long before the orders of the Admiralty could be known; and then, if they + should happen to release the vessel, the owners would look to the captain + for damages. Even the only precaution which could be taken against this + danger, involved another danger not less to be apprehended: for if the + captain should direct the cargo to be taken out, the freight paid for, and + the vessel released, the agent employed might prove fraudulent, and become + bankrupt; and in that case the captain became responsible. Such things had + happened: Nelson therefore required, as the only means for carrying on + that service, which was judged essential to the common cause, without + exposing the officers to ruin, that the British envoy should appoint + agents to pay the freight, release the vessels, sell the cargo, and hold + the amount till process was had upon it: government thus securing its + officers. "I am acting," said Nelson. "not only without the orders of my + commander-in-chief, but, in some measure, contrary to him. However, I have + not only the support of his Majesty's ministers, both at Turin and Genoa, + but a consciousness that I am doing what is right and proper for the + service of our king and country. Political courage, in an officer abroad, + is as highly necessary as military courage." + </p> + <p> + This quality, which is as much rarer than military courage as it is more + valuable, and without which the soldier's bravery is often of little + avail, Nelson possessed in an eminent degree. His representations were + attended to as they deserved. Admiral Hotham commended him for what he had + done; and the attention of government was awakened to the injury which the + cause of the allies continually suffered from the frauds of neutral + vessels. "What changes in my life of activity!" said the indefatigable + man. "Here I am, having commenced a co-operation with an old Austrian + general, almost fancying myself charging at the head of a troop of horse! + I do not write less than from ten to twenty letters every day; which, with + the Austrian general and aides-de-camp, and my own little squadron, fully + employ my time. This I like; active service or none." It was Nelson's mind + which supported his feeble body through these exertions. He was at this + time almost blind, and wrote with very great pain. "Poor AGAMEMNON," he + sometimes said, "was as nearly worn out as her captain; and both must soon + be laid up to repair." + </p> + <p> + When Nelson first saw General de Vins, he thought him an able man, who was + willing to act with vigour. The general charged his inactivity upon the + Piedmontese and Neapolitans, whom, he said, nothing could induce to act; + and he concerted a plan with Nelson for embarking a part of the Austrian + army, and landing it in the rear of the French. But the English commodore + soon began to suspect that the Austrian general was little disposed to any + active operations. In the hope of spurring him on, he wrote to him, + telling him that he had surveyed the coast to the W. as far as Nice, and + would undertake to embark 4000 or 5000 men, with their arms and a few + days' provisions, on board the squadron, and land them within two miles of + St. Remo, with their field-pieces. Respecting further provisions for the + Austrian army, he would provide convoys, that they should arrive in + safety; and if a re-embarkation should be found necessary, he would cover + it with the squadron. The possession of St. Remo, as headquarters for + magazines of every kind, would enable the Austrian general to turn his + army to the eastward or westward. The enemy at Oneglia would be cut off + from provisions, and men could be landed to attack that place whenever it + was judged necessary. St. Remo was the only place between Vado and Ville + Franche where the squadron could lie in safety, and anchor in almost all + winds. The bay was not so good as Vado for large ships; but it had a mole, + which Vado had not, where all small vessels could lie, and load and unload + their cargoes. This bay being in possession of the allies, Nice could be + completely blockaded by sea. General de Vins affecting, in his reply, to + consider that Nelson's proposal had no other end than that of obtaining + the bay of St. Remo as a station for the ships, told him, what he well + knew, and had expressed before, that Vado Bay was a better anchorage; + nevertheless, if MONSIEUR LE COMMANDANT NELSON was well assured that part + of the fleet could winter there, there was no risk to which he would not + expose himself with pleasure, for the sake of procuring a safe station for + the vessels of his Britannic Majesty. Nelson soon assured the Austrian + commander that this was not the object of his memorial. He now began to + suspect that both the Austrian Court and their general had other ends in + view than the cause of the allies. "This army," said he, "is slow beyond + all description; and I begin to think that the Emperor is anxious to touch + another L4,000,000 of English money. As for the German generals, war is + their trade, and peace is ruin to them; therefore we cannot expect that + they should have any wish to finish the war. The politics of courts are so + mean, that private people would be ashamed to act in the same way; all is + trick and finesse, to which the common cause is sacrificed. The general + wants a loop-hole; it has for some time appeared to me that he means to go + no further than his present position, and to lay the miscarriage of the + enterprise against Nice, which has always been held out as the great + object of his army, to the non-cooperation of the British fleet and of the + Sardinians." + </p> + <p> + To prevent this plea, Nelson again addressed De Vins, requesting only to + know the time, and the number of troops ready to embark; then he would, he + said, dispatch a ship to Admiral Hotham, requesting transports, having no + doubt of obtaining them, and trusting that the plan would be successful to + its fullest extent. Nelson thought at the time that, if the whole fleet + were offered him for transports, he would find some other excuse; and Mr. + Drake, who was now appointed to reside at the Austrian headquarters, + entertained the same idea of the general's sincerity. It was not, however, + put so clearly to the proof as it ought to have been. He replied that, as + soon as Nelson could declare himself ready with the vessels necessary for + conveying 10,000 men, with their artillery and baggage, he would put the + army in motion. But Nelson was not enabled to do this: Admiral Hotham, who + was highly meritorious in leaving such a man so much at his own + discretion, pursued a cautious system, ill according with the bold and + comprehensive views of Nelson, who continually regretted Lord Hood, saying + that the nation had suffered much by his resignation of the Mediterranean + command. The plan which had been concerted, he said, would astonish the + French, and perhaps the English. + </p> + <p> + There was no unity in the views of the allied powers, no cordiality in + their co-operation, no energy in their councils. The neutral powers + assisted France more effectually than the allies assisted each other. The + Genoese ports were at this time filled with French privateers, which + swarmed out every night, and covered the gulf; and French vessels were + allowed to tow out of the port of Genoa itself, board vessels which were + coming in, and then return into the mole. This was allowed without a + remonstrance; while, though Nelson abstained most carefully from offering + any offence to the Genoese territory or flag, complaints were so + repeatedly made against his squadron, that, he says, it seemed a trial who + should be tired first; they of complaining, or he of answering their + complaints. But the question of neutrality was soon at an end. An Austrian + commissary was travelling from Genoa towards Vado; it was known that he + was to sleep at Voltri, and that he had L10,000 with him—a booty + which the French minister in that city, and the captain of a French + frigate in that port, considered as far more important than the word of + honour of the one, the duties of the other, and the laws of neutrality. + The boats of the frigate went out with some privateers, landed, robbed the + commissary, and brought back the money to Genoa. The next day men were + publicly enlisted in that city for the French army: 700 men were embarked, + with 7000 stand of arms, on board the frigates and other vessels, who were + to land between Voltri and Savona. There a detachment from the French army + was to join them, and the Genoese peasantry were to be invited to + insurrection—a measure for which everything had been prepared. The + night of the 13th was fixed for the sailing of this expedition; the + Austrians called loudly for Nelson to prevent it; and he, on the evening + of the 13th, arrived at Genoa. His presence checked the plan: the frigate, + knowing her deserts, got within the merchant-ships, in the inner mole; and + the Genoese government did not now even demand of Nelson respect to the + neutral port, knowing that they had allowed, if not connived at, a + flagrant breach of neutrality, and expecting the answer which he was + prepared to return, that it was useless and impossible for him to respect + it longer. + </p> + <p> + But though this movement produced the immediate effect which was designed, + it led to ill consequences, which Nelson foresaw, but for want of + sufficient force was unable to prevent. His squadron was too small for the + service which it had to perform. He required two seventy-fours and eight + or ten frigates and sloops; but when he demanded this reinforcement, + Admiral Hotham had left the command. Sir Hyde Parker had succeeded till + the new commander should arrive; and he immediately reduced it to almost + nothing, leaving him only one frigate and a brig. This was a fatal error. + While the Austrian and Sardinian troops, whether from the imbecility or + the treachery of their leaders, remained inactive, the French were + preparing for the invasion of Italy. Not many days before Nelson was thus + summoned to Genoa, he chased a large convoy into Alassio. Twelve vessels + he had formerly destroyed in that port, though 2000 French troops occupied + the town. This former attack had made them take new measures of defence; + and there were now above 100 sail of victuallers, gun-boats, and ships of + war. Nelson represented to the Admiral how important it was to destroy + these vessels; and offered, with his squadron of frigates, and the + CULLODEN and COURAGEUX, to lead himself in the AGAMEMNON, and take or + destroy the whole. The attempt was not permitted; but it was Nelson's + belief that, if it had been made, it would have prevented the attack upon + the Austrian army, which took place almost immediately afterwards. + </p> + <p> + General de Vins demanded satisfaction of the Genoese government for the + seizure of his commissary; and then, without waiting for their reply, took + possession of some empty magazines of the French, and pushed his sentinels + to the very gates of Genoa. Had he done so at first, he would have found + the magazines full; but, timed as the measure was, and useless as it was + to the cause of the allies, it was in character with the whole of the + Austrian general's conduct; and it is no small proof of the dexterity with + which he served the enemy, that in such circumstances he could so act with + Genoa as to contrive to put himself in the wrong. Nelson was at this time, + according to his own expression, placed in a cleft stick. Mr. Drake, the + Austrian minister, and the Austrian general, all joined in requiring him + not to leave Genoa; if he left that port unguarded, they said, not only + the imperial troops at St. Pier d'Arena and Voltri would be lost, but the + French plan for taking post between Voltri and Savona would certainly + succeed; if the Austrians should be worsted in the advanced posts, the + retreat of the Bocchetta would be cut off; and if this happened, the loss + of the army would be imputed to him, for having left Genoa. On the other + hand, he knew that if he were not at Pietra, the enemy's gun-boats would + harass the left flank of the Austrians, who, if they were defeated, as was + to be expected, from the spirit of all their operations, would, very + probably, lay their defeat to the want of assistance from the AGAMEMNON. + Had the force for which Nelson applied been given him, he could have + attended to both objects; and had he been permitted to attack the convoy + in Alassio, he would have disconcerted the plans of the French, in spite + of the Austrian general. He had foreseen the danger, and pointed out how + it might be prevented; but the means of preventing it were withheld. The + attack was made as he foresaw; and the gun-boats brought their fire to + bear upon the Austrians. It so happened, however, that the left flank, + which was exposed to them, was the only part of the army that behaved + well: this division stood its ground till the centre and the right wing + fled, and then retreated in a soldier-like manner. General de Vins gave up + the command in the middle of the battle, pleading ill health. "From that + moment," says Nelson, "not a soldier stayed at his post: it was the devil + take the hindmost. Many thousands ran away who had never seen the enemy; + some of them thirty miles from the advanced posts. Had I not, though I + own, against my inclination, been kept at Genoa, from 8000 to 10,000 men + would have been taken prisoners, and, amongst the number, General de Vins + himself; but by this means the pass of the Bocchetta was kept open. The + purser of the ship, who was at Vado, ran with the Austrians eighteen miles + without stopping; the men without arms, officers without soldiers, women + without assistance. The oldest officers say they never heard of so + complete a defeat, and certainly without any reason. Thus has ended my + campaign. We have established the French republic: which but for us, I + verily believe, would never have been settled by such a volatile, + changeable people. I hate a Frenchman: they are equally objects of my + detestation whether royalists or republicans: in some points, I believe, + the latter are the best." Nelson had a lieutenant and two midshipmen taken + at Vado: they told him, in their letter, that few of the French soldiers + were more than three or four and twenty years old, a great many not more + than fourteen, and all were nearly naked; they were sure, they said, his + barge's crew could have beat a hundred of them; and that, had he himself + seen them, he would not have thought, if the world had been covered with + such people, that they could have beaten the Austrian army. + </p> + <p> + The defeat of General de Vins gave the enemy possession of the Genoese + coast from Savona to Voltri, and it deprived the Austrians of their direct + communication with the English fleet. The AGAMEMNON, therefore, could no + longer be useful on this station, and Nelson sailed for Leghorn to refit. + When his ship went into dock, there was not a mast, yard, sail, or any + part of the rigging, but what stood in need of repair, having been cut to + pieces with shot. The hull was so damaged that it had for some time been + secured by cables, which were served or thrapped round it. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0004" id="link2HCH0004"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IV + </h2> + <h3> + 1796 - 1797 + </h3> + <p> + Sir J. Jervis takes the Command—Genoa joins the French—Bounaparte + begins his Career—Evacuation of Corsica—Nelson hoists his + broad Pennant in the MINERVE—Action with the SABINA—Battle off + Cape St. Vincent—Nelson commands the inner Squadron at the Blockade + of Cadiz Boat Action in the Bay of Cadiz—Expedition against + Teneriffe—Nelson loses an Arm—His Sufferings in England, and + Recovery. + </p> + <p> + SIR JOHN JERVIS had now arrived to take the command of the Mediterranean + fleet. The AGAMEMNON having, as her captain said, been made as fit for sea + as a rotten ship could be, Nelson sailed from Leghorn, and joined the + admiral in Fiorenzo Bay. "I found him," said he, "anxious to know many + things which I was a good deal surprised to find had not been communicated + to him by others in the fleet; and it would appear that he was so well + satisfied with my opinion of what is likely to happen, and the means of + prevention to be taken, that he had no reserve with me respecting his + information and ideas of what is likely to be done." The manner in which + Nelson was received is said to have excited some envy. One captain + observed to him: "You did just as you pleased in Lord Hood's time, the + same in Admiral Hotham's, and now again with Sir John Jervis: it makes no + difference to you who is commander-in-chief." A higher compliment could + not have been paid to any commander-in-chief than to say of him that he + understood the merits of Nelson, and left him, as far as possible, to act + upon his own judgment. + </p> + <p> + Sir John Jervis offered him the ST. GEORGE, ninety, or the ZEALOUS, + seventy-four, and asked if he should have any objection to serve under him + with his flag. He replied, that if the AGAMEMNON were ordered home, and + his flag were not arrived, he should, on many accounts, wish to return to + England; still, if the war continued, he should be very proud of hoisting + his flag under Sir John's command, "We cannot spare you," said Sir John, + "either as captain or admiral." Accordingly, he resumed his station in the + Gulf of Genoa. The French had not followed up their successes in that + quarter with their usual celerity. Scherer, who commanded there, owed his + advancement to any other cause than his merit: he was a favourite of the + directory; but for the present, through the influence of Barras, he was + removed from a command for which his incapacity was afterwards clearly + proved, and Buonaparte was appointed to succeed him. Buonaparte had given + indications of his military talents at Toulon, and of his remorseless + nature at Paris; but the extent either of his ability or his wickedness + was at this time known to none, and perhaps not even suspected by himself. + </p> + <p> + Nelson supposed, from the information which he had obtained, that one + column of the French army would take possession of Port Especia; either + penetrating through the Genoese territory, or proceeding coast-ways in + light vessels; our ships of war not being able to approach the coast, + because of the shallowness of the water. To prevent this, he said; two + things were necessary: the possession of Vado Bay, and the taking of Port + Especia; if either of these points were secured, Italy would be safe from + any attack of the French by sea. General Beaulieu, who had now superseded + De Vins in the command of the allied Austrian and Sardinian army, sent his + nephew and aide-de-camp to communicate with Nelson, and inquire whether he + could anchor in any other place than Vado Bay. Nelson replied, that Vado + was the only place where the British fleet could lie in safety, but all + places would suit his squadron; and wherever the general came to the + sea-coast, there he should find it. The Austrian repeatedly asked, if + there was not a risk of losing the squadron? and was constantly answered, + that if these ships should be lost, the admiral would find others. But all + plans of co-operation with the Austrians were soon frustrated by the + battle of Montenotte. Beaulieu ordered an attack to be made upon the post + of Voltri. It was made twelve hours before the time which he had fixed, + and before he arrived to direct it. In consequence, the French were + enabled to effect their retreat, and fall back to Montenotte, thus giving + the troops there a decisive superiority in number over the division which + attacked them. This drew on the defeat of the Austrians. Buonaparte, with + a celerity which had never before been witnessed in modern war, pursued + his advantages; and, in the course of a fortnight, dictated to the court + of Turin terms of peace, or rather of submission; by which all the + strongest places of Piedmont were put into his bands. + </p> + <p> + On one occasion, and only on one, Nelson was able to impede the progress + of this new conqueror. Six vessels, laden with cannon and ordnance-stores + for the siege of Mantua, sailed from Toulon for St. Pier d'Arena. Assisted + by Captain Cockburn, in the MELEAGER, he drove them under a battery; + pursued them, silenced the batteries, and captured the whole. Military + books, plans and maps of Italy, with the different points marked upon them + where former battles had been fought, sent by the directory for + Buonaparte's use, were found in the convoy. The loss of this artillery was + one of the chief causes which compelled the French to raise the siege of + Mantua; but there was too much treachery, and too much imbecility, both in + the councils and armies of the allied powers, for Austria to improve this + momentary success. Buonaparte perceived that the conquest of Italy was + within his reach; treaties, and the rights of neutral or of friendly + powers, were as little regarded by him as by the government for which he + acted. In open contempt of both he entered Tuscany, and took possession of + Leghorn. In consequence of this movement, Nelson blockaded that port, and + landed a British force in the Isle of Elba, to secure Porto Ferrajo. Soon + afterwards he took the Island of Capraja, which had formerly belonged to + Corsica, being less than forty miles distant from it; a distance, however, + short as it was, which enabled the Genoese to retain it, after their + infamous sale of Corsica to France. Genoa had now taken part with France: + its government had long covertly assisted the French, and now willingly + yielded to the first compulsory menace which required them to exclude the + English from their ports. Capraja was seized in consequence; but this act + of vigour was not followed up as it ought to have been. England at that + time depended too much upon the feeble governments of the Continent, and + too little upon itself. It was determined by the British cabinet to + evacuate Corsica, as soon as Spain should form an offensive alliance with + France. This event, which, from the moment that Spain had been compelled + to make peace, was clearly foreseen, had now taken place; and orders for + the evacuation of the island were immediately sent out. It was impolitic + to annex this island to the British dominions; but having done so, it was + disgraceful thus to abandon it. The disgrace would have been spared, and + every advantage which could have been derived from the possession of the + island secured, if the people had at first been left to form a government + for themselves, and protected by us in the enjoyment of their + independence. + </p> + <p> + The viceroy, Sir Gilbert Elliott, deeply felt the impolicy and ignominy of + this evacuation. The fleet also was ordered to leave the Mediterranean. + This resolution was so contrary to the last instructions which had been + received, that Nelson exclaimed, "Do his majesty's ministers know their + own minds? They at home," said he, "do not know what this fleet is capable + of performing—anything and everything. Much as I shall rejoice to + see England, I lament our present orders in sackcloth and ashes, so + dishonourable to the dignity of England, whose fleets are equal to meet + the world in arms; and of all the fleets I ever saw, I never beheld one, + in point of officers and men, equal to Sir John Jervis's, who is a + commander-in-chief able to lead them to glory." Sir Gilbert Elliott + believed that the great body of the Corsicans were perfectly satisfied, as + they had good reason to be, with the British Government, sensible of its + advantages, and attached to it. However this may have been, when they + found that the English intended to evacuate the island, they naturally and + necessarily sent to make their peace with the French. The partisans of + France found none to oppose them. A committee of thirty took upon them the + government of Bastia, and sequestrated all the British property; armed + Corsicans mounted guard at every place, and a plan was laid for seizing + the viceroy. Nelson, who was appointed to superintend the evacuation, + frustrated these projects. At a time when every one else despaired of + saving stores, cannon, provisions, or property of any kind, and a + privateer was moored across the mole-head to prevent all boats from + passing, he sent word to the committee, that if the slightest opposition + were made to the embarkment and removal of British property, he would + batter the town down. The privateer pointed her guns at the officer who + carried this message, and muskets were levelled against his boats from the + mole-head. Upon this Captain Sutton, of the EGMONT, pulling out his watch, + gave them a quarter of an hour to deliberate upon their answer. In five + minutes after the expiration of that time, the ships, he said, would open + their fire. Upon this the very sentinels scampered off, and every vessel + came out of the mole. A shipowner complained to the commodore that the + municipality refused to let him take his goods out of the custom-house. + Nelson directed him to say, that unless they were instantly delivered, he + would open his fire. The committee turned pale, and, without answering a + word, gave him the keys. Their last attempt was to levy a duty upon the + things that were re-embarked. He sent them word, that he would pay them a + disagreeable visit, if there were any more complaints. The committee then + finding that they had to deal with a man who knew his own power, and was + determined to make the British name respected, desisted from the insolent + conduct which they had assumed; and it was acknowledged that Bastia never + had been so quiet and orderly since the English were in possession of it. + This was on the 14th of October; during the five following days the work + of embarkation was carried on, the private property was saved, and public + stores to the amount of L200,000. The French, favoured by the Spanish + fleet, which was at that time within twelve leagues of Bastia, pushed over + troops from Leghorn, who landed near Cape Corse on the 18th; and on the + 20th, at one in the morning, entered the citadel, an hour only after the + British had spiked the guns and evacuated it. Nelson embarked at daybreak, + being the last person who left the shore; having thus, as he said, seen + the first and the last of Corsica. Provoked at the conduct of the + municipality, and the disposition which the populace had shown to profit + by the confusion, he turned towards the shore, as he stepped into his + boat, and exclaimed: "Now, John Corse, follow the natural bent of your + detestable character —plunder and revenge." This, however, was not + Nelson's deliberate opinion of the people of Corsica; he knew that their + vices were the natural consequences of internal anarchy and foreign + oppression, such as the same causes would produce in any people; and when + he saw, that of all those who took leave of the viceroy there was not one + who parted from him without tears, he acknowledged that they manifestly + acted not from dislike of the English, but from fear of the French. + England then might, with more reason, reproach her own rulers for + pusillanimity than the Corsicans for ingratitude. + </p> + <p> + Having thus ably effected this humiliating service, Nelson was ordered to + hoist his broad pendant on board the MINERVE frigate, Captain George + Cockburn, and with the BLANCHE under his command, proceed to Porto + Ferrajo, and superintend the evacuation of that place also. On his way, he + fell in with two Spanish frigates, the SABINA and the CERES. The MINERVE + engaged the former, which was commanded by D. Jacobo Stuart, a descendent + of the Duke of Berwick. After an action of three hours, during which the + Spaniards lost 164 men, the SABINA struck. The Spanish captain, who was + the only surviving officer, had hardly been conveyed on board the MINERVE, + when another enemy's frigate came up, compelled her to cast off the prize, + and brought her a second time into action. After half an hour's trial of + strength, this new antagonist wore and hauled off; but a Spanish squadron + of two ships of the line and two frigates came in sight. The BLANCHE, from + which the CERES had got off, was far to windward, and the MINERVE escaped + only by the anxiety of the enemy to recover their own ship. As soon as + Nelson reached Porto Ferrajo he sent his prisoner in a flag of truce to + Carthagena, having returned him his sword; this he did in honour of the + gallantry which D. Jacobo had displayed, and not without some feeling of + respect for his ancestry. "I felt it," said he, "consonant to the dignity + of my country and I always act as I feel right, without regard to custom; + he was reputed the best officer in Spain, and his men were worthy of such + a commander." By the same flag of truce he sent back all the Spanish + prisoners at Porto Ferrajo; in exchange for whom he received his own men + who had been taken in the prize. + </p> + <p> + General de Burgh, who commanded at the Isle of Elba, did not think himself + authorised to abandon the place till he had received specific instructions + from England to that effect; professing that he was unable to decide + between the contradictory orders of government, or to guess at what their + present intentions might be; but he said, his only motive for urging delay + in this measure arose from a desire that his own conduct might be properly + sanctioned, not from any opinion that Porto Ferrajo ought to be retained. + But Naples having made peace, Sir John Jervis considered his business with + Italy as concluded; and the protection of Portugal was the point to which + he was now instructed to attend. Nelson, therefore, whose orders were + perfectly clear and explicit, withdrew the whole naval establishment from + that station, leaving the transports victualled, and so arranged that all + the troops and stores could be embarked in three days. He was now about to + leave the Mediterranean. Mr. Drake, who had been our minister at Genoa, + expressed to him, on this occasion, the very high opinion which the allies + entertained of his conspicuous merit; adding, that it was impossible for + any one, who had the honour of co-operating with him, not to admire the + activity, talents, and zeal which he had so eminently and constantly + displayed. In fact, during this long course of services in the + Mediterranean, the whole of his conduct had exhibited the same zeal, the + same indefatigable energy, the same intuitive judgment, the same prompt + and unerring decision which characterised his after-career of glory. His + name was as yet hardly known to the English public; but it was feared and + respected throughout Italy. A letter came to him, directed "Horatio + Nelson, Genoa;" and the writer, when he was asked how he could direct it + so vaguely, replied, "Sir, there is but one Horatio Nelson in the world." + At Genoa, in particular, where he had so long been stationed, and where + the nature of his duty first led him to continual disputes with the + government, and afterwards compelled him to stop the trade of the port, he + was equally respected by the doge and by the people; for, while he + maintained the rights and interests of Great Britain with becoming + firmness, he tempered the exercise of power with courtesy and humanity + wherever duty would permit. "Had all my actions," said he, writing at this + time to his wife, "been gazetted, not one fortnight would have passed, + during the whole war, without a letter from me. One day or other I will + have a long GAZETTE to myself. I feel that such an opportunity will be + given me. I cannot, if I am in the field of glory, be kept out of sight; + wherever there is anything to be done, there Providence is sure to direct + my steps." + </p> + <p> + These hopes and anticipations were soon to be fulfilled. Nelson's mind had + long been irritated and depressed by the fear that a general action would + take place before he could join the fleet. At length he sailed from Porto + Ferrajo with a convoy for Gibraltar; and having reached that place, + proceeded to the westward in search of the admiral. Off the mouth of the + Straits he fell in with the Spanish fleet; and on the 13th of February + reaching the station off Cape St. Vincent, communicated this intelligence + to Sir John Jervis. He was now directed to shift his broad pendant on + board the CAPTAIN, seventy-four, Captain R.W. Miller; and before sunset + the signal was made to prepare for action, and to keep, during the night, + in close order. At daybreak the enemy were in sight. The British force + consisted of two ships of one hundred guns, two of ninety-eight, two of + ninety, eight of seventy-four, and one sixty-four;-fifteen of the line in + all; with four frigates, a sloop, and a cutter. The Spaniards had one + four-decker, of one hundred and thirty-six guns; six three-deckers, of one + hundred and twelve; two eighty-four, eighteen seventy-four—in all, + twenty-seven ships of the line, with ten frigates and a brig. Their + admiral, D. Joseph de Cordova, had learnt from an American on the 5th, + that the English had only nine ships, which was indeed the case when his + informer had seen them; for a reinforcement of five ships from England, + under Admiral Parker, had not then joined, and the CULLODEN had parted + company. Upon this information the Spanish commander, instead of going + into Cadiz, as was his intention when he sailed from Carthagena, + determined to seek an enemy so inferior in force; and relying, with fatal + confidence, upon the American account, he suffered his ships to remain too + far dispersed, and in some disorder. When the morning of the 14th broke, + and discovered the English fleet, a fog for some time concealed their + number. That fleet had heard their signal-guns during the night, the + weather being fine though thick and hazy; soon after daylight they were + seen very much scattered, while the British ships were in a compact little + body. The look-out ship of the Spaniards, fancying that her signal was + disregarded because so little notice seemed to be taken of it, made + another signal, that the English force consisted of forty sail of the + line. The captain afterwards said he did this to rouse the admiral; it had + the effect of perplexing him and alarming the whole fleet. The absurdity + of such an act shows what was the state of the Spanish navy under that + miserable government by which Spain was so long oppressed and degraded, + and finally betrayed. In reality, the general incapacity of the naval + officers was so well known, that in a pasquinade, which about this time + appeared at Madrid, wherein the different orders of the state were + advertised for sale, the greater part of the sea-officers, with all their + equipments, were offered as a gift; and it was added, that any person who + would please to take them, should receive a handsome gratuity. When the + probability that Spain would take part in the war, as an ally of France, + was first contemplated, Nelson said that their fleet, if it were no better + than when it acted in alliance with us, would "soon be done for." + </p> + <p> + Before the enemy could form a regular order of battle, Sir J. Jervis, by + carrying a press of sail, came up with them, passed through their fleet, + then tacked, and thus cut off nine of their ships from the main body. + These ships attempted to form on the larboard tack, either with a design + of passing through the British line, or to leeward of it, and thus + rejoining their friends. Only one of them succeeded in this attempt; and + that only because she was so covered with smoke that her intention was not + discovered till she had reached the rear: the others were so warmly + received, that they put about, took to flight, and did not appear again in + the action to its close. The admiral was now able to direct his attention + to the enemy's main body, which was still superior in number to his whole + fleet, and greatly so in weight of metal. He made signal to tack in + succession. Nelson, whose station was in the rear of the British line, + perceived that the Spaniards were bearing up before the wind, with an + intention of forming their line, going large, and joining their separated + ships, or else of getting off without an engagement. To prevent either of + these schemes, he disobeyed the signal without a moment's hesitation: and + ordered his ship to be wore. This at once brought him into action with the + SANTISSIMA TRINIDAD, one hundred and thirty-six; the SAN JOSEPH, one + hundred and twelve; the SALVADOR DEL MUNDO, one hundred and twelve; the + SAN NICOLAS, eighty; the SAN ISIDRO, seventy-four, another seventy-four, + and another first-rate. Troubridge, in the CULLODEN, immediately joined, + and most nobly supported him; and for nearly an hour did the CULLODEN and + CAPTAIN maintain what Nelson called "this apparently, but not really + unequal contest;"—such was the advantage of skill and discipline, + and the confidence which brave men derive from them. The BLENHEIM then + passing between them and the enemy, gave them a respite, and poured in her + fire upon the Spaniards. The SALVADOR DEL MUNDO and SAN ISIDRO dropped + astern, and were fired into in a masterly style by the EXCELLENT, Captain + Collingwood. The SAN ISIDRO struck; and Nelson thought that the SALVADOR + struck also. "But Collingwood," says he, "disdaining the parade of taking + possession of beaten enemies, most gallantly pushed up, with every sail + set, to save his old friend and messmate, who was to appearance in a + critical situation;" for the CAPTAIN was at this time actually fired upon + by three first-rates—by the SAN NICOLAS, and by a seventy-four, + within about pistol-shot of that vessel. The BLENHEIM was ahead, the + CULLODEN crippled and astern. Collingwood ranged up, and hauling up his + mainsail just astern, passed within ten feet of the SAN NICOLAS, giving + her a most tremendous fire, then passed on for the SANTISSIMA TRINIDAD. + The SAN NICOLAS luffing up, the SAN JOSEPH fell on board her, and Nelson + resumed his station abreast of them, and close alongside. The CAPTAIN was + now incapable of further service, either in the line or in chase: she had + lost her foretop-mast; not a sail, shroud, or rope was left, and her wheel + was shot away. Nelson therefore directed Captain Miller to put the helm + a-starboard, and calling for the boarders, ordered them to board. + </p> + <p> + Captain Berry, who had lately been Nelson's first lieutenant, was the + first man who leaped into the enemy's mizen chains. Miller, when in the + very act of going, was ordered by Nelson to remain. Berry was supported + from the spritsail-yard, which locked in the SAN NICOLAS's main rigging. A + soldier of the 69th broke the upper quarter-gallery window, and jumped in, + followed by the commodore himself and by the others as fast as possible. + The cabin doors were fastened, and the Spanish officers fired their + pistols at them through the window; the doors were soon forced, and the + Spanish brigadier fell while retreating to the quarter-deck. Nelson pushed + on, and found Berry in possession of the poop, and the Spanish ensign + hauling down. He passed on to the forecastle, where he met two or three + Spanish officers, and received their swords. The English were now in full + possession of every part of the ship, when a fire of pistols and musketry + opened upon them from the admiral's stern-gallery of the SAN JOSEPH. + Nelson having placed sentinels at the different ladders, and ordered + Captain Miller to send more men into the prize, gave orders for boarding + that ship from the SAN NICOLAS. It was done in an instant, he himself + leading the way, and exclaiming, "Westminster Abbey or victory!" Berry + assisted him into the main chains; and at that moment a Spanish officer + looked over the quarter-deck rail, and said they surrendered. It was not + long before he was on the quarter-deck, where the Spanish captain + presented to him his sword, and told him the admiral was below dying of + his wounds. There, on the quarter-deck of an enemy's first-rate, he + received the swords of the officers, giving them, as they were delivered, + one by one to William Fearney, one of his old AGAMEMNONs, who, with the + utmost coolness, put them under his arm, "bundling them up," in the lively + expression of Collingwood, "with as much composure as he would have made a + faggot, though twenty-two sail of their line were still within gunshot." + One of his sailors came up, and with an Englishman's feeling took him by + the hand, saying he might not soon have such another place to do it in, + and he was heartily glad to see him there. Twenty-four of the CAPTAIN's + men were killed, and fifty-six wounded; a fourth part of the loss + sustained by the whole squadron falling upon this ship. Nelson received + only a few bruises. + </p> + <p> + The Spaniards had still eighteen or nineteen ships which had suffered + little or no injury: that part of the fleet which had been separated from + the main body in the morning was now coming up, and Sir John Jervis made + signal to bring to. His ships could not have formed without abandoning + those which they had captured, and running to leeward: the CAPTAIN was + lying a perfect wreck on board her two prizes; and many of the other + vessels were so shattered in their masts and rigging as to be wholly + unmanageable. The Spanish admiral meantime, according to his official + account, being altogether undecided in his own opinion respecting the + state of the fleet, inquired of his captains whether it was proper to + renew the action; nine of them answered explicitly that it was not; others + replied that it was expedient to delay the business. The PELAYO and the + PRINCE CONQUISTADOR were the only ships that were for fighting. + </p> + <p> + As soon as the action was discontinued, Nelson went on board the admiral's + ship. Sir John Jervis received him on the quarter-deck, took him in his + arms, and said he could not sufficiently thank him. For this victory the + commander-in-chief was rewarded with the title of Earl St. Vincent. + Nelson, who before the action was known in England had been advanced to + the rank of rear-admiral, had the Order of the Bath given him. The sword + of the Spanish rear-admiral, which Sir John Jervis insisted upon his + keeping, he presented to the Mayor and Corporation of Norwich, saying that + he knew no place where it could give him or his family more pleasure to + have it kept than in the capital city of the county where he was born. The + freedom of that city was voted him on this occasion. But of all the + numerous congratulations which he received, none could have affected him + with deeper delight than that which came from his venerable father. "I + thank my God," said this excellent man, "with all the power of a grateful + soul, for the mercies he has most graciously bestowed on me in preserving + you. Not only my few acquaintance here, but the people in general, met me + at every corner with such handsome words, that I was obliged to retire + from the public eye. The height of glory to which your professional + judgment, united with a proper degree of bravery, guarded by Providence, + has raised you, few sons, my dear child, attain to, and fewer fathers live + to see. Tears of joy have involuntarily trickled down my furrowed cheeks: + who could stand the force of such general congratulation? The name and + services of Nelson have sounded through this city of Bath—from the + common ballad-singer to the public theatre." The good old man concluded by + telling him that the field of glory, in which he had so long been + conspicuous, was still open, and by giving him his blessing. + </p> + <p> + Sir Horatio, who had now hoisted his flag as rear-admiral of the blue, was + sent to bring away the troops from Porto Ferrajo; having performed this, + he shifted his flag to the THESEUS. That ship, had taken part in the + mutiny in England, and being just arrived from home, some danger was + apprehended from the temper of the men. This was one reason why Nelson was + removed to her. He had not been on board many weeks before a paper, signed + in the name of all the ship's company, was dropped on the quarter-deck, + containing these words: "Success attend Admiral Nelson! God bless Captain + Miller! We thank them for the officers they have placed over us. We are + happy and comfortable, and will shed every drop of blood in our veins to + support them; and the name of the THESEUS shall be immortalised as high as + her captain's." Wherever Nelson commanded, the men soon became attached to + him; in ten days' time he would have restored the most mutinous ship in + the navy to order. Whenever an officer fails to win the affections of + those who are under his command, he may be assured that the fault is + chiefly in himself. + </p> + <p> + While Sir Horatio was in the THESEUS, he was employed in the command of + the inner squadron at the blockade of Cadiz. During this service, the most + perilous action occurred in which he was ever engaged. Making a night + attack upon the Spanish gun-boats, his barge was attacked by an armed + launch, under their commander, D. Miguel Tregoyen, carrying 26 men. Nelson + had with him only his ten bargemen, Captain Freemantle, and his coxswain, + John Sykes, an old and faithful follower, who twice saved the life of his + admiral by parrying the blows that were aimed at him, and at last actually + interposed his own head to receive the blow of a Spanish sabre, which he + could not by any other means avert; thus dearly was Nelson beloved. This + was a desperate service—hand to hand with swords; and Nelson always + considered that his personal courage was more conspicuous on this occasion + than on any other during his whole life. Notwithstanding the great + disproportion of numbers, 18 of the enemy were killed, all the rest + wounded, and their launch taken. Nelson would have asked for a lieutenancy + for Sykes, if he had served long enough; his manner and conduct, he + observed, were so entirely above his situation, that Nature certainly + intended him for a gentleman; but though he recovered from the dangerous + wound which he received in this act of heroic attachment, he did not live + to profit by the gratitude and friendship of his commander. + </p> + <p> + Twelve days after this rencontre, Nelson sailed at the head of an + expedition against Teneriffe. A report had prevailed a few months before, + that the viceroy of Mexico, With the treasure ships, had put into that + island. This had led Nelson to meditate the plan of an attack upon it, + which he communicated to Earl St. Vincent. He was perfectly aware of the + difficulties of the attempt. "I do not," said he, "reckon myself equal to + Blake; but, if I recollect right, he was more obliged to the wind coming + off the land than to any exertions of his own. The approach by sea to the + anchoring-place is under very high land, passing three valleys; therefore + the wind is either in from the sea, or squally with calms from the + mountains:" and he perceived that if the Spanish ships were won, the + object would still be frustrated if the wind did not come off shore. The + land force, he thought, would render success certain; and there were the + troops from Elba, with all necessary stores and artillery, already + embarked. "But here," said he, "soldiers must be consulted; and I know, + from experience, they have not the same boldness in undertaking a + political measure that we have: we look to the benefit of our country, and + risk our own fame every day to serve her; a soldier obeys his orders, and + no more." Nelson's experience at Corsica justified him in this harsh + opinion: he did not live to see the glorious days of the British army + under Wellington. The army from Elba, consisting of 3700 men, would do the + business, he said, in three days, probably in much less time; and he would + undertake, with a very small squadron, to perform the naval part; for + though the shore was not easy of access, the transports might run in and + land the troops in one day. + </p> + <p> + The report concerning the viceroy was unfounded: but a homeward-bound + Manilla ship put into Santa Cruz at this time, and the expedition was + determined upon. It was not fitted out upon the scale which Nelson had + proposed. Four ships of the line, three frigates, and the FOX cutter, + formed the squadron; and he was allowed to choose such ships and officers + as he thought proper. No troops were embarked; the seamen and marines of + the squadron being thought sufficient. His orders were, to make a vigorous + attack; but on no account to land in person, unless his presence should be + absolutely necessary. The plan was, that the boats should land in the + night, between the fort on the N.E. side of Santa Cruz bay and the town, + make themselves masters of that fort, and then send a summons to the + governor. By midnight, the three frigates, having the force on board which + was intended for this debarkation, approached within three miles of the + place; but owing to a strong gale of wind in the offing, and a strong + current against them in-shore, they were not able to get within a mile of + the landing-place before daybreak; and then they were seen, and their + intention discovered. Troubridge and Bowen, with Captain Oldfield, of the + marines, went upon this to consult with the admiral what was to be done; + and it was resolved that they should attempt to get possession of the + heights above the fort. The frigates accordingly landed their men; and + Nelson stood in with the line-of-battle ships, meaning to batter the fort + for the purpose of distracting the attention of the garrison. A calm and + contrary current hindered him from getting within a league of the shore; + and the heights were by this time so secured, and manned with such a + force, as to be judged impracticable. Thus foiled in his plans by + circumstances of wind and tide, he still considered it a point of honour + that some attempt should be made. This was on the 22nd of July: he + re-embarked his men that night, got the ships on the 24th to anchor about + two miles north of the town, and made show as if he intended to attack the + heights. At six in the evening signal was made for the boats to prepare to + proceed on the service as previously ordered. + </p> + <p> + When this was done, Nelson addressed a letter to the commander-in-chief—the + last which was ever written with his right hand. "I shall not," said he, + "enter on the subject, why we are not in possession of Santa Cruz. Your + partiality will give credit, that all has hitherto been done which was + possible, but without effect. This night I, humble as I am, command the + whole destined to land under the batteries of the town; and to-morrow my + head will probably be crowned either with laurel or cypress. I have only + to recommend Josiah Nisbet to you and my country. The Duke of Clarence, + should I fall, will, I am confident, take a lively interest for my + son-in-law, on his name being mentioned." Perfectly aware how desperate a + service this was likely to prove, before he left the THESEUS he called + Lieutenant Nisbet, who had the watch on deck, into the cabin, that he + might assist in arranging and burning his mother's letters. Perceiving + that the young man was armed, he earnestly begged him to remain behind. + "Should we both fall, Josiah," said he, "what will become of your poor + mother! The care of the THESEUS falls to you: stay, therefore, and take + charge of her." Nisbet replied: "Sir, the ship must take care of herself: + I will go with you to-night, if I never go again." + </p> + <p> + He met his captains at supper on board the SEAHORSE, Captain Freemantle, + whose wife, whom he had lately married in the Mediterranean, presided at + table. At eleven o'clock the boats, containing between 600 and 700 men, + with 180 on board the FOX cutter, and from 70 to 80 in a boat which had + been taken the day before, proceeded in six divisions toward the town, + conducted by all the captains of the squadron, except Freemantle and + Bowen, who attended with Nelson to regulate and lead the way to the + attack. They were to land on the mole, and thence hasten as fast as + possible into the great square; then form and proceed as should be found + expedient. They were not discovered till about half-past one o'clock, + when, being within half gun-shot of the landing-place, Nelson directed the + boats to cast off from each other, give a huzza, and push for the shore. + But the Spaniards were exceedingly well prepared; the alarm-bells answered + the huzza, and a