Primary Sources of the Rise of Napoleon

Farewell to the Old Guard, April 29, 1814

A speech by from April 20, 1814, by Napoleon Bonaparte, after his failed invasion of Russia and defeat by the Allies.

Soldiers of my Old Guard: I bid you farewell. For twenty years I have constantly accompanied you on the road to honor and glory. In these latter times, as in the days of our prosperity, you have invariably been models of courage and fidelity. With men such as you our cause could not be lost; but the war would have been interminable; it would have been civil war, and that would have entailed deeper misfortunes on France.

I have sacrificed all of my interests to those of the country.

I go, but you, my friends, will continue to serve France. Her happiness was my only thought. It will still be the object of my wishes. Do not regret my fate; if I have consented to survive, it is to serve your glory. I intend to write the history of the great achievements we have performed together. Adieu, my friends. Would I could press you all to my heart.

Napoleon Bonaparte - April 20, 1814

Source: https://sourcebooks.fordham.edu/mod/modsbook13.asp
This work is in the Public Domain.

Remembrances of Napoleon

Madame de Rémusat: From Memoirs. Bonaparte dictated with great ease. He never wrote anything with his own hand. His handwriting was bad and as illegible to himself as to others; and his spelling was very defective. He utterly lacked patience to do anything whatever with his own hands. The extreme activity of his mind and the habitual prompt obedience rendered to him prevented him from practicing any occupation in which the mind must necessarily wait for the action of the body. Those who wrote from his dictation---first Monsieur Bourrienne, then Monsieur Maret, and Méneval, his private secretary---had made a shorthand for themselves in order that their pens might travel as fast as his thoughts.

He dictated while walking to and fro in his cabinet. When he grew angry he would use violent imprecations, which were suppressed in writing and which had, at least, the advantage of giving the writer time to catch up with him. He never repeated anything that he had once said, even if it had not been heard; and this was very hard on the poor secretary, for Bonaparte remembered accurately what he had said and detected every omission. . . . He always derived amusement from causing any one uneasiness and distress. His great general principle, which he applied to everything, both great and small, was that there could be no zeal where there was no disquietude. . . .

Bonaparte's reception by the troops was nothing short of rapturous. It was well worth seeing how he talked to the soldiers, ---how he questioned them one after the other respecting their campaigns or their wounds, taking particular interest in the men who had accompanied him to Egypt. I have heard Madame Bonaparte say that her husband was in the constant habit of poring over the list of what are called the cadres of the army at night before he slept. He would go to sleep repeating the names of the corps, and even those of some of the individuals who composed them; he kept these names in a corner of his memory, and this habit came to his aid when he wanted to recognize a soldier and to give him the pleasure of a cheering word from his general. He spoke to the subalterns in a tone of good-fellowship, which delighted them all, as he reminded them of their common feats of arms.

Afterwards when his armies became so numerous and his battles so deadly, he disdained to exercise this kind of fascination. Besides, death had extinguished so many remembrances that in a few years it became difficult for him to find any great number of the companies of his early exploits; and when he addressed his soldiers before leading them into battle, it was as a perpetually renewed posterity to which the preceding and destroyed army had bequeathed its glory. But even this somber style of encouragement availed for a long time with a nation which believed itself to be fulfilling its destiny while sending its sons year after year to die for Bonaparte.

Letters and Dispatches of Horotio Nelson

These on-line editions of Horatio Nelson's dispatches and letters are based directly on the original nineteenth century editions. Nelson, who died at the naval battle of Trafalgar on October 21, 1805, was one of the most successful and famous of British fleet commanders. He fought in numerous battles, on both land and at sea, always leading the fight and pushing ahead into the enemy. His best acquaintances acknowledged that Nelson had an unusually clear mind, a keen intellect, and an insatiable thirst for glory. 

The original dispatches include lengthy footnotes, some of which have been selectively included. The "NELSON AND BRONTE" signature which end the later passages refer to Nelson's status as Duke of Bronte. Dates preceded by names Theseus, Captain, Vanguard or Victory are referring to Nelson's flagships, from whence he wrote many of his orders and dispatches.

THE ATLANTIC AND TENERIFFE, 1797
Operations against the Spanish Fleet at Cadiz.
April 30th through June 10th, 1797
June 12th through June 30th, 1797
July 3rd through July 11th, 1797


THE 1798 MEDITERRANEAN CAMPAIGN (The Battle of the Nile)
The British Fleet's search for the French Fleet and the prelude to the Battle of the Nile
June 12th through 29th, 1798
July 12th through 23rd, 1798

Aftermath of the Battle of the Nile.
August 2nd and 3rd, 1798
August 3rd through 9th, 1798


THE TRAFALGAR CAMPAIGN
Nelson takes command of the English fleet stationed off Spain.
October 1st through 4th, 1805
October 5th through 7th, 1805

The prelude to Trafalgar.
October 8th through 10th, 1805
October 10th through 14th, 1805

The Battle of Trafalgar, including photo of Nelson's last letter to Lady Hamilton.
October 15th through 21st, 1805

April 30th through June 9th, 1797

TO HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS THE DUKE OF CLARENCE.

[From Clarke and M'Arthur vol. ii, p. 10].

Off Cape de Gatte, 30th April, 1797.

Sir,
The French Squadron, of four Sail of the Line, one Frigate, and a Brig, were seen from Minorca only twenty-two hours before I passed it on the 19th, in my way up. I observed a Man-of-War Brig evidently looking at us; but my charge was too important to separate one Ship in chase of her, especially as the Seahorse, Southampton, and Meleager had parted company ; for until this Garrison is safe down, I do not think our business is well finished. I spoke a Danish Frigate just now, six days from Malaga, who says the Spanish Fleet is certainly ordered to come out of Cadiz; this redoubles my anxiety to join my Admiral, for I should seriously lament being absent on such an occasion, especially as I believe it will be the last on many accounts; first, that I think we should finish their Marine, and next, that my health is getting so indifferent from want of a few months' repose, and the pains I suffer in my inside, that I cannot serve, unless it is absolutely necessary, longer than this summer.

In October I intend to ask permission to return to England until February, should the war still continue; and when it is considered that I have been four years and nine months without one moment's repose for body or mind, I trust credit will be given me that I do not sham. I have sent poor Captain Oakes [of the HMS Seahorse] with the Meleager to look for some Spanish frigates ; his health is most distressing, and I have strongly recommended to him to go home, and, if he is fortunate in taking a Frigate I am in hopes he will. As I know your Royal Highness's regard for this Officer, I must be interested about him.

I am, &c.; HORATIO NELSON.

TO ADMIRAL SIR JOHN JERVIS, K.B.

[From Harrison's Life of Lord Nelson, vol. i. p. 183. Another Copy with some variations is in Clarke and M'Arthur].

Captain, off Cape Pallas, 1st May, 1797.

Dear Sir,
As I shall send away the Rose Cutter the moment I see the Rock, you will know from her arrival that we are in a fair way for arriving safe at Gibraltar. I spoke a Danish Frigate on the 27th of April, from Malaga four days. He says the Spanish Fleet has most positive orders to come to sea and fight you. This makes me doubly anxious to join you. I have not interfered with Captain Fremantle's charge and arrangement of the Convoy, it could not be in better hands; therefore I only overshadow them with my wings. I have the satisfaction to tell you, that all the Troops - except the Royals, who were always intended to be embarked in the Ships of War - are embarked in the Transports, with the exception of twenty, and General Horneck, who are in two Vessels loaded with wine. I offered to take a hundred into each Ship of my Squadron, but I found there was not the smallest necessity for it.

I hope. Sir, you will state this point at Home, as it would have been a severe reflection on me, not to have left what was necessary for the embarkation of the Army. I rejoice in this opportunity of vindicating my conduct; and beg leave again to recommend Lieutenant Day, Agent for Transports, to your notice. I placed my reliance on his judgment not to leave a Ship more than was necessary, and I am not deceived. A more zealous, active Officer as Agent for Transports I never met with. General de Burgh also speaks of him in the highest terms, and I hope the Transport Board will keep their promise of recommending those Officers in their service who eminently distinguish themselves, which I take upon myself to say. Lieutenant Day has not only done at Bastia, but at Porto Ferrajo. For his conduct at the former place you were so good, on my stating his services, to recommend him to the Admiralty; I should not do justice to his Majesty's service, were I not to urge it again. I have the pleasure to add, that all the Captains under my orders have conducted themselves like zealous good Officers.

I have the honour to be, &c., HORATIO NELSON.

TO JAMES SIMPSON, ESQ., AMERICAN CONSUL AT MALAGA.

[From Clarke and M'Arthur, vol. ii. p. 13, In reply to the American Consul's request that he would protect twelve American Vessels at Malaga, which were unable to proceed, on account of three French Privateers that were watching them].

Gibraltar, 30th May, 1797.

Sir,
I shall immediately grant the protection you have requested, by sending the Andromache, Captain Mansfield, to-morrow off Malaga, who will protect the Vessels close to the coast of Barbary, where you tell me they will consider themselves safe. In thus freely granting the protection of the British flag to the subjects of the United States, I am sure of fulfilling the wishes of my Sovereign, and I hope of strengthening the harmony which at present so happily subsists between the two Nations.

I am, &c., HORATIO NELSON.

TO CAPTAIN RALPH WILLETT MILLER.

[Autograph, iii the possession of Miss Miller, Captain Miller was then Admiral Nelson's Flag Captain in the Captain].

Ville de Paris, May 24th, 1797.

Dear Sir,
We are to go into the Theseus; therefore the Admiral desires the Captain to be anchored near her. She is next Ship to the Vice-Admiral; therefore pray direct my things to be in readiness - I mean my Store Room. Such Officers as wish to go with me are to get ready: Mids. Hoste and Bolton, &c. and such men as came from Agamemnon, if they like it; but this we can soon settle. Sir John desires you will dine here. It is believed the Peace is signed. I send your letters, and be assured I am ever

Your obliged, HORATIO NELSON.

TO HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS THE DUKE OF CLARENCE.

["From Clarke and M'Arthur, vol. ii. p. 12].

Off Cadiz, May 26th, 1797

Sir,
I beg leave to return you my most sincere acknowledgments for the three letters I have received from your Royal Highness. Whatever confidence you are pleased to repose in me, will not, I trust, be misplaced; but my conduct and not my words must prove this. . . .. Our western Ports in Ireland might surely be more used, and stores procured as easily as at Gibraltar, Lisbon, &c. A plan with little expense might be formed, for always having a large Squadron to the westward of England. We rejoice here at the certainty of soon receiving large reinforcements, which, as the Combined Fleet will very soon be forty Sail of the Line, must be acceptable; and we found our belief on the abundance of spare Ships that are at the disposal of the Admiralty; for, although we are so inferior, we find that a Squadron under Lord Hugh Seymour is actually cruising on our station.

I am, &c„ HORATIO NELSON.

TO MRS. NELSON.

[From Clarke and M'Arthur, vol. ii. p. 12].

27th May, 1797.

How Government can answer for this act, I cannot guess; but I have done. We are to anchor off Cadiz, in sight of the whole Spanish Fleet. I am barely out of shot of a Spanish Rear Admiral.

Yours, &c„ HORATIO NELSON.

TO ADMIRAL DON JOSEF DE MAZAREDO, CADIZ.

[From Harrison's Life of Nelson, vol. i. p. 180].

Theseus, May 30th, 1797.

Sir,
I have the honour of sending your Excellency a packet from Sir John Jervis; and I embrace the opportunity of assuring you of my high esteem of your character. The 4th of June being the birthday of my Royal Master, Sir John Jervis intends firing a feu de joie, at eight o'clock in the evening; and has desired me to mention it to your Excellency, that his Ladies at Cadiz may not be alarmed at the firing. Believe me your Excellency's most faithful servant,

HORATIO NELSON".

TO ADMIRAL SIR JOHN JERVIS, K.B.

[From Clarke and M'Arthur, vol. ii. p. 13].

Theseus, 31st May, 1797.

My dear Sir,
I never have a letter from the Duke of Clarence, but H. R. H. mentions you. I have mislaid that of April 5th, or I should have thought it my duty to have sent it. His Royal Highness therein said, ' My best wishes and compliments attend the illustrious Jervis; tell him I admire him, I envy him, and I sincerely hope his Fleet will now fall in with the Dollars.' A letter from a humbler pen came to me at Gibraltar - Collingwood; and his sentiments are, I am confident, those of the whole Fleet - 'I have a great desire our Admiral should be a Marquis this summer, his bright honours will reflect on all of us.'

I am, &c.; HORATIO NELSON.

CASE FOR THE OPINION OF COUNSEL.

[Autograph draught, in the Nelson Papers].

[Apparently written in May or June, 1797].

Admiral Sir John Jervis, with the British Fleet, blockades Cadiz; and, the more effectually to perform that service, appoints an Inner Squadron to lay at anchor, or keep under sail, as the case may require; and four Ships are appointed for the Inner Squadron.

On the afternoon of the 27th, [of April, 1797,] a Convoy, under a Venetian Frigate and several other Neutral Vessels, came out of Cadiz; and the more effectually to examine them closely, and to prevent any of them from eluding a search, two of the Inner Squadron were ordered by the Commander of the Inner Squadron to keep under sail. During the night, the boats of all the Ships were employed in examining the Convoy, the whole British Fleet being in sight in the offing. During the night, two Spanish Frigates passed through the Fleet; and in the morning of the 28th, soon after daylight, the Commander of the Inner Squadron made the signal for the two Ships, who had been under sail during the night, to chase the Frigates, which they did, then in sight of the whole Fleet". The two Frigates run close to the shore, anchored, and fired their guns at the two Ships sent in chase, for about one hour and a half, when one Frigate cut her cable and drove on shore. The other hauled down her colours, and was immediately taken possession of and towed out to sea. The other Frigate who had run on shore was also got afloat, but soon afterwards sunk at her anchors.

Your Opinion is desired, who by Law are entitled to the Head-money, the value of the Prize being acknowledged the property of the whole Fleet, - whether the whole Fleet, the Ships who occupied the Inner Squadron, or only the two Ships who fired and took possession of the two Frigates ?

TO JOHN M'ARTHUR, ESQ.

[The " Naval Chronicle," vol. iii. f. 304. This Letter is reprinted with some additions, but very imperfectly, in Clarke and M'Arthur, vol. ii. p. 13].

Theseus, June 1st, 1707.

My dear Sir,
We are off Cadiz with a greater inferiority than before. I am barely out of shot of a Spanish Rear-Admiral. We have every day Flags of Truce ; the Dons hope for peace, but must soon fight us, if the war goes on. I wish it was all over, for I cannot fag much longer; and, to please our Fleet, I hear that a Squadron is looking out, in the limits of this station, for the galleons daily expected : what a special mark of favour to us, who are enabling them to cruise so much at their case ! Believe me, dear Sir, your obliged and faithful servant,

HORATIO NELSON.

P.S. Sam Hood" is gone, I hope, to get riches; sure to get honour.

TO SIR JAMES SAUMAREZ, CAPTAIN OF HIS MAJESTY'S SHIP ORION.

[Autograph, in the possession of the Dowager Lady de Saumarez].

Theseus, June 1st, 1707.

My dear Sir,
Some of your people yesterday said that they heard some Ship in the Fleet had served the whole allowance. Sir John Jervis wishes to know the Ship they have heard has done it. I must therefore request you will have the goodness to inquire if they know the Ship, or what made them fancy it was so, or if any person, and who, told them. I forgot it this day; therefore pray excuse this trouble, and believe me,

Ever your obliged, HORATIO NELSON.

TO ADMIRAL SIR JOHN JERVIS, K.B.

[From Clarke and M'Arthur, vol. ii. p. 14]

About 6th June, 1797.

My dear Sir,
Mr. Jackson has delivered me your confidential letter: you may depend upon me. I want nothing but what we have, except two five-inch howitzers, two four or six-pounders, field-pieces, 500 shells, some cases of fixed ammunition, and two or three artillerymen (no Officer) to fix the fusees, and a devil-cart. With this, and what you propose, I have no doubt of doing the job as it ought to be, the moment the Ships come in sight. I also want twenty ladders; the size and dimensions I will get from the Carpenter of the Blenheim, late of the Captain, who has made proper ones, which one man could carry for escalade, for my use in former times.

I am, &c.; HORATIO NELSON.

TO ADMIRAL SIR JOHN JERVIS, K.B.

[From Clarke and M'Arthur, vol. ii. p. .14, who have so mangled this interesting letter that there is no other way of giving its contents than in their own unsatisfactory manner: - " In writing to his Admiral on the same day (7th June, 1797), he informed him, that, according to the intelligence received from an American, the Town's-people at Cadiz were fearful of an attack, and that not one half of the guns were mounted on the walls, "I long to be at them!" exclaimed the gallant 'seaman, he also at the same time, touched upon the Teneriffe expedition,]

7th June, 1797.

You must think, my dear Sir, of giving me 200 Marines in addition to what I can land; the whole business is arranged in my mind, and I can point out to you the absolute necessity. Captain Oldfield of the Marines, who was with Dacres in the Sceptre at the beginning of the war, is a very worthy man; and under Captain Troubridge ashore, and myself afloat, I am confident of success.

I am, &c.; HORATIO NELSON.

TO VICE-ADMIRAL MORENO, OF THE SPANISH NAVY.

[From Clarke and M'Arthur, vol. ii, p. I',, Vide p. 389, ante, whence it would seem that this Letter was written early in May].

Theseus, 8th of June, 1797.

Sir,
A Spanish Officer having said, that you had expressed a wish to obtain a Letter supposed to have been written from his Majesty's Ship Egmont, and inserted in an English Newspaper, relating to the Action of February 14th, every inquiry has been made to obtain the Newspaper, and hitherto without effect. Captain Sutton of the Egmont has also done everything in his power, but without being able to learn whether any Letter from that Ship has been published. The inquiry has, however, produced from my Commander-in-Chief, Sir John Jervis, the most handsome testimony of the gallant conduct of a Three-decked Ship, bearing the Flag of a Vice- Admiral, who did everything which a good Officer could do, to attempt to cut through the British line, between the Victory and the Egmont.

I am, &c.; HORATIO NELSON.

TO ADMIRAL SIR JOHN JERVIS, K.B.

[From Clarke and M'Arthur, vol. ii. p. 16].

9th June, 1797.

My dear Sir,
The Newspaper was at last found in the night, on the quarter-deck, and is gone as you desired: it will, I fear, militate against Cordova, if any weight be given to a Newspaper account. Your testimony of Moreno's conduct will no doubt be of service to him; the Trials are commenced, and every day an account is sent off to Madrid. The heavy charge against Cordova is, not coming into Cadiz with his Convoy, which they say he could have done the day after he had passed the Straits. Morales, it is expected, will be shot, Cordova broke, Moreno acquitted. The long trial of the Officers who gave up Figueras is just finished, and five are to be shot. All the Officers who composed the Council of War are to be degraded in their public and private rank. According to reports, the French have been refused a passage through Spain to Portugal; and a Minister of ours is at Paris. The Venetians are suffering every misery from the French. I was in great hopes the salute was from an Admiral from England. The number of men you propose to give me, I have no doubt are all-sufficient; but I well know that a few more red coats have their use in dazzling the eyes of the Enemy.

I send you the State of the Swiftsure; even the sight of the two poor men in irons on board her has affected me more than I can express: if Mr. Weir would look at them, I should be glad. The youth may, I hope, be saved, as he has intervals of sense, his countenance is most interesting. If any mode can be devised for sending him home, I will with pleasure pay fifty pounds to place him in some proper place for his recovery; the other, I fear, is too old. Your managements are always good, and nothing shall be wanting in the execution. Martin has got an idea that I am likely to move; and should it be proper to enlarge the Squadron, I beg he may go, but not to displace one of the others. I hope the reinforcement will soon arrive. I do not build much on the acts of the Portuguese Squadron, even if they go off Spartel.

I am, &c., HORATIO NELSON.

TO CAPTAIN SIR JAMES SAUMAREZ, HIS MAJESTY'S SHIP ORION.

[Autograph, in the possession of the Dowager Lady de Saumarez].

Theseus, June 9th, 1797.

My dear Sir James,
Send, I beg, whatever you think fit towards San Lucar: all you do is right, and can hardly want my sanction. I hope your Boats will be rewarded for their trouble: they take all the Prizes for our Squadron. Believe me ever,

Your most faithful HORATIO NELSON.

TO ADMIRAL SIR JOHN JERVIS, K.B.

[From Clarke and M'Arthur, vol. ii, p. 17].

10th June, 1797.

My dear Sir,
I hope, for the poor men's sakes, that they are imposing on me; but depend on it, that God Almighty has afflicted them with the most dreadful of all diseases. They do not sham; indeed, you will find I am not mistaken, and all the Commissioners in the World cannot convince me of it. For what purpose can these poor wretches attempt to destroy themselves? for what purpose can one of them have spoken to me as rationally as any person could do ? Do let Mr. Weir look at them: I am sure he will think with me, from the order to represent those who are objects unfit for the service, I could not do otherwise than I did; but if you think I have said too much, pray curtail my Report. But I will get to pleasanter subjects. I am forming a ladder for the escalade, which when finished, I will send to the Ville de Paris, that we may have twenty at least. Ten hours shall make me either a conqueror, or defeat me. I long to be at work, for I begin to think these fellows will not soon come out, at least not whilst negotiations are going on.

I am, &c.; HORATIO NELSON.

June 12th through June 30, 1797

TO ADMIRAL SIR JOHN JERVIS, K.B.
[From Tucker's Memoirs of Earl St. Vincent, vol. i. p. 411].

H.M.S. Theseus, 12th June, 1797.

My dear Sir, The Flag of Truce was only to bring the letters sent herewith; but it brought out in conversation a circumstance which, though believed by many, I have my doubts about - at least, that the Spaniards would have acknowledged it - viz. that the Trinidad not only struck her Colours, but hoisted un Pavilion Parliamentaire;" the fact is now so well established that it cannot be done away. The next morning, when attended by the Frigate, seeing some of our Ships not far off, I suppose Egmont and Namur, she hoisted an English Jack over the Spanish Flag, to induce the English to suppose she was a prize. Everybody, their Officer says, expects Peace to be settled, and that it will be known here by the end of the month.

Believe me your most faithful,
HORATIO NELSON.

TO ADMIRAL SIR JOHN JERVIS, K.B.
[From Clarke and M'Arthur, vol. ii. p. 17].

13th June, 1797.

The ladder sent is not so light as I wished, but we could not do any better with the stuff we had. Three men can rear it with pleasure, and, if possible, there should be ten men at a time on it : in short, the actors in our performance must not be too anxious to mount. Wishing that I may soon see them used,

Believe me yours faithfully,
HORATIO NELSON.

TO ADMIRAL SIR JOHN JERVIS, K,B.
[From Tucker's Memoirs of Earl St. Vincent, vol. i. p. 412].

H.M.S. Theseus, June 18th, 9, P.M.

My dear Sir,
What the intentions of the Dons are, I know not; but their movements would assure me, if English, that they are on the eve of coming out. We see that thirteen Sail of the Line are unmoored and hove short. I saw Gravina cat his anchor, and they did it briskly; but the accommodation ladder of his Ship was not in at sunset. The signals which they have been making this day are not "their usual Harbour-signals. I will give them credit for their alertness, if they come out in the morning. This Squadron have their bulkheads down, and in perfect readiness for battle, and to weigh, cut, or slip, as the occasion may require. I have given out a Line of Battle, - myself to lead; and you may rest assured that I will make a vigorous attack upon them, the moment their noses are outside the Diamond. Pray do not send me another Ship, for they may have an idea of attacking the Squadron; and if you send any more, they may believe we are prepared, and know of their intention. It will, Sir, be my pride to show the world that your praises of my former conduct have not been unworthily bestowed. Believe me ever, my dear Sir,

Your most affectionate and faithful,
HORATIO NELSON.

TO MRS. NELSON.
[From Clarke and M'Arthur, vol. ii. p. 19].

15th June, 1797.

A few nights ago a Paper was dropped on the quarter deck, of which this is a copy : - ' 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 immortalized as high as the Captain's. SHIP'S COMPANY.'

