The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Life of Nelson, Vol. I (of 2) by A. T. (Alfred Thayer) Mahan This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org Title: The Life of Nelson, Vol. I (of 2) The Embodiment of the Sea Power of Great Britain Author: A. T. (Alfred Thayer) Mahan Release Date: October 21, 2005 [EBook #16914] Language: English Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 *** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE LIFE OF NELSON, VOL. I (OF 2) *** Produced by Steven Gibbs and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net THE LIFE OF NELSON THE EMBODIMENT OF THE SEA POWER OF GREAT BRITAIN BY CAPTAIN A. T. MAHAN, D.C.L., LL.D. UNITED STATES NAVY AUTHOR OF "THE INFLUENCE OF SEA POWER UPON HISTORY, 1660-1783," "THE INFLUENCE OF SEA POWER UPON THE FRENCH REVOLUTION AND EMPIRE," AND OF A "LIFE OF ADMIRAL FARRAGUT" IN TWO VOLUMES VOL. I. LONDON SAMPSON LOW, MARSTON, & COMPANY, LIMITED 1897 Captain Nelson, in 1781, aged Twenty-two PREFACE. The Life of Nelson has been written so often, that an explanation—almost an apology—seems due for any renewal of the attempt; but, not to mention the attractiveness of the theme in itself, it is essential to the completeness and rounding off of the author's discussion of the Influence of Sea Power, that he present a study, from his own point of view, of the one man who in himself summed up and embodied the greatness of the possibilities which Sea Power comprehends,— the man for whom genius and opportunity worked together, to make him the personification of the Navy of Great Britain, the dominant factor in the periods hitherto treated. In the century and a half embraced in those periods, the tide of influence and of power has swelled higher and higher, floating upward before the eyes of mankind many a distinguished name; but it is not until their close that one arises in whom all the promises of the past find their finished realization, their perfect fulfilment. Thenceforward the name of Nelson is enrolled among those few presented to us by History, the simple mention of which suggests, not merely a personality or a career, but a great force or a great era concrete in a single man, who is its standard-bearer before the nations. Yet, in this process of exaltation, the man himself, even when so very human and so very near our own time as Nelson is, suffers from an association which merges his individuality in the splendor of his surroundings; and it is perhaps pardonable to hope that the subject is not so far exhausted but that a new worker, gleaning after the reapers, may contribute something further towards disengaging the figure of the hero from the glory that cloaks it. The aim of the present writer, while not neglecting other sources of knowledge, has been to make Nelson describe himself, — tell the story of his own inner life as well as of his external actions. To realize this object, it has not seemed the best way to insert numerous letters, because, in the career of a man of action, each one commonly deals with a variety of subjects, which bear to one another little relation, except that, at the moment of writing, they all formed part of the multifold life the writer was then leading. It is true, life in general is passed in that way; but it is not by such distraction of interest among minute details that a particular life is best understood. Few letters, therefore, have been inserted entire; and those which have, have been chosen because of their unity of subject, and of their value as characteristic. The author's method has been to make a careful study of Nelson's voluminous correspondence, analyzing it, in order to detect the leading features of temperament, traits of thought, and motives of action; and thence to conceive within himself, by gradual familiarity even more than by formal effort, the character therein revealed. The impression thus produced he has sought to convey to others, partly in the form of ordinary narrative,—daily living with his hero,—and partly by such grouping of incidents and utterances, not always, nor even nearly, simultaneous, as shall serve by their joint evidence to emphasize particular traits, or particular opinions, more forcibly than when such testimonies are scattered far apart; as they would be, if recounted in a strict order of time. A like method of treatment has been pursued in regard to that purely external part of Nelson's career in which are embraced his military actions, as well as his public and private life. The same aim is kept in view of showing clearly, not only what he did, but the principles which dominated his military thought, and guided his military actions, throughout his life; or, it may be, such changes as must inevitably occur in the development of a man who truly lives. This cannot be done satisfactorily without concentrating the evidence from time to time; and it is therefore a duty a writer owes to his readers, if they wish such acquaintance with his subject as he thinks he has succeeded in acquiring for himself. The author has received individual assistance from several persons. To a general expression of thanks he wishes to add his special acknowledgments to the present Earl Nelson, through whose aid he has obtained information of interest which otherwise probably would have escaped him; and to Lords Radstock and De Saumarez, both of whom have been good enough to place in his hands letters contemporary with Nelson, and touching incidentally matters that throw light on his career. Material of the same kind has also been furnished him by Professor John Knox Laughton, whose knowledge of Nelson and of the Navy of that period is second to none; it is not the least of the writer's advantages that he has had before him, to check possible errors in either fact or conclusions, the admirable, though brief, Life of Nelson published by Mr. Laughton two years since. Illustrative anecdotes have also been supplied by Admiral Sir William R. Mends, G.C.B., who has shown his continued interest in the work by the trouble he has taken for it; by Mr. Stuart J. Reid, of Blackwell Cliff, East Grinstead; and by