n a short but
brilliant and well-filled life, a series of naval exploits unexampled in
any age of the world. None of the sons of Fame ever possessed greater
zeal to promote the honour and interest of his King and Country; none
ever served them with more devotedness and glory, or with more
successful and important results. His character will for ever cast a
lustre over the annals of this nation, to whose enemies his very name
was a terror. In the battle off CAPE ST. VINCENT, though then in the
subordinate station of a Captain, his unprecedented personal prowess
will long be recorded with admiration among his profession. The shores
of ABOUKIR and COPENHAGEN subsequently witnessed those stupendous
achievements which struck the whole civilized world with astonishment.
Still these were only preludes to the BATTLE OF TRAFALGAR: in which he
shone with a majesty of dignity as far surpassing even his own former
renown, as that renown had already exceeded every thing else to be found
in the pages of naval history; the transcendantly brightest star in a
galaxy of heroes. His splendid example will operate as an everlasting
impulse to the enterprising genius of the British Navy.[18]

From the time of HIS LORDSHIP'S being wounded till his death, a period
of about two hours and forty-five minutes elapsed; but a knowledge of
the decisive victory which was gained, he acquired of Captain HARDY
within the first hour-and-a-quarter of this period. A partial cannonade,
however, was still maintained, in consequence of the Enemy's running
ships passing the British at different points; and the last distant
guns which were fired at their van ships that were making off, were
heard a minute or two before His LORDSHIP expired.

A steady and continued fire was kept up b; the Victory's starboard guns
on the Redoutable, for about fifteen minutes after Lord NELSON was
wounded; in which short period Captain ADAIR and about eighteen Seamen
and Marines were killed, and Lieutenant BLIGH, Mr. PALMER Midshipman,
and twenty Seamen and Marines, wounded, by the Enemy's musketry alone.
The Redoutable had been on fire twice, in her fore-chains and on her
forecastle: she had likewise succeeded in throwing a few hand-grenades
into the Victory, which set fire to some ropes and canvas on the booms.
The cry of "Fire!" was now circulated throughout the ship, and even
reached the cockpit, without producing the degree of sensation which
might be expected on such an awfu