Yours, &c.;
HORATIO NELSON.

TO ADMIRAL SIR JOHN JERVIS, K.B".
[From Tucker's Memoirs of Earl of St. Vincent, vol. i. p. 414].

Theseus, June 21st, 1797.

My dear Sir,
The history of women was brought forward, I remember, in the Channel Fleet last War. I know not if your Ship was an exception, but I will venture to say, not an Honourable but had plenty of them; and they always will do as they please. Orders are not for them - at least, I never yet knew one who obeyed.

Your most faithful,
HORATIO NELSON.

TO ADMIRAL SIR JOHN JERVIS, K.B.
[From Clarke and M'Arthur, vol. ii. p.21].

June 29th, 1797.

My dear Sir,
The two Vessels which came out of Cadiz this day nearly agree in the same story, that the Spanish Fleet, twenty-eight Sail of the Line, is full manned, chiefly Soldiers, and is ready for sea, and there are two Sail also nearly fitted out which are not manned; the Toulon Ships and those from Carthagena are expected the first Levanter. The people of Cadiz have petitioned Government to order the Fleet to sail; for that, whatever may be the event, it must force us to quit this ground; and as three Ships from Lima are momentarily expected, and the Havannah Convoy (for every morning the Merchants are on the walls to see if they are in our Fleet), they declare if they should fall into our hands, that the Merchants in Spain would be ruined. They know we have a Bomb-vessel fitting at Gibraltar, and are in terror of a bombardment. I will write to Don Josef Mazaredo, and he shall have the letter soon after daybreak to-morrow: he is a Biscayner - they are not famed for politeness or gallantry. I hope I shall always have to boast, and truly, of your unalterable friendship, which it shall ever be my study to deserve.

I am, &c.;
HORATIO NELSON.

TO MRS. NELSON.
[From Clarke and M'Arthur, vol. ii. p. 31].

29th June, 1797.

Rest assured of my most perfect love, affection, and esteem for your person and character, which the more I see of the world, the more I must admire. The imperious call of honour to serve my Country, is the only thing which keeps me a moment from you, and a hope, that by staying a little longer, it may enable you to enjoy those little luxuries which you so highly merit. I pray God it may soon be peace, and that we may get into the cottage.

I have to thank many friends for their kind congratulations, and have had a long letter and genealogy from the York Herald, Mr. Nayler, whom I have referred to my brother Maurice. I have sent my brother my Supporters, Crest, and Motto: on one side a Sailor properly habited, holding in his hand the Broad Pendant on a staff, and trampling on a Spanish flag; on the other side the British Lion tearing the Spanish flag, the remnants hanging down, and the flag in tatters. Motto, what my brother William suggested, turned into English - " Faith and Works'".

I hope you will like them. I intend my next winter's gift at Burnham should be fifty good large blankets of the very best quality, and they will last for seven years at least. This will not take from anything the Parish might give. I wish inquiry to be made, and the blankets ordered of some worthy man; they are to be at my father's disposal in November. I have received my dear father's letter. God bless him and you.

Yours, &c.;
HORATIO NELSON.

TO GEORGE NAYLER, ESQ., YORK HERALD AND GENEALOGIST OF THE ORDER OF THE BATH.
[Autograph, in the possession of Albert William Woods, Esq., Lancaster Herald].

Theseus, off Cadiz, June 29th, 1797.

Sir, I am honoured with your letter of May 29, relative to my Pedigree; and I have desired my Brother to deliver you this letter, and to arrange such matters as are proper with you. As Government have always, I believe, on occasions like the present, paid all the Fees of Office, Installation, &c., I expect they will do it on the present occasion, for I cannot think of being at one sixpence expense : but my Brother will express my sentiments fully on this head, and I have the honour to be. Sir,

Your most obedient servant,
HORATIO NELSON.

TO THE REV. DIXON HOSTE, GOODWICKE, NEAR ROUGHAM.
[Autograph, in the possession of Sir John Bickerton Williams].

Theseus, June 30th, 1797.

My dear Sir,
As I have desired my dear William to write you, I shall only express my anxiety that his Time should be sent to me. I hear he was borne some short time on the Grampus' books, but of this you know more than I can do. My health is so very indifferent, that longer than the 30th September I cannot serve without a short respite from fatigue ; but I hope the War will be over by that time; for, unless we are united at Home much good cannot be expected, - let it be a War of the Nation, and what signify France, Holland, and Spain.

We are looking at the Ladies walking the walls and Mall of Cadiz, and know of the ridicule they make of their Sea Officers. Thirty Sail are now perfectly ready, and, the first east wind, I expect the Ships from the Mediterranean, which will make them forty Sail of the Line. We are now twenty; some of our Ships being always obliged to be absent for water, provisions, &c. However equal we may be to do the business, yet I cannot bring myself to believe that it is good policy to leave us so inferior, whatever honour there may be in it. The merchants of Cadiz have repeatedly petitioned Government to force out the Fleet; and say truly, that ten Sail of the Line had better be sacrificed than the loss of their three Ships from Lima, and their Homeward Convoy, which must fall into the hands of the English, if they are not forced from before the harbour. I am of opinion that some morning, when least expected, I shall see them tumbling out of Cadiz. We in the advance are, night and day, prepared for battle ; our friends in England need not fear the event. At present we are all quiet in our Fleet; and, if Government hang some of the Nore Delegates, we shall remain so. I am entirely with the Seamen in their first Complaint. We are a neglected set, and, when peace comes, are shamefully treated; but, for the Nore scoundrels, I should be happy to command a Ship against them. We have reports through Spain that Pitt is out: it is Measures must be changed, and not merely Men. I beg my respects to Mr. Coke and Mrs. Coke, and believe me, dear Sir,

Your very obedient servant,
HORATIO NELSON.

TO ADMIRAL DON JOSEF DE MAZAREDO, CADIZ.
[From Harrison's Life of Nelson, vol. i. p. 188].

30th June, 1797.

Sir,
I am directed by my worthy Commander-in-Chief to inform your Excellency, that numbers of the Spanish fishing-boats are found at such a distance from the land as plainly to evince that they have something farther in view than catching fish ; and, therefore, that orders are given, that no Fishing-vessel be in future, permitted to go farther from the shore than their usual fishing-ground, which, we understand, is in about thirty- five fathoms water.

Your Excellency, I am confident, will receive this communication as an addditional mark of attention from my Commander-in-Chief to the inhabitants of Cadiz, and its environs, and will take measures for the information of the fishermen, that their boats will be sunk, if found acting in contradiction to this notification of the British Admiral. With every sincere good wish towards your Excellency, believe me, your most obedient,

HORATIO NELSON.

July 3rd through July 11, 1797

TO ADMIRAL SIR JOHN JERVIS, K.B.
[From Clarke and M'Arthur, vol. ii. p. 23].

3rd July, 1797.

We will begin this night by ten o'clock ; and I beg that all the launches of the Fleet may be with me by eight, or half- past at farthest, also all the barges or pinnaces. I wish to make it a warm night at Cadiz. The Town and their Fleet are prepared, and their Gun-boats are advanced; so much the better. If they venture from their walls, I shall give Johnny his full scope for fighting. Mazaredo will be more than human, if he can keep the Merchants of Cadiz in good humour. I am inclined to think he has been out this afternoon. I intend, if alive, and not tired, to see you to-morrow, and ever to the last believe me your faithful,

HORATIO NELSON.

TO ADMIRAL SIR JOHN JERVIS, K.B.
[Original in the Admiralty. Published in the London Gazette, of the 1st August, 1797].

Theseus, July 4th, 1797.

Sir,
In obedience to your orders, the Thunderer Bomb was placed, by the good management of Lieutenant Gourly, her present Commander, assisted by Mr. Jackson, Master of the Ville de Paris, who volunteered his able services within 2500 yards of the walls of Cadiz; and the shells were thrown from her with much precision, under the directions of Lieutenant Baynes, of the Royal Artillery; but, unfortunately, it was soon found that the large Mortar was materially injured, from its former services ; I therefore, judged it proper to order her to return under the protection of the Goliath, Terpsichore, and Fox, which were kept under sail for that purpose, and for whose active services I feel much obliged.

The Spaniards having sent out a great number of Mortar Gun-boats and armed Launches, I directed a vigorous attack to be made on them, which was done with such gallantry, that they were drove and pursued close to the walls of Cadiz, and must have suffered considerable loss: and I have the pleasure to inform you, that two Mortar-boats and an armed Launch remained in our possession.

I feel myself particularly indebted, for the successful termination of this contest, to the gallantry of Captains Fremantle and Miller, the former of whom accompanied me in. my Barge; and to my Coxswain, John Sykes, who, in defending my person, is most severely wounded; a.s was Captain Fremantle, slightly, in the attack". And my praises are generally due to every Officer and man, some of whom I saw behave in the most noble manner; and I regret it is not in my power to particularize them. I must also beg to be permitted to express my admiration of Don Miguel Tyrason, the Commander of the Gun-boats. In his Barge, he laid my Boat alongside, and his resistance was such as did honour to a brave Officer; eighteen of the twenty-six men being killed, and himself and all the rest wounded. Not having a correct list of killed and wounded, I can only state, that I believe about six are killed and twenty wounded.

I have the honour to be, &c„
HORATIO NELSON.

TO ADMIRAL SIR JOHN JERVIS, K.B.
[From Clarke and M'A'thur,vol.ii.p.24:].

July 5th, 1797.

My dear Sir,
I am thankful, for your flattering letter, which, as we all like, I will believe as much of as I can. To-night my plan is for Cadiz, on the outside of the lighthouse: Jackson knows a good berth. If the Brigs come out, we will have a dash at them, and, as the Boats will be in three divisions under Captains, we may expect a little more regularity, in case of any unforeseen event. Your encouragement for those Lieutenants who may conspicuously exert themselves, cannot fail to have its good effect in serving our Country, instead of their thinking that if a Vessel is taken, it would make the son of some great man a Captain, in the place of the gallant fellow who captured her. At present the Brigs lie too close to each other to hope for a dash at them, but soon I expect to find one off her guard, and then - . We have eighty-seven living prisoners now on board, and near thirty have since died of their wounds. News from Cadiz this morning is, that some people were killed in the Town, and fifteen were killed, and a great number wounded in the Spanish gun-boats.

I am, &c.;HORATIO NELSON.

TO ADMIRAL SIR JOHN JERVIS, K.B.
[From Tucker's Memoirs of the Earl of St. Vincent, vol. i. p. 418].

H.M.S. Ship Theseus, 7th July, 1797.

My dear Sir,
The Officer who came out with the Flag of Truce says, that our Ministers at Lisle are Lords Grenville, Malmesbury, and St. Helens; Dell ' Campo and Camporosa, on the part of Spain; and De la Groix, Le Turneur, and another on the part of France: that Peace is expected every day, - that with the Emperor is ratified and finished; also, that the Government of Genoa is completely altered, - many of the Senators were massacred, and their palaces plundered. News from Cadiz, by a Market-boat, that our Ships did much damage; the Town was on fire in three places; a shell that fell in a Convent destroyed several priests (that no harm, they will never be missed); that plunder and robbery was going on - a glorious scene of confusion; that representations have been made to Mazaredo, and to the Admiral, to come out with the Fleet. I see an Admiral moving forwards, and now I perceive it is Mazaredo. The bombs and mortars will be finished to night, but I cannot part with the Isis. I have arranged about the change of howitzers: to-morrow I will write on that subject. I wish you had mentioned about Zealous ; we hear nothing of her.

Ever yours most faithfully,
HORATIO NELSON.

Please God, I hope the Spanish Fleet are coming out, and the Admiral is under sail; and I open my letter to say they are all on the move.

TO ADMIRAL SIR JOHN JERVIS, K.B.
[From Tucker's Memoirs of the Earl of St. Vincent, vol. i. p. 327].

Theseus, July 9,1797.

My dear Sir, In the first place, I congratulate you on the finish, as it ought, of the St. George's business," and I (if I may be permitted to say so) very much approve of its being so speedily carried into execution, even although it is Sunday. The particular situation of the service requires extraordinary measures. I hope this will end all the disorders in our Fleet: had there been the same determined spirit at home, I do not believe it would have been half so bad, not but that I think Lord Howe's sending back the first petition was wrong.

Yours most affectionately and gratefully,
HORATIO NELSON.

TO SIR ROBERT CALDER, KNIGHT, FIRST CAPTAIN TO ADMIRAL THE EARL OF ST. VINCENT, K.B.
[From Tucker's " Memoirs of the Earl of St. Vincent," vol. i. p. 328].

Theseus, July 9th, 1797.

My dear Sir,
I am sorry that you should have to differ with [Vice- Admiral Thompson] but had it been Christmas Day instead of Sunday, I would have executed them. We know not what might have been hatched by a Sunday's grog: now your discipline is safe. I talked to our people, and, I hope, with good effect: indeed, they seem avery quiet set.

Ever your most faithful,
HORATIO NELSON.

TO ADMIRAL SIR JOHN JERVIS, K.B.
[From Clai'ke and M'Arthur, vol. ii. p. 36, who thus abridge the former part of this Letter:' - "On the 9th of July, 1707, he informed Lord St. Vincent, that, although he hoped enough had been done to force out the Spanish Fleet, yet in case there had not, he would try them again, ' when,' he added,"]

9th July, 1797.

Down comes Cadiz; and not only Cadiz, but their Fleet, if Mazaredo will not come out. The people of Cadiz are told, that they have made great destruction amongst us, and believe it; and reports say their gun and mortar-boats are to attack our advanced Squadron the very first calm night. If they succeed in either destroying some of us, or crippling our masts, then Mazaredo puts to sea, and destroys you: therefore do not be surprised, my dear Sir, if you hear a cannonade ; I am prepared.

I am, &c.;
HORATIO NELSON.

TO ADMIRAL SIR JOHN JERVIS, K.B.
[From Tucker's Memoirs of the Earl of St. Vincent, vol. i. p. 419].

H.M.S. Theseus, July 10th, 1797.

My dear Sir, I will send Mr. Yawkins off San Pedro, and hope it will answer its intended purpose. I was in hopes the gentry would have enabled me to have a run at them, but they are too much on their guard. If the King of Spain goes on this way, and the Mexican Fleet fall into our hands, he will be like Billy Pitt, give nothing but paper. As for those shots flying about the Theseus, it will do her good, and make her the better for your support in some proud day, not far distant, I hope. Portugal ought to be grateful for your attention to her interest, and so ought little England.

Believe me ever your most faithful,
HORATIO NELSON.

The Dons will be tired enough to take a good nap this afternoon.

TO SIR JAMES SAUMAREZ, CAPTAIN OF HIS MAJESTY'S SHIP ORION.
[Autograph, in the possession of the Dowager Lady de Saumarez].

Theseus, July 10th, 1797.

Dear Sir, I beg you will have the goodness to immediately send in my Letter for Don Josef de Mazaredo: his Letter of yesterday does not please the Admiral.

Ever your most obedient Servant,
HORATIO NELSON.

TO CAPTAIN JOHN NICHOLSON INGLEFIELD, COMMISSIONER OF THE NAVY AT GIBRALTAR.
[From Clarke and M'Arthur, vol. ii. p. 27].

July 11th, 1797.

My dear Sir,
I am sorry to find, from General O'Hara's letter, that he has the smallest alarm for our success in anything my great Commander-in-Chief plans: had my orders been well executed, not a Spanish gun or mortar boat would have been left at Cadiz. Our loss of men is most trifling; but, however that might have been, I had rather see fifty shot by the Enemy, than one hanged by us. It is good at these times to keep the Devil out of their heads.

Mazaredo is alarmed; has drawn all his Ships between St. Mary's and Cadiz; and if you make haste with the sea-mortar, I will bomb him out of Cadiz bay. Three fires were seen in the Town, but they were got under without much difficulty. I laid myself with the Bomb on the strong face of Cadiz, seventy guns and eight mortars. They expected me on the weak side. The next night I took them on the soft side, and eighty shells fell in the Town, and some over it amongst their Shipping. Yesterday, in the Thesens, I had the honour of every gun from the southern part of Cadiz, and of every Gun and Mortar-boat. I could not get them out so far as I wished, or some of them should have paid me a visit. I sent ninety-one prisoners into Cadiz, whom I took on the night of the 3rd; and, as to killed, I know nothing about them: eighteen were killed in the Commanding Officer's boat, that had the presumption to lay my Barge aboard, manned with some of the Agamemnon's people. My Squadron is now ten Sail of the Line. If they come out, there will be no fighting beyond my Squadron.

I am, &c„
HORATIO NELSON.

June 12th to 29th, 1798

TO HIS EXCELLENCY SIR WILLIAM HAMILTON, K.B.

[Letter Book].

Vanguard, off Elba, June 12th, 1798.

My dear Sir,

If the Transfer Sloop of War has arrived at Naples, you will know that the British Fleet is in the Mediterranean, and that I have the honour of commanding it. It has been a misfortune that a Fleet was not ordered a fortnight sooner; but, no blame attaches itself anywhere, and from Sir Roger Curtis' junction with Lord St. Vincent, we are much sooner on the Coast of Italy than could have been expected. But I hope we are in good time to save Naples or Sicily from falling into the hands of the Enemy. I beg you will assure the King and Queen of Naples that I will not lose one moment in fighting the French Fleet, and that no person can have a more ardent desire of serving them and of fulfilling the orders of the good and great King our Master. As I am not quite clear, from General Acton's Letters to you of April 3rd and 9th, what co-operation is intended by the Court of Naples, I wish to know perfectly what is to be expected, that I may regulate my movements accordingly, and beg clear answers to the following questions and requisitions: -

Are the Ports of Naples and Sicily open to his Majesty's Fleet? have the Governors orders for our free admission? and for us to be supplied with whatever we may want?

If it is convenient, I much wish for some Frigates and other fast-sailing Vessels, for, by a fatality all mine have left me. I want information of the French Fleet; for I hope they have passed Naples. I want good Pilots - say six or eight, for the Coast of Sicily, the Adriatic, or for whatever place the Enemy's Fleet may be at; for I mean to follow them if they go to the Black Sea. As the 12,000 men had not sailed from Genoa on the 2nd of June, nor, indeed, were they all embarked, I trust, if the French are landed in the Neapolitan territory, that the Kingdom will not be lost in a few days, for I again repeat, that when it is considered that the orders for a Fleet to go into the Mediterranean were only dated May 2nd, and that Sir R. Curtis only came in sight of Lord St. Vincent on May the 24th, on which moment Captain Troubridge was sent away with the Detachment to join me off Cape Sicie, that the British Fleet is much sooner on the Coast of Italy than could have been expected at this season of the year.

I trust to your Excellency's goodness in impressing General Acton with a favourable opinion of my zeal in our Master's service, and although, I most readily admit that many more able Sea-Officers might have been selected for this service, yet one more anxious to approve himself a faithful servant to his King is not to be met with, than your Excellency's most obedient Servant,

HORATIO NELSON.

TO ADMIRAL THE EARL OF ST. VINCENT, K.B.

[From Clarke and M'Arthur, vol. ii. p. 62]

12th of June, 1798.

As I see no immediate prospect of a Letter, I shall continue my private one in form of a Diary, which may not be unpleasant to refer to: therefore to begin. Being so close to the Enemy, I take the liberty of keeping Orion for a few days. Owing to want of wind, I did not pass Cape Corse until this morning; at four we were becalmed. The moment we had passed, I sent the Mutine to look into Telamon Bay, which, as all the French troops had not left Genoa on the 6th, I thought a probable place for the rendezvous of a large Fleet; and went with the Squadron between Monte Christi, and Giulio, keeping the Continent close on board.

13th of June. - Mutine joined; nothing in Telamon Bay. I then ran the Fleet between Plenosa and Elba, and Monte Christi; and on the 14th at noon, am now off Civita Vecchia; spoke a Tunisian cruiser, who reported he had spoke a Greek, on the 10th, who told him, that on the 4th, he had passed through the French fleet, of about 200 Sail, as he thought, off the N.W. end of Sicily, steering to the eastward. Am in anxious expectation of meeting with Dispatch-boats, Neapolitan cruisers, &c., with letters for me from Naples giving me information

15th of June. - Off the Ponza Islands; my hopes of information were vain. Not finding a Cruiser, I shall send Troubridge into Naples, in the Mutine, to talk with Sir William Hamilton and General Acton. Troubridge possesses my full confidence, and has been my honoured acquaintance of twenty-five years' standing. I only beg that your Lordship will believe, I shall endeavour to prove myself worthy of your selection of me for this highly honourable Command. Not a moment shall be lost in pursuing the Enemy. I am, &c.,

HORATIO NELSON.

TO THE RIGHT HONOURABLE SIR WILLIAM HAMILTON, K.B.

[Letter-Book].

Vanguard, off Civita Vecchia, 14th June, 1798.

My dear Sir,

I have heard by a Vessel just spoke with, that the French Fleet were seen off the north End of Sicily, steering to the eastward, on the 4th of June. If they mean an attack on Sicily, I hope by this time they have barely made a landing, for if their Fleet is not moored in as strong a Port as Toulon, nothing shall hinder me from attacking them; and, with the blessing of Almighty God, I hope for a most glorious victory I send Captain Troubridge to communicate with your Excellency, and, as Captain Troubridge is in full possession of my confidence, I beg that whatever he says may be considered as coming from me. Captain Troubridge is my honoured acquaintance of twenty-five years, and the very best Sea-Officer in His Majesty's Service. I hope, Pilots will be with us in a few hours; for I will not lose one moment after the Brig's return, to wait for anything. Believe me your Excellency's most obedient servant,

HORATIO NELSON.

TO EARL SPENCER.

[Letter-Book].

Vanguard, off the Island of Ponza, [15th June, 1798].

My Lord,

Not having received orders from my Commander-in-Chief to correspond with the Secretary of the Admiralty, I do not feel myself at perfect liberty to do it, unless on extraordinary occasions, when I shall send copies of my Letters to Lord St. Vincent; but as your Lordships must be anxious to hear of us, I take the liberty of acquainting you that Captain Troubridge joined on the 7th, but it was the 12th before we passed Cape Corse. The last account I had of the French Fleet, was from a Tunisian Cruizer, who saw them on the 4th, off Trapani, in Sicily, steering to the eastward. If they pass Sicily, I shall believe they are going on their scheme of possessing Alexandria, and getting troops to India - a plan concerted with Tippoo Saib, by no means so difficult as might at first view be imagined; but be they bound to the Antipodes, your Lordship may rely that I will not lose a moment in bringing them to Action, and endeavour to destroy their Transports. I shall send Captain Troubridge on shore to talk with General Acton, and I hope the King of Naples will send me some Frigates; for mine parted company on the 20th of May, and have not joined me since. The whole Squadron is remarkably healthy, and perfectly equal to meet the French Fleet. As I send this before I receive accounts from Naples, it is not in my power to say anything more of the Enemy, for I shall make sail and pass the Faro of Messina the moment Captain -Troubridge returns.

Highly honoured as I feel with this very important command, I beg you will believe that I shall endeavour to approve myself worthy of it, and that I am, with the highest respect,

Your Lordship's most obedient servant,

HORATIO NELSON.

I have taken the liberty of enclosing a letter for Lady Nelson, which I beg your Lordship will have the goodness to order to be sent to her.

TO ADMIRAL THE EARL OF ST. VINCENT, K.B.

[Letter-Book].

Vanguard, off the Islands of Ponza, June 15th, 1798.

My Lord,

I have the honour to acquaint you of my arrival here with the whole Line-of-Battle Ships, the Fifty, and Brig, all in the most perfect health. I am sending Captain Troubridge in the Mutine to see Sir William Hamilton and General Acton, and to get accounts of the French Fleet. I shall lay with the Squadron off Ischia till Captain Troubridge's return, when not a moment shall be lost in pursuing the Enemy, and bringing them to Action. With the highest respect, believe me, your Lordship's most obedient servant,

HORATIO NELSON

TO ADMIRAL THE EARL OF ST. VINCENT, K.B.

[Autograph draught, in the Nelson Papers and " Letter Book.,,]

Vanguard, off Naples, 17th June, 1798.

