CHAPTER V. Nelson, reappointed to command the Mediterranean fleet, sails in the Victory-Arrives off Cape St. Mary's-Arrangements-Departure of Rear-admiral Louis and five sail of the line for Gibraltar-Junction of five others from England-Sir Robert Calder parts company for England-The combined fleets in Cadiz appear to be coming out-Preparations to receive them-The British fleet steers for the Straits of Gibraltar-Last interview between Nelson and Collingwood-The 21st of October-Forces of the contending fleets-Error which induced Villeneuve to sail-Nelson's order of attack-His appearance on deck, dress, and decorations- Prayer- Preparatory arrangements-The immortal signal, "England expects," &c.-The combined fleet veer at a quarter before eight o'clock-The action begins by the Royal Sovereign-Slaughter on board the leading ships Victory and Téméraire on board the Redoutable and Fougueux-Advantage of small arms in tops rejected by Nelson-He falls wounded-His orders-Last moments and death-His character-Anecdotes - Redoutable is taken-View of the conduct of Collingwood in the Royal SovereignDestructive fire on the Santa Anna-She surrenders-The battle ends with a great victory-Nineteen sail of the line taken-Dumanoir escapes with four sail of the line-Gravina runs with the remainder of the fleet into Cadiz-Villeneuve made prisoner-Reflections on his conduct by French writers-Observations on his death made by Bonaparte Gross falsehoods and publications in French journals-Official and correct statements by Admiral Collingwood-His public lettersList of killed and wounded-Names of flag-officers of the enemyAnecdotes relative to the action and its succeeding events-Sequel to the battle of Trafalgar-Distinguished conduct of Captain Malcolm of the Donegal-Capture of El Rayo-Situation of Admiral Collingwood -Extract from Gibraltar Chronicle-Sinking of the Santissima Trinidad Junction of Admiral Louis's squadron-Loss of the Donegal's officers and men in the Rayo-Conduct of Admiral Alava-Collingwood's letter to him-Letter of Captain Hallowell to Captain Infernet -The Victory joins the fleet and proceeds to Spithead-Funeral of Nelson-Honours and rewards to Collingwood and his officers-Grant of money in compensation for prizes-Patriotic fund-Capture of Dumanoir and his squadron by Sir Richard Strachan-ParticularsPublic letters, and official returns. SCARCELY had Nelson paid his respects to his Sovereign and the Admiralty, and had the satisfaction of hearing a general and unanimous approval of his conduct in pursuing his enemy to the West Indies, when he was roused from his retirement at Merton, in Surrey,* to take the command of the fleet. Early The house which he occupied stood on the left hand going from London to Leatherhead; it was taken down about 15 years ago. in September, Captain Blackwood, on his way from Portsmouth to London, called and informed him that Villeneuve, having refitted his fleet at Vigo and Ferrol, had arrived safe at Cadiz. No time was lost and no entreaties were required to induce the hero to accept of the important command. The Victory was again prepared for him, and he departed for Portsmouth. The coffin, which had been given to him by Captain Hallowell, was sent down and put on board with the rest of his luggage; from which it has been inferred he had a presentiment that his great career was drawing to its termination, and resolved that the last act of his life should be worthy of his former deeds, and carry the fame of his country to the highest pinnacle of naval glory. He reached Portsmouth early in the morning of the 14th of September, and, according to Mr. Southey, crowds of people pressed round the hero to take a farewell look, shedding tears at his departure, as if conscious that he was never to return. In this part of the history I am indebted to the valuable narrative of Dr. Beatty for much important information. Lord Nelson sailed from St. Helen's on the 15th of September. On the 18th he appeared off Plymouth, whence, being joined by the Ajax and Thunderer, he proceeded on his voyage. 27th he made Cape St. Vincent, and sent Blackwood ahead in the Euryalus, who had accompanied him from Portsmouth, with another letter to Admiral Collingwood, announcing his approach. MY DEAR COLL., Victory, Sept. 25, 1805. I sent your letters, which I knew Lord Barham intended to have sent you, by a cutter from Plymouth, as he desired me. I sat down at the Admiralty and wrote you a line, which Captain Lechmere has returned to me, and I send it with the others from the Thunderer by Euryalus; also I send forward to announce my approach, and I request that if you are in sight of Cadiz, that not only no salute may take place, but also that no colours may be hoisted; for it is as well not to proclaim to the enemy every ship which may join the fleet. I fell in with Decade on the 20th, 27 leagues S. W. from Scilly; it blew then very strong at S. W. I saw Captain Stewart for a moment. Sir Richard Bickerton was far from well. I shall of course send to Gibraltar as soon as possible after my joining. If Euryalus joins before I am in sight, I wish you would make something look out for us towards Cape St. Vincent, which I shall endeavour to make if the wind is to the northward of west. I would not have any salute, even if out of sight of land. I am ever, my dear Coll., your faithful friend, AND PROCEEDS OFF CADIZ. 57 His fleet, including the three ships which he had brought with him, amounted to 27 sail of the line. He joined on the 29th, off Cape St. Mary's. The blockade of Cadiz, which had been begun by Sir John Jervis in 1797, had no intermission from that time till the peace of Amiens, and on the renewal of the war it was recommenced with all its former rigour. The fleet was distant from the town about 15 miles; the combined fleets within the harbour, and the British in-shore squadron, under the command of Rear-admiral Louis, closely watching their movements, and reporting every indication of their disposition to come to sea. The Euryalus and Hydra were at the mouth of the harbour, for the purpose of intercepting any supply of provisions for the enemy. Nelson said he knew no more certain means of bringing them out than starvation. Having completed these arrangements, the admiral retired with the body of the fleet to the neighbourhood of Cape St. Mary's, between 50 and 60 miles west of Cadiz, establishing a line of communication between himself and his advanced squadron, by means of three or four intermediate ships. By keeping at this distance from Cadiz Nelson prevented the enemy from acquiring any accurate knowledge of his force, and ensured good sea-room in the event of a strong westerly gale. MY DEAR COLL., Victory, Oct. 9, 1805. 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 coufidence 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 papers of the 23d, send them to Blackwood, MY DEAR COLL., Victory, Oct. 10, 1805. You will receive the commission and order as you desired. I think we are near enough for the weather if it is fine. If we are in sight |