fire of thirty or forty pieces of cannon, with musketry + from one end of the town to the other, opened upon the invaders. Nothing, + however, could check the intrepidity with which they advanced. The night + was exceedingly dark: most of the boats missed the mole and went on shore + through a raging surf, which stove all to the left of it. The Admiral, + Freemantle, Thompson, Bowen, and four or five other boats, found the mole: + they stormed it instantly, and carried it, though it was defended, as they + imagined, by 400 or 500 men. Its guns, which were six-and-twenty pounders, + were spiked; but such a heavy fire of musketry and grape was kept up from + the citadel and the houses at the head of the mole, that the assailants + could not advance, and nearly all of them were killed or wounded. + </p> + <p> + In the act of stepping out of the boat, Nelson received a shot through the + right elbow, and fell; but as he fell he caught the sword, which he had + just drawn, in his left hand, determined never to part with it while he + lived, for it had belonged to his uncle, Captain Suckling, and he valued + it like a relic. Nisbet, who was close to him, placed him at the bottom of + the boat, and laid his hat over the shattered arm, lest the sight of the + blood, which gushed out in great abundance, should increase his faintness. + He then examined the wound, and taking some silk handkerchiefs from his + neck, bound them round tight above the lacerated vessels. Had it not been + for this presence of mind in his son-in-law, Nelson must have perished. + One of his bargemen, by name Level, tore his shirt into shreds, and made a + sling with them for the broken limb. They then collected five other + seamen, by whose assistance they succeeded at length in getting the boat + afloat; for it had grounded with the falling tide. Nisbet took one of the + oars and ordered the steersman to go close under the guns of the battery, + that they might be safe from its tremendous fire. Hearing his voice, + Nelson roused himself, and desired to be lifted up in the boat that he + might look about him. Nisbet raised him up; but nothing could be seen + except the firing of the guns on shore, and what could be discerned by + their flashes upon a stormy sea. In a few minutes a general shriek was + heard from the crew of the FOX, which had received a shot under water, and + went down. Ninety-seven men were lost in her: 83 were saved, many by + Nelson himself, whose exertions on this occasion greatly increased the + pain and danger of his wound. The first ship which the boat could reach + happened to be the SEAHORSE; but nothing could induce him to go on board, + though he was assured that if they attempted to row to another ship it + might be at the risk of his life. "I had rather suffer death," he replied, + "than alarm Mrs. Freemantle, by letting her see me in this state, when I + can give her no tidings whatever of her husband." They pushed on for the + THESEUS. When they came alongside he peremptorily refused all assistance + in getting on board, so impatient was he that the boat should return, in + hopes that it might save a few more from the FOX. He desired to have only + a single rope thrown over the side, which he twisted round his left hand, + saying "Let me alone; I have yet my legs left and one arm. Tell the + surgeon to make haste and get his instruments. I know I must lose my right + arm, so the sooner it is off the better." The spirit which he displayed in + jumping up the ship's side astonished everybody. + </p> + <p> + Freemantle had been severely wounded in the right arm soon after the + admiral. He was fortunate enough to find a boat on the beach, and got + instantly to his ship. Thompson was wounded: Bowen killed, to the great + regret of Nelson: as was also one of his own officers, Lieutenant + Weatherhead, who had followed him from the AGAMEMNON, and whom he greatly + and deservedly esteemed. Troubridge, meantime, fortunately for his party, + missed the mole in the darkness, but pushed on shore under the batteries, + close to the south end of the citadel. Captain Waller, of the EMERALD, and + two or three other boats, landed at the same time. The surf was so high + that many others put back. The boats were instantly filled with water and + stove against the rocks; and most of the ammunition in the men's pouches + was wetted. Having collected a few men they pushed on to the great square, + hoping there to find the admiral and the rest of the force. The ladders + were all lost, so that they could make no immediate attempt on the + citadel; but they sent a sergeant with two of the town's-people to summon + it: this messenger never returned; and Troubridge having waited about an + hour in painful expectation of his friends, marched to join Captains Hood + and Miller, who had effected their landing to the south-west. They then + endeavoured to procure some intelligence of the admiral and the rest of + the officers, but without success. By daybreak they had gathered together + about eighty marines, eighty pikemen, and one hundred and eighty small-arm + seamen; all the survivors of those who had made good their landing. They + obtained some ammunition from the prisoners whom they had taken, and + marched on to try what could be done at the citadel without ladders. They + found all the streets commanded by field-pieces, and several thousand + Spaniards, with about a hundred French, under arms, approaching by every + avenue. Finding himself without provisions, the powder wet, and no + possibility of obtaining either stores or reinforcements from the ships, + the boats being lost, Troubridge with great presence of mind, sent Captain + Samuel Hood with a flag of truce to the governor to say he was prepared to + burn the town, and would instantly set fire to it if the Spaniards + approached one inch nearer. This, however, if he were compelled to do it, + he should do with regret, for he had no wish to injure the inhabitants; + and he was ready to treat upon these terms—that the British troops + should reembark, with all their arms of every kind, and take their own + boats, if they were saved, or be provided with such others as might be + wanting; they, on their part, engaging that the squadron should not molest + the town, or any of the Canary Islands: all prisoners on both sides to be + given up. When these terms were proposed the governor made answer, that + the English ought to surrender as prisoners of war; but Captain Hood + replied, he was instructed to say, that if the terms were not accepted in + five minutes, Captain Troubridge would set the town on fire and attack the + Spaniards at the point of the bayonet. Satisfied with his success, which + was indeed sufficiently complete, and respecting, like a brave and + honourable man, the gallantry of his enemy, the Spaniard acceded to the + proposal, found boats to re-embark them, their own having all been dashed + to pieces in landing, and before they parted gave every man a loaf and a + pint of wine. + </p> + <p> + "And here," says Nelson in his journal, "it is right we should notice the + noble and generous conduct of Don Juan Antonio Gutierrez, the Spanish + governor. The moment the terms were agreed to, he directed our wounded men + to be received into the hospitals, and all our people to be supplied with + the best provisions that could be procured; and made it known that the + ships were at liberty to send on shore and purchase whatever refreshments + they were in want of during the time they might be off the island." A + youth, by name Don Bernardo Collagon, stripped himself of his shirt to + make bandages for one of those Englishmen against whom, not an hour + before, he had been engaged in battle. Nelson wrote to thank the governor + for the humanity which he had displayed. Presents were interchanged + between them. Sir Horatio offered to take charge of his despatches for the + Spanish Government, and thus actually became the first messenger to Spain + of his own defeat. + </p> + <p> + The total loss of the English in killed, wounded, and drowned, amounted to + 250. Nelson made no mention of his own wound in his official despatches; + but in a private letter to Lord St. Vincent—the first which he wrote + with his left hand—he shows himself to have been deeply affected by + the failure of this enterprise. "I am become," he said, "a burthen to my + friends, and useless to my country; but by my last letter you will + perceive my anxiety for the promotion of my son-in-law, Josiah Nisbet. + When I leave your command I become dead to the world—'I go hence, + and am no more seen.' If from poor Bowen's loss, you think it proper to + oblige me, I rest confident you will do it. The boy is under obligations + to me, but he repaid me by bringing me from the mole of Santa Cruz. I hope + you will be able to give me a frigate to convey the remains of my carcass + to England." "A left-handed admiral," he said in a subsequent letter, + "will never again be considered as useful; therefore the sooner I get to a + very humble cottage the better, and make room for a sounder man to serve + the state." His first letter to Lady Nelson was written under the same + opinion, but in a more cheerful strain. "It was the chance of war," said + he, "and I have great reason to be thankful: and I know it will add much + to your pleasure to find that Josiah, under God's providence, was + principally instrumental in saving my life. I shall not be surprised if I + am neglected and forgotten: probably I shall no longer be considered as + useful; however, I shall feel rich if I continue to enjoy your affection. + I beg neither you nor my father will think much of this mishap; my mind + has long been made up to such an event." + </p> + <p> + His son-in-law, according to his wish, was immediately promoted; and + honours enough to heal his wounded spirit awaited him in England. Letters + were addressed to him by the first lord of the Admiralty, and by his + steady friend the Duke of Clarence, to congratulate him on his return, + covered as he was with glory. He assured the Duke, in his reply, that not + a scrap of that ardour with which he had hitherto served his king had been + shot away. The freedom of the cities of Bristol and London were + transmitted to him; he was invested with the Order of the Bath, and + received a pension of L1000 a-year. The memorial which, as a matter of + form, he was called upon to present on this occasion, exhibited an + extraordinary catalogue of services performed during the war. It stated + that he had been in four actions with the fleets of the enemy, and in + three actions with boats employed in cutting out of harbour, in destroying + vessels, and in taking three towns. He had served on shore with the army + four months, and commanded the batteries at the sieges of Basti and Calvi: + he had assisted at the capture of seven sail of the line, six frigates, + four corvettes, and eleven privateers: taken and destroyed near fifty sail + of merchant vessels, and actually been engaged against the enemy upwards + of a hundred and twenty times, in which service he had lost his right eye + and right arm, and been severely wounded and bruised in his body. + </p> + <p> + His sufferings from the lost limb were long and painful. A nerve had been + taken up in one of the ligatures at the time of the operation; and the + ligature, according to the practice of the French surgeons, was of silk + instead of waxed thread; this produced a constant irritation and + discharge; and the ends of the ligature being pulled every day, in hopes + of bringing it away, occasioned fresh agony. He had scarcely any + intermission of pain, day or night, for three months after his return to + England. Lady Nelson, at his earnest request, attended the dressing of his + arm, till she had acquired sufficient resolution and skill to dress it + herself. One night, during this state of suffering, after a day of + constant pain, Nelson retired early to bed, in hope of enloying some + respite by means of laudanum. He was at that time lodging in Bond Street, + and the family were soon disturbed by a mob knocking loudly and violently + at the door. The news of Duncan's victory had been made public, and the + house was not illuminated. But when the mob were told that Admiral Nelson + lay there in bed, badly wounded, the foremost of them made answer: "You + shall hear no more from us to-night:" and in fact, the feeling of respect + and sympathy was communicated from one to another with such effect that, + under the confusion of such a night, the house was not molested again. + </p> + <p> + About the end of November, after a night of sound sleep, he found the arm + nearly free from pain. The surgeon was immediately sent for to examine it; + and the ligature came away with the slightest touch. From that time it + began to heal. As soon as he thought his health established, he sent the + following form of thanksgiving to the minister of St. George's, Hanover + Square:—"An officer desires to return thanks to Almighty God for his + perfect recovery from a severe wound, and also for the many mercies + bestowed on him." + </p> + <p> + Not having been in England till now, since he lost his eye, he went to + receive a year's pay as smart money; but could not obtain payment, because + he had neglected to bring a certificate from a surgeon that the sight was + actually destroyed. A little irritated that this form should be insisted + upon, because, though the fact was not apparent, he thought it was + sufficiently notorious, he procured a certificate at the same time for the + loss of his arm; saying, they might just as well doubt one as the other. + This put him in good humour with himself, and with the clerk who had + offended him. On his return to the office, the clerk, finding it was only + the annual pay of a captain, observed, he thought it had been more. "Oh!" + replied Nelson, "this is only for an eye. In a few days I shall come for + an arm; and in a little time longer, God knows, most probably for a leg." + Accordingly he soon afterwards went, and with perfect good humour + exhibited the certificate of the loss of his arm. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0005" id="link2HCH0005"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER V + </h2> + <h3> + 1798 + </h3> + <p> + Nelson rejoins Earl St. Vincent in the VANGUARD—Sails in Pursuit of + the French in Egypt—Returns to Sicily, and sails again to Egypt—Battle + of the Nile. + </p> + <p> + EARLY in the year 1798, Sir Horatio Nelson hoisted his flag in the + VANGUARD, and was ordered to rejoin Earl St. Vincent. Upon his departure, + his father addressed him with that affectionate solemnity by which all his + letters were distinguished. "I trust in the Lord," said he, "that He will + prosper your going out and your coming in. I earnestly desired once more + to see you, and that wish has been heard. If I should presume to say, I + hope to see you again, the question would be readily asked, How old art + thou? VALE! VALE! DOMINE, VALE!" It is said that a gloomy foreboding hung + on the spirits of Lady Nelson at their parting. This could have arisen + only from the dread of losing him by the chance of war. Any apprehension + of losing his affections could hardly have existed, for all his + correspondence to this time shows that he thought himself happy in his + marriage; and his private character had hitherto been as spotless as his + public conduct. One of the last things he said to her was, that his own + ambition was satisfied, but that he went to raise her to that rank in + which he had long wished to see her. + </p> + <p> + Immediately on his rejoining the fleet, he was despatched to the + Mediterranean with a small squadron, in order to ascertain, if possible, + the object of the great expedition which at that time was fitting out + under Buonaparte at Toulon. The defeat of this armament, whatever might be + its destination, was deemed by the British government an object paramount + to every other; and Earl St. Vincent was directed, if he thought it + necessary, to take his whole force into the Mediterranean, to relinquish, + for that purpose, the blockade of the Spanish fleet, as a thing of + inferior moment; but if he should deem a detachment sufficient, "I think + it almost necessary," said the first lord of the Admiralty in his secret + instructions, "to suggest to you the propriety of putting it under Sir + Horatio Nelson." It is to the honour of Earl St. Vincent that he had + already made the same choice. This appointment to a service in which so + much honour might be acquired, gave great offence to the senior admirals + of the fleet. Sir William Parker, who was a very excellent naval officer, + and as gallant a man as any in the navy, and Sir John Orde, who on all + occasions of service had acquitted himself with great honour, each wrote + to Lord Spencer, complaining that so marked a preference should have been + given to a junior of the same fleet. This resentment is what most men in a + like case would feel; and if the preference thus given to Nelson had not + originated in a clear perception that (as his friend Collingwood said of + him a little while before) his spirit was equal to all undertakings, and + his resources fitted to all occasions, an injustice would have been done + to them by his appointment. But if the service were conducted with + undeviating respect to seniority, the naval and military character would + soon be brought down to the dead level of mediocrity. + </p> + <p> + The armament at Toulon consisted of thirteen ships of the line, seven + forty-gun frigates, with twenty-four smaller vessels of war, and nearly + 200 transports. Mr. Udney, our consul at Leghorn, was the first person who + procured certain intelligence of the enemy's design against Malta; and, + from his own sagacity, foresaw that Egypt must be their after object. + Nelson sailed from Gibraltar on the 9th of May, with the VANGUARD, ORION, + and ALEXANDER, seventy-fours; the CAROLINE, FLORA, EMERALD, and + TERPSICHORE, frigates; and the BONNE CITOYENNE, sloop of war, to watch + this formidable armament. On the 19th, when they were in the Gulf of + Lyons, a gale came on from the N.W. It moderated so much on the 20th as to + enable them to get their top-gallant masts and yards aloft. After dark it + again began to blow strong, but the ships had been prepared for a gale, + and therefore Nelson's mind was easy. Shortly after midnight, however, his + main-topmast went over the side, and the mizentopmast soon afterward. The + night was so tempestuous that it was impossible for any signal either to + be seen or heard; and Nelson determined, as soon as it should be daybreak, + to wear, and scud before the gale; but at half-past three the fore-mast + went in three pieces, and the bowsprit was found to be sprung in three + places. + </p> + <p> + When day broke they succeeded in wearing the ship with a remnant of the + spritsail. This was hardly to have been expected. The VANGUARD was at that + time twenty-five leagues south of the island of Hieres; with her head + lying to the N.E., and if she had not wore, the ship must have drifted to + Corsica. Captain Ball, in the ALEXANDER, took her in tow, to carry her + into the Sardinian harbour of St. Pietro. Nelson, apprehensive that this + attempt might endanger both vessels, ordered him to cast off; but that + excellent officer, with a spirit like his commanders, replied, he was + confident he could save the VANGUARD, and, by God's help, he would do it. + There had been a previous coolness between these great men; but from this + time Nelson became fully sensible of the extraordinary talents of Captain + Ball, and a sincere friendship subsisted between them during the remainder + of their lives. "I ought not," said the admiral, writing to his wife—"I + ought not to call what has happened to the VANGUARD by the cold name of + accident: I believe firmly it was the Almighty's goodness, to check my + consummate vanity. I hope it has made me a better officer, as I feel + confident it has made me a better man. Figure to yourself, on Sunday + evening at sunset, a vain man walking in his cabin, with a squadron around + him, who looked up to their chief to lead them to glory, and in whom their + chief placed the firmest reliance that the proudest ships of equal numbers + belonging to France would have lowered their flags; figure to yourself, on + Monday morning, when the sun rose, this proud man, his ship dismasted, his + fleet dispersed, and himself in such distress that the meanest frigate out + of France would have been an unwelcome guest." Nelson had, indeed, more + reason to refuse the cold name of accident to this tempest than he was + then aware of, for on that very day the French fleet sailed from Toulon, + and must have passed within a few leagues of his little squadron, which + was thus preserved by the thick weather that came on. + </p> + <p> + The British Government at this time, with a becoming spirit, gave orders + that any port in the Mediterranean should be considered as hostile where + the governor or chief magistrate should refuse to let our ships of war + procure supplies of provisions, or of any article which they might + require. + </p> + <p> + In these orders the ports of Sardinia were excepted. The continental + possessions of the King of Sardinia were at this time completely at the + mercy of the French, and that prince was now discovering, when too late, + that the terms to which he had consented, for the purpose of escaping + immediate danger, necessarily involved the loss of the dominions which + they were intended to preserve. The citadel of Turin was now occupied by + French troops; and his wretched court feared to afford the common rights + of humanity to British ships, lest it should give the French occasion to + seize on the remainder of his dominions—a measure for which it was + certain they would soon make a pretext, if they did not find one. Nelson + was informed that he could not be permitted to enter the port of St + Pietro. Regardless of this interdict, which, under his circumstances, it + would have been an act of suicidal folly to have regarded, he anchored in + the harbour; and, by the exertions of Sir James Saumarez, Captain Ball, + and Captain Berry, the VANGUARD was refitted in four days; months would + have been employed in refitting her in England. Nelson, with that proper + sense of merit, wherever it was found, which proved at once the goodness + and the greatness of his character, especially recommended to Earl St. + Vincent the carpenter of the ALEXANDER, under whose directions the ship + had been repaired; stating, that he was an old and faithful servant of the + Crown, who had been nearly thirty years a warrant carpenter, and begging + most earnestly that the Commander-in-Chief would recommend him to the + particular notice of the Board of Admiralty. He did not leave the harbour + without expressing his sense of the treatment which he had received there, + in a letter to the Viceroy of Sardinia. "Sir," it said, "having, by a gale + of wind, sustained some trifling damages, I anchored a small part of his + Majesty's fleet under my orders off this island, and was surprised to + hear, by an officer sent by the governor, that admittance was to be + refused to the flag of his Britannic Majesty into this port. When I + reflect, that my most gracious sovereign is the oldest, I believe, and + certainly the most faithful ally which the King of Sardinia ever had, I + could feel the sorrow which it must have been to his majesty to have given + such an order; and also for your excellency, who had to direct its + execution. I cannot but look at the African shore, where the followers of + Mahomet are performing the part of the good Samaritan, which I look for in + vain at St. Peter's, where it is said the Christian religion is + professed." + </p> + <p> + The delay which was thus occasioned was useful to him in many respects; it + enabled him to complete his supply of water, and to receive a + reinforcement which Earl St. Vincent, being himself reinforced from + England, was enabled to send him. It consisted of the best ships of his + fleet; the CULLODEN, seventy-four, Captain T. Troubridge; GOLIATH, + seventy-four, Captain T. Foley; MINOTAUR, seventy-four, Captain T. Louis; + DEFENCE, seventy-four, Captain John Peyton; BELLEROPHON, seventy-four, + Captain H.D.E. Darby; MAJESTIC, seventy-four, Captain G. B. Westcott; + ZEALOUS, seventy-four, Captain S. Hood; SWIFTSURE, seventy-four, Captain + B. Hallowell; THESEUS, seventy-four, Captain R. W. Miller; AUDACIOUS, + seventy-four, Captain Davidge Gould. The LEANDER, fifty, Captain T. E. + Thompson, was afterwards added. These ships were made ready for the + service as soon as Earl St. Vincent received advice from England that he + was to be reinforced. As soon as the reinforcement was seen from the + mast-head of the admiral's ship, off Cadiz Bay, signal was immediately + made to Captain Troubridge to put to sea; and he was out of sight before + the ships from home cast anchor in the British station. Troubridge took + with him no instructions to Nelson as to the course he was to steer, nor + any certain account of the enemy's destination; everything was left to his + own judgment. Unfortunately, the frigates had been separated from him in + the tempest and had not been able to rejoin: they sought him + unsuccessfully in the Bay of Naples, where they obtained no tidings of his + course: and he sailed without them. + </p> + <p> + The first news of the enemy's armament was that it had surprised Malta, + Nelson formed a plan for attacking it while at anchor at Gozo; but on the + 22nd of June intelligence reached him that the French had left that island + on the 16th, the day after their arrival. It was clear that their + destination was eastward—he thought for Egypt—and for Egypt, + therefore, he made all sail. Had the frigates been with him, he could + scarcely have failed to gain information of the enemy; for want of them, + he only spoke three vessels on the way: two came from Alexandria, one from + the Archipelago, and neither of them had seen anything of the French. He + arrived off Alexandria on the 28th, and the enemy were not there, neither + was there any account of them; but the governor was endeavouring to put + the city in a state of defence, having received advice from Leghorn that + the French expedition was intended against Egypt, after it had taken + Malta. Nelson then shaped his course to the northward for Caramania, and + steered from thence along the southern side of Candia, carrying a press of + sail both night and day, with a contrary wind. It would have been his + delight, he said, to have tried Bonaparte on a wind. It would have been + the delight of Europe, too, and the blessing of the world, if that fleet + had been overtaken with its general on board. But of the myriads and + millions of human beings who would have been preserved by that day's + victory, there is not one to whom such essential benefit would have + resulted as to Bonaparte himself. It would have spared him his defeat at + Acre—his only disgrace; for to have been defeated by Nelson upon the + seas would not have been disgraceful; it would have spared him all his + after enormities. Hitherto his career had been glorious; the baneful + principles of his heart had never yet passed his lips; history would have + represented him as a soldier of fortune, who had faithfully served the + cause in which he engaged; and whose career had been distinguished by a + series of successes unexampled in modern times. A romantic obscurity would + have hung over the expedition to Egypt, and he would have escaped the + perpetration of those crimes which have incarnadined his soul with a + deeper dye than that of the purple for which he committed them—those + acts of perfidy, midnight murder, usurpation, and remorseless tyranny, + which have consigned his name to universal execration, now and for ever. + </p> + <p> + Conceiving that when an officer is not successful in his plans it is + absolutely necessary that he should explain the motives upon which they + were founded, Nelson wrote at this time an account and vindication of his + conduct for having carried the fleet to Egypt. The objection which he + anticipated was that he ought not to have made so long a voyage without + more certain information. "My answer," said he, "is ready. Who was I to + get it from? The governments of Naples and Sicily either knew not, or + chose to keep me in ignorance. Was I to wait patiently until I heard + certain accounts? If Egypt were their object, before I could hear of them + they would have been in India. To do nothing was disgraceful; therefore I + made use of my understanding. I am before your lordships' judgment; and + if, under all circumstances, it is decided that I am wrong, I ought, for + the sake of our country, to be superseded; for at this moment, when I know + the French are not in Alexandria, I hold the same opinion as off Cape + Passaro—that, under all circumstances, I was right in steering for + Alexandria; and by that opinion I must stand or fall." Captain Ball, to + whom he showed this paper, told him he should recommend a friend never to + begin a defence of his conduct before he was accused of error: he might + give the fullest reasons for what he had done, expressed in such terms as + would evince that he had acted from the strongest conviction of being + right; and of course he must expect that the public would view it in the + same light. Captain Ball judged rightly of the public, whose first + impulses, though, from want of sufficient information, they must + frequently be erroneous, are generally founded upon just feelings. But the + public are easily misled, and there are always persons ready to mislead + them. Nelson had not yet attained that fame which compels envy to be + silent; and when it was known in England that he had returned after an + unsuccessful pursuit, it was said that he deserved impeachment; and Earl + St. Vincent was severely censured for having sent so young an officer upon + so important a service. + </p> + <p> + Baffled in his pursuit, he returned to Sicily. The Neapolitan ministry had + determined to give his squadron no assistance, being resolved to do + nothing which could possibly endanger their peace with the French + Directory; by means, however, of Lady Hamilton's influence at court, he + procured secret orders to the Sicilian governors; and under those orders + obtained everything which he wanted at Syracuse—a timely supply; + without which, he always said, he could not have recommenced his pursuit + with any hope of success. "It is an old saying," said he in his letter, + "that the devil's children have the devil's luck. I cannot to this moment + learn, beyond vague conjecture, where the French fleet have gone to; and + having gone a round of 600 leagues, at this season of the year, with an + expedition incredible, here I am, as ignorant of the situation of the + enemy as I was twenty-seven days ago. Every moment I have to regret the + frigates having left me; had one-half of them been with me, I could not + have wanted information. Should the French be so strongly secured in port + that I cannot get at them, I shall immediately shift my flag into some + other ship, and send the VANGUARD to Naples to be refitted; for hardly any + person but myself would have continued on service so long in such a + wretched state." Vexed, however, and disappointed as he was, Nelson, with + the true spirit of a hero, was still full of hope. "Thanks to your + exertions," said he, writing to Sir. William and Lady Hamilton, "we have + victualled and watered; and surely watering at the fountain of Arethusa, + we must have victory. We shall sail with the first breeze; and be assured + I will return either crowned with laurel or covered with cypress." Earl + St. Vincent he assured, that if the French were above water he would find + them out: he still held his opinion that they were bound for Egypt: "but," + said he to the First Lord of the Admiralty, "be they bound to the + Antipodes, your lordship may rely that I will not lose a moment in + bringing them to action." + </p> + <p> + On the 25th of July he sailed from Syracuse for the Morea. Anxious beyond + measure, and irritated that the enemy should so long have eluded him, the + tediousness of the nights made him impatient; and the officer of the watch + was repeatedly called on to let him know the hour, and convince him, who + measured time by his own eagerness, that it was not yet daybreak. The + squadron made the Gulf of Coron on the 28th. Troubridge entered the port, + and returned with intelligence that the French fleet had been seen about + four weeks before steering to the S.E. from Candia. Nelson then determined + immediately to return to Alexandria; and the British fleet accordingly, + with every sail set, stood once more for the coast of Egypt. On the 1st of + August, about 10 in the morning, they came in sight of Alexandria: the + port had been vacant and solitary when they saw it last; it was now + crowded with ships; and they perceived with exultation that the + tri-coloured flag was flying upon the walls. At four in the afternoon, + Captain Hood, in the ZEALOUS, made the signal for the enemy's fleet. For + many preceding days Nelson had hardly taken either sleep or food: he now + ordered his dinner to be served, while preparations were making for + battle; and when his officers rose from table, and went to their separate + stations, he said to them, "Before this time to-morrow I shall have gained + a peerage or Westminster Abbey." + </p> + <p> + The French, steering direct for Candia, had made an angular passage for + Alexandria; whereas Nelson, in pursuit of them, made straight for that + place, and thus materially shortened the distance. The comparative + smallness of his force made it necessary to sail in close order, and it + covered a less space than it would have done if the frigates had been with + him: the weather also was constantly hazy. These circumstances prevented + the English from discovering the enemy on the way to Egypt, though it + appeared, upon examining the journals of the French officers taken in the + action, that the two fleets must actually have crossed on the night of the + 22nd of June. During the return to Syracuse, the chances of falling in + with them were become fewer. + </p> + <p> + Why Buonaparte, having effected his landing, should not have suffered the + fleet to return, has never yet been explained. This much is certain, that + it was detained by his command, though, with his accustomed falsehood, he + accused Admiral Brueys, after that officer's death, of having lingered on + the coast contrary to orders. The French fleet arrived at Alexandria on + the 1st of July, and Brueys, not being able to enter the port, which time + and neglect had ruined, moored his ships in Aboukir Bay, in a strong and + compact line of battle; the headmost vessel, according to his own account, + being as close as possible to a shoal on the N.W., and the rest of the + fleet forming a kind of curve along the line of deep water, so as not to + be turned by any means in the S.W. By Buonaparte's desire he had offered a + reward of 10,000 livres to any pilot of the country who would carry the + squadron in, but none could be found who would venture to take charge of a + single vessel drawing more than twenty feet. He had therefore made the + best of his situation, and chosen the strongest position which he could + possibly take in an open road. The commissary of the fleet said they were + moored in such a manner as to bid defiance to a force more than double + their own. This presumption could not then be thought unreasonable. + Admiral Barrington, when moored in a similar manner off St. Lucia, in the + year 1778, beat off the Comte d'Estaign in three several attacks, though + his force was inferior by almost one-third to that which assailed it. + Here, the advantage in numbers, both in ships, guns, and men, was in + favour of the French. They had thirteen ships of the line and four + frigates, carrying 1196 guns and 11,230 men. The English had the same + number of ships of the line and one fifty-gun ship, carrying 1012 guns and + 8068 men. The English ships were all seventy-fours; the French had three + eighty-gun ships, and one three-decker of one hundred and twenty. + </p> + <p> + During the whole pursuit it had been Nelson's practice, whenever + circumstances would permit, to have his captains on board the VANGUARD, + and explain to them his own ideas of the different and best modes of + attack, and such plans as he proposed to execute on falling in with the + enemy, whatever their situation might be. There is no possible position, + it is said, which he did not take into calculation. His officers were thus + fully acquainted with his principles of tactics; and such was his + confidence in their abilities that the only thing determined upon, in case + they should find the French at anchor, was for the ships to form as most + convenient for their mutual support, and to anchor by the stern. "First + gain the victory," he said, "and then make the best use of it you can." + The moment he perceived the position of the French, that intuitive genius + with which Nelson was endowed displayed itself; and it instantly struck + him that where there was room for an enemy's ship to swing, there was room + for one of ours to anchor. The plan which he intended to pursue, + therefore, was to keep entirely on the outer side of the French line, and + station his ships, as far as he was able, one on the outer bow, and + another on the outer quarter, of each of the enemy's. This plan of + doubling on the enemy's ships was projected by Lord Hood, when he designed + to attack the French fleet at their anchorage in Gourjean Road. Lord Hood + found it impossible to make the attempt; but the thought was not lost upon + Nelson, who acknowledged himself, on this occasion, indebted for it to his + old and excellent commander. Captain Berry, when he comprehended the scope + of the design, exclaimed with transport, "If we succeed, what will the + world say?" "There is no IF in the case," replied the admiral: "that we + shall succeed is certain; who may live to tell the story is a very + different question." + </p> + <p> + As the squadron advanced, they were assailed by a shower of shot and + shells from the batteries on the island, and the enemy opened a steady + fire from the starboard side of their whole line, within half gunshot + distance, full into the bows of our van ships. It was received in silence: + the men on board every ship were employed aloft in furling sails, and + below in tending the braces and making ready for anchoring. A miserable + sight for the French; who, with all their skill, and all their courage, + and all their advantages of numbers and situation, were upon that element + on which, when the hour of trial comes, a Frenchman has no hope. Admiral + Brueys was a brave and able man; yet the indelible character of his + country broke out in one of his letters, wherein he delivered it as his + private opinion, that the English had missed him, because, not being + superior in force, they did not think it prudent to try their strength + with him. The moment was now come in which he was to be undeceived. + </p> + <p> + A French brig was instructed to decoy the English by manoeuvring so as to + tempt them toward a shoal lying off the island of Bekier; but Nelson + either knew the danger or suspected some deceit; and the lure was + unsuccessful. Captain Foley led the way in the GOLIATH, outsailing the + ZEALOUS, which for some minutes disputed this post of honour with him. He + had long conceived that if the enemy were moored in line of battle in with + the land, the best plan of attack would be to lead between them and the + shore, because the French guns on that side were not likely to be manned, + nor even ready for action. Intending, therefore, to fix himself on the + inner bow of the GUERRIER, he kept as near the edge of the bank as the + depth of water would admit; but his anchor hung, and having opened his + fire he drifted to the second ship, the CONQUERANT, before it was clear; + then anchored by the stern inside of her, and in ten minutes shot away her + mast. Hood, in the ZEALOUS, perceiving this, took the station which the + GOLIATH intended to have occupied, and totally disabled the GUERRIER in + twelve minutes. The third ship which doubled the enemy's van was the + ORION, Sir J. Saumarez; she passed to windward of the ZEALOUS, and opened + her larboard guns as long as they bore on GUERRIER; then, passing inside + the GOLIATH, sunk a frigate which annoyed her, hauled round toward the + French line, and anchoring inside, between the fifth and sixth ships from + the GUERRIER, took her station on the larboard bow of the FRANKLIN and the + quarter of the PEUPLE SOUVERAIN, receiving and returning the fire of both. + The sun was now nearly down. The AUDACIOUS, Captain Could, pouring a heavy + fire into the GUERRIER and the CONQUERANT, fixed herself on the larboard + bow of the latter, and when that ship struck, passed on to the PEUPLE + SOUVERAIN. The THESEUS, Capt Miller, followed, brought down the GUERRIER's + remaining main and mizzen masts, then anchored inside of the SPARTIATE, + the third in the French line. + </p> + <p> + While these advanced ships doubled the French line, the VANGUARD was the + first that anchored on the outer side of the enemy, within half + pistol-shot of their third ship, the SPARTIATE. Nelson had six colours + flying in different parts of his rigging, lest they should be shot away; + that they should be struck, no British admiral considers as a possibility. + He veered half a cable, and instantly opened a tremendous fire; under + cover of which the other four ships of his division, the MINOTAUR, + BELLEROPHON, DEFENCE, and MAJESTIC, sailed on ahead of the admiral. In a + few minutes, every man stationed at the first six guns in the fore part of + the VANGUARD's deck was killed or wounded. These guns were three times + cleared. Captain Louis, in the MINOTAUR, anchored just ahead, and took off + the fire of the AQUILON, the fourth in the enemy's line. The BELLEROPHON, + Captain Darby, passed ahead, and dropped her stern anchor on the starboard + bow of the ORIENT, seventh in the line, Brueys' own ship, of one hundred + and twenty guns, whose difference of force was in proportion of more than + seven to three, and whose weight of ball, from the lower deck alone, + exceeded that from the whole broadside of the BELLEROPHON. Captain Peyton, + in the DEFENCE, took his station ahead of the MINOTAUR, and engaged the + FRANKLIN, the sixth in the line, by which judicious movement the British + line remained unbroken. The MAJESTIC, Captain Westcott, got entangled with + the main rigging of one of the French ships astern of the ORIENT, and + suffered dreadfully from that three-decker's fire; but she swung clear, + and closely engaging the HEUREUX, the ninth ship on the starboard bow, + received also the fire of the TONNANT, which was the eighth in the line. + The other four ships of the British squadron, having been detached + previous to the discovery of the French, were at a considerable distance + when the action began. It commenced at half after six; about seven night + closed, and there was no other light than that from the fire of the + contending fleets. + </p> + <p> + Troubridge, in the CULLODEN, then foremost of the remaining ships, was two + leagues astern. He came on sounding, as the others had done: as he + advanced, the increasing darkness increased the difficulty of the + navigation; and suddenly, after having found eleven fathoms water, before + the lead could be hove again he was fast aground; nor could all his own + exertions, joined with those of the LEANDER and the MUTINE brig, which + came to his assistance, get him off in time to bear a part in the action. + His ship, however, served as a beacon to the ALEXANDER and SWIFTSURE, + which would else, from the course which they were holding, have gone + considerably further on the reef, and must inevitably have been lost. + These ships entered the bay, and took their stations in the darkness, in a + manner still spoken of with admiration by all who remember it. Captain + Hallowell, in the SWIFTSURE, as he was bearing down, fell in with what + seemed to be a strange sail. Nelson had directed his ships to hoist four + lights horizontally at the mizzen peak as soon as it became dark; and this + vessel had no such distinction. Hallowell, however, with great judgment, + ordered his men not to fire: if she was an enemy, he said, she was in too + disabled a state to escape; but from her sails being loose, and the way in + which her head was, it was probable she might be an English ship. It was + the BELLEROPHON, overpowered by the huge ORIENT: her lights had gone + overboard, nearly 200 of her crew were killed or wounded, all her masts + and cables had been shot away; and she was drifting out of the line toward + the leeside of the bay. Her station, at this important time, was occupied + by the SWIFTSURE, which opened a steady fire on the quarter of the + FRANKLIN and the bows of the French admiral. At the same instant, Captain + Ball, with the ALEXANDER, passed under his stern, and anchored within-side + on his larboard quarter, raking; him, and keeping up a severe fire of + musketry upon his decks. The last ship which arrived to complete the + destruction of the enemy was the LEANDER. Captain Thompson, finding that + nothing could be done that night to get off the CULLODEN, advanced with + the intention of anchoring athwart-hawse of the ORIENT. The FRANKLIN was + so near her ahead that there was not room for him to pass clear of the + two; he therefore took his station athwart-hawse of the latter in such a + position as to rake both. + </p> + <p> + The two first ships of the French line had been dismasted within a quarter + of an hour after the commencement of the action; and the others had in + that time suffered so severely that victory was already certain. The + third, fourth, and fifth were taken possession of at half-past eight. + </p> + <p> + Meantime Nelson received a severe wound on the head from a piece of + langridge shot. Captain Berry caught him in his arms as he was falling. + The great effusion of blood occasioned an apprehension that the wound was + mortal: Nelson himself thought so; a large flap of the skin of the + forehead, cut from the bone, had fallen over one eye; and the other being + blind, he was in total darkness. When he was carried down, the surgeon—in + the midst of a scene scarcely to be conceived by those who have never seen + a cockpit in time of action, and the heroism which is displayed amid its + horrors,—with a natural and pardonable eagerness, quitted the poor + fellow then under his hands, that he might instantly attend the admiral. + "No!" said Nelson, "I will take my turn with my brave fellows." Nor would + he suffer his own wound to be examined till every man who had been + previously wounded was properly attended to. Fully believing that the + wound was mortal, and that he was about to die, as he had ever desired, in + battle, and in victory, he called the chaplain, and desired him to deliver + what he supposed to be his dying remembrance to lady Nelson; he then sent + for Captain Louis on board from the MINOTAUR, that he might thank him + personally for the great assistance which he had rendered to the VANGUARD; + and ever mindful of those who deserved to be his friends, appointed + Captain Hardy from the brig to the command of his own ship, Captain Berry + having to go home with the news of the victory. When the surgeon came in + due time to examine his wound (for it was in vain to entreat him to let it + be examined sooner), the most anxious silence prevailed; and the joy of + the wounded men, and of the whole crew, when they heard that the hurt was + merely superficial, gave Nelson deeper pleasure than the unexpected + assurance that his life was in no danger. The surgeon requested, and as + far as he could, ordered him to remain quiet; but Nelson could not rest. + He called for his secretary, Mr. Campbell, to write the despatches. + Campbell had himself been wounded, and was so affected at the blind and + suffering state of the admiral that he was unable to write. The chaplain + was then sent for; but before he came, Nelson with his characteristic + eagerness took the pen, and contrived to trace a few words, marking his + devout sense of the success which had already been obtained. He was now + left alone; when suddenly a cry was heard on the deck that the ORIENT was + on fire. In the confusion he found his way up, unassisted and unnoticed; + and, to the astonishment of every one, appeared on the quarter-decks where + he immediately gave order that the boats should be sent to the relief of + the enemy. + </p> + <p> + It was soon after nine that the fire on, board the ORIENT broke out. + Brueys was dead; he had received three wounds, yet would not leave his + post: a fourth cut him almost in two. He desired not to be carried below, + but to be left to die upon deck. The flames soon mastered his ship. Her + sides had just been painted; and the oil-jars and paint buckets were lying + on the poop. By the prodigious light of this conflagration, the situation + of the two fleets could now be perceived, the colours of both being + clearly distinguishable. About ten o'clock the ship blew up, with a shock + which was felt to the very bottom of every vessel. Many of her officers + and men jumped overboard, some clinging to the spars and pieces of wreck + with which the sea was strewn, others swimming to escape from the + destruction which they momently dreaded. Some were picked up by our boats; + and some even in the heat and fury of the action were dragged into the + lower ports of the nearest British ships by the British sailors. The + greater part of her crew, however, stood the danger till the last, and + continued to fire from the lower deck. This tremendous explosion was + followed by a silence not less awful: the firing immediately ceased on + both sides; and the first sound which broke the silence, was the dash of + her shattered masts and yards, falling into the water from the vast height + to which they had been exploded. It is upon record that a battle between + two armies was once broken off by an earthquake. Such an event would be + felt like a miracle; but no incident in war, produced by human means, has + ever equalled the sublimity of this co-instantaneous pause, and all its + circumstances. + </p> + <p> + About seventy of the ORIENT's crew were saved by the English boats. Among + the many hundreds who perished were the commodore, Casa-Bianca, and his + son, a brave boy, only ten years old. They were seen floating on a + shattered mast when the ship blew up. She had money on board (the plunder + of Malta) to the amount of L600,000 sterling. The masses of burning wreck, + which were scattered by the explosion, excited for some moments + apprehensions in the English which they had never felt from any other + danger. Two large pieces fell into the main and fore tops of the SWIFTSURE + without injuring any person. A port-fire also fell into the main-royal of + the ALEXANDER; the fire which it occasioned was speedily extinguished. + Captain Ball had provided, as far as human foresight could provide, + against any such danger. All the shrouds and sails of his ship, not + absolutely necessary for its immediate management, were thoroughly wetted, + and so rolled up that they were as hard and as little inflammable as so + many solid cylinders. + </p> + <p> + The firing recommenced with the ships to leeward of the centre, and + continued till about three. At daybreak, the GUILLAUME TELL and the + GENEREUX, the two rear ships of the enemy, were the only French ships of + the line which had their colours flying; they cut their cables in the + forenoon, not having been engaged, and stood out to sea, and two frigates + with them. The ZEALOUS pursued; but as there was no other ship in a + condition to support Captain Hood, he was recalled. It was generally + believed by the officers that if Nelson had not been wounded, not one of + these ships could have escaped. The four certainly could not if the + CULLODEN had got into action; and if the frigates belonging to the + squadron had been present, not one of the enemy's fleet would have left + Aboukir Bay. These four vessels, however, were all that escaped; and the + victory was the most complete and glorious in the annals of naval history. + "Victory," said Nelson, "is not a name strong enough for such a scene:" he + called it a conquest. Of thirteen sail of the line, nine were taken and + two burned. Of the four frigates, one was sunk, another, the ARTEMISE, was + burned in a villanous manner by her captain, M. Estandlet, who, having + fired a broadside at the THESEUS, struck his colours, then set fire to the + ship and escaped with most of his crew to shore. The British loss, in + killed and wounded, amounted to 895 Westcott was the only captain who + fell; 3105 of the French, including the wounded, were sent on shore by + cartel, and 5225 perished. + </p> + <p> + As soon as the conquest was completed, Nelson sent orders through the + fleet to return thanksgiving in every ship for the victory with which + Almighty God had blessed his majesty's arms. The French at Rosetta, who + with miserable fear beheld the engagement, were at a loss to understand + the stillness of the fleet during the performance of this solemn duty; but + it seemed to affect many of the prisoners, officers as well as men; and + graceless and godless as the officers were, some of them remarked that it + was no wonder such order was Preserved in the British navy, when the minds + of our men could be Impressed with such sentiments after so great a + victory, and at a moment of such confusion. The French at Rosetta, seeing + their four ships sail out of the bay unmolested, endeavoured to persuade + themselves that they were in possession of the place of battle. But it was + in vain thus to attempt, against their own secret and certain conviction, + to deceive themselves; and even if they could have succeeded in this, the + bonfires which the Arabs kindled along the whole coast, and over the + country, for the three following nights, would soon have undeceived them. + Thousands of Arabs and Egyptians lined the shore, and covered the house + tops during the action, rejoicing in the destruction which had overtaken + their invaders. Long after the battle, innumerable bodies were seen + floating about the bay, in spite of all the exertions which were made to + sink them, as well from fear of pestilence as from the loathing and horror + which the sight occasioned. Great numbers were cast up upon the Isle of + Bekier (Nelson's Island, as it has since been called), and our sailors + raised mounds of sand over them. Even after an interval of nearly three + years Dr. Clarke saw them, and assisted in interring heaps of human + bodies, which, having been thrown up by the sea where there were no + jackals to devour them, presented a sight loathsome to humanity. The + shore, for an extent of four leagues, was covered with wreck; and the + Arabs found employment for many days in burning on the beach the fragments + which were cast up, for the sake of the iron. Part of the ORIENT's + main-mast was picked up by the SWIFTSURE. Captain Hallowell ordered his + carpenter to make a coffin of it; the iron, as well as the wood, was taken + from the wreck of the same ship; it was finished as well and handsomely as + the workman's skill and materials would permit; and Hallowell then sent it + to the admiral with the following letter:—"Sir, I have taken the + liberty of presenting you a coffin made from the main mast of L'ORIENT, + that when you have finished your military career in this world you may be + buried in one of your trophies. But that that period may be far distant is + the earnest wish of your sincere friend, Benjamin Hallowell."