My Lord,

I have only to assure you, I will bring the French Fleet to Action the moment I can lay my hands on them. Till then, Adieu. Believe me, &e.

HORATIO NELSON.

TO THE RIGHT HONOURABLE SIR WILLIAM HAMILTON, K.B.

[Letter-Book. ]

Vanguard, Naples Bay, eleven o'clock, 17th June.

My dear Sir,

Your Letter by the Boat yesterday did not come to me, but I am just favoured with yours of yesterday. Captain Troubridge will say everything I could put in a ream of paper. I have only to observe, in my present state, if I meet the Enemy at Sea, the Convoy will get off, for want of Frigates. I submit this to you, to urge General Acton upon. If the Enemy have Malta, it is only as a safe harbour for their Fleet, and Sicily will fall the moment the King's Fleet withdraws from the Coast of Sicily; therefore we must have free use of Sicily, to enable us to starve the French in Malta. I need not say more on this very important subject. The King of Naples may now have part of the glory in destroying these pests of the human race; and the opportunity, once lost, may never be regained. God bless you. Depend on my exertions.

I am, &c. HORATIO NELSON.

TO THE RIGHT HONORABLE SIR WILLIAM HAMILTON, K.B.

[Letter-Book].

Private.

Vanguard, at Sea, 18th June, 1798

My dear Sir,

I would not lose one moment of the breeze, in answering your Letter. The best sight (as an Irishman would say) was to see me out of sight; especially, as I had not time to examine the Marquis de Gallo's note to you. I send you an extract of the Admiralty orders to Earl St. Vincent, by which it would appear as determined by the Cabinet, to keep a superior Fleet to the Enemy in the Mediterranean; for the Admiralty, you know, can give no such orders, but by an order from the Secretary of State. As for what depends on me, I beg, if you think it proper, to tell their Sicilian Majesties, and General Acton, that they may rest assured that I shall not withdraw the King's Fleet, but by positive orders, or the impossibility of procuring supplies. I wish them to depend upon me, and they shall not be disappointed. God forbid it should so happen, that the Enemy escape me, and get into any Port. You may rely if I am properly supplied, that there they shall remain, a useless body, for this summer. But, if I have Gun and Mortar Boats, with Fire-Ships, it is most probable they may be got at: for, although I hope the best, yet it is proper to be prepared for the worst, (which, I am sure, all this Fleet would feel,) the escape of the Enemy into Port. My distress for Frigates is extreme; but I cannot help myself, and no one will help me. But, thank God, I am not apt to feel difficulties. Pray, present my best respects to Lady Hamilton. Tell her, I hope to be presented to her crowned with laurel or cypress. But God is good, and to him do I commit myself and our Cause. Ever believe me, my dear Sir, your obliged and faithful

HORATIO NELSON.

TO THE MOST ILLUSTRIOUS THE GRAND MASTER OF MALTA,

[Letter-Book].

His Britannic Majesty's Ship Vanguard, off Messina, 20th June, 1798.

Most Illustrious Sir,

It is with particular satisfaction I have the honour to acquaint you I am making; all possible dispatch with the Squadron of his Britannic Majesty under my command towards Malta, with a full determination to prevent your Island from falling into the hands of the common Enemy. I therefore trust you will be pleased to give directions to assemble all your Ships of War, Fire-ships, bombs, Galleys, &c., immediately to form a speedy junction with me the moment I appear off` Malta (which I expect will be on Friday next) for the better insurance of success, as no time must be lost in destroying the French Fleet. I have the honour to be, &c.,

HORATIO NELSON.

TO HIS EXCELLENCY THE RIGHT HONOURABLE SIR WILLIAM HAMILTON, K.B.

[Letter Book].

Vanguard, off the Faro of Messina, June 20th, 1798.

My dear Sir,

I have thought so much, and heard so much, of the French, since I left Naples, that I should feel culpable, was I for a moment to delay expressing my sentiments on the present situation of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies. I trust it will be received as I mean it - as a proof of the lively interest I take in the fate of their Sicilian Majesties. I shall begin by supposing myself commanding a Fleet attending an Army which is to invade Sicily. If the General asked if Malta would not be a most useful place for the depot of stores, &c., &c., my answer would be, if you can take Malta, it secures the safety of the Fleet, Transports, stores, &c., and insures your safe retreat should that be necessary; for if even a superior Fleet of the Enemy should arrive, before one week passes, they will be blown to leeward, and you may pass with safety. This would be my opinion. There can be no doubt but the French know as well as you and I do, that their Sicilian Majesties called for our help to save them, (even this is crime enough with the French). Here we are, and are ready, and will shed our blood in preventing the French from ill-treating them. On the arrival of the King's Fleet I find plenty of good will towards us, with every hatred towards the French; but no assistance for us - no hostility to the French. On the contrary, the French Minister is allowed to send off Vessels to inform the Fleet of my arrival, force, and destination, that instead of my surprising them, they may be prepared for resistance. But this being past, I shall endeavour briefly to state what in my opinion is now best to be done, and what Naples ought to do, if it is earnestly wished to save Sicily. I shall suppose the French not advanced since the last accounts, but still on Gozo and Comino, the Fleet anchored between them. By the communication from Naples, they will be formed in the strongest position, with Batteries and Gun-boats to flank them. We shall doubtless injure them, lint our loss must be great; and I do not expect to force them from the anchorage, without Fire-ships, Bomb-vessels, and Gun-boats, when one hour would either destroy or drive them out. If our Fleet is crippled, the blockade ends; if not, it will be continued, by attention, and sending two Ships at a time to Sicily to get refreshments, for the summer, at least; but whenever this Fleet may be drawn away, and the Ministry find what has passed at Naples - no co-operation, although we are come to their assistance--who can say that the Fleet will be kept in these seas ? I have said and repeat it, Malta is the direct road to Sicily. It has been, and may be yet in the King of Naples' power, by giving me help of every kind, directly to destroy this Armament, and force the Army to unconditional submission. Naples must soon find us masts, yards, stores, ammunition, &c., &c. Will not this be a declaration of War against the French ? - therefore why delay sending help, if it is only six Gun-boats at a time. But not a moment must be lost - it can never be regained. I recollect General Acton, in his letter to you calling for our help, says, will the King and Ministry wish to see these fine Countries in the hands of the French? The answer is, No; and we have sent the means of preventing it. It may now be asked - will the Ministry of their Sicilian Majesties permit these fine Countries to fall into the hands of the French? This will assuredly happen if they do not co-operate with us. If I have wrote my mind too freely, I trust it will be excused. The importance of the subject called for my opinion. I have given it like an honest man, and shall wish to stand or fall with it. I am, dear Sir, with the highest respect, &c.

HORATIO NELSON.

TO GEORGE BALDWIN, ESQ., CONSUL AT ALEXANDRIA.

[Letter-Book].

(Private).

June 24th, 1798.

Dear Sir,

I am so persuaded of the intention of the French to attempt driving us from India, in concert with Tippoo Saib, that I shall never feel secure till Mangalore, and all Tippoo's Sea Coast, is in our possession. We ought to get hold of the Coast, even at the certainty of a War with him. Had I been his Peace-Maker, he should have had my head before-Mangalore, or one foot of Coast. I send you some Reviews and Magazines - they may be pleasant, although old; and if I can get near you with the Fleet, and am favoured with five minutes' conversation, I shall have great pleasure in supplying you with anything in my power; for believe me, dear Sir, your most obedient servant,

HORATIO NELSON

Pray do not detain the Mutine, for I am in a fever at not finding the French. At Naples they have English news to the 16th of May. No fears of an Invasion: Pitt stronger than ever.

TO GEORGE BALDWIN, ESQ., CONSUL AT ALEXANDRIA.

[Letter-book. ]

Vanguard at Sea, 26th June, 1798.

Sir,

The French having possessed themselves of Malta, on Friday, the 15th of this month, the next day, the whole Fleet, consisting of sixteen Sail of the Line, Frigates, Bombvessels, &c., and near three hundred Transports, left the Island. I only heard this unpleasant news on the 22nd, off Cape Passaro. As Sicily was not their object, and the wind blew fresh from the westward, from the time they sailed, it was clear that their destination was to the eastward; and I think their object is, to possess themselves of some Port in Egypt, and to fix themselves at the head of the Red Sea, in order to get a formidable Army into India; and, in concert with Tippoo Saib, to drive us, if possible, from India. But I have reason to believe, from not seeing a Vessel, that they have heard of my coming up the Mediterranean, and are got safe into Corfu. But still I am most exceedingly anxious to know from you if any reports or preparations have been made in Egypt for them; or any Vessels prepared in the Red Sea, to carry them to India, where, from the prevailing winds at this season, they would soon arrive; or any other information you would be good enough to give me, I shall old myself much obliged. I am, Sir, &c.,

HORATIO NELSON.

TO ADMIRAL THE EARL OF ST. VINCENT K.B.

[Letter-Book].

Vanguard, at Sea, June 29th, 1798.

My Lord,

Although, I rest confident, that my intentions will always with you have the most favourable interpretations, yet where success does not crown an Officer's plan, it is absolutely necessary that he should explain the motives which actuate his conduct, and therefore, I shall state them as briefly as possible.

Captain Troubridge joined me on the 7th of June. From calms it was the 12th before I got round Cape Corse; (I must here state, that I had nothing in the shape of a Frigate except the Mutine Brig). I then sent the Mutine to look into Telamon Bay, which, as all the French troops had not left Genoa on the 6th, I thought a probable place for the rendezvous of a large Fleet, for, completely ignorant as I was of the destination of the Enemy, I felt it my duty to take every precaution not to pass them. On the 13th, the Mutine looked into Telamon Bay, but found nothing there. I ran the Fleet between Planosa, Elba, and Monte Christi, and on the 14th, at noon, was off Civita Vecchia, when we spoke a Tunisian cruiser,, who reported that he had spoken a Greek on the 10th, who told him that on the 4th, he had passed through the French Fleet off the N.W. end of Sicily, steering to the eastward. From this moment, I was in anxious expectation of meeting with Dispatch-boats, Neapolitan Cruisers, &c., with letters for me from Naples, giving me every information I could desire, (but my hopes were vain). On the 15th, I made the Ponza Islands, where not finding; a Cruiser, I sent Captain Troubridge in the Mutine to talk with Sir William Hamilton and General Acton, and to state my distress for Frigates.

On the 17th, in the Bay of Naples, I received my first letter from Sir William Hamilton, and in two hours Captain Troubridge returned with information, that the French Fleet were off Malta on the 8th, going to attack it, that Naples was at Peace with the French Republic, therefore, could afford us no assistance in Ships, but that, unclear the rose, they would give us the use of their Ports, and sincerely wished us well, but did not give me the smallest information of what was, or likely to be, the future destination of the French armament. With this comfortable account, I pushed for the Faro [of] Messina. On my way I heard of the French landing in Malta, and that on Tuesday the 12th they had taken the old City: that the Fleet was anchored between Gozo and Malta. On the 20th, off Messina, the English Consul came on board to tell me that Malta had surrendered on the 15th, the Russian Minister having arrived the day before from Malta, when the intelligence came over, but I received not the smallest information or notice from the Sicilian Government. Keeping the Sicilian shore on board, on the 21st, I was close off Syracuse and hoisted our colours. A boat in the evening rowed out about a mile, but although I brought to and sent the Mutine in shore, she rowed back again. On the 22nd, in the morning, being off Cape Passaro, the Mutine spoke a Brig which sailed from Malta the day before. The Master reported that Malta surrendered on Friday the 15th of June, and that on Saturday, the 16th, the whole French Fleet left it, as was supposed, for Sicily: that a French garrison was left in the Town, and French colours flying. The wind at this time was blowing strong from the W.N.W. the Vessel had been spoken three hours before, and was gone out of my reach. I could not get to Malta till it moderated, and then I might get no better information. Thus situated I had to make use of my judgment. With information from Naples, that they were at peace with the French Republic, that General Buonaparte had sent on shore to Sicily, that the King of Naples need not be alarmed at the French armament, for it had not Sicily for its object. It was also certain the Sicilian Government were not alarmed or they would have sent off to me. I recalled all the circumstances of this Armament before me, 40,000 troops in 280 Transports, many hundred pieces of artillery, waggons, draught-horses, cavalry, artificers, naturalists, astronomers, mathematicians, &c. The first rendezvous in case of separation was Bastia, the second, Malta, - this Armament could not be necessary for taking possession of Malta. The Neapolitan Ministers considered Naples and Sicily as safe; Spain, after Malta, or indeed any place to the westward, I could not think their destination, for at this season the westerly winds so strongly prevail between Sicily and the Coast of Barbary, that I conceive it almost impossible to get a Fleet of Transports to the westward. It then became the serious question, where are they gone ? (Here I had deeply to regret my want of Frigates, and I desire it may be understood, that if one-half the Frigates your Lordship had ordered under my command had been with me, that I could not have wanted information of the French Fleet). If to Corfu, in consequence of my approach (which they knew from Naples on the 12th or 13th) they were arrived by this time, the 22nd.

Upon their whole proceedings, together with such information as I have been able to collect, it appeared clear to me, that either they were destined to assist the rebel Pacha and to overthrow the present Government of Turkey, or to settle a Colony in Egypt, and to open a trade to India by way of the Red Sea; for, strange as it may appear at first sight, an enterprising Enemy, if they have the force or consent of the Pacha of Egypt, may with great ease get an Army to the Red Sea, and if they have concerted a plan with Tippoo Saib, to have vessels at Suez, three weeks, at this season, is a common passage to the Malabar Coast, when our India possessions would be in great danger.

I therefore determined, with the opinion of those Captains in whom I place great confidence*, to go to Alexandria, and if that place, or any other part of Egypt was their destination, I hoped to arrive time enough to frustrate their plans. The only objection I can fancy to be started is, you should not have gone such a long voyage without more certain information of the Enemy's destination' my answer 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 till I heard certain accounts? If Egypt was their object, before I could hear of them they would have been in India. To do nothing, I felt, was disgraceful: therefore I made use of my understanding, and by it I ought to stand or fall. I am before your Lordship's judgement, (which in the present case I feel is the Tribunal of my Country,) 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 - viz., that under all circumstances, I was right in steering for Alexandria, and by that opinion I must stand or fall. However erroneous my judgment may be, I feel conscious of my honest intentions, which I hope will bear me up under the greatest misfortune that could happen to me as an Officer - that of your Lordship's thinking me wrong. I have the honour to be, with the highest respect,

Your Lordship's most obedient Servant,

HORATIO NELSON*

July 12th through 23rd, 1798

TO ADMIRAL THE EARL OF ST. VINCENT, K.B.

[Letter-Book].

Vanguard, 12 Leagues West of Candia, 12th July, 1798.

My Lord,

By my Letter of the 29th of June, your Lordship will know why I thought it right to steer for Alexandria. I have now the honour to acquaint you that I arrived off` Alexandria on the 28th ultimo, and found lying there one Turkish Ship of the Line, four Frigates, about twelve other Turkish vessels in the old Port, and about fifty Sail of different Nations' vessels, in the Franks' Port. I directed Captain Hardy, of the Mutine, to run close in, and to send an Officer on shore with my letter to Mr. Baldwin, and to get all the information in his power. Herewith I send you the Officer's report. Mr. Baldwin had left Alexandria near three months,. We observed the Line-of-Battle Ship to be landing her guns, and that the place was filling with armed people. After receiving this information, I stretched the Fleet over to the Coast of Asia, and have passed close to the southern side of Candia, but without seeing one Vessel in our route; therefore to this day I am without the smallest information of the French Fleet since their leaving Malta. I own I fully expected to have found Dispatches off this end of Candia; for both Sir William Hamilton and General Acton, I now know, said they believed Egypt was their object; for that when the French Minister at Naples was pressed, on the Armament appearing off Sicily, he declared that Egypt was their object. I have again to deeply regret my want of frigates, to which I shall ever attribute my ignorance of the situation of the French fleet. I shall endeavour to keep in the opening of the Archipelago in Lat. between 36° and 37° N., steering with all sail to the westward, and hope soon to gain information from some Merchant-vessel. I have the honour to be, &c.,

HORATIO NELSON.

TO HIS EXCELLENCY SIR WILLIAM HAMILTON, K.B. NAPLES.

[Original, in the State Paper Office].

Vanguard, Syracuse, July 20th, 1798.

My dear Sir,

It is an old saying, ' the Devil's children have the Devil's luck.' I cannot find, or to this moment learn, beyond vague conjecture where the French Fleet are gone to. All my ill fortune, hitherto, has proceeded from want of Frigates. Off Cape Passaro, on the 22nd of June, at day-light, I saw two Frigates, which were supposed to be French, and it has been said since that a Line of Battle Ship was to leeward of them, with the riches of Malta on board, but it was the destruction of the Enemy, not riches for myself, that I was seeking. These would have fallen to me if I had had Frigates, but except the Ship of the Line, I regard not all the riches in this world. From every information off Malta I believed they were gone to Egypt. Therefore, on the 28th, I was communicating with Alexandria in Egypt, where I found the Turks preparing to resist them, but know nothing beyond report. From thence I stretched over to the Coast of Caramania, where not meeting a Vessel that could give me information, I became distressed for the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies, and having gone a round of 600 leagues at this season of the year (with a single Ship [or; "with a crippled ship"]) with an expedition incredible, here I am as ignorant of the situation of the Enemy as I was twenty-seven days ago. I sincerely hope, that the Dispatches which I understand are at Cape Passaro, will give me full information. I shall be able for nine or ten weeks longer to keep the Fleet on active service, when we shall want provisions and stores. I send a paper on that subject herewith. Mr. Littledale is, I suppose, sent up by the Admiral to victual us, and I hope he will do it cheaper than any other person; but if I find out that he charges more than the fair price, and has not the provisions of the very best quality, I will not take them; for, as no Fleet has more fag than this, nothing but the best food and greatest attention can keep them healthy. At this moment, we have not one sick man in the Fleet. In about six days I shall sail from hence, and if I hear nothing more from the French, I shall go to the Archipelago, where if they are gone towards Constantinople I shall hear of them. I shall go to Cyprus, and if they are gone to Alexandretta, or any other part of Syria or Egypt, I shall get information. You will, I am sure, and so will our Country, easily conceive what has passed in my anxious mind, but I have this comfort, that I have no fault to accuse myself of. This bears me up, and this only. I send you a Paper, in which a letter is fixed for different places, which I may leave at any place, and except those who have the key, none can tell where I am gone to.

July 21st. - The Messenger has returned from Cape Passaro, and says, that your letters for me are returned to Naples. What a situation am I placed in! As yet, I can learn nothing of the Enemy; therefore I have no conjecture but that they are gone to Syria, and at Cyprus I hope to hear of them. If they are gone to the westward, I rely that every place in Sicily would have information for us, for it is news too important to leave me one moment in doubt about. I have no frigate, nor a sign of one. The masts, yards, &c. for the Vanguard will, I hope, be prepared directly; for 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 other person but myself would have continued on service so long in such a wretched state. [A storm on the 21st of May left Vanguard with a Jury Foremast] I want to send a great number of Papers to Lord St. Vincent, but I dare not trust any person here to carry them even to Naples. Pray send a copy of my letter to Lord Spencer. He must be very anxious to hear of this Fleet. I have taken the liberty to trouble your Excellency with a letter for Lady Nelson. Pray forward it for me, and believe me, with the greatest respect, your most obedient Servant,

HORATIO NELSON.

TO LADY NELSON.

[From Clarke and M'Arthur, vol. i. p. 71].

Syracuse, July 20th, 1798.

I have not been able to find the French Fleet, to my great mortification, or the event I can scarcely doubt. We have been off Malta, to Alexandria in Egypt, Syria, into Asia, and are returned here without success: however, no person will say that it has been for want of activity. I yet live in hopes of meeting these fellows; but it would have beer my delight to have tried Buonaparte on a wind, for he commands the Fleet, as well as the Army. Glory is my object, and that alone. God Almighty bless you.

HORATIO NELSON.

TO ADMIRAL, THE EARL OF ST. VINCENT, K.B.

[Letter book].

Vanguard, Syracuse, 20th July, 1798.

My Lord,

From my letter of the 12th, you will be informed of my conduct to that time. I have now to acquaint you that having spoke several vessels from the westward, and one from Corfu, I know, as far as their reports, that the French are neither to the Westward of Sicily nor at Corfu. Yesterday I arrived here, where I can learn no more than vague conjecture that the French are gone to the eastward. Every moment I have to regret the frigates having left me, to which must be attributed my ignorance of the movements of the Enemy. Your Lordship deprived yourself of Frigates to make mine certainly the first Squadron in the world, and I feel that I have zeal and activity to do credit to your appointment, and yet to be unsuccessful hurts me most sensibly. But if they are above water, I will find them out, and if possible bring them to Battle. You have done your part in giving me so fine a Fleet, and I hope to do mine in making use of them. We are watering, and getting such refreshments as the place affords, and shall get to sea by the 25th. It is my intention to get into the Mouth of the Archipelago, where, if the Enemy are gone towards Constantinople, we shall hear of them directly: if I get no information there, to go to Cyprus, when, if they are in Syria or Egypt, I must hear of them. Seventeen Sail of the Line, eight Frigates, &c. of War, went from Malta with them. We have a report that on the 1st of July, the French were seen off Candia, but near what part of the Island I cannot learn. I have the honour to remain, &c.

HORATIO NELSON.

TO THE COMMANDERS OF ANY OF HIS MAJESTY'S SHIPS,

[Letter-Book].

Vanguard, Syracuse, 22nd July, 1798.

Sir,

Resting with the greatest confidence that had the French Fleet proceeded to the westward from Malta, that his Majesty's Minister at Naples would have taken care to have lodged information for me in every Port in Sicily, knowing I was gone to the eastward, I now acquaint you that I shall steer direct for the Island of Cyprus, and hope in Syria to find the French Fleet. I am, &c.

HORATIO NELSON.

Having received some vague information of the Enemy, I shall steer to the north of Candia, and probably send a Ship to Milo, and if the Enemy are not in those seas, I shall pass on for Cyprus, Syria, and Egypt.

TO THE RIGHT HON. SIR WILLIAM HAMILTON, K,B.

[From Copies in the State paper Office, Admiralty, and Letter-Book].

Vanguard, Syracuse, July 22, 1798.

My dear Sir,

I have had so much said about the King of Naples, orders only to admit three or four of the Ships of our Fleet into his Ports, that I am astonished. I understood that private orders, at least, would have been given for our free admission. If we are to be refused supplies, pray send me by many Vessels an account, that I may in good time take the King's Fleet to Gibraltar. Our treatment is scandalous for a great Nation to put up with, and the King's Flag is insulted at every Friendly Port we look at. I am, with the greatest respect, &c.,

HORATIO NELSON.

You will observe that I feel as a Public man, and write as such. I have no complaint to make of private attention, quite the contrary. Every body of persons have been on board to offer me civilities.

TO SIR WILLIAM AND LADY HAMILTON.

[From Harrison's " Life of Nelson," vol. i. p. 256].

22nd July, 1798.

My dear Friends,

Thanks to your exertions, 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.

TO THE RIGHT HONOURABLE SIR WILLIAM HAMILTON, K.B.

[From a Copy in the Admiralty].

Vanguard, Syracuse, 23rd July, 1798.

My dear Sir,

The Fleet is unmoored, and the moment the wind comes off the land, shall go out of this delightful harbour, where our present wants have been most amply supplied, and where every attention has been paid to us; but I have been tormented by no private orders being given to the Governor for our admission. I have only to hope that I shall still find the French Fleet, and be able to get at them: the event then will be in the hands of Providence, of whose goodness none can doubt. I beg my best respects to Lady Hamilton, and believe me ever your faithful

HORATIO NELSON.

No Frigates! - to which has been, and may again, be attributed the loss of the French Fleet.

August 2nd and 3rd, 1798

TO ADMIRAL THE EARL OF ST. VINCENT, K.B., COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF.

[From the " Letter-Book ," and " London Gazette Extraordinary " of October 2nd, 1798].

Vanguard, off the Mouth of the Nile, 3rd August, 1798.

