Nelson availed himself of Blackwood's presence to have him, together with Hardy, witness his signature to a paper, in which he bequeathed Lady Hamilton and the child Horatia to the care of the nation, and which consequently has been styled a Codicil to his Will. Unless Blackwood's memory a few years later was at fault, in stating that his signal was made at six o'clock,[137] it is likely enough that this early summons was for the special purpose of giving formal completeness, by the attestation of two of his closest friends, to a private duty which was the last to engage Nelson's attention and affections; for, in addition to the date, the place and hour of his writing are fixed by the words, "In sight of the Combined Fleets of France and Spain, distant about ten miles." This was the common estimate of the relative positions, made by the British fleet at large at daybreak, and coincides fairly well with the inferences to be drawn, from the slow rate of speed at which the wind permitted the British to advance, and from the hour the conflict began. Nor was there time, nor convenient room, for further delay. A freshening breeze might readily have brought the fleet into action in a couple of hours, and it is the custom in preparing for battle—the signal for which was made at 6.40—to remove most of the conveniences, and arrangements for privacy, from the living spaces of the officers; partly to provide against their destruction, chiefly to clear away all impediments to fighting the guns, and to moving about the ship. In the case of the admiral, of course, much might be postponed to the last moment, but in fact his cabin was cleared of fixtures immediately after he went on the poop in the early morning; for it is distinctly mentioned that while there he gave particular directions in the matter, and enjoined great care in handling the portrait of Lady Hamilton, saying, "Take care of my guardian angel."

It seems, therefore, probable that this so-called Codicil was written in the quiet minutes of the morning, while the fleet was forming its order of sailing and bearing up for the enemy, but before the admiral's cabin was cleared for battle. In it Nelson first recounted, briefly but specifically, "the eminent services of Emma Hamilton" to the state, on two occasions, as believed by himself to have been rendered. Into the actuality of these services it is not necessary here to inquire;[138] it is sufficient to say that Nelson's knowledge of them could not have been at first hand, and that the credence he unquestionably gave to them must have depended upon the evidence of others,—probably of Lady Hamilton herself, in whom he felt, and always expressed, the most unbounded confidence. "Could I have rewarded these services," the paper concludes, "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. 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. 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 who I hold dear. My relations it is needless to mention: they will of course be amply provided for."

At seven o'clock Nelson had returned from the poop to the cabin, for at that hour was made in his private journal the last entry of occurrences,—"At seven the combined fleets wearing in succession." Here it seems likely that he laid down the pen, for, when he was found writing again, some hours later, it was to complete the long record of experiences and of duties, with words that summed up, in fit and most touching expression, the self-devotion of a life already entering the shadow of death.

Between eight and nine o'clock the other frigate commanders came on board the "Victory;" aides-de-camp, as it were, waiting to the last moment to receive such orders as might require more extensive wording, or precise explanation, than is supplied by the sententious phrases of the signal-book. Blackwood himself, a captain of long standing and of tried ability, was in fact intrusted contingently with no small share of the power and discretion of the commander-in-chief. "He not only gave me command of all the frigates, but he also gave me a latitude, seldom or ever given, that of making any use I pleased of his name, in ordering any of the sternmost line-of-battle ships to do what struck me as best." While thus waiting, the captains accompanied the admiral in an inspection which he made of the decks and batteries of the flagship. He addressed the crew at their several quarters, cautioned them against firing a single shot without being sure of their object, and to the officers he expressed himself as highly satisfied with the arrangements made.

Meanwhile the two fleets were forming, as best they could with the scanty breeze, the order in which each meant to meet the shock of battle. The British could not range themselves in regular columns without loss of time that was not to be thrown away. They advanced rather in two elongated groups, all under full sail, even to studding-sails on both sides, the place of each ship being determined chiefly by her speed, or, perhaps, by some fortuitous advantage of position when the movement began. The great point was to get the heads of the columns into action as soon as possible, to break up the enemy's order. That done, those which followed could be trusted to complete the business on the general lines prescribed by Nelson. Collingwood's ship, the "Royal Sovereign," being but a few days out from home, and freshly coppered, easily took the lead in her own division. After her came the "Belleisle," also a recent arrival off Cadiz, but an old Mediterranean cruiser which had accompanied Nelson in the recent chase to the West Indies. Upon these two ships, as upon the heads of all columns, fell the weight of destruction from the enemy's resistance.

The "Victory," always a fast ship, had likewise little difficulty in keeping her place at the front. Blackwood, having failed to get Nelson on board his own frigate, and realizing the exposure inseparable from the position of leader, ventured, at about half-past nine, when still six miles from the enemy, to urge that one or two ships should be permitted to precede the "Victory." Nelson gave a conditional assent—"Let them go," if they can. The "Temeraire," a three-decker, being close behind, was hailed to go ahead, and endeavored to do so; but at the same moment the admiral gave an indication of how little disposed he was to yield either time or position. The lee lower studding-sail happening to be badly set, the lieutenant of the forecastle had it taken in, meaning to reset it; which Nelson observing, ran forward and rated him severely for delaying the ship's progress. Anything much less useful than a lee lower studding-sail is hard to imagine, but by this time the admiral was getting very restive. "About ten o'clock," says Blackwood, "Lord Nelson's anxiety to close with the enemy became very apparent: he frequently remarked that they put a good face upon it; but always quickly added: 'I'll give them such a dressing as they never had before.'"

Seeing that the "Temeraire" could not pass the "Victory" in time to lead into the hostile order, unless the flagship gave way, Blackwood, feeling perhaps that he might wear out his own privilege, told Hardy he ought to say to the admiral that, unless the "Victory" shortened sail, the other ships could not get into place; but Hardy naturally demurred. In any event, it was not just the sort of proposition that the captain of the ship would wish to make, and it was very doubtful how Nelson might take it. This the latter soon showed, however; for, as the "Temeraire" painfully crawled up, and her bows doubled on the "Victory's" quarter, he hailed her, and speaking as he always did with a slight nasal intonation, said: "I'll thank you, Captain Harvey, to keep in your proper station, which is astern of the Victory." The same concern for the admiral's personal safety led the assembled officers to comment anxiously upon the conspicuous mark offered by his blaze of decorations, knowing as they did that the enemy's ships swarmed with soldiers, that among them were many sharpshooters, and that the action would be close. None, however, liked to approach him with the suggestion that he should take any precaution. At length the surgeon, whose painful duty it was a few hours later to watch over the sad fulfilment of his apprehensions, said that he would run the risk of his Lordship's displeasure; but before he could find a fitting opportunity to speak, a shot flew over the "Victory," and the admiral directed all not stationed on deck to go to their quarters. No remark therefore was made; but it is more likely that Nelson would have resented the warning than that he would have heeded it.

The French and Spanish fleets, being neither a homogeneous nor a well-exercised mass, experienced even greater difficulty than the British in forming their array; and the matter was to them of more consequence, for, as the defensive has an advantage in the careful preparations he may make, so, if he fail to accomplish them, he has little to compensate for the loss of the initiative, which he has yielded his opponent. The formation at which they aimed, the customary order of battle in that day, was a long, straight, single column, presenting from end to end an unbroken succession of batteries, close to one another and clear towards the foe, so that all the ships should sweep with their guns the sea over which, nearly at right angles, the hostile columns were advancing. Instead of this, embarrassed by both lack of wind and lack of skill, their manoeuvres resulted in a curved line, concave to the enemy's approach; the horns of the crescent thus formed being nearer to the latter. Collingwood noted that this disposition facilitated a convergent fire upon the assailants, the heads of whose columns were bearing down on the allied centre; it does not seem to have been remarked that the two horns, or wings, being to windward of the centre, also had it more in their power to support the latter—a consideration of very great importance. Neither of these advantages, however, was due to contrivance. The order of the combined fleets was the result merely of an unsuccessful effort to assume the usual line of battle. The ships distributed along the crescent lay irregularly, sometimes two and three abreast, masking each other's fire. On the other hand, even this irregularity had some compensations, for a British vessel, attempting to pass through at such a place, fell at once into a swarm of enemies. From horn to horn was about five miles. Owing to the lightness of the breeze, the allies carried a good deal of sail, a departure from the usual battle practice. This was necessary in order to enable them to keep their places at all, but it also had the effect of bringing them continually, though very gradually, nearer to Cadiz. Seeing this, Nelson signalled to Collingwood, "I intend to pass through the van of the enemy's line, to prevent him from getting into Cadiz," and the course of the "Victory," for this purpose, was changed a little to the northward.

After this, towards eleven o'clock, Nelson went below to the cabin. It was his habit, when an engagement was expected, to have all the bulkheads[139] upon the fighting decks taken down, and those of his own apartments doubtless had been removed at least as soon as the enemy's sailing was signalled; but it was possible to obtain some degree of privacy by hanging screens, which could be hurried out of the way at the last moment. The "Victory" did not come under fire till 12.30, so that at eleven she would yet be three miles or more distant from the enemy,[140] and screens could still remain. Shortly, after he entered, the signal-lieutenant, who had been by his side all the morning, followed him, partly to make an official report, partly to prefer a personal request. He was the ranking lieutenant on board, but had not been permitted to exercise the duties of first lieutenant, because Nelson some time before, to avoid constant changes in that important station, had ordered that the person then occupying it should so continue, notwithstanding the seniority of any who might afterwards join. Now that battle was at hand, the oldest in rank wished to claim the position, and to gain the reward that it insured after a victory,—a request natural and not improper, but more suited for the retirement of the cabin than for the publicity of the deck.