Mr. Edgar Goble, of Fareham, Hants. Mr. B.F. Stevens, of 4 Trafalgar Square, has also kindly exerted himself on several occasions to obtain needed information. To Mrs. F.H.B. Eccles, of Sherwell House, Plymouth, granddaughter of Josiah Nisbet, Nelson's stepson, the author is indebted for reminiscences of Lady Nelson, and for her portrait here published; and his thanks are also due to Lieutenant-Colonel W. Clement D. Esdaile, of Burley Manor, Ringwood, Hants, through whom he was brought into communication with Mrs. Eccles, and who has in other ways helped him. Throughout the writing of the book constant assistance has been received from Mr. Robert B. Marston, to whom cordial acknowledgment is made for the untiring pains taken in prosecuting necessary inquiries, which could not have been done without great delay by one not living in England. Suggestions valuable to the completeness of the work have been given also by Mr. Marston. For the portrait of Mrs. Philip Ward, the "Horatia" whom Nelson called generally his adopted daughter, but at times spoke of as his daughter simply, and whom, on the last morning of his life, he commended to the care of his Country, the author has to thank Mr. and Mrs. Nelson Ward, of 15 Lancaster Road, Belsize Park, London. Mr. Nelson Ward is her son. To the more usual sources of information already in print, it is not necessary to refer in detail; but it is right to mention especially the collection of Hamilton and Nelson letters, published by Mr. Alfred Morrison, a copy of which by his polite attention was sent the writer, and upon which must necessarily be based such account of Nelson's relations with Lady Hamilton as, unfortunately, cannot be omitted wholly from a life so profoundly affected by them. A.T. MAHAN. MARCH, 1897. CONTENTS OF VOL. I. LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS. MAPS AND BATTLE PLANS. CHAPTER I. THE FIRST TWENTY-FIVE YEARS. Distinction of Nelson's career 1 His extensive and varied correspondence 3 Parentage and birth 4 Delicacy of constitution 5 First entry in the Navy 5 Anecdotes of childhood 7 Cared for by his uncle, Captain Maurice Suckling 9 Serves in a West India merchantman 10 Expedition to the Arctic Sea 12 Cruise to the East Indies 14 Acting lieutenant in the Channel Fleet 15 Promoted lieutenant in the "Lowestoffe" 16 Goes to the West Indies 17 Incidents of service 18 Transferred to the flagship "Bristol" 20 Promoted to Commander and to Post-Captain 21 Personal appearance, 1780 22 Youth when promoted 23 Scanty opportunities for war service 24 The Nicaragua Expedition 26 Health breaks down 30 Returns to England 31 Appointed to the "Albemarle" 31 Short trip to the Baltic 33 Goes to the North American Station 35 At New York, and transferred to the West Indies 37 Personal appearance, 1782 39 Sentiments concerning honor and money 40 Returns to England and goes on half-pay 41 Visit to France 42 Unsuccessful courtship 43 CHAPTER II. CRUISE OF THE "BOREAS."—CONTROVERSY OVER THE ENFORCEMENT OF THE NAVIGATION ACT.—RETURN TO ENGLAND.—RETIREMENT UNTIL THE OUTBREAK OF THE FRENCH REVOLUTION.—APPOINTED TO COMMAND THE "AGAMEMNON." 1784-1793. Appointed to command the "Boreas" 44 Sails for the Leeward Islands 45 Traits of character and manners 46 Refuses to recognize a commodore's pendant, of a captain "not in commission" 49 Indications of character in this act 52 Controversy over the Navigation Act 54 Refuses obedience to the Admiral's order, as illegal 57 Persists in seizing vessels violating the Act 59 Consequent legal proceedings 60 Conduct approved by the Home Government 62 Results of his action 63 Characteristics shown by it 64 Meets his future wife, Mrs. Nisbet 65 Contemporary description of him 66 Progress of courtship 68 Reconciliation with the Admiral 72 Characteristics manifested by Nelson in the controversy 73 Left senior officer on the Station 74 Health and marriage 75 The "Boreas" returns to England 75 Employed on the Impress Service 77 Annoyances and dissatisfaction 78 Prejudices against him 79 The "Boreas" paid off 80 Sensitiveness under censure 81 Flattering reception at Court 82 Efforts to suppress frauds in West Indies 82 Breadth and acuteness of intellect 83 Results of his efforts against frauds 86 Prejudices against him at the Admiralty 86 His partisanship for Prince William Henry 87 Insubordinate conduct of the latter 88 Nelson's difference with Lord Hood 89 Out of favor at Court 89 On half-pay, 1788-1792 90 Progress of the French Revolution 92 Nelson applies for a ship 94 Appointed to the "Agamemnon," 64 95 France declares war against Great Britain 95 CHAPTER III. NELSON'S DEPARTURE FROM ENGLAND IN THE "AGAMEMNON."—SERVICES IN THE MEDITERRANEAN UNTIL THE RECOVERY OF TOULON BY THE FRENCH.—LORD HOOD IN COMMAND. FEBRUARY-DECEMBER, 1793. Significance of Nelson's career 96 Intimate association of the "Agamemnon" with his name 97 Delay in her equipment 99 Nelson's hatred for the French 101 Sails for Spithead 101 Cruising in the Channel 102 Departure for Mediterranean, and arrival off Toulon 103 Remarks on the Spanish Navy 104 Professional utterances 105 Services off Toulon and at Naples 106 Toulon surrendered to the British and Spaniards 107 Nelson's reconcilement with Hood 108 Hardships of the cruise 109 His intelligence and zeal 110 Rejoins fleet off Toulon 112 Constantly on detached, semi-independent, service 112 Sent to Tunis 113 Action with four French frigates 113 Negotiations at Tunis 114 Nelson's wish to go to the West Indies 115 Ordered to command a division blockading Corsica 115 The allies are forced to quit Toulon 117 CHAPTER IV. REDUCTION OF CORSICA BY THE BRITISH.—DEPARTURE OF LORD HOOD FOR ENGLAND.