iousness of power; and we also know
it now, for Aboukir and Trafalgar have told it.

The CA IRA and CENSEUR probably defended themselves with more obstinacy
in this action, from a persuasion that, if they struck, no quarter
would be given; because they had fired red-hot shot, and had also a
preparation sent, as they said, by the convention from Paris, which
seems to have been of the nature of the Greek fire; for it became liquid
when it was discharged, and water would not extinguish its flames. This
combustible was concealed with great care in the captured ships; like
the red-hot shot, it had been found useless in battle. Admiral Hotham's
action saved Corsica for the time; but the victory had been incomplete,
and the arrival at Toulon of six sail of the line, two frigates, and two
cutters from Brest, gave the French a superiority which, had they
known how to use it, would materially have endangered the British
Mediterranean fleet. That fleet had been greatly neglected at the
Admiralty during Lord Chatham's administration: and it did not, for some
time, feel the beneficial effect of his removal. Lord Hood had gone
home to represent the real state of affairs, and solicit reinforcements
adequate to the exigencies of the time, and the importance of the scene
of action. But that fatal error of under-proportioning the force to the
service; that ruinous economy, which, by sparing a little, renders all
that is spent useless, infected the British councils; and Lord Hood,
not being able to obtain such reinforcements as he knew were necessary,
resigned the command. "Surely," said Nelson, "the people at home have
forgotten us." Another Neapolitan seventy-four joined Admiral Hotham,
and Nelson observed with sorrow that this was matter of exultation to
an English fleet. When the store-ships and victuallers from Gibraltar
arrived, their escape from the enemy was thought wonderful; and yet, had
they not escaped, "the game," said Nelson, "was up here. At this moment
our operations are at a stand for want of ships to support the Austrians
in getting possession of the sea-coast of the king of Sardinia; and
behold our admiral does not feel himself equal to show himself, much
less to give assistance in their operations." It was reported that
the French were again out with 18 or 20 sail. The combined British and
Neapolitan were but sixteen; should the enemy be only eighteen, Nelson
made no doubt of a complete victory; but if they were twenty,