Chapter X: The Campaign and Battle of the Nile

MAY-SEPTEMBER, 1798.

Changed political conditions in Europe, 1798 The British Cabinet decides to take the offensive The quarter in which to strike determined by the Toulon armament Orders issued to St. Vincent Preference for Nelson indicated by Government Nelson's flagship, the "Vanguard," dismasted at sea Indications of character elicited by the accident He is joined by ten ships-of-the-line, raising his squadron to thirteen Pursuit of the expedition under Bonaparte Nelson's fixedness of purpose Attitude of Naples Perplexities of the pursuit The light of the single eye Embarrassment from the want of frigates Squadron reaches Alexandria before the French Renewed perplexity Nelson returns to the westward Anchors at Syracuse Again goes east in search of the French The French fleet discovered at anchor in Aboukir Bay Prompt resolution to attack Disposition of the French fleet for battle Steadiness and caution of Nelson's advance The Battle of the Nile Nelson severely wounded The French flagship blows up Nelson's dissatisfaction with the results His orders after the battle Subsequent measures Effect of the news in Great Britain Nelson's rewards Reception of the news in Europe generally Nelson's concern about Troubridge Immediate effect of the victory upon the French in Egypt Nelson ordered with his fleet to the westward Sails for Naples

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 Recovery from wound His views as to future operations Change of view after reaching Naples Arrival at Naples Meeting with the Hamiltons Previous career of Lady Hamilton Her political influence in Naples Her characteristics Her influence over Nelson Rapid progress of the intimacy His association with the Court He urges Naples to declare war against France Political situation of Naples relatively to France Nelson goes off Malta Returns to Naples Neapolitans advance against the French in Rome Their overthrow and rout The royal family and Court fly to Palermo Nelson in Palermo Scandals about his residence there Troubridge's remonstrances with him

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 Nelson's distress and comments The Sidney Smith mission Nelson's indignation Modification of Smith's orders Nelson's diplomatic capacity Jealousy of Russian progress in the Mediterranean His expectations of Russian assistance Precautions against Russians in Malta His poor opinion of the Neapolitan troops Difficulties with the Barbary States Nelson's dealings with them His hatred of the French Deep depression of spirits Fears for Sicily French reverses in Germany and Italy British and Neapolitan successes about Naples The French evacuate the kingdom of Naples News of the approach of the French fleet under Bruix