Whatever the original injustice,—or rather hardship,—it is scarcely likely, remembering the refusal encountered by Blackwood, that Nelson would have consented now to deprive of his "birthright" the man who so far had been doing the work; but the petition was never preferred. Entering the cabin, the officer paused at the threshold, for Nelson was on his knees writing. The words, the last that he ever penned, were written in the private diary he habitually kept, in which were noted observations and reflections upon passing occurrences, mingled with occasional self-communings. They followed now, without break of space, or paragraph, upon the last incident recorded—"At seven the enemy wearing in succession"—and they ran thus:—

"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 who made me, and may His blessing light upon 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."

The officer, Lieutenant Pasco, waited quietly till Nelson rose from his knees, and then made his necessary report; but, although his future prospects hung upon the wish he had to express, he refrained with singular delicacy from intruding it upon the preoccupation of mind evidenced by the attitude in which he had found his commander. The latter soon afterwards followed him to the poop, where Blackwood was still awaiting his final instructions. To him Nelson said, "I will now amuse the fleet with a signal;" and he asked if he did not think there was one yet wanting. Blackwood replied that the whole fleet seemed very clearly to understand what they were about, and were vying with each other to get as near as possible to the leaders of the columns. Upon this succeeded the celebrated signal, the development of which to its final wording is a little uncertain. Comparing the various accounts of witnesses, it seems probably to have been as follows. Nelson mused for a little while, as one who phrases a thought in his own mind before uttering it, and then said, "Suppose we telegraph 'Nelson confides that every man will do his duty.'" In this form it was the call of the leader to the followers, the personal appeal of one who trusts to those in whom he trusts, a feeling particularly characteristic of the speaker, whose strong hold over others lay above all in the transparent and unswerving faith he showed in their loyal support; and to arouse it now in full force he used the watchword "duty," sure that the chord it struck in him would find its quick response in every man of the same blood. The officer to whom the remark was made, suggested "England" instead of "Nelson." To the fleet it could have made no difference,—to them the two names meant the same thing; but Nelson accepted the change with delight. "Mr. Pasco," he called to the signal officer, "I wish to say to the fleet, 'England confides that every man will do his duty;'" and he added, "You must be quick, for I have one more to make, which is for close action." This remark shows that the columns, and particularly Collingwood's ship, were already nearing the enemy. Pasco answered, "If your Lordship will permit me to substitute 'expects' for 'confides,' it will be sooner completed, because 'expects' is in the vocabulary,[141] and 'confides' must be spelt." Nelson replied hastily, but apparently satisfied, "That will do, Pasco, make it directly;" but the slightly mandatory "expects" is less representative of the author of this renowned sentence than the cordial and sympathetic "confides." It is "Allez," rather than "Allons;" yet even so, become now the voice of the distant motherland, it carries with it the shade of reverence, as well as of affection, which patriotism exacts.

It is said that Collingwood, frequently testy, and at the moment preoccupied with the approaching collision with the Spanish three-decker he had marked for his opponent, exclaimed impatiently when the first number went aloft, "I wish Nelson would stop signalling, as we know well enough what we have to do." But the two life-long friends, who were not again to look each other in the face, soon passed to other thoughts, such as men gladly recall when death has parted them. When the whole signal was reported to him, and cheers resounded along the lines, Collingwood cordially expressed his own satisfaction. A few moments later, just at noon, the French ship "Fougueux," the second astern of the "Santa Ana," for which the "Royal Sovereign" was steering, fired at the latter the first gun of the battle. As by a common impulse the ships of all the nations engaged hoisted their colors, and the admirals their flags,—a courteous and chivalrous salute preceding the mortal encounter. For ten minutes the "Royal Sovereign" advanced in silence, the one centre of the hostile fire, upon which were fixed all eyes, as yet without danger of their own to distract. As she drew near the two ships between which she intended to pass, Nelson exclaimed admiringly, "See how that noble fellow Collingwood carries his ship into action." At about the same instant Collingwood was saying to his flag-captain, "Rotherham, what would Nelson give to be here!"

These things being done, Nelson said to Blackwood, "Now I can do no more. We must trust to the great Disposer of all events, and to the justice of our cause. I thank God for this great opportunity of doing my duty." When his last signal had been acknowledged by a few ships in the van, the admiral directed Pasco to make that for close action, and to keep it up. This was accordingly hoisted on board the flagship, where it was flying still as she disappeared into the smoke of the battle, and so remained till shot away. The "Victory" was about two miles from the "Royal Sovereign" when the latter, at ten minutes past twelve, broke through the allied order, and she had still a mile and a half to go before she herself could reach it. At twenty minutes past twelve Villeneuve's flagship, the "Bucentaure," of eighty guns, fired a shot at her, to try the range. It fell short. A few minutes later a second was fired, which dropped alongside. The distance then was a mile and a quarter. Two or three followed in rapid succession and passed over the "Victory." Nelson then turned to Blackwood, and directed him and Captain Prowse of the "Sirius" to return to their ships, but in so doing to pass along the column and tell the captains he depended upon their exertions to get into action as quickly as possible. He then bade them again to go away. Blackwood, who was standing by him at the forward end of the poop, took his hand, and said, "I trust, my Lord, that on my return to the Victory, which will be as soon as possible, I shall find your Lordship well and in possession of twenty prizes." Nelson replied, "God bless you, Blackwood, I shall never speak to you again."

The "Victory" was all the time advancing, the feeble breeze urging her progress, which was helped also by her lurching through the heavy following swell that prevailed. Before Blackwood could leave her, a shot passed through the main-topgallantsail, and the rent proclaimed to the eager eyes of the foes that the ship was fairly under their guns. Thereupon everything about the "Bucentaure," some seven or eight ships, at least, opened upon this single enemy, as the allied rear and centre had upon the "Royal Sovereign;" for it was imperative to stop her way, if possible, or at least to deaden it, and so to delay as long as might be the moment when she could bring her broadside to bear effectively. During the forty minutes that followed, the "Victory" was an unresisting target to her enemies, and her speed, slow enough at the first, decreased continually as the hail of shot riddled the sails, or stripped them from the yards. Every studding-sail boom was shot away close to the yard arms, and this light canvas, invaluable in so faint a wind, fell helplessly into the water. During these trying moments, Mr. Scott, the admiral's public secretary, was struck by a round shot while talking with Captain Hardy, and instantly killed. Those standing by sought to remove the body without drawing Nelson's attention to the loss of one so closely associated with him; but the admiral had noticed the fall. "Is that poor Scott," he said, "who is gone?" The clerk who took the dead man's place was killed a few moments later by the wind of a ball, though his person was untouched.

The "Victory" continuing to forge slowly ahead, despite her injuries, and pointing evidently for the flagship of the hostile commander-in-chief, the ships round the latter, to use James's striking phrase, now "closed like a forest." The nearer the British vessel drew, the better necessarily became the enemies' aim. Just as she got within about five hundred yards—quarter of a mile—from the "Bucentaure's" beam, the mizzen topmast was shot away. At the same time the wheel was hit and shattered, so that the ship had to be steered from below, a matter that soon became of little importance. A couple of minutes more, eight marines were carried off by a single projectile, while standing drawn up on the poop, whereupon Nelson ordered the survivors to be dispersed about the deck. Presently a shot coming in through the ship's side ranged aft on the quarter-deck towards the admiral and Captain Hardy, between whom it passed. On its way it struck the fore-brace bitts—a heavy block of timber—carrying thence a shower of splinters, one of which bruised Hardy's foot. The two officers, who were walking together, stopped, and looked inquiringly at each other. Seeing that no harm was done, Nelson smiled, but said, "This is too warm work, Hardy, to last long." He then praised the cool resolution of the seamen around him, compelled to endure this murderous fire without present reply. He had never, he said, seen better conduct. Twenty men had so far been killed and thirty wounded, with not a shot fired from their own guns.

Still the ship closed the "Bucentaure." It had been Nelson's purpose and desire to make her his special antagonist, because of Villeneuve's flag; but to do so required room for the "Victory" to turn under the French vessel's stern, and to come up alongside. As she drew near, Hardy, scanning the hostile array, saw three ships crowded together behind and beyond the "Bucentaure." He reported to Nelson that he could go close under her stern, but could not round-to alongside, nor pass through the line, without running on board one of these. The admiral replied, "I cannot help it, it does not signify which we run on board of. Go on board which you please: take your choice." At one o'clock the bows of the "Victory" crossed the wake of the "Bucentaure," by whose stern she passed within thirty feet, the projecting yard arms grazing the enemy's rigging. One after another, as they bore, the double-shotted guns tore through the woodwork of the French ship, the smoke, driven back, filling the lower decks of the "Victory," while persons on the upper deck, including Nelson himself, were covered with the dust which rose in clouds from the wreck. From the relative positions of the two vessels, the shot ranged from end to end of the "Bucentaure," and the injury was tremendous. Twenty guns were at once dismounted, and the loss by that single discharge was estimated, by the French, at four hundred men. Leaving the further care of the enemy's flagship to her followers, secure that they would give due heed to the admiral's order, that "every effort must be made to capture the hostile commander-in-chief," the "Victory" put her helm up, inclining to the right, and ran on board a French seventy-four, the "Redoutable," whose guns, as well as those of the French "Neptune," had been busily playing upon her hitherto. At 1.10 she lay along the port side of the "Redoutable," the two ships falling off with their heads to the eastward, and moving slowly before the wind to the east-southeast.

