Let's analyze some primary resources on the rise and impact of Napoleon. Choose two of these primary documents we have not yet analyzed.
Analyze and compare the two documents by focusing on these questions: Who authored the document? Did they support or oppose Napoleon? When was it written before, after, or during Napoleon's reign and the Napoleonic Wars? What is the argument in the document? Does it support or oppose Napoleon? Where do you see Enlightenment ideology? What is the document's significance in helping to develop a detailed understanding of Napoleon and his legacy?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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,
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.