— THE "AGAMEMNON" REFITTED AT LEGHORN. JANUARY-DECEMBER, 1794. Importance of Corsica 118 Hood orders Nelson to open communications with Paoli 118 Operations begun at San Fiorenzo 119 Bastia blockaded by Nelson 120 Description of Bastia 121 The army refuses to undertake the siege 121 Destitute condition of the "Agamemnon" 122 Quarrel between Hood and General Dundas 122 Nelson's opinions about besieging Bastia 122 Comments 123 Strength of the place 124 Nelson's military character as shown by his opinion 125 Instances in his correspondence 126 Progress of the siege 127 The place capitulates 129 Nelson's part in the operations 130 Inadequate credit from Hood 131 Nelson's dissatisfaction, but continued zeal 132 Loftiness of his motives 133 Arrival of General Stuart to command army in Corsica 134 Preparations for siege of Calvi 134 News of the sailing of French Toulon fleet 134 Hood sails in pursuit 134 Development of Nelson's military opinions 135 "Agamemnon" sent back to Bastia 136 Proceeds thence to San Fiorenzo 136 Nelson's meeting with General Stuart 136 His opinions on a "fleet in being" 136 Arrival off Calvi 137 Nelson lands with the troops 138 Arrival of Lord Hood 138 Nelson's part in the siege of Calvi 138 Defences of Calvi 139 Nelson loses his right eye 140 Friction between Army and Navy 141 Nelson's tact towards both 142 Feeling between Hood and Moore 143 Progress of the siege 145 Calvi capitulates 146 Sickness among the British 147 Condition of "Agamemnon's" crew 148 Repose given at Leghorn 148 Hood is relieved by Hotham and returns to England 149 Nelson's criticisms on naval actions 150 His distress at prolonged continuance in port 151 Broods over Hood's inadequate mention of him 151 Compliment from the Viceroy of Corsica 154 CHAPTER V. NELSON'S SERVICES WITH THE FLEET IN THE MEDITERRANEAN UNDER ADMIRAL HOTHAM. —PARTIAL FLEET ACTIONS OF MARCH 13 AND 14, AND JULY 13.—NELSON ORDERED TO COMMAND A DETACHED SQUADRON CO-OPERATING WITH THE AUSTRIAN ARMY IN THE RIVIERA OF GENOA. JANUARY-JULY, 1795. General military conditions in Europe and Italy 155 Importance of the British conquest of Corsica 158 General character of Nelson's service 159 He rejoins the fleet 160 His speculations as to the French objects 160 The French put to sea 161 Action between "Agamemnon" and "Ça Ira" 163 Characteristics displayed by Nelson 165 Partial fleet action, March 14 167 Nelson's urgency with Hotham 168 Discussion of Hotham's action 169 Nelson's share in the general result 172 His affectionate correspondence with his wife 173 Anxiety for Corsica 174 Regret at Hood's detachment from command 175 Receives Honorary Colonelcy of Marines 177 Sent on detached service to the Riviera 177 Encounters French fleet 178 Rejoins Hotham at San Fiorenzo 178 Partial fleet action of July 13 179 Nelson's dissatisfaction with it 180 Discussion of his criticisms 181 Effects of Hotham's inertness 182 CHAPTER VI. NELSON'S COMMAND OF A DETACHED SQUADRON ON THE RIVIERA OF GENOA, UNTIL THE DEFEAT OF THE AUSTRIANS AT THE BATTLE OF LOANO.—SIR JOHN JERVIS APPOINTED COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF IN THE MEDITERRANEAN. JULY-DECEMBER, 1795. Nelson takes command of a squadron on the Riviera 184 Conditions of belligerents and neutrals on the Riviera 185 Nelson's "political courage" 189 Disregards Hotham's orders 190 Hotham approves his action 191 Effect of his action upon the enemy 192 Evasion of his efforts by the coasters 192 He proposes to the Austrians to occupy San Remo 193 Discussion of this proposal 194 The effect in his mind of a "fleet in being" 196 Inactivity of the Austrians and of the fleet 197 Menacing attitude of the French 199 Hotham succeeded by Hyde Parker 199 Battle of Loano.—Defeat of the Austrians 201 Nelson's condemnation of the British admirals 202 Increase of his own reputation 203 Forcible letter repudiating an attack on his integrity 204 Generally congenial character of his service on the Riviera 206 Correspondence with home 207 Passing desire to return to England 208 CHAPTER VII. NELSON'S SERVICES IN THE MEDITERRANEAN DURING THE YEAR 1796.—BONAPARTE'S ITALIAN CAMPAIGN.—THE BRITISH ABANDON CORSICA, AND THE FLEET LEAVES THE MEDITERRANEAN. JANUARY-DECEMBER, 1796. The "Agamemnon" refits at Leghorn 210 Nelson's sensitiveness to censure 210 His vindication of his recent conduct 212 His erroneous conceptions of French military aims 213 Importance of Vado Bay 214 First meeting between Nelson and Jervis 215 Nelson's anxiety to remain on the station 215 Coincidence of views between Nelson and Jervis 216 Nelson sent again to the Riviera 217 Reconnoitres Toulon 217 Expects a French descent in force near Leghorn 217 Analogy between this and Napoleon's plans in 1805 218 Nelson urges the Austrians to occupy Vado 218 He hoists his broad pendant as Commodore 220 The Austrian general, Beaulieu, advances 220 Nelson accompanies the movement with his ships 221 Premature attack by Austrians 222 Nelson receives news of their defeat by Bonaparte 223 Austrians retreat behind the Apennines 223 Nelson resumes operations against the coasting-traffic 224 His singleness of purpose and resoluteness 225 His activity, difficulties encountered, and plans 226 Transferred from the "Agamemnon" to the "Captain" 229 Subsequent fortunes of the "Agamemnon" 230 Bonaparte's designs upon Corsica 231 The French seize Leghorn 233 Nelson's inferences from that act 234 Nelson and Bonaparte compared 235 British blockade of Leghorn 236 Occupation of Elba by the British 237 The Austrians under Wurmser attack Bonaparte 238 Nelson plans an assault on Leghorn 238 He learns the Austrian defeat at Castiglione 241 His gradual change of opinion as to leaving the Mediterranean 242 His pride in the British fleet 244 Genoa closes her ports against the British 245 The fleet ordered to quit the Mediterranean 247 Effect on Nelson 247 He superintends the evacuation of Bastia 251 The fleet withdraws to Gibraltar 254 Growth of Nelson's reputation 254 His susceptibility to flattery 256 His home relations 257 His inadequate appreciation of the character of the war 258 CHAPTER VIII. THE EVACUATION OF ELBA.—NIGHT COMBAT WITH TWO SPANISH FRIGATES.—BATTLE OF CAPE ST. VINCENT.—NELSON PROMOTED TO REAR-ADMIRAL.