In the duel which ensued between these two, in which Nelson fell, the disparity, so far as weight of battery was concerned, was all against the French ship; but the latter, while greatly overmatched at the guns, much the greater part of which were below deck, was markedly superior to her antagonist in small-arm fire on the upper deck, and especially aloft, where she had many musketeers stationed. Nelson himself was averse to the employment of men in that position, thinking the danger of fire greater than the gain, but the result on this day was fatal to very many of the "Victory's" men as well as to himself. As the ship's place in the battle was fixed for the moment, nothing now remained to be done, except for the crews to ply their weapons till the end was reached. The admiral and the captain, their parts of direction and guidance being finished, walked back and forth together on the quarter-deck, on the side farthest from the "Redoutable," where there was a clear space of a little over twenty feet in length, fore and aft, from the wheel to the hatch ladder leading down to the cabin. The mizzen-top of the "Redoutable," garnished with sharpshooters, was about fifty feet above them. Fifteen minutes after the vessels came together, as the two officers were walking forward, and had nearly reached the usual place of turning, Nelson, who was on Hardy's left, suddenly faced left about. Hardy, after taking a step farther, turned also, and saw the admiral in the act of falling—on his knees, with his left hand touching the deck; then, the arm giving way, he fell on his left side. It was in the exact spot where Scott, the secretary, had been killed an hour before. To Hardy's natural exclamation that he hoped he was not badly hurt, he replied, "They have done for me at last;" and when the expression of hope was repeated, he said again, "Yes, my back-bone is shot through." "I felt it break my back," he told the surgeon, a few minutes later. The ball had struck him on the left shoulder, on the forward part of the epaulette, piercing the lung, where it severed a large artery, and then passed through the spine from left to right, lodging finally in the muscles of the back. Although there was more than one mortal injury, the immediate and merciful cause of his speedy death was the internal bleeding from the artery. Within a few moments of his wounding some forty officers and men were cut down by the same murderous fire from the tops of the enemy. Indeed so stripped of men was the upper deck of the "Victory" that the French made a movement to board, which was repulsed, though with heavy loss.

The stricken hero was at once carried below, himself covering his face and the decorations of his coat with his handkerchief, that the sight of their loss might not affect the ship's company at this critical instant. The cockpit was already cumbered with the wounded and dying, but the handkerchief falling from his face, the surgeon recognized him, and came at once to him. "You can do nothing for me, Beatty," he said; "I have but a short time to live." The surgeon also uttered the involuntary exclamation of encouragement, which rises inevitably to the lips at such a moment; but a short examination, and the sufferer's statement of his sensations, especially the gushing of blood within the breast, which was vividly felt, convinced him that there was indeed no hope. "Doctor, I am gone," he said to the Rev. Mr. Scott, the chaplain, who knelt beside him; and then added in a low voice, "I have to leave Lady Hamilton, and my adopted daughter Horatia, as a legacy to my Country."

After the necessary examination had been made, nothing further could be done, nor was attempted, than to obtain the utmost possible relief from suffering. Dr. Scott and the purser of the "Victory" sustained the bed under his shoulders, raising him into a semi-recumbent posture, the only one that was supportable to him, and fanned him; while others gave him the cooling drink—lemonade—which he continually demanded. Those about did not speak to him, except when addressed; but the chaplain, to whom Nelson frequently said, "Pray for me, Doctor," ejaculated with him short prayers from time to time. The agony of mortal pain wrung from him repeated utterance, though no unmanly complaint; and his thoughts dwelt more upon home and the battle than upon his own suffering and approaching death. His mind remained clear until he became speechless, about fifteen minutes before he passed away, and he took frequent notice of what occurred near him, as well as of sounds on deck.

The hour that succeeded his wounding was the decisive one of the fight; not that the issue admitted of much doubt, after once Nelson's plans had received fulfilment, and the battle joined,—unless the delinquent van of the allies had acted promptly,—but in those moments the work was done which was thenceforth, for the enemy, beyond repair. Overhead, therefore, the strife went on incessantly, the seamen toiling steadily at their guns, and cheering repeatedly. Near the admiral lay Lieutenant Pasco, severely but not fatally wounded. At one burst of hurrahs, Nelson asked eagerly what it was about; and Pasco replying that another ship had struck, he expressed his satisfaction. Soon he became very anxious for further and more exact information of the course of the battle, and about the safety of Captain Hardy, upon whom now was devolved such guidance as the fleet, until the action was over, must continue to receive from the flagship of the commander-in-chief. In accordance with his wishes many messages were sent to Hardy to come to him, but for some time it was not possible for that officer to leave the deck. During this period, up to between half-past two and three, the ships of the two British divisions, that followed the leaders, were breaking successively into the enemy's order, and carrying out with intelligent precision the broad outlines of Nelson's instructions. The heads of the columns had dashed themselves to pieces, like a forlorn hope, against the overpowering number of foes which opposed their passage—an analysis of the returns shows that upon the four ships which led, the "Victory" and "Temeraire," the "Royal Sovereign" and "Belleisle," fell one-third of the entire loss in a fleet of twenty-seven sail. But they had forced their way through, and by the sacrifice of themselves had shattered and pulverized the local resistance, destroyed the coherence of the hostile line, and opened the road for the successful action of their followers. With the appearance of the latter upon the scene, succeeded shortly by the approach of the allied van, though too late and in disorder, began what may be called the second and final phase of the battle.

While such things were happening the deck could not be left by Hardy, who, for the time being, was commander-in-chief as well as captain. Shortly after Nelson fell, the "Temeraire" had run on board the "Redoutable" on the other side, and the French "Fougueux" upon the "Temeraire," so that for a few minutes the four ships were fast together, in the heat of the fight. About quarter past two, the "Victory" was shoved clear, and lay with her head to the northward, though scarcely with steerage way. The three others remained in contact with their heads to the southward. While this melee was in progress, the French flagship "Bucentaure" surrendered, at five minutes past two; but, before hauling down the flag, Villeneuve made a signal to his recreant van,—"The ships that are not engaged, take positions which will bring them most rapidly under fire." Thus summoned, the ten vessels which constituted the van began to go about, as they should have done before; and, although retarded by the slack wind, they had got their heads to the southward by half-past two. Five stood to leeward of the line of battle, but five to windward. The latter would pass not far to the westward of the "Victory," and to meet this fresh attack demanded the captain's further care, and postponed his going to the death-bed of his chief. The latter had become very agitated at the delay, thinking that Hardy might be dead and the news kept from him. "Will nobody bring Hardy to me?" he frequently exclaimed. "He must be killed; he is surely destroyed." At last a midshipman came down with the message that "circumstances respecting the fleet required the captain's presence on deck, but that he would take the first favourable moment to visit his Lordship." Nelson, hearing the voice, asked who it was that spoke. The lad, Bulkeley, who later in the day was wounded also, was the son of a former shipmate in the far back days of the San Juan expedition, and the dying admiral charged the lad with a remembrance to his father.

Two ships of Nelson's column, as yet not engaged,—the "Spartiate" and the "Minotaur,"—were then just reaching the scene. Being in the extreme rear, the lightness of the breeze had so far delayed them. Arriving thus opportunely, they hauled to the wind so as to interpose between the "Victory" and the approaching van of the allies. Covered now by two wholly fresh ships, the captain felt at liberty to quit the deck, in accordance with Nelson's desire. The two tried friends—Hardy had been everywhere with him since the day of St. Vincent, and was faithful enough to speak to Lady Hamilton more freely than she liked—shook hands affectionately. "Well, Hardy," said Nelson, "how goes the battle? How goes the day with us?" "Very well, my Lord," replied Hardy. "We have got twelve or fourteen of the enemy's ships in our possession, but five of their van have tacked, and show an intention of bearing down upon the Victory. I have therefore called two or three of our fresh ships round us, and have no doubt of giving them a drubbing." "I hope none of our ships have struck, Hardy." "No, my Lord," was the answer, "there is no fear of that." Nelson then said, "I am a dead man, Hardy. I am going fast: it will be all over with me soon. Come nearer to me. Pray 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!" replied Nelson; "it is impossible. My back is shot through. Beatty will tell you so." Hardy then returned to the deck, shaking hands again before parting.

Nelson now desired the surgeons to leave him to the attendants, as one for whom nothing could be done, and to give their professional care where it would be of some avail. In a few moments he recalled the chief surgeon, and said, "I forgot to tell you that all power of motion and feeling below my breast are gone; and you very well know I can live but a short time." From the emphasis he placed on his words, the surgeon saw he was thinking of a case of spinal injury to a seaman some months before, which had proved mortal after many days' suffering; yet it would seem that, despite the conviction that rested on his mind, the love of life, and of all it meant to him, yet clung to the hope that possibly there might be a reprieve. "One would like to live a little longer," he murmured; and added, "What would become of poor Lady Hamilton if she knew my situation!" "Beatty," he said again, "you know I am gone." "My Lord," replied the surgeon, with a noble and courteous simplicity, "unhappily for our country, nothing can be done for you;" and he turned away to conceal the emotion which he could not at once control. "I know it," said Nelson. "I feel something rising in my breast," putting his hand on his left side, "which tells me I am gone. God be praised, I have done my duty." To this latter thought he continually recurred.

At about three o'clock, the five ships of the enemy's van, passing within gunshot to windward,[142] opened fire upon the British ships and their prizes. The "Victory" with her consorts replied. "Oh, Victory! Victory!" cried the sufferer, "how you distract my poor brain!" and after a pause added, "How dear life is to all men!" This distant exchange of shots was ineffectual, except to kill or wound a few more people, but while it continued Hardy had to be on deck, for the flag of the commander-in-chief still vested his authority in that ship. During this period an officer was sent to Collingwood to inform him of the admiral's condition, and to bear a personal message of farewell from the latter; but Nelson had no idea of transferring any portion of his duty until he parted with his life also.

