THE DISPATCHES AND LETTERS OF VICE ADMIRAL LORD VISCOUNT NELSON, WITH NOTES BY SIR NICHOLAS HARRIS NICOLAS, G.C.M.G. "The Nation expected, and was entitled to expect, that while Cities vied with each other THE FIRST VOLUME 1777 TO 1794. LONDON: HENRY COLBURN, PUBLISHER, GREAT MARLBOROUGH STREET. MDCCCXLIV. ΤΟ HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS FRANCIS ALBERT AUGUSTUS CHARLES EMMANUEL, DUKE OF SAXONY, PRINCE OF SAXE COBURG AND GOTHA, THIS WORK IS, WITH HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS' GRACIOUS PERMISSION, MOST RESPECTFULLY DEDICATED BY HIS MOST FAITHFUL MOST OBEDIENT AND MOST HUMBLE SERVANT, NICHOLAS HARRIS NICOLAS. PREFACE. THIRTY-NINE years have elapsed since the greatest of all the Heroes that adorn the Naval History of Britain closed a career of unprecedented triumphs, by a death which consummated his own glory, and rendered him, for ever, a paramount object of National pride, gratitude, and affection. But though no language can adequately describe the effect of his transcendant services upon his Country, upon Europe, and indeed upon the whole civilized World, England is still more largely indebted to NELSON than even for his exploits. She owes to him a Name synonymous with Victory, which, with almost talismanic power, inspires her Sons in the day of battle with a confidence that ensures success; and She is indebted to him for an Example to ages yet unborn, of the most ardent loyalty, the most genuine patriotism, the most conscientious sense of duty to his Sovereign and his Country, and of the highest professional skill, combined with the most generous disposition, the kindest heart, and the noblest aspirations, that ever graced a Public Man. |