—An + offering so strange, and yet so suited to the occasion, was received by + Nelson in the spirit with which it was sent. As if he felt it good for + him, now that he was at the summit of his wishes, to have death before his + eyes, he ordered the coffin to be placed upright in his cabin. Such a + piece of furniture, however, was more suitable to his own feelings than to + those of his guests and attendants; and an old favourite servant entreated + him so earnestly to let it be removed, that at length he consented to have + the coffin carried below; but he gave strict orders that it should be + safely stowed, and reserved for the purpose for which its brave and worthy + donor had designed it. + </p> + <p> + The victory was complete; but Nelson could not pursue it as he would have + done for want of means. Had he been provided with small craft, nothing + could have prevented the destruction of the store-ships and transports in + the port of Alexandria: four bomb-vessels would at that time have burned + the whole in a few hours. "Were I to die this moment." said he in his + despatches to the Admiralty, "WANT OF FRIGATES would be found stamped on + my heart! No words of mine can express what I have suffered, and am + suffering, for want of them." He had also to bear up against great bodily + suffering: the blow had so shaken his head, that from its constant and + violent aching, and the perpetual sickness which accompanied the pain, he + could scarcely persuade himself that the skull was not fractured. Had it + not been for Troubridge, Ball, Hood, and Hallowell, he declared that he + should have sunk under the fatigue of refitting the squadron. "All," he + said, "had done well; but these officers were his supporters." But, amidst + his sufferings and exertions, Nelson could yet think of all the + consequences of his victory; and that no advantage from it might be lost, + he despatched an officer overland to India, with letters to the governor + of Bombay, informing him of the arrival of the French in Egypt, the total + destruction of their fleet, and the consequent preservation of India from + any attempt against it on the part of this formidable armament. "He knew + that Bombay," he said, "was their first object, if they could get there; + but he trusted that Almighty God would overthrow in Egypt these pests of + the human race. Buonaparte had never yet had to contend with an English + officer, and he would endeavour to make him respect us." This despatch he + sent upon his own responsibility, with letters of credit upon the East + India Company, addressed to the British consuls, vice-consuls, and + merchants on his route; Nelson saying, "that if he had done wrong, he + hoped the bills would be paid, and he would repay the Company; for, as an + Englishman, he should be proud that it had been in his power to put our + settlements on their guard." The information which by this means reached + India was of great importance. Orders had just been received for defensive + preparations, upon a scale proportionate to the apprehended danger; and + the extraordinary expenses which would otherwise have been incurred were + thus prevented. + </p> + <p> + Nelson was now at the summit of glory; congratulations, rewards, and + honours were showered upon him by all the states, and princes, and powers + to whom his victory gave a respite. The first communication of this nature + which he received was from the Turkish sultan, who, as soon as the + invasion of Egypt was known, had called upon "all true believers to take + arms against those swinish infidels the French, that they might deliver + these blessed habitations from their accursed hands;" and who had ordered + his "pashas to turn night into day in their efforts to take vengeance." + The present of "his imperial majesty, the powerful, formidable, and most + magnificent Grand Seignior," was a pelisse of sables, with broad sleeves, + valued at 5000 dols.; and a diamond aigrette, valued at 18,000 dols., the + most honourable badge among the Turks; and in this instance more + especially honourable, because it was taken from one of the royal turbans. + "If it were worth a million," said Nelson to his wife, "my pleasure would + be to see it in your possession." The sultan also sent, in a spirit worthy + of imitation, a purse of 2000 sequins, to be distributed among the + wounded. The mother of the sultan sent him a box, set with diamonds, + valued at L1000. The Czar Paul, in whom the better part of his strangely + compounded nature at this time predominated, presented him with his + portrait, set in diamonds, in a gold box, accompanied with a letter of + congratulation, written by his own hand. The king of Sardinia also wrote + to him, and sent a gold box set with diamonds. Honours in profusion were + awaiting him at Naples. In his own country the king granted these + honourable augmentations to his armorial ensign: a chief undulated, + ARGENT: thereon waves of the sea; from which a palm tree issuant, between + a disabled ship on the dexter, and a ruinous battery on the sinister all + proper; and for his crest, on a naval crown, OR, the chelengk, or plume, + presented to him by the Turk, with the motto, PALMAM QUI MERUIT FERAT. And + to his supporters, being a sailor on the dexter, and a lion on the + sinister, were given these honourable augmentations: a palm branch in the + sailor's hand, and another in the paw of the lion, both proper; with a + tri-coloured flag and staff in the lion's mouth. He was created Baron + Nelson of the Nile, and of Burnham Thorpe, with a pension of L2000 for his + own life, and those of his two immediate successors. When the grant was + moved in the House of Commons, General Walpole expressed an opinion that a + higher degree of rank ought to be conferred. Mr. Pitt made answer, that he + thought it needless to enter into that question. "Admiral Nelson's fame," + he said, "would be co-equal with the British name; and it would be + remembered that he had obtained the greatest naval victory on record, when + no man would think of asking whether he had been created a baron, a + viscount, or an earl." It was strange that, in the very act of conferring + a title, the minister should have excused himself for not having conferred + a higher one, by representing all titles, on such an occasion, as nugatory + and superfluous. True, indeed, whatever title had been bestowed, whether + viscount, earl, marquis, duke, or prince, if our laws had so permitted, he + who received it would have been Nelson still. That name he had ennobled + beyond all addition of nobility; it was the name by which England loved + him, France feared him, Italy, Egypt, and Turkey celebrated him, and by + which he will continue to be known while the present kingdoms and + languages of the world endure, and as long as their history after them + shall be held in remembrance. It depended upon the degree of rank what + should be the fashion of his coronet, in what page of the red book his + name was to be inserted, and what precedency should be allowed his lady in + the drawing-room and at the ball. That Nelson's honours were affected thus + far, and no further, might be conceded to Mr. Pitt and his colleagues in + administration; but the degree of rank which they thought proper to allot + was the measure of their gratitude, though not of his service. This Nelson + felt, and this he expressed, with indignation, among his friends. + </p> + <p> + Whatever may have been the motives of the ministry, and whatever the + formalities with which they excused their conduct to themselves, the + importance and magnitude of the victory were universally acknowledged. A + grant of L10,000 was voted to Nelson by the East India Company; the + Turkish Company presented him with a piece of plate; the City of London + presented a sword to him, and to each of his captains; gold medals were + distributed to the captains; and the first lieutenants of all the ships + were promoted, as had been done after Lord Howe's victory. Nelson was + exceedingly anxious that the captain and first lieutenant of the CULLODEN + should not be passed over because of their misfortune. To Troubridge + himself he said, "Let us rejoice that the ship which got on shore was + commanded by an officer whose character is so thoroughly established." To + the Admiralty he stated that Captain Troubridge's conduct was as fully + entitled to praise as that of any one officer in the squadron, and as + highly deserving of reward. "It was Troubridge," said he, "who equipped + the squadron so soon at Syracuse; it was Troubridge who exerted himself + for me after the action; it was Troubridge who saved the CULLODEN, when + none that I know in the service would have attempted it." The gold medal, + therefore, by the king's express desire, was given to Captain Troubridge, + "for his services both before and since, and for the great and wonderful + exertion which he made at the time of the action in saving and getting off + his ship." The private letter from the Admiralty to Nelson informed him + that the first lieutenants of all the ships ENGAGED were to be promoted. + Nelson instantly wrote to the commander-in-chief: "I sincerely hope," said + he, "this is not intended to exclude the first lieutenant of the CULLODEN. + For heaven's sake—for my sake, if it be so—get it altered. Our + dear friend Troubridge has endured enough. His sufferings were, in every + respect, more than any of us." To the Admiralty he wrote in terms equally + warm. "I hope, and believe, the word ENGAGED is not intended to exclude + the CULLODEN. The merits of that ship, and her gallant Captain, are too + well known to benefit by anything I could say. Her misfortune was great in + getting aground, while her more fortunate companions were in the full tide + of happiness. No: I am confident that my good Lord Spencer will never add + misery to misfortune. Captain Troubridge on shore is superior to captains + afloat: in the midst of his great misfortunes he made those signals which + prevented certainly the ALEXANDER and SWIFTSURE from running on the + shoals. I beg your pardon for writing on a subject which, I verily + believe, has never entered your lordship's head; but my heart, as it ought + to be, is warm to my gallant friends." Thus feelingly alive was Nelson to + the claims, and interests, and feelings of others. The Admiralty replied, + that the exception was necessary, as the ship had not been in action; but + they desired the commander-in-chief to promote the lieutenant upon the + first vacancy which should occur. + </p> + <p> + Nelson, in remembrance of an old and uninterrupted friendship, appointed + Alexander Davison sole prize agent for the captured ships: upon which + Davison ordered medals to be struck in gold, for the captains; in silver, + for the lieutenants and warrant officers; in gilt metal for the petty + officers; and in copper for the seamen and marines. The cost of this act + of liberality amounted nearly to L2000. It is worthy of record on another + account;—for some of the gallant men, who received no other honorary + badge of their conduct on that memorable day than this copper medal from a + private individual, years afterwards, when they died upon a foreign + station, made it their last request, that the medals might carefully be + sent home to their respective friends. So sensible are brave men of + honour, in whatever rank they may be placed. + </p> + <p> + Three of the frigates, whose presence would have been so essential a few + weeks sooner, joined the squadron on the twelfth day after the action. The + fourth joined a few days after them. Nelson thus received despatches, + which rendered it necessary for him to return to Naples. Before he left + Egypt he burned three of the prizes; they could not have been fitted for a + passage to Gibraltar in less than a month, and that at a great expense, + and with the loss of the services of at least two sail of the line. "I + rest assured," he said to the Admiralty, "that they will be paid for, and + have held out that assurance to the squadron. For if an admiral, after a + victory, is to look after the captured ships, and not to the distressing + of the enemy, very dearly, indeed, must the nation pay for the prizes. I + trust that L60,000 will be deemed a very moderate sum for them: and when + the services, time, and men, with the expense of fitting the three ships + for a voyage to England, are considered, government will save nearly as + much as they are valued at. Paying for prizes," he continued, "is no new + idea of mine, and would often prove an amazing saving to the state, even + without taking into calculation what the nation loses by the attention of + admirals to the property of the captors; an attention absolutely + necessary, as a recompence for the exertions of the officers and men. An + admiral may be amply rewarded by his own feelings, and by the approbation + of his superiors; but what reward have the inferior officers and men but + the value of the prizes? If an admiral takes that from them, on any + consideration, he cannot expect to be well supported." To Earl St. Vincent + he said, "If he could have been sure that government would have paid a + reasonable value for them, he would have ordered two of the other prizes + to be burnt, for they would cost more in refitting, and by the loss of + ships attending them, than they were worth." + </p> + <p> + Having sent the six remaining prizes forward, under Sir James Saumarez, + Nelson left Captain Hood, in the ZEALOUS off Alexandria, with the + SWIFTSURE, GOLIATH, Alcmene, ZEALOUS, and EMERALD, and stood out to sea + himself on the seventeenth day after the battle. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0006" id="link2HCH0006"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VI + </h2> + <h3> + 1798 - 1800 + </h3> + <p> + Nelson returns to Naples—State of that Court and Kingdom—General + Mack—The French approach Naples—Flight of the Royal Family—Successes + of the Allies in Italy—Transactions in the Bay of Naples—Expulsion + of the French from the Neapolitan and Roman States—Nelson is made + Duke of Bronte—He leaves the Mediterranean and returns to England. + </p> + <p> + NELSON's health had suffered greatly while he was in the AGAMEMNON. "My + complaint," he said, "is as if a girth were buckled taut over my breast, + and my endeavour in the night is to get it loose." After the battle of + Cape St. Vincent he felt a little rest to be so essential to his recovery, + that he declared he would not continue to serve longer than the ensuing + summer, unless it should be absolutely necessary; for in his own strong + language, he had then been four years and nine months without one moment's + repose for body or mind. A few months' intermission of labour he had + obtained—not of rest, for it was purchased with the loss of a limb; + and the greater part of the time had been a season of constant pain. As + soon as his shattered frame had sufficiently recovered for him to resume + his duties, he was called to services of greater importance than any on + which he had hitherto been employed, which brought with them commensurate + fatigue and care. + </p> + <p> + The anxiety which he endured during his long pursuit of the enemy, was + rather changed in its direction than abated by their defeat; and this + constant wakefulness of thought, added to the effect of his wound, and the + exertions from which it was not possible for one of so ardent and + wide-reaching a mind to spare himself, nearly proved fatal. On his way + back to Italy he was seized with fever. For eighteen hours his life was + despaired of; and even when the disorder took a favourable turn, and he + was so far recovered as again to appear on deck, he himself thought that + his end was approaching—such was the weakness to which the fever and + cough had reduced him. Writing to Earl St. Vincent on the passage, he said + to him, "I never expect, my dear lord, to see your face again. It may + please God that this will be the finish to that fever of anxiety which I + have endured from the middle of June; but be that as it pleases his + goodness. I am resigned to his will." + </p> + <p> + The kindest attentions of the warmest friendship were awaiting him at + Naples. "Come here," said Sir William Hamilton, "for God's sake, my dear + friend, as soon as the service will permit you. A pleasant apartment is + ready for you in my house, and Emma is looking out for the softest pillows + to repose the few wearied limbs you have left." Happy would it have been + for Nelson if warm and careful friendship had been all that waited him + there. He himself saw at that time the character of the Neapolitan court, + as it first struck an Englishman, in its true light; and when he was on + the way, he declared that he detested the voyage to Naples, and that + nothing but necessity could have forced him to it. But never was any hero, + on his return from victory, welcomed with more heartfelt joy. Before the + battle of Aboukir the Court at Naples had been trembling for its + existence. The language which the Directory held towards it was well + described by Sir William Hamilton as being exactly the language of a + highwayman. The Neapolitans were told that Benevento might be added to + their dominions, provided they would pay a large sum, sufficient to + satisfy the Directory; and they were warned, that if the proposal were + refused, or even if there were any delay in accepting it, the French would + revolutionise all Italy. The joy, therefore, of the Court at Nelson's + success was in proportion to the dismay from which that success relieved + them. The queen was a daughter of Maria Theresa, and sister of Maria + Antoinette. Had she been the wisest and gentlest of her sex, it would not + have been possible for her to have regarded the French without hatred and + horror; and the progress of revolutionary opinions, while it perpetually + reminded her of her sister's fate, excited no unreasonable apprehensions + for her own. Her feelings, naturally ardent, and little accustomed to + restraint, were excited to the highest pitch when the news of the victory + arrived. Lady Hamilton, her constant friend and favourite, who was + present, says, "It is not possible to describe her transports; she wept, + she kissed her husband, her children, walked frantically about the room, + burst into tears again, and again kissed and embraced every person near + her; exclaiming, 'O brave Nelson! O God! bless and protect our brave + deliverer! O Nelson! Nelson! what do we not owe you! O conqueror—saviour + of Italy! O that my swollen heart could now tell him personally what we + owe to him!'" She herself wrote to the Neapolitan ambassador at London + upon the occasion, in terms which show the fulness of her joy, and the + height of the hopes which it had excited. "I wish I could give wings," + said she, "to the bearer of the news, and at the same time to our most + sincere gratitude. The whole of the sea-coast of Italy saved; and this is + owing alone to the generous English. This battle, or, to speak more + correctly, this total defeat of the regicide squadron, was obtained by the + valour of this brave admiral, seconded by a navy which is the terror of + its enemies. The victory is so complete that I can still scarcely believe + it; and if it were not the brave English nation, which is accustomed to + perform prodigies by sea, I could not persuade myself that it had + happened. It would have moved you to have seen all my children, boys and + girls, hanging on my neck, and crying for joy at the happy news. Recommend + the hero to his master: he has filled the whole of Italy with admiration + of the English. Great hopes were entertained of some advantages being + gained by his bravery, but no one could look for so total a destruction. + All here are drunk with joy." + </p> + <p> + Such being the feelings of the royal family, it may well be supposed with + what delight, and with what honours Nelson would be welcomed. Early on the + 22nd of September the poor wretched VANGUARD, as he called his shattered + vessel, appeared in sight of Naples. The CULLODEN and ALEXANDER had + preceded her by some days, and given notice of her approach. Many hundred + boats and barges were ready to go forth and meet him, with music and + streamers and every demonstration of joy and triumph. Sir William and Lady + Hamilton led the way in their state barge. They had seen Nelson only for a + few days, four years ago, but they then perceived in him that heroic + spirit which was now so fully and gloriously manifested to the world. Emma + Lady Hamilton, who from this time so greatly influenced his future life, + was a woman whose personal accomplishments have seldom been equalled, and + whose powers of mind were not less fascinating than her person. She was + passionately attached to the queen; and by her influence the British fleet + had obtained those supplies at Syracuse, without which, Nelson always + asserted, the battle of Aboukir could not have been fought. During the + long interval which passed before any tidings were received, her anxiety + had been hardly less than that of Nelson himself, while pursuing an enemy + of whom he could obtain no information; and when the tidings were brought + her by a joyful bearer, open-mouthed, its effect was such that she fell + like one who had been shot. She and Sir William had literally been made + ill by their hopes and fears, and joy at a catastrophe so far exceeding + all that they had dared to hope for. Their admiration for the hero + necessarily produced a degree of proportionate gratitude and affection; + and when their barge came alongside the VANGUARD, at the sight of Nelson, + Lady Hamilton sprang up the ship's side, and exclaiming, "O God! is it + possible!" fell into his arms more, he says, like one dead than alive. He + described the meeting as "terribly affecting." These friends had scarcely + recovered from their tears, when the king, who went out to meet him three + leagues in the royal barge, came on board and took him by the hand, + calling him his deliverer and preserver. From all the boats around he was + saluted with the same appellations: the multitude who surrounded him when + he landed repeated the same enthusiastic cries; and the lazzaroni + displayed their joy by holding up birds in cages, and giving them their + liberty as he passed. + </p> + <p> + His birth-day, which occurred a week after his arrival, was celebrated + with one of the most splendid fetes ever beheld at Naples. But, + notwithstanding the splendour with which he was encircled, and the + flattering honours with which all ranks welcomed him, Nelson was fully + sensible of the depravity, as well as weakness, of those by whom he was + surrounded. "What precious moments," said he, "the courts of Naples and + Vienna are losing! Three months would liberate Italy! but this court is so + enervated that the happy moment will be lost. I am very unwell; and their + miserable conduct is not likely to cool my irritable temper. It is a + country of fiddlers and poets, whores and scoundrels." This sense of their + ruinous weakness he always retained; nor was he ever blind to the mingled + folly and treachery of the Neapolitan ministers, and the complication in + iniquities under which the country groaned; but he insensibly, under the + influence of Lady Hamilton, formed an affection for the court, to whose + misgovernment the miserable condition of the country was so greatly to be + imputed. By the kindness of her nature, as well as by her attractions, she + had won his heart. Earl St. Vincent, writing to her at this time, says, + "Pray do not let your fascinating Neapolitan dames approach too near our + invaluable friend Nelson, for he is made of flesh and blood, and cannot + resist their temptations." But this was addressed to the very person from + whom he was in danger. + </p> + <p> + The state of Naples may be described in few words. The king was one of the + Spanish Bourbons. As the Caesars have shown us to what wickedness the + moral nature of princes may be perverted, so in this family, the + degradation to which their intellectual nature can be reduced has been not + less conspicuously evinced. Ferdinand, like the rest of his race, was + passionately fond of field sports, and cared for nothing else. His queen + had all the vices of the house of Austria, with little to mitigate, and + nothing to ennoble them—provided she could have her pleasures, and + the king his sports, they cared not in what manner the revenue was raised + or administered. Of course a system of favouritism existed at court, and + the vilest and most impudent corruption prevailed in every department of + state, and in every branch of administration, from the highest to the + lowest. It is only the institutions of Christianity, and the vicinity of + better-regulated states, which prevent kingdoms, under such circumstances + of misrule, from sinking into a barbarism like that of Turkey. A sense of + better things was kept alive in some of the Neapolitans by literature, and + by their intercourse with happier countries. These persons naturally + looked to France, at the commencement of the Revolution, and during all + the horrors of that Revolution still cherished a hope that, by the aid of + France, they might be enabled to establish a new order of things in + Naples. They were grievously mistaken in supposing that the principles of + liberty would ever be supported by France, but they were not mistaken in + believing that no government could be worse than their own; and therefore + they considered any change as desirable. In this opinion men of the most + different characters agreed. Many of the nobles, who were not in favour, + wished for a revolution, that they might obtain the ascendancy to which + they thought themselves entitled; men of desperate fortunes desired it, in + the hope of enriching themselves; knaves and intriguers sold themselves to + the French to promote it; and a few enlightened men, and true lovers of + their country, joined in the same cause, from the purest and noblest + motives. All these were confounded under the common name of Jacobins; and + the Jacobins of the continental kingdoms were regarded by the English with + more hatred than they deserved. They were classed with Phillippe Egalite, + Marat, and Hebert; whereas they deserved rather to be ranked, if not with + Locke, and Sydney, and Russell, at least with Argyle and Monmouth, and + those who, having the same object as the prime movers of our own + Revolution, failed in their premature but not unworthy attempt. + </p> + <p> + No circumstances could be more unfavourable to the best interests of + Europe, than those which placed England in strict alliance with the + superannuated and abominable governments of the continent. The subjects of + those governments who wished for freedom thus became enemies to England, + and dupes and agents of France. They looked to their own grinding + grievances, and did not see the danger with which the liberties of the + world were threatened. England, on the other hand, saw the danger in its + true magnitude, but was blind to these grievances, and found herself + compelled to support systems which had formerly been equally the object of + her abhorrence and her contempt. This was the state of Nelson's mind; he + knew that there could be no peace for Europe till the pride of France was + humbled, and her strength broken; and he regarded all those who were the + friends of France as traitors to the common cause, as well as to their own + individual sovereigns. There are situations in which the most opposite and + hostile parties may mean equally well, and yet act equally wrong. The + court of Naples, unconscious of committing any crime by continuing the + system of misrule to which they had succeeded, conceived that, in + maintaining things as they were, they were maintaining their own rights, + and preserving the people from such horrors as had been perpetrated in + France. The Neapolitan revolutionists thought that without a total change + of system, any relief from the present evils was impossible, and they + believed themselves justified in bringing about that change by any means. + Both parties knew that it was the fixed intention of the French to + revolutionise Naples. The revolutionists supposed that it was for the + purpose of establishing a free government; the court, and all + disinterested persons, were perfectly aware that the enemy had no other + object than conquest and plunder. + </p> + <p> + The battle of the Nile shook the power of France. Her most successful + general, and her finest army, were blocked up in Egypt—hopeless, as + it appeared, of return; and the government was in the hands of men without + talents, without character, and divided among themselves. Austria, whom + Buonaparte had terrified into a peace, at a time when constancy on her + part would probably have led to his destruction, took advantage of the + crisis to renew the war. Russia also was preparing to enter the field with + unbroken forces, led by a general, whose extraordinary military genius + would have entitled him to a high and honourable rank in history, if it + had not been sullied by all the ferocity of a barbarian. Naples, seeing + its destruction at hand, and thinking that the only means of averting it + was by meeting the danger, after long vacillations, which were produced by + the fears and treachery of its council, agreed at last to join this new + coalition with a numerical force of 80,000 men. Nelson told the king, in + plain terms, that he had his choice, either to advance, trusting to God + for his blessing on a just cause, and prepared to die sword in hand, or to + remain quiet, and be kicked out of his kingdom; one of these things must + happen. The king made answer he would go on, and trust in God and Nelson; + and Nelson, who would else have returned to Egypt, for the purpose of + destroying the French shipping in Alexandria, gave up his intention at the + desire of the Neapolitan court, and resolved to remain on that station, in + the hope that he might be useful to the movements of the army. He + suspected also, with reason, that the continuance of his fleet was so + earnestly requested, because the royal family thought their persons would + be safer, in case of any mishap, under the British flag, than under their + own. + </p> + <p> + His first object was the recovery of Malta—an island which the King + of Naples pretended to claim. The Maltese, whom the villanous knights of + their order had betrayed to France, had taken up arms against their + rapacious invaders, with a spirit and unanimity worthy of the highest + praise. They blockaded the French garrison by land, and a small squadron, + under Captain Ball, began to blockade them by sea, on the 12th of October. + Twelve days afterwards Nelson arrived. "It is as I suspected," he says: + "the ministers at Naples know nothing of the situation of the island. Not + a house or bastion of the town is in possession of the islanders: and the + Marquis de Niza tells us they want arms, victuals, and support. He does + not know that any Neapolitan officers are on the island; perhaps, although + I have their names, none are arrived; and it is very certain, by the + marquis's account, that no supplies have been sent by the governors of + Syracuse and Messina." The little island of Gozo, dependent upon Malta, + which had also been seized and garrisoned by the French, capitulated soon + after his arrival, and was taken possession of by the British, in the name + of his Sicilian Majesty—a power who had no better claim to it than + France. Having seen this effected, and reinforced Captain Ball, he left + that able officer to perform a most arduous and important part, and + returned himself to cooperate with the intended movements of the + Neapolitans. + </p> + <p> + General Mack was at the head of the Neapolitan troops. All that is now + doubtful concerning this man is, whether he was a coward or a traitor. At + that time he was assiduously extolled as a most consummate commander, to + whom Europe might look for deliverance. And when he was introduced by the + king and queen to the British admiral, the queen said to him, "Be to us by + land, general, what my hero Nelson has been by sea." Mack, on his part, + did not fail to praise the force which he was appointed to command. "It + was," he said, "the finest army in Europe." Nelson agreed with him that + there could not be finer men; but when the general, at a review, so + directed the operations of a mock fight, that by an unhappy blunder his + own troops were surrounded, instead of those of the enemy, he turned to + his friends and exclaimed with bitterness, that the fellow did not + understand his business. Another circumstance, not less characteristic, + confirmed Nelson in his judgment. "General Mack:" said he, in one of his + letters, "cannot move without five carriages! I have formed my opinion. I + heartily pray I may be mistaken." + </p> + <p> + While Mack, at the head of 32,000 men, marched into the Roman state, 5000 + Neapolitans were embarked on board the British and Portuguese squadron, to + take possession of Leghorn. This was effected without opposition; and the + Grand Duke of Tuscany, whose neutrality had been so outrageously violated + by the French, was better satisfied with the measure than some of the + Neapolitans themselves. Nasseli, their general, refused to seize the + French vessels at Leghorn, because he and the Duke di Sangro, who was + ambassador at the Tuscan court, maintained that the king of Naples was not + at war with France. "What!" said Nelson, "has not the king received, as a + conquest made by him, the republican flag taken at Gozo? Is not his own + flag flying there, and at Malta, not only by his permission, but by his + order? Is not his flag shot at every day by the French, and their shot + returned from batteries which bear that flag? Are not two frigates and a + corvette placed under my orders ready to fight the French, meet them where + they may? Has not the king sent publicly from Naples guns, mortars, &c., + with officers and artillery, against the French in Malta? If these acts + are not tantamount to any written paper, I give up all knowledge of what + is war." This reasoning was of less avail than argument addressed to the + general's fears. Nelson told him that, if he permitted the many hundred + French who were then in the mole to remain neutral, till they had a fair + opportunity of being active, they had one sure resource, if all other + schemes failed, which was to set one vessel on fire; the mole would be + destroyed, probably the town also, and the port ruined for twenty years. + This representation made Naselli agree to the half measure of laying an + embargo on the vessels; among them were a great number of French + privateers, some of which were of such force as to threaten the greatest + mischief to our commerce, and about seventy sail of vessels belonging to + the Ligurian republic, as Genoa was now called, laden with corn, and ready + to sail for Genoa and France; where their arrival would have expedited the + entrance of more French troops into Italy. "The general," said Nelson, + "saw, I believe, the consequence of permitting these vessels to depart, in + the same light as myself; but there is this difference between us: he + prudently, and certainly safely, waits the orders of his court, taking no + responsibility upon himself; I act from the circumstances of the moment, + as I feel may be most advantageous for the cause which I serve, taking all + responsibility on myself." It was in vain to hope for anything vigorous or + manly from such men as Nelson was compelled to act with. The crews of the + French ships and their allies were ordered to depart in two days. Four + days elapsed and nobody obeyed the order; nor, in spite of the + representations of the British minister, Mr. Wyndham, were any means taken + to enforce it: the true Neapolitan shuffle, as Nelson called it, took + place on all occasions. After an absence of ten days he returned to + Naples; and receiving intelligence there from Mr. Wyndham that the + privateers were at last to be disarmed, the corn landed, and the crews + sent away, he expressed his satisfaction at the news in characteristic + language, saying, "So far I am content. The enemy will be distressed; and, + thank God, I shall get no money. The world, I know, think that money is + our god; and now they will be undeceived as far as relates to us. Down, + down with the French! is my constant prayer." + </p> + <p> + Odes, sonnets, and congratulatory poems of every description were poured + in upon Nelson on his arrival at Naples. An Irish Franciscan, who was one + of the poets, not being content with panegyric upon this occasion, + ventured on a flight of prophecy, and predicted that Lord Nelson would + take Rome with his ships. His lordship reminded Father M'Cormick that + ships could not ascend the Tiber; but the father, who had probably + forgotten this circumstance, met the objection with a bold front, and + declared he saw that it would come to pass notwithstanding. Rejoicings of + this kind were of short duration. The King of Naples was with the army + which had entered Rome; but the castle of St. Angelo was held by the + French, and 13,000 French were strongly posted in the Roman states at + Castallana. Mack had marched against them with 20,000 men. Nelson saw that + the event was doubtful, or rather that there could be very little hope of + the result. But the immediate fate of Naples, as he well knew, hung upon + the issue. "If Mack is defeated," said he, "in fourteen days this country + is lost; for the emperor has not yet moved his army, and Naples has not + the power of resisting the enemy. It was not a case for choice, but of + necessity, which induced the king to march out of his kingdom, and not + wait till the French had collected a force sufficient to drive him out of + it in a week." He had no reliance upon the Neapolitan officers, who, as he + described them, seemed frightened at a drawn sword or a loaded gun; and he + was perfectly aware of the consequences which the sluggish movements and + deceitful policy of the Austrians were likely to bring down upon + themselves and all their continental allies. "A delayed war on the part of + the emperor," said he, writing to the British minister at Vienna, "will be + destructive to this monarchy of Naples; and, of course, to the + newly-acquired dominions of the Emperor in Italy. Had the war commenced in + September or October, all Italy would, at this moment, have been + liberated. This month is worse than the last; the next will render the + contest doubtful; and, in six months, when the Neapolitan republic will be + organised, armed, and with its numerous resources called forth, the + emperor will not only be defeated in Italy, but will totter on his throne + at Vienna. DOWN, DOWN WITH THE FRENCH! ought to be written in the + council-room of every country in the world; and may Almighty God give + right thoughts to every sovereign, is my constant prayer!" His perfect + foresight of the immediate event was clearly shown in this letter, when he + desired the ambassador to assure the empress (who was a daughter of the + house of Naples) that, notwithstanding the councils which had shaken the + throne of her father and mother, he would remain there, ready to save + their persons, and her brothers and sisters; and that he had also left + ships at Leghorn to save the lives of the grand duke and her sister: "For + all," said he, "must be a republic, if the emperor does not act with + expedition and vigour." + </p> + <p> + His fears were soon verified. "The Neapolitan officers," said Nelson, "did + not lose much honour, for, God knows, they had not much to lose; but they + lost all they had." General St. Philip commanded the right wing, of 19,000 + men. He fell in with 3000 of the enemy; and, as soon as he came near + enough, deserted to them. One of his men had virtue enough to level a + musket at him, and shot him through the arm; but the wound was not + sufficient to prevent him from joining with the French in pursuit of his + own countrymen. Cannon, tents, baggage, and military chest, were all + forsaken by the runaways, though they lost only forty men; for the French + having put them to flight and got possession of everything, did not pursue + an army of more than three times their own number. The main body of the + Neapolitans, under Mack, did not behave better. The king returned to + Naples, where every day brought with it tidings of some new disgrace from + the army and the discovery of some new treachery at home; till, four days + after his return, the general sent him advice that there was no prospect + of stopping the progress of the enemy, and that the royal family must look + to their own personal safety. The state of the public mind at Naples was + such, at this time, that neither the British minister nor the British + Admiral thought it prudent to appear at court. Their motions were watched; + and the revolutionists had even formed a plan for seizing and detaining + them as hostages, to prevent an attack on the city after the French should + have taken possession of it. A letter which Nelson addressed at this time + to the First Lord of the Admiralty, shows in what manner he contemplated + the possible issue of the storm, it was in these words:—"My dear + lord, there is an old saying, that when things are at the worst they must + mend: now the mind of man cannot fancy things worse than they are here. + But, thank God! my health is better, my mind never firmer, and my heart in + the right trim to comfort, relieve, and protect those whom it is my duty + to afford assistance to. Pray, my lord, assure our gracious sovereign that + while I live, I will support his glory; and that if I fall, it shall be in + a manner worthy of your lordship's faithful and obliged Nelson. I must not + write more. Every word may be a text for a long letter." + </p> + <p> + Meantime Lady Hamilton arranged every thing for the removal of the royal + family. This was conducted on her part with the greatest address, and + without suspicion, because she had been in habits of constant + correspondence with the queen. It was known that the removal could not be + effected without danger; for the mob, and especially the lazzaroni, were + attached to the king; and as at this time they felt a natural presumption + in their own numbers and strength, they insisted that he should not leave + Naples. Several persons fell victims to their fury; among others was a + messenger from Vienna, whose body was dragged under the windows of the + palace in the king's sight. The king and queen spoke to the mob, and + pacified them; but it would not have been safe, while they were in this + agitated state, to have embarked the effects of the royal family openly. + Lady Hamilton, like a heroine of modern romance, explored with no little + danger a subterraneous passage leading from the palace to the sea-side: + through this passage the royal treasures, the choicest pieces of painting + and sculpture, and other property to the amount of two millions and a + half, were conveyed to the shore, and stowed safely on board the English + ships. On the night of the 21st, at half-past eight, Nelson landed, + brought out the whole royal family, embarked them in three barges, and + carried them safely, through a tremendous sea, to the VANGUARD. Notice was + then immediately given to the British merchants, that they would be + received on board any ships in the squadron. Their property had previously + been embarked in transports. Two days were passed in the bay, for the + purpose of taking such persons on board as required an asylum; and, on the + night of the 23rd, the fleet sailed. The next day a more violent storm + arose than Nelson had ever before encountered. On the 25th, the youngest + of the princes was taken ill, and died in Lady Hamilton's arms. During + this whole trying season, Lady Hamilton waited upon the royal family with + the zeal of the most devoted servant, at a time when, except one man, no + person belonging to the court assisted them. + </p> + <p> + On the morning of the 26th the royal family were landed at Palermo. It was + soon seen that their flight had not been premature. Prince Pignatelli, who + had been left as vicar-general and viceroy, with orders to defend the + kingdom to the last rock in Calabria, sent plenipotentiaries to the French + camp before Capua; and they, for the sake of saving the capital, signed an + armistice, by which the greater part of the kingdom was given up to the + enemy: a cession that necessarily led to the loss of the whole. This was + on the 10th of January. The French advanced towards Naples. Mack, under + pretext of taking shelter from the fury of the lazzaroni, fled to the + French General Championet, who sent him under an escort to Milan; but as + France hoped for further services from this wretched traitor, it was + thought prudent to treat him apparently as a prisoner of war. The + Neapolitan army disappeared in a few days: of the men, some, following + their officers, deserted to the enemy; the greater part took the + opportunity of disbanding themselves. The lazzaroni proved true to their + country; they attacked the enemy's advanced posts, drove them in, and were + not dispirited by the murderous defeat which they suffered from the main + body. Flying into the city, they continued to defend it, even after the + French had planted their artillery in the principal streets. Had there + been a man of genius to have directed their enthusiasm, or had there been + any correspondent feelings in the higher ranks, Naples might have set a + glorious example to Europe, and have proved the grave of every Frenchman + who entered it. But the vices of the government had extinguished all other + patriotism than that of the rabble, who had no other than that sort of + loyalty which was like the fidelity of a dog to its master. This fidelity + the French and their adherents counteracted by another kind of devotion: + the priests affirmed that St. Januarius had declared in favour of the + revolution. The miracle of his blood was performed with the usual success, + and more than usual effect, on the very evening when, after two days of + desperate fighting, the French obtained possession of Naples. A French + guard of honour was stationed at his church. Championet gave, "Respect for + St. Januarius!" as the word for the army; and the next day TE DEUM was + sung by the archbishop in the cathedral; and the inhabitants were invited + to attend the ceremony, and join in thanksgiving for the glorious entry of + the French; who, it was said, being under the peculiar protection of + Providence, had regenerated the Neapolitans, and were come to establish + and consolidate their happiness. + </p> + <p> + It seems to have been Nelson's opinion that the Austrian cabinet regarded + the conquest of Naples with complacency, and that its measures were + directed so as designedly not to prevent the French from overrunning it. + That cabinet was assuredly capable of any folly, and of any baseness; and + it is not improbable that at this time, calculating upon the success of + the new coalition, it indulged a dream of adding extensively to its former + Italian possessions; and, therefore, left the few remaining powers of + Italy to be overthrown, as a means which would facilitate its own + ambitious views. The King of Sardinia, finding it impossible longer to + endure the exactions of France and the insults of the French commissary, + went to Leghorn, embarked on board a Danish frigate, and sailed, under + British protection, to Sardinia—that part of his dominions which the + maritime supremacy of England rendered a secure asylum. On his arrival he + published a protest against the conduct of France, declaring, upon the + faith and word of a king, that he had never infringed, even in the + slightest degree, the treaties which he had made with the French republic. + Tuscany was soon occupied by French troops—a fate which bolder + policy might, perhaps, have failed to avert, but which its weak and timid + neutrality rendered inevitable. Nelson began to fear even for Sicily. "Oh, + my dear sir," said he, writing to Commodore Duckworth, "one thousand + English troops would save Messina; and I fear General Stuart cannot give + me men to save this most important island!" But his representations were + not lost upon Sir Charles Stuart. This officer hastened immediately from + Minorca with 1000 men, assisted in the measures of defence which were + taken, and did not return before he had satisfied himself that, if the + Neapolitans were excluded from the management of affairs, and the spirit + of the peasantry properly directed, Sicily was safe. Before his coming, + Nelson had offered the king, if no resources should arrive, to defend + Messina with the ship's company of an English man-of-war. + </p> + <p> + Russia had now entered into the war. Corfu, surrendered to a Russian and + Turkish fleet, acting now, for the first time, in strange confederacy yet + against a power which was certainly the common and worst enemy of both. + Troubridge having given up the blockade of Alexandria to Sir Sidney Smith, + joined Nelson, bringing with him a considerable addition of strength; and + in himself what Nelson valued more, a man, upon whose sagacity, + indefatigable zeal, and inexhaustible resources, he could place full + reliance. Troubridge was intrusted to commence the operations against the + French in the bay of Naples. Meantime Cardinal Ruffo, a man of + questionable character, but of a temper fitted for such times, having + landed in Calabria, raised what he called a Christian army, composed of + the best and the vilest materials—loyal peasants, enthusiastic + priests and friars, galley slaves, the emptying of the jails, and + banditti. The islands in the bay of Naples were joyfully delivered up by + the inhabitants, who were in a state of famine already, from the effect of + this baleful revolution. Troubridge distributed among them all his flour, + and Nelson pressed the Sicilian court incessantly for supplies; telling + them that L10,000 given away in provisions would, at this time, purchase a + kingdom. Money, he was told, they had not to give; and the wisdom and + integrity which might have supplied its wants were not to be found. "There + is nothing," said he, "which I propose, that is not, so far as orders go, + implicitly complied with; but the execution is dreadful, and almost makes + me mad. My desire to serve their majesties faithfully, as is my duty, has + been such that I am almost blind and worn out; and cannot in my present + state hold out much longer." + </p> + <p> + Before any government can be overthrown by the consent of the people, the + government must be intolerably oppressive, or the people thoroughly + corrupted. Bad as the misrule at Naples had been, its consequences had + been felt far less there than in Sicily; and the peasantry had that + attachment to the soil which gives birth to so many of the noblest as well + as of the happiest feelings. In all the islands the people were perfectly + frantic with joy when they saw the Neapolitan colours hoisted. At Procida, + Troubridge could not procure even a rag of the tri-coloured flag to lay at + the king's feet: it was rent into ten thousand pieces by the inhabitants, + and entirely destroyed. "The horrid treatment of the French," he said, + "had made them mad." It exasperated the ferocity of a character which + neither the laws nor the religion under which they lived tended to + mitigate. Their hatred was especially directed against the Neapolitan + revolutionists; and the fishermen, in concert among themselves, chose each + his own victim, whom he would stiletto when the day of vengeance should + arrive. The head of one was sent off one morning to Troubridge, with his + basket of grapes for breakfast; and a note from the Italian who had, what + he called, the glory of presenting it, saying, he had killed the man as he + was running away, and begging his excellency to accept the head, and + consider it as a proof of the writer's attachment to the crown. With the + first successes of the court the work of punishment began. The judge at + Ischia said it was necessary to have a bishop to degrade the traitorous + priests before he could execute them; upon which Troubridge advised him to + hang them first, and send them to him afterwards, if he did not think that + degradation sufficient. This was said with the straightforward feeling of + a sailor, who cared as little for canon-law as he knew about it; but when + he discovered that the judge's orders were to go through the business in a + summary manner, under his sanction, he told him at once that could not be, + for the prisoners were not British subjects; and he declined having + anything to do with it. There were manifestly persons about the court, + who, while they thirsted for the pleasure of vengeance, were devising how + to throw the odium of it upon the English. They wanted to employ an + English man-of-war to carry the priests to Palermo for degradation, and + then bring them back for execution; and they applied to Troubridge for a + hangman, which he indignantly refused. He, meantime, was almost + heartbroken by the situation in which he found himself. He had promised + relief to the islanders, relying upon the queen's promise to him. He had + distributed the whole of his private stock,—there was plenty of + grain at Palermo, and in its neighbourhood, and yet none was sent him: the + enemy, he complained, had more interest there than the king; and the + distress for bread which he witnessed was such, he said, that it would + move even a Frenchman to pity. + </p> + <p> + Nelson's heart, too, was at this time a-shore. "To tell you," he says, + writing to Lady Hamilton, "how dreary and uncomfortable the VANGUARD + appears, is only telling you what it is to go from the pleasantest society + to a solitary cell, or from the dearest friends to no friends. I am now + perfectly the GREAT MAN—not a creature near me. From my heart I wish + myself the little man again. You and good Sir William have spoiled me for + any place but with you." + </p> + <p> + His mind was not in a happier state respecting public affairs. "As to + politics," said he, "at this time they are my abomination: the ministers + of kings and princes are as great scoundrels as ever lived. The brother of + the emperor is just going to marry the great Something of Russia, and it + is more than expected that a kingdom is to be found for him in Italy, and + that the king of Naples will be sacrificed." Had there been a wise and + manly spirit in the Italian states, or had the conduct of Austria been + directed by anything like a principle of honour, a more favourable + opportunity could not have been desired for restoring order and prosperity + in Europe, than the misconduct of the French Directory at this time + afforded. But Nelson perceived selfishness and knavery wherever he looked; + and even the pleasure of seeing a cause prosper, in which he was so + zealously engaged, was poisoned by his sense of the rascality of those + with whom he was compelled to act. At this juncture intelligence arrived + that the French fleet had escaped from Brest, under cover of a fog, passed + Cadiz unseen by Lord Keith's squadron, in hazy weather, and entered the + Mediterranean. It was said to consist of twenty-four sail of the line, six + frigates, and three sloops. The object of the French was to liberate the + Spanish fleet, form a junction with them, act against Minorca and Sicily, + and overpower our naval force in the Mediterranean, by falling in with + detached squadrons, and thus destroying it in detail. When they arrived + off Carthagena, they requested the Spanish ships to make sail and join; + but the Spaniards replied they had not men to man them. To this it was + answered that the French had men enough on board for that purpose. But the + Spaniards seem to have been apprehensive of delivering up their ships thus + entirely into the power of such allies, and refused to come out. The fleet + from Cadiz, however, consisting of from seventeen to twenty sail of the + line, got out, under Masaredo, a man who then bore an honourable name, + which he has since rendered infamous by betraying his country. They met + with a violent storm off the coast of Oran, which dismasted many of their + ships, and so effectually disabled them as to prevent the junction, and + frustrate a well-planned expedition. + </p> + <p> + Before this occurred, and while the junction was as probable as it would + have been formidable, Nelson was in a state of the greatest anxiety. "What + a state am I in!" said he to Earl St. Vincent. "If I go, I risk, and more + than risk, Sicily; for we know, from experience, that more depends upon + opinion than upon acts themselves; and, as I stay, my heart is breaking." + His first business was to summon Troubridge to join him, with all the + ships of the line under his command, and a frigate, if possible. Then + hearing that the French had entered the Mediterranean, and expecting them + at Palermo, where he had only his own ship—with that single ship he + prepared to make all the resistance possible. Troubridge having joined + him, he left Captain E. J. Foote, of the SEAHORSE, to command the smaller + vessels in the bay of Naples, and sailed with six ships—one a + Portuguese, and a Portuguese corvette—telling Earl St. Vincent that + the squadron should never fall into the hands of the enemy. "And before we + are destroyed," said he, "I have little doubt but they will have their + wings so completely clipped that they may be easily overtaken." It was + just at this time that he received from Captain Hallowell the present of + the coffin. Such a present was regarded by the men with natural + astonishment. One of his old shipmates in the AGAMEMNON said, "We shall + have hot work of it indeed! You see the admiral intends to fight till he + is killed; and there he is to be buried." Nelson placed it upright against + the bulkhead of his cabin, behind his chair, where he sat at dinner. The + gift suited him at this time. It is said that he was disappointed in the + step-son whom he had loved so dearly from his childhood, and who had saved + his life at Teneriffe; and it is certain that he had now formed an + infatuated attachment for Lady Hamilton, which totally weaned his + affections from his wife. Farther than this, there is no reason to believe + that this most unfortunate attachment was criminal; but this was + criminality enough, and it brought with it its punishment. Nelson was + dissatisfied with himself, and therefore weary of the world. This feeling + he now frequently expressed. "There is no true happiness in this life," + said he, "and in my present state I could quit it with a smile." And in a + letter to his old friend Davison he said, "Believe me, my only wish is to + sink with honour into the grave; and when that shall please God, I shall + meet death with a smile. Not that I am insensible to the honours and + riches my king and country have heaped upon me—so much more than any + officer could deserve; yet am I ready to quit this world of trouble, and + envy none but those of the estate six feet by two." + </p> + <p> + Well had it been for Nelson if he had made no other sacrifices to this + unhappy attachment than his peace of mind; but it led to the only blot + upon his public character. While he sailed from Palermo, with the + intention of collecting his whole force, and keeping off Maretimo, either + to receive reinforcements there if the French were bound upwards, or to + hasten to Minorca if that should be their destination, Captain Foote, in + the Sea-horse, with the Neapolitan frigates, and some small vessels, under + his command, was left to act with a land force consisting of a few regular + troops, of four different nations, and with the armed rabble which + Cardinal Ruffo called the Christian army. His directions were to + co-operate to the utmost of his power with the royalists, at whose head + Ruffo had been placed, and he had no other instructions whatever. Ruffo + advancing without any plan, but relying upon the enemy's want of numbers, + which prevented them from attempting to act upon the offensive, and ready + to take advantage of any accident which might occur, approached Naples. + Fort St. Elmo, which commands the town, was wholly garrisoned by the + French troops; the castles of Uovo and Nuovo, which commanded the + anchorage, were chiefly defended by Neapolitan revolutionists, the + powerful men among them having taken shelter there. If these castles were + taken, the reduction of Fort St. Elmo would be greatly expedited. They + were strong places, and there was reason to apprehend that the French + fleet might arrive to relieve them. Ruffo proposed to the garrison to + capitulate, on condition that their persons and property should be + guaranteed, and that they should, at their own option, either be sent to + Toulon or remain at Naples, without being molested either in their persons + or families. This capitulation was accepted: it was signed by the + cardinal, and the Russian and Turkish commanders; and lastly, by Captain + Foote, as commander of the British force. About six-and-thirty hours + afterwards Nelson arrived in the bay with a force which had joined him + during his cruise, consisting of seventeen sail of the line, with 1700 + troops on board, and the Prince Royal of Naples in the admiral's ship. A + flag of truce was flying on the castles, and on board the SEAHORSE. Nelson + made a signal to annul the treaty; declaring that he would grant rebels no + other terms than those of unconditional submission. The cardinal objected + to this: nor could all the arguments of Nelson, Sir W. Hamilton, and Lady + Hamilton, who took an active part in the conference, convince him that a + treaty of such a nature, solemnly concluded, could honourably be set + aside. He retired at last, silenced by Nelson's authority, but not + convinced. Captain Foote was sent out of the bay; and the garrisons, taken + out of the castles under pretence of carrying the treaty into effect, were + delivered over as rebels to the vengeance of the Sicilian court. A + deplorable transaction! a stain upon the memory of Nelson and the honour + of England! To palliate it would be in vain; to justify it would be + wicked: there is no alternative, for one who will not make himself a + participator in guilt, but to record the disgraceful story with sorrow and + with shame. + </p> + <p> + Prince Francesco Caraccioli, a younger branch of one of the noblest + Neapolitan families, escaped from one of these castles before it + capitulated. He was at the head of the marine, and was nearly seventy + years of age, bearing a high character, both for professional and personal + merit. He had accompanied the court to Sicily; but when the revolutionary + government, or Parthenopean Republic, as it was called, issued an edict, + ordering all absent Neapolitans to return on pain of confiscation of their + property, he solicited and obtained permission of the king to return, his + estates being very great. It is said that the king, when he granted him + this permission, warned him not to take any part in politics; expressing + at the same time his own persuasion that he should recover his kingdom. + But neither the king, nor he himself, ought to have imagined that, in such + times, a man of such reputation would be permitted to remain inactive; and + it soon appeared that Caraccioli was again in command of the navy, and + serving under the republic against his late sovereign. The sailors + reported that he was forced to act thus; and this was believed, till it + was seen that he directed ably the offensive operations of the + revolutionists, and did not avail himself of opportunities for escaping + when they offered. When the recovery of Naples was evidently near, he + applied to Cardinal Ruffo, and to the Duke of Calvirrano, for protection; + expressing his hope that the few days during which he had been forced to + obey the French would not outweigh forty years of faithful services; but + perhaps not receiving such assurances as he wished, and knowing too well + the temper of the Sicilian court, he endeavoured to secrete himself, and a + price was set upon his head. More unfortunately for others than for + himself, he was brought in alive, having been discovered in the disguise + of a peasant, and carried one morning on board Lord Nelson's ship, with + his hands tied behind him. + </p> + <p> + Caraccioli was well known to the British officers, and had been ever + highly esteemed by all who knew him. Captain Hardy ordered him immediately + to be unbound, and to be treated with all those attentions which he felt + due to a man who, when last on board the FOUDROYANT, had been received as + an admiral and a prince. Sir William and Lady Hamilton were in the ship; + but Nelson, it is affirmed, saw no one except his own officers during the + tragedy which ensued. His own determination was made; and he issued an + order to the Neapolitan commodore, Count Thurn, to assemble a + court-martial of Neapolitan officers, on board the British flag-ship, + proceed immediately to try the prisoner, and report to him, if the charges + were proved, what punishment he ought to suffer. These proceedings were as + rapid as possible; Caraccioli was brought on board at nine in the + forenoon, and the trial began at ten. It lasted two hours: he averred in + his defence that he had acted under compulsion, having been compelled to + serve as a common soldier, till he consented to take command of the fleet. + This, the apologists of Lord Nelson say, he failed in proving. They forget + that the possibility of proving it was not allowed him, for he was brought + to trial within an hour after he was legally in arrest; and how, in that + time, was he to collect his witnesses? He was found guilty, and sentenced + to death; and Nelson gave orders that the sentence should be carried into + effect that evening, at five o'clock, on board the Sicilian frigate, LA + MINERVA, by hanging him at the fore-yard-arm till sunset; when the body + was to be cut down and thrown into the sea. Caraccioli requested Lieut. + Parkinson, under whose custody he was placed, to intercede with Lord + Nelson for a second trial—for this, among other reasons, that Count + Thurn, who presided at the court-martial, was notoriously his personal + enemy. Nelson made answer, that the prisoner had been fairly tried by the + officers of his own country, and he could not interfere; forgetting that, + if he felt himself justified in ordering the trial and the execution, no + human being could ever have questioned the propriety of his interfering on + the side of mercy. Caraccioli then entreated that he might be shot. "I am + an old man, sir," said he: "I leave no family to lament me, and therefore + cannot be supposed to be very anxious about prolonging my life; but the + disgrace of being hanged is dreadful to me." When this was repeated to + Nelson, he only told the lieutenant, with much agitation, to go and attend + his duty. As a last hope, Caraccioli asked the lieutenant if he thought an + application to Lady Hamilton would be beneficial? Parkinson went to seek + her; she was not to be seen on this occasion; but she was present at the + execution. She had the most devoted attachment to the Neapolitan court; + and the hatred which she felt against those whom she regarded as its + enemies, made her at this time forget what was due to the character of her + sex as well as of her country. Here, also, a faithful historian is called + upon to pronounce a severe and unqualified condemnation of Nelson's + conduct. Had he the authority of his Sicilian majesty for proceeding as he + did? If so, why was not that authority produced? If not, why were the + proceedings hurried on without it? Why was the trial precipitated, so that + it was impossible for the prisoner, if he had been innocent, to provide + the witnesses, who might have proved him so? Why was a second trial + refused, when the known animosity of the president of the court against + the prisoner was considered? Why was the execution hastened, so as to + preclude any appeal for mercy, and render the prerogative of mercy + useless? Doubtless, the British Admiral seemed to himself to be acting + under a rigid sense of justice; but to all other persons it was obvious + that he was influenced by an infatuated attachment—a baneful + passion, which destroyed his domestic happiness, and now, in a second + instance, stained ineffaceably his public character. + </p> + <p> + The body was carried out to a considerable distance, and sunk in the bay, + with three double-headed shot, weighing 250 lbs., tied to its legs. + Between two or three weeks afterward, when the king was on board the + FOUDROYANT, a Neapolitan fisherman came to the ship, and solemnly declared + that Caraccioli had risen from the bottom of the sea, and was coming as + fast as he could to Naples, swimming half out of the water. Such an + account was listened to like a tale of idle credulity. The day being fair, + Nelson, to please the king, stood out to sea; but the ship had not + proceeded far before a body was distinctly seen, upright in the water, and + approaching them. It was soon recognised to be indeed the corpse of + Caraccioli, which had risen and floated, while the great weights attached + to the legs kept the body in a position like that of a living man. A fact + so extraordinary astonished the king, and perhaps excited some feeling of + superstitious fear, akin to regret. He gave permission for the body to be + taken on shore and receive Christian burial. It produced no better effect. + Naples exhibited more dreadful scenes than it had witnessed in the days of + Massaniello. After the mob had had their fill of blood and plunder, the + reins were given to justice—if that can be called justice which + annuls its own stipulations, looks to the naked facts alone, disregarding + all motives and all circumstances; and without considering character, or + science, or sex, or youth, sacrifices its victims, not for the public + weal, but for the gratification of greedy vengeance. + </p> + <p> + The castles of St. Elmo, Gaieta, and Capua remained to be subdued. On the + land side there was no danger that the French in these garrisons should be + relieved, for Suvarof was now beginning to drive the enemy before him; but + Nelson thought his presence necessary in the bay of Naples: and when Lord + Keith, having received intelligence that the French and Spanish fleets had + formed a junction, and sailed for Carthagena, ordered him to repair to + Minorca with the whole or the greater part of his force, he sent Admiral + Duckworth with a small part only. This was a dilemma which he had + foreseen. "Should such an order come at this moment," he said, in a letter + previously written to the Admiralty, "it would be a case for some + consideration, whether Minorca is to be risked, or the two kingdoms of + Naples and Sicily; I rather think my decision would be to risk the + former." And after he had acted upon this opinion, he wrote in these terms + to the Duke of Clarence, with whose high notions of obedience he was well + acquainted: "I am well aware of the consequences of disobeying my orders; + but as I have often before risked my life for the good cause, so I with + cheerfulness did my commission; for although a military tribunal may think + me criminal, the world will approve of my conduct; and I regard not my own + safety when the honour of my king is at stake." + </p> + <p> + Nelson was right in his judgment: no attempt was made on Minorca: and the + expulsion of the French from Naples may rather be said to have been + effected than accelerated by the English and Portuguese of the allied + fleet, acting upon shore, under Troubridge. The French commandant at St. + Elmo, relying upon the strength of the place, and the nature of the force + which attacked it, had insulted Captain Foote in the grossest terms; but + CITOYEN Mejan was soon taught better manners, when Troubridge, in spite of + every obstacle, opened five batteries upon the fort. He was informed that + none of his letters, with the insolent printed words at the top, LIBERTE + EQALITE, GUERRE AUX TYRANS, &c. would be received; but that if he + wrote like a soldier and a gentleman he would be answered in the same + style. The Frenchman then began to flatter his antagonist upon the + BIENFAISANCE and HUMANITE which, he said, were the least of the many + virtues which distinguished Monsieur Troubridge. Monsieur Troubridge's + BIENFAISANCE was at this time thinking of mining the fort. "If we can + accomplish that," said he, "I am a strong advocate to send them, hostages + and all, to Old Nick, and surprise him with a group of nobility and + republicans. Meantime," he added, "it was some satisfaction to perceive + that the shells fell well, and broke some of their shins." Finally, to + complete his character, Mejan offered to surrender for 150,000 ducats. + Great Britain, perhaps, has made but too little use of this kind of + artillery, which France has found so effectual towards subjugating the + continent: but Troubridge had the prey within his reach; and in the course + of a few days, his last battery, "after much trouble and palaver," as he + said, "brought the vagabonds to their senses." + </p> + <p> + Troubridge had more difficulties to overcome this siege, from the + character of the Neapolitans who pretended to assist him, and whom he made + useful, than even from the strength of the place and the skill of the + French. "Such damned cowards and villains," he declared, "he had never + seen before." The men at the advanced posts carried on, what he called, "a + diabolical good understanding" with the enemy, and the workmen would + sometimes take fright and run away. "I make the best I can," said he, "of + the degenerate race I have to deal with; the whole means of guns, + ammunition, pioneers, &c., with all materials, rest with them. With + fair promises to the men, and threats of instant death if I find any one + erring, a little spur has been given." Nelson said of him with truth, upon + this occasion, that he was a first-rate general. "I find, sir," said he + afterwards in a letter to the Duke of Clarence, "that General Koehler does + not approve of such irregular proceedings as naval officers attacking and + defending fortifications. We have but one idea—to get close + alongside. None but a sailor would have placed a battery only 180 yards + from the Castle of St. Elmo; a soldier must have gone according to art, + and the /\/\/\/\ way. My brave Troubridge went straight on, for we had no + time to spare." + </p> + <p> + Troubridge then proceeded to Capua, and took the command of the motley + besieging force. One thousand of the best men in the fleet were sent to + assist in the siege. Just at this time Nelson received a peremptory order + from Lord Keith to sail with the whole of his force for the protection of + Minorca; or, at least, to retain no more than was absolutely necessary at + Sicily. "You will easily conceive my feelings," said he in communicating + this to Earl St. Vincent; "but my mind, as your lordship knows, was + perfectly prepared for this order; and it is now, more than ever, made up. + At this moment I will not part with a single ship; as I cannot do that + without drawing a hundred and twenty men from each ship, now at the siege + of Capua. I am fully aware of the act I have committed; but I am prepared + for any fate which may await my disobedience. Capua and Gaieta will soon + fall; and the moment the scoundrels of French are out of this kingdom I + shall send eight or nine ships of the line to Minorca. I have done what I + thought right—others may think differently; but it will be my + consolation that I have gained a kingdom, seated a faithful ally of his + Majesty firmly on his throne, and restored happiness to millions." + </p> + <p> + At Capua, Troubridge had the same difficulties as at St. Elmo; and being + farther from Naples, and from the fleet, was less able to overcome them. + The powder was so bad that he suspected treachery; and when he asked + Nelson to spare him forty casks from the ships, he told him it would be + necessary that some Englishmen should accompany it, or they would steal + one-half, and change the other. "All the men you see," said he, "gentle + and simple, are such notorious villains, that it is misery to be with + them." Capua, however, soon fell; Gaieta immediately afterwards + surrendered to Captain Louis of the MINOTAUR. Here the commanding officer + acted more unlike a Frenchman, Captain Louis said, than any one he had + ever met; meaning that he acted like a man of honour. He required, + however, that the garrison should carry away their horses, and other + pillaged property: to which Nelson replied, "That no property which they + did not bring with them into the country could be theirs: and that the + greatest care should be taken to prevent them from carrying it away." "I + am sorry," said he to Captain Louis, "that you have entered into any + altercation. There is no way of dealing with a Frenchman but to knock him + down; to be civil to them is only to be laughed at, when they are + enemies." + </p> + <p> + The whole kingdom of Naples was thus delivered by Nelson from the French. + The Admiralty, however, thought it expedient to censure him for disobeying + Lord Keith's orders, and thus hazarding Minorca, without, as it appeared + to them, any sufficient reason; and also for having landed seamen for the + siege of Capua, to form part of an army employed in operations at a + distance from the coast; where, in case of defeat, they might have been + prevented from returning to their ships; and they enjoined him, "not to + employ the seamen in like manner in future." This reprimand was issued + before the event was known; though, indeed, the event would not affect the + principle upon which it proceeded. When Nelson communicated the tidings of + his complete success, he said, in his public letter, "that it would not be + the less acceptable for having been principally brought about by British + sailors." His judgment in thus employing them had been justified by the + result; and his joy was evidently heightened by the gratification of a + professional and becoming pride. To the first lord he said, at the same + time, "I certainly, from having only a left hand, cannot enter into + details which may explain the motives that actuated my conduct. My + principle is, to assist in driving the French to the devil, and in + restoring peace and happiness to mankind. I feel that I am fitter to do + the action than to describe it." He then added that he would take care of + Minorca. + </p> + <p> + In expelling the French from Naples, Nelson had, with characteristic zeal + and ability, discharged his duty; but he deceived himself when he imagined + that he had seated Ferdinand firmly on his throne, and that he had + restored happiness to millions. These objects might have been accomplished + if it had been possible to inspire virtue and wisdom into a vicious and + infatuated court; and if Nelson's eyes had not been, as it were, + spell-bound by that unhappy attachment, which had now completely mastered + him, he would have seen things as they were; and might, perhaps, have + awakened the Sicilian court to a sense of their interest, if not of their + duty. That court employed itself in a miserable round of folly and + festivity, while the prisons of Naples were filled with groans, and the + scaffolds streamed with blood. St. Januarius was solemnly removed from his + rank as patron saint of the kingdom, having been convicted of Jacobinism; + and St. Antonio as solemnly installed in his place. The king, instead of + re-establishing order at Naples by his presence, speedily returned to + Palermo, to indulge in his favourite amusements. Nelson, and the + ambassador's family, accompanied the court; and Troubridge remained, + groaning over the villany and frivolity of those with whom he was + compelled to deal. A party of officers applied to him for a passage to + Palermo, to see the procession of St. Rosalia: he recommended them to + exercise their troops, and not behave like children. It was grief enough + for him that the court should be busied in these follies, and Nelson + involved in them. "I dread, my lord," said he, "all the feasting, &c. + at Palermo. I am sure your health will be hurt. If so, all their saints + will be damned by the navy. The king would be better employed digesting a + good government; everything gives way to their pleasures. The money spent + at Palermo gives discontent here; fifty thousand people are unemployed, + trade discouraged, manufactures at a stand. It is the interest of many + here to keep the king away: they all dread reform. Their villanies are so + deeply rooted, that if some method is not taken to dig them out, this + government cannot hold together. Out of twenty millions of ducats, + collected as the revenue, only thirteen millions reach the treasury; and + the king pays four ducats where he should pay one. He is surrounded by + thieves; and none of them have honour or honesty enough to tell him the + real and true state of things." In another letter he expressed his sense + of the miserable state of Naples. "There are upwards of forty thousand + families," said he, "who have relations confined. If some act of oblivion + is not passed, there will be no end of persecution; for the people of this + country have no idea of anything but revenge, and to gain a point would + swear ten thousand false oaths. Constant efforts are made to get a man + taken up, in order to rob him. The confiscated property does not reach the + king's treasury. All thieves! It is selling for nothing. His own people, + whom he employs, are buying it up, and the vagabonds pocket the whole. I + should not be surprised to hear that they brought a bill of expenses + against him for the sale." + </p> + <p> + The Sicilian court, however, were at this time duly sensible of the + services which had been rendered them by the British fleet, and their + gratitude to Nelson was shown with proper and princely munificence. They + gave him the dukedom and domain of Bronte, worth about L3000 a year. It + was some days before he could be persuaded to accept it; the argument + which finally prevailed is said to have been suggested by the queen, and + urged, at her request, by Lady Hamilton upon her knees. "He considered his + own honour too much," she said, "if he persisted in refusing what the king + and queen felt to be absolutely necessary for the preservation of theirs." + The king himself, also, is said to have addressed him in words, which show + that the sense of rank will sometimes confer a virtue upon those who seem + to be most unworthy of the lot to which they have been born: "Lord Nelson, + do you wish that your name alone should pass with honour to posterity; and + that I, Ferdinand Bourbon, should appear ungrateful?" He gave him also, + when the dukedom was accepted, a diamond-hilted sword, which his father, + Char. III. of Spain, had given him on his accession to the throne of the + two Sicilies. Nelson said, "the reward was magnificent, and worthy of a + king, and he was determined that the inhabitants on the domain should be + the happiest in all his Sicilian majesty's dominions. Yet," said he, + speaking of these and the other remunerations which were made him for his + services, "these presents, rich as they are, do not elevate me. My pride + is, that at Constantinople, from the grand seignior to the lowest Turk, + the name of Nelson is familiar in their mouths; and in this country I am + everything which a grateful monarch and people can call me." Nelson, + however, had a pardonable pride in the outward and visible signs of honour + which he had so fairly won. He was fond of his Sicilian title; the + signification, perhaps, pleased him; Duke of Thunder was what in Dahomy + would be called a STRONG NAME; it was to a sailor's taste; and certainly, + to no man could it ever be more applicable. But a simple offering, which + he received not long afterwards, from the island of Zante, affected him + with a deeper and finer feeling. The Greeks of that little community sent + him a golden-headed sword and a truncheon, set round with all the diamonds + that the island could furnish, in a single row. They thanked him "for + having, by his victory, preserved that part of Greece from the horrors of + anarchy; and prayed that his exploits might accelerate the day, in which, + amidst the glory and peace of thrones, the miseries of the human race + would cease." This unexpected tribute touched Nelson to the heart. "No + officer," he said, "had ever received from any country a higher + acknowledgment of his services." + </p> + <p> + The French still occupied the Roman states; from which, according to their + own admission, they had extorted in jewels, plate, specie, and + requisitions of every kind, to the enormous amount of eight millions + sterling; yet they affected to appear as deliverers among the people whom + they were thus cruelly plundering; and they distributed portraits of + Buonaparte, with the blasphemous inscription, "This is the true likeness + of the holy saviour of the world!" The people, detesting the impiety, and + groaning beneath the exactions of these perfidious robbers, were ready to + join any regular force that should come to their assistance; but they + dreaded Cardinal Ruffo's rabble, and declared they would resist him as a + banditti, who came only for the purpose of pillage. Nelson perceived that + no object was now so essential for the tranquillity of Naples as the + recovery of Rome; which in the present state of things, when Suvarof was + driving the French before him, would complete the deliverance of Italy. He + applied, therefore, to Sir James St. Clair Erskine, who in the absence of + General Fox commanded at Minorca, to assist in this great object with 1200 + men. "The field of glory," said he, "is a large one, and was never more + open to any one than at this moment to you. Rome would throw open her + gates and receive you as her deliverer; and the pope would owe his + restoration to a heretic." But Sir James Erskine looked only at the + difficulties of the undertaking. "Twelve hundred men, he thought, would be + too small a force to be committed in such an enterprise; for Civita + Vecchia was a regular fortress; the local situation and climate also were + such, that even if this force were adequate, it would be proper to delay + the expedition till October. General Fox, too, was soon expected; and + during his absence, and under existing circumstances, he did not feel + justified in sending away such a detachment." + </p> + <p> + What this general thought it imprudent to attempt, Nelson and Troubridge + effected without his assistance, by a small detachment from the fleet. + Troubridge first sent Captain Hallowell to Civita Vecchia to offer the + garrison there and at Castle St. Angelo the same terms which had been + granted to Gaieta. Hallowell perceived, by the overstrained civility of + the officers who came off to him, and the compliments which they paid to + the English nation, that they were sensible of their own weakness and + their inability to offer any effectual resistance; but the French know, + that while they are in a condition to serve their government, they can + rely upon it for every possible exertion in their support; and this + reliance gives them hope and confidence to the last. Upon Hallowell's + report, Troubridge, who had now been made Sir Thomas for his services, + sent Captain Louis with a squadron to enforce the terms which he had + offered; and, as soon as he could leave Naples, he himself followed. The + French, who had no longer any hope from the fate of arms, relied upon + their skill in negotiation, and proposed terms to Troubridge with that + effrontery which characterises their public proceedings; but which is as + often successful as it is impudent. They had a man of the right stamp to + deal with. Their ambassador at Rome began by saying, that the Roman + territory was the property of the French by right of conquest. The British + commodore settled that point, by replying, "It is mine by reconquest." A + capitulation was soon concluded for all the Roman states, and Captain + Louis rowed up the Tiber in his barge, hoisted English colours on the + capitol, and acted for the time as governor of Rome. The prophecy of the + Irish poet was thus accomplished, and the friar reaped the fruits; for + Nelson, who was struck with the oddity of the circumstance, and not a + little pleased with it, obtained preferment for him from the King of + Sicily, and recommended him to the Pope. + </p> + <p> + Having thus completed his work upon the continent of Italy, Nelson's whole + attention was directed towards Malta; where Captain Ball, with most + inadequate means, was besieging the French garrison. Never was any officer + engaged in more anxious and painful service: the smallest reinforcement + from France would, at any moment, have turned the scale against him; and + had it not been for his consummate ability, and the love and veneration + with which the Maltese regarded him, Malta must have remained in the hands + of the enemy. Men, money, food—all things were wanting. The garrison + consisted of 5000 troops; the besieging force of 500 English and + Portuguese marines, and about 1500 armed peasants. Long and repeatedly did + Nelson solicit troops to effect the reduction of this important place. "It + has been no fault of the navy," said he, "that Malta has not been attacked + by land; but we have neither the means ourselves nor influence with those + who have." The same causes of demurral existed which prevented British + troops from assisting in the expulsion of the French from Rome. Sir James + Erskine was expecting General Fox; he could not act without orders; and + not having, like Nelson, that lively spring of hope within him, which + partakes enough of the nature of faith to work miracles in war, he thought + it "evident that unless a respectable land force, in numbers sufficient to + undertake the siege of such a garrison, in one of the strongest places of + Europe, and supplied with proportionate artillery and stores, were sent + against it, no reasonable hope could be entertained of its surrender." + Nelson groaned over the spirit of over-reasoning caution and unreasoning + obedience. "My heart," said he, "is almost broken. If the enemy gets + supplies in, we may bid adieu to Malta; all the force we can collect would + then be of little use against the strongest place in Europe. To say that + an officer is never, for any object, to alter his orders, is what I cannot + comprehend. The circumstances of this war so often vary, that an officer + has almost every moment to consider, what would my superiors direct, did + they know what was passing under my nose?" "But, sir," said he writing to + the Duke of Clarence, "I find few think as I do. To obey orders is all + perfection. To serve my king, and to destroy the French, I consider as the + great order of all, from which little ones spring; and if one of these + militate against it (for who can tell exactly at a distance?) I go back + and obey the great order and object, to down—down with the damned + French villains!—my blood boils at the name of Frenchmen!" + </p> + <p> + At length, General Fox arrived at Minorca—and at length permitted + Col. Graham to go to Malta, but with means miserably limited. In fact, the + expedition was at a stand for want of money; when Troubridge arriving at + Messina to co-operate in it, and finding this fresh delay, immediately + offered all that he could command of his own. "I procured him, my lord," + said he to Nelson,"1500 of my cobs—every farthing and every atom of + me shall be devoted to the cause." "What can this mean?" said Nelson, when + he learned that Col. Graham was ordered not to incur any expenses for + stores, or any articles except provisions!—"the cause cannot stand + still for want of a little money. If nobody will pay it, I will sell + Bronte and the Emperor of Russia's box." And he actually pledged Bronte + for L6600 if there should be any difficulty about paying the bills. The + long-delayed expedition was thus, at last, sent forth; but Troubridge + little imagined in what scenes of misery he was to bear his part. He + looked to Sicily for supplies: it was the interest, as well as the duty of + the Sicilian government to use every exertion for furnishing them; and + Nelson and the British ambassador were on the spot to press upon them the + necessity of exertion. But, though Nelson saw with what a knavish crew the + Sicilian court was surrounded, he was blind to the vices of the court + itself; and resigning himself wholly to Lady Hamilton's influence, never + even suspected the crooked policy which it was remorselessly pursuing. The + Maltese and the British in Malta severely felt it. Troubridge, who had the + truest affection for Nelson, knew his infatuation, and feared that it + might prove injurious to his character, as well as fatal to an enterprise + which had begun so well, and been carried on so patiently. + </p> + <p> + "My lord," said he, writing to him from the siege, "we are dying off fast + for want. I learn that Sir William Hamilton says Prince Luzzi refused corn + some time ago, and Sir William does not think it worth while making + another application. If that be the case, I wish he commanded this + distressing scene instead of me. Puglia had an immense harvest; near + thirty sail left Messina before I did, to load corn. Will they let us have + any? If not, a short time will decide the business. The German interest + prevails. I wish I was at your Lordship's elbow for an hour. ALL, ALL, + will be thrown on you!—I will parry the blow as much as in my power: + I foresee much mischief brewing. God bless your Lordship; I am miserable I + cannot assist your operations more. Many happy returns of the day to you—(it + was the first of the new year)—I never spent so miserable a one. I + am not very tender-hearted; but really the distress here would even move a + Neapolitan." Soon afterwards he wrote, "I have this day saved thirty + thousand people from starving; but with this day my ability ceases. As the + government are bent on starving us, I see no alternative but to leave + these poor unhappy people to perish, without our being witnesses of their + distress. I curse the day I ever served the Neapolitan government. We have + characters, my lord, to lose; these people have none. Do not suffer their + infamous conduct to fall on us. Our country is just, but severe. Such is + the fever of my brain this minute, that I assure you, on my honour, if the + Palermo traitors were here, I would shoot them first, and then myself. + Girgenti is full of corn; the money is ready to pay for it; we do not ask + it as a gift. Oh! could you see the horrid distress I daily experience, + something would be done. Some engine is at work against us at Naples; and + I believe I hit on the proper person. If you complain he will be + immediately promoted, agreeably to the Neapolitan custom. All I write to + you is known at the queen's. For my own part, I look upon the Neapolitans + as the worst of intriguing enemies: every hour shows me their infamy and + duplicity. I pray your lordship be cautious: your honest, open manner of + acting will be made a handle of. When I see you, and tell of their + infamous tricks, you will be as much surprised as I am. The whole will + fall on you." + </p> + <p> + Nelson was not, and could not be, insensible to the distress which his + friend so earnestly represented. He begged, almost on his knees, he said, + small supplies of money and corn, to keep the Maltese from starving. And + when the court granted a small supply, protesting their poverty, he + believed their protestations, and was satisfied with their professions, + instead of insisting that the restrictions upon the exportation of corn + should be withdrawn. The anxiety, however, which he endured, affected him + so deeply that he said it had broken his spirit for ever. Happily, all + that Troubridge with so much reason foreboded, did not come to pass. For + Captain Ball, with more decision than Nelson himself would have shown at + that time and upon that occasion, ventured upon a resolute measure, for + which his name would deserve always to be held in veneration by the + Maltese, even if it had no other claims to the love and reverence of a + grateful people. Finding it hopeless longer to look for succour or common + humanity from the deceitful and infatuated court of Sicily, which + persisted in prohibiting by sanguinary edicts the exportation of supplies, + at his own risk, he sent his first lieutenant to the port of Girgenti, + with orders to seize and bring with him to Malta the ships which were + there lying laden with corn; of the numbers of which he had received + accurate information. These orders were executed to the great delight and + advantage of the shipowners and proprietors: the necessity of raising the + siege was removed, and Captain Ball waited in calmness for the + consequences to himself. The Neapolitan government complained to the + English ambassador, and the complaint was communicated to Nelson, who, in + return, requested Sir William Hamilton would fully and plainly state, that + the act ought not to be considered as any intended disrespect to his + Sicilian Majesty, but as of the most absolute and imperious necessity; the + alternative being either of abandoning Malta to the French, or of + anticipating the king's orders for carrying the corn in those vessels to + Malta. "I trust," he added, "that the government of the country will never + again force any of our royal master's servants to so unpleasant an + alternative." Thus ended the complaint of the Neapolitan court. "The sole + result was," says Mr. Coleridge, "that the governor of Malta became an + especial object of its hatred, its fears, and its respect." + </p> + <p> + Nelson himself, at the beginning of February, sailed for that island. On + the way he fell in with a French squadron bound for its relief, and + consisting of the GENEREUX seventy-four, three frigates, and a corvette. + One of these frigates and the line-of-battle ship were taken; the others + escaped, but failed in their purpose of reaching La Valette. This success + was peculiarly gratifying to Nelson, for many reasons. During some months + he had acted as commander-in-chief in the Mediterranean, while Lord Keith + was in England. Lord Keith was now returned; and Nelson had, upon his own + plan, and at his own risk, left him to sail for Malta, "for which," said + he, "if I had not succeeded, I might have been broke: and if I had not + acted thus, the GENEREUX never would have been taken." This ship was one + of those which had escaped from Aboukir. Two frigates, and the GUILLAUME + TELL, eighty-six were all that now remained of the fleet which Buonaparte + had conducted to Egypt. The GUILLAUME TELL was at this time closely + watched in the harbour of La Valette; and shortly afterwards, attempting + to make her escape from thence, was taken after an action, in which + greater skill was never displayed by British ships, nor greater gallantry + by an enemy. She was taken by the FOUDROYANT, LION, and PENELOPE frigate. + Nelson, rejoicing at what he called this glorious finish to the whole + French Mediterranean fleet, rejoiced also that he was not present to have + taken a sprig of these brave men's laurels. "They are," said he, "and I + glory in them, my children; they served in my school; and all of us caught + our professional zeal and fire from the great and good Earl St. Vincent. + What a pleasure, what happiness, to have the Nile fleet all taken, under + my orders and regulations!" The two frigates still remained in La Valette; + before its surrender they stole out; one was taken in the attempt; the + other was the only ship of the whole fleet which escaped capture or + destruction. + </p> + <p> + Letters were found on board the GUILLAUME TELL showing that the French + were now become hopeless of preserving the conquest which they had so + foully acquired. Troubridge and his brother officers were anxious that + Nelson should have the honour of signing the capitulation. They told, him + that they absolutely, as far as they dared, insisted on his staying to do + this; but their earnest and affectionate entreaties were vain. Sir William + Hamilton had just been superseded: Nelson had no feeling of cordiality + towards Lord Keith; and thinking that after Earl St. Vincent no man had so + good a claim to the command in the Mediterranean as himself, he applied + for permission to return to England; telling the First Lord of the + Admiralty that his spirit could not submit patiently, and that he was a + broken-hearted man. From the time of his return from Egypt, amid all the + honours which were showered upon him, he had suffered many mortifications. + Sir Sidney Smith had been sent to Egypt with orders to take under his + command the squadron which Nelson had left there. Sir Sidney appears to + have thought that this command was to be independent of Nelson; and Nelson + himself thinking so, determined to return, saying to Earl St. Vincent, "I + do feel, for I am a man, that it is impossible for me to serve in these + seas with a squadron under a junior officer." Earl St. Vincent seems to + have dissuaded him from this resolution: some heart-burnings, however, + still remained, and some incautious expressions of Sir Sidney's were + noticed by him in terms of evident displeasure. But this did not continue + long, as no man bore more willing testimony than Nelson to the admirable + defence of Acre. + </p> + <p> + He differed from Sir Sidney as to the policy which ought to be pursued + toward the French in Egypt; and strictly commanded him, in the strongest + language, not, on any pretence, to permit a single Frenchman to leave the + country, saying that he considered it nothing short of madness to permit + that band of thieves to return to Europe. "No," said he, "to Egypt they + went with their own consent, and there they shall remain while Nelson + commands this squadron; for never, never, will he consent to the return of + one ship or Frenchman. I wish them to perish in Egypt, and give an awful + lesson to the world of the justice of the Almighty." If Nelson had not + thoroughly understood the character of the enemy against whom he was + engaged, their conduct in Egypt would have disclosed it. After the battle + of the Nile he had landed all his prisoners, upon a solemn engagement made + between Troubridge on one side and Captain Barre on the other, that none + of them should serve until regularly exchanged. They were no sooner on + shore than part of them were drafted into the different regiments, and the + remainder formed into a corps, called the Nautic Legion. This occasioned + Captain Hallowell to say that the French had forfeited all claim to + respect from us. "The army of Buonaparte," said he, "are entirely + destitute of every principle of honour: they have always acted like + licentious thieves." Buonaparte's escape was the more regretted by Nelson, + because, if he had had sufficient force, he thought it would certainly + have been prevented. He wished to keep ships upon the watch to intercept + anything coming from Egypt; but the Admiralty calculated upon the + assistance of the Russian fleet, which failed when it was most wanted. The + ships which should have been thus employed were then required for more + pressing services; and the bloody Corsican was thus enabled to reach + Europe in safety; there to become the guilty instrument of a + wider-spreading destruction than any with which the world had ever before + been visited. + </p> + <p> + Nelson had other causes of chagrin. Earl St. Vincent, for whom he felt + such high respect, and whom Sir John Orde had challenged for having + nominated Nelson instead of himself to the command of the Nile squadron, + laid claim to prize money, as commander-in-chief, after he had quitted the + station. The point was contested, and decided against him. Nelson, + perhaps, felt this the more, because his own feelings, with regard to + money, were so different. An opinion had been given by Dr. Lawrence, which + would have excluded the junior flag-officers from prize-money. When this + was made known to him, his reply was in these words: "Notwithstanding Dr. + Lawrence's opinion, I do not believe I have any right to exclude the + junior flag-officers; and if I have, I desire that no such claim may be + made: no, not if it were sixty times the sum—and, poor as I am, I + were never to see prize-money." + </p> + <p> + A ship could not be spared to convey him to England; he therefore + travelled through Germany to Hamburgh, in company with his inseparable + friends, Sir William and Lady Hamilton. The Queen of Naples went with them + to Vienna. While they were at Leghorn, upon a report that the French were + approaching (for, through the folly of weak courts and the treachery of + venal cabinets, they had now recovered their ascendancy in Italy), the + people rose tumultuously, and would fain have persuaded Nelson to lead + them against the enemy. Public honours, and yet more gratifying + testimonials of public admiration, awaited Nelson wherever he went. The + Prince of Esterhazy entertained him in a style of Hungarian magnificence—a + hundred grenadiers, each six feet in height, constantly waiting at table. + At Madgeburgh, the master of the hotel where he was entertained contrived + to show him for money—admitting the curious to mount a ladder, and + peep at him through a small window. A wine merchant at Hamburgh, who was + above seventy years of age, requested to speak with Lady Hamilton; and + told her he had some Rhenish wine, of the vintage of 1625, which had been + in his own possession more than half-a-century: he had preserved it for + some extraordinary occasion; and that which had now arrived was far beyond + any that he could ever have expected. His request was, that her ladyship + would prevail upon Lord Nelson to accept six dozen of this incomparable + wine: part of it would then have the honour to flow into the heart's blood + of that immortal hero; and this thought would make him happy during the + remainder of his life. Nelson, when this singular request was reported to + him, went into the room, and taking the worthy old gentleman kindly by the + hand, consented to receive six bottles, provided the donor would dine with + him next day. Twelve were sent; and Nelson, saying that he hoped yet to + win half-a-dozen more great victories, promised to lay by six bottles of + his Hamburgh friend's wine, for the purpose of drinking one after each. A + German pastor, between seventy and eighty years of age, travelled forty + miles, with the Bible of his parish church, to request that Nelson would + write his name on the first leaf of it. He called him the Saviour of the + Christian world. The old man's hope deceived him. There was no Nelson upon + shore, or Europe would have been saved; but in his foresight of the + horrors with which all Germany and all Christendom were threatened by + France, the pastor could not possibly have apprehended more than has + actually taken place. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0007" id="link2HCH0007"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VII + </h2> + <h3> + 1800 - 1801 + </h3> + <p> + Nelson separates himself from his Wife—Northern Confederacy—He + goes to the Baltic, under Sir Hyde Parker—Battle of Copenhagen, and + subsequent Negotiation—Nelson is made a Viscount. + </p> + <p> + NELSON was welcomed in England with every mark of popular honour. At + Yarmouth, where he landed, every ship in the harbour hoisted her colours. + The mayor and corporation waited upon him with the freedom of the town, + and accompanied him in procession to church, with all the naval officers + on shore, and the principal inhabitants. Bonfires and illuminations + concluded the day; and on the morrow, the volunteer cavalry drew up, and + saluted him as he departed, and followed the carriage to the borders of + the county. At Ipswich, the people came out to meet him, drew him a mile + into the town, and three miles out. When he was in the AGAMEMNON, he + wished to represent this place in parliament, and some of his friends had + consulted the leading men of the corporation—the result was not + successful; and Nelson, observing that he would endeavour to find out a + preferable path into parliament, said there might come a time when the + people of Ipswich would think it an honour to have had him for their + representative. In London, he was feasted by the City, drawn by the + populace from Ludgate-hill to Guildhall, and received the thanks of the + common-council for his great victory, and a golden-hilted sword studded + with diamonds. Nelson had every earthly blessing except domestic + happiness; he had forfeited that for ever. Before he had been three months + in England he separated from Lady Nelson. Some of his last words to her + were—"I call God to witness, there is nothing in you, or your + conduct, that I wish otherwise." This was the consequence of his + infatuated attachment to Lady Hamilton. It had before caused a quarrel + with his son-in-law, and occasioned remonstrances from his truest friends, + which produced no other effect than that of making him displeased with + them, and more dissatisfied with himself. + </p> + <p> + The Addington administration was just at this time formed; and Nelson, who + had solicited employment, and been made vice-admiral of the blue, was sent + to the Baltic, as second in command, under Sir Hyde Parker, by Earl St. + Vincent, the new First Lord of the Admiralty. The three Northern courts + had formed a confederacy for making England resign her naval rights. Of + these courts, Russia was guided by the passions of its emperor, Paul, a + man not without fits of generosity, and some natural goodness, but subject + to the wildest humours of caprice, and erased by the possession of greater + power than can ever be safely, or perhaps innocently, possessed by weak + humanity. Denmark was French at heart: ready to co-operate in all the + views of France, to recognise all her usurpations, and obey all her + injunctions. Sweden, under a king whose principles were right, and whose + feelings were generous, but who had a taint of hereditary insanity, acted + in acquiescence with the dictates of two powers whom it feared to offend. + The Danish navy, at this time, consisted of 23 ships of the line, with + about 31 frigates and smaller vessels, exclusive of guard-ships. The + Swedes had 18 ships of the line, 14 frigates and sloops, seventy-four + galleys and smaller vessels, besides gun-boats; and this force was in a + far better state of equipment than the Danish. The Russians had 82 sail of + the line and 40 frigates. Of these there were 47 sail of the line at + Cronstadt, Revel, Petersburgh, and Archangel; but the Russian fleet was + ill-manned, ill-officered, and ill-equipped. Such a combination under the + influence of France would soon have become formidable; and never did the + British Cabinet display more decision than in instantly preparing to crush + it. They erred, however, in permitting any petty consideration to prevent + them from appointing Nelson to the command. The public properly murmured + at seeing it intrusted to another; and he himself said to Earl St. Vincent + that, circumstanced as he was, this expedition would probably be the last + service that he should ever perform. The earl, in reply, besought him, for + God's sake, not to suffer himself to be carried away by any sudden + impulse. + </p> + <p> + The season happened to be unusually favourable; so mild a winter had not + been known in the Baltic for many years. When Nelson joined the fleet at + Yarmouth, he found the admiral "a little nervous about dark nights and + fields of ice." "But we must brace up," said he; "these are not times for + nervous systems. I hope we shall give our northern enemies that hailstorm + of bullets which gives our dear country the dominion of the sea. We have + it, and all the devils in the north cannot take it from us, if our wooden + walls have fair play." Before the fleet left Yarmouth, it was sufficiently + known that its destination was against Denmark. Some Danes, who belonged + to the AMAZON frigate, went to Captain Riou, and telling him what they had + heard, begged that he would get them exchanged into a ship bound on some + other destination. "They had no wish," they said, "to quit the British + service; but they entreated that they might not be forced to fight against + their own country." There was not in our whole navy a man who had a higher + and more chivalrous sense of duty than Riou. Tears came into his eyes + while the men were speaking. Without making any reply, he instantly + ordered his boat, and did not return to the AMAZON till he could tell them + that their wish was effected. The fleet sailed on the 12th of March. Mr. + Vansittart sailed in it; the British Cabinet still hoping to attain its + end by negotiation. It was well for England that Sir Hyde Parker placed a + fuller confidence in Nelson than the government seems to have done at this + most important crisis. Her enemies might well have been astonished at + learning that any other man should for a moment have been thought of for + the command. But so little deference was paid, even at this time, to his + intuitive and all-commanding genius, that when the fleet had reached its + first rendezvous, at the entrance of the Cattegat, he had received no + official communication whatever of the intended operations. His own mind + had been made up upon them with its accustomed decision. "All I have + gathered of our first plans," said he, "I disapprove most exceedingly. + Honour may arise from them; good cannot. I hear we are likely to anchor + outside of Cronenburgh Castle, instead of Copenhagen, which would give + weight to our negotiation. A Danish minister would think twice before he + would put his name to war with England, when the next moment he would + probably see his master's fleet in flames, and his capital in ruins. The + Dane should see our flag every moment he lifted up his head." + </p> + <p> + Mr Vansittart left the fleet at the Scaw, and preceded it in a frigate + with a flag of truce. Precious time was lost by this delay, which was to + be purchased by the dearest blood of Britain and Denmark: according to the + Danes themselves, the intelligence that a British fleet was seen off the + Sound produced a much more general alarm in Copenhagen than its actual + arrival in the Roads; for the means of defence were at that time in such a + state that they could hardly hope to resist, still less to repel an enemy. + On the 21st Nelson had a long conference with Sir Hyde; and the next day + addressed a letter to him, worthy of himself and of the occasion. Mr. + Vansittart's report had then been received. It represented the Danish + government as in the highest degree hostile, and their state of + preparation as exceeding what our cabinet had supposed possible; for + Denmark had profited with all activity of the leisure which had so + impoliticly been given her. "The more I have reflected," said Nelson to + his commander, "the more I am confirmed in opinion, that not a moment + should be lost in attacking the enemy. They will every day and every hour + be stronger; we shall never be so good a match for them as at this moment. + The only consideration is, how to get at them with the least risk to our + ships. Here you are, with almost the safety, certainly with the honour of + England, more entrusted to you than ever yet fell to the lot of any + British officer. On your decision depends whether our country shall be + degraded in the eyes of Europe, or whether she shall rear her head higher + than ever. Again, I do repeat, never did our country depend so much upon + the success of any fleet as on this. How best to honour her and abate the + pride of her enemies, must be the subject of your deepest consideration." + </p> + <p> + Supposing him to force the passage of the Sound, Nelson thought some + damage might be done among the masts and yards; though, perhaps, not one + of them but would be serviceable again. "If the wind be fair," said he, + "and you determined to attack the ships and Crown Islands, you must expect + the natural issue of such a battle—ships crippled, and perhaps one + or two lost for the wind which carries you in will most probably not bring + out a crippled ship. This mode I call taking the bull by the horns. It, + however, will not prevent the Revel ships, or the Swedes, from joining the + Danes and to prevent this is, in my humble opinion, a measure absolutely + necessary, and still to attack Copenhagen." For this he proposed two + modes. One was to pass Cronenburg, taking the risk of danger; take the + deepest and straightest channel along the middle grounds, and then coming + down to Garbar, or King's Channel, attack the Danish line of floating + batteries and ships as might be found convenient. This would prevent a + junction, and might give an opportunity of bombarding Copenhagen. Or to + take the passage of the Belt, which might be accomplished in four or five + days; and then the attack by Draco might be made, and the junction of the + Russians prevented. Supposing them through the Belt, he proposed that a + detachment of the fleet should be sent to destroy the Russian squadron at + Revel; and that the business at Copenhagen should be attempted with the + remainder. "The measure," he said, "might be thought bold; but the boldest + measures are the safest." + </p> + <p> + The pilots, as men who had nothing but safety to think of, were terrified + by the formidable report of the batteries of Elsinore, and the tremendous + preparations which our negotiators, who were now returned from their + fruitless mission, had witnessed. They, therefore, persuaded Sir Hyde to + prefer the passage of the Belt. "Let it be by the Sound, by the Belt, or + anyhow," cried Nelson, "only lose not an hour!" On the 26th they sailed + for the Belt. Such was the habitual reserve of Sir Hyde that his own + captain, the captain of the fleet, did not know which course he had + resolved to take till the fleet were getting under weigh. When Captain + Domett was thus apprised of it, he felt it his duty to represent to the + admiral his belief that if that course were persevered in, the ultimate + object would be totally defeated: it was liable to long delays, and to + accidents of ships grounding; in the whole fleet there were only one + captain and one pilot who knew anything of this formidable passage (as it + was then deemed), and their knowledge was very slight—their + instructions did not authorise them to attempt it. Supposing them safe + through the Belts, the heavy ships could not come over the GROUNDS to + attack Copenhagen; and light vessels would have no effect on such a line + of defence as had been prepared against them. Domett urged these reasons + so forcibly that Sir Hyde's opinion was shaken, and he consented to bring + the fleet to and send for Nelson on board. There can be little doubt but + that the expedition would have failed if Captain Domett had not thus + timeously and earnestly given his advice. Nelson entirely agreed with him; + and it was finally determined to take the passage of the Sound, and the + fleet returned to its former anchorage. + </p> + <p> + The next day was more idly expended in despatching a flag of truce to the + governor of Cronenburg Castle, to ask whether he had received orders to + fire at the British fleet; as the admiral must consider the first gun to + be a declaration of war on the part of Denmark. A soldier-like and + becoming answer was returned to this formality. The governor said that the + British minister had not been sent away from Copenhagen, but had obtained + a passport at his own demand. He himself, as a soldier, could not meddle + with politics; but he was not at liberty to suffer a fleet, of which the + intention was not yet known, to approach the guns of the castle which he + had the honour to command: and he requested, "if the British admiral + should think proper to make any proposals to the King of Denmark, that he + might be apprised of it before the fleet approached nearer." During this + intercourse, a Dane, who came on board the commander's ship, having + occasion to express his business in writing, found the pen blunt; and, + holding it up, sarcastically said, "If your guns are not better pointed + than your pens, you will make little impression on Copenhagen!" + </p> + <p> + On that day intelligence reached the admiral of the loss of one of his + fleet, the INVINCIBLE, seventy-four, wrecked on a sand-bank, as she was + coming out of Yarmouth: four hundred of her men perished in her. Nelson, + who was now appointed to lead the van, shifted his flag to the ELEPHANT, + Captain Foley—a lighter ship than the ST. GEORGE, and, therefore, + fitter for the expected operations. The two following days were calm. + Orders had been given to pass the Sound as soon as the wind would permit; + and, on the afternoon of the 29th, the ships were cleared for action, with + an alacrity characteristic of British seamen. At daybreak on the 30th it + blew a topsail breeze from N.W. The signal was made, and the fleet moved + on in order of battle; Nelson's division in the van, Sir Hyde's in the + centre, and Admiral Graves' in the rear. + </p> + <p> + Great actions, whether military or naval, have generally given celebrity + to the scenes from whence they are denominated; and thus petty villages, + and capes and bays known only to the coasting trader, become associated + with mighty deeds, and their names are made conspicuous in the history of + the world. Here, however, the scene was every way worthy of the drama. The + political importance of the Sound is such, that grand objects are not + needed there to impress the imagination; yet is the channel full of grand + and interesting objects, both of art and nature. This passage, which + Denmark had so long considered as the key of the Baltic, is, in its + narrowest part, about three miles wide; and here the city of Elsinore is + situated; except Copenhagen, the most flourishing of the Danish towns. + Every vessel which passes lowers her top-gallant sails and pays toll at + Elsinore; a toll which is believed to have had its origin in the consent + of the traders to that sea, Denmark taking upon itself the charge of + constructing lighthouses, and erecting signals, to mark the shoals and + rocks from the Cattegat to the Baltic; and they, on their part, agreeing + that all ships should pass this way in order that all might pay their + shares: none from that time using the passage of the Belt, because it was + not fitting that they who enjoyed the benefit of the beacons in dark and + stormy weather, should evade contributing to them in fair seasons and + summer nights. Of late years about ten thousand vessels had annually paid + this contribution in time of peace. Adjoining Elsinore, and at the edge of + the peninsular promontory, upon the nearest point of land to the Swedish + coast, stands Cronenburgh Castle, built after Tycho Brahe's design; a + magnificent pile—at once a palace, and fortress, and state-prison, + with its spires, and towers, and battlements, and batteries. On the left + of the strait is the old Swedish city of Helsinburg, at the foot, and on + the side of a hill. To the north of Helsinburg the shores are steep and + rocky; they lower to the south; and the distant spires of Lanscrona, Lund, + and Malmoe are seen in the flat country. The Danish shores consist partly + of ridges of sand; but more frequently they are diversified with + cornfields, meadows, slopes, and are covered with rich wood, and villages, + and villas, and summer palaces belonging to the king and the nobility, and + denoting the vicinity of a great capital. The isles of Huen, Statholm, and + Amak, appear in the widening channel; and at the distance of twenty miles + from Elsinore stands Copenhagen in full view; the best city of the north, + and one of the finest capitals of Europe, visible, with its stately + spires, far off. Amid these magnificent objects there are some which + possess a peculiar interest for the recollections which they call forth. + The isle of Huen, a lovely domain, about six miles in circumference, had + been the munificent gift of Frederick the Second to Tycho Brahe. It has + higher shores than the near coast of Zealand, or than the Swedish coast in + that part. Here most of his discoveries were made; and here the ruins are + to be seen of his observatory, and of the mansion where he was visited by + princes; and where, with a princely spirit, he received and entertained + all comers from all parts, and promoted science by his liberality as well + as by his labours. Elsinore is a name familiar to English ears, being + inseparably associated with HAMLET, and one of the noblest works of human + genius. Cronenburgh had been the scene of deeper tragedy: here Queen + Matilda was confined, the victim of a foul and murderous court intrigue. + Here, amid heart-breaking griefs, she found consolation in nursing her + infant. Here she took her everlasting leave of that infant, when, by the + interference of England, her own deliverance was obtained; and as the ship + bore her away from a country where the venial indiscretions of youth and + unsuspicious gaiety had been so cruelly punished, upon these towers she + fixed her eyes, and stood upon the deck, obstinately gazing toward them + till the last speck had disappeared. + </p> + <p> + The Sound being the only frequented entrance to the Baltic, the great + Mediterranean of the North, few parts of the sea display so frequent a + navigation. In the height of the season not fewer than a hundred vessels + pass every four-and-twenty hours for many weeks in succession; but never + had so busy or so splendid a scene been exhibited there as on this day, + when the British fleet prepared to force that passage where, till now, all + ships had vailed their topsails to the flag of Denmark. The whole force + consisted of fifty-one sail of various descriptions, of which sixteen were + of the line. The greater part of the bomb and gun vessels took their + stations off Cronenburgh Castle, to cover the fleet; while others on the + larboard were ready to engage the Swedish shore. The Danes, having + improved every moment which ill-timed negotiation and baffling weather + gave them, had lined their shores with batteries; and as soon as the + MONARCH, which was the leading ship, came abreast of them, a fire was + opened from about a hundred pieces of cannon and mortars; our light + vessels immediately, in return, opened their fire upon the castle. Here + was all the pompous circumstance and exciting reality of war, without its + effects; for this ostentatious display was but a bloodless prelude to the + wide and sweeping destruction which was soon to follow. The enemy's shot + fell near enough to splash the water on board our ships: not relying upon + any forbearance of the Swedes, they meant to have kept the mid channel; + but when they perceived that not a shot was fired from Helsinburg, and + that no batteries were to be seen on the Swedish shore, they inclined to + that side, so as completely to get out of reach of the Danish guns. The + uninterrupted blaze which was kept up from them till the fleet had passed, + served only to exhilarate our sailors, and afford them matter for jest, as + the shot fell in showers a full cable's length short of its destined aim. + A few rounds were returned from some of our leading ships, till they + perceived its inutility: this, however, occasioned the only bloodshed of + the day, some of our men being killed and wounded by the bursting of a + gun. As soon as the main body had passed, the gun vessels followed, + desisting from their bombardment, which had been as innocent as that of + the enemy; and, about mid-day, the whole fleet anchored between the island + of Huen and Copenhagen. Sir Hyde, with Nelson, Admiral Graves, some of the + senior captains, and the commanding officers of the artillery and the + troops, then proceeded in a lugger to reconnoitre the enemy's means of + defence; a formidable line of ships, radeaus, pontoons, galleys, + fire-ships and gun-boats, flanked and supported by extensive batteries, + and occupying, from one extreme point to the other, an extent of nearly + four miles. + </p> + <p> + A council of war was held In the afternoon. It was apparent that the Danes + could not be attacked without great difficulty and risk; and some of the + members of the council spoke of the number of the Swedes and the Russians + whom they should afterwards have to engage, as a consideration which ought + to be borne in mind. Nelson, who kept pacing the cabin, impatient as he + ever was of anything which savoured of irresolution, repeatedly said, "The + more numerous the better: I wish they were twice as many,—the easier + the victory, depend on it." The plan upon which he had determined; if ever + it should be his fortune to bring a Baltic fleet to action, was, to attack + the head of their line and confuse their movements. "Close with a + Frenchman," he used to say, "but out manoeuvre a Russian." He offered his + services for the attack, requiring ten sail of the line and the whole of + the smaller craft. Sir Hyde gave him two more line-of-battle ships than he + asked, and left everything to his judgment. + </p> + <p> + The enemy's force was not the only, nor the greatest, obstacle with which + the British fleet had to contend: there was another to be overcome before + they could come in contact with it. The channel was little known and + extremely intricate: all the buoys had been removed; and the Danes + considered this difficulty as almost insuperable, thinking the channel + impracticable for so large a fleet. Nelson himself saw the soundings made + and the buoys laid down, boating it upon this exhausting service, day and + night, till it was effected. When this was done he thanked God for having + enabled him to get through this difficult part of his duty. "It had worn + him down," he said, "and was infinitely more grievous to him than any + resistance which he could experience from the enemy." + </p> + <p> + At the first council of war, opinions inclined to an attack from the + eastward; but the next day, the wind being southerly, after a second + examination of the Danish position, it was determined to attack from the + south, approaching in the manner which Nelson had suggested in his first + thoughts. On the morning of the 1st of April the whole fleet removed to an + anchorage within two leagues of the town, and off the N.W. end of the + Middle Ground; a shoal lying exactly before the town, at about three + quarters of a mile distance, and extending along its whole sea-front. The + King's Channel, where there is deep water, is between this shoal and the + town; and here the Danes had arranged their line of defence, as near the + shore as possible: nineteen ships and floating batteries, flanked, at the + end nearest the town, by the Crown Batteries, which were two artificial + islands, at the mouth of the harbour—most formidable works; the + larger one having, by the Danish account, 66 guns; but, as Nelson + believed, 88. The fleet having anchored, Nelson, with Riou, in the AMAZON, + made his last examination of the ground; and about one o'clock, returning + to his own ship, threw out the signal to weigh. It was received with a + shout throughout the whole division; they weighed with a light and + favourable wind: the narrow channel between the island of Saltholm and the + Middle Ground had been accurately buoyed; the small craft pointed out the + course distinctly; Riou led the way: the whole division coasted along the + outer edge of the shoal, doubled its further extremity, and anchored there + off Draco Point, just as the darkness closed—the headmost of the + enemy's line not being more than two miles distant. The signal to prepare + for action had been made early in the evening; and as his own anchor + dropt, Nelson called out, "I will fight them the moment I have a fair + wind!" It had been agreed that Sir Hyde, with the remaining ships, should + weigh on the following morning, at the same time as Nelson, to menace the + Crown Batteries on his side, and the four ships of the line which lay at + the entrance of the arsenal; and to cover our own disabled ships as they + came out of action. + </p> + <p> + The Danes, meantime, had not been idle: no sooner did the guns of + Cronenburgh make it known to the whole city that all negotiation was at an + end, that the British fleet was passing the Sound, and that the dispute + between the two crowns must now be decided by arms, than a spirit + displayed itself most honourable to the Danish character. All ranks + offered themselves to the service of their country; the university + furnished a corps of 1200 youth, the flower of Denmark—it was one of + those emergencies in which little drilling or discipline is necessary to + render courage available: they had nothing to learn but how to manage the + guns, and day and night were employed in practising them. When the + movements of Nelson's squadron were perceived, it was known when and where + the attack was to be expected, and the line of defence was manned + indiscriminately by soldiers, sailors, and citizens. Had not the whole + attention of the Danes been directed to strengthen their own means of + defence, they might most materially have annoyed the invading squadron, + and perhaps frustrated the impending attack; for the British ships were + crowded in an anchoring ground of little extent:—it was calm, so + that mortar-boats might have acted against them to the utmost advantage; + and they were within range of shells from Amak Island. A few fell among + them; but the enemy soon ceased to fire. It was learned afterwards, that, + fortunately for the fleet, the bed of the mortar had given way; and the + Danes either could not get it replaced, or, in the darkness, lost the + direction. + </p> + <p> + This was an awful night for Copenhagen—far more so than for the + British fleet, where the men were accustomed to battle and victory, and + had none of those objects before their eyes which rendered death terrible. + Nelson sat down to table with a large party of his officers: he was, as he + was ever wont to be when on the eve of action, in high spirits, and drank + to a leading wind, and to the success of the morrow. After supper they + returned to their respective ships, except Riou, who remained to arrange + the order of battle with Nelson and Foley, and to draw up instructions. + Hardy, meantime, went in a small boat to examine the channel between them + and the enemy; approaching so near that he sounded round their leading + ship with a pole, lest the noise of throwing the lead should discover him. + The incessant fatigue of body, as well as mind, which Nelson had undergone + during the last three days, had so exhausted him that he was earnestly + urged to go to his cot; and his old servant, Allen, using that kind of + authority which long and affectionate services entitled and enabled him to + assume on such occasions, insisted upon his complying. The cot was placed + on the floor, and he continued to dictate from it. About eleven Hardy + returned, and reported the practicability of the channel, and the depth of + water up to the enemy's line. About one the orders were completed; and + half-a-dozen clerks, in the foremost cabin, proceeded to transcribe them, + Nelson frequently calling out to them from his cot to hasten their work, + for the wind was becoming fair. Instead of attempting to get a few hours' + sleep, he was constantly receiving reports on this important point. At + daybreak it was announced as becoming perfectly fair. The clerks finished + their work about six. Nelson, who was already up, breakfasted, and made + signal for all captains. The land forces and five hundred seamen, under + Captain Freemantle and the Hon. Colonel Stewart, were to storm the Crown + Battery as soon as its fire should be silenced: and Riou—whom Nelson + had never seen till this expedition, but whose worth he had instantly + perceived, and appreciated as it deserved—had the BLANCHE and + ALCMENE frigates, the DART and ARROW sloops, and the ZEPHYR and OTTER + fire-ships, given him, with a special command to act as circumstances + might require—every other ship had its station appointed. + </p> + <p> + Between eight and nine, the pilots and masters were ordered on board the + admirals' ships. The pilots were mostly men who had been mates in Baltic + traders; and their hesitation about the bearing of the east end of the + shoal, and the exact line of deep water, gave ominous warning of how + little their knowledge was to be trusted. The signal for action had been + made, the wind was fair—not a moment to be lost. Nelson urged them + to be steady, to be resolute, and to decide; but they wanted the only + ground for steadiness and decision in such cases; and Nelson had reason to + regret that he had not trusted to Hardy's single report. This was one of + the most painful moments of his life; and he always spoke of it with + bitterness. "I experienced in the Sound," said he, "the misery of having + the honour of our country entrusted to a set of pilots, who have no other + thought than to keep the ships clear of danger, and their own silly heads + clear of shot. Everybody knows what I must have suffered; and if any merit + attaches itself to me, it was for combating the dangers of the shallows in + defiance of them." At length Mr. Bryerly, the master of the BELLONA, + declared that he was prepared to lead the fleet; his judgment was acceded + to by the rest; they returned to their ships; and at half-past nine the + signal was made to weigh in succession. + </p> + <p> + Captain Murray, in the EDGAR, led the way; the AGAMEMNON was next in + order; but on the first attempt to leave her anchorage, she could not + weather the edge of the shoal; and Nelson had the grief to see his old + ship, in which he had performed so many years' gallant services, immovably + aground at a moment when her help was so greatly required. Signal was then + made for the POLYPHEMUS; and this change in the order of sailing was + executed with the utmost promptitude: yet so much delay had thus been + unavoidably occasioned, that the EDGAR was for some time unsupported, and + the POLYPHEMUS, whose place should have been at the end of the enemy's + line, where their strength was the greatest, could get no further than the + beginning, owing to the difficulty of the channel: there she occupied, + indeed, an efficient station, but one where her presence was less + required. The ISIS followed with better fortune, and took her own berth. + The BELLONA, Sir Thomas Boulden Thompson, kept too close on the starboard + shoal, and grounded abreast of the outer ship of the enemy: this was the + more vexatious, inasmuch as the wind was fair, the room ample, and three + ships had led the way. The RUSSELL, following the BELLONA, grounded in + like manner: both were within reach of shot; but their absence from their + intended stations was severely felt. Each ship had been ordered to pass + her leader on the starboard side, because the water was supposed to shoal + on the larboard shore. Nelson, who came next after these two ships, + thought they had kept too far on the starboard direction, and made signal + for them to close with the enemy, not knowing that they were aground; but + when he perceived that they did not obey the signal, he ordered the + ELEPHANT's helm to starboard, and went within these ships: thus quitting + the appointed order of sailing, and guiding those which were to follow. + The greater part of the fleet were probably, by this act of promptitude on + his part, saved from going on shore. Each ship, as she arrived nearly + opposite to her appointed station, let her anchor go by the stern, and + presented her broadside to the Danes. The distance between each was about + half a cable. The action was fought nearly at the distance of a cable's + length from the enemy. This, which rendered its continuance so long, was + owing to the ignorance and consequent indecision of the pilots. In + pursuance of the same error which had led the BELLONA and the RUSSELL + aground, they, when the lead was at a quarter less five, refused to + approach nearer, in dread of shoaling their water on the larboard shore: a + fear altogether erroneous, for the water deepened up to the very side of + the enemy's line of battle. + </p> + <p> + At five minutes after ten the action began. The first half of our fleet + was engaged in about half an hour; and by half-past eleven the battle + became general. The plan of the attack had been complete: but seldom has + any plan been more disconcerted by untoward accidents. Of twelve ships of + the line, one was entirely useless, and two others in a situation where + they could not render half the service which was required of them. Of the + squadron of gun-brigs, only one could get into action; the rest were + prevented, by baffling currents, from weathering the eastern end of the + shoal; and only two of the bomb-vessels could reach their station on the + Middle Ground, and open their mortars on the arsenal, firing over both + fleets. Riou took the vacant station against the Crown Battery, with his + frigates: attempting, with that unequal force, a service in which three + sail of the line had been directed to assist. + </p> + <p> + Nelson's agitation had been extreme when he saw himself, before the action + began, deprived of a fourth part of his ships of the line; but no sooner + was he in battle, where his squadron was received with the fire of more + than a thousand guns, than, as if that artillery, like music, had driven + away all care and painful thoughts, his countenance brightened; and, as a + bystander describes him, his conversation became joyous, animated, + elevated, and delightful. The Commander-in-Chief meantime, near enough to + the scene of action to know the unfavourable accidents which had so + materially weakened Nelson, and yet too distant to know the real state of + the contending parties, suffered the most dreadful anxiety. To get to his + assistance was impossible; both wind and current were against him. Fear + for the event, in such circumstances, would naturally preponderate in the + bravest mind; and at one o'clock, perceiving that, after three hours' + endurance, the enemy's fire was unslackened, he began to despair of + success. "I will make the signal of recall," said he to his captain, "for + Nelson's sake. If he is in a condition to continue the action + successfully, he will disregard it; if he is not, it will be an excuse for + his retreat, and no blame can be imputed to him." Captain Domett urged him + at least to delay the signal till he could communicate with Nelson; but in + Sir Hyde's opinion the danger was too pressing for delay. "The fire," he + said, "was too hot for Nelson to oppose; a retreat he thought must be + made; he was aware of the consequences to his own personal reputation, but + it would be cowardly in him to leave Nelson to bear the whole shame of the + failure, if shame it should be deemed." Under, a mistaken judgment, + therefore, but with this disinterested and generous feeling, he made the + signal for retreat. + </p> + <p> + Nelson was at this time, in all the excitement of action, pacing the + quarter-deck. A shot through the mainmast knocked the splinters about; and + he observed to one of his officers with a smile, "It is warm work, and + this day may be the last to any of us at a moment:"—and then + stopping short at the gangway, added, with emotion—"But mark you! I + would not be elsewhere for thousands." About this time the + signal-lieutenant called out that number Thirty-nine (the signal for + discontinuing the action) was thrown out by the Commander-in-Chief. He + continued to walk the deck, and appeared to take no notice of it. The + signal officer met him at the next turn, and asked if he should repeat it. + "No," he replied, "acknowledge it." Presently he called after him to know + if the signal for close action was still hoisted; and being answered in + the affirmative, said, "Mind you keep it so." He now paced the deck, + moving the stump of his lost arm in a manner which always indicated great + emotion. "Do you know," said he to Mr. Ferguson, "what is shown on board + the Commander-in-Chief? Number Thirty-nine!" Mr. Ferguson asked what that + meant. "Why, to leave off action!" Then shrugging up his shoulders, he + repeated the words—"Leave off action? Now, damn me if I do! You + know, Foley," turning to the captain, "I have only one eye,—I have a + right to be blind sometimes:" and then putting the glass to his blind eye, + in that mood of mind which sports with bitterness, he exclaimed, "I really + do not see the signal!" Presently he exclaimed, "Damn the signal! Keep + mine for closer battle flying! That's the way I answer signals! Nail mine + to the mast!" Admiral Graves, who was so situated that he could not + discern what was done on board the ELEPHANT, disobeyed Sir Hyde's signal + in like manner; whether by fortunate mistake, or by a like brave + intention, has not been made known. The other ships of the line, looking + only to Nelson, continued the action. The signal, however, saved Riou's + little squadron, but did not save its heroic leader. This squadron, which + was nearest the Commander-in-Chief, obeyed and hauled off. It had suffered + severely in its most unequal contest. For a long time the AMAZON had been + firing, enveloped in smoke, when Riou desired his men to stand fast, and + let the smoke clear off, that they might see what they were about. A fatal + order—for the Danes then got clear sight of her from the batteries, + and pointed their guns with such tremendous effect that nothing but the + signal for retreat saved this frigate from destruction. "What will Nelson + think of us?" was Riou's mournful exclamation when he unwillingly drew + off. He had been wounded in the head by a splinter, and was sitting on a + gun, encouraging his men, when, just as the AMAZON showed her stern to the + Trekroner battery, his clerk was killed by his side; and another shot + swept away several marines who were hauling in the main-brace. "Come, + then, my boys!" cried Riou; "let us die all together!" The words had + scarcely been uttered before a raking shot cut him in two. Except it had + been Nelson himself, the British navy could not have suffered a severer + loss. + </p> + <p> + The action continued along the line with unabated vigour on our side, and + with the most determined resolution on the part of the Danes. They fought + to great advantage, because most of the vessels in their line of defence + were without masts; the few which had any standing had their top-masts + struck, and the hulls could not be seen at intervals. The ISIS must have + been destroyed by the superior weight of her enemy's fire, if Captain + Inman, in the DESIREE frigate, had not judiciously taken a situation which + enabled him to rake the Dane, if the POLYPHEMUS had not also relieved her. + Both in the BELLONA and the ISIS many men were lost by the bursting of + their guns. The former ship was about forty years old, and these guns were + believed to be the same which she had first taken to sea: they were, + probably, originally faulty, for the fragments were full of little + air-holes. The BELLONA lost 75 men; the ISIS, 110; the MONARCH, 210. She + was, more than any other line-of-battle ship, exposed to the great + battery; and supporting, at the same time, the united fire of the HOLSTEIN + and the ZEALAND, her loss this day exceeded that of any single ship during + the whole war. Amid the tremendous carnage in this vessel, some of the men + displayed a singular instance of coolness: the pork and peas happened to + be in the kettle; a shot knocked its contents about; they picked up the + pieces, and ate and fought at the same time. + </p> + <p> + The Prince-Royal had taken his station upon one of the batteries, from + whence he beheld the action and issued his orders. Denmark had never been + engaged in so arduous a contest, and never did the Danes more nobly + display their national courage—a courage not more unhappily than + impolitically exerted in subserviency to the interests of France. Captain + Thura, of the INDFOEDSRETTEN, fell early in the action; and all his + officers, except one lieutenant and one marine officer, were either killed + or wounded In the confusion, the colours were either struck or shot away; + but she was moored athwart one of the batteries in such a situation that + the British made no attempt to board her; and a boat was despatched to the + prince, to inform him of her situation. He turned to those about him, and + said, "Gentlemen, Thura is killed; which of you will take the command?" + Schroedersee, a captain who had lately resigned on account of extreme + ill-health, answered in a feeble voice, "I will!" and hastened on board. + The crew, perceiving a new commander coming alongside, hoisted their + colours again, and fired a broadside. Schroedersee, when he came on deck, + found himself surrounded by the dead and wounded, and called to those in + the boat to get quickly on board: a ball struck him at that moment. A + lieutenant, who had accompanied him, then took the command, and continued + to fight the ship. A youth of seventeen, by name Villemoes, particularly + distinguished himself on this memorable day. He had volunteered to take + the command of a floating battery, which was a raft, consisting merely of + a number of beams nailed together, with a flooring to support the guns: it + was square, with a breast-work full of port-holes, and without masts—carrying + twenty-four guns, and one hundred and twenty men. With this he got under + the stern of the ELEPHANT, below the reach of the stern-chasers; and under + a heavy fire of small-arms from the marines, fought his raft, till the + truce was announced, with such skill as well as courage, as to excite + Nelson's warmest admiration. + </p> + <p> + Between one and two the fire of the Danes slackened; about two it ceased + from the greater part of their line, and some of their lighter ships were + adrift. It was, however, difficult to take possession of those which + struck, because the batteries on Amak Island protected them; and because + an irregular fire was kept up from the ships themselves as the boats + approached. This arose from the nature of the action: the crews were + continually reinforced from the shore; and fresh men coming on board, did + not inquire whether the flag had been struck, or, perhaps, did not heed + it; many or most of them never having been engaged in war before—knowing + nothing, therefore, of its laws, and thinking only of defending their + country to the last extremity. The DANBROG fired upon the ELEPHANT's boats + in this manner, though her commodore had removed her pendant and deserted + her, though she had struck, and though she was in flames. After she had + been abandoned by the commodore, Braun fought her till he lost his right + hand, and then Captain Lemming took the command. This unexpected renewal + of her fire made the ELEPHANT and GLATTON renew theirs, till she was not + only silenced, but nearly every man in the praams, ahead and astern of + her, was killed. When the smoke of their guns died away, she was seen + drifting in flames before the wind: those of her crew who remained alive, + and able to exert themselves, throwing themselves out at her port-holes. + Captain Bertie of the ARDENT sent his launch to their assistance, and + saved three-and-twenty of them. + </p> + <p> + Captain Rothe commanded the NYEBORG praam; and perceiving that she could + not much longer be kept afloat, made for the inner road. As he passed the + line, he found the AGGERSHUUS praam in a more miserable condition than his + own; her masts had all gone by the board, and she was on the point of + sinking. Rothe made fast a cable to her stern, and towed her off; but he + could get her no further than a shoal called Stubben, when she sunk, and + soon after he had worked the NYEBORG up to the landing-place, that vessel + also sunk to her gunwale. Never did any vessel come out of action in a + more dreadful plight. The stump of her foremast was the only stick + standing; her cabin had been stove in; every gun, except a single one, was + dismounted; and her deck was covered with shattered limbs and dead bodies. + </p> + <p> + By half-past two the action had ceased along that part of the line which + was astern of the ELEPHANT, but not with the ships ahead and the Crown + Batteries. Nelson, seeing the manner in which his boats were fired upon + when they went to take possession of the prizes, became angry, and said he + must either send ashore to have this irregular proceeding stopped, or send + a fire-ship and burn them. Half the shot from the Trekroner, and from the + batteries at Amak, at this time, struck the surrendered ships, four of + which had got close together; and the fire of the English, in return, was + equally or even more destructive to these poor devoted Danes. Nelson, who + was as humane as he was brave, was shocked at the massacre—for such + he called it; and with a presence of mind peculiar to himself, and never + more signally displayed than now, he retired into the stern gallery, and + wrote thus to the Crown Prince:—"Vice-Admiral Lord Nelson has been + commanded to spare Denmark when she no longer resists. The line of defence + which covered her shores has struck to the British flag; but if the firing + is continued on the part of Denmark, he must set on fire all the prizes + that he has taken, without having the power of saving the men who have so + nobly defended them. The brave Danes are the brothers, and should never be + the enemies, of the English." A wafer was given him, but he ordered a + candle to be brought from the cockpit, and sealed the letter with wax, + affixing a larger seal than he ordinarily used. "This," said he, "is no + time to appear hurried and informal." Captain Sir Frederick Thesiger, who + acted as his aide-de-camp, carried this letter with a flag of truce. + Meantime the fire of the ships ahead, and the approach of the RAMILLIES + and DEFENCE from Sir Hyde's division, which had now worked near enough to + alarm the enemy, though not to injure them, silenced the remainder of the + Danish line to the eastward of the Trekroner. That battery, however, + continued its fire. This formidable work, owing to the want of the ships + which had been destined to attack it, and the inadequate force of Riou's + little squadron, was comparatively uninjured. Towards the close of the + action it had been manned with nearly fifteen hundred men; and the + intention of storming it, for which every preparation had been made, was + abandoned as impracticable. + </p> + <p> + During Thesiger's absence, Nelson sent for Freemantle, from the GANGES, + and