A short hour elapsed between Hardy's leaving the cockpit and his returning to it, which brings the time to four o'clock. Strength had ebbed fast meanwhile, and the end was now very near; but Nelson was still conscious. The friends again shook hands, and the captain, before releasing his grasp, congratulated the dying hero upon the brilliancy of the victory. It was complete, he said. How many were captured, it was impossible to see, but he was certain fourteen or fifteen. The exact number proved to be eighteen. "That is well," said Nelson, but added, faithful to his exhaustive ideas of sufficiency, "I bargained for twenty." Then he exclaimed, "Anchor, Hardy, anchor!" Hardy felt the embarrassment of issuing orders now that Collingwood knew that his chief was in the very arms of death; but Nelson was clearly within his rights. "I suppose, my Lord," said the captain, "Admiral Collingwood will now take upon himself the direction of affairs." "Not while I live, I hope, Hardy," cried Nelson, and for a moment endeavored, ineffectually, to raise himself from the bed. "No. Do you anchor, Hardy." Captain Hardy then said, "Shall we make the signal, Sir?" "Yes," answered the admiral, "for if I live, I'll anchor." These words he repeated several times, even after Hardy had left him, and the energy of his manner showed that for the moment the sense of duty and of responsibility had triumphed over his increasing weakness.

Reaction of course followed, and he told Hardy he felt that in a few minutes he should be no more. "Don't throw me overboard," he added; "you know what to do." Hardy having given assurance that these wishes should be attended to, Nelson then said, "Take care of my dear Lady Hamilton, Hardy: take care of poor Lady Hamilton. Kiss me, Hardy." The captain knelt down and kissed his cheek. "Now I am satisfied. Thank God, I have done my duty." Hardy rose and stood looking silently at him for an instant or two, then knelt down again and kissed his forehead. "Who is that?" asked Nelson. The captain answered, "It is Hardy;" to which his Lordship replied, "God bless you, Hardy!" The latter then returned to the quarter-deck, having passed about eight minutes in this final interview.

Nelson now desired his steward, who was in attendance throughout, to turn him on his right side. "I wish I had not left the deck," he murmured; "for I shall soon be gone." Thenceforth he sank rapidly; his breathing became oppressed and his voice faint. To Dr. Scott he said, "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—never forget Horatia." This injunction, with remembrances to Lady Hamilton and the child, he frequently repeated; and he charged Scott to see Mr. Rose, and tell him—but here pain interrupted his utterance, and after an interval he simply said, "Mr. Rose will remember," alluding to a letter which he had written him, but which as yet could not have been received. His thirst now increased; and he called for "drink, drink," "fan, fan," and "rub, rub," addressing himself in this last case to Dr. Scott, who had been rubbing his breast with his hand, by which some relief was given. These words he spoke in a very rapid manner, which rendered his articulation difficult; but he every now and then, with evident increase of pain, made a greater effort, and said distinctly, "Thank God, I have done my duty." This he repeated at intervals as long as the power of speech remained. The last words caught by Dr. Scott, who was bending closely over him, were, "God and my Country."

Fifteen minutes after Hardy left him for the second time, the admiral became speechless; and when this had continued five minutes, the surgeon, who was busied among the other wounded, was summoned again. He found him upon the verge of dissolution, the hands cold and the pulse gone; but upon laying his hand upon his forehead, Nelson opened his eyes, looked up, and then closed them forever. Five minutes later he was dead. The passing was so quiet that Dr. Scott, still rubbing his breast, did not perceive it, until the surgeon announced that all was over. It was half-past four o'clock, just three hours after the fatal wound was received. Not till an hour later did the last of the eighteen prizes strike, and firing cease altogether; but the substantial results were known to Nelson before consciousness left him. To quote the rugged words of the "Victory's" log, "Partial firing continued until 4.30, when a victory having been reported to the Right Honourable Lord Viscount Nelson, K.B., he died of his wound."

Of the five ships of the allied van which passed to windward of the "Victory," one was cut off and captured by the "Minotaur" and "Spartiate." The other four continued on the wind to the southwest, and escaped to sea. By the surrender of Villeneuve the chief command of the combined fleets remained with the Spanish admiral Gravina. The latter, at quarter before five, fifteen minutes after Nelson breathed his last, retreated upon Cadiz, making signal for the vessels which had not struck to rally round his flag. Ten other ships, five French and five Spanish,—in all eleven sail-of-the-line,—made good their escape into the port.

"Before sunset," wrote an eye-witness on board the "Belleisle," "all firing had ceased. The view of the fleet at this period was highly interesting, and would have formed a beautiful subject for a painter. Just under the setting rays were five or six dismantled prizes; on one hand lay the Victory with part of our fleet and prizes, and on the left hand the Royal Sovereign and a similar cluster of ships. To the northward, the remnant of the combined fleets was making for Cadiz. The Achille, with the tricoloured ensign still displayed, had burnt to the water's edge about a mile from us, and our tenders and boats were using every effort to save the brave fellows who had so gloriously defended her; but only two hundred and fifty were rescued, and she blew up with a tremendous explosion."

There, surrounded by the companions of his triumph, and by the trophies of his prowess, we leave our hero with his glory. Sharer of our mortal weakness, he has bequeathed to us a type of single-minded self-devotion that can never perish. As his funeral anthem proclaimed, while a nation mourned, "His body is buried in peace, but his Name liveth for evermore." Wars may cease, but the need for heroism shall not depart from the earth, while man remains man and evil exists to be redressed. Wherever danger has to be faced or duty to be done, at cost to self, men will draw inspiration from the name and deeds of Nelson.

Happy he who lives to finish all his task. The words, "I have done my duty," sealed the closed book of Nelson's story with a truth broader and deeper than he himself could suspect. His duty was done, and its fruit perfected. Other men have died in the hour of victory, but for no other has victory so singular and so signal graced the fulfilment and ending of a great life's work. "Finis coronat opus" has of no man been more true than of Nelson. There were, indeed, consequences momentous and stupendous yet to flow from the decisive supremacy of Great Britain's sea-power, the establishment of which, beyond all question or competition, was Nelson's great achievement; but his part was done when Trafalgar was fought. The coincidence of his death with the moment of completed success has impressed upon that superb battle a stamp of finality, an immortality of fame, which even its own grandeur scarcely could have insured. He needed, and he left, no successor. To use again St. Vincent's words, "There is but one Nelson."

FOOTNOTES:

[132] The name Thompson was spelled by Nelson indifferently with or without the "p", which, as Nicolas observes, confirms the belief that it was fictitious. The fact is singular; for, from a chance remark of his, it appears that he meant it to be Thomson. (Morrison, Letter No. 569.)

[133] The author is indebted for this anecdote to Mr. Edgar Goble, of Fareham, Hants, whose father, Thomas Goble, then secretary to Captain Hardy, was present at the table.

[134] One sixty-four, the "Africa," had separated to the northward during the night, and joined in the battle by passing alone along the enemy's line, much of the time under fire. She belonged, therefore, to Nelson's column, and cooperated with it during the day.

[135] Nelson in his journal wrote: "The enemy wearing in succession." As the allies' order was reversed, however, it is evident that he meant merely that the ships wore one after the other, from rear to van, but in their respective stations, each waiting till the one astern had, to use the old phrase, "marked her manoeuvre,"—a precaution intended to prevent collisions, though it necessarily extended the line.

[136] The author is indebted for these incidents to Admiral Sir W.R. Mends, G.C.B., who received them from the second baronet, Sir Henry M. Blackwood, when serving with him as first lieutenant.

[137] The "Euryalus's" log gives eight o'clock as the hour of the captain's going on board the "Victory;" but Blackwood not only says six, but also mentions that his stay on board lasted five and a half hours, which gives about the same time for going on board. The other frigate captains did not go till eight. Blackwood, as the senior, might need a fuller and longer continued interview, because the general direction of the frigate squadron would be in his hands; or Nelson might particularly desire the presence of a close professional friend, the captains of the ships-of-the-line having their hands now full of preparations.

[138] The question of Lady Hamilton's services on the occasions mentioned by Nelson, vigorously asserted by herself, has been exhaustively discussed by Professor John Knox Laughton, in the "United Service Magazine" for April and May, 1889. His conclusions are decisively adverse to her claims.

[139] See ante, p. 275.

[140] That is, with a one and a half knot breeze.

[141] The vocabulary of the telegraphic signal book provides certain words which can be signalled by a single number. Words not in this vocabulary must be spelled letter by letter,—each letter of the alphabet having its own number.

[142] That is, to the westward.



INDEX.

Aboukir, Bay, Island, Promontory, and Castle, i. 342, 343, 345-347, 365; ii. 16, 17, 32.

Aboukir, Battle of, ii. 17.

Acton, Sir John, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies, i. 328, 329, 340, 342, 383, 428, 430, 443; ii. 8, 190, 191, 193, 194, 219, 264, 274, 275.

Addington (afterwards Lord Sidmouth), Prime Minister of Great Britain, 1801-1804, Nelson's intercourse with, i. 383; ii. 101, 103, 120, 136, 162-164, 166, 167, 172, 174, 189, 193, 205, 211, 352.

Adriatic, importance to the communications of the Austrians in Italy, i. 247, 405; British concern in, 369, ii. 192, 195, 243; Napoleon's interest in, 188, 195, 266; resort of privateers, 241, 242.

"Agamemnon," British ship-of-the-line, Nelson ordered to command her, i. 95; relation to his career, 97-99; action with four French frigates, 113, 115; engages the batteries at Bastia, 120, 121; action with the "Ca Ira," French 80-gun ship, 163-166; engagement of March 14, 1795, 168; engagement of July 13, 178-180; services at Genoa, 200-202; on the opening of Bonaparte's campaign, 1796, 220-223; Nelson leaves her for the "Captain," seventy-four, 229, 230; she sails for England, 230; subsequent history, 230; misfortune at the Battle of Copenhagen, ii. 87; joins the fleet shortly before Trafalgar, 361.

