unced
to be the greatest on record.

[15] See Clarke and M'Arthur's Life of Nelson, vol. ii. p. 119.

On the 3rd of August, when Sir James returned from the Vanguard, the
captains were assembled on board the Orion. He proposed the following
resolution, which was agreed to unanimously:

The captains of the squadron under the orders of Rear-admiral
Sir Horatio Nelson, K.B. desirous of testifying the high sense
they entertain of his prompt decision and intrepid conduct in
the attack of the French fleet in Bequir Road, off the Nile,
August 1st, 1798, request his acceptance of a sword; and, as a
further proof of their esteem and regard, hope that he will
permit his portrait to be taken, and hung up in the room
belonging to the Egyptian club now established, in commemoration
of that glorious day.

To which Sir Horatio returned the following answer:

GENTLEMEN,

I feel most sensibly the very distinguished honour you have
conferred upon me by your address this day. My prompt decision
was the natural consequence of having such captains under my
command; and I thank God I can say that in the battle the
conduct of every officer was equal.

I accept as a particular mark of your esteem the sword you have
done me the honour to offer; and I will direct my picture to be
painted the first opportunity for the purpose you mention.

I have the honour to be, gentlemen,
with the highest respect,
Your most obliged,
HORATIO NELSON.

We shall conclude this chapter with the extract of a letter written to
Lady Saumarez by Sir James, which we have no doubt will be perused
with much interest:

Thursday, 2nd August 1798.

Happy am I in being enabled, through the mercy of Divine
Providence, to acquaint you with our having obtained the most
glorious and complete victory ever yet recorded in the annals of
the world.

Yesterday afternoon we discovered the enemy's fleet at anchor a
short distance from Alexandria. Although our squadron was not
collected,--the Alexander and Swiftsure being at a considerable
distance from having been detached to reconnoitre the port, and
the Culloden a great way off from having had a prize in
tow,--Sir Horatio deemed it of such importance to make an
immediate attack on the enemy, that he made sail for them
without waiting for those ships.

At sunset the action began upon the van and centre of t