o met him for the first
time three weeks before Trafalgar, and who fell in the battle, wrote
to his wife in almost the same words as Lady Hughes: "You ask me about
Lord Nelson, and how I like him. I have already answered that question
as every person must do that ever served under him. He is so good and
pleasant a man, that we all wish to do what he likes, without any kind
of orders. I have been myself very lucky with most of my admirals, but
I really think the present the pleasantest I have met with." There do,
it is true, occur in Nelson's letters occasional, though very rare,
expressions of that passing annoyance with individuals which is
inseparable from the close and long-continued contact of ship life.
Thus, shortly before leaving the "Boreas," he writes: "I begin to be
very strict in my Ship. Whenever I may set off in another, I shall be
indifferent whether I ever speak to an Officer in her, but upon duty."
One wonders what passing and soon forgotten breeze, was responsible
for this most un-Nelson-like outburst. But to the end it remained true
that between the officers and crews under Nelson's command and their
chief, there was always that cordial regard which can only spring from
the hearty sympathy of the commander with those beneath him.

While thoughtful and considerate, even to gentleness, for the weak and
dependent, the singular energy that quickened Nelson's frail and puny
frame showed itself on occasion in instant resentment of any official
slight to himself or his ship, or injury to the interests of the
country. During the "Boreas's" stay at Madeira, the British Consul
neglected to return his visit, on the plea that the Government allowed
him no boat. Nelson declined any further intercourse with him. While
lying in the Downs, he learns that sixteen British seamen are detained
by force on board a Dutch Indiaman. He requires their delivery to him;
and when their effects were withheld, on the alleged ground of their
being in debt to the ship, he stops all intercourse between it and the
shore, sending an armed cutter to enforce his order. "The Admiralty,"
he wrote, "have fortunately approved my conduct in the business," and
added grimly, "a thing they are not very guilty of where there is a
likelihood of a scrape." When entering the harbor of Fort Royal,
Martinique, the principal French island in the Lesser Antilles, the
officer at the citadel neglected to hoist the colors, a ceremonial
observance customary