—SERVICES BEFORE CADIZ. DECEMBER, 1796-JUNE, 1797. Nelson sent to Elba to remove naval material 259 Combat with Spanish frigates 259 Arrival at Elba 260 Hesitations of the General about evacuating 261 Nelson leaves Elba with the naval vessels 262 Deliberate reconnoissance of the enemy's coast 263 Characteristic action of Nelson throughout this expedition 264 Night encounter with the Spanish fleet 267 Rejoins Jervis off Cape St. Vincent 268 Battle of Cape St. Vincent 269 Nelson's exceptional action 271 His merit in taking it 272 Takes possession of two Spanish ships-of-the-line 273 Characteristics here evinced 276 Controversy with Vice-Admiral William Parker 277 Comments upon this 280 Jervis's neglect to mention special services 281 His sense of Nelson's merit 283 Nelson's preferences in the matter of rewards 283 Made a Knight of the Bath 284 Promoted Rear-Admiral 285 Cruises for treasure-ships from Mexico 286 Anxiety about the Elba troops 287 Sent by Jervis to escort them to Gibraltar 288 Safe return to Gibraltar 288 Provides protection for American merchant-ships against French privateers 289 Rejoins Jervis off Cadiz 289 Operations against Cadiz 290 General good health and happiness 294 Pride in his reputation 295 CHAPTER IX. THE UNSUCCESSFUL ATTEMPT AGAINST TENERIFFE.—NELSON LOSES HIS RIGHT ARM.— RETURN TO ENGLAND.—REJOINS ST. VINCENT'S FLEET, AND SENT INTO THE MEDITERRANEAN TO WATCH THE TOULON ARMAMENT. JULY, 1797-MAY, 1798. Origin of the Teneriffe Expedition 296 Conditions conducive to success 297 Orders to Nelson to undertake it 299 Failure of the first attempt 300 Nelson determines to storm the town 302 The assault and the repulse 303 Nelson loses his right arm 305 Rejoins the Commander-in-Chief off Cadiz 306 Returns to England on sick-leave 307 Painful convalescence 308 Restoration to health 309 His flag hoisted again, on board the "Vanguard" 310 Rejoins St. Vincent off Cadiz 310 Ordered to the Mediterranean to watch the Toulon Armament 310 Close of the first period of his career 311 Contrasts between his career hitherto and subsequently 311 Relations with his wife while in England 316 Quits the fleet to repair off Toulon 316 CHAPTER X. THE CAMPAIGN AND BATTLE OF THE NILE. MAY-SEPTEMBER, 1798. Changed political conditions in Europe, 1798 317 The British Cabinet decides to take the offensive 319 The quarter in which to strike determined by the Toulon armament 320 Orders issued to St. Vincent 321 Preference for Nelson indicated by Government 321 Nelson's flagship, the "Vanguard," dismasted at sea 323 Indications of character elicited by the accident 324 He is joined by ten ships-of-the-line, raising his squadron to thirteen 326 Pursuit of the expedition under Bonaparte 327 Nelson's fixedness of purpose 327 Attitude of Naples 329 Perplexities of the pursuit 332 The light of the single eye 335 Embarrassment from the want of frigates 338 Squadron reaches Alexandria before the French 338 Renewed perplexity 339 Nelson returns to the westward 339 Anchors at Syracuse 340 Again goes east in search of the French 342 The French fleet discovered at anchor in Aboukir Bay 343 Prompt resolution to attack 344 Disposition of the French fleet for battle 345 Steadiness and caution of Nelson's advance 347 The Battle of the Nile 348 Nelson severely wounded 351 The French flagship blows up 354 Nelson's dissatisfaction with the results 356 His orders after the battle 358 Subsequent measures 360 Effect of the news in Great Britain 361 Nelson's rewards 361 Reception of the news in Europe generally 363 Nelson's concern about Troubridge 364 Immediate effect of the victory upon the French in Egypt 365 Nelson ordered with his fleet to the westward 366 Sails for Naples 366 CHAPTER XI. NELSON'S RETURN FROM EGYPT TO NAPLES.—MEETING WITH LADY HAMILTON.— ASSOCIATION WITH THE COURT OF NAPLES.—WAR BETWEEN NAPLES AND FRANCE.— DEFEAT OF THE NEAPOLITANS.—FLIGHT OF THE COURT TO PALERMO. SEPTEMBER-DECEMBER, 1798. Voyage to Naples 367 Recovery from wound 368 His views as to future operations 368 Change of view after reaching Naples 369 Arrival at Naples 371 Meeting with the Hamiltons 372 Previous career of Lady Hamilton 373 Her political influence in Naples 383 Her characteristics 384 Her influence over Nelson 386 Rapid progress of the intimacy 387 His association with the Court 388 He urges Naples to declare war against France 389 Political situation of Naples relatively to France 390 Nelson goes off Malta 391 Returns to Naples 392 Neapolitans advance against the French in Rome 393 Their overthrow and rout 394 The royal family and Court fly to Palermo 395 Nelson in Palermo 395 Scandals about his residence there 396 Troubridge's remonstrances with him 398 CHAPTER XII. NELSON'S CAREER, AND GENERAL EVENTS IN THE MEDITERRANEAN AND ITALY, FROM THE OVERTHROW OF THE ROYAL GOVERNMENT IN NAPLES TO THE INCURSION OF THE FRENCH FLEET UNDER ADMIRAL BRUIX. JANUARY-MAY, 1799. The French enter Naples 399 Nelson's distress and comments 400 The Sidney Smith mission 400 Nelson's indignation 401 Modification of Smith's orders 402 Nelson's diplomatic capacity 403 Jealousy of Russian progress in the Mediterranean 404 His expectations of Russian assistance 406 Precautions against Russians in Malta 406 His poor opinion of the Neapolitan troops 408 Difficulties with the Barbary States 409 Nelson's dealings with them 410 His hatred of the French 411 Deep depression of spirits 412 Fears for Sicily 413 French reverses in Germany and Italy 415 British and Neapolitan successes about Naples 415 The French evacuate the kingdom of Naples 416 News of the approach of the French fleet under Bruix 417 CHAPTER XIII. FROM THE INCURSION OF THE FRENCH FLEET UNDER BRUIX TO THE RESTORATION OF THE ROYAL AUTHORITY AT NAPLES.—THE CARACCIOLO EXECUTION.