My Lord,

Almighty God has blessed his Majesty's Arms in the late Battle, by a great Victory over the Fleet of the Enemy, who I attacked at sunset on the 1st of August, off the Mouth of the Nile. The Enemy were moored in a strong Line of Battle for defending the entrance of the Bay, (of Shoals,) flanked by numerous Gun-boats, four Frigates, and a Battery of Guns and Mortars on an Island in their Van; but nothing could withstand the Squadron your Lordship did me the honour to place under my command. Their high state of discipline is well known to you, and with the judgment of the Captains, together with their valour, and that of the Officers and Men of every description, it was absolutely irresistible. Could anything from my pen add to the character of the Captains, I would write it with pleasure, but that is impossible.

I have to regret the loss of Captain Westcott of the Majestic, who was killed early in the Action; but the Ship was continued to be so well fought by her First Lieutenant, Mr. Cuthbert, that I have given him an order to command her till your Lordship's pleasure is known.

The Ships of the Enemy, all but their two rear Ships, are nearly dismasted: and those two, with two Frigates, I am sorry to say, made their escape; nor was it, I assure you, in my power to prevent them. Captain Hood most handsomely endeavoured to do it, but I had no Ship in a condition to support the Zealous, and I was obliged to call her in.

The support and assistance I have received from Captain Berry cannot be sufficiently expressed. I was wounded in the head, and obliged to be carried off the deck; but the service suffered no loss by that event: Captain Berry was fully equal to the important service then going on, and to him I must beg leave to refer you for every information relative to this Victory. He will present you with the Flag of the Second in Command, that of the Commander-in-Chief being burnt in L'Orient.

Herewith I transmit you Lists of the Killed and Wounded, and the Lines of Battle of ourselves and the French. I have the honour to be, my Lord, your Lordship's most obedient Servant,

HORATIO NELSON.

Line of Battle

HORATIO NELSON

French Line of Battle

HORATIO NELSON - Vanguard, off the Mouth of the Nile, 3rd August, 1798

A RETURN OF THE KILLED AND WOUNDED IN HIS MAJESTY'S SHIPS, UNDER THE COMMAND OF SIR HORATIO NELSON, K.B., REAR-ADMIRAL OF THE BLUE, ETC. IN ACTION WITH THE FRENCH, AT ANCHOR, ON THE 1ST OF AUGUST, 1798, OFF THE MOUTH OF THE NILE.

Theseus. - 5 Seamen killed; 1 Officer, 24 Seamen, 5 Marines wounded. - Total 35.

Alexander. - 1 Officer, 13 Seamen killed; 5 Officers, 48 Seamen, 5 Marines , wounded. - Total 72.

Vanguard. - 3 Officers, 20 Seamen, 7 Marines, killed; 7 Officers, 60 Seamen, 8 Marines, wounded. - Total 105.

Minotaur. - 2 Officers, 18 Seamen, 3 Marines, killed, 4 Officers, 54 Seamen, 6 Marines, wounded. - Total 87.

Swiftsure. - 7 Seamen killed; 1 Officer, 1 9 Seamen, 2 Marines, wounded. - Total 29.

Audacious. - 1 Seaman killed; 2 Officers, 31 Seamen, 2 Marines, wounded. - Total 36.

Defence. - 3 Seamen, 1 Marine, killed; 9 Seamen, 2 Marines, wounded. - Total 15.

Zealous. - 1 Seaman killed; 7 Seamen wounded. - Total 8.

Orion. - 1 Officer, 11 Seamen, 1 Marine killed; 5 Officers, 18 Seamen, 6 Marines, wounded. - Total 42.

Goliath. - 2 Officers, 12 Seamen, 7 Marines, killed; 4 Officers, 28 Seamen, 9 Marines, wounded. - Total 62.

Majestic. - 3 Officers, 33 Seamen, 14 Marines, killed; 3 Officers, 124 Seamen, 16 Marines, wounded. - Total 193.

Bellerophon. - 4 Officers, 32 Seamen, 13 Marines, killed; 5 Officers, 126 Seamen, 17 Marines, wounded. - Total 197.

Leander. - 14 Seamen wounded.

Total. - 16 Officers, 156 Seamen, 46 Marines, killed; 37 Officers, 562 Seamen, 78 Marines wounded. - Total, 895.

OFFICERS KILLED.

Vanguard. - Captain William Faddy, Marines; Mr. Thomas Seymour, Mr. John G. Taylor, Midshipmen.

Alexander. - Mr. John Collins, Lieutenant.

Orion. - Mr. Baird, Captain's Clerk.

Goliath. - Mr. William Davies, Master's Mate; Mr. Andrew Brown, Midshipman.

Majestic. - George B. Westcott, Esq. Captain; Mr. Zebedee Ford, Midshipman; Mr. Andrew Gilmour, Boatswain.

Bellerophon. - Mr. Robert Savage Daniel, Mr. Philip Watson Launder, Mr. George Joliffe, Lieutenants; Mr. Thomas Ellison, Master's Mate.

Minotaur. - Lieutenant John S. Kirchner, Marines; Mr. Peter Walters, Master's Mate.

OFFICERS WOUNDED.

Vanguard. - Mr. Nathaniel Vassal, Mr. John M. Adye, Lieutenants; Mr. John Campbell, Admiral's Secretary; Mr. Michael Austin, Boatswain; Mr. John Weatherstone, Mr. George Antrim, Midshipmen.

Theseus. - Lieutenant Hawkins.

Alexander. - Alexander J. Ball, Esq., Captain; Captain J. Cresswell, Marines; Mr. William Lawson, Master; Mr. George Bulley, Mr. Luke Anderson, Midshipmen.

Audacious. - Mr. John Jeans, Lieutenant; Mr. Christopher Font, Gunner.

Orion. - Sir James Saumarez, Captain; Mr. Peter Sadler, Boatswain; Mr. Philip Richardson, Mr. Charles Miell, Mr. Lanfesty, Midshipmen.

Goliath - Mr. William Wilkinson, Lieutenant; Mr. Lawrence Graves, Midshipman; Mr. Peter Strachan, Schoolmaster; Mr. James Payne, Midshipman.

Majestic. - Mr. Charles Seward, Mr. Charles Royle, Midshipmen; Mr. Robert Overton, Captain's Clerk.

Bellerophon. - H. D'E. Darby, Esq., Captain; Mr. Edward Kirby, Master; Captain John Hopkins, Marines; Mr. Chapman, Boatswain; Mr. Nicholas Bettson, Midshipman.

Minotaur. - Mr. Thomas Irwin, Lieutenant; Mr. John Jewell, Lieutenant Marines; Mr. Thomas Foxten, 2nd Master; Mr. Martin Wills, Midshipman.

Swiftsure. - Mr. William Smith, Midshipman.

HORATIO NELSON.

MEMORANDUM TO THE. RESPECTIVE CAPTAINS OF THE SQUADRON.

[From Captain Sir Edward Berry's " Narrative"].

Vanguard, off the Mouth of the Nile, 2nd August, 1798.

Almighty God having blessed His Majesty's Arms with Victory, the Admiral intends returning Public Thanksgiving for the same at two o'clock this day; and he recommends every Ship doing the same as soon as convenient.

HORATIO NELSON.

TO THE CAPTAINS OF THE SHIPS OF THE SQUADRON.

[From Captain Sir Edward Berry's " Narrative].

Vanguard, off the Mouth of the Nile, 2nd day of August, 1798.

The Admiral most heartily congratulates the Captains, Officers, Seamen, and Marines of the Squadron he has the honour to command, on the event of the late Action; and he desires they will accept his most sincere and cordial Thanks for their very gallant behaviour in this glorious Battle. It must strike forcibly every British Seaman, how superior their conduct is, when in discipline and good order, to the riotous behaviour of lawless Frenchmen.

The Squadron may be assured the Admiral will not fail, with his Dispatches, to represent their truly meritorious conduct in the strongest terms to the Commander-in-Chief

HORATIO NELSON.

TO LIEUTENANT ROBERT CUTHBERT, HEREBY APPOINTED TO COMMAND HIS MAJESTY'S SHIP MAJESTIC.

[From a Copy in the Admiralty].

In consequence of your gallant conduct in commanding His Majesty's Ship Majestic, after the death of the brave Captain Westcott, you are therefore to act as Commander of the Majestic until further orders.

Given on board His Majesty's Ship, the Vanguard, off the Mouth of the Nile, 2nd of August, 1798.

HORATIO NELSON.

August 3rd through 9th, 1798

TO THE CAPTAINS OF HIS MAJESTY'S SHIPS OFF THE NILE

[Autograph in the possession of the Dowager Lady de Saumarez].

Vanguard, August 3rd, 1798.

Gentlemen,

I feel most sensibly the very distinguished honour you have conferred upon me by your Address of this day. My prompt decision was the natural consequence of having such Captains under my command, and I thank God I can say, that in the Battle the conduct of every Officer was equal. I accept, as a particular mark of your esteem, the Sword you have done me the honour to offer, and will direct my Picture to be painted the first opportunity, for the purpose you mention.

I have the honour to [be], Gentlemen,

With the highest respect, your most obliged,

HORATIO NELSON.

TO THE CAPTAINS OF ANY FRIGATES CAPTAIN BERRY MAY FLEET WITH.

[ Order-Book]

Vanguard, off the Mouth of the Nile, 5th August, 1798.

I expect to sail from this place the 19th instant, and shall steer for Candia, keep in shore on the south side of it, and proceed towards Cape Passaro, and down the Mediterranean. Sicily and Naples will be the most likely places to hear of me after my leaving Candia. I am, and have been, very much distressed for Frigates, and hope the Captains of them under my command will use their utmost endeavours to join me, according to the above-mentioned expectations to find me.

HORATIO NELSON.

TO EVAN NEPEAN, ESQ., ADMIRALTY.

[Letter-Book, and London Gazette," of October 2, 1798].

Vanguard, Mouth of the Nile, August 7, 1798.

Sir,

Herewith, I have the honour to transmit you a Copy of my Letter to the Earl of St. Vincent, together with a Line-of-Battle of the English and French Squadrons, also a List of Killed and Wounded. I have the honour to inform you that eight of our Ships have already Top-gallant yards across, and ready for any service; the others, with the Prizes, will soon be ready for sea. In an event of this importance, I have thought it right to send Captain Capel; with a Copy of my Letter (to the Commander-in-Chief) overland, which I hope their Lordships will approve; and beg leave to refer them to Captain Capel, who is a most excellent Officer, and fully able to give every information; and I beg; leave to recommend him to their Lordships' notice.

I have the honour to be, &c.,

HORATIO NELSON.

P.S. The Island [Bequier Island] I have taken possession of, and brought off the two thirteen-inch mortars, all the brass guns, and destroyed the iron ones.

TO THE RIGHT HONORABLE SIR WILLIAM HAMILTON, K.B.

[Letter-Book].

Vanguard, Month of the Nile, 8th August, 1798.

My dear Sir,

Almighty God has made me the happy instrument in destroying the Enemy's Fleet, which I hope will be a blessing to Europe. You will have the goodness to communicate this happy event to all the Courts in Italy, for my head is so indifferent that I can scarcely scrawl this letter. Captain Capel, who is charged with my Dispatches for England, will give you every information. Pray put him in the quickest mode of getting home. You will not send by post any particulars of this Action, as I should be sorry to have any accounts get home before my Dispatches. I hope there will be no difficulty in our getting refitted at Naples. Culloden must be instantly hove down, and Vanguard all new masts and bowsprit. Not more than four or five Sail of the Line will probably come to Naples; the rest will go with the Prizes to Gibraltar. As this Army never will return, I hope to hear the Emperor has regained the whole of Italy. With every good wish, believe me, dear Sir,

Your most obliged and affectionate,

HORATIO NELSON

9th August. - I have intercepted all Buonaparte's Dispatches, going to France. This Army is in a scrape, and will not get out of it.

TO THE RIGHT HONOURABLE THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON.

Vanguard, Month of the Nile, 8th August, 1798.

My Lord,

Having the honour of being a Freeman of the City of London, I take the liberty of sending to your Lordship, the Sword of the Commanding, French Admiral, Monsieur Blanquet, who survived after the Battle of the first, off the Nile; and request, that the City of London will honour me by the acceptance of it, as a remembrance, that Britannia still rules the Waves, which, that She may for ever do, is the fervent prayer of your Lordship's most obedient Servant,

HORATIO NELSON.

TO HIS EXCELLENCY THE GOVERNOR OF BOMBAY.

[Letter Book].

Vanguard, Mouth of the Nile, 9th August, 1798.

Sir,

Although I hope the Consuls who are, or ought to be resident in Egypt, have sent you an express of the situation of affairs here, yet, as I know Mr. Baldwin has some months left Alexandria, it is possible you may not be regularly informed. I shall, therefore, relate to you, briefly, that a French Army of 40,000 men in 300 Transports, with 13 Sail of the Line, 11 Frigates, Bomb Vessels, Gun-boats, &c. arrived at Alexandria on the 1st of July: on the 7th, they left it for Cairo, where they arrived on the 22nd. During their march they had some actions with the Mamelukes, which the French call great victories. As I have Buonaparte's dispatches before me, (which I took yesterday,) I speak positively: he says, 'I am now going to send off to take Suez and Damietta;' he does not speak very favourably of either the Country or people: but there is so much bombast in his letters, that it is difficult to get near the truth; but he does not mention India in these dispatches. He is what is called organizing the Country, but you may be assured is master only of what his Army covers.

From all the inquiries which I have been able to make, I cannot learn that any French Vessels are at Suez, to carry any part of this Army to India. Bombay, if they can get there, I know is their first object; but, I trust, Almighty God will in Egypt overthrow these pests of the human race. It has been in my power to prevent 12,000 men from leaving Genoa, and also to take eleven Sail of the Line, and two Frigates; in short, only two Sail of the Line and two Frigates have escaped me. This glorious Battle was fought at the Mouth of the Nile, at anchor: it began at sunset, August the 1st, and was not finished at three the next morning; it has been severe, but God blessed our endeavours with a great victory. I am now at anchor between Alexandria and Rosetta, to prevent their communication by water, and nothing under a Regiment can pass by land. But I should have informed you, that the French have 4000 men posted at Rosetta to keep open the Mouth of the Nile. Alexandria, both Town and Shipping, are so distressed for provisions, which they can only get from the Nile by water, that I cannot guess the good success which may attend my holding our present position, for Buonaparte writes his distress for stores, artillery, things for their hospital, &c. All useful communication is at an end between Alexandria and Cairo: you may be assured I shall remain here as long as possible. Buonaparte had never yet to contend with an English Officer; and I shall endeavour to make him respect us. This is all I have to communicate. I am confident every precaution will be taken to prevent, in future, any Vessels going to, Suez, which may be able to carry troops to India. If my letter is not so correct as might be expected, I trust for Your excuse, when I tell you that my brain is so shook with the wounds in my head, that I am sensible I am not always so clear as could be wished; but whilst a ray of reason remains, my heart and my head shall ever be exerted for the benefit of our King and Country.

I have the honour to be, &c.

HORATIO NELSON.

The Officer, Lieutenant Duval, who carries this Dispatch voluntarily to you, will, I trust, be immediately sent to England, with such recommendations as his conduct will deserve.

TO LIEUTENANT DUVAL.

[Letter-Book].

Vanguard, in the Road of Bequier, at the Mouth of the Nile, 9th August, 1798.

Sir,

You are hereby required, and directed to proceed with the Dispatches you will herewith receive, in the Vessel that will be appointed for you, to Alexandretta, in the Gulf of Scandaroon, and having furnished yourself with every information from the Consul, Vice-Consul, or, in their absence, any British Merchants at that place, you will lose no time in proceeding to Bombay by the shortest and most expeditious route, that may be pointed out by the before-mentioned gentlemen, delivering the said Dispatches to His Excellency the Governor of Bombay, on your arrival there. You will, on your arrival at Alexandretta, direct Mr. ---- to proceed with the Vessel under his command, with all possible expedition to Syracuse, but should you think it probably the Vessel will have a difficulty in returning to that place, you will request the Consul or Vice-Consul at Alexandretta, to obtain for the Midshipmen and people a passage to Naples or Messina in any Neutral Vessel bound that way, and sell the Vessel to the best advantage.

HORATIO NELSON.

TO LIEUTENANT DUVAL.

[Letter-Book].

Vanguard, in the Road of Bequier, at the Mouth of the Nile 9th August, 1798.

Sir,

You are hereby authorized to draw such Bills as you may find necessary from time to time, to provide you with money sufficient to defray all your expenses, in your route, &c., to Bombay, on the East India Company, to whom, I shall write by the earliest opportunity and acquaint them of these my instructions to you, that the Bills may be duly honoured.

HORATIO NELSON.

TO HIS BRITANNIC MAJESTY'S CONSULS, VICE-CONSULS - AND MERCHANTS IN THEIR ABSENCE. - AT ALEXANDRETTA, AND ONE OF THE ABOVE AT ALEPPO.

[Letter-Book,]

Vanguard, in the Road of Bequier, at the Mouth of the Nile, 9th August, 1798.

Sir,

Having occasion to forward with the utmost haste to India, Lieutenant Duval of the Navy, who will deliver you this, he being charged with Dispatches of the greatest consequence to our Possessions in that Country, I am to request you will be pleased to furnish him with everything that may be necessary to forward him as fast as possible, particularly with money of the Country, and letters of recommendation on the route; also, a proper person to go with him as is customary in cases of Officers and others going overland to India, and he will give you Bills on the East India Company. In doing this, you will not only be of infinite service to our Country, particularly the East India Company, but greatly oblige, Sir, &c.

HORATIO NELSON.

TO EARL SPENCER.

[Letter Book].

My Lord, Mouth of the Nile, 9th August, 1798.

Was I to die this moment, 'Want of Frigates' would be found stamped on my heart. No words of mine can express what I have, and am suffering for want of them. Having only the Mutine Brig, I cannot yet send off Captain Capel, which I am very anxious to do; for as an accident may happen to Captain Berry, it is of some importance, I think, for your Lordship to be informed of our success as speedily as possible. If the King of Naples had joined us, nothing at this moment could prevent the destruction of the Store Ships, and all the Transports, in the Port of Alexandria; four Bomb-vessels would burn the whole in a few hours; but, as I have not means, I can only regret the circumstance.

I send you a pacquet of intercepted Letters, some of them of great importance; in particular, one from Buonaparte to his brother. He writes such a scrawl, no one not used to it can read; but luckily, we have got a man who has wrote in his Office, to decipher it. Buonaparte has differed with his Generals here; and he did want - and if I understand his meaning, does want, and will strive to be, the Washington of France. " Ma mère" is evidently meant " my Country'., But I beg pardon: all this is, I have no doubt, well known to Administration. I believe our victory will, in its consequence, destroy this Army; at least, my endeavours shall not be wanting. I shall remain here for some time. I have thought it right to send an Officer (by Alexandretta, Aleppo, and Bussarah) over-land to India, with an account of what I have gathered from these Dispatches; which I hope will be approved. I have sent a copy of my Letter to the Board of Control, that they may give the necessary directions for paying the Officer's bills. If it should have gone to the East India Company, I hope that Board will forward it. Ever believe me,

Your Lordship's most obliged, and obedient Servant,

HORATIO NELSON.

October 1st through 4th, 1805

TO LADY HAMILTON.

[From Lord Nelson's Letters to Lady Hamilton, vol. ii. p. 100].

Victory, October 1st, 1805.

My dearest Emma,

It is a relief to me, to take up the pen, and write you a line; for I have had, about four o'clock this morning, one of my dreadful spasms, which has almost enervated me. It is very odd; I was hardly ever better than yesterday. Fremantle stayed with me till eight o'clock, and I slept uncommonly well; but was awoke with this disorder. My Opinion of its effect, some one day, has never altered. However, it is entirely gone off, and I am only quite weak. The good people of England will not believe that rest of body and mind is necessary for me! But perhaps this spasm may not come again these six months. I had been writing seven hours yesterday; perhaps that had some hand in bringing it upon me.

I joined the Fleet date on the evening of the 28th of September, but could not communicate with them until the next morning. I believe my arrival was most welcome, not only to the Commander of the Fleet, but also to every individual in it, and, when I came to explain to them the 'Nelson touch,' it was like an electric shock. Some shed tears, all approved - ' It was new - it was singular - it was simple !'; and, from Admirals downwards, it was repeated - ' It must succeed, if ever they will allow us to get at them! You are, my Lord, surrounded by friends whom you inspire with confidence.' Some may be Judas's; but the majority are certainly much pleased with my commanding them..

TO VISCOUNT CASTLEREAGH, SECRETARY FOR THE WAR DEPARTMENT.

['From Clarke and M'Arthur, vol. ii. p. 429].

October lst, 1805.

My Lord,

The far greater part of the Combined Fleets is in the Harbour, and indeed none can be called in the Bay of Cadiz; they lie in such a position abreast of the Town, and many entirely open, over the narrow strip of land, that Congreve's rockets, if they will go one mile and a half, must do execution. Even should no Ships be burnt, yet it would make Cadiz so very disagreeable, that they would rather risk an Action than remain in Port. I do assure your Lordship, that myself and many thousands in the Fleet will feel under the greatest obligations to Colonel Congreve. But I think, with your Lordship's assistance, we have a better chance of forcing them out by want of provisions: it is said hunger will break through stone walls - ours is only a wall of wood. The French are sending provisions of all kinds from Nantes, Bordeaux, and other Ports in the Bay in Danish Vessels, called of course Danish property, to Ayamonte, Conil, Algeziras, and other little Ports from Cape St. Mary's to Algeziras; whence it would be conveyed in their Coasting Boats without the smallest interruption to Cadiz, and thus the Fleets be supplied with provisions for any expedition. Vice-Admiral Collingwood has most properly directed their being detained and sent to Gibraltar, to be libelled in the Vice-Court of Admiralty. I have followed so good an example. I am able enough to see the propriety and necessity of the measure, without which the blockade of Cadiz is nugatory, and we should only have the odium of the measure, without any benefit to us, or real distress to our Enemies. There never was a place so proper to be blockaded, at this moment, as Cadiz. I have, therefore, to request that your Lordship will take the proper measures, that the Officers under my orders may not get into any pecuniary scrape by their obedience; and, should it be thought proper to allow the Enemy's Fleet to be victualled, that I may be informed as soon as possible....I can have nothing as an Admiral, to say upon the propriety of granting licences; but from what your Lordship told me of the intentions of Ministers respecting the Neutral trade, it strikes me, some day it may be urged that it was not for the sake of blockade, but for the purpose of taking all the trade into her own hands, that Great Britain excluded the Neutrals. Your Lordship's wisdom will readily conceive all that Neutral Courts may urge at this apparent injustice, and of might overcoming right.

I am, &c., NELSON AND BRONTE.

TO WILLIAM MARSDEN, ESQ., ADMIRALTY. .

[Original in the Admiralty].

Victory, off Cadiz, 2nd October, 1805.

Sir,

You will please to acquaint the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty that I arrived off here on the evening of the 28th ult., where I found Vice-Admiral Collingwood with the Fleet, and on the morning following I took the Command from the Vice-Admiral, and received from him the several unexecuted Orders, &c. The Ships are getting short in their water and provisions: I shall, therefore, send Rear-Admiral Louis with six Sail of the Line immediately to Gibraltar and Tetuan to complete in everything; and the moment he returns, I shall send others to those places, in order that the Fleet may be all prepared for service before the winter sets in. The Zealous having come out from England with a bad mainmast, which has been found, upon survey, to be sprung, and decayed in several places, is just ordered to Gibraltar to get a new one, and otherwise completed for immediate service. The Endymion must also go into Gibraltar, having this day joined the Fleet with her mainmast badly sprung. As I have had no Return from Rear-Admiral Knight, respecting the Disposition of His Majesty's Ships within the Mediterranean, and that of the Fleet off here being nearly the same as made in Vice-Admiral Collingwood's last Return, I shall not send their Lordships a Disposition of the Fleet at this time, being anxious to send the Nimble Cutter to England with the dispatches from Vice-Admiral Collingwood and Sir Robert Calder, which I detained in the Nautilus, off Cape St. Vincent, on her way home. The Fleet is in very fair condition and good humour, and their Lordships may be assured that every exertion of mine shall be used to keep it so, and in a state to meet the Combined Fleet in Cadiz whenever they come out. Their force is about thirty-six Sail of the Line, apparently ready for sea, with a number of Frigates and Corvettes, &c. It is said that there is a great scarcity of provisions at Cadiz, and if Government strictly enforce the prohibition of provisions from the environs of that place, in any bottoms whatever, the Enemy must soon be in distress, and consequently be forced to come out: otherwise, the blockade of Cadiz is perfectly nugatory. The Pickle Schooner joined the Fleet from Plymouth yesterday.