"Albemarle," British frigate commanded by Nelson, i. 31-41.

Alexandria, Nelson's first voyage to, i. 332-339; second voyage, 342, 343; blockaded, 366; Nelson's third voyage to, ii. 276, 277.

Algiers, Bonaparte's designs upon, ii. 184; Nelson's difficulties with, 230-232.

"Amazon," British frigate, services at Copenhagen, ii. 82, 86, 89, 91; subsequent mention, 217, 261-263, 289, 295, 315.

Amiens, Peace of, signature of, ii. 146; Nelson's home life during, 150-178; rupture of, 175.

"Amphion," British frigate, Nelson's passage to Mediterranean in, ii. 189-196; leaves her for the "Victory," 222.

Archduke Charles, Nelson's meeting with, at Prague, ii. 43.

Austria and Austrians, result of campaign of 1794 in Holland and Germany, 155; in Italy, 156; delay in opening campaign of 1795 in Italy, 177; their advance to Vado Bay, on the Riviera, 178; Nelson ordered to co-operate with, 178, 184; their disregard of Genoese neutrality, 184; position of, in summer of 1795, 186; inability, or unwillingness to advance, 188, 189, 194; their attitude towards the British, 197, 202, 213; growing insecurity of their position, 196, 200, 201, 212; attacked and defeated by French at Battle of Loano, 201; retreat across the Apennines, 202; urged by Nelson to reoccupy Vado in 1796, 218, 219; their advance under Beaulieu, 220-223; Nelson's assurances to, 221; defeat by Bonaparte, 220, 223; driven into the Tyrol, and behind the Adige, 232; besieged in Mantua, 232; advance under Wurmser to relieve Mantua, 238; Nelson's hopes therefrom, 238-241; hears of their defeat again, 241, 244; the peace of Campo Formio between Austria and France, 317, 318; dissatisfaction of Austria with France, 319, 322; effect of their position in upper Italy upon French operations, 391; attitude towards France and Naples, 1798, 392; Nelson's judgment on, 399, 400; alliance with Russia, 1799, 400; successes in 1799, 400, 415, 416, ii. 1, 14, 15; reverses, 15; capture of Genoa, 1800, 37; defeat at Marengo, 37; abandon Northern Italy, 37; Nelson's visit to, 40-43; peace with France, 1801, 63, 119; exhaustion of, 1801-1805, 180; Nelson's remonstrance with, on failure to enforce her neutrality, 242.

Ball, Sir Alexander J., British captain, letter to Nelson, i. 211; joins Nelson's division at Gibraltar, 316; services in saving the flagship, 324; advice asked by Nelson, 333; at the Battle of the Nile, 347, 352-354; accompanies Nelson to Naples, 366; gallantry towards Lady Hamilton, 386; serves ashore at Malta, 392, 406-409, ii. 7, 9, 11, 12, 13; mentions with unbelief reports about Nelson and Lady Hamilton, i. 396; summoned to join Nelson upon the incursion of Admiral Bruix, 419-421, 426; ordered to resume duties at Malta, 423; mention of Nelson in letters to Lady Hamilton, ii. 23, 30; visits Nelson at Merton, 158; anecdote of Nelson told by him, 158; letters from Nelson to, 211, 213, 242-244, 270, 274, 278, 280, 286, 292; opinion as to French objects in 1804, 212; Nelson's testy vexation with, 238; opinion as to the management of coast lookout stations, 318, note.

Barbary States. See Algiers, Tripoli, Tunis.

Barham, Lord, Nelson's interview with, as Comptroller of the Navy, i. 85; First Lord of the Admiralty, ii. 291 and note, 317, 320, 321; Nelson's interviews with, 320, 333; Nelson's letters to, 324, 353, 355, 358.

Bastia, town in Corsica, in possession of French, i. 116; blockade of, by Nelson, 120, 122; engagement with batteries of, 120; description of, 121; Nelson's opinion as to besieging, 121-124, 126; siege of, 127-131; capitulation of, 129; Nelson's estimate as to his own services at, 132, 133, 152; Nelson directed to superintend evacuation of, by British, 247; evacuation of, 251-253.

Battles, land, mentioned: Aboukir, ii. 17; Castiglione, i. 241, 244; Hohenlinden, ii. 63; Loano, i. 201; Marengo, ii. 37; Novi, 15.

Battles, naval, mentioned: Calder's action, ii. 307, 313, 318, 323; Camperdown, i. 309; Copenhagen, ii. 79-97, 98, 161-167; First of June (Lord Howe's), i. 150, 176; July 13, 1795, i. 178-182; March 14, 1795, i. 166-173; the Nile, i. 343-358; St. Vincent, i. 268-277; Trafalgar, ii. 377-397.

Beatty, Dr., surgeon of the "Victory," account of Nelson's habits and health, ii. 225-228 and note; present at Nelson's death, 388, 389, 392, 393, 396.

Beaulieu, Austrian general, commands the army in Italy, 1796, i. 219; defeated by Bonaparte, and driven into the Tyrol, 220-223, 232.

Beckford, William, opinion of Lady Hamilton, i. 381; visited by Nelson at Fonthill, ii. 51-53; anecdote of Nelson, 52.

Berry, Sir Edward, British captain, accompanies Nelson in boarding the "San Nicolas" and "San Josef," i. 273-275, 279; commands Nelson's flagship, the "Vanguard," 309; account of the campaign of the Nile (quoted), 332, 339, 344, 355, 359; at the Battle of the Nile, 351, 354, 363; sent to England with despatches, 360; commands the "Foudroyant" at the capture of the "Genereux," ii. 24-27; at the capture of the "Guillaume Tell," 31, 32; commands the "Agamemnon" at Trafalgar, 361; numerous services of, 362.

Bickerton, Sir Richard, British admiral, commands in the "Mediterranean" when war with France begins, 1803, ii. 194; second in command to Nelson, 1803-1805, 202, 215, 219, 246, 248, 259, 263, 278; left in command by Nelson, upon his departure for the West Indies, 294, 314, 317; joins Collingwood before Cadiz, 334; returns to England, ill, just before Trafalgar, 338.

Blackwood, Sir Henry, British captain, distinguished part taken in the capture of the "Guillaume Tell," ii. 31, 328; arrives in London with news that the combined fleets are in Cadiz, 328; interviews with Nelson, 328; commands advanced squadron of frigates off Cadiz, 339, 357, 361, 364-369; last day spent with Nelson, 372-379, 382-385; witnesses the "Codicil" to Nelson's will, 374, 375; special mark of confidence shown him by Nelson, 377; Nelson's farewell to him, 385.

Bolton, Susannah, Nelson's sister, relations of, with Lady Nelson and Lady Hamilton, ii. 55, 178.

Bonaparte, Napoleon, decisive influence of Nelson upon the career of, i. 96, 97, 220, ii. 63, 64, 119, 120, 267-270, 283, 284, 301, 310, 314; indicates the key of the defences of Toulon, i. 117; opinions upon operations in Italy, 186, 187, 193, 194, 197, 208, 214-216, 219, 391, 394; command of Army of Italy, 220; defeats Beaulieu, advances to the Adige, and establishes the French position in Northern Italy, 220-223, 228, 229, 232; fortifies the coastline of the Riviera, 223, 224, 227; seizes Leghorn, 231-233, 236; contrasted with Nelson, 234-236, 258, ii. 129, 130, 172; overthrows Wurmser, i. 238, 240, 241; effect of his campaign in Italy upon the career of Nelson, 242, 243, 318; forces Genoa to close her ports to Great Britain, 245; sails on the Egyptian Expedition, 323, 325, 328, 329, 331-334, 336-339; landing in Egypt, 339; Nelson's appreciation of the effect upon, by the Battle of the Nile, 366, 369, 370, 406, ii. 18-22; expedition into Syria, 17; escape from Egypt to France, 16, 17, after defeating a Turkish army in Aboukir Bay, 17; defeats Austrians at Marengo, 37; influence upon the formation of the Baltic Coalition, 63, 64; threats of invading England, 1801, 119-122; his dominant situation on the Continent in 1803, 179-187; firmness of intention to invade England, 1803-1805, 184-188, 191, 204, 213; his policy and Nelson's counter projects, 182-187; Nelson's singularly accurate prediction of future of, 188, 265; Nelson's intuitive recognition of probable action of, 265, 270; vast combinations for invasion of England, 267-272, 283, 284; his understanding of the value of sea-power evidenced, 282.

"Boreas," British frigate, commanded by Nelson, 1784-1787, i. 44-80.

Brereton, British general, erroneous information sent to Nelson, ii. 298-300; Nelson's expressions of annoyance, 300, 309, 311, 318; comment upon his mistake, 318, note.

Bronte, Duke of, Sicilian title and estate conferred upon Nelson, ii. 2; his form of signature afterwards, 2 and note.

Brueys, French admiral, commander-in-chief at the Battle of the Nile, i. 345; his dispositions for action, 345-347.

Bruix, French admiral, commander-in-chief of a French fleet entering the Mediterranean from Brest, i. 417, 422, 425, 428, 432; effect of his approach upon proceedings in Naples, 432, 437, 441; his return to Brest, 446, 448; Nelson's comment upon his conduct, ii. 213.

"Bucentaure," French flagship at Trafalgar, Nelson's encounter with, ii. 384-387; surrender of, 391.

Cadiz, Nelson's visit to, i. 103-104; his operations before, under Jervis, 286-288, 289-294; his watch before, prior to Trafalgar, ii. 339, 356-361; effect of position of, upon the Battle of Trafalgar, 369, 371, 372, 380.

"Ca Ira," French ship-of-the-line, Nelson's action with, in the "Agamemnon," i. 163-166; his credit for, 172.