consulted with him and Foley whether it was advisable to advance, with + those ships which had sustained least damage, against the yet uninjured + part of the Danish line. They were decidedly of opinion that the best + thing which could be done was, while the wind continued fair, to remove + the fleet out of the intricate channel from which it had to retreat. In + somewhat more than half an hour after Thesiger had been despatched, the + Danish adjutant-general, Lindholm came, bearing a flag of truce, upon + which the Trekroner ceased to fire, and the action closed, after four + hours' continuance. He brought an inquiry from the prince,—What was + the object of Nelson's note? The British admiral wrote in reply:—"Lord + Nelson's object in sending the flag of truce was humanity; he therefore + consents that hostilities shall cease, and that the wounded Danes may be + taken on shore. And Lord Nelson will take his prisoners out of the + vessels, and burn or carry off his prizes as he shall think fit. Lord + Nelson, with humble duty to his royal highness the prince, will consider + this the greatest victory he has ever gained, if it may be the cause of a + happy reconciliation and union between his own most gracious sovereign and + his majesty the King of Denmark." Sir Frederick Thesiger was despatched a + second time with the reply; and the Danish adjutant-general was referred + to the commander-in-chief for a conference upon this overture. Lindholm + assenting to this, proceeded to the LONDON, which was riding at anchor + full four miles off and Nelson, losing not one of the critical moments + which he had thus gained, made signal for his leading ships to weigh in + succession; they had the shoal to clear, they were much crippled, and + their course was immediately under the guns of the Trekroner. + </p> + <p> + The MONARCH led the way. This ship had received six-and-twenty shot + between wind and water. She had not a shroud standing; there was a + double-headed shot in the heart of her foremast, and the slightest wind + would have sent every mast over her side. The imminent danger from which + Nelson had extricated himself soon became apparent: the MONARCH touched + immediately upon a shoal, over which she was pushed by the GANGES taking + her amidships; the GLATTON went clear; but the other two, the DEFIANCE and + the ELEPHANT, grounded about a mile from the Trekroner, and there remained + fixed for many hours, in spite of all the exertions of their wearied + crews. The DESIREE frigate also, at the other end of the line, having gone + toward the close of the action to assist the BELLONA, became fast on the + same shoal. Nelson left the ELEPHANT soon after she took the ground, to + follow Lindholm. The heat of the action was over, and that kind of feeling + which the surrounding scene of havoc was so well fitted to produce, + pressed heavily upon his exhausted spirits. The sky had suddenly become + overcast; white flags were waving from the mast-heads of so many shattered + ships; the slaughter had ceased, but the grief was to come; for the + account of the dead was not yet made up, and no man could tell for what + friends he might have to mourn. The very silence which follows the + cessation of such a battle becomes a weight upon the heart at first, + rather than a relief; and though the work of mutual destruction was at an + end, the DANBROG was at this time drifting about in flames; presently she + blew up; while our boats, which had put off in all directions to assist + her, were endeavouring to pick up her devoted crew, few of whom could be + saved. The fate of these men, after the gallantry which they had + displayed, particularly affected Nelson; for there was nothing in this + action of that indignation against the enemy, and that impression of + retributive justice, which at the Nile had given a sterner temper to his + mind, and a sense of austere delight in beholding the vengeance of which + he was the appointed minister. The Danes were an honourable foe; they were + of English mould as well as English blood; and now that the battle had + ceased, he regarded them rather as brethren than as enemies. There was + another reflection also which mingled with these melancholy thoughts, and + predisposed him to receive them. He was not here master of his own + movements, as at Egypt; he had won the day by disobeying his orders; and + in so far as he had been successful, had convicted the commander-in-chief + of an error in judgment. "Well," said he, as he left the ELEPHANT, "I have + fought contrary to orders, and I shall perhaps be hanged. Never mind: let + them!" + </p> + <p> + This was the language of a man who, while he is giving utterance to uneasy + thought, clothes it half in jest, because he half repents that it has been + disclosed. His services had been too eminent on that day, his judgment too + conspicuous, his success too signal, for any commander, however jealous of + his own authority, or envious of another's merits, to express anything but + satisfaction and gratitude: which Sir Hyde heartily felt, and sincerely + expressed. It was speedily agreed that there should be a suspension of + hostilities for four-and-twenty hours; that all the prizes should be + surrendered, and the wounded Danes carried on shore. There was a pressing + necessity for this, for the Danes, either from too much confidence in the + strength of their position and the difficulty of the channel, or supposing + that the wounded might be carried on shore during the action, which was + found totally impracticable, or perhaps from the confusion which the + attack excited, had provided no surgeons; so that, when our men boarded + the captured ships, they found many of the mangled and mutilated Danes + bleeding to death for want of proper assistance—a scene, of all + others, the most shocking to a brave man's feelings. + </p> + <p> + The boats of Sir Hyde's division were actively employed all night in + bringing out the prizes, and in getting afloat the ships which were on + shore. At daybreak, Nelson, who had slept in his own ship, the St. George, + rowed to the ELEPHANT; and his delight at finding her afloat seemed to + give him new life. There he took a hasty breakfast, praising the men for + their exertions, and then pushed off to the prizes, which had not yet been + removed. The ZEALAND, seventy-four, the last which struck, had drifted on + the shoal under the Trekroner; and relying, as it seems, upon the + protection which that battery might have afforded, refused to acknowledge + herself captured; saying, that though it was true her flag was not to be + seen, her pendant was still flying. Nelson ordered one of our brigs and + three long-boats to approach her, and rowed up himself to one of the + enemy's ships, to communicate with the commodore. This officer proved to + be an old acquaintance, whom he had known in the West Indies; so he + invited himself on board, and with that urbanity as well as decision which + always characterised him, urged his claim to the ZEALAND so well that it + was admitted. The men from the boats lashed a cable round her bowsprit, + and the gun-vessel towed her away. It is affirmed, and probably with + truth, that the Danes felt more pain at beholding this than at all their + misfortunes on the preceding day; and one of the officers, Commodore Steen + Rille, went to the Trekroner battery, and asked the commander why he had + not sunk the ZEALAND, rather than suffer her thus to be carried off by the + enemy? + </p> + <p> + This was, indeed, a mournful day for Copenhagen! It was Good Friday; but + the general agitation, and the mourning which was in every house, made all + distinction of days be forgotten. There were, at that hour, thousands in + that city who felt, and more perhaps who needed, the consolations of + Christianity, but few or none who could be calm enough to think of its + observances. The English were actively employed in refitting their own + ships, securing the prizes, and distributing the prisoners; the Danes, in + carrying on shore and disposing of the wounded and the dead. It had been a + murderous action. Our loss, in killed and wounded, was 953. Part of this + slaughter might have been spared. The commanding officer of the troops on + board one of our ships asked where his men should be stationed? He was + told that they could be of no use! that they were not near enough for + musketry, and were not wanted at the guns; they had, therefore, better go + below. This, he said, was impossible; it would be a disgrace that could + never be wiped away. They were, therefore, drawn up upon the gangway, to + satisfy this cruel point of honour; and there, without the possibility of + annoying the enemy, they were mowed down! The loss of the Danes, including + prisoners, amounted to about six thousand. The negotiations, meantime, + went on; and it was agreed that Nelson should have an interview with the + prince the following day. Hardy and Freemantle landed with him. This was a + thing as unexampled as the other circumstances of the battle. A strong + guard was appointed to escort him to the palace, as much for the purpose + of security as of honour. The populace, according to the British account, + showed a mixture of admiration, curiosity, and displeasure, at beholding + that man in the midst of them who had inflicted such wounds upon Denmark. + But there were neither acclamations nor murmurs. "The people," says a + Dane, "did not degrade themselves with the former, nor disgrace themselves + with the latter: the admiral was received as one brave enemy ever ought to + receive another—he was received with respect." The preliminaries of + the negotiation were adjusted at this interview. During the repast which + followed, Nelson, with all the sincerity of his character, bore willing + testimony to the valour of his foes. He told the prince that he had been + in a hundred and five engagements, but that this was the most tremendous + of all. "The French," he said, "fought bravely; but they could not have + stood for one hour the fight which the Danes had supported for four." He + requested that Villemoes might be introduced to him; and, shaking hands + with the youth, told the prince that he ought to be made an admiral. The + prince replied: "If, my lord, I am to make all my brave officers admirals, + I should have no captains or lieutenants in my service." + </p> + <p> + The sympathy of the Danes for their countrymen who had bled in their + defence, was not weakened by distance of time or place in this instance. + Things needful for the service, or the comfort of the wounded, were sent + in profusion to the hospitals, till the superintendents gave public notice + that they could receive no more. On the third day after the action, the + dead were buried in the naval churchyard: the ceremony was made as public + and as solemn as the occasion required; such a procession had never before + been seen in that, or perhaps in any other city. A public monument was + erected upon the spot where the slain were gathered together. A + subscription was opened on the day of the funeral for the relief of the + sufferers, and collections in aid of it made throughout all the churches + in the kingdom. This appeal to the feelings of the people was made with + circumstances which gave it full effect. A monument was raised in the + midst of the church, surmounted by the Danish colours: young maidens, + dressed in white, stood round it, with either one who had been wounded in + the battle, or the widow and orphans of some one who had fallen: a + suitable oration was delivered from the pulpit, and patriotic hymns and + songs were afterwards performed. Medals were distributed to all the + officers, and to the men who had distinguished themselves. Poets and + painters vied with each other in celebrating a battle which, disastrous as + it was, had yet been honourable to their country: some, with pardonable + sophistry, represented the advantage of the day as on their own side. One + writer discovered a more curious, but less disputable ground of + satisfaction, in the reflection that Nelson, as may be inferred from his + name, was of Danish descent, and his actions therefore, the Dane argued, + were attributable to Danish valour. + </p> + <p> + The negotiation was continued during the five following days; and in that + interval the prizes were disposed of, in a manner which was little + approved by Nelson. Six line-of-battle ships and eight praams had been + taken. Of these the HOLSTEIN, sixty-four, was the only one which was sent + home. The ZEALAND was a finer ship; but the ZEALAND and all the others + were burned, and their brass battering cannon sunk with the hulls in such + shoal water, that, when the fleet returned from Revel, they found the + Danes, with craft over the wrecks, employed in getting the guns up again. + Nelson, though he forbore from any public expression of displeasure at + seeing the proofs and trophies of his victory destroyed, did not forget to + represent to the Admiralty the case of those who were thus deprived of + their prize-money. "Whether," said he to Earl St. Vincent, "Sir Hyde + Parker may mention the subject to you, I know not; for he is rich, and + does not want it: nor is it, you will believe me, any desire to get a few + hundred pounds that actuates me to address this letter to you; but justice + to the brave officers and men who fought on that day. It is true our + opponents were in hulks and floats, only adapted for the position they + were in; but that made our battle so much the harder, and victory so much + the more difficult to obtain. Believe me, I have weighed all + circumstances; and, in my conscience, I think that the king should send a + gracious message to the House of Commons for a gift to this fleet; for + what must be the natural feelings of the officers and men belonging to it, + to see their rich commander-in-chief burn all the fruits of their victory, + which, if fitted up and sent to England (as many of them might have been + by dismantling part of our fleet), would have sold for a good round sum." + </p> + <p> + On the 9th, Nelson landed again, to conclude the terms of the armistice. + During its continuance the armed ships and vessels of Denmark were to + remain in their actual situation, as to armament, equipment, and hostile + position; and the treaty of armed neutrality, as far as related to the + co-operation of Denmark, was suspended. The prisoners were to be sent on + shore; an acknowledgment being given for them, and for the wounded also, + that: they might be carried to Great Britain's credit in the account of + war, in case hostilities should be renewed. The British fleet was allowed + to provide itself with all things requisite for the health and comfort of + its men. A difficulty arose respecting the duration of the armistice. The + Danish commissioners fairly stated their fears of Russia; and Nelson, with + that frankness which sound policy and the sense of power seem often to + require as well as justify in diplomacy, told them his reason for + demanding a long term was, that he might have time to act against the + Russian fleet, and then return to Copenhagen. Neither party would yield + upon this point; and one of the Danes hinted at the renewal of + hostilities. "Renew hostilities!" cried Nelson to one of his friends—for + he understood French enough to comprehend what was said, though not to + answer it in the same language—"tell him we are ready at a moment! + ready to bombard this very night!" The conference, however, proceeded + amicably on both sides; and as the commissioners could not agree on this + head, they broke up, leaving Nelson to settle it with the prince. A levee + was held forthwith in one of the state-rooms, a scene well suited for such + a consultation; for all these rooms had been stripped of their furniture, + in fear of a bombardment. To a bombardment also Nelson was looking at this + time: fatigue and anxiety, and vexation at the dilatory measures of the + commander-in-chief, combined to make him irritable; and as he was on his + way to the prince's dining-room, he whispered to the officer on whose arm + he was leaning, "Though I have only one eye, I can see that all this will + burn well." After dinner he was closeted with the prince; and they agreed + that the armistice should continue fourteen weeks; and that, at its + termination, fourteen days' notice should be given before the + recommencement of hostilities. + </p> + <p> + An official account of the battle was published by Olfert Fischer, the + Danish commander-in-chief in which it was asserted that our force was + greatly superior; nevertheless, that two of our ships of the line had + struck; that the others were so weakened, and especially Lord Nelson's own + ship, as to fire only single shots for an hour before the end of the + action; and that this hero himself, in the middle and very heat of the + conflict, sent a flag of truce on shore, to propose a cessation of + hostilities. For the truth of this account the Dane appealed to the + prince, and all those who, like him, had been eyewitnesses of the scene. + Nelson was exceedingly indignant at such a statement, and addressed a + letter in confutation of it to the Adjutant-General Lindholm; thinking + this incumbent on him for the information of the prince, since His Royal + Highness had been appealed to as a witness: "Otherwise," said he, "had + Commodore Fischer confined himself to his own veracity, I should have + treated his official letter with the contempt it deserved, and allowed the + world to appreciate the merits of the two commanding officers." After + pointing out and detecting some of the misstatements in the account, he + proceeds: "As to his nonsense about victory, His Royal Highness will not + much credit him. I sunk, burnt, captured, or drove into the harbour, the + whole line of defence to the southward of the Crown Islands. He says he is + told that two British ships struck. Why did he not take possession of + them? I took possession of his as fast as they struck. The reason is + clear, that he did not believe it: he must have known the falsity of the + report. He states that the ship in which I had the honour to hoist my flag + fired latterly only single guns. It is true; for steady and cool were my + brave fellows, and did not wish to throw away a single shot. He seems to + exult that I sent on shore a flag of truce. You know, and His Royal + Highness knows, that the guns fired from the shore could only fire through + the Danish ships which had surrendered; and that, if I fired at the shore, + it could only be in the same manner. God forbid that I should destroy an + unresisting Dane! When they become my prisoners, I become their + protector." + </p> + <p> + This letter was written in terms of great asperity to the Danish + commander. Lindholm replied in a manner every way honourable to himself. + He vindicated the commodore in some points, and excused him in others; + reminding Nelson that every commander-in-chief was liable to receive + incorrect reports. With a natural desire to represent the action in the + most favourable light to Denmark, he took into the comparative strength of + the two parties the ships which were aground, and which could not get into + action; and omitted the Trekroner and the batteries upon Amak Island. He + disclaimed all idea of claiming as a victory, "what, to every intent and + purpose," said he, "was a defeat—but not an inglorious one. As to + your lordship's motive for sending a flag of truce, it never can be + misconstrued and your subsequent conduct has sufficiently shown that + humanity is always the companion of true valour. You have done more: you + have shown yourself a friend to the re-establishment of peace and good + harmony between this country and Great Britain. It is, therefore, with the + sincerest esteem I shall always feel myself attached to your lordship." + Thus handsomely winding up his reply, he soothed and contented Nelson; who + drawing up a memorandum of the comparative force of the two parties for + his own satisfaction, assured Lindholm that, if the commodore's statement + had been in the same manly and honourable strain, he would have been the + last man to have noticed any little inaccuracies which might get into a + commander-in-chiefs public letter. + </p> + <p> + For the battle of Copenhagen Nelson was raised to the rank of viscount—an + inadequate mark of reward for services so splendid, and of such paramount + importance to the dearest interests of England. There was, however, some + prudence in dealing out honours to him step by step: had he lived long + enough, he would have fought his way up to a dukedom. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0008" id="link2HCH0008"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VIII + </h2> + <h3> + 1801 - 1805 + </h3> + <p> + Sir Hyde Parker is recalled and Nelson appointed Commander—He goes + to Revel—Settlement of Affairs in the Baltic—Unsuccessful + Attempt upon the Flotilla at Boulogne—Peace of Amiens—Nelson + takes Command in the Mediterranean on the Renewal of the War—Escape + of the Toulon Fleet—Nelson chases them to the West Indies and back—Delivers + up his Squadron to Admiral Cornwallis and lands in England. + </p> + <p> + WHEN Nelson informed Earl St. Vincent that the armistice had been + concluded, he told him also, without reserve, his own discontent at the + dilatoriness and indecision which he witnessed, and could not remedy. "No + man," said he, "but those who are on the spot, can tell what I have gone + through, and do suffer. I make no scruple in saying, that I would have + been at Revel fourteen days ago! that, without this armistice, the fleet + would never have gone, but by order of the Admiralty; and with it, I + daresay, we shall not go this week. I wanted Sir Hyde to let me, at least, + go and cruise off Carlscrona, to prevent the Revel ships from getting in. + I said I would not go to Revel to take any of those laurels which I was + sure he would reap there. Think for me, my dear lord: and if I have + deserved well, let me return; if ill, for Heaven's sake supersede me, for + I cannot exist in this state." + </p> + <p> + Fatigue, incessant anxiety, and a climate little suited to one of a tender + constitution, which had now for many years been accustomed to more genial + latitudes, made him at this time seriously determine upon returning home. + "If the northern business were not settled," he said, "they must send more + admirals; for the keen air of the north had cut him to the heart." He felt + the want of activity and decision in the commander-in-chief more keenly; + and this affected his spirits, and, consequently, his health, more than + the inclemency of the Baltic. Soon after the armistice was signed, Sir + Hyde proceeded to the eastward with such ships as were fit for service, + leaving Nelson to follow with the rest, as soon as those which had + received slight damages should be repaired, and the rest sent to England. + In passing between the isles of Amak and Saltholm, most of the ships + touched the ground, and some of them stuck fast for a while: no serious + injury, however, was sustained. It was intended to act against the + Russians first, before the breaking up of the frost should enable them to + leave Revel; but learning on the way that the Swedes had put to sea to + effect a junction with them, Sir Hyde altered his course, in hopes of + intercepting this part of the enemy's force. Nelson had, at this time, + provided for the more pressing emergencies of the service, and prepared on + the 18th to follow the fleet. The ST. GEORGE drew too much water to pass + the channel between the isles without being lightened; the guns were + therefore taken out, and put on board an American vessel; a contrary wind, + however, prevented Nelson from moving; and on that same evening, while he + was thus delayed, information reached him of the relative situation of the + Swedish and British fleets, and the probability of an action. The fleet + was nearly ten leagues distant, and both wind and current contrary, but it + was not possible that Nelson could wait for a favourable season under such + an expectation. He ordered his boat immediately, and stepped into it. + Night was setting in, one of the cold spring nights of the north; and it + was discovered, soon after they left the ship, that in their haste they + had forgotten to provide him with a boat-cloak. He, however, forbade them + to return for one; and when one of his companions offered his own + great-coat, and urged him to make use of it, he replied, "I thank you very + much; but, to tell you the truth, my anxiety keeps me sufficiently warm at + present." + </p> + <p> + "Do you think," said he presently, "that our fleet has quitted Bornholm? + If it has, we must follow it to Carlscrona." About midnight he reached it, + and once more got on board the ELEPHANT. On the following morning the + Swedes were discovered; as soon, however, as they perceived the English + approaching, they retired, and took shelter in Carlscrona, behind the + batteries on the island, at the entrance of that port. Sir Hyde sent in a + flag of truce, stating that Denmark had concluded an armistice, and + requiring an explicit declaration from the court of Sweden, whether it + would adhere to or abandon the hostile measures which it had taken against + the rights and interests of Great Britain? The commander, Vice-Admiral + Cronstadt, replied, "That he could not answer a question which did not + come within the particular circle of his duty; but that the king was then + at Maloe, and would soon be at Carlscrona." Gustavus shortly afterwards + arrived, and an answer was then returned to this effect: "That his Swedish + majesty would not, for a moment, fail to fulfil, with fidelity and + sincerity, the engagements he had entered into with his allies; but he + would not refuse to listen to equitable proposals made by deputies + furnished with proper authority by the King of Great Britain to the united + northern powers." Satisfied with this answer, and with the known + disposition of the Swedish court, Sir Hyde sailed for the Gulf of Finland; + but he had not proceeded far before a despatch boat from the Russian + ambassador at Copenhagen arrived, bringing intelligence of the death of + the Emperor Paul, and that his successor Alexander had accepted the offer + made by England to his father of terminating the dispute by a convention: + the British admiral was, therefore, required to desist from all further + hostilities. + </p> + <p> + It was Nelson's maxim, that, to negotiate with effect, force should be at + hand, and in a situation to act. The fleet, having been reinforced from + England, amounted to eighteen sail of the line, and the wind was fair for + Revel. There he would have sailed immediately to place himself between + that division of the Russian fleet and the squadron at Cronstadt, in case + this offer should prove insincere. Sir Hyde, on the other hand, believed + that the death of Paul had effected all which was necessary. The manner of + that death, indeed, rendered it apparent that a change of policy would + take place in the cabinet of Petersburgh; but Nelson never trusted + anything to the uncertain events of time, which could possibly be secured + by promptitude or resolution. It was not, therefore, without severe + mortification, that he saw the commander-in-chief return to the coast of + Zealand, and anchor in Kioge Bay, there to wait patiently for what might + happen. + </p> + <p> + There the fleet remained till dispatches arrived from home, on the 5th of + May, recalling Sir Hyde, and appointing Nelson commander-in-chief. + </p> + <p> + Nelson wrote to Earl St. Vincent that he was unable to hold this + honourable station. Admiral Graves also was so ill as to be confined to + his bed; and he entreated that some person might come out and take the + command. "I will endeavour," said he, "to do my best while I remain; but, + my dear lord, I shall either soon go to heaven, I hope, or must rest quiet + for a time. If Sir Hyde were gone, I would now be under sail." On the day + when this was written, he received news of his appointment. Not a moment + was now lost. His first signal, as commander-in-chief, was to hoist in all + launches and prepare to weigh; and on the 7th he sailed from Kioge. Part + of his fleet was left at Bornholm, to watch the Swedes, from whom he + required and obtained an assurance that the British trade in the Cattegat + and in the Baltic should not be molested; and saying how unpleasant it + would be to him if anything should happen which might for a moment disturb + the returning harmony between Sweden and Great Britain, he apprised them + that he was not directed to abstain from hostilities should he meet with + the Swedish fleet at sea. Meantime he himself; with ten sail of the line, + two frigates, a brig, and a schooner, made for the Gulf of Finland. Paul, + in one of the freaks of his tyranny, had seized upon all the British + effects in Russia, and even considered British subjects as his prisoners. + "I will have all the English shipping and property restored," said Nelson, + "but I will do nothing violently, neither commit the affairs of my + country, nor suffer Russia to mix the affairs of Denmark or Sweden with + the detention of our ships." The wind was fair, and carried him in four + days to Revel Roads. But the Bay had been clear of firm ice on the 29th of + April, while the English were lying idly at Kioge. The Russians had cut + through the ice in the mole six feet thick, and their whole squadron had + sailed for Cronstadt on the 3rd. Before that time it had lain at the mercy + of the English. "Nothing," Nelson said, "if it had been right to make the + attack, could have saved one ship of them in two hours after our entering + the bay." + </p> + <p> + It so happened that there was no cause to regret the opportunity which had + been lost, and Nelson immediately put the intentions of Russia to the + proof. He sent on shore, to say that he came with friendly views, and was + ready to return a salute. On their part the salute was delayed, till a + message was sent to them to inquire for what reason; and the officer whose + neglect had occasioned the delay, was put under arrest. Nelson wrote to + the emperor, proposing to wait on him personally and congratulate him on + his accession, and urged the immediate release of British subjects, and + restoration of British property. + </p> + <p> + The answer arrived on the 16th: Nelson, meantime, had exchanged visits + with the governor, and the most friendly intercourse had subsisted between + the ships and the shore. Alexander's ministers, in their reply, expressed + their surprise at the arrival of a British fleet in a Russian port, and + their wish that it should return: they professed, on the part of Russia, + the most friendly disposition towards Great Britain; but declined the + personal visit of Lord Nelson, unless he came in a single ship. There was + a suspicion implied in this which stung Nelson; and he said the Russian + ministers would never have written thus if their fleet had been at Revel. + He wrote an immediate reply, expressing what he felt; he told the court of + Petersburgh, "That the word of a British admiral, when given in + explanation of any part of his conduct, was as sacred as that of any + sovereign's in Europe." And he repeated, "that, under other circumstances, + it would have been his anxious wish to have paid his personal respects to + the emperor, and signed with his own hand the act of amity between the two + countries." Having despatched this, he stood out to sea immediately, + leaving a brig to bring off the provisions which had been contracted for, + and to settle the accounts. "I hope all is right," said he, writing to our + ambassador at Berlin; "but seamen are but bad negotiators; for we put to + issue in five minutes what diplomatic forms would be five months doing." + </p> + <p> + On his way down the Baltic, however, he met the Russian admiral, + Tchitchagof, whom the emperor, in reply to Sir Hyde's overtures, had sent + to communicate personally with the British commander-in-chief. The reply + was such as had been wished and expected; and these negotiators going, + seamen-like, straight to their object, satisfied each other of the + friendly intentions of their respective governments. Nelson then anchored + off Rostock; and there he received an answer to his last despatch from + Revel, in which the Russian court expressed their regret that there should + have been any misconception between them; informed him that the British + vessels which Paul had detained were ordered to be liberated, and invited + him to Petersburgh, in whatever mode might be most agreeable to himself. + Other honours awaited him: the Duke of Mecklenburgh Strelitz, the queen's + brother, came to visit him on board his ship; and towns of the inland + parts of Mecklenburgh sent deputations, with their public books of record, + that they might have the name of Nelson in them written by his own hand. + </p> + <p> + From Rostock the fleet returned to Kioge Bay. Nelson saw that the temper + of the Danes towards England was such as naturally arose from the + chastisement which they had so recently received. "In this nation," said + he, "we shall not be forgiven for having the upper hand of them: I only + thank God we have, or they would try to humble us to the dust." He saw + also that the Danish cabinet was completely subservient to France: a + French officer was at this time the companion and counsellor of the Crown + Prince; and things were done in such open violation of the armistice, that + Nelson thought a second infliction of vengeance would soon be necessary. + He wrote to the Admiralty, requesting a clear and explicit reply to his + inquiry, Whether the commander-in-chief was at liberty to hold the + language becoming a British admiral? "Which, very probably," said he, "if + I am here, will break the armistice, and set Copenhagen in a blaze. I see + everything which is dirty and mean going on, and the Prince Royal at the + head of it. Ships have been masted, guns taken on board, floating + batteries prepared, and except hauling out and completing their rigging, + everything is done in defiance of the treaty. My heart burns at seeing the + word of a prince, nearly allied to our good king, so falsified; but his + conduct is such, that he will lose his kingdom if he goes on; for Jacobins + rule in Denmark. I have made no representations yet, as it would be + useless to do so until I have the power of correction. All I beg, in the + name of the future commander-in-chief, is, that the orders may be clear; + for enough is done to break twenty treaties, if it should be wished, or to + make the Prince Royal humble himself before British generosity." + </p> + <p> + Nelson was not deceived in his judgment of the Danish cabinet, but the + battle of Copenhagen had crippled its power. The death of the Czar Paul + had broken the confederacy; and that cabinet, therefore, was compelled to + defer till a more convenient season the indulgence of its enmity towards + Great Britain. Soon afterwards Admiral Sir Charles Maurice Pole arrived to + take the command. The business, military and political, had by that time + been so far completed that the presence of the British fleet soon became + no longer necessary. Sir Charles, however, made the short time of his + command memorable, by passing the Great Belt for the first time with + line-of-battle ships, working through the channel against adverse winds. + When Nelson left the fleet, this speedy termination of the expedition, + though confidently expected, was not certain; and he, in his unwillingness + to weaken the British force, thought at one time of traversing Jutland in + his boat, by the canal to Tonningen on the Eyder and finding his way home + from thence. This intention was not executed; but he returned in a brig, + declining to accept a frigate, which few admirals would have done, + especially if, like him, they suffered from sea-sickness in a small + vessel. On his arrival at Yarmouth, the first thing he did was to visit + the hospital and see the men who had been wounded in the late battle—that + victory which had added new glory to the name of Nelson, and which was of + more importance even than the battle of the Nile to the honour, the + strength, and security of England. + </p> + <p> + The feelings of Nelson's friends, upon the news of his great victory at + Copenhagen, were highly described by Sir William Hamilton in a letter to + him. "We can only expect," he says, "what me know well, and often said + before, that Nelson WAS, IS, and to the LAST WILL EVER BE, THE FIRST. Emma + did not know whether she was on her head or heels—in such a hurry to + tell your great news, that she could utter nothing but tears of joy and + tenderness. I went to Davison, and found him still in bed, having had a + severe fit of the gout, and with your letter, which he had just received; + and he cried like a child; but, what was very extraordinary, assured me + that, from the instant he had read your letter, all pain had left him, and + that he felt himself able to get up and walk about. Your brother, Mrs. + Nelson, and Horace dined with us. Your brother was more extraordinary than + ever. He would get up suddenly and cut a caper, rubbing his hands every + time that the thought of your fresh laurels came into his head. But I am + sure that no one really rejoiced more at heart than I did. I have lived + too long to have ecstasies! But with calm reflection, I felt for my friend + having got to the very summit of glory! the NE PLUS ULTRA! that he has had + another opportunity of rendering his country the most important service, + and manifesting again his judgment, his intrepidity, and his humanity." + </p> + <p> + He had not been many weeks on shore before he was called upon to undertake + a service, for which no Nelson was required. Buonaparte, who was now first + consul, and in reality sole ruler of France, was making preparations, upon + a great scale, for invading England; but his schemes in the Baltic had + been baffled; fleets could not be created as they were wanted; and his + armies, therefore, were to come over in gun-boats, and such small craft as + could be rapidly built or collected for the occasion. From the former + governments of France such threats have only been matter of insult and + policy: in Buonaparte they were sincere; for this adventurer, intoxicated + with success, already began to imagine that all things were to be + submitted to his fortune. We had not at that time proved the superiority + of our soldiers over the French; and the unreflecting multitude were not + to be persuaded that an invasion could only be effected by numerous and + powerful fleets. A general alarm was excited; and, in condescension to + this unworthy feeling, Nelson was appointed to a command, extending from + Orfordness to Beachy Head, on both shores—a sort of service, he + said, for which he felt no other ability than what might be found in his + zeal. + </p> + <p> + To this service, however, such as it was, he applied with his wonted + alacrity; though in no cheerful frame of mind. To Lady Hamilton, his only + female correspondent, he says at this time; "I am not in very good + spirits; and, except that our country demands all our services and + abilities to bring about an honourable peace, nothing should prevent my + being the bearer of my own letter. But, my dear friend, I know you are so + true and loyal an Englishwoman, that you would hate those who would not + stand forth in defence of our king, laws, religion, and all that is dear + to us. It is your sex that makes us go forth, and seem to tell us, 'None + but the brave deserve the fair'; and if we fall, we still live in the + hearts of those females. It is your sex that rewards us; it is your sex + who cherish our memories; and you, my dear honoured friend, are, believe + me, the first, the best of your sex. I have been the world around, and in + every corner of it, and never yet saw your equal, or even one who could be + put in comparison with you. You know how to reward virtue, honour, and + courage, and never to ask if it is placed in a prince, duke, lord, or + peasant." Having hoisted his flag in the MEDUSA frigate, he went to + reconnoitre Boulogne the point from which it was supposed the great + attempt would be made, and which the French, in fear of an attack + themselves, were fortifying with all care. He approached near enough to + sink two of their floating batteries, and to destroy a few gun-boats which + were without the pier. What damage was done within could not be + ascertained. "Boulogne," he said, "was certainly not a very pleasant place + that morning; but," he added, "it is not my wish to injure the poor + inhabitants; and the town is spared as much as the nature of the service + will admit." Enough was done to show the enemy that they could not, with + impunity, come outside their own ports. Nelson was satisfied by what he + saw, that they meant to make an attempt from this place, but that it was + impracticable; for the least wind at W.N.W. and they were lost. The ports + of Flushing and Flanders were better points: there we could not tell by + our eyes what means of transport were provided. From thence, therefore, if + it came forth at all, the expedition would come. "And what a forlorn + undertaking!" said he: "consider cross tides, &c. As for rowing, that + is impossible. It Is perfectly right to be prepared for a mad government; + but with the active force which has been given me, I may pronounce it + almost impracticable." + </p> + <p> + That force had been got together with an alacrity which has seldom been + equalled. On the 28th of July, we were, in Nelson's own words, literally + at the foundation of our fabric of defence, and twelve days afterwards we + were so prepared on the enemy's coast that he did not believe they could + get three miles from their ports. The MEDUSA, returning to our own shores, + anchored in the rolling ground off Harwich; and when Nelson wished to get + to the Nore in her, the wind rendered it impossible to proceed there by + the usual channel. In haste to be at the Nore, remembering that he had + been a tolerable pilot for the mouth of the Thames in his younger days, + and thinking it necessary that he should know all that could be known of + the navigation, he requested the maritime surveyor of the coast, Mr. + Spence, to get him into the Swin by any channel; for neither the pilots + which he had on board, nor the Harwich ones, would take charge of the + ship. No vessel drawing more than fourteen feet had ever before ventured + over the Naze. Mr. Spence, however, who had surveyed the channel, carried + her safely through. The channel has since been called Nelson's, though he + himself wished it to be named after the MEDUSA: his name needed no new + memorial. + </p> + <p> + Nelson's eye was upon Flushing. "To take possession of that place," he + said, "would be a week's expedition for four or five thousand troops." + This, however, required a consultation with the Admiralty; and that + something might be done, meantime he resolved upon attacking the flotilla + in the mouth of the Boulogne harbour. This resolution was made in + deference to the opinion of others, and to the public feeling, which was + so preposterously excited. He himself scrupled not to assert that the + French army would never embark at Boulogne for the invasion of England; + and he owned that this boat warfare was not exactly congenial to his + feelings. Into Helvoet or Flushing he should be happy to lead, if + Government turned their thoughts that way. "While I serve," said he, "I + will do it actively, and to the very best of my abilities. I require + nursing like a child," he added; "my mind carries me beyond my strength, + and will do me up; but such is my nature." + </p> + <p> + The attack was made by the boats of the squadron in five divisions, under + Captains Somerville, Parker, Cotgrave, Jones, and Conn. The previous essay + had taught the French the weak parts of their position; and they omitted + no means of strengthening it, and of guarding against the expected + attempt. The boats put off about half-an-hour before midnight; but, owing + to the darkness, and tide and half-tide, which must always make night + attacks so uncertain on the coasts of the Channel, the divisions + separated. One could not arrive at all; another not till near daybreak. + The others made their attack gallantly; but the enemy were fully prepared: + every vessel was defended by long poles, headed with iron spikes, + projecting from their sides: strong nettings were braced up to their lower + yards; they were moored by the bottom to the shore, they were strongly + manned with soldiers, and protected by land batteries, and the shore was + lined with troops. Many were taken possession of; and, though they could + not have been brought out, would have been burned, had not the French + resorted to a mode of offence, which they have often used, but which no + other people have ever been wicked enough to employ. The moment the firing + ceased on board one of their own vessels they fired upon it from the + shore, perfectly regardless of their own men. + </p> + <p> + The commander of one of the French divisions acted like a generous enemy. + He hailed the boats as they approached, and cried out in English: "Let me + advise you, my brave Englishmen, to keep your distance: you can do nothing + here; and it is only uselessly shedding the blood of brave men to make the + attempt." The French official account boasted of the victory. "The + combat," it said, "took place in sight of both countries; it was the first + of the kind, and the historian would have cause to make this remark." They + guessed our loss at four or five hundred; it amounted to one hundred and + seventy-two. In his private letters to the Admiralty, Nelson affirmed, + that had our force arrived as he intended, it was not all the chains in + France which could have prevented our men from bringing off the whole of + the vessels. There had been no error committed, and never did Englishmen + display more courage. Upon this point Nelson was fully satisfied; but he + said he should never bring himself again to allow any attack wherein he + was not personally concerned; and that his mind suffered more than if he + had had a leg shot off in the affair. He grieved particularly for Captain + Parker, an excellent officer, to whom he was greatly attached, and who had + an aged father looking to him for assistance. His thigh was shattered in + the action; and the wound proved mortal, after some weeks of suffering and + manly resignation. During this interval, Nelson's anxiety was very great. + "Dear Parker is my child," said he; "for I found him in distress." And + when he received the tidings of his death, he replied: "You will judge of + my feelings: God's will be done. I beg that his hair may be cut off and + given me; it shall be buried in my grave. Poor Mr. Parker! What a son has + he lost! If I were to say I was content, I should lie; but I shall + endeavour to submit with all the fortitude in my power. His loss has made + a wound in my heart, which time will hardly heal." + </p> + <p> + "You ask me, my dear friend," he says to Lady Hamilton, "if I am going on + more expeditions? and even if I was to forfeit your friendship, which is + dearer to me than all the world, I can tell you nothing. For, I go out: I + see the enemy, and can get at them, it is my duty: and you would naturally + hate me, if I kept back one moment. I long to pay them for their tricks + t'other day, the debt of a drubbing, which surely I'll pay: but WHEN, + WHERE or HOW, it is impossible, your own good sense must tell you, for me + or mortal man to say." Yet he now wished to be relieved from this service. + The country, he said, had attached a confidence to his name, which he had + submitted to, and therefore had cheerfully repaired to the station; but + this boat business, though it might be part of a great plan of invasion, + could never be the only one, and he did not think it was a command for a + vice-admiral. It was not that he wanted a more lucrative situation; for, + seriously indisposed as he was, and low-spirited from private + considerations, he did not know, if the Mediterranean were vacant, that he + should be equal to undertake it. He was offended with the Admiralty for + refusing him leave to go to town when he had solicited: in reply to a + friendly letter from Troubridge he says, "I am at this moment as firmly of + opinion as ever, that Lord St. Vincent and yourself should have allowed of + my coming to town for my own affairs, for every one knows I left it + without a thought for myself." + </p> + <p> + His letters at this time breathe an angry feeling toward Troubridge, who + was now become, he said, one of his lords and masters. "I have a letter + from him," he says, "recommending me to wear flannel shirts. Does he care + for me? NO: but never mind. They shall work hard to get me again. The cold + has settled in my bowels. I wish the Admiralty had my complaint: but they + have no bowels, at least for me. I daresay Master Troubridge is grown fat; + I know I am grown lean with my complaint, which, but for their + indifference about my health, could never have happened; or, at least, I + should have got well long ago in a warm room with a good fire and sincere + friend." In the same tone of bitterness he complained that he was not able + to promote those whom he thought deserving. "Troubridge," he says, "has so + completely prevented my ever mentioning anybody's service, that I am + become a cipher, and he has gained a victory over Nelson's spirit. I am + kept here, for what?