I am, Sir, &c., NELSON AND BRONTE.

TO WILLIAM MARSDEN, ESQ., ADMIRALTY.

[Original in the Admiralty].

Victory, off Cadiz, 2nd October, 1805.

Sir,

In consequence of the inclosed letter from Vice-Admiral Sir Robert Calder, requesting for the reasons therein mentioned, that I will allow the Captains of His Majesty's Ships named in the margin [Thunderer, Ajax, Defiance, Sirius], to return to England, you will please to acquaint the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty, that the Captains of the Thunderer and Ajax having signified to me their willingness to attend as evidences at the Court Martial required by the Vice-Admiral, I shall permit them to return with him to England, and appoint Acting Captains to their Ships till they rejoin them; and should Captain Durham, on the Defiance joining the Fleet, wish to return to England for the above purpose, I shall also permit him, and appoint an Acting Captain during his absence; but I do not feel authorised to order him, or any others, who may not wish to go home on this service, without their Lordships' direction, although I am at the same time satisfied that they would not deprive Sir Robert Calder of any evidence he might think necessary to have on the occasion. I trust their Lordships will approve of this measure, and send me such further direction as they may think necessary.

I am, Sir, &c., NELSON

P.S. - The Sirius is daily expected from Gibraltar, when I shall determine upon sending Captain Prowse home with the others.

TO RICHARD FORD, ESQ., AGENT VICTUALLER AFLOAT.

[From the " Gentleman's Magazine," New Series, vol. vii. p. 158].

Victory, October 2nd, 1805.

Dear Sir,

As I hear that Mr. Cutforth, the Agent Victualler at Gibraltar, is very much indisposed, so as probably to render him unable to go over to Tetuan, to settle several things with the Governor and English Vice-Consul at that place, I have therefore to desire that you will go to Gibraltar; and should Mr. Cutforth not be able to proceed to Tetuan, that you will carry my instructions to Mr. Cutforth into execution, marking to the Governor or Vice-Consul, that whatever I may allow for the guards, or any other purpose, is from myself, and not to be considered as a general tax; and you will consult with Mr. Cutforth upon the best mode of keeping these gentry in good humour, and that the Fleet may get liberal supplies without any further trouble. I have the firmest reliance upon your abilities and zeal that this matter will be well terminated; and although no man wishes to be more economical of the Public money than myself, yet in our present state, and with the sort of people with whom we have to manage these matters, care must be taken not to be penny wise and pounds foolish. I need not say more, but that I am sure I shall be content with whatever you do; and I am, with great esteem, dear Sir, &c.,

NELSON AND BRONTE.

You must not be many hours at Gibraltar, but ask Admiral Knight for a conveyance to Tetuan; for Admiral Louis, with a Squadron, will leave the Fleet this day. N and B

TO VICE-ADMIRAL COLLINGWOOD.

[Autograph in the possession of the Hon. Mrs. Newnham Collingwood].

Victory, October 3rd, 1805.

My dear Coll., If you have any particular attachment to your Surgeon in the Dreadnought, he must of course go with you; but if you found him in the Ship, perhaps his removal is a matter of indifference. Dr. Felix, of the Royal Sovereign, I removed from the Belleisle to that Ship, and I suppose he is coming out in her. I only mention the circumstance if the removal is indifferent to you, for I cannot be very particularly interested about Dr; Felix. He was the oldest Surgeon in the Fleet, and of good character. Pray is the order for the sending home the senior Subaltern of the Marines given out; If not, I shall give a General Memorandum. The Cutter, I suppose, is gone to Gibraltar. Endymion's bowsprit was so bad that nothing could be done with it at sea.

Most faithfully yours, NELSON AND BRONTE.

To ?

[From the Naval Chronicle, vol. xv. p. 37].

Victory, off Cadiz, October 3rd, 1805.

The reception I met with on joining the Fleet caused the sweetest sensation of my life. The Officers who came on board to welcome my return, forgot my rank as Commander-in-Chief in the enthusiasm with which they greeted me. As soon as these emotions were past, I laid before them the Plan I had previously arranged for attacking the Enemy; and it was not only my pleasure to find it generally approved, but clearly perceived and understood. The Enemy are still in Port, but something must be immediately done to provoke or lure them to a Battle. My duty to my Country demands it, and the hopes centered in me, I hope in God, will be realised in less than a fortnight expect to hear from me, or of me, for who can foresee the fate of Battle ? Put up your prayers for my success, and may God protect all my friends!

I am, &c., NELSON AND BRONTE.

TO VISCOUNT STRANGFORD, LISBON.

[From the Memoirs of Lord Collingwood, vol. i. p. 302].

Victory, October 3rd, 1805

My Lord,

I have the honour to inform you that I have taken the command of His Majesty's Fleet in the Mediterranean station; and I am very sorry that I must begin my correspondence by a complaint against the conduct of the Portuguese Government at Lagos. They say, at least by their conduct, that, by their secret treaty with Spain, they are to throw every obstacle in the way of our remaining in their Ports, or on their Coasts, by refusing us water and refreshments; but in such a manner as is disgraceful to the Portuguese Government which offers, or the British Government which allows. Great Britain can have nothing to do with their infamous or degrading treaties: she looks to her treaty being fulfilled in the most liberal manner.

I shall state my complaint of the circumstances which generally happen at Lagos. A Ship of War goes there for water and refreshments, which, by treaty, she has a right to: from her communications she seems placed under the direction of the Consul of one of our Enemies, and very improper language is held by our Enemies to the British Officers and Seamen, and inducements held out to them to desert. The Enemy's Consul then directs that only so many cabbages, or bullocks, or sheep, shall go on board - and, at his will and pleasure, so much water: and it has been carried so far, that a Captain, whose Ship was complete with water, giving his proper water to wash the linen, on sending ashore for more, was threatened by the Portuguese sentry to be fired upon, if they presumed to attempt to take a drop. To this degradation no Nation can submit. Now, what I demand is, that our Officers and Men, whilst in the Neutral Port, shall be under the protection of the Neutral Flag, and not be permitted to be insulted by the interference, either secret or open, of our Enemies; and that every Ship which goes into Lagos, or other Ports, shall have such refreshments as are reasonable. And, as to water, I never before heard that any limited quantity was allowed, much less that if a dirty shirt was washed, any French or Spanish Consul should be allowed to say, ' You English shall either wear a dirty shirt, or go without water to drink ;' and that a sentinel of a Neutral Power should presume to threaten to fire, if an Ally presumed to take water! I shall send a Ship or Ships to take in water at Lagos. They shall wash, or let it run overboard, if they please; and I rely that the Portuguese Government will direct that our Enemies shall not insult our people, much less dictate to the Portuguese Governor for his treatment of us However degraded the Portuguese may allow themselves to become, it is hardly fair that they should expect us to be insulted by our Enemies on their Neutral ground; for if, by words, or any other mode of warfare, they do permit it, I shall certainly retaliate. I should get warm was I to go any farther, therefore I shall leave the business in much better hands - those of your Lordship; only repeating, that all we want is, that when our Ships go to Lagos, we may not be allowed to be insulted by our Enemies (unless we have permission to retaliate); that we shall take either one ton, or one thousand tons of water, as we please, and be allowed the free use of the markets, as by friendship we had a most unquestionable right to expect; and that the Portuguese Governor may be called to a most severe account for his conduct, in allowing a sentinel to threaten to fire on an English boat going for water, or any other purpose, to the shore of friendly Powers.

I have the honour to be, &c., NELSON AND BRONTE

TO VICE-ADMIRAL COLLINGWOOD.

[Autograph in the possession of the Hon. Mrs. Newnham Collingwood].

Victory, October 3rd, 1805.

My dear Coll.,

I have not the smallest wish about Dr. Felix, beyond what I told you: it is very reasonable and proper that your Surgeon should go with you. You will see what I have said about the Marine Officers; and I will endeavour so to act respecting them that, not to offend the Admiralty, we may not be left without proper Marine Officers. I shall expect you with much pleasure to-morrow morning; being ever, my dear Coll.,

Your attached friend, NELSON AND BRONTE.

Eurydice is gone under Cape St.Mary's.

TO CAPTAIN DUFF, H.M. SHIP MARS.

[From Clarke and M'Arthur, vol. ii. p. 434].

' 4th October, 1805.

As the Enemy's Fleets may be hourly expected to put to sea from Cadiz, I have to desire that you will keep, with the Mars, Defence, and Colossus, from three to four leagues between the Fleet and Cadiz, in order that I may get the information from the Frigates stationed off that Port, as expeditiously as possible. Distant Signals to be used, when Flags, from the state of the weather, may not readily be distinguished in their colours. If the Enemy be out, or coming out, fire guns by day or night, in order to draw my attention. In thick weather, the Ships are to close within signal of the Victory: one of the Ships to be placed to windward, or rather to the Eastward of the other two, to extend the distance of seeing; and I have desired Captain Blackwood to throw a Frigate to the Westward of Cadiz, for the purpose of an easy and early communication. I am, &c., NELSON AND BRONTE.

TO WILLIAM MARSDEN, ESQ., ADMIRALTY.

[Original in the Admiralty].

Victory, off Cadiz, 4th October, 1805.

Sir,

I have received your letter of the 16th ult., together with the inclosure therein mentioned from Mr. Huskisson, Secretary to the Treasury, relative to the specie on board the Ships named in the margin, being landed on their arrival in. Port, and delivered to the Collector of Customs. In answer thereto, I beg you will be pleased to submit to the Lords Commissioners, that as those Ships are not likely soon to return to England, and having understood at the Treasury that an order would shortly be sent out to land it in this Country, where specie was particularly wanted for various services, whether it would be proper that it should be landed at Gibraltar under the directions of the Vice-Admiralty Court or otherwise, as may be judged fit, or sent to England by the first opportunity. You will therefore be good enough to acquaint me with their Lordships' further direction on this subject as early as possible.

I am, Sir, &c., NELSON AND BRONTE.

TO WILLIAM MARSDEN, ESQ., ADMIRALTY.

[Original in the Admiralty].

Victory, off Cadiz, 4th October, 1805.

Sir,

In answer to your letter of the 16th ult. respecting my having given orders to the Ant Cutter, I must request that you will be so good as acquaint the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty, that her name was on the list of Vessels to be under my command, which I received from Lord Barham's Secretary, a copy of which my Secretary took in the Admiralty, and left the original with Mr. Thomson's Clerk, to be delivered to me on my return to the Admiralty, and I presume her name will be found on the said list, as I omitted to call for it from Mr. Thomson. I am, Sir, &c., NELSON AND BRONTE.

TO CAPTAIN THE HON. HENRY BLACKWOOD, H. M. SHIP EURAYLUS.

[From " Blackwood's Magazine" for July, 1833].

Victory, October 4th, 1805, Cadiz, East 17 leagues.

My dear Sir,

I have received from Rear-Admiral Louis, your information respecting the intended movements of the Enemy, which strengthens my conviction that you estimate, as I do, the importance of not letting these rogues escape us without a fair fight, which I pant for by day, and dream of by night. I am momentarily expecting the Phœbe, Sirius, Naiad, and Niger, from Gibraltar; two of them shall be with you directly as I get hold of them; and if you meet them, and there is any way of sending information and their dispatches from Gibraltar, keep Naiad and Phœbe. Juno is a fixture between Cape Spartel and Gibraltar; Mars, Colossus, and Defence, will be stationed four leagues East from the Fleet, and one of them advanced to the East towards Cadiz, and as near as possible in the latitude. The Fleet will be from sixteen to eighteen leagues West of Cadiz; therefore, if you throw a Frigate West from you, most probably, in fine weather, we shall communicate daily. In fresh breezes Easterly, I shall work up for Cadiz, never getting to the Northward of it and in the event of hearing they are standing out of Cadiz, I shall carry a press of sail to the Southward towards Cape Spartel and Arrache, so that you will always know where to find me. I am writing out regular instructions for the Frigates under your orders, but I am confident you will not let these gentry slip through our fingers, and then we shall give a good account of them, although they may be very superior in numbers. The Royal Sovereign and Defiance were to sail after the 24th. Belleisle, too, is ordered here. I send you two papers; I stole them for you. - Ever, my dear Blackwood, most faithfully your friend,

NELSON AND BRONTE.

TO WILLIAM MARSDEN, ESQ., ADMIRALTY.

[Original in the Admiralty].

Victory, off Cadiz, 4th October, 1805.

Sir,

I have this day received your letter of the 18th ult., acquainting me that the money which was intended to be sent out in the Renommée and Melpomené is ordered to be divided amongst the Ships named in the margin, and signifying to me their Lordships' direction to cause it to be forwarded to the place of its destination. In answer thereto you will please to acquaint the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty that due attention shall be paid to their instructions on this subject, and that the money on board the two Ships of the Line shall be sent to Malta as soon as a Frigate can be spared for that service. At present there are only three, instead of eight Frigates with the Fleet, the others not having joined.

I am, Sir, &c., NELSON AND BRONTE.

TO WILLIAM MARSDEN, ESQ., ADMIRALTY.

[Original in the Admiralty].

'Victory, off Cadiz, 4th October, 1805.

Sir,

By the Entreprenante Cutter, which joined the Fleet this day from Portsmouth, I have received your letter of the 16th ult., acquainting me that a detachment of Royal Marine Artillery was to be sent out to the Mediterranean by the first opportunity, to serve on board the Thunder Bomb, in room of the detachment of Royal Artillery; and you will be pleased to acquaint the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty that I shall give the necessary directions for the Royal Marine Artillery being embarked on board the Thunder Bomb on their arrival, and that her detachment of Royal Artillery is already landed at Gibraltar; and I have to beg that a detachment of Royal Marine Artillery may likewise be sent out to the Ætna Bomb as early as possible.

I am, Sir, &c., NELSON AND BRONTE.

P.S. - I have taken the Entreprenante under my command, agreeably to their Lordships' order of the 16th ult.

October 5th through 7th, 1805

TO LORD BARHAM, FIRST LORD OF THE ADMIRALTY.

[From Clarke and M'Arthur, vol. ii p. 431].

5th October, 1805.

My dear Lord,

The French and Spanish Ships have taken the Troops on board, which had been landed on their arrival, and it is said that they mean to sail the first fresh Levant wind; and as the Carthagena Ships are ready, and when seen a few days ago, had their topsail-yards hoisted up, it looks like a junction. The position I have taken for this month is from sixteen to eighteen leagues West of Cadiz; for although it is most desirable that the Fleet should be well up in the Easterly winds, yet I must guard against being caught with a Westerly wind near Cadiz, as a Fleet of Ships with so many Three-deckers would inevitably be forced into the Straits, and then Cadiz would be perfectly free for the Enemy to come out with a Westerly wind, as they served Lord Keith in the late War. I am most anxious for the arrival of Frigates; less than eight, with the Brigs, &c. as we settled, I find are absolutely inadequate for this service, and to be with the Fleet, and Capes Spartel, Cantin, or Blanco, and the Salvages, must be watched by fast-sailing Vessels, in case any Squadron should escape. I have been obliged to send six Sail of the Line to water and get stores at Tetuan and Gibraltar, for if I did not begin, I should be very soon obliged to take the whole Fleet into the Straits. I have twenty-three Sail with me, and should they come out I shall immediately bring them to Battle. But although I should not doubt of spoiling any voyage they may attempt, yet I hope for the arrival of the Ships from England, that as an Enemy's Fleet they may be annihilated. Your Lordship may rely upon every exertion.

I am, &c., NELSON AND BRONTE.

TO VISCOUNT CASTLEREAGH.

[From Clarke and M'Arthur, vol. ii. p. 431].

5th October, 1805.

I have only two Frigates to watch them, and not one with the Fleet. I am most exceedingly anxious for more eyes, and hope the Admiralty are hastening them to me. The last Fleet was lost to me for want of Frigates; God forbid this should.

I am, &c., NELSON AND BRONTE.

TO CAPTAIN BLACKWOOD.

[From Clarke and M'Arthur, vol. ii. p. 431].

5th October, 1805.

Perhaps with an Easterly wind you could anchor a Frigate between Cadiz and the Pedro shoals, taking care that she did not anchor until two hours after dark, and that she weighed two hours before day.

I am, &c., NELSON AND BRONTE.

TO WILLIAM MARSDEN, ESQ., ADMIRALTY.

[From Clarke and M'Arthur, vol. ii. p. 432].

[About the 5th October, 1805].

I am sorry ever to trouble their Lordships with anything like a complaint of a want of Frigates and Sloops; but if the different services require them, and I have them not, those services must be neglected to be performed. I am taking all Frigates about me I possibly can, for if I were an Angel, and attending to all the other points of my Command, let the Enemy escape for want of the eyes of the Fleet, I should consider myself as most highly reprehensible. Never less than eight Frigates, and three good fast-sailing, Brigs, should always be with the Fleet to watch Cadiz; end to carry transports in and out to refit it, would take at least ten and four Brigs, to do that service well. At present I have only been able to collect two, which makes me very uneasy.

I am, &c., NELSON AND BRONTE.

TO VICE-ADMIRAL COLLINGWOOD.

[Autograph in the possession of the Elon. Mrs. Newnham Collingwood].

Victory, October 5th, 1805.

My dear Coll.,

Britannia, Temeraire, Achille, Bellerophon, Polyphemus, and Donegal are the next Ships for Gibraltar and Tetuan. The first I shall strip of her water, but I must have an Admiral with the Squadron: therefore dispose of the water in the Ships of your Division as you please. I intend one for each Division. Anything else she may have, dispose of it as to you seems best. They have not joined, and I may be premature in my wishes about them. I will lay-to, but make one of your Ships take the Transport in tow, and send Officers and men to clear her; and these fine nights they can work as well as the day. Louis will be a good look-out Squadron for us whilst this Easterly wind lasts, and I have sent Pickle to Blackwood off Cadiz, until I get more Frigates. I send you the last papers.

Ever yours faithfully, NELSON AND BRONTE.

TO VICE-ADMIRAL COLLINGWOOD.

[Autograph in the possession of the Hon. Mrs. Newnham Collingwood].

October 5th, 1805.

My dear Coll.,

I send you my first letter, as it mentions the Ships going to Gibraltar, but there seems wine enough and more than enough for the whole Fleet; and as the Transports have stores in, which you sent for, do you call the Ships about you, and make the arrangements. If it comes on to blow fresh I shall make the signal for Boats to repair on board, when the Transports must keep to windward. I shall lay to patiently.

Ever yours faithfully, NELSON AND BRONTE.

TO VICE-ADMIRAL COLLINGWOOD.

[Autograph in the possession of the Hon. Mrs. Newnham Collingwood].

October 5th, 1805.

My dear Coll.,

Don't load the Ships with more wine than they can conveniently stow; let it stay in the Transport: so I have ordered Calder. Ajax shall go up to windward and look out, and send the three Ships down. Yours faithfully,

NELSON AND BRONTE.

TO VICE-ADMIRAL COLLINGWOOD.

[Autograph in the Nelson papers].

Victory, 1 p.m., October 5th, 1805.

My dear Coll.,

The Ajax must go and take Colossus's place to windward. The Mars' and Defence's wine must be given to the other Ships, or they may come down at last and take the remainder out of the Transports. If you do not want Ajax to take wine, hoist the Assent flag and the Victory's pendants, and I will make her signal to close and order Captain Browne to windward. I see Ships are wanted everywhere, but the watching of the Fleet in Cadiz is my first object.

Ever yours faithfully, NELSON AND BRONTE.

TO THE DEY OF ALGIERS.

[From Clarke and M'Arthur, vol. ii. p. 428].

[About the 5th October' 1805].

I think your Highness will be glad to hear of my return to the command of His Majesty's Fleets in the Mediterranean: and I rely that nothing will ever be permitted to happen which can interrupt the most perfect harmony and good understanding which exists between your Highness and the Regency, and the British Nation. I am confident that your Highness will give orders for the most friendly reception of British Ships in all the Ports in your Dominions, and that they shall be furnished, for their money, with every article they may want to purchase. I shall be very anxious for the return of the Frigate, that I may know the state of your Highness's health; and I beg that your Highness will be assured of the most high esteem of

NELSON AND BRONTE.

TO WILLIAM MARSDEN, ESQ., ADMIRALTY.

[Original in the Admiralty].

Victory, off Cadiz, 5th October, 1805.

Sir,

Captain Morris of His Majesty's Ship Colossus having communicated to me the particular loss he would sustain in his present First Lieutenant becoming junior, in consequence of their Lordships having appointed Lieutenant George Moubray, who from his rank is senior to him; you will please to acquaint the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty that, from a most thorough knowledge of the justness of Captain Morris' statement, and the very great good derived to His Majesty's Service from Captains being allowed confidential Officers as their First Lieutenants, and their Lordships having removed several Lieutenants of the Colossus that the present might continue First, I have, conceiving it to be their Lordships' wish, suffered the said First Lieutenant to remain in that situation, and appointed Lieutenant George Moubray to the Polyphemus, in consequence of Lieutenant Alexander Gordon of that Ship having been yesterday invalided, and found unfit for His Majesty's Service in this Country, as appears by a copy of the Report of Survey herewith transmitted, which I trust, for the reasons before mentioned, their Lordships will be pleased to approve. Lieutenant Gordon was First of the Polyphemus, and therefore Lieutenant Moubray will still be Senior. I am, &c.,

NELSON AND BRONTE.

TO THE RIGHT HON. GEORGE ROSE.

[ "Autograph in the possession of the Right Hon. Sir George Rose, G.C.B ]

Victory, 16 leagues West from Cadiz, October 6th, 1805.

My dear Mr. Rose,

Your two letters of September 17th [have arrived], and I feel much obliged by your kind intentions for my dear Mr. Bolton, and I think Mr. Pitt will do what he can to oblige me. I verily believe the Country will soon be put to some expense for my account, either a Monument, or a new Pension and Honours; for I have not the very smallest doubt but that a very few days, almost hours, will put us in Battle; the success no man can ensure, but the fighting them, if they are to be got at, I pledge myself, and if the force arrives which is intended. I am very, very, very anxious for its arrival, for the thing will be clone if a few more days elapse; and I want for the sake of our Country that it should be done so effectually as to have nothing to wish for; and what will signify the force the day after the Battle ? it is, as Mr. Pitt knows, annihilation that the Country wants, and not merely a splendid Victory of twenty-three to thirty-six, - honourable to the parties concerned, but absolutely useless in the extended scale to bring Buonaparte to his marrow-bones: numbers can only annihilate. I think, not for myself, but the Country, therefore I hope the Admiralty will send the fixt force as soon as possible, and Frigates, and Sloops of War, for I am very destitute. I do not mean this as any complaint, quite the contrary; I believe they are doing all they can, if interest does not interfere; therefore, if Mr. Pitt would hint to Lord Barham, that he shall be anxious until I get the force proposed, and plenty of Frigates and Sloops in order to watch them closely, it may be advantageous to the Country: you are at liberty to mention this to Mr. Pitt, but I would not wish it to go farther. I am ever, my dear Mr. Rose,

Your most obliged and faithful friend,

NELSON AND BRONTE.

The Treasury should order me to land the money, 150,000 dollars in Spanish, in the Mediterranean. I mentioned it to Mr. Pitt, but I am ordered to land it in England, and the Ships are here.

TO VICE-ADMIRAL COLLINGWOOD.

[Autograph in the possession of the Hon. Mrs. Newnham Collingwood].

Victory, October 6th, 1805.