Calder, Sir Robert, British admiral, captain of the fleet at the Battle of St. Vincent, i. 281, 282; his indecisive action with the allied fleets, in 1805, ii. 307, 313; popular outcry against, 308, 315, 323, 353; Nelson's relations with, 318, 319, 323, 327, 353-356; recalled to England for trial, 353.

Calvi, town in Corsica, Nelson at the siege of, i. 136-148; loses there his right eye, 139, 140.

Canary Islands. See Teneriffe.

Capel, Thomas B., British captain, bearer of despatches after the Battle of the Nile, i. 361, 371; mentioned, 355, note, ii. 217.

"Captain," British ship-of-the-line, carries Nelson's broad pendant as commodore, i. 230; at the Battle of St. Vincent, 270-276; injuries received there, 285; Nelson quits her for the "Theseus," 285, 289.

Caracciolo, Francesco, commodore in the Neapolitan navy, wounded feelings at the distrust of his Court, i. 390; accompanies the flight to Palermo, obtains leave to return to Naples, and joins the insurgents there, 437; apprehension, trial, and execution of, 438; comments upon Nelson's part in this transaction, 439-443.

Castlereagh, Lord, British Minister, Nelson's shrewd prediction to him of the results of the Orders in Council affecting neutral flags, and of the License System, ii. 330.

Clarence, Duke of. See William Henry.

Codrington, Edward, British captain, expressions quoted: about Nelson's seamanship, i. 15; his family ties and love of glory, 72, ii. 175; appearance of Nelson's ships, 288; graciousness of Nelson's bearing, 340.

Collingwood, Cuthbert, British admiral, close connection between his career and that of Nelson, i. 21, 22; strong expression of regard for Nelson, 24; association with Nelson in the West Indies, 54 and note, 55, 63; at the Battle of Cape St. Vincent, 269, 273, 276, 281, 282; strong expression upon the credit due to Nelson, 272; his account of Nelson's cold reception at Court, in 1800, ii. 49; sent from England to West Indies in 1805, 310; hearing that Nelson is gone thither, takes position off Cadiz instead, 311; correspondence with Nelson on his return, 311-313; left by Nelson in charge off Cadiz, 316, 317; force collected under, when allies enter Cadiz, 334; characteristics, 340; part assigned to, by Nelson, for Trafalgar, 350-352; his part at Trafalgar, 370-372, 377, 380, 383, 384; Nelson's praise of, 384; his sympathy with Nelson, 384; notified of Nelson's fatal wound, 394.

Convoys, Nelson's comments on the behavior of, i. 33; gives one to American merchant ships against French privateers, 289; difficulty of providing in the Mediterranean, ii. 241-244.

Copenhagen, defences of, in 1801, ii. 72, 80, 81, 84, 85; Battle of, Nelson's plans for, 84-87; the battle, 87-97; importance and difficulty of the achievement, 98, 99; failure of the British Government to reward, 99, 162; silence of the city of London, 161; Nelson's action, 161-167.

Corfu, transferred, with the other Ionian Islands, from Venice to France, i. 318; Nelson's concern for, after the Battle of the Nile, 368, 405, 406; taken by Russo-Turkish forces, 405; British precautions against re-occupation by French, ii. 184; concern of Nelson for, while commander-in-chief in the Mediterranean, 1803-1805, 187, 190, 195, 266; resort of privateers, 241; Napoleon's estimate of, 206.

Cornwallis, William, British admiral, kindness to Nelson in early life, i. 30 and note, 45; Nelson directed to communicate with, off Brest in 1803, ii. 188, 189; orders seizure of Spanish treasure-ships, 251; Nelson directs that the order be disobeyed, 251; services of, off Brest, 269; Nelson joins, off Brest, on return from West Indies, 314, 317; authorizes Nelson to return to England, 317.

Correspondence, Nelson's extensive, while in the Mediterranean, ii. 190; his manner of conducting, 232-236.

Corsica, Island of, Nelson ordered to coast of, i. 115, 116; Nelson's connection with operations there in 1794, 118-148; strategic value of, to British, 155-159; government as a British dependency, 159; dissatisfaction of natives with British rule, 231; tenure of, dependent on support of the natives, 234; abandonment of, by the British, 247, 251-254; threatened invasion of Sardinia from, ii. 204.

"Curieux," British brig of war, sent by Nelson to England from West Indies with news of his movements, ii. 301; falls in with combined fleets, 313; Nelson's comment on hearing the fact, 313, 315.

Davison, Alexander, intimate friend of Nelson, Nelson expresses despondency to, i. 412; tells him circumstances of surrender of castles at Naples, 431, 432; the "Lady of the Admiralty's" coolness, ii. 49; account given by, of George III. speaking of Nelson, 49, 50; Nelson's mention of Sir Hyde Parker to, 67, 68, 71, 164; aids Nelson pecuniarily, 144; charged by Nelson with a final message to Lady Nelson, 148; Nelson's expressions to, about St. Vincent, 163; about treatment of himself by the government, 170; "Salt beef and the French fleet," 296; about General Brereton, 318.

De Vins, Austrian general, commands on the Riviera in 1795, i. 187; Nelson's association with, 187, 193-197, and opinion of, 197.

Dresden, Nelson's visit to, in 1800, ii. 43-45.

Drinkwater, Colonel, returns from Elba in frigate with Nelson, 1797, i. 262; incidents narrated of the voyage, 266-268; witnesses the Battle of St. Vincent, 281; interview with Nelson after the battle, 283; characteristic anecdote of Nelson, 309.

Duckworth, Sir J.T., British admiral, association with Nelson during operations in the Mediterranean, 1799, i. 418, 419, 420, 421, 423, 442, ii. 1, 6.

Dundas, British general, commanding troops in Corsica, i. 121; controversy with Lord Hood, 121, 122; Nelson's opinion, 121.

Egypt, Bonaparte's expedition to, in 1798, i. 323-339; Nelson's pursuit, 327-329, 331-338; Nelson's constant attention to, 369, 404, 406, ii. 182, 185, 201, 203, 211, 212, 213, 255, 270, 277, 280-282, 287, 302; his urgency that the French army be not permitted to leave, 18-22.

El Arish, Convention of, signed, ii. 19.

Elba, island of, Nelson's opinion of importance of, i. 237; his seizure of, 237; evacuation of, 259-263, 287, 288.

"Elephant," British ship-of-the-line, Nelson's flagship at Copenhagen, ii. 78, 83, 88-97.

Elgin, Earl of, British ambassador to Turkey, opinion upon the state of things at Palermo during Nelson's residence there, i. 397; Nelson's divergence of opinion from, concerning the French quitting Egypt, ii. 19-21.

Elliot, Sir Gilbert, afterwards Lord Minto, British representative in Corsica, 1794, i. 119; Viceroy of Corsica, 154; friendship between him and Nelson, 154, 275, 281, 283, 284, ii. 153, 250, 325; Nelson's correspondence with, i. 172, 203, 237, 239, 275, 281, 356, ii. 3, 27, 36, 210, 250; directs the seizure of Elba by Nelson, i. 237; present at the evacuation of Corsica, 252, 253, and of Elba. 262; passage with Nelson to Gibraltar, 262-268; witnesses the Battle of St. Vincent, 275, 281; advocacy of Nelson's claims to distinction, 284, 403; incidental mention of Nelson by, i. 308, ii. 34, 44, 92, 154, 172, 174, 308, 326, 332, 335; mention of Lady Hamilton by, i. 379-382, ii. 44, 154, 320, 335; ambassador to Vienna, i. 396 note.

Elliot, Hugh, British minister at Dresden during Nelson's visit in 1800, ii. 43, 44; minister to the two Sicilies during Nelson's Mediterranean command, 1803-1805, 189-310; takes passage out with Nelson, 189; correspondence between Nelson and, quoted, 191, 192, 194, 211, 212, 215, 218, 235, 246, 258, 263, 264, 286, 304, 310, 330.

Este, Lambton, association with Nelson mentioned, ii. 254-257.

Fischer, Commodore, commander-in-chief of Danish fleet at the Battle of Copenhagen, ii. 94; Nelson's controversy with, on account of his official report of the battle, 107-109.

Fitzharris, Lord, British attache at Vienna during Nelson's visit, 1800, anecdotes of Nelson and of Lady Hamilton, ii. 41, 42.

Flag of Truce, incident of the, at Copenhagen, ii. 94-98.

"Fleet in Being," indications of Nelson's probable opinion of its deterrent effect, i. 135-137, 160, 182, 183, 196, 198, 213, 214, 216, 217, 218, 227; ii. 301-306.

Freemantle, British captain, with Nelson, at Teneriffe, i. 301-304; at Copenhagen, ii. 83; letter from Nelson to, concerning Calder, 318.

Frigates, Nelson's sense of the importance of, and of small cruisers generally, i. 338, 340, 341; ii. 242-245, 274, 294, 334, 357, 358.

"Genereux," French ship-of-the-line, escape of, after the Battle of the Nile, i. 357, 358; capture of the "Leander" by, 361, 405; captured by Nelson's squadron off Malta, ii. 24-29.

Genoa, importance of, to the South of France, i. 105, 106, 107; difficult neutrality of, 157, 158, 184-192, 199-201, 218, 223, 226-228, 233, 393; closes her ports against Great Britain, 1796, 244-246; siege of city, in 1800, ii. 28; surrender of, by Massena, 37; identified with France as the Ligurian Republic, 181, 182; ports of, blockaded by Nelson, 219, 229, 230.

George III., King of Great Britain, prejudice of, against Nelson in early life, i. 88, 89, 284; subsequent approbation, 177, 284, 308; interest in Nelson manifested by, ii. 49, 50; subsequent coldness of, toward Nelson, apparently in consequence of his relations to Lady Hamilton, 49.

