Note 55 — VI. THE GREAT FRENCH WAR.

He, at the same time, sent a private message to Nelson that if he wished to continue, he was at liberty to do so. The telescope to his blind eye was merely a little jest on Nelson’s part, and in no way disobedience of orders. Parker’s whole object in making the signal to withdraw was to intimate to Nelson that if he deemed himself defeated, he (Parker) would accept responsibility.