My dear Coll.,

I send you Blackwood's letters, and some for the Admiralty for you to read. How I long for the Frigates! but Admiral Louis will be a good look out for the next twenty four hours. Mars and Defence shall come down when we are likely to finish with these Transports; and with this swell, I think we had better, at half-past four or five o'clock, make the signal for all Boats to repair on board, and to keep the wind under three topsails and foresail for the night, and direct the Ships with the Transports in tow, to keep to windward this clear night. We need not mind the Order of Sailing, even if we want to wear in the night. I shall be glad to hear that your Division have made great progress. Should the swell get up before the evening, telegraph me, and the Boats shall be hoisted in, and we will make sail. If I can, the Bittern shall go to-day, but certainly to-morrow.

Ever yours faithfully, NELSON AND BRONTE.

I send you a key: keep it. I shall send you dispatches, &c., occasionally to read, and it will save the trouble of packets. Put your letter in it, and send it back with my letters when read.

TO JAMES GAMBIER, ESQ., CONSUL AT LISBON.

[Autograph in the possession of Captain Gambier, R.N].

Victory, October 7th, 1805.

Sir,

I have only an instant to acknowledge the favour of your letter, which I will answer when more at leisure. Seamen will be most desirable for the Fleet, and if Captain Lobb would go, or send and get the men from the Northern parts of Portugal, he would render a most essential service; and if they are to be had, and the Bittern could get soon there, and be sure of the men when he arrives, it would be most desirable: but I fear they would know they would not go to England in her, therefore one of the Lisbon Squadron would more completely do the service. Chests of lemons will be most acceptable for the Fleet. I shall desire Captain Louis to load the Bittern.

I am, with great respect, &c., NELSON AND BRONTE.

I shall write you by way of Faro. Will you have the goodness to make my apology to Mr. Hunter for not writing to him by this opportunity, and also, if you see him, my friend Admiral Donald Campbell of the Portuguese Service.

TO VICE. ADMIRAL COLLINGWOOD.

[Autograph in the possession of the Hon. Mrs. Newnham Collingwood].

Victory, October 7th, 1805.

My dear Coll.,

I was just sat down to dinner when your packet and letter arrived. Distribute what is wanted amongst the Ships, and what you destine for the Starboard Division send me, or Calder word, and the orders shall be delivered. Wine or any part of the salt provisions not wanted, shall go to Gibraltar, and be taken into store. You have done right. Twenty-six Sail of the Line was not to be left to chance, and if you had, for want of such precaution, been forced to quit the vicinity of Cadiz, England would not have forgiven you.

The weather I think will be fine and smooth to-morrow: if not, the coppered Transports sail better than the Fleet. Defence I have told to keep to windward, and to take his wine when the water gets smooth. Naiad made the signal for bullocks: you are to give them to the Ships longest out. I have not yet read your packet, therefore I can say nothing about Mr. Gambier. Ever, my dear Coll., faithfully yours,

NELSON AND BRONTE.

Telegraph upon all occasions without ceremony. We are one, and I hope ever shall be.

TO WILLIAM MARDSEN, ESQ., ADMIRALTY

[Original in the Admiralty].

Victory, off Cadiz, 7th October, 1805.

Sir,

I herewith transmit you for the information of the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty, the monthly Disposition of the Fleet under my command, in the best state that the information I have yet received of them would enable me. You will likewise receive a Paper containing the number of Frigates and Sloops required for the various services therein mentioned, together with the number of both at present on this station, and intended to be sent out from England, which I request you will be pleased to lay before the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty for their consideration and direction. His Majesty's Ship Defiance joined the Fleet this morning from Portsmouth.

I am, Sir, &c., NELSON AND BRONTE.

P.S. - The Amphion has this moment joined from Lisbon.

[INCLOSURE 1].

LIST OF FRIGATES AND SLOOPS ON THE MEDITERRANEAN STATION, AND ORDERED FROM ENGLAND.

FRIGATES/SLOOPS.

Including every Frigate and Sloop at present on the station, the Jalouse, Childers, and Merlin, being unfit for the service of this Country, are ordered home with the first Convoy to be repaired, and therefore are not included - 14/ 8

In England, intended to be sent out - 7/ 3

Total in this Country, and under orders to come out, us above - 21 /11

Wanted for the, service of this Country as stated on the other side - 22/16

Deficient of the number actually wanted for this Country - 1/5

I have presumed, from conceiving it to be my duty, to lay the above statement before their Lordships; and if the force of Frigates and Sloops required, can be spared, with great vigilance, I am of opinion that the important services of the Mediterranean may be fully carried into effect. But their Lordships may be assured, that whatever force can be spared I shall do all in my power to make he most of them, and to meet their expectations as far as is practicable; and therefore my having transmitted this statement will, I humbly hope, be viewed as springing from an anxious desire for the good of the Service, and not unnecessarily to press for what may be impossible to grant.

Dated on board the Victory, off Cadiz, the 7th October 1805.

NELSON AND BRONTE.

[Inclosure 2].

LIST OF FRIGATES AND SLOOPS ACTUALLY WANTED FOR THE MEDITERRANEAN STATION, OUT AND INSIDE THE STRAITS.

FRIGATES/ SLOOPS

To be constantly with the Fleet off Cadiz, 8 Frigates and 2 Sloops. 2 Frigates and 2 Sloops to go to and from Gibraltar with Convoys, and to relieve the others to refit , and the 2 Sloops to go occasionally to Lisbon with dispatches, and for Purser's necessaries - 10/4

FRIGATES/ SLOOPS.

To be stationed constantly off Cape St. Mary's 1/0

To be stationed off Cape Spartel , 1/ 0

To be stationed off the Salvages 1/ 0

To be constantly stationed off Cape St. Vincent 0/ 1 To be stationed off Cape Cautine 0/1

For the service of Gibraltar garrison, and to protect our Trade passing and repassing the Straits, against the Enemy's numerous Gun-boats and Privateers 2 /3

To be stationed off Cape Carthagena 1/ 1

Most essentially necessary for the service in the upper part of the Mediterranean 2/ 2

Wanted for the service of Malta, to take the Trade to and from the Adriatic, Archipelago, Naples, Messina, and, with the assistance of the Cutters and Small Vessels, to protect the Island, and convey the Bullock-Vessels to Valetta harbour 1/ 4

Attached to General Sir James Craig's Expedition 3/ 0

Total 22/ 16

October 8th through 10th, 1805

TO VICE-ADMIRAL COLLINGWOOD.

[Autograph in the possession of the Hon. Mrs. Newnham Collingwood].

Victory, October 8th, 1805.

My dear Coll.,

The Donegal has not one billet of wood. If you arrange the disposition of it, I wish Donegal to be ordered ten, fifteen, or twenty chords, as the wants of other Ships will allow.

Faithfully yours, NELSON AND BRONTE.

When your Transports, any of them, are cleared, make them hoist their Ensign at the mast-head, as a signal they are ready to receive empty casks and staves, and condemned provisions.

TO VICE-ADMIRAL COLLINGWOOD.

[Autograph in the possession of the Hon. Mrs. Newnham Collingwood].

Victory October 8th 1805.

Sir,

I have read the correspondence between Captain [James] Dunbar and Mr. Gambier, Consul at Lisbon. The conduct of Mr. Gambier was most highly proper, in wishing to detain such a Ship as the Malabar to bring the provisions for the Fleet; and I only wish he had kept his temper with Captain Dunbar, by again urging the necessity of sending the Malabar to the Fleet, as of far greater importance than her going with the Convoy. But I do consider the conduct of Captain Dunbar as very reprehensible; and I shall transmit the correspondence to the Admiralty for their decision, which I think will be a censure of Captain Dunbar's conduct.

I am, Sir, &c., NELSON AND BRONTE.

I have kept the correspondence to send to England.

TO THE HON. BRIGADIER. GENERAL STEWART.

[From Clarke and M'Arthur, vol. ii. p. 434].

[About October 8th, 1805].

I have thirty-six Sail of the Line looking me in the face; unfortunately there is a strip of land between us, but it is believed they will come to sea in a few days. The sooner the better, I don't like to have these things upon my mind; and if I see my way through the fiery ordeal, I shall go home and rest for the winter, and shall rejoice to take you, my dear Stewart, by the hand. Some day or other, that Buonaparte, if he lives, will attempt the invasion and conquest of Great Britain. The making our Volunteers and Militia, Soldiers, was a wise plan, and we were very near having occasion to use them. Good Captain Hardy is still with me. - Believe me ever your most sincere and faithful friend,

NELSON AND BRONTE.

TO CAPTAIN THE HON. HENRY BLACKWOOD, H.M. SHIP EURYALUS.

[From Blackwood's Magazine for July, 1833].

Victory, October 8th, 1805.

My dear Sir,

I send Naiad to you, and will Phœbe and Weazle, as I can lay hands upon them. I am gratified (because it shows your soul is in your business) and obliged by all your communications. I see you feel how much my heart is set on getting at these fellows, whom I have hunted so long; but don't, my dear Blackwood, be angry with any one; it was only a laudable anxiety in Admiral Louis, and nothing like complaining.

The Portuguese is a rogue, but I have desired the bullocks to be bought, and threatened him the next time. Defiance has joined. Royal Sovereign has signalized. If there are letters you shall have them; but I fear the Cutter will never beat up to you. I wish I may be able to keep the Pickle with you; she will be very handy to protect your Boats, &c., in the night.

Believe me ever yours faithfully, NELSON AND BRONTE.

P.S. - Sir John Duckworth comes out in the London, Sir Robert Barlow in Barfleur, vice Geo. Martin, very ill, but this is all; therefore you will give due weight to the report. The Canal of St. Pedro is a good speculation for Boats in the night. Several Ships and Brigs are coming from Tariffa.

TO VICE-ADMIRAL COLLINGWOOD.

[Autograph in the possession of the Hon. Mrs. Newnham Collingwood].

Victory, October 8th, 1805.

My dear Coll.,

[Captain Henry William] Bayntun seems come out loaded: he will move about till he has supplied the wants of his friends. He will tell you all the Gibraltar news. I have nothing worth sending from thence by the Naiad, and not a word by Leviathan. Eurydice has captured a very fine Privateer of two 24-pounders, and taken some Craft, but in doing it Eurydice got on shore, and was got off principally by the exertion of our friend Captain Thomas; but as Aetna has lost all her anchors but one, she is going to see the Gun-vessel into Gibraltar, and get others. I hope we shall soon lose this nasty Levanter, and get smooth water to clear the Transports. Patienza!

Ever yours faithfully, NELSON AND BRONTE:.

I have mislaid Mr. Setero's letter, but I send you the invoice of the Malabar.

MEMORANDUM.

[Autograph draught in the possession of Vice-Admiral Sir George Mundy, K.C.B., except the words in Italics, which were added by Mr. Scott, Lord Nelson's Secretary; and the Original, issued to Captain Hope, of the Defence, now in the possession of his son, Captain Hope, R.N].

(Secret.)

Victory, off Cadiz, 9th October, 1805.

Memorandum.

Thinking it almost impossible to bring a Fleet of forty Sail of the Line into a Line of Battle in variable winds, thick weather, and other circumstances which must occur, without such a loss of time that the opportunity would probably be lost of bringing the Enemy to Battle in such a manner as to make the business decisive, I have therefore made up my mind to keep the Fleet in that position of sailing (with the exception of the First and Second in Command) that the Order of Sailing is to be the Order of Battle, placing the Fleet in two Lines of sixteen Ships each, with an Advanced Squadron of eight of the fastest sailing Two-decked Ships, which will always make, if wanted, a Line of twenty-four Sail, on whichever Line the Commander-in-Chief may direct.

The Second in Command will, after my intentions are made known to him, have the entire direction of his Line to make the attack upon the Enemy, and to follow up the blow until they are captured or destroyed.

If the Enemy's Fleet should be seen to windward in Line of Battle, and that the two Lines and the Advanced Squadron can fetch them, they will probably be so extended that their Van could not succour their friends.

I should therefore probably make the Second in Command's signal to lead through, about their twelfth Ship from their Rear, (or wherever he could fetch, if not able to get so far advanced); my Line would lead through about their Centre, and the Advanced Squadron to cut two or three or four Ships a-head of their Centre, so as to ensure getting at their Commander-in-Chief, on whom every effort must be made to capture.

The whole impression of the British Fleet must be to overpower from two or three Ships a-head of their Commander-in-Chief, supposed to be in the Centre, to the Rear of their Fleet. I will suppose twenty Sail of the Enemy's Line to be untouched, it must be some time before they could perform a manœuvre to bring their force compact to attack any part of the British Fleet engaged, or to succour their own Ships, which indeed would be impossible without mixing with the Ships engaged.

Something must be left to chance; nothing is sure in a Sea Fight beyond all others. Shot will carry away the masts and yards of friends as well as foes; but I look with confidence to a Victory before the Van of the Enemy could succour their Rear, and then that the British Fleet would most of them be ready to receive their twenty Sail of the Line, or to pursue them, should they endeavour to make off.

If the Van of the Enemy tacks, the Captured Ships must run to leeward of the British Fleet; if the Enemy wears, the British must place themselves between the Enemy and the Captured, and disabled British Ships; and should the Enemy close, I have no fears as to the result.

The Second in Command will in all possible things direct the movements of his Line, by keeping them as compact as the nature of the circumstances will admit. Captains are to look to their particular Line as their rallying point. But, in case Signals can neither be seen or perfectly understood, no Captain can do very wrong if he places his Ship alongside that of an Enemy.

Of the intended attack from to windward, the Enemy in Line of Battle ready to receive an attack,

The divisions of the British Fleet will be brought nearly within gun shot of the Enemy's Centre. The signal will most probably then be made for the Lee Line to bear up together, to set all their sails, even steering sails, in order to get as quickly as possible to the Enemy's Line, and to cut through, beginning from the 12 Ship from the Enemy's Rear. Some Ships may not get through their exact place, but they will always be at hand to assist their friends; and if any are thrown round the Rear of the Enemy, they will effectually complete the business of twelve Sail of the Enemy.

Should the Enemy wear together, or bear up and sail large, still the twelve Ships composing, in the first position, the Enemy's Rear, are to be the object of attack of the Lee Line, unless otherwise directed from the Commander-in-Chief which is scarcely to be expected as the entire management of the Lee Line, after the intentions of the Commander-in-Chief, is [are] signified, is intended to be left to the judgment of the Admiral commanding that Line.

The remainder of the Enemy's Fleet, 34 Sail, are to be left to the management of the Commander-in-Chief, who will endeavour to take care that the movements of the Second in Command are as little interrupted as is possible. NELSON AND BRONTE.

TO ABBÉ CAMPBELL, NAPLES.

[Autograph in the possession of Mr. William Long,]

Victory, October 9th, 1805.

My dear Abbé,

Many, many thanks for your kind letter, which unfortunately did not find me at Merton, but off Cadiz, watching these fellows as a cat would a mouse. I was just twenty-five days from the Victory, and expected to have laid my wearied bones quiet for the winter; but I ought, perhaps, to be proud of the general call which has made me to go forth. I thank you for your news from Naples in the great line. Do not tell those little arrangements which raise a smile, or give a pang. I have had very kind letters from both the good King and Queen. I beg that you will remember me most kindly to the Marquis Circello, and apprise him of my sincere esteem; and believe me ever, my dear Abbé,

Most faithfully yours, NELSON AND BRONTE.

I have letters from dear Lady Hamilton of September 20th. I am sure you will forgive her writing, when you consider all she suffered upon my tour to the West Indies. Dr. Scott desires his best respects, and my brother hopes I shall meet the Enemy's Fleet, that some how or other he may be a Lord.

TO VICE-ADMIRAL COLLINGWOOD.

[Autograph in the possession of the Hon. Mrs. Newnham Collingwood].

Victory, October 9th, 1805.

My dear Coll.,

The Master of the Lord Duncan has brought his invoice, which I send you. There is also 392,000 lbs. of bread at Gibraltar. The bread dispose of, and whatever else is wanted in your Line from this Ship. I have not got the account of what is embarked in the Shield, except some stores for the Canopus, and Ships in your Line. To-morrow will be fine.

Yours faithfully, NELSON AND BRONTE.

Malabar's bread, of course, take out of her, and the other good things

TO VICE-ADMIRAL COLLINGWOOD.

[Autograph in the possession of the Hon. Mrs. Newnham Collingwood].

' I have sent you, my dear Coll., a letter, which you may send or not to Mr. Gambier. He was too warm - but it was on this occasion well meant. I don't know this Captain Dunbar, but he has acted most exceedingly wrong, as far as my judgment goes.

Victory, October 8th, 1805.

The Royal Sovereign is very deep. She has eleven cables, three of which shall go to Gibraltar, and the money will go on board of a Frigate. I am sure you will admire her as a far better Ship than the Victory. You need not hurry yourself, but change at your leisure.

TO VICE-ADMIRAL COLLINGWOOD.

[From the " Naval and Military Gazette,,, vol.... p. 57].

Victory, October 9th, 1805.

My dear Coll.

' I send you Captain Blackwood's letter; and, as I hope Weazle has joined, he will have five Frigates and a Brig: they surely cannot escape us. I wish we could get a fine day, and clear our Transports, at least of the bread, and by that time water will come. Niger is with the Transports. Sovereign's cables can go into the Malabar. I shall be glad to see you mounted in her. I send you 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, my dear friend, 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.

P.S. - Keep Blackwood's letter: the Schooner goes off Cadiz from you, and if you have not disposed of the Paper of the 23rd, send them to Blackwood.

TO CAPTAIN THE HON. HENRY BLACKWOOD, H.M. SHIP EURYALUS.

[From Blackwood's Magazine for July, 1833].

Victory, October 9th, 1805, A.M., Cadiz, due East, 19 leagues.

My dear Sir,

Many thanks for your letter of yesterday. Let us have them out. The Weazle, I hope, has joined, although you don't mention her. Keep the Schooner; she will be useful in the night close in shore; and as Weazle sails faster, you can send her to me with accounts when you can't communicate by signals; I should never wish to be more than forty-eight hours without hearing from you. Hydra you can victual and water out of the other Frigates, who are all full. There were no letters for you in the Royal Sovereign; at least none came to the Victory. Collingwood has got the Paper of the 23rd; if he has not lent it, I have desired him to send it to you. Agamemnon, Belleisle, and very probably London, are at this moment on their passage; therefore, if Mr. Decrés means to come forth (if he would take my advice, which I dare say he won't), he had better come out directly. Those who know more of Cadiz than either you or I do, say, that after those Levanters, come several days of fine weather, sea-breezes Westerly, land wind at night; and that if the Enemy are bound into the Mediterranean they would come out at night, which they have always done, placing Frigates on the Porpoises and Diamond, and the Shoal off Cadiz, run to the Southward, and catch the sea-breezes at the Mouth of the Gut, and push through whilst we might have little wind in the offing. In short, watch all points, and all winds and weathers, for I shall depend upon you. Remember me to Capel, Parker, Mundy, and Captain Prowse, and be assured I am ever

And always yours, NELSON AND BRONTE.

PRIVATE DIARY.

[From Dr. Beatty's " Narrative of the death of Lord Nelson,,, p. 96].

Wednesday, October 9th.

Fresh breezes Easterly. Received an account from Blackwood, that the French Ships had all bent their top-gallant sails. Sent the Pickle to him, with orders to keep a good look-out. Sent Admiral Collingwood the Nelson touch. At night wind Westerly.

TO VICE-ADMIRAL COLLINGWOOD.

[Autograph in the possession of the Hon. Mrs. Newnham Collingwood].

Victory, October 10th, 1805.

My dear Coll.,

The Enemy's Fleet are all but out of the harbour - perhaps, this night, with the Northerly wind, they may come forth, and with the Westerly sea-breeze to-morrow go into the Mediterranean. I hope we shall have got as much out of the Transports to-day as we want - not that I am in any hurry to send them away. They must take their chance when we pursue. If the weather is fine, and we have plenty of drift, I shall lay to all night. I believe I mentioned before, when any of the Transports are done with emptying, they should hoist their Ensign at the mast-head, that the Ships may send empty wine-pipes, hoops, staves, and condemned provisions.

The Master of the Shields Transport has not been near me, nor do I know what he has got in, besides the few stores for Canopus, Revenge, Prince, Achille, &c. Perhaps, he has gone to you as a countryman; if so, it is well, and you can dispose of him. The bread of course will all be taken, and what other things are wanted, salt provisions, including flour, to about four months: the rest will go into Gibraltar. Malabar, I suppose, will be the best Ship to take Royal Sovereign's cables. Ever, my dear Collingwood, your most sincere friend,

NELSON AND BRONTE.

TO WILLIAM MARSDEN, ESQ., ADMIRALTY.

[Original in the Admiralty].

Victory, off Cadiz, 10th October, 1805.

Sir,

I herewith transmit you, for the information of the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty, a copy of a Report of Survey on Captain Sutton, of His Majesty's Ship Amphion, which was held upon his state of health this day; and I am sorry to find from the Surveying Officers, that the health of so good an Officer has suffered so much from persevering in the command of the said Ship, and much apprehend it will be many months before he is able again to go afloat. I have in consequence of Captain Sutton's being invalided removed Captain Hoste into the Amphion, and appointed Captain Sir William Bolton (late of the Guerrier) to the Eurydice in his room, which I trust their Lordships will be pleased to approve of.

I beg here to take the liberty of recommending Captain Sutton as a most valuable Officer, and very justly entitled to their Lordships, notice for employment, when his health is sufficiently recovered for that purpose.

I am, Sir, &c., NELSON AND BRONTE.

TO WILLIAM MARSDEN, ESQ., ADMIRALTY.

[Original in the Admiralty].

Victory, off Cadiz, 10th October, 1805.

Sir, I herewith transmit you a Letter from Captain Hoste, of His Majesty's Ship Eurydice, dated the 5th inst., relative to the circumstances attending an Imperial Vessel detained by the said Ship, and sent into Malta, as therein set forth, which I beg you will be so good as to lay before the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty for their information, that such directions may be given as will remedy the very serious evil Captain Hoste complains of; and to prevent in future, Vessels, detained under similar circumstances, from being liable not only to unnecessary detention, but also from being saddled with expenses that appear to me in no point of view proper, and most particularly calculated to deter Officers from seizing or detaining any suspicious Vessel; by which means the Enemy may trade to a considerable extent, as no Captain, unless upon thorough conviction of either Ship or cargo being Enemy's property, would detain any Vessel they might meet with. At Gibraltar I understand this line of conduct is not observed, and that an opinion may be immediately had without detention of the Ship, or expense to the Captor.

I am, Sir, &c., NELSON AND BRONTE.

TO WILLIAM MARSDEN, ESQ., ADMIRALTY.

[Original in the Admiralty].

Victory, off Cadiz, 10th October, 1805.

Sir,

I herewith transmit you an extract of a letter just received, dated the 26th August last, from Dr. Sewell, Judge of the Vice-Admiralty Court at Malta, relative to his having taken the sole charge of the Spanish detained Vessels sent into Malta, prior to the 11th January last, out of the hands of Patrick Wilkie, Esq., Agent Victualler, whom I had, in obedience to their Lordships, order, dated the 1st of February last, thought proper to appoint on behalf of the Crown. I must here beg to mention, that a copy of their Lordships, said order was also sent to Mr. Wilkie; but Dr. Sewell, in his second reason, seems to question their authority. I cannot conclude this letter without repeating to their Lordships the very extraordinary interferences that have been made at Malta and Gibraltar on this occasion, and the disregard that has been paid to their Lordships' authority, and to the power delegated to me by their said order, which reflects upon the dignity of the Admiralty, and lowers the consequence of the Admiral in the Mediterranean. - I am, Sir, &c.,

NELSON AND BRONTE.

P. S. - I have directed Mr. Wilkie to consider my order in full force till their Lordships, pleasure is signified.

TO WILLIAM MARSDEN, ESQ., ADMIRALTY.

[Original in the Admiralty].

Victory, off Cadiz, 10th October, 1805.