—he may be able to tell, I cannot. But long it + cannot, shall not be." An end was put to this uncomfortable state of mind + when, fortunately (on that account) for him, as well as happily for the + nation, the peace of Amiens was just at this time signed. Nelson rejoiced + that the experiment was made, but was well aware that it was an + experiment. He saw what he called the misery of peace, unless the utmost + vigilance and prudence were exerted; and he expressed, in bitter terms, + his proper indignation at the manner in which the mob of London welcomed + the French general who brought the ratification saying, "that they made + him ashamed of his country." + </p> + <p> + He had purchased a house and estate at Merton, in Surrey, meaning to pass + his days there in the society of Sir William and Lady Hamilton. He had + indulged in pleasant dreams when looking on to this as his place of + residence and rest. "To be sure," he says, "we shall employ the + tradespeople of our village in preference to any others in what we want + for common use, and give them every encouragement to be kind and attentive + to us." "Have we a nice church at Merton? We will set an example of + goodness to the under-parishioners. I admire the pigs and poultry. Sheep + are certainly most beneficial to eat off the grass. Do you get paid for + them, and take care that they are kept on the premises all night, for that + is the time they do good to the land. They should be folded. Is your + head-man a good person, and true to our interest? I intend to have a + farming-book. I expect that all animals will increase where you are, for I + never expect that you will suffer any to be killed. No person can take + amiss our not visiting. The answer from me will always be very civil + thanks, but that I wish to live retired. We shall have our sea-friends; + and I know Sir William thinks they are the best." This place he had never + seen till he was now welcomed there by the friends to whom he had so + passionately devoted himself, and who were not less sincerely attached to + him. The place, and everything which Lady Hamilton had done to it, + delighted him; and he declared that the longest liver should possess it + all. Here he amused himself with angling in the Wandle, having been a good + fly-fisher in former days, and learning now to practise with his left hand + what he could no longer pursue as a solitary diversion. His pensions for + his victories, and for the loss of his eye and arm, amounted with his + half-pay to about L3400 a-year. From this he gave L1800 to Lady Nelson, + L200 to a brother's widow, and L150 for the education of his children; and + he paid L500 interest for borrowed money; so that Nelson was comparatively + a poor man; and though much of the pecuniary embarrassment which he + endured was occasioned by the separation from his wife—even if that + cause had not existed, his income would not have been sufficient for the + rank which he held, and the claims which would necessarily be made upon + his bounty. The depression of spirits under which he had long laboured + arose partly from this state of his circumstances, and partly from the + other disquietudes in which his connection with Lady Hamilton had involved + him—a connection which it was not possible his father could behold + without sorrow and displeasure. Mr. Nelson, however, was soon persuaded + that the attachment, which Lady Nelson regarded with natural jealousy and + resentment, did not in reality pass the bounds of ardent and romantic + admiration: a passion which the manners and accomplishments of Lady + Hamilton, fascinating as they were, would not have been able to excite, if + they had not been accompanied by more uncommon intellectual endowments, + and by a character which, both in its strength and in its weakness, + resembled his own. It did not, therefore, require much explanation to + reconcile him to his son—an event the more essential to Nelson's + happiness, because, a few months afterwards, the good old man died at the + age of seventy-nine. + </p> + <p> + Soon after the conclusion of peace, tidings arrived of our final and + decisive successes in Egypt; in consequence of which, the common council + voted their thanks to the army and navy for bringing the campaign to so + glorious a conclusion. When Nelson, after the action of Cape St. Vincent, + had been entertained at a city feast, he had observed to the lord mayor, + "that, if the city continued its generosity, the navy would ruin them in + gifts." To which the lord mayor replied, putting his hand upon the + admiral's shoulder: "Do you find victories and we will find rewards." + Nelson, as he said, had kept his word, had doubly fulfilled his part of + the contract, but no thanks had been voted for the battle of Copenhagen; + and feeling that he and his companions in that day's glory had a fair and + honourable claim to this reward, he took the present opportunity of + addressing a letter to the lord mayor, complaining of the omission and the + injustice. "The smallest services," said he, "rendered by the army or navy + to the country, have always been noticed by the great city of London with + one exception—the glorious 2nd of April—a day when the + greatest dangers of navigation were overcome; and the Danish force, which + they thought impregnable, totally taken or destroyed, by the consummate + skill of our commanders, and by the undaunted bravery of as gallant a band + as ever defended the rights of this country. For myself, if I were only + personally concerned, I should bear the stigma, attempted to be now first + placed upon my brow, with humility. But, my lord, I am the natural + guardian of the fame of all the officers of the navy, army, and marines + who fought, and so profusely bled, under my command on that day. Again I + disclaim for myself more merit than naturally falls to a successful + commander; but when I am called upon to speak of the merits of the + captains of his Majesty's ships, and of the officers and men, whether + seamen, marines, or soldiers, whom I that day had the happiness to + command, I then say, that never was the glory of this country upheld with + more determined bravery than on that occasion: and if I may be allowed to + give an opinion as a Briton, then I say, that more important service was + never rendered to our king and country. It is my duty, my lord, to prove + to the brave fellows, my companions in danger, that I have not failed at + every proper place to represent, as well as I am able, their bravery and + meritorious conduct." + </p> + <p> + Another honour, of greater import, was withheld from the conquerors. The + king had given medals to those captains who were engaged in the battles of + the 1st of June, of Cape St. Vincent, of Camperdown, and of the Nile. Then + came the victory at Copenhagen, which Nelson truly called the most + difficult achievement, the hardest-fought battle, the most glorious result + that ever graced the annals of our country. He, of course, expected the + medal; and in writing to Earl St. Vincent, said, "He longed to have it, + and would not give it up to be made an English duke." The medal, however, + was not given:—"For what reason," said Nelson, "Lord St. Vincent + best knows." Words plainly implying a suspicion that it was withheld by + some feeling of jealousy; and that suspicion estranged him, during the + remaining period of his life, from one who had at one time been + essentially, as well as sincerely, his friend; and of whose professional + abilities he ever entertained the highest opinion. + </p> + <p> + The happiness which Nelson enjoyed in the society of his chosen friends + was of no long continuance. Sir William Hamilton, who was far advanced in + years, died early in 1803; a mild, amiable, and accomplished man, who has + thus in a letter described his own philosophy: "My study of antiquities," + he says, "has kept me in constant thought of the perpetual fluctuation of + everything. The whole art is really to live all the DAYS of our life; and + not with anxious care disturb the sweetest hour that life affords—which + is the present. Admire the Creator, and all His works, to us + incomprehensible; and do all the good you can upon earth; and take the + chance of eternity without dismay." He expired in his wife's arms, holding + Nelson by the hand; and almost in his last words, left her to his + protection; requesting him that he would see justice done her by the + government, as he knew what she had done for her country. He left him her + portrait in enamel, calling him his dearest friend; the most virtuous, + loyal, and truly brave character he had ever known. The codicil, + containing this bequest, concluded with these words, "God bless him, and + shame fall on those who do not say amen." Sir William's pension of L1200 a + year ceased with his death. Nelson applied to Mr. Addington in Lady + Hamilton's behalf, stating the important service which she had rendered to + the fleet at Syracuse; and Mr. Addington, it is said, acknowledged that + she had a just claim upon the gratitude of the country. This barren + acknowledgment was all that was obtained; but a sum, equal to the pension + which her husband had enjoyed, was settled on her by Nelson, and paid in + monthly payments during his life. A few weeks after this event, the war + was renewed; and the day after his Majesty's message to Parliament, Nelson + departed to take the command of the Mediterranean fleet. The war he + thought, could not be long; just enough to make him independent in + pecuniary matters. + </p> + <p> + He took his station immediately off Toulon; and there, with incessant + vigilance, waited for the coming out of the enemy. The expectation of + acquiring a competent fortune did not last long. "Somehow," he says, "my + mind is not sharp enough for prize-money. Lord Keith would have made + L20,000, and I have not made L6000." More than once he says that the + prizes taken in the Mediterranean had not paid his expenses; and once he + expresses himself as if it were a consolation to think that some ball + might soon close all his accounts with this world of care and vexation. At + this time the widow of his brother, being then blind and advanced in + years, was distressed for money, and about to sell her plate; he wrote to + Lady Hamilton, requesting of her to find out what her debts were, and + saying that, if the amount was within his power, he would certainly pay + it, and rather pinch himself than that she should want. Before he had + finished the letter, an account arrived that a sum was payable to him for + some neutral taken four years before, which enabled him to do this without + being the poorer; and he seems to have felt at the moment that what was + thus disposed of by a cheerful giver, shall be paid to him again. One from + whom he had looked for very different conduct, had compared his own + wealth, in no becoming manner, with Nelson's limited means. "I know," said + he to Lady Hamilton, "the full extent of the obligation I owe him, and he + may be useful to me again; but I can never forget his unkindness to you. + But, I guess many reasons influenced his conduct in bragging of his riches + and my honourable poverty; but, as I have often said, and with honest + pride, what I have is my own: it never cost the widow a tear, or the + nation a farthing. I got what I have with my pure blood, from the enemies + of my country. Our house, my own Emma, is built upon a solid foundation; + and will last to us, when his houses and lands may belong to others than + his children." + </p> + <p> + His hope was that peace might soon be made, or that he should be relieved + from his command, and retire to Merton, where at that distance he was + planning and directing improvements. On his birthday he writes, "This day, + my dearest Emma, I consider as more fortunate than common days, as by my + coming into this world it has brought me so intimately acquainted with + you. I well know that you will keep it, and have my dear Horatio to drink + my health. Forty-six years of toil and trouble! How few more the common + lot of mankind leads us to expect! and therefore it is almost time to + think of spending the few last years in peace and quietness." It is + painful to think that this language was not addressed to his wife, but to + one with whom he promised himself "many many happy years, when that + impediment," as he calls her, "shall be removed, if God pleased; and they + might be surrounded by their children's children." + </p> + <p> + When he had been fourteen months off Toulon, he received a vote of thanks + from the city of London for his skill and perseverance in blockading that + port, so as to prevent the French from putting to sea. Nelson had not + forgotten the wrong which the city had done to the Baltic fleet by their + omission, and did not lose the opportunity which this vote afforded of + recurring to that point. "I do assure your lordship," said he, in his + answer to the lord mayor, "that there is not that man breathing who sets a + higher value upon the thanks of his fellow-citizens of London than myself; + but I should feel as much ashamed to receive them for a particular service + marked in the resolution, if I felt that I did not come within that line + of service, as I should feel hurt at having a great victory passed over + without notice. I beg to inform your lordship, that the port of Toulon has + never been blockaded by me; quite the reverse. Every opportunity has been + offered the enemy to put to sea; for it is there that we hope to realise + the hopes and expectations of our country." Nelson then remarked that the + junior flag-officers of his fleet had been omitted in this vote of thanks; + and his surprise at the omission was expressed with more asperity, + perhaps, than an offence so entirely and manifestly unintentional + deserved; but it arose from that generous regard for the feelings as well + as the interests of all who were under his command, which made him as much + beloved in the fleets of Britain as he was dreaded in those of the enemy. + </p> + <p> + Never was any commander more beloved. He governed men by their reason and + their affections; they knew that he was incapable of caprice or tyranny + and they obeyed him with alacrity and joy, because he possessed their + confidence as well as their love. "Our Nel," they used to say, "is as + brave as a lion and as gentle as a lamb." Severe discipline he detested, + though he had been bred in a severe school. He never inflicted corporal + punishment if it were possible to avoid it; and when compelled to enforce + it, he, who was familiar with wounds and death, suffered like a woman. In + his whole life, Nelson was never known to act unkindly towards an officer. + If he was asked to prosecute one for ill behaviour, he used to answer, + "That there was no occasion for him to ruin a poor devil who was + sufficiently his own enemy to ruin himself." But in Nelson there was more + than the easiness and humanity of a happy nature: he did not merely + abstain from injury; his was an active and watchful benevolence, ever + desirous not only to render justice, but to do good. During the peace he + had spoken in parliament upon the abuses respecting prize-money, and had + submitted plans to government for more easily manning the navy, and + preventing desertion from it, by bettering the condition of the seamen. He + proposed that their certificates should be registered, and that every man + who had served, with a good character, five years in war, should receive a + bounty of two guineas annually after that time, and of four guineas after + eight years. "This," he said, "might, at first sight, appear an enormous + sum for the state to pay; but the average life of seamen is, from hard + service, finished at forty-five. He cannot, therefore, enjoy the annuity + many years, and the interest of the money saved by their not deserting + would go far to pay the whole expense." + </p> + <p> + To his midshipmen he ever showed the most winning kindness, encouraging + the diffident, tempering the hasty, counselling and befriending both. + "Recollect," he used to say, "that you must be a seaman to be an officer; + and also that you cannot be a good officer without being a gentleman." A + lieutenant wrote to him to say that he was dissatisfied with his captain. + Nelson's answer was in that spirit of perfect wisdom and perfect goodness + which regulated his whole conduct towards those who were under his + command. "I have just received your letter, and am truly sorry that any + difference should arise between your captain, who has the reputation of + being one of the bright officers of the service, and yourself, a very + young man, and a very young officer, who must naturally have much to + learn; therefore the chance is that you are perfectly wrong in the + disagreement. However, as your present situation must be very + disagreeable, I will certainly take an early opportunity of removing you, + provided your conduct to your present captain be such that another may not + refuse to receive you." The gentleness and benignity of his disposition + never made him forget what was due to discipline. Being on one occasion + applied to, to save a young officer from a court-martial, which he had + provoked by his misconduct, his reply was, "That he would do everything in + his power to oblige so gallant and good an officer as Sir John Warren," in + whose name the intercession had been made. "But what," he added, "would he + do if he were here? Exactly what I have done, and am still willing to do. + The young man must write such a letter of contrition as would be an + acknowledgment of his great fault; and with a sincere promise, if his + captain will intercede to prevent the impending court-martial, never to so + misbehave again. On his captain's enclosing me such a letter, with a + request to cancel the order for the trial, I might be induced to do it; + but the letters and reprimand will be given in the public order-book of + the fleet, and read to all the officers. The young man has pushed himself + forward to notice, and he must take the consequence. It was upon the + quarter-deck, in the face of the ship's company, that he treated his + captain with contempt; and I am in duty bound to support the authority and + consequence of every officer under my command. A poor ignorant seaman is + for ever punished for contempt to HIS superiors." + </p> + <p> + A dispute occurred in the fleet while it was off Toulon, which called + forth Nelson's zeal for the rights and interests of the navy. Some young + artillery officers, serving on board the bomb vessels, refused to let + their men perform any other duty but what related to the mortars. They + wished to have it established that their corps was not subject to the + captain's authority. The same pretensions were made in the Channel fleet + about the same time, and the artillery rested their claims to separate and + independent authority on board, upon a clause in the act, which they + interpreted in their favour. Nelson took up the subject with all the + earnestness which its importance deserved. "There is no real happiness in + this world," said he, writing to Earl St. Vincent, as first lord. "With + all content and smiles around me, up start these artillery boys (I + understand they are not beyond that age), and set us at defiance; speaking + in the most disrespectful manner of the navy and its commanders. I know + you, my dear lord, so well, that with your quickness the matter would have + been settled, and perhaps some of them been broke. I am perhaps more + patient, but I do assure you not less resolved, if my plan of conciliation + is not attended to. You and I are on the eve of quitting the theatre of + our exploits; but we hold it due to our successors never, whilst we have a + tongue to speak or a hand to write, to allow the navy to be in the + smallest degree injured in its discipline by our conduct." To Troubridge + he wrote in the same spirit: "It is the old history, trying to do away the + act of parliament; but I trust they will never succeed; for when they do, + farewell to our naval superiority. We should be prettily commanded! Let + them once gain the step of being independent of the navy on board a ship, + and they will soon have the other, and command us. But, thank God! my dear + Troubridge, the king himself cannot do away the act of parliament. + Although my career is nearly run, yet it would embitter my future days, + and expiring moments, to hear of our navy being sacrificed to the army." + As the surest way of preventing such disputes, he suggested that the navy + should have it's own corps of artillery; and a corps of marine artillery + was accordingly established. + </p> + <p> + Instead of lessening the power of the commander, Nelson would have wished + to see it increased: it was absolutely necessary, he thought, that merit + should be rewarded at the moment, and that the officers of the fleet + should look up to the commander-in-chief for their reward. He himself was + never more happy than when he could promote those who were deserving of + promotion. Many were the services which he thus rendered unsolicited; and + frequently the officer, in whose behalf he had interested himself with the + Admiralty, did not know to whose friendly interference he was indebted for + his good fortune. He used to say, "I wish it to appear as a God-send." The + love which he bore the navy made him promote the interests, and honour the + memory, of all who had added to its glories. "The near relations of + brother officers," he said, "he considered as legacies to the service." + Upon mention being made to him of a son of Rodney, by the Duke of + Clarence, his reply was: "I agree with your Royal Highness most entirely, + that the son of a Rodney ought to be the PROTEGE of every person in the + kingdom, and particularly of the sea-officers. Had I known that there had + been this claimant, some of my own lieutenants must have given way to such + a name, and he should have been placed in the VICTORY: she is full, and I + have twenty on my list; but, whatever numbers I have, the name of Rodney + must cut many of them out." Such was the proper sense which Nelson felt of + what was due to splendid services and illustrious names. His feelings + toward the brave men who had served with him are shown by a note in his + diary, which was probably not intended for any other eye than his own: + "Nov. 7. I had the comfort of making an old AGAMEMNON, George Jones, a + gunner into the CHAMELEON brig." + </p> + <p> + When Nelson took the command, it was expected that the Mediterranean would + be an active scene. Nelson well understood the character of the perfidious + Corsican, who was now sole tyrant of France; and knowing that he was as + ready to attack his friends as his enemies, knew, therefore, that nothing + could be more uncertain than the direction of the fleet from Toulon, + whenever it should put to sea. "It had as many destinations," he said, "as + there were countries." The momentous revolutions of the last ten years had + given him ample matter for reflection, as well as opportunities for + observation: the film was cleared from his eyes; and now, when the French + no longer went abroad with the cry of liberty and equality, he saw that + the oppression and misrule of the powers which had been opposed to them, + had been the main causes of their success, and that those causes would + still prepare the way before them. Even in Sicily, where, if it had been + possible longer to blind himself, Nelson would willingly have seen no + evil, he perceived that the people wished for a change, and acknowledged + that they had reason to wish for it. In Sardinia the same burden of + misgovernment was felt; and the people, like the Sicilians, were + impoverished by a government so utterly incompetent to perform its first + and most essential duties that it did not protect its own coasts from the + Barbary pirates. He would fain have had us purchase this island (the + finest in the Mediterranean) from its sovereign, who did not receive L5000 + a year from it after its wretched establishment was paid. There was reason + to think that France was preparing to possess herself of this important + point, which afforded our fleet facilities for watching Toulon, not to be + obtained elsewhere. An expedition was preparing at Corsica for the + purpose; and all the Sardes, who had taken part with revolutionary France, + were ordered to assemble there. It was certain that if the attack were + made it would succeed. Nelson thought that the only means to prevent + Sardinia from becoming French was to make it English, and that half a + million would give the king a rich price, and England a cheap purchase. A + better, and therefore a wiser policy, would have been to exert our + influence in removing the abuses of the government, for foreign dominion + is always, in some degree, an evil and allegiance neither can nor ought to + be made a thing of bargain and sale. Sardinia, like Sicily and Corsica, is + large enough to form a separate state. Let us hope that these islands may + one day be made free and independent. Freedom and independence will bring + with them industry and prosperity; and wherever these are found, arts and + letters will flourish, and the improvement of the human race proceed. + </p> + <p> + The proposed attack was postponed. Views of wider ambition were opening + upon Buonaparte, who now almost undisguisedldy aspired to make himself + master of the continent of Europe; and Austria was preparing for another + struggle, to be conducted as weakly and terminated as miserably as the + former. Spain, too, was once more to be involved in war by the policy of + France: that perfidious government having in view the double object of + employing the Spanish resources against England, and exhausting them in + order to render Spain herself finally its prey. Nelson, who knew that + England and the Peninsula ought to be in alliance, for the common interest + of both, frequently expressed his hopes that Spain might resume her + natural rank among the nations. "We ought," he said, "by mutual consent, + to be the very best friends, and both to be ever hostile to France." But + he saw that Buonaparte was meditating the destruction of Spain; and that, + while the wretched court of Madrid professed to remain neutral, the + appearances of neutrality were scarcely preserved, An order of the year + 1771, excluding British ships of war from the Spanish ports, was revived, + and put in force: while French privateers, from these very ports, annoyed + the British trade, carried their prizes in, and sold them even at + Barcelona. Nelson complained of this to the captain-general of Catalonia, + informing him that he claimed, for every British ship or squadron, the + right of lying, as long as it pleased, in the ports of Spain, while that + right was allowed to other powers. To the British Ambassador he said: "I + am ready to make large allowances for the miserable situation Spain has + placed herself in; but there is a certain line, beyond which I cannot + submit to be treated with disrespect. We have given up French vessels + taken within gunshot of the Spanish shore, and yet French vessels are + permitted to attack our ships from the Spanish shore. Your excellency may + assure the Spanish government that, in whatever place the Spaniards allow + the French to attack us, in that place I shall order the French to be + attacked." + </p> + <p> + During this state of things, to which the weakness of Spain, and not her + will, consented, the enemy's fleet did not venture to put to sea. Nelson + watched it with unremitting and almost unexampled perseverance. The + station off Toulon he called his home. "We are in the right fighting + trim," said he: "let them come as soon as they please. I never saw a fleet + altogether so well officered and manned; would to God the ships were half + as good! The finest ones in the service would soon be destroyed by such + terrible weather. I know well enough that if I were to go into Malta I + should save the ships during this bad season; but if I am to watch the + French I must be at sea; and if at sea, must have bad weather; and if the + ships are not fit to stand bad weather, they are useless." Then only he + was satisfied and at ease when he had the enemy in view. Mr. Elliot, our + minister at Naples, seems at this time to have proposed to send a + confidential Frenchman to him with information. "I should be very happy," + he replied, "to receive authentic intelligence of the destination of the + French squadron, their route, and time of sailing. Anything short of this + is useless; and I assure your excellency, that I would not upon any + consideration have a Frenchman in the fleet, except as a prisoner. I put + no confidence in them. You think yours good; the queen thinks the same; I + believe they are all alike. Whatever information you can get me I shall be + very thankful for; but not a Frenchman comes here. Forgive me, but my + mother hated the French." + </p> + <p> + M. Latouche Treville, who had commanded at Boulogne, commanded now at + Toulon. "He was sent for on purpose," said Nelson, "as he BEAT ME at + Boulogne, to beat me again; but he seems very loath to try." One day, + while the main body of our fleet was out of sight of land, Rear-Admiral + Campbell, reconnoitring with the CANOPUS, DONEGAL, and AMAZON, stood in + close to the port; and M. Latouche, taking advantage of a breeze which + sprung up, pushed out with four ships of the line and three heavy + frigates, and chased him about four leagues. The Frenchman, delighted at + having found himself in so novel a situation, published a boastful + account, affirming that he had given chase to the whole British fleet, and + that Nelson had fled before him! Nelson thought it due to the Admiralty to + send home a copy of the VICTORY's log upon this occasion. "As for + himself," he said, "if his character was not established by that time for + not being apt to run away, it was not worth his while to put the world + right."—"If this fleet gets fairly up with M. Latouche," said he to + one of his correspondents, "his letter, with all his ingenuity, must be + different from his last. We had fancied that we chased him into Toulon; + for, blind as I am, I could see his water line, when he clued his topsails + up, shutting in Sepet. But from the time of his meeting Captain Hawker in + the ISIS, I never heard of his acting otherwise than as a poltroon and a + liar. Contempt is the best mode of treating such a miscreant." In spite, + however, of contempt, the impudence of this Frenchman half angered him. He + said to his brother: "You will have seen Latouche's letter; how he chased + me and how I ran. I keep it; and if I take him, by God he shall eat it." + </p> + <p> + Nelson, who used to say, that in sea affairs nothing is impossible, and + nothing improbable, feared the more that this Frenchman might get out and + elude his vigilance; because he was so especially desirous of catching + him, and administering to him his own lying letter in a sandwich. M. + Latouche, however, escaped him in another way. He died, according to the + French papers, in consequence of walking so often up to the signal-post + upon Sepet, to watch the British fleet. "I always pronounced that would be + his death," said Nelson. "If he had come out and fought me, it would at + least have added ten years to my life." The patience with which he had + watched Toulon, he spoke of, truly, as a perseverance at sea which had + never been surpassed. From May, 1803, to August, 1805, he himself went out + of his ship but three times; each of those times was upon the king's + service, and neither time of absence exceeded an hour. In 1804 the SWIFT + cutter going out with despatches was taken, and all the despatches and + letters fell into the hands of the enemy. "A very pretty piece of work," + says Nelson; "I am not surprised at the capture, but am very much so that + any despatches should be sent in a vessel with twenty-three men, not equal + to cope with any row-boat privateer. The loss of the HINDOSTAN was great + enough; but for importance it is lost in comparison to the probable + knowledge the enemy will obtain of our connexions with foreign countries. + Foreigners for ever say, and it is true, we dare not trust England: one + way or other we are sure to be committed." In a subsequent letter he says, + speaking of the same capture: "I find, my dearest Emma, that your picture + is very much admired by the French Consul at Barcelona, and that he has + not sent it to be admired, which I am sure it would be, by Buonaparte. + They pretend that there were three pictures taken. I wish I had them; but + they are all gone as irretrievably as the despatches, unless we may read + them in a book, as we printed their correspondence from Egypt. But from us + what can they find out? That I love you most dearly, and hate the French + most damnably. Dr. Scott went to Barcelona to try to get the private + letters, but I fancy they are all gone to Paris. The Swedish and American + Consuls told him that the French Consul had your picture and read your + letters; and the Doctor thinks one of them, probably, read the letters. By + the master's account of the cutter, I would not have trusted an old pair + of shoes in her. He tells me she did not sail, but was a good sea-boat. I + hope Mr. Marsden will not trust any more of my private letters in such a + conveyance: if they choose to trust the affairs of the public in such a + thing, I cannot help it." + </p> + <p> + While he was on this station, the weather had been so unusually severe + that he said the Mediterranean seemed altered. It was his rule never to + contend with the gales; but either run to the southward to escape their + violence, or furl all the sails, and make the ships as easy as possible. + The men, though he said flesh and blood could hardly stand it, continued + in excellent health, which he ascribed, in great measure, to a plentiful + supply of lemons and onions. For himself, he thought he could only last + till the battle was over. One battle more it was his hope that he might + fight. "However," said he, "whatever happens, I have run a glorious race." + "A few months rest," he says, "I must have very soon. If I am in my grave, + what are the mines of Peru to me? But to say the truth, I have no idea of + killing myself. I may, with care, live yet to do good service to the + state. My cough is very bad, and my side, where I was struck on the 14th + of February, is very much swelled: at times a lump as large as my fist, + brought on occasionally by violent coughing. But I hope and believe my + lungs are yet safe." He was afraid of blindness and this was the only evil + which he could not contemplate without unhappiness. More alarming symptoms + he regarded with less apprehension, describing his own "shattered carcass" + as in the worst plight of any in the fleet; and he says, "I have felt the + blood gushing up the left side of my head; and, the moment it covers the + brain, I am fast asleep." The fleet was in worse trim than the men; but + when he compared it with the enemy's, it was with a right English feeling. + "The French fleet yesterday," said he, in one of his letters, "was to + appearance in high feather, and as fine as paint could make them; but when + they may sail, or where they may go, I am very sorry to say is a secret I + am not acquainted with. Our weather-beaten ships, I have no fear, will + make their sides like a plum-pudding." "Yesterday," he says, on another + occasion, "a rear-admiral and seven sail of ships put their nose outside + the harbour. If they go on playing this game, some day we shall lay salt + on their tails." + </p> + <p> + Hostilities at length commenced between Great Britain and Spain. That + country, whose miserable government made her subservient to France, was + once more destined to lavish her resources and her blood in furtherance of + the designs of a perfidious ally. The immediate occasion of the war was + the seizure of four treasure-ships by the English. The act was perfectly + justifiable, for those treasures were intended to furnish means for + France; but the circumstances which attended it were as unhappy as they + were unforeseen. Four frigates had been despatched to intercept them. They + met with an equal force. Resistance, therefore, became a point of honour + on the part of the Spaniards, and one of their ships soon blew up with all + on board. Had a stronger squadron been sent, this deplorable catastrophe + might have been spared: a catastrophe which excited not more indignation + in Spain than it did grief in those who were its unwilling instruments, in + the English government, and in the English people. On the 5th of October + this unhappy affair occurred, and Nelson was not apprised of it till the + twelfth of the ensuing month. He had, indeed, sufficient mortification at + the breaking out of this Spanish war; an event which, it might reasonably + have been supposed, would amply enrich the officers of the Mediterranean + fleet, and repay them for the severe and unremitting duty on which they + had been so long employed. But of this harvest they were deprived; for Sir + John Orde was sent with a small squadron, and a separate command, to + Cadiz. Nelson's feelings were never wounded so deeply as now. "I had + thought," said he, writing in the first flow and freshness of indignation; + "Fancied—but nay; it must have been a dream, an idle dream; yet I + confess it, I DID fancy that I had done my country service; and thus they + use me! And under what circumstances, and with what pointed aggravation? + Yet, if I know my own thoughts, it is not for myself, or on my own account + chiefly, that I feel the sting and the disappointment. No! it is for my + brave officers: for my noble minded friends and comrades. Such a gallant + set of fellows! Such a band of brothers! My heart swells at the thought of + them." + </p> + <p> + War between Spain and England was now declared; and on the eighteenth of + January, the Toulon fleet, having the Spaniards to co-operate with them, + put to sea. Nelson was at anchor off the coast of Sardinia, where the + Madelena islands form one of the finest harbours in the world, when, at + three in the afternoon of the nineteenth, the ACTIVE and SEAHORSE frigates + brought this long-hoped-for intelligence. They had been close to the enemy + at ten on the preceding night, but lost sight of them in about four hours. + The fleet immediately unmoored and weighed, and at six in the evening ran + through the strait between Biche and Sardinia: a passage so narrow that + the ships could only pass one at a time, each following the stern-lights + of its leader. From the position of the enemy, when they were last seen, + it was inferred that they must be bound round the southern end of + Sardinia. Signal was made the next morning to prepare for battle. Bad + weather came on, baffling the one fleet in its object, and the other in + its pursuit. Nelson beat about the Sicilian seas for ten days, without + obtaining any other information of the enemy than that one of their ships + had put into Ajaccio, dismasted; and having seen that Sardinia, Naples, + and Sicily were safe, believing Egypt to be their destination, for Egypt + he ran. The disappointment and distress which he had experienced in his + former pursuits of the French through the same seas were now renewed; but + Nelson, while he endured these anxious and unhappy feelings, was still + consoled by the same confidence as on the former occasion—that, + though his judgment might be erroneous, under all circumstances he was + right in having formed it. "I have consulted no man," said he to the + Admiralty; "therefore the whole blame of ignorance in forming my judgment + must rest with me. I would allow no man to take from me an atom of my + glory had I fallen in with the French fleet; nor do I desire any man to + partake any of the responsibility. All is mine, right or wrong." Then + stating the grounds upon which he had proceeded, he added, "At this moment + of sorrow, I still feel that I have acted right." In the same spirit he + said to Sir Alexander Ball: "When I call to remembrance all the + circumstances, I approve, if nobody else does, of my own conduct." + </p> + <p> + Baffled thus, he bore up for Malta, and met intelligence from Naples that + the French, having been dispersed in a gale, had put back to Toulon. From + the same quarter he learned that a great number of saddles and muskets had + been embarked; and this confirmed him in his opinion that Egypt was their + destination. That they should have put him back in consequence of storms + which he had weathered, gave him a consoling sense of British superiority. + "These gentlemen," said he, "are not accustomed to a Gulf of Lyons gale: + we have buffeted them for one-and-twenty months, and not carried away a + spar." He, however, who had so often braved these gales, was now, though + not mastered by them, vexatiously thwarted and impeded; and on February + 27th he was compelled to anchor in Pula Bay in the Gulf of Cagliari. From + the 21st of January the fleet had remained ready for battle, without a + bulk-head up night or day. He anchored here that he might not be driven to + leeward. As soon as the weather moderated he put to sea again; and after + again beating about against contrary winds, another gale drove him to + anchor in the Gulf of Palma on the 8th of March. This he made his + rendezvous: he knew that the French troops still remained embarked; and + wishing to lead them into a belief that he was stationed upon the Spanish + coast, he made his appearance off Barcelona with that intent. About the + end of the month he began to fear that the plan of the expedition was + abandoned; and sailing once more towards his old station off Toulon on the + 4th of April, he met the PHOEBE, with news that Villeneuve had put to sea + on the last of March, with eleven ships of the line, seven frigates, and + two brigs. When last seen they were steering towards the coast of Africa. + Nelson first covered the channel between Sardinia and Barbary, so as to + satisfy himself that Villeneuve was not taking the same route for Egypt + which Gantheaume had taken before him, when he attempted to carry + reinforcements thither. Certain of this, he bore up on the 7th for + Palermo, lest the French should pass to the north of Corsica, and he + despatched cruisers in all directions. On the 11th he felt assured that + they were not gone down the Mediterranean; and sending off frigates to + Gibraltar, to Lisbon, and to Admiral Cornwallis, who commanded the + squadron off Brest, he endeavoured to get to the westward, beating against + westerly winds. After five days a neutral gave intelligence that the + French had been seen off Cape de Gatte on the 7th. It was soon after + ascertained that they had passed the Straits of Gibraltar on the day + following; and Nelson, knowing that they might already be half way to + Ireland or to Jamaica, exclaimed that he was miserable. One gleam of + comfort only came across him in the reflection, that his vigilance had + rendered it impossible for them to undertake any expedition in the + Mediterranean. + </p> + <p> + Eight days after this certain intelligence had been obtained, he described + his state of mind thus forcibly in writing to the governor of Malta: "My + good fortune, my dear Ball, seems flown away. I cannot get a fair wind, or + even a side-wind. Dead foul!—Dead foul! But my mind is fully made up + what to do when I leave the supposing there is no certain account of the + enemy's destination. I believe this ill-luck will go near to kill me; but + as these are times for exertion, I must not be cast down, whatever I may + feel." In spite of every exertion which could be made by all the zeal and + all the skill of British seamen, he did not get in sight of Gibraltar till + the 30th of April; and the wind was then so adverse that it was impossible + to pass the Gut. He anchored in Mazari Bay, on the Barbary shore; obtained + supplies from Tetuan; and when, on the 5th, a breeze from the eastward + sprang up at last, sailed once more, hoping to hear of the enemy from Sir + John Orde, who commanded off Cadiz, or from Lisbon. "If nothing is heard + of them," said he to the Admiralty, "I shall probably think the rumours + which have been spread are true, that their object is the West Indies; + and, in that case, I think it my duty to follow them—or to the + Antipodes, should I believe that to be their destination." At the time + when this resolution was taken, the physician of the fleet had ordered him + to return to England before the hot months. + </p> + <p> + Nelson had formed his judgment of their destination, and made up his mind + accordingly, when Donald Campbell, at that time an admiral in the + Portuguese service, the same person who had given important tidings to + Earl St. Vincent of the movements of that fleet from which he won his + title, a second time gave timely and momentous intelligence to the flag of + his country. He went on board the VICTORY, and communicated to Nelson his + certain knowledge that the combined Spanish and French fleets were bound + for the West Indies. Hitherto all things had favoured the enemy. While the + British commander was beating up again strong southerly and westerly + gales, they had wind to their wish from the N.E., and had done in nine + days what he was a whole month in accomplishing. Villeneuve, finding the + Spaniards at Carthagena were not in a fit state of equipment to join him, + dared not wait, but hastened on to Cadiz. Sir John Orde necessarily + retired at his approach. Admiral Gravina, with six Spanish ships of the + line and two French, come out to him, and they sailed without a moment's + loss of time. They had about three thousand French troops on board, and + fifteen hundred Spanish: six hundred were under orders, expecting them at + Martinique, and one thousand at Guadaloupe. General Lauriston commanded + the troops. The combined fleet now consisted of eighteen sail of the line, + six forty-four gun frigates, one of twenty-six guns, three corvettes, and + a brig. They were joined afterwards by two new French line-of-battle + ships, and one forty-four. Nelson pursued them with ten sail of the line + and three frigates. "Take you a Frenchman apiece," said he to his + captains, "and leave me the Spaniards: when I haul down my colours, I + expect you to do the same, and not till then." + </p> + <p> + The enemy had five-and-thirty days' start; but he calculated that he + should gain eight or ten days upon them by his exertions. May 15th he made + Madeira, and on June 4th reached Barbadoes, whither he had sent despatches + before him; and where he found Admiral Cochrane, with two ships, part of + our squadron in those seas being at Jamaica. He found here also accounts + that the combined fleets had been seen from St. Lucia on the 28th, + standing to the southward, and that Tobago and Trinidad were their + objects. This Nelson doubted; but he was alone in his opinion, and yielded + it with these foreboding words: "If your intelligence proves false, you + lose me the French fleet." Sir W. Myers offered to embark here with 2000 + troops; they were taken on board, and the next morning he sailed for + Tobago. Here accident confirmed the false intelligence which had, whether + from intention or error, misled him. A merchant at Tobago, in the general + alarm, not knowing whether this fleet was friend or foe, sent out a + schooner to reconnoitre, and acquaint him by signal. The signal which he + had chosen happened to be the very one which had been appointed by Col. + Shipley of the engineers to signify that the enemy were at Trinidad; and + as this was at the close of the day, there was no opportunity of + discovering the mistake. An American brig was met with about the same + time, the master of which, with that propensity to deceive the English and + assist the French in any manner which has been but too common among his + countrymen, affirmed that he had been boarded off Granada a few days + before by the French, who were standing towards the Bocas of Trinidad. + This fresh intelligence removed all doubts. The ships were cleared for + action before daylight, and Nelson entered the Bay of Paria on the 7th, + hoping and expecting to make the mouths of the Orinoco as famous in the + annals of the British navy as those of the Nile. Not an enemy was there; + and it was discovered that accident and artifice had combined to lead him + so far to leeward, that there could have been little hope of fetching to + windward of Granada for any other fleet. Nelson, however, with skill and + exertions never exceeded, and almost unexampled, bore for that island. + </p> + <p> + Advices met him on the way, that the combined fleets, having captured the + Diamond Rock, were then at Martinique on the fourth, and were expected to + sail that night for the attack of Granada. On the 9th Nelson arrived off + that island; and there learned that they had passed to leeward of Antigua + the preceding day, and had taken a homeward-bound convoy. Had it not been + for false information, upon which Nelson had acted reluctantly, and in + opposition to his own judgment, he would have been off Port Royal just as + they were leaving; it, and the battle would have been fought on the spot + where Rodney defeated De Grasse. This he remembered in his vexation; but + he had saved the colonies, and above 200 ships laden for Europe, which + would else have fallen into the enemy's hands; and he had the satisfaction + of knowing that the mere terror of his name had effected this, and had put + to flight the allied enemies, whose force nearly doubled that before which + they fled. That they were flying back to Europe he believed, and for + Europe he steered in pursuit on the 13th, having disembarked the troops at + Antigua, and taking with him the SPARTIATE, seventy-four; the only + addition to the squadron with which he was pursuing so superior a force. + Five days afterwards the AMAZON brought intelligence that she had spoke a + schooner who had seen them on the evening of the 15th, steering to the + north; and by computation, eighty-seven leagues off. Nelson's diary at + this time denotes his great anxiety and his perpetual and all-observing + vigilance. "June 21. Midnight, nearly calm, saw three planks, which I + think came from the French fleet. Very miserable, which is very foolish." + On the 17th of July he came in sight of Cape St. Vincent, and steered for + Gibraltar. "June 18th," his diary says, "Cape Spartel in sight, but no + French fleet, nor any information about them. How sorrowful this makes me! + but I cannot help myself." The next day he anchored at Gibraltar; and on + the 20th, says he, "I went on shore for the first time since June 16, + 1803; and from having my foot out of the VICTORY two years, wanting ten + days." + </p> + <p> + Here he communicated with his old friend Collingwood; who, having been + detached with a squadron, when the disappearance of the combined fleets, + and of Nelson in their pursuit, was known in England, had taken his + station off Cadiz. He thought that Ireland was the enemy's ultimate + object; that they would now liberate the Ferrol squadron, which was + blocked up by Sir Robert Calder, call for the Rochefort ships, and then + appear off Ushant with 33 or 34 sail; there to be joined: by the Brest + fleet. With this great force he supposed they would make for Ireland—the + real mark and bent of all their operations; and their flight to the West + Indies, he thought, had been merely undertaken to take off Nelson's force, + which was the great impediment to their undertaking. + </p> + <p> + Collingwood was gifted with great political penetration. As yet, however, + all was conjecture concerning the enemy; and Nelson, having victualled and + watered at Tetuan, stood for Ceuta on the 24th, still without information + of their course. Next day intelligence arrived that the CURIEUX brig had + seen them on the 19th, standing to the northward. He proceeded off Cape + St. Vincent, rather cruising for intelligence than knowing whither to + betake himself; and here a case occurred that more than any other event in + real history resembles those whimsical proofs of sagacity which Voltaire, + in his Zadig, has borrowed from the Orientals. One of our frigates spoke + an American, who, a little to the westward of the Azores, had fallen in + with an armed vessel, appearing to be a dismasted privateer, deserted by + her crew, which had been run on board by another ship, and had been set + fire to; but the fire had gone out. A log-book and a few seamen's jackets + were found in the cabin; and these were brought to Nelson. The log-book + closed with these words: "Two large vessels in the W.N.W.:" and this led + him to conclude that the vessel had been an English privateer, cruising + off the Western Islands. But there was in this book a scrap of dirty + paper, filled with figures. Nelson, immediately upon seeing it, observed + that the figures were written by a Frenchman; and after studying this for + a while, said, "I can explain the whole. The jackets are of French + manufacture, and prove that the privateer was in possession of the enemy. + She had been chased and taken by the two ships that were seen in the + W.N.W. The prizemaster, going on board in a hurry, forgot to take with him + his reckoning: there is none in the log-book; and the dirty paper contains + her work for the number of days since the privateer last left Corvo; with + an unaccounted-for run, which I take to have been the chase, in his + endeavour to find out her situation by back reckonings. By some + mismanagement, I conclude she was run on board of by one of the enemy's + ships, and dismasted. Not liking delay (for I am satisfied that those two + ships were the advanced ones of the French squadron), and fancying we were + close at their heels, they set fire to the vessel, and abandoned her in a + hurry. If this explanation be correct, I infer from it that they are gone + more to the northward; and more to the northward I will look for them." + This course accordingly he held, but still without success. Still + persevering, and still disappointed, he returned near enough to Cadiz to + ascertain that they were not there; traversed the Bay of Biscay; and then, + as a last hope, stood over for the north-west coast of Ireland against + adverse winds, till, on the evening of the 12th of August, he learned that + they had not been heard of there. Frustrated thus in all his hopes, after + a pursuit, to which, for its extent, rapidity, and perseverance, no + parallel can be produced, he judged it best to reinforce the Channel fleet + with his squadron, lest the enemy, as Collingwood apprehended, should bear + down upon Brest with their whole collected force. On the 15th he joined + Admiral Cornwallis off Ushant. No news had yet been obtained of the enemy; + and on the same evening he received orders to proceed, with the VICTORY + and SUPERB, to Portsmouth. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0009" id="link2HCH0009"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IX + </h2> + <h3> + 1805 + </h3> + <p> + Sir Robert Calder falls in with the combined Fleets—They form a + Junction with the Ferrol Squadron, and get into Cadiz—Nelson is + reappointed to the Command—Battle of Trafalgar—Victory, and + Death of Nelson. + </p> + <p> + At Portsmouth, Nelson at length found news of the combined fleet. Sir + Robert Calder, who had been sent out to intercept their return, had fallen + in with them on the 22nd of July, sixty leagues off Cape Finisterre. Their + force consisted of twenty sail of the line, three fifty-gun ships, five + frigates, and two brigs: his, of fifteen line-of-battle ships, two + frigates, a cutter, and a lugger. After an action of four hours he had + captured an eighty-four and a seventy-four, and then thought it necessary + to bring-to the squadron, for the purpose of securing their prizes. The + hostile fleets remained in sight of each other till the 26th, when the + enemy bore away. The capture of two ships from so superior a force would + have been considered as no inconsiderable victory, a few years earlier; + but Nelson had introduced a new era in our naval history; and the nation + felt respecting this action as he had felt on a somewhat similar occasion. + They regretted that Nelson, with his eleven ships, had not been in Sir + Robert Calder's place; and their disappointment was generally and loudly + expressed. + </p> + <p> + Frustrated as his own hopes had been, Nelson had yet the high satisfaction + of knowing that his judgment had never been more conspicuously approved, + and that he had rendered essential service to his country, by driving the + enemy from those Islands where they expected there could be no force + capable of opposing them. The West India merchants in London, as men whose + interests were more immediately benefited, appointed a deputation to + express their thanks for his great and judicious exertions. It was now his + intention to rest awhile from his labours, and recruit himself, after all + his fatigues and cares, in the society of those whom he loved. All his + stores were brought up from the VICTORY; and he found in his house at + Merton the enjoyment which he had anticipated. Many days had not elapsed + before Captain Blackwood, on his way to London with despatches, called on + him at five in the morning. Nelson, who was already dressed, exclaimed, + the moment he saw him: "I am sure you bring me news of the French and + Spanish fleets! I think I shall yet have to beat them!" They had refitted + at Vigo, after the indecisive action with Sir Robert Calder; then + proceeded to Ferrol, brought out the squadron from thence, and with it + entered Cadiz in safety. "Depend on it, Blackwood:" he repeatedly said, "I + shall yet give M. Villeneuve a drubbing." But when Blackwood had left him, + he wanted resolution to declare his wishes to Lady Hamilton and his + sisters, and endeavoured to drive away the thought. He had done enough, he + said: "Let the man trudge it who has lost his budget!" His countenance + belied his lips; and as he was pacing one of the walks in the garden, + which he used to call the quarter-deck, Lady Hamilton came up to him, and + told him she saw he was uneasy. He smiled, and said: "No, he was as happy + as possible; he was surrounded by his family, his health was better since + he had been an shore, and he would not give sixpence to call the king his + uncle." She replied, that she did not believe him, that she knew that he + was longing to get at the combined fleets, that he considered them as his + own property, that he would be miserable if any man but himself did the + business; and that he ought to have them, as the price and reward of his + two years' long watching, and his hard chase. "Nelson," said she, "however + we may lament your absence, offer your services; they will be accepted, + and you will gain a quiet heart by it: you will have a glorious victory, + and then you may return here, and be happy." He looked at her with tears + in his eyes: "Brave Emma! Good Emma! If there were more Emmas there would + be more Nelsons." + </p> + <p> + His services were as willingly accepted as they were offered; and Lord + Barham, giving him the list of the navy, desired him to choose his own + officers. "Choose yourself, my lord," was his reply: "the same spirit + actuates the whole profession: you cannot choose wrong." Lord Barham then + desired him to say what ships, and how many, he would wish, in addition to + the fleet which he was going to command, and said they should follow him + as soon as each was ready. No appointment was ever more in unison with the + feelings and judgment of the whole nation. They, like Lady Hamilton, + thought that the destruction of the combined fleets ought properly to be + Nelson's work; that he who had been + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "Half around the sea-girt ball, + The hunter of the recreant Gaul," +</pre> + <p> + ought to reap the spoils of the chase which he had watched so long, and so + perseveringly pursued. + </p> + <p> + Unremitting exertions were made to equip the ships which he had chosen, + and especially to refit the VICTORY, which was once more to bear his flag. + Before he left London he called at his upholsterer's, where the coffin + which Captain Hallowell had given him was deposited; and desired that its + history might be engraven upon the lid, saying that it was highly probable + he might want it on his return. He seemed, indeed, to have been impressed + with an expectation that he should fall in the battle. In a letter to his + brother, written immediately after his return, he had said: "We must not + talk of Sir Robert Calder's battle—I might not have done so much + with my small force. If I had fallen in with them, you might probably have + been a lord before I wished; for I know they meant to make a dead set at + the VICTORY." Nelson had once regarded the prospect of death with gloomy + satisfaction: it was when he anticipated the upbraidings of his wife, and + the displeasure of his venerable father. The state of his feelings now was + expressed in his private journal in these words: "Friday night (Sept. 13), + at half-past ten, I drove from dear, dear Merton; where I left all which I + hold dear in this world, to go and serve my king and country. May the + great GOD, whom I adore, enable me to fulfil the expectations of my + country! and if it is His good pleasure that I should return, my thanks + will never cease being offered up to the throne of His mercy. If it is His + good providence to cut short my days upon earth, I bow with the greatest + submission; relying that he will protect those so dear to me whom I may + leave behind! His will be done. Amen! Amen! Amen!" + </p> + <p> + Early on the following morning he reached Portsmouth; and having + despatched his business on shore, endeavoured to elude the populace by + taking a by-way to the beach; but a crowd collected in his train, pressing + forward to obtain a sight of his face: many were in tears, and many knelt + down before him and blessed him as he passed. England has had many heroes; + but never one who so entirely possessed the love of his fellow-countrymen + as Nelson. All men knew that his heart was as humane as it was fearless; + that there was not in his nature the slightest alloy of selfishness or + cupidity; but that with perfect and entire devotion he served his country + with all his heart, and with all his soul, and with all his strength; and, + therefore, they loved him as truly and as fervently as he loved England. + They pressed upon the parapet to gaze after him when his barge pushed off, + and he was returning their cheers by waving his hat. The sentinels, who + endeavoured to prevent them from trespassing upon this ground, were wedged + among the crowd; and an officer who, not very prudently upon such an + occasion, ordered them to drive the people down with their bayonets, was + compelled speedily to retreat; for the people would not be debarred from + gazing till the last moment upon the hero—the darling hero of + England! + </p> + <p> + He arrived off Cadiz on the 29th of September—his birthday. Fearing + that if the enemy knew his force they might be deterred from venturing to + sea, he kept out of sight of land, desired Collingwood to fire no salute + and hoist no colours, and wrote to Gibraltar to request that the force of + the fleet might not be inserted there in the GAZETTE. His reception in the + Mediterranean fleet was as gratifying as the farewell of his countrymen at + Portsmouth: the officers who came on board to welcome him forgot his rank + as commander in their joy at seeing him again. On the day of his arrival, + Villeneuve received orders to put to sea the first opportunity. + Villeneuve, however, hesitated when he heard that Nelson had resumed the + command. He called a council of war; and their determination was, that it + would not be expedient to leave Cadiz, unless they had reason to believe + themselves stronger by one-third than the British force. In the public + measures of this country secrecy is seldom practicable, and seldomer + attempted: here, however, by the precautions of Nelson and the wise + measures of the Admiralty, the enemy were for once kept in ignorance; for + as the ships appointed to reinforce the Mediterranean fleet were + despatched singly, each as soon as it was ready, their collected number + was not stated in the newspapers, and their arrival was not known to the + enemy. But the enemy knew that Admiral Louis, with six sail, had been + detached for stores and water to Gibraltar. Accident also contributed to + make the French admiral doubt whether Nelson himself had actually taken + the command. An American, lately arrived from England, maintained that it + was impossible, for he had seen him only a few days before in London, and + at that time there was no rumour of his going again to sea. + </p> + <p> + The station which Nelson had chosen was some fifty or sixty miles to the + west of Cadiz, near Cape St. Marys. At this distance, he hoped to decoy + the enemy out while he guarded against the danger of being caught with a + westerly wind near Cadiz and driven within the Straits. The blockade of + the port was rigorously enforced, in hopes that the combined fleet might + be forced to sea by want. The Danish vessels, therefore, which were + carrying provisions from the French ports in the bay, under the name of + Danish property, to all the little ports from Ayamonte to Algeziras, from + whence they were conveyed in coasting boats to Cadiz, were seized. Without + this proper exertion of power, the blockade would have been rendered + nugatory by the advantage thus taken of the neutral flag. The supplies + from France were thus effectually cut off. There was now every indication + that the enemy would speedily venture out: officers and men were in the + highest spirits at the prospects of giving them a decisive blow; such, + indeed, as would put an end to all further contest upon the seas. + Theatrical amusements were performed every evening in most of the ships; + and God save the King was the hymn with which the sports concluded. "I + verily believe," said Nelson (writing on the 6th of October), "that the + country will soon be put to some expense on my account; either a monument, + or a new pension and honours; for I have not the smallest doubt but that a + very few days, almost hours, will put us in battle. The success no man can + ensure; but for the fighting them, if they can be got at, I pledge myself. + The sooner the better: I don't like to have these things upon my mind." + </p> + <p> + At this time he was not without some cause of anxiety: he was in want of + frigates, and the eyes of the fleet, as he always called them; to the want + of which the enemy before were indebted for their escape, and Buonaparte + for his arrival in Egypt. He had only twenty-three ships; others were on + the way, but they might come too late; and though Nelson never doubted of + victory, mere victory was not what he looked to; he wanted to annihilate + the enemy's fleet. The Carthagena squadron might effect a junction with + this fleet on the one side; and on the other it was to be expected that a + similar attempt would be made by the French from Brest; in either case a + formidable contingency to be apprehended by the blockading force. The + Rochefort squadron did push out, and had nearly caught the AGAMEMNON and + L'AIMABLE in their way to reinforce the British admiral. Yet Nelson at + this time weakened his own fleet. He had the unpleasant task to perform of + sending home Sir Robert Calder, whose conduct was to be made the subject + of a court-martial, in consequence of the general dissatisfaction which + had been felt and expressed at his imperfect victory. Sir Robert Calder + and Sir John Orde, Nelson believed to be the only two enemies whom he had + ever had in his profession; and from that sensitive delicacy which + distinguished him, this made him the more scrupulously anxious to show + every possible mark of respect and kindness to Sir Robert. He wished to + detain him till after the expected action, when the services which he + might perform, and the triumphant joy which would be excited, would leave + nothing to be apprehended from an inquiry into the previous engagement. + Sir Robert, however, whose situation was very painful, did not choose to + delay a trial from the result of which he confidently expected a complete + justification; and Nelson, instead of sending him home in a frigate, + insisted on his returning in his own ninety-gun ship—ill as such a + ship could at that time be spared. Nothing could be more honourable than + the feeling by which Nelson was influenced; but, at such a crisis, it + ought not to have been indulged. + </p> + <p> + On the 9th Nelson sent Collingwood what he called, in his diary, the + Nelson-touch. "I send you," said he, "my plan of attack, as far as a man + dare venture to guess at the very uncertain position the enemy may be + found in; but it is to place you perfectly at ease respecting my + intentions, and to give full scope to your judgment for carrying them into + effect. We can, my dear Coll, have no little jealousies. We have only one + great object in view, that of annihilating our enemies, and getting a + glorious peace for our country. No man has more confidence in another than + I have in you; and no man will render your services more justice than your + very old friend Nelson and Bronte." The order of sailing was to be the + order of battle: the fleet in two lines, with an advanced squadron of + eight of the fastest-sailing two-deckers. The second in command, having + the entire direction of his line, was to break through the enemy, about + the twelfth ship from their rear: he would lead through the centre, and + the advanced squadron was to cut off three or four ahead of the centre. + This plan was to be adapted to the strength of the enemy, so that they + should always be one-fourth superior to those whom they cut off. Nelson + said, "That his admirals and captains, knowing his precise object to be + that of a close and decisive action, would supply any deficiency of + signals, and act accordingly. In case signals cannot be seen or clearly + understood, no captain can do wrong if he places his ship alongside that + of an enemy." One of the last orders of this admirable man was, that the + name and family of every officer, seaman, and marine, who might be killed + or wounded in action, should be, as soon as possible, returned to him, in + order to be transmitted to the chairman of the Patriotic Fund, that the + case might be taken into consideration for the benefit of the sufferer or + his family. + </p> + <p> + About half-past nine in the morning of the 19th, the MARS, being the + nearest to the fleet of the ships which formed the line of communication + with the frigates inshore, repeated the signal that the enemy were coming + out of port. The wind was at this time very light, with partial breezes, + mostly from the S.S.W. Nelson ordered the signal to be made for a chase in + the south-east quarter. About two, the repeating ships announced that the + enemy were at sea. All night the British fleet continued under all sail, + steering to the south-east. At daybreak they were in the entrance of the + Straits, but the enemy were not in sight. About seven one of the frigates + made signal that the enemy were bearing north. Upon this the VICTORY hove + to; and shortly afterwards Nelson made sail again to the northward. In the + afternoon-the wind blew fresh from the south-west, and the English began + to fear that the foe might be forced to return to port. A little before + sunset, however, Blackwood, in the EURYALUS, telegraphed that they + appeared determined to go to the westward, "And that," said the admiral in + his diary, "they shall not do, if it is in the power of Nelson and Bronte + to prevent them." Nelson had signified to Blackwood that he depended upon + him to keep sight of the enemy. They were observed so well that all their + motions were made known to him; and as they wore twice, he inferred that + they were aiming to keep the port of Cadiz open, and would retreat there + as soon as they saw the British fleet; for this reason he was very careful + not to approach near enough to be seen by them during the night. At + daybreak the combined fleets were distinctly seen from the VICTORY's deck, + formed in a close line of battle ahead, on the starboard tack, about + twelve miles to leeward, and standing to the south. Our fleet consisted of + twenty-seven sail of the line and four frigates; theirs of thirty-three + and seven large frigates. Their superiority was greater in size and weight + of metal than in numbers. They had four thousand troops on board; and the + best riflemen who could be procured, many of them Tyrolese, were dispersed + through the ships. Little did the Tyrolese, and little did the Spaniards, + at that day, imagine what horrors the wicked tyrant whom they served was + preparing for their country. + </p> + <p> + Soon after daylight Nelson came upon deck. The 21st of October was a + festival in his family, because on that day his uncle, Captain Suckling, + in the DREADNOUGHT, with two other line-of-battle ships, had beaten off a + French squadron of four sail of the line and three frigates. Nelson, with + that sort of superstition from which few persons are entirely exempt, had + more than once expressed his persuasion that this was to be the day of his + battle also; and he was well pleased at seeing his prediction about to be + verified. The wind was now from the west, light breezes, with a long heavy + swell. Signal was made to bear down upon the enemy in two lines; and the + fleet set all sail. Collingwood, in the ROYAL SOVEREIGN, led the leeline + of thirteen ships; the VICTORY led the weather line of fourteen. Having + seen that all was as it should be, Nelson retired to his cabin, and wrote + the following prayer:— + </p> + <p> + "May the great GOD whom I worship, grant to my country, and for the + benefit of Europe in general, a great and glorious victory, and may no + misconduct in any one tarnish it; and may humanity after victory be the + predominant feature in the British fleet! For myself individually, I + commit my life to Him that made me; and may His blessing alight on my + endeavours for serving my country faithfully! To Him I resign myself, and + the just cause which is entrusted to me to defend. Amen! Amen! Amen!" + </p> + <p> + Having thus discharged his devotional duties, he annexed, in the same + diary, the following remarkable writing:— + </p> + <p> + OCTOBER 21, 1805.—. THEN IN SIGHT OF THE COMBINED FLEETS OF FRANCE + AND SPAIN, DISTANT ABOUT TEN MILES. + </p> + <p> + "Whereas the eminent services of Emma Hamilton, widow of the Right Hon. + Sir W. Hamilton, have been of the very greatest service to my king and + country, to my knowledge, without ever receiving any reward from either + our king or country. + </p> + <p> + 1. That she obtained the King of Spain's letter, in 1796, to his brother, + the King of Naples, acquainting him of his intention to declare war + against England from which letter the ministry sent out orders to the then + Sir John Jervis to strike a stroke, if opportunity offered, against either + the arsenals of Spain or her fleets. That neither of these was done is not + the fault of Lady Hamilton; the opportunity might have been offered. + </p> + <p> + 2. The British fleet under my command could never have returned the second + time to Egypt, had not Lady Hamilton's influence with the Queen of Naples + caused letters to be wrote to the governor of Syracuse that he was to + encourage the fleet's being supplied with everything, should they put into + any port in Sicily. We put into Syracuse, and received every supply; went + to Egypt and destroyed the French fleet. + </p> + <p> + "Could I have rewarded these services, I would not now call upon my + country; but as that has not been in my power, I leave Emma Lady Hamilton + therefore a legacy to my king and country, that they will give her an + ample provision to maintain her rank in life. + </p> + <p> + "I also leave to the beneficence of my country my adopted daughter, + Horatia Nelson Thompson; and I desire she will use in future the name of + Nelson only. + </p> + <p> + "These are the only favours I ask of my king and country, at this moment, + when I am going to fight their battle. May God bless my king and country, + and all those I hold dear! My relations it is needless to mention; they + will of course be amply provided for. + </p> + <p> + "NELSON AND BRONTE. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> +"WITNESS, ( HENRY BLACKWOOD. + ( T.M.HARDY." +</pre> + <p> + The child of whom this writing Speaks was believed to be his daughter, and + so, indeed, he called her the last time he pronounced her name. She was + then about five years old, living at Merton, under Lady Hamilton's care. + The last minutes which Nelson passed at Merton were employed in praying + over this child, as she lay sleeping. A portrait of Lady Hamilton hung in + his cabin; and no Catholic ever beheld the picture of his patron saint + with devouter reverence. The undisguised and romantic passion with which + he regarded it amounted almost to superstition; and when the portrait was + now taken down in clearing for action, he desired the men who removed it + to "take care of his guardian angel." In this manner he frequently spoke + of it, as if he believed there were a virtue in the image. He wore a + miniature of her, also, next his heart. + </p> + <p> + Blackwood went on board the VICTORY about six. He found him in good + spirits, but very calm; not in that exhilaration which he had felt upon + entering into battle at Aboukir and Copenhagen: he knew that his own life + would be particularly aimed at, and seems to have looked for death with + almost as sure an expectation as for victory. His whole attention was + fixed upon the enemy. They tacked to the northward, and formed their line + on the larboard tack; thus bringing the shoals of Trafalgar and St. Pedro + under the lee of the British, and keeping the port of Cadiz open for + themselves. This was judiciously done; and Nelson, aware of all the + advantages which it gave them made signal to prepare to anchor. + </p> + <p> + Villeneuve was a skilful seaman: worthy of serving a better master, and a + better cause. His plan of defence was as well conceived, and as original, + as the plan of attack. He formed the fleet in a double line; every + alternate ship being about a cable's length to windward of her second + ahead and astern. Nelson, certain of a triumphant issue to the day, asked + Blackwood what he should consider as a victory. That officer answered, + that, considering the handsome way in which battle was offered by the + enemy, their apparent determination for a fair trial of strength, and the + situation of the land, he thought it would be a glorious result if + fourteen were captured. He replied: "I shall not be satisfied with less + than twenty." Soon afterwards he asked him if he did not think there was a + signal wanting. Captain Blackwood made answer, that he thought the whole + fleet seemed very clearly to understand what they were about. These words + were scarcely spoken before that signal was made, which will be remembered + as long as the language, or even the memory, of England shall endure; + Nelson's last signal:—"ENGLAND EXPECTS EVERY MAN TO DO HIS DUTY!" It + was received throughout the fleet with a shout of answering acclamation, + made sublime by the spirit which it breathed, and the feeling which it + expressed. "Now," said Lord Nelson, "I can do no more. We must trust to + the great Disposer of all events, and the justice of our cause. I thank + God for this great opportunity of doing my duty." + </p> + <p> + He wore that day, as usual, his admiral's frock-coat, bearing on the left + breast four stars, of the different orders with which he was invested. + Ornaments which rendered him so conspicuous a mark for the enemy were + beheld with ominous apprehensions by his officers. It was known that there + were riflemen on board the French ships, and it could not be doubted but + that his life would be particularly aimed at. They communicated their + fears to each other; and the surgeon, Mr. Beatty, spoke to the chaplain + Dr. Scott, and to Mr. Scott the public secretary, desiring that some + person would entreat him to change his dress, or cover the stars; but they + knew that such a request would highly displease him. "In honour I gained + them," he had said when such a thing had been hinted to him formerly, "and + in honour I will die with them." Mr. Beatty, however, would not have been + deterred by any fear of exciting his displeasure from speaking to him + himself upon a subject in which the weal of England, as well as the life + of Nelson, was concerned; but he was ordered from the deck before he could + find an opportunity. This was a point upon which Nelson's officers knew + that it was hopeless to remonstrate or reason with him; but both + Blackwood, and his own captain, Hardy, represented to him how advantageous + to the fleet it would be for him to keep out of action as long as + possible; and he consented at last to let the LEVIATHAN and the TEMERAIRE, + which were sailing abreast of the VICTORY, he ordered to pass ahead. Yet + even here the last infirmity of this noble mind was indulged, for these + ships could not pass ahead if the VICTORY continued to carry all her sail; + and so far was Nelson from shortening sail, that it was evident he took + pleasure in pressing on, and rendering it impossible for them to obey his + own orders. A long swell was setting into the bay of Cadiz: our ships, + crowding all sail, moved majestically before it, with light winds from the + south-west. The sun shone on the sails of the enemy; and their well-formed + line, with their numerous three-deckers, made an appearance which any + other assailants would have thought formidable; but the British sailors + only admired the beauty and the splendour of the spectacle; and in full + confidence of winning what they saw, remarked to each other what a fine + sight yonder ships would make at Spithead! + </p> + <p> + The French admiral, from the BUCENTAURE, beheld the new manner in which + his enemy was advancing—Nelson and Collingwood each leading his + line; and pointing them out; to his officers, he is said to have exclaimed + that such conduct could not fail to be successful. Yet Villeneuve had made + his own dispositions with the utmost skill and the fleets under his + command waited for the attack with perfect coolness. Ten minutes before + twelve they opened their fire. Eight or nine of the ships immediately + ahead of the VICTORY, and across her bows, fired single guns at her, to + ascertain whether she was yet within their range. As soon as Nelson + perceived that their shot passed over him, he desired Blackwood and + Captain Prowse, of the SIRIUS, to repair to their respective frigates; + and, on their way, to tell all the captains of the line-of-battle ships + that he depended on their exertions; and that if, by the prescribed mode + of attack, they found it impracticable to get into action immediately, + they might adopt whatever they thought best, provided it led them quickly + and closely alongside an enemy. As they were standing on the front of the + poop, Blackwood took him by the hand, saying, he hoped soon to return and + find him in possession of twenty prizes. He replied, "God bless you, + Blackwood; I shall never see you again." + </p> + <p> + Nelson's column was steered about two points more to the north than + Collingwood's, in order to cut off the enemy's escape into Cadiz: the lee + line, therefore, was first engaged. "See," cried Nelson, pointing to the + ROYAL SOVEREIGN, as she steered right for the centre of the enemy's line, + cut through it astern of the SANTA ANNA three-decker, and engaged her at + the muzzle of her guns on the starboard side—"see how that noble + fellow, Collingwood, carries his ship into action!" Collingwood, delighted + at being first in the heat of the fire, and knowing the feelings of his + commander and old friend, turned to his captain, and exclaimed: + "Rotherham, what would Nelson give to be here?" Both these brave officers, + perhaps, at this moment, thought of Nelson with gratitude, for a + circumstance which had occurred on the preceding day. Admiral Collingwood, + with some of the captains, having gone on board the VICTORY to receive + instructions, Nelson inquired of him where his captain was and was told, + in reply, that they were not upon good terms with each other. "Terms!" + said Nelson,—"good terms with each other!" Immediately he sent a + boat for Captain Rotherham; led him, as soon as he arrived, to + Collingwood; and saying, "Look; yonder are the enemy!" bade them shake + hands like Englishmen. + </p> + <p> + The enemy continued to fire a gun at a time at the VICTORY, till they saw + that a shot had passed through her main-top-gallant sail; then they opened + their broadsides, aiming chiefly at her rigging, in the hope of disabling + her before she could close with them. Nelson, as usual, had hoisted + several flags, lest one should be shot away. The enemy showed no colours + till late in the action, when they began to feel the necessity of having + them to strike. For this reason, the SANTISSIMA TRINIDAD, Nelson's old + acquaintance, as he used to call her, was distinguishable only by her four + decks; and to the bow of this opponent he ordered the VICTORY to be + steered. Meantime an incessant raking fire was kept up upon the VICTORY. + The admiral's secretary was one of the first who fell; he was killed by a + cannon-shot while conversing with Hardy. Captain Adair of the marines, + with the help of a sailor, endeavoured to remove the body from Nelson's + sight, who had a great regard for Mr. Scott; but he anxiously asked: "Is + that poor Scott that's gone?" and being informed that was indeed so, + exclaimed: "Poor fellow!" Presently, a double-headed shot struck a party + of marines who were drawn up on the poop, and killed eight of them; upon + which Nelson immediately desired Captain Adair to disperse his men round + the ship, that they might not suffer so much from being together. A few + minutes afterwards a shot struck the four-brace bits on the quarter-deck, + and passed between Nelson and Hardy, a splinter from the bit tearing off + Hardy's buckle, and bruising his foot. Both stopped, and looked anxiously + at each other, each supposed the other to be wounded. Nelson then smiled, + and said, "This is too warm work, Hardy, to last long." + </p> + <p> + The VICTORY had not yet returned a single gun: fifty of her men had been + by this time killed or wounded, and her main-top-mast, with all her + studding-sails and her booms, shot away. Nelson declared, that, in all his + battles, he had seen nothing which surpassed the cool courage of his crew + on this occasion. At four minutes after twelve she opened her fire from + both sides of her deck. It was not possible to break the enemy's line + without running on board one of their ships: Hardy informed him of this, + and asked him which he would prefer. Nelson replied: "Take your choice, + Hardy, it does not signify much." The master was ordered to put the helm + to port, and the VICTORY ran on board the REDOUTABLE, just as her tiller + ropes were shot away. The French ship received her with a broadside; then + instantly let down her lower-deck ports, for fear of being bearded through + them, and never afterwards fired a great gun during the action. Her tops, + like those of all the enemy's ships, were filled with riflemen. Nelson + never placed musketry in his tops; he had a strong dislike to the + practice; not merely because it endangers setting fire to the sails, but + also because it is a murderous sort of warfare, by which individuals may + suffer, and a commander now and then be picked off; but which never can + decide the fate of a general engagement. + </p> + <p> + Captain Harvey, in the TEMERAIRE, fell on board the REDOUTABLE on the + other side. Another enemy was in like manner on board the TEMERAIRE; so + that these four ships formed as compact a tier as if they had been moored + together, their heads lying all the same way. The lieutenants of the + VICTORY, seeing this, depressed their guns of the middle and lower decks, + and fired with a diminished charge, lest the shot should pass through, and + injure the TEMERAIRE. And because there was danger that the REDOUBTABLE + might take fire from the lower-deck guns, the muzzles of which touched her + side when they were run out, the fireman of each gun stood ready with a + bucket of water; which, as soon as the gun was discharged, he dashed into + the hole made by the shot. An incessant fire was kept up from the VICTORY + from both sides; her larboard guns playing upon the BUCENTAURE and the + huge SANTISSIMA TRINIDAD. + </p> + <p> + It had been part of Nelson's prayer that the British fleet might be + distinguished by humanity in the victory which he expected. Setting an + example himself, he twice gave orders to cease firing upon the REDOUTABLE, + supposing that she had struck, because her great guns were silent; for as + she carried no flag, there were no means of instantly ascertaining the + fact. From this ship, which he had thus twice spared, he received his + death. A ball fired from her mizzen-top, which, in the then situation of + the two vessels, was not more than fifteen yards from that part of the + deck where he was standing, struck the epaulette on his left shoulder, + about a quarter after one, just in the heat of action. He fell upon his + face, on the spot which was covered with his poor secretary's blood. + Hardy, who was a few steps from him, turning round, saw three men raising + him up.—"They have done for me at last, Hardy," said he.—"I + hope not," cried Hardy.—"Yes!" he replied, "my back-bone is shot + through." Yet even now, not for a moment losing his presence of mind, he + observed, as they were carrying him down the ladder, that the tiller + ropes, which had been shot away, were not yet replaced, and ordered that + new ones should be rove immediately. Then, that he might not be seen by + the crew, he took out his handkerchief, and covered his face and his + stars. Had he but concealed these badges of honour from the enemy, + England, perhaps, would not have had cause to receive with sorrow the news + of the battle of Trafalgar. The cockpit was crowded with wounded and dying + men, over whose bodies he was with some difficulty conveyed, and laid upon + a pallet in the midshipmen's berth. It was soon perceived, upon + examination, that the wound was mortal. This, however, was concealed from + all except Captain Hardy, the chaplain, and the medical attendants. He + himself being certain, from the sensation in his back, and the gush of + blood he felt momently within his breast, that no human care could avail + him, insisted that the surgeon should leave him, and attend to those to + whom he might be useful; "For," said he, "you can do nothing for me." All + that could be done was to fan him with paper, and frequently to give him + lemonade to alleviate his intense thirst. He was in great pain, and + expressed much anxiety for the event of the action, which now began to + declare itself. As often as a ship struck, the crew of the VICTORY + hurrahed; and at every hurrah a visible expression of joy gleamed in the + eyes, and marked the countenance of the dying hero. But he became + impatient to see Captain Hardy; and as that officer, though often sent + for, could not leave the deck, Nelson feared that some fatal cause + prevented him, and repeatedly cried, "Will no one bring Hardy to me? He + must be killed! He is surely dead!" An hour and ten minutes elapsed from + the time when Nelson received his wound before Hardy could come to him. + They shook hands in silence, Hardy in vain struggling to repress the + feelings of that most painful and yet sublimest moment. "Well, Hardy," + said Nelson, "how goes the day with us?"—"Very well," replied Hardy; + "ten ships have struck, but five of the van have tacked, and show an + intention to bear down upon the VICTORY, I have called two or three of our + fresh ships round, and have no doubt of giving them a drubbing."—"I + hope," said Nelson, "none of our ships have struck?" Hardy answered, + "There was no fear of that." Then, and not till then, Nelson spoke of + himself. "I am a dead man, Hardy," said he: "I am going fast: it will be + all over with me soon. Come nearer to me. Let my dear Lady Hamilton have + my hair, and all other things belonging to me." Hardy observed that he + hoped Mr. Beatty could yet hold out some prospect of life. "Oh, no!" he + replied, "it is impossible. My back is shot through. Beatty will tell you + so." Captain Hardy then, once more, shook hands with him; and, with a + heart almost bursting, hastened upon deck. + </p> + <p> + By this time all feeling below the breast was gone; and Nelson, having + made the surgeon ascertain this, said to him: "You know I am gone, I know + it. I feel something rising in my breast,"—putting his hand on his + left side,—"which tells me so." And upon Beatty's inquiring whether + his pain was very great, he replied, "So great, that he wished he was + dead. Yet," said he, in a lower voice, "one would like to live a little + longer too!" And after a few minutes, in the same under tone, he added—"What + would become of poor Lady Hamilton, if she knew my situation!" Next to his + country she occupied his thoughts. Captain Hardy, some fifty minutes after + he had left the cockpit, returned; and, again taking the hand of his dying + friend and commander, congratulated him on having gained a complete + victory. How many of the enemy were taken he did not know, as it was + impossible to perceive them distinctly; but fourteen or fifteen at least. + "That's well," cried Nelson, "but I bargained for twenty." And then, in a + stronger voice, he said: "Anchor, Hardy; anchor." Hardy, upon this, hinted + that Admiral Collingwood would take upon himself the direction of affairs. + "Not while I live, Hardy," said the dying Nelson, ineffectually + endeavouring to raise himself from the bed: "Do you anchor." His previous + order for preparing to anchor had shown how clearly he foresaw the + necessity of this. Presently, calling Hardy back, he said to him in a low + voice, "Don't throw me overboard:" and he desired that he might be buried + by his parents, unless it should please the king to order otherwise. Then + reverting to private feelings: "Take care of my dear Lady Hamilton, Hardy + take care of poor Lady Hamilton. Kiss me, Hardy," said he. Hardy knelt + down and kissed his cheek; and Nelson: said, "Now I am satisfied. Thank + God I have done my duty." Hardy stood over him in silence for a moment or + two, then knelt again and kissed his forehead. "Who is that?" said Nelson; + and being informed, he replied, "God bless you, Hardy." And Hardy then + left him —for ever. + </p> + <p> + Nelson now desired to be turned upon his right side, and said, "I wish I + had not left the deck; for I shall soon be gone." Death was, indeed, + rapidly approaching. He said to the chaplain, "Doctor, I have NOT been a + GREAT sinner;" and after a short pause, "Remember that I leave Lady + Hamilton and my daughter Horatia as a legacy to my country." His + articulation now became difficult; but he was distinctly heard to say, + "Thank God I have done my duty." These words he repeatedly pronounced; and + they were the last words which he uttered. He expired at thirty minutes + after four—three hours and a quarter after he had received his + wound. + </p> + <p> + Within a quarter of an hour after Nelson was wounded, above fifty of the + VICTORY's men fell by the enemy's musketry. They, however, on their part, + were not idle; and it was not long before there were only two Frenchmen + left alive in the mizzen-top of the REDOUTABLE. One of them was the man + who had given the fatal wound: he did not live to boast of what he had + done. An old quarter-master had seen him fire; and easily recognised him, + because he wore a glazed cocked hat and a white frock. This quarter-master + and two midshipmen, Mr. Collingwood and Mr. Pollard, were the only persons + left in the VICTORY's poop; the two midshipmen kept firing at the top, and + he supplied them with cartridges. One of the Frenchmen, attempting to make + his escape down the rigging, was shot by Mr. Pollard, and fell on the + poop. But the old quarter-master, as he cried out, "That's he, that's he," + and pointed at the other who was coming forward to fire again, received a + shot in his mouth, and fell dead. Both the midshipmen then fired at the + same time, and the fellow dropped in the top. When they took possession of + the prize, they went into the mizzen-top, and found him dead, with one + ball through his head, and another through his breast. + </p> + <p> + The REDOUTABLE struck within twenty minutes after the fatal shot had been + fired from her. During that time she had been twice on fire in her + fore-chains and in her forecastle. The French, as they had done in other + battles, made use in this, of fire-balls and other combustibles; + implements of destruction which other nations, from a sense of honour and + humanity, have laid aside; which add to the sufferings of the wounded, + without determining the issue of the combat: which none but the cruel + would employ, and which never can be successful against the brave. Once + they succeeded in setting fire, from the REDOUTABLE, to some ropes and + canvas on the VICTORY's booms. The cry ran through the ship, and reached + the cockpit; but even this dreadful cry produced no confusion: the men + displayed that perfect self-possession in danger by which English seamen + are characterised; they extinguished the flames on board their own ship, + and then hastened to extinguish them in the enemy, by throwing buckets of + water from the gangway. When the REDOUTABLE had struck, it was not + practicable to board her from the VICTORY; for, though the two ships + touched, the upper works of both fell in so much, that there was a great + space between their gangways; and she could not be boarded from the lower + or middle decks because her ports were down. Some of our men went to + Lieutenant Quilliam, and offered to swim under her bows, and get up there; + but it was thought unfit to hazard brave lives in this manner. + </p> + <p> + What our men would have done from gallantry, some of the crew of the + SANTISSIMA TRINIDAD did to save themselves. Unable to stand the tremendous + fire of the VICTORY, whose larboard guns played against this great + four-decker, and not knowing how else to escape them, nor where else to + betake themselves for protection, many of them leaped overboard and swam + to the VICTORY; and were actually helped up her sides by the English + during the action. The Spaniards began the battle with less vivacity than + their unworthy allies, but they continued it with greater firmness. The + ARGONAUTA and BAHAMA were defended till they had each lost about four + hundred men; the SAN JUAN NEPOMUCENO lost three hundred and fifty. Often + as the superiority of British courage has been proved against France upon + the seas, it was never more conspicuous than in this decisive conflict. + Five of our ships were engaged muzzle to muzzle with five of the French. + In all five the Frenchmen lowered their lower-deck ports, and deserted + their guns; while our men continued deliberately to load and fire till + they had made the victory secure. + </p> + <p> + Once, amidst his sufferings, Nelson had expressed a wish that he were + dead; but immediately the spirit subdued the pains of death, and he wished + to live a little longer, doubtless that he might hear the completion of + the victory which he had seen so gloriously begun. That consolation, that + joy, that triumph, was afforded him. He lived to know that the victory was + decisive; and the last guns which were fired at the flying enemy were + heard a minute or two before he expired. The ships which were thus flying + were four of the enemy's van, all French, under Rear-Admiral Dumanoir. + They had borne no part in the action; and now, when they were seeking + safety in flight, they fired not only into the VICTORY and ROYAL SOVEREIGN + as they passed, but poured their broadsides into the Spanish captured + ships; and they were seen to back their topsails for the purpose of firing + with more precision. The indignation of the Spaniards at this detestable + cruelty from their allies, for whom they had fought so bravely, and so + profusely bled, may well be conceived. It was such that when, two days + after the action, seven of the ships which had escaped into Cadiz came out + in hopes of re-taking some of the disabled prizes, the prisoners in the + ARGONAUTA, in a body, offered their services to the British prize-master, + to man the guns against any of the French ships, saying, that if a Spanish + ship came alongside, they would quietly go below; but they requested that + they might be allowed to fight the French in resentment for the murderous + usage which they had suffered at their hands. Such was their earnestness, + and such the implicit confidence which could be placed in Spanish honour, + that the offer was accepted and they were actually stationed at the + lower-deck guns. Dumanoir and his squadron were not more fortunate than + the fleet from whose destruction they fled. They fell in with Sir Richard + Strachan, who was cruising for the Rochefort squadron, and were all taken. + In the better days of France, if such a crime could then have been + committed, it would have received an exemplary punishment from the French + government. Under Buonaparte it was sure of impunity, and perhaps might be + thought deserving of reward. But if the Spanish court had been + independent, it would have become us to have delivered Dumanoir and his + captains up to Spain, that they might have been brought to trial, and + hanged in sight of the remains of the Spanish fleet. + </p> + <p> + The total British loss in the battle of Trafalgar amounted to 1587. Twenty + of the enemy struck; but it was not possible to anchor the fleet, as + Nelson had enjoined. A gale came on from the S.W., some of the prizes went + down, some went on shore; one effected its escape into Cadiz; others were + destroyed; four only were saved, and those by the greatest exertions. The + wounded Spaniards were sent ashore, an assurance being given that they + should not serve till regularly exchanged; and the Spaniards, with a + generous feeling, which would not perhaps have been found in any other + people, offered the use of their hospitals for our wounded, pledging the + honour of Spain that they should be carefully attended there. When the + storm, after the action, drove some of the prizes upon the coast, they + declared that the English who were thus thrown into their hands should not + be considered as prisoners of war; and the Spanish soldiers gave up their + own beds to their shipwrecked enemies. The Spanish vice-admiral, Alva, + died of his wounds. Villeneuve was sent to England, and permitted to + return to France. The French Government say that he destroyed himself on + the way to Paris, dreading the consequences of a court-martial; but there + is every reason to believe that the tyrant, who never acknowledged the + loss of the battle of Trafalgar, added Villeneuve to the numerous victims + of his murderous policy. + </p> + <p> + It is almost superfluous to add, that all the honours which a grateful + country could bestow were heaped upon the memory of Nelson. His brother + was made an earl, with a grant of L6000 a year. L10,000 were voted to each + of his sisters; and L100,000 for the purchase of an estate. A public + funeral was decreed, and a public monument. Statues and monuments also + were voted by most of our principal cities. The leaden coffin in which he + was brought home was cut in pieces, which were distributed as relics of + Saint Nelson,—so the gunner of the VICTORY called them; and when, at + his internment, his flag was about to be lowered into the grave, the + sailors who assisted at the ceremony with one accord rent it in pieces, + that each might preserve a fragment while he lived. + </p> + <p> + The death of Nelson was felt in England as something more than a public + calamity; men started at the intelligence, and turned pale, as if they had + heard of the loss of a dear friend. An object of our admiration and + affection, of our pride and of our hopes, was suddenly taken from us; and + it seemed as if we had never, till then, known how deeply we loved and + reverenced him. What the country had lost in its great naval hero—the + greatest of our own, and of all former times—was scarcely taken into + the account of grief. So perfectly, indeed, had he performed his part, + that the maritime war, after the battle of Trafalgar, was considered at an + end: the fleets of the enemy were not merely defeated but destroyed; new + navies must be built, and a new race of seamen reared for them, before the + possibility of their invading our shores could again be contemplated. It + was not, therefore, from any selfish reflection upon the magnitude of our + loss that we mourned for him: the general sorrow was of a higher + character. The people of England grieved that funeral ceremonies, and + public monuments, and posthumous rewards, were all which they could now + bestow upon him, whom the king, the legislature, and the nation would have + alike delighted to honour; whom every tongue would have blessed; whose + presence in every village through which he might have passed would have + wakened the church bells, have given schoolboys a holiday, have drawn + children from their sports to gaze upon him, and "old men from the chimney + corner" to look upon Nelson ere they died. The victory of Trafalgar was + celebrated, indeed, with the usual forms of rejoicing, but they were + without joy; for such already was the glory of the British navy, through + Nelson's surpassing genius, that it scarcely seemed to receive any + addition from the most signal victory that ever was achieved upon the + seas: and the destruction of this mighty fleet, by which all the maritime + schemes of France were totally frustrated, hardly appeared to add to our + security or strength; for, while Nelson was living, to watch the combined + squadrons of the enemy, we felt ourselves as secure as now, when they were + no longer in existence. + </p> + <p> + There was reason to suppose, from the appearances upon opening the body, + that in the course of nature he might have attained, like his father, to a + good old age. Yet he cannot be said to have fallen prematurely whose work + was done; nor ought he to be lamented who died so full of honours, at the + height of human fame. The most triumphant death is that of the martyr; the + most awful that of the martyred patriot; the most splendid that of the + hero in the hour of victory: and if the chariot and horses of fire had + been vouchsafed for Nelson's translation, he could scarcely have departed + in a brighter blaze of glory. He has left us, not indeed his mantle of + inspiration, but a name and an example which are at this hour inspiring + thousands of the youth of England: a name which is our pride, and an + example which will continue to be our shield and our strength. Thus it is + that the spirits of the great and the wise continue to live and to act + after them; verifying, in this sense, the language of the old mythologist:— + </p> + <p> + [The book ends with two lines of ancient Greek by the poet Hesiod. Their + meaning is approximately that of the final lines above.] + </p> + <p> + [In this text, to keep the character set to the minimum 'vanilla ASCII': + italics have been converted to capitals, accents etc. have been omitted, + and the British 'Pound' currency symbol has been written as 'L'. Where + angles are given in degrees, minutes and seconds; the abbreviations d, m, + s have been used.] + </p> + <div style="height: 6em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + + + + + +End of Project Gutenberg's The Life of Horatio Lord Nelson, by Robert Southey + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE LIFE OF HORATIO LORD NELSON *** + +***** This file should be named 947-h.htm or 947-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/9/4/947/ + +Produced by John Hill and David Widger + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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