Gillespie, Dr., account of life on board Nelson's flagship by, ii. 223-225, 238, 248.

Goodall, Admiral, at the partial fleet action of March 14, 1795, i. 168, 169; his support of Nelson when under public censure for failure to find the French fleet, 334.

Gore, British captain, commands squadron of frigates under Nelson's orders, outside Straits of Gibraltar, ii. 244; letter of Nelson to, concerning three frigates attacking a ship-of-the-line, 245; ordered by Nelson to disobey orders of Admiral Cornwallis to seize Spanish treasure-ships, 250, 251.

Graves, Rear Admiral, second to Nelson at the Battle of Copenhagen, ii. 83, 90; made Knight of the Bath in reward for the action, 99.

Gravina, Spanish admiral, commander of the Spanish contingent, and second in command of the combined fleet, at Trafalgar, ii. 363, 369, 372, 396.

Greville, Charles, nephew to Sir William Hamilton, relations of, to Emma Hart, afterwards Lady Hamilton, i. 373-379.

Hallowell, British captain, under Nelson at the siege of Calvi, i. 139; commands the "Swiftsure" at the Battle of the Nile, 353.

Hamilton, Emma, Lady, Nelson's first meeting with, i. 110, 111; letter of Nelson to. 340; conduct of, in Naples, upon receipt of news of the Battle of the Nile, 371; Nelson's second meeting with, 372; previous history of, 373-379; married to Sir William Hamilton, 378; personal appearance and characteristics, 379-382, 384-386, ii. 43-45, 150, 154, 223, 326, 335; influence at Court of Naples, i. 383, 426, 442; influence upon Nelson, 385-388, 441, 442, 444, ii. 23, 28-30, 38, 39, 41, 78, 330-332; intermediary between the Court and Nelson, i. 389, 426, 428; efficiency during the flight of the Court from Naples, 395; scandal concerning her relations to Nelson, 396-398, ii. 30, 34, 35, 48-51, 154, 177, 178; love of play, i. 397, ii. 41; Nelson's infatuation for, i. 380, 422, 441, ii. 29, 30, 34, 35, 38, 39, 41, 43, 51, 53, 78, 110, 154, 326; with Sir William Hamilton accompanies Nelson to Naples in flagship, i. 428; usefulness there, 444; Nelson asks of the Czar insignia of the Order of Malta for, ii. 10; accompanies Nelson, with her husband, on a trip to Malta, 35, and on the return journey to England, 36-45; her reception by the London world, 48-50, 154; Lady Nelson's attitude towards, 46-48, 51, 53; attitude of Nelson's father towards, 55, 176; of other members of Nelson's family, 55, 178, 326; believed by Nelson to be the mother of Horatia, 56-58; Nelson's letters to, during Copenhagen expedition, 68, 69, 72, 79, 88, 104, 105, 106, 110, 111, 116, 149; letters to, while commanding preparations against invasion, 137, 139, 140-143, 149, 150; purchases the Merton property for Nelson, 149-151; disturbed relations with her husband, 151-153; death of husband, 177; Nelson's letters to, during his command in the Mediterranean, 1803-1805, 194, 222, 223, 256, 258, 279, 339, 353, 354; Nelson's anxiety about confinement of, 210; birth of a second child, 210; allowance made by Nelson to, 248; Nelson's last letter to, 365; bequeathed by Nelson to his Country, 376, 389, 395; mentioned by Nelson, when dying, 392, 393, 395.

Hamilton, Sir William, British minister to Naples, Nelson's first association with, i. 110; Nelson's correspondence with, during the Nile campaign, 327, 329, 330, 340-342, 368, 372; Nelson's association with, while in command in Neapolitan waters, 1798-1800, 372, 387, 389, 390, 393, 395-398, 427, 428-444, ii. 21, 23, 27-30, 34, 35; relations to Amy Lyon, otherwise Emma Hart, prior to their marriage, 375-378; marriage to Emma Hart, 378; onerous increase of diplomatic duties after the French Revolution began, 384; influence of Lady Hamilton upon, 383, 389, 397, ii. 44; apparent unfitness for his position, i. 383, 397, 398, 435, 436; accompanies Nelson to Naples in flagship, 428; assertion of Nelson's full powers at this time by, 430; official despatch of, relative to transactions at Naples, June-July, 1799, quoted and discussed, 432-436; share of, in these transactions, 444; recalled to England, ii. 34; accompanied by Nelson on return to England, 36-45; Nelson takes up his residence with, 146; with Lady Hamilton goes to live with Nelson at Merton, 150; disturbed relations of, with his wife, 151-153; death of, 177; his professed confidence in Nelson, 178.

Hardy, Captain Thomas M., captured in the prize "Sabina," i. 260; exchanged, 264, 266; narrow escape from recapture, 267; commander of the brig "Mutine," 323; accompanies Nelson in Baltic expedition, ii. 65, 83; continuous association with Nelson after St. Vincent, 392; presence at Nelson's death-bed, 392-395; incidentally mentioned, ii. 224, 234, 245, 337, 368, 374, 378, 385-389, 391.

Hart, Emma, name assumed by Lady Hamilton, prior to marriage, i. 375.

Haslewood, anecdote of final breach between Lord and Lady Nelson, ii. 53.

Hillyar, Captain James, anecdotes of Nelson, ii. 175, note, 237-239.

"Hinchinbrook," British frigate, commanded by Nelson in youth, i. 21-30; singular coincidence that both Nelson and Collingwood were made post into this ship, 21.

Hood, Admiral, Lord, opinion of Nelson in early life, i. 34; Nelson obtains transfer of his ship to the fleet of, 36-39; relations of Nelson with, prior to French Revolution, 37, 39, 41, 45, 66, 87, 89, 108; appointed to command the Mediterranean fleet, 1793, 101; services off Toulon, 103-117; employs Nelson on detached service, at Naples, 108, at Tunis, 113, around Corsica, 115-120; reduction of Corsica, 118-148; return to England, 148, 149; removed from the Mediterranean command, 175; Nelson's opinion of, 119, 175, 176; Nelson's relations with, during his Mediterranean command, 112, 116, 119, 122, 124, 148; at siege of Bastia, 130-132; at siege of Calvi, 142, 143; inadequate mention of Nelson's services in Corsica by, 131-134, 152, 153; differences with Colonel Moore, 143-145; opinion of Nelson's merits at the Battle of the Nile, 361-363; presents Nelson in the House of Peers, when taking his seat as a viscount, ii. 160.

Hood, Captain Sir Samuel, pilots Nelson's fleet into Aboukir Bay, i. 348; share of, in the Battle of the Nile, 349, 350, 358; left to blockade Alexandria, 366, 392; incidentally mentioned, 401, 404, ii. 158.

Horatia, Nelson's daughter, birth of, ii. 56; mentioned, 57, 223, 335; Nelson's last letter to, 366; desired by him to use the name of "Nelson" only, 366; bequeathed by Nelson to his Country, 376, 389; mentioned by Nelson in dying, 395.

Hoste, Captain William, midshipman with Nelson from 1793 to 1797, i. 304; describes Nelson's return on board wounded, after the affair at Santa Cruz, 304; lieutenant, and commander of the "Mutine," 371; reception at Naples by Lady Hamilton, 371; curious anecdote of, ii. 262, 263.

Hotham, Vice-Admiral, second in command to Lord Hood, mistaken action of, i. 134, 135; Nelson's comment on, 135, 150; succeeds Hood as commander-in-chief, 149; encounter with French Toulon fleet, 161-170; Nelson's urgency with, 168, and criticism of his action in this case, 169-172; inadequate military conceptions of, 171, 182, 198; difficulties of, recognized by Nelson, 171; second encounter with the French, 178-180; incompetent action, and Nelson's criticism, 179-182; disastrous results of inefficiency of, 182, 183, 198, 203, 210; sends Nelson to co-operate with Austrians on the Riviera, 184; Nelson's opinion of his "political courage," 189; personal dislike to co-operation of, 191, 197 and note; inadequate support given to Nelson by, 197, 198, 202; Nelson's opinion of the consequent mishaps, 182, 199, 202; relieved by Sir Hyde Parker, 199.

Hotham, Sir William, criticism of Nelson's conduct towards Lady Nelson, ii. 50; mention of Lady Nelson's conduct after the separation, 53; Nelson's aptitude at forwarding public service, 229.

Howe, Admiral, Lord, appoints Nelson to the command of the "Boreas," i. 44; kind reception of Nelson in 1787, 82; victory of June 1st, 1794, Nelson's opinion of, 150; Nelson's expression to, about the Battle of the Nile, 356; opinion of, concerning the Battle of the Nile, 357, 363.

Hughes, Sir Richard, commander-in-chief of the Leeward Islands Station, 1784-1786, i. 45; Nelson's difficulties with, 49-53, and 53-58; his attitude towards Nelson in the matter of enforcing the Navigation Act, 58, 60, 63; Nelson's reconciliation with, 72.

Hughes, Lady, account of Nelson as a very young captain, i. 46.

Ionian Islands, Corfu, etc., objects of Nelson's solicitude, i. 368, 391, 405, 406, ii. 265. 266; Russian occupation of, i. 405, ii. 14; importance of, to Bonaparte, ii. 187, 188, 195, 241; temporary political name of Republic of the Seven Islands, 190.

Ireland, Nelson's speculations as to Bonaparte's intentions against, ii. 211, 212, 288, 315; Collingwood's, 311, 312.

