Chapter XX

THE ESCAPE AND PURSUIT OF THE TOULON FLEET.--NELSON'S RETURN TO ENGLAND.

JANUARY-AUGUST, 1805.

Object of Napoleon's combinations in 1805 Details of his plan Nelson's share in thwarting it The difficulties of one dealing with Napoleon Nelson's guiding principle The sailing of the Toulon fleet Nelson's movements and perplexities Goes to Alexandria Returns to Gulf of Palmas, Sardinia British disasters in Western Mediterranean Characteristic letter of Nelson in behalf of an officer Explanations to the Admiralty about his own course Makes a round off Toulon and Barcelona to deceive the enemy Returns to the Gulf of Palmas The Toulon fleet sails again Its movements and those of Nelson Distress and misfortunes of the latter Learns that the French fleet has passed the Straits Thoroughness and sagacity of his measures Continued head winds and distress of mind The excitement in London Gloom at the Admiralty Nelson's constancy against bad fortune Hears that the French and Spaniards are gone to the West Indies Determines to follow them there Sails in pursuit Incidents of the voyage Arrives in Barbadoes Misled by false information Rapid measures to retrieve the mis-step Infers that the enemy have returned to Europe He starts back immediately for Gibraltar His judgments rapid, but not precipitate Strength of his convictions Relief from the anxiety previously felt Movements of the allies and of Nelson Precautions of the latter His own explanation of his reasons Discussion of this utterance Indecisive engagement between the allies and Sir Robert Calder Alarm in London at the failure of the latter Nelson's protracted pursuit and mental depression Reaches the Straits again Appreciation of his action by others Exchange of views between Nelson and Collingwood Movements of Villeneuve, Calder, and Nelson Nelson's arrival in Gibraltar Subsequent rapid movements Learns the news brought by the "Curieux" Starts at once for the northward Joins the Channel Fleet off Ushant Leaves his squadron with Cornwallis, and proceeds to England Anchors at Spithead His sympathy with Calder Tenacity of his opinions

CHAPTER XXI.

NELSON'S LAST STAY IN ENGLAND.

AUGUST 19--SEPTEMBER 15, 1805.

Nelson hauls down his flag and goes to Merton Interviews with the Admiralty His one meeting with Wellington Interview with Lord Castlereagh Popular demonstrations of affection Home life at Merton Presentiments Intimations of early summons into service News arrives that the combined fleets are in Cadiz Determination of the British Government Nelson's opinion on the License System His services requested by the Government Lady Hamilton's part in his decision It is settled that he return to the Mediterranean His health and spirits His insistence upon the need for numbers Final departure from home Flag re-hoisted on board the "Victory" Anecdote of Nelson and the gypsy

CHAPTER XXII.

THE ANTECEDENTS OF TRAFALGAR.

SEPTEMBER--OCTOBER 19, 1805.

Popular demonstrations when Nelson embarked The passage to Cadiz Precautions to deceive the enemy His reception by the officers of the fleet The "Plan of Attack" of May, 1805 The "Nelson Touch" Discussion and comparison of these two papers Comparison between the second and the Battle of Trafalgar, as fought Nelson and Sir Robert Calder Nelson's concession to Calder, and his own comments upon it His disposition of the fleet before Cadiz His fear lest the enemy should evade him Growing presentiments, and cheerful calmness Anecdote showing his considerateness Necessity for sending away a detachment Numbers of the British, and of the allies in Cadiz Nelson's general intentions, made known to his subordinates The enemy begins to leave Cadiz