—NELSON'S DISOBEDIENCE TO ADMIRAL LORD KEITH. MAY-JULY, 1799. Nelson's measures to meet Bruix's fleet 418 His perplexity and mental distress 419 Concentrates his division off Maritimo 420 His sagacity and resolution 421 Growing infatuation about Lady Hamilton 422 Learns that Bruix has gone to Toulon 423 Takes his squadron to Palermo 423 Distress at St. Vincent's intention to go home 424 Movements of St. Vincent and of Keith with the main fleet 425 Nelson starts from Palermo for Naples 425 News from Keith causes him to return off Maritimo 426 Dissatisfaction with Keith's measures 427 Resolves to go to Naples with the squadron 428 Arrival at Naples 428 State of affairs there 429 Nelson's powers as representative of the King of Naples 429 Annuls the existing armistice 430 Capitulation of the castles Uovo and Nuovo 432 Discussion of Nelson's action at this time 432 Justification of his conduct 434 The Caracciolo incident 437 Execution of Caracciolo 439 Discussion of Nelson's action in this case 439 His profound attachment to the royal family of Naples 443 The King establishes his court on board Nelson's flagship 443 Mutual admiration of Nelson and the Hamiltons 444 Castle of St. Elmo capitulates 444 Troubridge sent against Capua 444 Keith orders Nelson to send ships to Minorca 445 Nelson disobeys 446 Keith repeats his orders 447 Nelson again refuses obedience 448 Discussion of this incident 449 The Admiralty censure Nelson 451 Nelson's discontent 452 His complaints of his health 453 LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS. VOLUME ONE. Captain Nelson, in 1781, aged Twenty-two From the painting by J.F. Rigaud, in the possession of Earl Nelson. Captain Maurice Suckling, R.n. From an engraving by William Ridley. Captain William Locker, R.n. From an engraving by H.T. Ryall, after the painting by G. Stuart, at Greenwich Hospital. Admiral, Lord Hood From the painting by L.F. Abbott, in the National Portrait Gallery. Admiral, Sir John Jervis, Earl of St. Vincent From an engraving by H. Robinson, after the painting by John Hoppner, in St. James's Palace. Sir Thomas Troubridge From the painting by Sir William Beechey. Lady Nelson From a photograph by Mr. E. Kelly, of Plymouth, of a miniature in the possession of Mrs. F.H.B. Eccles, of Sherwell House, Plymouth, a great-granddaughter of Lady Nelson. Believed to have been painted about the time of the Battle of the Nile. Rear Admiral, Sir Horatio Nelson in 1798 From the painting by L.F. Abbott, in the National Portrait Gallery. Emma, Lady Hamilton After a painting by G. Romney. Admiral, Lord Keith After the painting by John Hoppner in the possession of the Dowager Marchioness of Lansdowne. MAPS AND BATTLE PLANS. VOLUME ONE. Map of Northern Italy, and Corsica The "Agamemnon" and the "Ça Ira" Partial Fleet Action, March 14, 1795 Battle of Cape St. Vincent, Figures 1 and 2 Battle of Cape St. Vincent, Figure 3 Map of the Mediterranean Map of Coast-line, Alexandria to Rosetta Map of Aboukir Bay Battle of the Nile, First Stage Battle of the Nile, Second Stage CHAPTER I. THE FIRST TWENTY-FIVE YEARS. 1758-1783. It is the appointed lot of some of History's chosen few to come upon the scene at the moment when a great tendency is nearing its crisis and culmination. Specially gifted with qualities needed to realize the fulness of its possibilities, they so identify themselves with it by their deeds that they thenceforth personify to the world the movement which brought them forth, and of which their own achievements are at once the climax and the most dazzling illustration. Fewer still, but happiest of all, viewed from the standpoint of fame, are those whose departure is as well timed as their appearance, who do not survive the instant of perfected success, to linger on subjected to the searching tests of common life, but pass from our ken in a blaze of glory which thenceforth forever encircles their names. In that evening light break away and vanish the ominous clouds wherewith human frailties or tyrant passions had threatened to darken their renown; and their sun goes down with a lustre which the lapse of time is powerless to dim. Such was the privilege of the stainless Wolfe; such, beyond all others, that of Nelson. Rarely has a man been more favored in the hour of his appearing; never one so fortunate in the moment of his death. Yet, however accidental, or providential, this rarely allotted portion, this crowning incident of an heroic career, it is after all but an incident. It the man has not contrived; but to it he has contributed much, without which his passing hour would have faded to memory, undistinguished among those of the myriads, great and small, who have died as nobly and are forever forgotten. A sun has set; but before its setting it has run a course, be it long or short, and has gathered a radiance which fixes upon its parting beams the rapt attention of beholders. The man's self and the man's works, what he was and what he did, the nature which brought forth such fruits, the thoughts which issued in such acts, hopes, fears, desires, quick intuitions, painful struggles, lofty ambitions, happy opportunities, have blended to form that luminous whole, known and seen of all, but not to be understood except by a patient effort to resolve the great result into its several rays, to separate the strands whose twisting has made so strong a cord. Concerning the man's external acts, it will often happen that their true value and significance can best be learned, not from his own personal recital, but from an analytic study of the deeds themselves. Yet into them, too, often enters, not only the subtile working of their author's natural qualities, but also a certain previous history of well-defined opinions, of settled principles firmly held, of trains of thought and reasoning, of intuitions wrought into rational convictions, all of which betray both temperament and character. Of these intellectual antecedents, the existence and development may be gleaned from his writings, confirming the inference reached somewhat mechanically by the scrutiny of his actions. They play to the latter the part of the soul to the body, and thus contribute to the rather anatomical result of the dissecting process a spiritual element it would otherwise lack. But if this is so even of the outward career, it is far more deeply true of the inner history, of that underlying native character, which masterfully moulds and colors every life, yet evades the last analysis except when the obscure workings of heart and mind have been laid bare by their owner's words, recording the feelings of the fleeting hour with no view to future inspection. In these revelations of self, made without thought of the world outside, is to be found, if anywhere, the clue to that complex and often contradictory mingling of qualities which go to form the oneness of the man's personality. This discordance between essential unity and