Jervis, Admiral Sir John, afterwards Earl of St. Vincent, i. 34; commander-in-chief in the West Indies, 115; commander-in-chief in the Mediterranean, 204, 212; Nelson's first meeting with, 215; desire of, to have Nelson remain under his command, 216, 229, 255; his close blockade of Toulon, 230, 242; Nelson's lofty opinion of, 244, 248; forced to concentrate his fleet owing to the attitude of Spain, 245, 246; embarrassment caused to, by conduct of Admiral Man, 246, 251; ordered to evacuate the Mediterranean, 247; retires to Gibraltar, 254; sends Nelson back to superintend the evacuation of Elba, 259; his opinions of Nelson, as expressed, 261, 281, 282, 294, 299, 306, 323, 363, 403, ii. 67, 104, 116, 118, 120, 196, 198; rejoined by Nelson, off Cape St. Vincent, i. 268; Battle of Cape St. Vincent, 268-277; operations after the battle, 285-288; blockade and bombardment of Cadiz, 288-294; sends Nelson to Teneriffe, 298, 299; sympathy with Nelson in his defeat and wound, 306; created Earl of St. Vincent, 306; rejoined by Nelson after convalescence, 310; expressions of satisfaction thereat, 310; aversion of, to extending the operations of the fleet, 320; sends Nelson to watch the Toulon armament, 310, 323; denounced for choosing so young a flag-officer, 337; opinion of the Battle of the Nile, 363; orders Nelson to return to the western Mediterranean, 366; the affair of Sir Sidney Smith, 401, 402; absolute confidence of, in Nelson, 408; action upon the incursion of Bruix's fleet, 420-423; gives up the command of the Mediterranean, 424; Nelson's distress and vexation, 424, ii. 263; succeeded in command by Lord Keith, i. 425, 428; takes command of Channel Fleet, 1800, ii. 56; Nelson joins him as subordinate, 56; stern resolution in face of the Baltic Coalition, 64; becomes First Lord of the Admiralty, 67; Nelson's gradual alienation from, 69, 140, 141, 142, 162, 163, 167, 170, 172; full approval of Nelson's course in the Baltic by, 73, 104; indisposition to grant rewards for services at Copenhagen, 99, 162, 163, 167; reluctance to relieve Nelson, 116; insists with Nelson that he must accept and retain command of preparations against invasion, 120, 139, 145; correspondence with Nelson on this subject, 120-126, 134, 135, 136, 139, 143; divergence of views from Nelson's on the subject of a flotilla, 131, 132; misunderstanding between Nelson and, on the subject of medals for Copenhagen, 162, 163, 167; sends Nelson to the Mediterranean as commander-in-chief, 175; injury to Navy from excessive economy of, 172, 196; correspondence of Nelson with, while commander-in-chief in the Mediterranean, quoted, 188, 189, 196, 198, 213; retires from the Admiralty, and succeeded by Lord Melville, 221.

KEATS, Captain Richard G., favorite with Nelson, ii. 293; letters from Nelson to, 293, 297, 298, 323.

Keith, Admiral, Lord, second in command to St. Vincent in the Mediterranean, i. 423; St. Vincent relinquishes command to, 425, 428; characteristics of, 425; friction between Nelson and, 425-427; advice of, to Nelson, concerning executions in Naples, 442; Nelson's disobedience to orders of, 445-454; pursues combined fleets to English Channel, 448, ii. 14; inferiority of, to Nelson, in military sagacity, i. 450, ii. 38; absence from Mediterranean prolonged, ii. 4; resumes command in the Mediterranean, 22; Nelson's resentment at his return, 3, 23; relations between the two, 23, 27-30, 32, 36-38; orders Nelson to assume personal charge of blockade of Malta, 28; generous letter of, to Nelson, 35; dissatisfaction of, with Nelson's course, 36-38; displeasure of Queen of Naples with, 38, 39; measures of, to prevent French encroachments during Peace of Amiens, 184; successful resistance of, to the Admiralty's attempt to reduce his station, 249.

Kleber, French general, succeeds Bonaparte in the command in Egypt, ii. 17; convinced of the hopelessness of retaining Egypt, 18; makes the Convention of El Arish with the Turks, 18-20.

Knight, Miss, friend and companion of the Hamiltons, ii. 39; accompanies them and Nelson on journey to England in 1800, 39-48; incidents mentioned by, relative to this period, 39, 40, 48; testimony to Nelson's love for his wife, prior to meeting with Lady Hamilton, 55.

LATOUCHE-TREVILLE, French admiral, in command off Boulogne, and successful repulse of British boats, ii. 135-138, 214; in command of Toulon fleet, 214; Nelson's attempts to lure out of port, 214-216, 219, 220; reports that Nelson retreated before him, and Nelson's wrath, 217-219; death of, 257.

Layman, Lieutenant, and Commander, serving with Nelson on board the St. George, 1801, ii. 69; anecdotes of Nelson by, 70, 72, 158, 356; loses the brig "Raven" when carrying despatches, 279; characteristic letter of Nelson in behalf of, 279, 280.

"Leander," British fifty-gun ship, Campaign and Battle of the Nile, i. 327, 352, 353; sent with despatches to Gibraltar, 360; captured by the "Genereux," 361; recaptured by Russians, and restored to Great Britain, 405.

Leghorn, Nelson's visits to, i. 148, 151, 161, 208; importance of, to the French, 157, 160, and to the British fleet, 161, 231, 232; occupation of, by Bonaparte, in 1796, 233; blockade of, by Nelson, 236-238; Nelson's project for an assault of, 238-241; occupation of, by Neapolitans, in 1798, 393, 406; blockade of, recommended by Nelson, in 1803, ii. 182.

Lindholm, Danish officer, aide-de-camp to Crown Prince at the Battle of Copenhagen, sent to Nelson with reply to the message under flag of truce, ii. 96; association with the negotiations, 97, 101, 103; testimony of, to Nelson's motives in sending flag of truce, 97; correspondence of, with Nelson, relative to the conduct of Commodore Fischer, 108, 109.

Linzee, Commodore, Nelson serves under, on mission to Tunis, i. 113; Nelson's causeless dissatisfaction with conduct of, 114.

Lisbon, headquarters of British fleet after evacuation of the Mediterranean, i. 260, 285, 286, 310; forbidden to British in 1803, ii. 181.

Locker, Captain William, Nelson's early commander and life-long friend, i. 17-20, 21.

Louis, Captain Thomas, Nelson's expressions of obligation to, at the Battle of the Nile, i. 351.

"Lowestoffe," British frigate, Nelson commissioned lieutenant into, and incidents on board of, i. 16-20; his place on board of, filled by Collingwood, 21.

Lyon, Amy, maiden name of Lady Hamilton, i. 373.

Mack, Austrian general, association with Nelson before and after the disastrous Neapolitan campaign of 1798, i. 392-394.

Madalena Islands, situation of, and importance to Nelson's fleet, ii. 201-205, 207; Nelson there receives news of Villeneuve's first sailing, 266.

Malmesbury, Lady, mention of Lady Hamilton by, i. 379, 382; of Nelson and Hyde Parker, ii. 67.

Malta, seizure of, by Bonaparte, i. 329, 331; Nelson's estimate of the importance of, 330, 407, ii. 13, 195, 198; his concern for, i. 368, 369, 414, ii. 5, 7-14, 243, 316, 317; directs blockade of, i. 369, by Portuguese squadron, 371; blockade of, 391, 392, 409, 420, 423, ii. 1, 7-14, 23-34, 36, 37; Nelson's jealousy of Russian designs upon, i. 406-408; capture near, of the "Genereux," ii. 23-28, and of the "Guillaume Tell," 31; Nelson ordered by Keith to take personal charge of blockade of, 28; Nelson quits blockade of, 30, 31; takes ships off blockade, contrary to Keith's wishes, 36-39; surrender of, to the British, 62; effect of surrender of, upon the Czar, 62; Nelson's views as to the ultimate disposition of, 168; Nelson's visit to, in 1803, 189, 194; strategic importance of, 182, 195, 264.

Man, Admiral Robert, in command under Hotham, at the fleet action of July 13, 1795, i. 180; Nelson's commendation of, 180; subsequent mistakes of, in 1796, 240, 248, 249, 254; Nelson's expressions concerning, 240, 248; allusion to, ii. 19.

Marengo, Battle of, Nelson in Leghorn at the time of, ii. 37, 179.

Maritimo, Island of, strategic centre for a rendezvous, i. 420, 426, 427.

Massena, French general, defeats the combined Austrians and Russians near Zurich, ii. 15; Nelson likened to, 52.

Matcham, Mrs., Nelson's sister, attitude towards Lady Hamilton, ii. 55, 178; towards Lady Nelson, 178; anecdote of Nelson transmitted by, 335.

Matcham, George, Nelson's nephew, letter of, dated 1861, giving recollections of Nelson, ii. 155-157.

Melville, Lord, First Lord of the Admiralty, in succession to St. Vincent, reply to Nelson's appeal to reverse previous refusal of medals for Copenhagen, ii. 167; Nelson's letter to, about his missing the French fleet, 280-282.

Merton, Nelson's home in England, purchase of, by him, ii. 144, 149, 150; life at, during Peace of Amiens, 146-178; final stay at, 320-336.

Messina, importance of, to the security of Sicily, Nelson's opinions, i. 413, 414, 417, ii. 186, 191-193.

Middleton, Sir Charles, afterwards Lord Barham, i. 85. See Barham.

Miles, Commander Jeaffreson, able defence of Lord Nelson's action at Naples, in 1799, i. 441.

Miller, Captain Ralph W., commands Nelson's flagship at the Battle of St. Vincent, i. 274, 279; at Teneriffe, 302; at the Battle of the Nile, 355; Nelson's expressions of affection for, and anxiety for a monument to, ii. 143.