Volume 1 — 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