superficial diversities must be harmonized, if a true conception of his being is to be formed. We know the faces of our friends, but we see each as one. The features can, if we will, be separately considered, catalogued, and valued; but who ever thus thinks habitually of one he knows well? Yet to know well must be the aim of biography,—so to present the traits in their totality, without suppression of any, and in their true relative proportions, as to produce, not the blurred or distorted outlines seen through an imperfect lens, but the vivid apprehension which follows long intimacy with its continual, though unconscious, process of correction. For such a treatment of Nelson's character, copious, if imperfect, material is afforded in his extensive and varied correspondence. From it the author aims, first, to draw forth a distinct and living image of the man himself, as sketched therein at random and loosely by his own hand. It is sought to reach the result by keeping the reader in constant contact, as by daily acquaintance, with a personality of mingled weakness and strength, of grave faults as well as of great virtues, but one whose charm was felt in life by all who knew it. The second object, far less ambitious, is to present a clear narrative of the military career, of the mighty deeds of arms, of this first of British seamen, whom the gifts of Nature and the course of History have united to make, in his victories and in their results, the representative figure of the greatest sea-power that the world has known. It will not be thought surprising that we have, of the first thirty years of Nelson's life, no such daily informal record as that which illustrates the comparatively brief but teeming period of his active fighting career, from 1793 to 1805, when he at once, with inevitable directness and singular rapidity, rose to prominence, and established intimate relations with numbers of his contemporaries. A few anecdotes, more or less characteristic, have been preserved concerning his boyhood and youth. In his early manhood we have his own account, both explicit and implied in many casual unpremeditated phrases, of the motives which governed his public conduct in an episode occurring when, scarcely yet more than a youth, he commanded a frigate in the West Indies,—the whole singularly confirmatory, it might better be said prophetic, of the distinguishing qualities afterwards so brilliantly manifested in his maturity. But beyond these, it is only by the closest attention and careful gleaning that can be found, in the defective and discontinuous collection of letters which remains from his first thirty years, the indisputable tokens, in most important particulars, of the man that was to be. The external details of this generally uneventful period can be rapidly summarized. He was born on the 29th of September, 1758, the fifth son and sixth child of Edmund Nelson, then rector of the parish of Burnham Thorpe, in Norfolk, a county which lies along the eastern coast of England, bordering the North Sea. His mother, whose name before marriage was Catherine Suckling, was grandniece to Sir Robert Walpole, the famous prime minister of Great Britain during twenty years of the reigns of the first two Georges. Sir Robert's second brother was called Horatio; and it was from the latter, or from his son, that the future hero took his baptismal name, which, in a more common form, was also that of Sir Robert's younger son, the celebrated letter and memoir writer, Horace Walpole. Of the eleven children borne by Nelson's mother in her eighteen wedded years, only two lived to grow old. She herself died at forty-two; and her brother, Captain Maurice Suckling, of the Royal Navy, was also cut off in the prime of his age. As the earlier Nelsons were unusually long-lived, it seems probable that a certain delicacy of constitution was transmitted through the Sucklings to the generation to which the admiral belonged. He was himself, at various periods through life, a great sufferer, and frequently an invalid; allusions to illness, often of a most prostrating type, and to his susceptibility to the influences of climate or weather, occur repeatedly and at brief intervals throughout his correspondence. This is a factor in his career which should not be lost to mind; for on the one hand it explains in part the fretfulness which at times appears, and on the other brings out with increased force the general kindly sweetness of his temper, which breathed with slight abatement through such depressing conditions. It enhances, too, the strength of purpose that trod bodily weakness under foot, almost unconsciously, at the call of duty or of honor. It is notable, in his letters, that the necessity for exertion, even when involving severe exposure, is apt to be followed, though without apparent recognition of a connection between the two, by the remark that he has not for a long time been so well. He probably experienced, as have others, that it is not the greater hardships of the profession, much less the dangers, but its uncertainties and petty vexations, which tell most severely on a high-strung organization like his own. Captain Maurice Suckling, R.N. The immediate occasion of his going to sea was as follows. In 1770 the Falkland Islands, a desolate and then unimportant group, lying in the South Atlantic, to the eastward of Patagonia, were claimed as a possession by both Spain and Great Britain. The latter had upon them a settlement called Port Egmont, before which, in the year named, an overwhelming Spanish squadron suddenly appeared, and compelled the British occupants to lower their flag. The insult aroused public indignation in England to the highest pitch; and while peremptory demands for reparation were despatched to Spain, a number of ships of war were ordered at once into commission. Among these was the "Raisonnable," of sixty-four guns, to the command of which was appointed Nelson's uncle, Captain Maurice Suckling. The latter had some time before promised to provide for one of his sister's children, the family being very poor; and, the custom of the day permitting naval captains, as a kind of patronage, to take into the King's service on board their own ships a certain number of lads, as midshipmen or otherwise, the opportunity of giving a nephew a start in life was now in his hands. The story is that Horatio, though then but twelve years old, realized the burden of pecuniary care that his father was carrying, and himself volunteered the wish that his uncle would take him to sea. However it happened, the suggestion staggered Suckling, who well knew the lad's puny frame and fragile constitution. "What has poor little Horatio done," cried he, "that he, being so weak, should be sent to rough it at sea? But let him come, and if a cannon- ball takes off his head, he will at least be provided for." Under such gloomy foreboding began the most dazzling career that the sea, the mother of so many heroes, has ever seen.