Sir,

You will be pleased to acquaint the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty that His Majesty's Ship Belleisle joined the Fleet this afternoon from Plymouth, and that I have taken her under my command agreeably to their Lordships, order of the 20th of last month. I have likewise, in compliance with their direction, signified to me in your Letter of the 25th ult., ordered Mr. George Hurst, Midshipman, to be discharged from the Britannia into the Virginia, and to be sent home by the first opportunity. I am, Sir, &c.,

NELSON AND BRONTE.

P.S. - The Confounder Gun-brig arrived this evening, and has gone to Gibraltar in company with the Ætna Bombvessel.

STANDING ORDERS TO BE OBSERVED BY HIS MAJESTY'S SHIPS AND VESSELS UNDER THE COMMAND OF THE RIGHT HON. LORD VISCOUNT NELSON, K.B.

[From Clarke and M'Arthur, vol. ii. p. 490 - 495].

TO THE RESPECTIVE CAPTAINS AND COMMANDERS OF HIS MAJESTY'S SHIPS AND VESSELS ON THE MEDITERRANEAN STATION.

Victory, off Cadiz, 10th October, 1805.

Mem.

It is my directions that the Captains and Commanders of His Majesty's Ships and Vessels under my command, do send me a copy of their Log when they join (with any other remarks that they may have occasion to make), instead of a Journal, usually given after separation.

NELSON AND BRONTE.

TO THE RESPECTIVE CAPTAINS.

Victory, off Cadiz, 10th October, 1805,

Mem.

The Ships and Vessels of the Fleet under my command are directed not to show their Colours on joining, unless the Commander-in-Chief should show his.

NELSON AND BRONTE.

TO THE RESPECTIVE CAPTAINS.

Victory, off Cadiz, 10th October, 1805.

Mem.

It is my particular directions that the Captains and Commanders of His Majesty's Ships and Vessels under my command, who may purchase bullocks, fresh beef, lemons, onions, or any other species of provisions or refreshments for their respective Companies, whether such purchase is for a particular Ship, or for the Fleet in general, and whether it is made by my order or otherwise, that a Voucher of the fresh beef, bullocks, &c., so procured for the individual Ship or Fleet, is transmitted to me, immediately the Ship making such purchase shall join the Fleet.

NELSON AND BRONTE.

TO THE RESPECTIVE CAPTAINS.

Victory, off Cadiz, 10th October, 1805.

Mem.

It is my directions that whenever any men are sent to the Hospital, a statement of their case is sent with them, that the Medical Gentlemen belonging to the Hospital may know what has been done in order to remove the diseases.

NELSON AND BRONTE.

TO THE RESPECTIVE CAPTAINS.

Victory, off Cadiz, 10th October, 1805.

Mem.

Having frequently known that onions have been purchased on account of Government when in Port, where the Pursers could and ought to purchase vegetables to put into the Ships, Companies, soup, and that the onions so purchased by Government for recruiting the health of the Ships, Companies, have been used for the benefit of the Purser, by putting these vegetables into the soup, which the Purser should be obliged to purchase when to be procured; it is, therefore, my positive directions that the Pursers are obliged to purchase vegetables for the Ships, soup when it is possible to procure them; and that the Government onions are not used for the soup, if the Purser has the power of obtaining onions or other vegetables, as he is bound to do.

And it is my further directions, that whenever fresh provisions can be procured on reasonable terms, that it is purchased; but that onions, for the account of Government, are not purchased without my orders. Ships, absent for any length of time from me, are at liberty to purchase the gratuitous onions of Government for the recruiting the health of their Ships, Companies, who may have been long fed upon salt provisions.

NELSON AND BRONTE.

TO THE RESPECTIVE CAPTAINS.

Victory, off Cadiz, 10th October, 1805.

Mem.

It is the directions of the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty, that the Captains and Commanders of His Majesty's Ships and Vessels under my command do not purchase any article of stores whatever at Lisbon, unless such purchase shall be absolutely and unavoidably necessary; but apply, if it can be done, to the Naval Officer at Gibraltar or Malta, for the supply of such stores as they may be in want of, and can be furnished by the said Officers. You are, therefore, hereby required and directed to pay the most strict obedience to their Lordships, instructions above mentioned; and on no account or consideration purchase stores of any description at Lisbon (or at any other Port in the Mediterranean), unless absolute necessity renders such purchase indispensably necessary for the good of His Majesty's Service.

NELSON AND BRONTE.

TO THE RESPECTIVE CAPTAINS.

Victory, off Cadiz, 10th October, 1805.

Mem.

It is the direction of the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty, that the Captains and Commanders of His Majesty's Ships and Vessels under my command respectively, have their Muster-Books in readiness when the Naval Officers at Gibraltar and Malta go on board to muster their Ships, Companies, and that on failure of attending to the instructions on this head their Accounts will be stopped.

NELSON AND BRONTE. .

TO THE RESPECTIVE CAPTAINS.

Victory, off Cadiz, 10th October, 1805.

Mem.

When in presence of an Enemy, all the Ships under my command are to bear white Colours, and a Union Jack is to be suspended from the fore top-gallant stay.

NELSON AND BRONTE.

October 10 to 14, 1805

TO THE RESPECTIVE CAPTAINS.

Victory, off Cadiz, 10th October, 1805.

Mem.

As frequent and very serious mistakes happen on receiving provisions, it is my particular directions, that when any of His Majesty's Ships or Vessels under my command go into Port, to complete their provisions and necessaries, on their coming on board, the Masters take a regular account of each species, &c., which they are to compare with the Bills of Lading sent with such provisions from the Agent Victualler, or Contractor, previous to their entering them in the Log-Book (which is to be done immediately); and afterwards such Bills of Lading, or final Receipts, are to be compared with the Log-Book, before the Captain and signing Officers put their signatures to them, in order that every particle of the provisions so signed for may be actually on board, that Government may not, either from the neglect or mistake of individuals, be defrauded, or the Ships, Companies in want of those species, considered to be bonafide on board.

It is also my particular directions, that every pound of fresh beef, whether received from Agent Victuallers or Contractors, is weighed on its coming on board, in the presence of a Lieutenant, the Master (or one of his Mates, in his absence on duty), that it is immediately after entered in the Log-Book, and the above instructions duly attended to, before the final Receipts are signed for it accordingly.

The same strict regard to be had to the receipt of fresh beef, or any species of provisions which may be purchased for the use of the Ships, Companies under my command; and on no account whatever to sign Vouchers for such provisions till they are authenticated, and found correct, as the Officers above mentioned will be held answerable for any neglect in the due execution of these instructions.

NELSON AND BRONTE.

TO THE RESPECTIVE CAPTAINS.

Victory, off Cadiz, 10th October, 1805.

Whereas several Supernumeraries may be sent on board His Majesty's Ships and Vessels on the Mediterranean station under my command, You are therefore hereby required and directed to bear all such Supernumeraries, as may from time to time be sent on board His Majesty's Ship under your command, from any other of His Majesty's Ships or Vessels, impressed Men, Marines, Invalids, Men from Hospitals, &c., at whole allowance of all species of provisions, the same as the Ship's Company; and Soldiers and Prisoners at two-thirds allowance accordingly.

NELSON AND BRONTE.

TO THE RESPECTIVE CAPTAINS.

Victory, off Cadiz, 10th October, 1805.

Mem.

The Commissioners of His Majesty's Navy having acquainted me that many difficulties occurred during the late War, as well to individuals as to their Office, for want of the Ships, Muster-Books being sent regularly home, it is therefore my positive directions that the Captains and Commanders of His Majesty's Ships and Vessels under my command, attend strictly to this important circumstance; and that they do send home their Monthly Muster-Books, with all other Accounts and Papers, to the Public Boards, as soon as possible after they become due, that His Majesty's Service may not be subject to any inconvenience from the Books and Papers above mentioned being kept back.

NELSON AND BRONTE.

TO THE RESPECTIVE CAPTAINS.

Victory, off Cadiz, 10th October, 1805.

Mem.

It is my particular directions that the name and family of every Officer, Seaman, and Marine, who may be killed or wounded in Action with the Enemy, on board any of His Majesty's Ships and Vessels under my command, be returned to me as soon after the circumstance happens, as the Service will admit of, agreeable to the annexed Form, in order that I may transmit it to the Chairman of the Patriotic Fund at Lloyd's Coffee-house, that the case of the relations of those who may fall in the cause of their Country may be taken into consideration.

NELSON AND BRONTE.

TO THE RESPECTIVE CAPTAINS.

Victory, off Cadiz, 10th October, 1805.

Mem.

It is expected in fine weather that the Ships in Order of Sailing do not keep more than two cables, length from each other.

NELSON AND BRONTE.

TO THE RESPECTIVE CAPTAINS.

Victory, off Cadiz, 10th October, 1805.

Mem.

As gales of wind increase so suddenly in this Country, the Ships of the Fleet are directed, particularly in the night, to shorten sail, and get top-gallant yards and masts down, and take such other precautions as the Captains may judge necessary, without waiting for the Admiral's motions.

NELSON AND BRONTE.

TO WILLIAM MARSDEN, ESQ., ADMIRALTY.

[Original in the Admiralty].

Victory, off Cadiz, 10th October, 1805.

Sir,

By the Royal Sovereign, which joined the Fleet on the 8th inst. from Portsmouth, I received their Lordships, secret orders, dated the 21st ult., together with the inclosure therein referred to from the Right Honourable Lord Castlereagh, directing me, after providing effectually for the blockade of Cadiz, to keep in view the object of covering such operations as Sir James Craig may undertake from the Enemy's Naval Force in the Mediterranean, and for this purpose to keep a constant communication with that Officer, so as to be regularly apprized of any movements he may make.

In answer to which I request you will be pleased to acquaint the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty that due regard shall be paid to their order above mentioned; and with respect to the Naval Force required to watch the Enemy at Toulon and Genoa, I beg to refer you to my letter of the 6th inst. I shall as frequently as possible communicate with General Sir James Craig; but I must here beg leave to mention for their Lordships, information, that to keep up a constant communication, as directed by their said order, would require three Brigs or Sloops for this particular service, and I could then only expect to hear from the General once a month. Their Lordships may however be assured that every means I have at present in my power shall be used to comply with their direction, until a reinforcement of Sloops are sent out. This additional service will require three Sloops to be added to the number deficient, as mentioned in my Return of the 7th instant". I am, Sir, &c.,

NELSON AND BRONTE.

TO VICE-ADMIRAL COLLINGWOOD.

[Autograph in the possession of the Hon. Mrs. Newnham Collingwood].

October 10th, 1805.

My dear Coll.,

All shall be done about changes that you wish, whether you are in Royal Sovereign or Dreadnought, the one or the other take a station next you, and then you will not be hurried. There are some vacancies for Lieutenants in Sovereign at present: you will find Lieutenants who you may wish. Perhaps Lieutenant [George] Hewson would waive his rank to be in a Flag Ship. He is a very good Officer, I have always heard. [Lieutenant Nesbitt] Palmer lost the Berwick when Littlejohn was killed. If it will suit your convenience, will you dine here at half-past two ? Do as you like. The bread being taken out is provoking. We want that more than anything. Yours faithfully, NELSON AND BRONTE.

Give me Blackwood's letter when we meet, as I keep all the reports of Cadiz. All the stores for Gibraltar had better go on board the Malabar.

TO VICE ADMIRAL COLLINGWOOD.

[Autograph in the possession of the Hon. Mrs. Newnham Collingwood].

Victory, October 10th, 1806.

My dear Coll.,

You will receive the Commission and Order as you desired. I think we are near enough, for the weather if it is fine, [the wind] serves, and we are in sight, they never will move; and should it turn bad, we may be forced into the Mediterranean, and thus leave them at liberty to go to the Westward, although at present I am sure Mediterranean is their destination. I shall make the signal at half-past four or five for Boats to repair on board, and make sail under topsails, and perhaps fore-sail; supposing the wind to remain, stand into the latitude of Cadiz, and then wear to the Southward for the night.

Should the Enemy move, I have directed the Vessels coming with the information, to fire a gun every three minutes, and burn a rocket from the mast-head every half-hour. It is then probable that I shall make the signal, bear up, and steer for the entrance of the Straits. I will settle the account with the Purser of Eurydice. I am not a little troubled about Sir Robert Calder. Durham has refused voluntarily to go home. - Ever yours faithfully,

NELSON AND BRONTE.

Cadiz, N.71 E.15 leagues.

Malabar, I fear, will not be able to take heavy cables on the wine. Why not put them in her between decks ? If you sent me the Dispenser's letters I have mislaid them, but I don't want them. Ætna goes direct to Gibraltar with the mails.

TO CAPTAIN THE HON. HENRY BLACKWOOD, H.M. SHIP, EURYALUS.

[From " Blackwood's Magazine" , for July, 1833].

Victory, October 10th, 1805. Cadiz, East, 13 Leagues.

My dear Blackwood, Keep your five Frigates, Weazle and Pickle, and let me know every movement. I rely on you, that we can't miss getting hold of them, and I will give them such a shaking as they never yet experienced; at least I will lay down my life in the attempt. We are a very powerful Fleet, and not to be held cheap. I have told Parker, and do you direct Ships bringing information of their coming out, to fire guns every three minutes by the watch, and in the night to fire off rockets, if they have them, from the mast-head. I have nothing more to say, than I hope they will sail to-night.

Ever yours most faithfully, NELSON AND BRONTE.

TO SIR ALEXANDER JOHN BALL, BART., MALTA.

[From Clarke and M'Arthur, vol. u. p. 439].

11th October, 1805.

I have five Frigates, a Brig, and a Schooner watching them closely, an Advanced Squadron of fast-sailing Ships between me and the Frigates, and the body of the Fleet from fifteen to eighteen leagues West of Cadiz. I am aware there will be moments when it might be wished we were closer; but I have considered all possible circumstances, and believe there will often be times, in strong gales of Westerly wind, when we may often wish ourselves farther off, as we shall be in danger of being driven into the Mediterranean; when, if they choose to go Westward, they will have no interruption. However, whether I am right or wrong, I act from the best of my judgment. Admiral Murray is in England, settling the affairs of his father-in-law, lately dead: he might have had his Flag, if he pleased, in this Fleet. Hardy is much recovered. I have pressed the necessity of two Sail of the Line, two Frigates, and two Sloops, to scour the Mediterranean from Toulon, Genoa, &c., &c., and to preserve Sardinia - round the Southern end of it to Toulon again, as a fixture. For Malta, and the Convoys to the Adriatic, &c. one small Frigate, four good Sloops of War, and the four Vessels commanded by Lieutenants. I am, &c.,

NELSON AND BRONTE:.

TO SIR ALEXANDER JOHN BALL, BART., MALTA,

[Autograph in the possession of Sir William Keith Ball, Bart].

Victory, October 11th, 1805.

My dear Ball,

From the tenor of the letter addressed to you, you will see that I have had much communication with His Majesty's Ministers upon the subject of preventing Sardinia from falling into the hands of the French, which will be a severe blow upon us, for in that case, if the Enemy's Fleet get into Toulon, all the British Force in the Mediterranean must be occupied in turning them out of it, that our Fleet might have a place to resort to in order to watch Toulon, but I much fear that at this moment it may be lost. I hope something permanent may be soon, in concert with Russia, settled about that most important of all stations. I want that we should have a great weight in the Mediterranean; and although I believe I have made a very considerable impression on the minds of Mr. Pitt, Lords Mulgrave and Castlereagh, of the very great importance of fixing ourselves in the Mediterranean, yet perhaps that may wear off by absence; however, I must say they received all my little knowledge with much attention. The sum entrusted to my disposal is small, but perhaps enough to show the Country that a British Admiral can assist them if they are disposed to resist the French, but at this distance I may never have occasion to use any of the money; but as I wrote to His Royal Highness the Viceroy by the Thunder, telling him that I had mentioned his want of money to His Majesty's Ministers, I shall hear what he says when that Vessel returns, and communicate it to you. And believe me ever, with the highest respect and esteem, my dear Ball, your most faithful and obliged friend,

NELSON AND BRONTE.

TO WILLIAM MARSDEN, ESQ., ADMIRALTY.

[Original in the Admiralty].

Victory, off Cadiz, 11th October, 1805.

Sir,

You will be pleased to acquaint the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty that His Majesty's Ship Renommée joined the Fleet under my command yesterday evening, and that the moment L'Aimable joins, I shall order the money on board the Royal Sovereign and Defiance 6 to be put on board the said two Frigates, and direct them to proceed to Gibraltar, where a proportion of it will be put on board the Aurora, and the said three Frigates be directed to proceed to Malta with the Convoy under their charge. I shall, the moment they are ready, order an Admiral with a Squadron of the Line to see them safe past Carthagena, when I shall consider them perfectly free from all danger of capture by the Enemy; and the instant the money is landed at Malta, I shall direct Sir Thomas Livingstone, with the Renommée and L'Aimable, to return and join me immediately, bringing with him any Trade that may be ready, within two or three days, under his protection to Gibraltar. I am, Sir, &c.,

NELSON AND BRONTE.

TO WILLIAM MARSDEN, ESQ., ADMIRALTY.

[Original in the Admiralty].

Victory, off Cadiz, 12th October, 1805.

Sir,

You will be pleased to acquaint the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty that in consequence of the Britannia and Prince having left England a Lieutenant short of their complements, I have appointed Mr. John Barclay to the former and Mr. John Bingham to the latter; and in consequence of my having appointed Lieutenant Moubray (who was intended for the Colossus) to the Polyphemus in the room of Lieutenant Alexander Gordon invalided, as mentioned in my letter to you of the 5th inst., I have given an order to Mr. William Forster , Midshipman of this Ship, to be Acting-Lieuten in the Colossus; and as those three gentlemen are Admiralty recommendations, I hope their Lordships will be pleased to approve of and confirm their appointments. I have likewise, at Captain Fremantle's wish, and the request of Lieutenant Green of the Eurydice, removed that Officer into the Neptune, she being also a Lieutenant short of her complement, and given Mr. Henry Jones, Master's Mate of the Victory, an order to act in the Eurydice in his room; and as this is a very valuable Officer of great abilities and merit, I venture to solicit their Lordships, attention to him, and to request that you will be pleased to move them to confirm his appointment. I am, Sir, &c.,

NELSON AND BRONTE. .

TO VICE-ADMIRAL COLLINGWOOD.

[Autograph in the possession of the Hon. Mrs. Newnham Collingwood].

Victory, October 12th, 1805.

My dear Coll.,

Sir John Thomas Duckworth comes out in the Acasta Frigate, to hoist his Flag, of course in the Prince of Wales, which Ship was ordered for Sir Richard Bickerton. I have wrote fully to Sir Robert on the subject, and have begged Commissioner Otway to carry it, in case Sir Robert chooses to open: he has an ordeal to pass through which I fear he little expects.

The Admiralty could not do less than call your conduct judicious. Every body in England admired your adroitness in not being forced unnecessarily into the Straits. I send you the last papers: return them, as I mean to send them to Ball. Sutton is invalided: he is very unwell. Hoste has Amphion, and Sir William Bolton, Eurydice. Amphion will take Royal Sovereign's money to Gibraltar, and put it on board the Aurora, and then proceed to Algiers with the letters and presents.

L'Aimable will take the money from Defiance, and with Renommée go to Malta with the Aurora's Convoy; and whatever Admiral is in the Mediterranean will be directed to see them safe clear of Carthagena. Defence, if she has done with the Transports, will go and relieve Mars and Colossus.

Ever yours faithfully, NELSON AND BRONTE.

Signal will be made when Royal Sovereign is to send the money; probably not to-day. If I find Prince and Britannia cannot move faster, I shall direct them to keep to windward, then the Lee Line can be kept up. I am sure you felt for poor Dreadnought's movements yesterday.

TO VICE-ADMIRAL COLLINGWOOD.

[Autograph in the possession of the Hon. Mrs. Newnham Collingwood].

My dear Coll., October 12th, 1805.

[Captain George] Hope tells me that he has all the provisions except a few casks of oatmeal, which they do not want : therefore I sent him to relieve Mars and Colossus. They have both things in the Belleisle. If you will take the trouble of ordering the tar and blocks to be delivered to the Ships, I shall be glad. The tar may soon be disposed of; and if you find the blocks troublesome to deliver, send them into Gibraltar. There are some ridiculous forms in the Sick and Hurt Department. The Survey may not be necessary, but as the Dispenser has desired it, I think he will not comply with the demand without knowing the remains. I have just received the Surgeon's very improper letter, and I send you a public answer. Ever, my dear Coll., yours faithfully, NELSON AND BRONTE.

TO VICE ADMIRAL COLLINGWOOD.

[Autograph in the possession of the Hon. Mrs. Newnham Collingwood].

Victory, October 13th, 1805;

My dear Coll.,

As Ships go into Gibraltar, their sails and rigging will be made good: therefore, although a few stores may be sent for, sails in particular, for those we cannot do without, yet it is impossible to comply with Ships, demands out at sea. As the Ships arrive, more will be sent in. All French Pilots to be sent to England. The Rochefort Squadron has been seen in Latitude 41° 43' near Oporto, with several Prizes with them. If they cannot get to Vigo I should not be [surprized] if they push for the Mediterranean, or try to get into Cadiz, unless they go into Lisbon. Upon looking at the chart I see they can get into Vigo. The Oporto Convoy is, I fear, taken, and Agamemnon and L'Aimable had a narrow chance. Ever, my dear Coll., yours most faithfully,

NELSON AND BRONTE.

Sails, canvass, and twine is almost the only thing we can desire at the approaching season to be sent out, or some other trifling things. Swiftsure must soon go in to water.

TO WILLIAM MARSDEN, ESQ., ADMIRALTY.

[Original in the Admiralty].

Victory, off Cadiz, 13th October, 1805.

Sir,

I have received by the Agamemnon your letter of the 1st inst., acquainting me that the Transports appointed to convey the Forty-second and Seventy-eighth Regiments to Gibraltar, are intended to bring back three Regiments at present in that Garrison, and signifying to me their Lordships' direction to furnish a proper Convoy for the said Transports on their return to England. In answer to which you will be pleased to acquaint the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty that a proper Convoy shall be appointed for the said Transports agreeably to their Lordships' direction. I am, Sir, &c.,

NELSON AND BRONTE.

P.S. - I have received their Lordships, duplicate Secret Order, dated the 21st ult., with its inclosure.

TO WILLIAM MARSDEN, ESQ., ADMIRALTY.

[Original in the Admiralty].

Victory, off Cadiz, 13th October, 1805.

Sir, I herewith transmit you for the information of the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty, a Letter from Captain Hoste of the Eurydice, dated the 7th inst., together with the list of Vessels captured as therein mentioned. I am much pleased with Captains Hoste and Thomas for their exertions in getting the Eurydice so expeditiously off the shoal, particularly so as she is stated to have received no damage. I am, Sir, &c.,

NELSON AND BRONTE.

TO WILLIAM MARSDEN, ESQ., ADMIRALTY.

[Original in the Admiralty].

Victory, off Cadiz, 13th October, 1805.

Sir,

I herewith transmit you a letter from Captain Sir Edward Berry Of His Majesty's Ship Agamemnon, dated the 10th inst., giving an account of his having on the morning of that day fallen in with a French Squadron off Cape Finisterre, which you will be pleased to lay before the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty for their information. I am, Sir, &c.,

NELSON AND BRONTE.

TO ALEXANDER DAVISON, ESQ.

[Autograph in the possession of Colonel Davison]. ,

Victory, October 13th, 1805.

My dear Davison,

Many, many thanks for your kind and affectionate note. I should have much rejoiced to see you, but I was called away, and I obeyed. I am vexed you should have had such a fag upon my account. Sir Edward Berry has had a narrow chance from the Rochefort Squadron. I hope Sir Robert Calder will escape them; and some happy day I hope to get at their Fleet, and nothing shall be wanting on my part to give a good account of them. My dear Lady Hamilton has told me of your kindness. You will do the needful about my accounts, and settle with Mr. Chawner for what is going on at Merton. I have not a moment more, than to say I am ever most faithfully yours,

NELSON AND BRONTE.

TO WILLIAM MARSDEN, ESQ., ADMIRALTY.

