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If the Admirals courted war like a mistress; if, as the drum beat to quarters, the sailors came gaily out of the forecastle, it is because a fight is a period of multiplied and intense experiences, and, by Nelson's computation, worth "thousands" to any one who has a heart under his jacket.
Having regard to the decisive effect exercised upon any strategic position, or movement, by a valid threat against the communications, considering, for example, the vital influence which the French occupation of Genoa in 1800 had upon the campaign which terminated at Marengo, it is impossible to speak otherwise than with respect of this proposal of Nelson's.
Boats reach the sea from thence in a day and a-half; but their navigation back, even when unladen, is the labour of nine days. The English appeared before it on the 11th, two days after they had taken San Bartolomeo. Nelson's advice was, that it should instantly be carried by assault; but Nelson was not the commander; and it was thought proper to observe all the formalities of a siege.
"Here, put me aboard that dry dock, will you? Hustle! the thing's gathering way!" "A little late," observed a voice at the newcomer's elbow. "Yes, I hung around London Tower trying to see the crown jewels, then I broke for St. Paul's for a glimpse of Nelson's Monument, then I ran down to Marshalsea, where Little Dorrit's father make haste there, you slowpoke water-rat!
In the circumstances the close form was too weak or exhausting for him to use with the force at his disposal. If this case be not considered conclusive as to Nelson's views, we have a perfectly clear endorsement from his pen in 1801. It is a particularly strong testimony, for he was at the time actually charged with defence against the invasion of England.
Now the British fleet had come, in force adequate to neutralize the French Navy, and, in Nelson's belief, to defeat and destroy it, if properly supported. Did Naples expect to escape by a timid adherence to half measures, when by her notorious preference for the British she had already gained the ill-will of the French?
Fischer, the Danish commander, had had to shift his flag twice, at the second time to the Trekroner, and all the ships south of that battery had either ceased fire or were practically helpless. The Trekroner, however, was still unsubdued and rendered it impossible for Nelson's squadron to retire, in the only direction which the wind would allow, without severe loss.
"I am glad you feel satisfied with the doctor," answered Mr. Everett, looking squarely into the face of his irate relative. "He is doubtless a good man; but my wife was a member of Mr. Nelson's church, and her children have always been accustomed to going there, so I think they would better continue.
I reckoned that ten thousand of our men were dead, wounded, or prisoners, and that the enemy's loss could not be much less. Buell said that Nelson's, McCook's, and Crittendens divisions of his army, containing eighteen thousand men, had arrived and could cross over in the night, and be ready for the next day's battle. I argued that with these reenforcements we could sweep the field.
That danger was now averted by the financial coup just noticed an affair which may prove to have been scarcely less important in a political sense than Nelson's victory at the Nile.
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