[1] Spain, after a short hesitation, yielded the British demands, so that war did not come, and the "Raisonnable," with other ships, was again put out of commission. The incident of the Falkland Islands, however, had served the purpose of introducing Nelson to his profession, for which otherwise the opportunity might not have offered. Being so young when thus embarked, he, in common with many of the most successful seamen of that day, got scanty schooling; nor did he, as some others did, by after application remedy the eccentricities of style, and even of grammar, which are apt to result from such early neglect. His letters, vigorous and direct as they are, present neither the polished diction of Collingwood, nor the usual even correctness of St. Vincent and Saumarez, but are, on the contrary, constantly disfigured by awkward expressions and bad English. There was rarely, however, danger of mistaking his meaning, as was sometimes charged against Lord Howe. Here, before fairly parting with the humble home life, of which the motherless boy had seen, and was throughout his career to see so little, is a fit place to introduce two anecdotes associated with those early days which his biographers have transmitted to us. We of these critical times have learned to look with incredulity, not always unmixed with derision, upon stories relating to the childhood of distinguished men; but it can safely be said that the two now to be given are in entire keeping, not merely with particular traits, but with the great ruling tenor of Nelson's whole life. He and his elder brother were going to school one winter day upon their ponies. Finding the snow so deep as to delay them seriously, they went back, and the elder reported that they could not get on. The father very judiciously replied: "If that be so, I have of course nothing to say; but I wish you to try again, and I leave it to your honour not to turn back, unless necessary." On the second attempt, the elder was more than once for returning; but Horatio stuck it out, repeating continually, "Remember it was left to our honour," and the difficult journey was accomplished. The children in this instance seem to have felt that there was danger in going on. The other recorded occurrence shows in the lad that indifference to personal benefit, as distinguished from the sense of conspicuous achievement, which was ever a prominent characteristic of the man. The master of his school had a very fine pear-tree, whose fruit the boys coveted, but upon which none dared hazard an attempt. At last Nelson, who did not share their desires, undertook the risk, climbed the tree by night, and carried off the pears, but refused to eat any of them,—saying that he had taken them only because the others were afraid. Trivial though these incidents may seem, they are so merely because they belong to the day of small things. To those accustomed to watch children, they will not appear unworthy of note. Taken together, they illustrate, as really as do his greatest deeds, the two forms assumed at different times by the one incentive which always most powerfully determined Nelson's action through life,—the motive to which an appeal was never made in vain. No material considerations, neither danger on the one hand, nor gain on the other, ever affected him as did that idealized conception which presented itself, now as duty, now as honor, according as it bore for the moment upon his relations to the state or to his own personality. "In my mind's eye," said he to his friend Captain Hardy, who afterwards bent over him as his spirit was parting amid the tumult of his last victory, "I ever saw a radiant orb suspended which beckoned me onward to renown." Nelson did not often verge upon the poetical in words, but to the poetry of lofty aspiration his inmost being always answered true. To the young naval officer of a century ago, especially if without political or social influence, it was a weighty advantage to be attached to some one commanding officer in active employment, who by favorable opportunity or through professional friendships could push the fortunes of those in whom he was interested. Much of the promotion was then in the hands of the admirals on foreign stations; and this local power to reward distinguished service, though liable to abuse in many ways, conduced greatly to stimulate the zeal and efforts of officers who felt themselves immediately under the eye of one who could make or mar their future. Each naval captain, also, could in his degree affect more or less the prospects of those dependent upon him. Thus Suckling, though not going to sea himself, continued with intelligent solicitude his promised care of the young Nelson. When the "Raisonnable" was paid off, he was transferred to the command of the "Triumph," of seventy-four guns, stationed as guard-ship in the river Medway; and to her also he took with him his nephew, who was borne upon her books for the two following years, which were, however, far from being a period of inactive harbor life. Having considerable professional interest, he saw to the lad's being kept afloat, and obtained for him from time to time such service as seemed most desirable to his enterprising spirit. The distinction between the merchant seaman and the man-of-war's man, or even the