[Original in the Admiralty].

Victory, off Cadiz, 13th October, 1805.

Sir,

You will be pleased to acquaint the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty that His Majesty's Ships Agamemnon and L'Aimable joined this forenoon, and that the Prince of Wales, bearing the Flag of Vice-Admiral Sir Robert Calder, leaves the Fleet this evening, with orders to proceed direct to Spithead. The Vice-Admiral takes with him the Captains of His Majesty's Ships Thunderer and Ajax, whom I have permitted to accompany him, for the purpose of attending the Court requested by that Officer on his late conduct between the 22nd and 25th of July last, which I hope, for the reasons I have before stated, their Lordships will be pleased to approve of. I am, Sir, &c.,

NELSON AND BRONTE.

TO VICE ADMIRAL COLLINGWOOD.

[Autograph in the possession of the Hon. Mrs. Newnham Collingwood].

Victory, October 14th, 1805.

My dear Coll.,

Perhaps, as the weather is fine, and the business of the Transports nearly closed (except water, almost for the winter), you will come on board this forenoon, that I may tell you all I know, and my intentions. I am glad Sir Robert Calder is gone; and from my heart I hope he will get home safe, and end his inquiry well. I endeavoured to give him all the caution in my power respecting the cry against him; but he seemed too wise. Africa did not see the Rochefort Squadron, but heard of them, and sent the Cheerly Gun-brig with information. Ever yours most truly,

NELSON AND BRONTE.

TO CAPTAIN THE HON. HENRY BLACKWOOD, H.M.S. EURYALUS.

[From Blackwood's Magazine for July, 1833].

Victory, October 14th, 1805.

My dear Sir,

I approve most highly of your care of the Store Ship; but if it should so happen that you could not spare a Frigate for that service, the Ship might be safely ordered up to the Fleet. The Guard boat has not joined us - the swell has been probably too great - but I would not recommend accounts of great consequence to be sent by them; a few words might be wrote by telegraph. Sir Richard Strachan was certainly in sight of the French Squadron. I wish he was stronger, but I am sure he will spoil their cruizing.

I hope we shall soon get our Cadiz friends out, and then we may (I hope) flatter ourselves that some of them will cruize on our side; but if they do not come forth soon, I shall then rather incline to think they will detach Squadrons; but I trust, either in the whole, or in part, we shall get at them.

I am confident in your look-out upon them. I expect three stout Fire-Ships from England; then, with a good breeze, so that the Gun-Boats cannot move, and yet not so much but that a Gig can with ease row out, I should hope that at the least the gentry may be disturbed; and I should not be surprised if Mr. Francis and his catamarans were sent, and Colonel Congreve and his rockets - but all this keep to yourself, for Officers will talk, and there is no occasion for putting the Enemy on their guard. When these arrive, we will consult how to manage them, and I shall have the two Bombs ready by that time. Ever, my dear Sir, I am yours most faithfully,

NELSON AND BRONTE.

Do you send your letters - they shall be taken care of. Would you like them to go by Lisbon packet when I send mine?

PRIVATE DIARY.

[From Dr. Beatty's " Narrative of the Death of Lord Nelson,,, p. 96].

Monday, October 14th.

Fine weather: Westerly wind. Sent Amphion to Gibraltar and Algiers. Enemy at the harbour's mouth. Placed Defence and Agamemnon from seven to ten leagues West of Cadiz, and Mars and Colossus five leagues East of the Fleet, whose station is from fifteen to twenty West of Cadiz; and by this chain I hope to have a constant communication with the Frigates off Cadiz.

October 15th through 21st, 1805

TO CAPTAIN GEORGE HOPE, H. M. S. DEFENCE.

[Autograph in the possession of Captain Hope, R. N].

Victory, Oct. 15th, 1805.

Sir,

You will, with the Agamemnon, take a station West from Cadiz from seven to ten leagues, by which means, if the Enemy should move, I hope to have instant information, as two or three Ships will be kept, as at present, between the Fleet and your two Ships; and it seems thought by Captain Blackwood that a Ship or two may attempt to drive the Frigates off, and if that should be the case you will be at hand to assist.

I am, Sir, with great respect, &c., NELSON AND BRONTE.

TO SIR ALEXANDER JOHN BALL, BART., MALTA.

[ "Autograph in the possession of Sir William Keith Ball, Bart].

Victory, October l5th, 1805.

My dear Ball,

I send you our last newspapers. The combined Fleets are all at the Harbour's Mouth, and must either move up again, or move off, before the winter sets in. I trust we shall be able to get hold of them. I want to send ten Sail of the Line, two Frigates, and two Sloops, off Toulon, Genoa, and that Coast, to cover our Army and to prevent any stores, provisions, &c., from moving along shore, and to save Sardinia; but as yet I have not the means; but when the Ships are released from the Expedition, and the Frigates carrying the money return, I shall have a very respectable Squadron in that part of the Mediterranean - probably under our friend Keats, if he will accept it, and give up the certainty of fighting with the Fleet, as my second. Ever, my dear Ball, yours most faithfully,

NELSON AND BRONTE.

TO THE BOATSWAINS OF H. M. SHIPS VICTORY, AJAX, AND NEPTUNE.

[From a Copy in the Admiralty].

Victory, off Cadiz, 15th October, 1805.

Captain Lechemere of His Majesty's Ship Thunderer, having on the 25th September represented to me that Mr. Richard Keefe, Boatswain of that Ship, had left his duty, and not having returned previous to her sailing from Cawsand Bay, was 'Run' upon the Ship's Books on the 17th of that month, at the same time requested that I would appoint another Boatswain in his room, which was complied with, by the nomination of Mr. James Sympson, Boatswain of the Euryalus; and it having been yesterday represented to me by Lieutenant Stockham, in the absence of Captain Lechemere, that the said Mr. Richard Keefe returned to the Thunderer by the Agamemnon; and as it is possible Mr. Keefe did not leave his duty with an intention to desert, although his conduct is very reprehensible, and rather wears the appearance of embezzlement of His Majesty's stores, You are therefore hereby required and directed to repair immediately on board His Majesty's Ship Thunderer, and in the first instance you will call for and most strictly examine the actual charge of stores he had by his Indents from Plymouth Dockyard, together with every article which the said Boatswain may have received from any other quarter, and actually remained on board on the 17th September, the day on which the said Boatswain appears to have been ' Run.' You will then examine the Expense and Supply Books from that day until the 25th September, when Mr. Sympson took charge of the Thunderer, and when the stores that may have been expended or supplied to any Ship are added to the quantity remaining on the 25th September, it will then appear, by comparing this last account with the actual remains on the 17th September, whether any embezzlement or deficiency of stores have taken place in Mr. Keefe's time. As this is a service of very great importance, I must desire that you will strictly examine into every particular before mentioned, and that you do actually see every article of stores at present on board the Thunderer, and likewise compare the Expense Book during the short time Mr. Sympson has been Boatswain, which stores you will deliver from his charge into the charge and custody of Mr. Richard Keefe, the former Boatswain. And the more effectually to carry this order into execution, it is my directions that the Master and Captain's Clerk of the Thunderer attend most strictly to this service, and that they not only see every article of stores in company with the Surveying Officers, but also render them every assistance and facility in their power, and put their names as witnesses to the said Survey, reporting to me from under your hands a most clear and distinct account of your proceedings herein, stating particularly the deficiency of stores (if any), by mentioning on a separate list the quality and quantity which may appear so deficient, and by what means it happened.

NELSON AND BRONTE.

N.B. The Boatswains are to remain on board the Thunderer till the Survey is over.

NELSON AND BRONTE.

TO CAPTAIN HAMOND, H. M. S. LIVELY.

[Autograph in the possession of Vice-Admiral Sir Graham Eden Hamond, Bart., K.C.B].

Victory, October 15th, 1805.

Sir,

Not having a copy of your orders, only hearing that the Lively is attached to Sir James Craig's expedition, I find it impossible to give you any precise directions. I suppose you are to see them safe landed in Italy, and the Transports returned to Malta, or such part of them left with the Army as they may require. The Seahorse I have ordered to join me, which I desire may be complied with as expeditiously as possible, if she is not already sent; and if more Ships are wanted, you have my leave to take the Aurora in her place. When the General has no further occasion for your services, or for those of the Ambuscade and Aurora, I beg that you will join me, in order that I may place a strong Squadron off Toulon and Genoa, in order to prevent the Enemy from moving their stores and provisions coastways. This letter you will be so good as to communicate to Sir James Craig. And be assured I am, with the greatest esteem, &c.,

NELSON AND BRONTE.

TO CAPTAIN HAMOND, H.M.S. LIVELY.

[Autograph in the possession of Vice-Admiral Sir Graham Eden Hamond, Bart].

Victory, October 15th, 1805.

My dear Hamond,

I am very sorry to hear such a very indifferent account of your health. As soon as you have done with the Expedition, you had better make haste to us, and you will get well. I had the pleasure of seeing your good father several times for the few days I was in England. I think he was very well, considering how his mind has been tormented by the Earl and his crew 3, but I am confident he will stand the trial with honour. Sir Robert Calder has just left us to stand his trial, which I think of a very serious nature. God send him a good deliverance. Your father wished you home in your Ship, something about a Law-suit with Captain Lawford: in that, as in everything else in which I can with propriety meet your wishes, you may always rely upon the attention of, my dear Hamond, your very sincere friend,

NELSON AND BRONTE.

PRIVATE DIARY.

[From Dr. Beatty's "Narrative of the Death of Lord Nelson," and Clarke and M'Arthur, vol. ii. p. 441].

Wednesday, 16th October.

Moderate breezes, Westerly. All the forenoon employed in forming the Fleet into the Order of Sailing. At Noon fresh breezes W.S.W. and squally; in the evening fresh gales. Enemy as before, by signal from Weazel.

October 17th.

Moderate breezes, North Westerly. Sent the Donegal to Gibraltar to get a ground-tier of casks. Received accounts by the Diligent Store-ship, that Sir Richard Strachan was supposed in sight of the French Rochefort Squadron, which I hope is true. At midnight the wind came to the Eastward.

October 18th.

Fine weather, wind Easterly; the Combined Fleets cannot have finer weather to put to sea.

TO VICE-ADMIRAL COLLINGWOOD.

[Autograph in the possession of the Hon. Mrs. Newnham Collingwood].

Victory, October 18th, 1805.

My dear Coll.,

I send you Blackwood's letter, and the very interesting intelligence from Lieutenant Lloyd of the Diligent Store-ship. The Eurydice did not speak her, as Sir William Bolton reports to me that he chased off a Guernsey Privateer Schooner, who had with her a Re-capture, one of the Lisbon Fleet, loaded with cloths, and the Frenchmen in her. His Excellency Governor Thigh, family, and all the good folks for New South Wales, have been taken in the Calcutta; but I think Sir Richard Strachan will either spoil their cruize or lock them up in Vigo. I wish he had a good Three-decker with him. Donegal being obliged to go into the Mole for two days, I have advanced her. I hope the Westerly wind has carried the Convoy above Carthagena, and that it will bring Admiral Louis out of the Mediterranean: at all events the Niger and water. Ever, my dear Coll., yours faithfully,

NELSON AND BRONTE

TO WILLIAM MARSDEN, ESQ., ADMIRALTY.

[Original in the Admiralty].

Victory, off Cadiz, 18th October, 1805.

Sir,

Captain Lechmere of the Thunderer having acquainted me on the 25th September last, that Mr. Richard Keefe, Boatswain of that Ship, had left her previous to her sailing from Plymouth, and was 'Run' upon the Books on the 17th of that month, and at the same time requesting that I would appoint a Boatswain in his room; you will be pleased to acquaint the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty, that in consequence of the above circumstances I appointed Mr. James Sympson, Boatswain of the Euryalus, to the Thunderer. But on the Agamemnon's arrival, I received a letter from the Commanding Officer of the Thunderer, acquainting me that the said Mr. Keefe had joined; and conceiving that his having absented from that Ship was not with a view to desert, although it left on my mind some suspicion of embezzlement of stores, I judged it proper that the most strict investigation of every circumstance should take place, previous to his taking charge of the Thunderer as Boatswain, and therefore, gave an order for that purpose, a copy of which, together with the Report of Survey, and an account of the surplus and deficient stores accompany this, which you will be pleased to lay before the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty for their information; and at the same time acquaint their Lordships, that although there appears some deficiencies on the said list, yet it is well known to the Sea Lords that many stores are used in fitting out a Ship which (from the various duties carrying on, and the Boatswain being frequently absent on service) are omitted to be duly expended. It also appears that there are some surplus stores, which perhaps may be accounted for in the same way.

I am, Sir, &c., NELSON AND BRONTE.

TO VICE ADMIRAL COLLINGWOOD.

[Autograph in the possession of the Hon. Mrs. Newnham Collingwood].

Victory, October 19th, 1805.

My dear Coll.,

For 16th read 10th in Mr. Lloyd's letter. We have letters from the Cæsar. It was the Rochefort Squadron that took the Calcutta. She was homeward-bound: so Governor Bligh has escaped, and all the damsels, which were to go out in her, from being ravished by the French. Yesterday, by the Guernsey man, we had the French Officer on board. He belonged to the Magnanime. He says they should have taken the Agamemnon in the night, but they fancied the Oporto and Lisbon Convoy were Ships of War. Four West Indiamen, some Whalers, and the Calcutta, with very few of the Lisbon Convoy, is the fruit of their cruize. The Firstrate sails faster than any of them: five Sail of the Line, three Frigates, and two Brigs. Sir Richard has five Sail; but I think he will have enough upon his hands, and from my soul I wish him well over it.

I am a little afraid that [Rear-Admiral] Louis had got a certain distance with the Malta Convoy, but not far enough to secure them from the gentlemen at Carthagena; but I desired him to consider that other Ships wanted water, and that an Easterly wind must not be lost. I therefore hope, if that is the case, he will bring them back to the Rock, and the Earl [of Northesk] must see them safe when his water is completed.

When I get Ships I want to place Ships in the upper part of the Mediterranean; but at present I have them not Leviathan shall relieve Defence; and Colossus we can call in, when we see the Niger. Neptune will make a large hole in one Transport, and Colossus and Defence in the other. What a beautiful day! Will you be tempted out of your Ship ? If you will, hoist the Assent and Victory's pendants

Ever, my dear Coll., yours most faithfully, NELSON AND BRONTE.

The following letter was found open on Lord Nelson's desk, and was brought to Lady Hamilton by Captain Hardy. It now resides in The British Library in London. The photograph at right is of the last half of the letter, showing Nelson's signature "Nelson & Bronte" on the second line of the page. Some interesting things revealed by this letter are the occasional discrepancies between the "Nelson's Letters" book from which all of these letters are derived, and Nelson's actual letter. In this case, the original shows "Nelson & Bronte", whereas the book shows "Nelson and Bronte". Also, the book uses the word "strait", when Nelson clearly wrote "straight".

TO LADY HAMILTON.

[Autograph in the possession of Mrs. Smith].

Victory, October 19th, 1805, Noon, Cadiz, E.S.E., 16 Leagues.

My dearest beloved Emma, the dear friend of my bosom. The signal has been made that the Enemy's Combined Fleet are coming out of Port. We have very little wind, so that I have no hopes of seeing them before to-morrow. May the God of Battles crown my endeavours with success; at all events, I will take care that my name shall ever be most dear to you and Horatia, both of whom I love as much as my own life. And as my last writing before the Battle will be to you, so I hope in God that I shall live to finish my letter after the Battle. May Heaven bless you prays your

NELSON AND BRONTE.

October 20th. In the morning, we were close to the Mouth of the Straits, but the wind had not come far enough to the Westward to allow the Combined Fleets to weather the Shoals off Trafalgar; but they were counted as far as forty Sail of Ships of War, which I suppose to be thirty-four of the Line, and six Frigates. A group of them was seen off the Lighthouse of Cadiz this morning, but it blows so very fresh and thick weather, that I rather believe they will go into the Harbour before night. May God Almighty give us success over these fellows, and enable us to get a Peace.

TO MISS HORATIA NELSON THOMPSON.

[Autograph in the possession of Mrs. Horatia Nelson Ward].

Victory, October 19th, 1805.

My dearest Angel, I was made happy by the pleasure of receiving your letter of September 19th, and I rejoice to hear that you are so very good a girl, and love my dear Lady Hamilton, who most dearly loves you. Give her a kiss for me. The Combined Fleets of the Enemy are now reported to be coming out of Cadiz; and therefore I answer your letter, my dearest Horatia, to mark to you that you are ever uppermost in my thoughts. I shall be sure of your prayers for my safety, conquest, and speedy return to dear Merton, and our dearest good Lady Hamilton. Be a good girl, mind what Miss Connor says to you. Receive, my dearest Horatia, the affectionate parental blessing of your Father,

NELSON AND BRONTE.

PRIVATE DIARY.

[From Clarke and M'Arthur, vol. ii. p. 441].

October 19th.

Fine weather, wind Easterly. At half-past nine, the Mars, being one of the look-out Ships, repeated the Signal, 'that the Enemy was coming out of Port, - made the Signal for a 'General Chase S.E.' wind at South, Cadiz bearing E.N.E;. by compass, distant sixteen leagues. At three the Colossus, made the Signal, that the Enemy's Fleet was at sea., In the evening directed the Fleet to observe my motions during the night, and for Britannia, Prince, and Dreadnought, they being heavy sailers, to take their stations as convenient; and for Mars, Orion, Belleisle, Leviathan, Bellerophon, and Polyphemus, to go ahead during the night, and to carry a light, standing for the Straits' Mouth.

MEMORANDUM.

[Original in the possession of Captain Hope, R.N].

Victory, off Cadiz, 20th October, 1805.

Captain Blackwood to keep with two Frigates in sight of the Enemy in the night. Two other Frigates to be placed between him and the Defence, Captain Hope. Colossus will take her station between Defence and Mars. Mars to communicate with the Victory.

If the Enemy are standing to the Southward, or towards the Straits, burn two blue lights together, every hour, in order to make the greater blaze. If the Enemy are standing to the Westward three guns, quick, every hour.

NELSON AND BRONTE.

PRIVATE DIARY.

[Autograph in the possession of J. Wild, Esq. ]

Sunday, October 20, 1805.

Fresh breezes SSW. and rainy. Communicated with Phoebe, Defence, and Colossus, who saw near forty Sail of Ships of War outside of Cadiz yesterday evening; but the wind being Southerly, they could not get to the Mouth of the Straits. We were between Trafalgar and Cape Spartel. The Frigates made the signal that they saw 9 Sail outside the Harbour; gave the Frigates instructions for their guidance, and placed Defence, Colossus, and Mars, between me and the Frigates. At noon fresh gales and heavy rain, Cadiz N.E. 9 leagues. In the afternoon Captain Blackwood telegraphed that the Enemy seemed determined to go to the Westward; and that they shall not do if in the power of Nelson and Bronte to prevent them. At 5 telegraphed Captain B., that I relied upon his keeping sight of the Enemy. At 6 o'clock Naiad made the signal for 31 Sail of the Enemy N.N.E. The Frigates and look-out Ships kept sight of the Enemy most admirably all night, and told me by signals which tack they were upon. At 8 we wore, and stood to the S.W., and at four A.M. wore, stood to the N.E..

PRIVATE DIARY.

[Autograph, or facsimile Copy, in the possession of Philip Toker, Esq].

Monday, October 21st, 1805.

At daylight saw the Enemy's Combined Fleet from East to E.S.E.; bore away; made the signal for Order of Sailing, and to Prepare for Battle; the Enemy with their heads to the Southward: at seven the Enemy wearing in succession. 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.

Napoleon's Account of the Internal Situation of France in 1804

Robinson's Note: [Page 491] Five years after Bonaparte had become the head of the French government he sums up the general situation in France in a statement which he laid before the Legislative Body, December 31, 1804.

The internal situation of France is today as calm as it has ever been in the most peaceful periods. There is no agitation to disturb the public tranquillity, no suggestion of those crimes which recall the Revolution. Everywhere useful enterprises are in progress, and the general improvements, both public and private, attest the universal confidence and sense of security. . . .

A plot conceived by an implacable government was about to replunge France into the abyss of civil war and anarchy. The discovery of this horrible crime stirred all France profoundly, and anxieties that had scarcely been calmed again awoke. Experience has taught that a divided power in the state is impotent and at odds with itself. It was generally felt that if power was delegated for short periods only it was so uncertain as to discourage any prolonged undertakings or wide-reaching plans. If vested in an individual for life, it would lapse with him, and after him would prove a source of anarchy and discord. It was clearly seen that for a great nation the only salvation lies in hereditary [Page 492] power, which can alone assure a continuous political life which may endure for generations, even for centuries.

The Senate, as was proper, served as the organ through which this general apprehension found expression. The necessity of hereditary power in a state as vast as France had long been perceived by the First Consul. He had endeavored in vain to avoid this conclusion; but the public solicitude and the hopes of our enemies emphasized the importance of his task, and he realized that his death might ruin his whole work. Under such circumstances, and with such a pressure of public opinion, there was no alternative left to the First Consul. He resolved, therefore, to accept for himself, and two of his brothers after him, the burden imposed by the exigencies of the situation.

After prolonged consideration, repeated conferences with the members of the Senate, discussion in the councils, and the suggestions of the most prudent advisers, a series of provisions was drawn up which regulate the succession to the imperial hrone. These provisions were decreed by a senatus consultus of the 28th Floreal last. The French people, by a free and independent expression, then manifested its desire that the imperial dignity should pass down in a direct line through the legitimate or adopted descendants of Napoleon Bonaparte, or through the legitimate descendants of Joseph Bonaparte, or of Louis Bonaparte.

From this moment Napoleon was, by the most unquestionable of titles, emperor of the French. No other act was necessary to sanction his right and consecrate his authority. But he wished to restore in France the ancient forms and recall those institutions which divinity itself seems to have inspired. He wished to impress the seal of religion itself upon the opening of his reign. The head of the Church, in order to give the French a striking proof of his paternal affection, consented to officiate at this august ceremony. What deep and enduring impressions did this leave on the mind of Napoleon and in the memory of the nation! What thoughts for future races! What a subject of wonder for all Europe!

[Page 493] In the midst of this pomp, and under the eye of the Eternal, Napoleon pronounced the inviolable oath which assures the integrity of the empire, the security of property, the perpetuity of institutions, the respect for law, and the happiness of the nation. The oath of Napoleon shall be forever the terror of the enemies of France. If our borders are attacked, it will be repeated at the head of our armies, and our frontiers shall never more fear foreign invasion.

The principles safeguarded by the coronation oath are those of our legislation. Hereafter there will be fewer laws to submit to the Legislative Body. The civil code has fulfilled the expectations of the public; all citizens are acquainted with it; it serves as their guide in their various transactions, and is everywhere lauded as a benefaction. A draft of a criminal code has been completed for two years and has been subjected to the criticism of the courts; at this moment it is being discussed for the last time by the council of state. The code of procedure and the commercial code are still where they were a year ago, for pressing cares have diverted the emperor's attention elsewhere.

New schools are being opened, and inspectors have been appointed to see that the instruction does not degenerate into vain and sterile examinations. The lycees and the secondary schools are filling with youth eager for instruction. The polytechnic school is peopling our arsenals, ports, and factories with useful citizens. Prizes have been established in various branches of science, letters, and arts, and in the period of ten years fixed by his Majesty for the award of these prizes there can be no doubt that French genius will produce works of distinction.

The emperor's decrees have reestablished commerce on the left bank of the Rhine. Our manufacturers are improving, although the mercenaries subsidized by the British government vaunt, in their empty declamations, her foreign trade and her precarious resources scattered about the seas and in the Indies, while they describe our shops as deserted and our artisans as dying of hunger. In spite of this, our [Page 494] industries are striking root in our own soil and are driving English commerce far from our shores. Our products now equal theirs and will soon compete with them in all the markets of the world.

Religion has resumed its sway, but exhibits itself only in acts of humanity. Adhering to a wise policy of toleration, the ministers of different sects who worship the same God do themselves honor by their mutual respect; and their rivalry confines itself to emulation in virtue. Such is our situation at home.