naval officer, in those days of sailing ships and simple weapons was much less sharply marked than it has since become. Skill in seamanship, from the use of the marlinespike and the sail-needle up to the full equipping of a ship and the handling of her under canvas, was in either service the prime essential. In both alike, cannon and small arms were carried; and the ship's company, in the peaceful trader as well as in the ship of war, expected to repel force with force, when meeting upon equal terms. With a reduced number of naval vessels in commission, and their quarter-decks consequently over-crowded with young officers, a youth was more likely to find on board them a life of untasked idleness than a call to professional occupation and improvement. Nelson therefore was sent by his careful guardian to a merchant-ship trading to the West Indies, to learn upon her, as a foremast hand, the elements of his profession, under conditions which, from the comparative fewness of the crew and the activity of the life, would tend to develop his powers most rapidly. In this vessel he imbibed, along with nautical knowledge, the prejudice which has usually existed, more or less, in the merchant marine against the naval service, due probably to the more rigorous exactions and longer terms of enlistment in the latter, although the life in other respects is one of less hardship; but in Nelson's day the feeling had been intensified by the practice of impressment, and by the severe, almost brutal discipline that obtained on board some ships of war, through the arbitrary use of their powers by captains, then insufficiently controlled by law. In this cruise he seems to have spent a little over a year; a time, however, that was not lost to him for the accomplishment of the period of service technically required to qualify as a lieutenant, his name continuing throughout on the books of the "Triumph," to which he returned in July, 1772. Suckling's care next insured for him a continuance of active, semi-detached duty, in the boats of the "Triumph,"—an employment very different from, and more responsible than, that in which he had recently been occupied, and particularly calculated to develop in so apt a nature the fearlessness of responsibility, both professional and personal, that was among the most prominent features of Nelson's character. "The test of a man's courage is responsibility," said that great admiral and shrewd judge of men, the Earl of St. Vincent, after a long and varied experience of naval officers; and none ever shone more brightly under this supreme proof than the lad whose career is now opening before us. It may be interesting, too, to note that this condition of more or less detached service, so early begun, in which, though not in chief command, he held an authority temporarily independent, and was immediately answerable for all that happened on the spot, was the singular characteristic of most of his brilliant course, during which, until 1803, two years before Trafalgar, he was only for brief periods commander-in-chief, yet almost always acted apart from his superior. Many a man, gallant, fearless, and capable, within signal distance of his admiral, has, when out of sight of the flag, succumbed with feeble knees to the burden of independent responsible action, though not beyond his professional powers. This strength, like all Nature's best gifts, is inborn; yet, both for the happy possessor and for the merely average man, it is susceptible of high development only by being early exercised, which was the good fortune of Nelson. Of these two years of somewhat irregular service, while nominally attached to the "Triumph," it will be well to give the account in his own words; for, having been written a full quarter of a century later, they record the deepest and most lasting impressions made upon him during that susceptible period when first becoming familiar with the calling he was to adorn:— "The business with Spain being accommodated, I was sent in a West India ship belonging to the house of Hibbert, Purrier, and Horton, with Mr. John Rathbone, who had formerly been in the Navy, in the Dreadnought with Captain Suckling. From this voyage I returned to the Triumph at Chatham in July, 1772; and, if I did not improve in my education, I returned a practical Seaman, with a horror of the Royal Navy, and with a saying, then constant with the Seamen, 'Aft the most honour, forward the better man!' It was many weeks before I got the least reconciled to a Man-of-War, so deep was the prejudice rooted; and what pains were taken to instil this erroneous principle in a young mind! However, as my ambition was to be a Seaman, it was always held out as a reward, that if I attended well to my navigation, I should go in the cutter and decked long-boat, which was attached to the Commanding officer's ship at Chatham. Thus by degrees I became a good pilot, for vessels of that description, from Chatham to the Tower of London, down the Swin, and the North Foreland; and confident of myself amongst rocks and sands, which has many times since been of great comfort to me. In this way I was trained, till the expedition towards the North Pole was fitted out; when, although no boys were allowed to go in the Ships, (as of no use,) yet nothing could prevent my using every interest to go with Captain Lutwidge in the Carcass; and, as I fancied I was to fill a man's place, I begged I might be his cockswain; which, finding my ardent desire for going with him, Captain Lutwidge complied with, and has continued the strictest friendship to this moment. Lord Mulgrave, whom I then first knew, maintained his kindest friendship and regard to the last moment of his life. When the boats were fitting out to quit the two Ships blocked up in the ice, I exerted myself to have the command of a four-oared cutter raised upon, which was given me, with twelve men; and I prided myself in fancying I could navigate her better than any other boat in the Ship." It will be recognized from this brief yet suggestive and characteristic narrative, that, however valuable and even indispensable may have been his uncle's ass...