man to have noticed any little
inaccuracies which might get into a commander-in-chiefs public letter.

For the battle of Copenhagen Nelson was raised to the rank of
viscount--an inadequate mark of reward for services so splendid, and
of such paramount importance to the dearest interests of England. There
was, however, some prudence in dealing out honours to him step by step:
had he lived long enough, he would have fought his way up to a dukedom.

CHAPTER VIII

1801 - 1805

Sir Hyde Parker is recalled and Nelson appointed Commander--He goes to
Revel--Settlement of Affairs in the Baltic--Unsuccessful Attempt upon
the Flotilla at Boulogne--Peace of Amiens--Nelson takes Command in
the Mediterranean on the Renewal of the War--Escape of the Toulon
Fleet--Nelson chases them to the West Indies and back--Delivers up his
Squadron to Admiral Cornwallis and lands in England.

WHEN Nelson informed Earl St. Vincent that the armistice had been
concluded, he told him also, without reserve, his own discontent at the
dilatoriness and indecision which he witnessed, and could not remedy.
"No man," said he, "but those who are on the spot, can tell what I have
gone through, and do suffer. I make no scruple in saying, that I would
have been at Revel fourteen days ago! that, without this armistice, the
fleet would never have gone, but by order of the Admiralty; and with it,
I daresay, we shall not go this week. I wanted Sir Hyde to let me, at
least, go and cruise off Carlscrona, to prevent the Revel ships from
getting in. I said I would not go to Revel to take any of those laurels
which I was sure he would reap there. Think for me, my dear lord: and if
I have deserved well, let me return; if ill, for Heaven's sake supersede
me, for I cannot exist in this state."

Fatigue, incessant anxiety, and a climate little suited to one of a
tender constitution, which had now for many years been accustomed to
more genial latitudes, made him at this time seriously determine
upon returning home. "If the northern business were not settled," he
said, "they must send more admirals; for the keen air of the north had
cut him to the heart." He felt the want of activity and decision in
the commander-in-chief more keenly; and this affected his spirits, and,
consequently, his health, more than the inclemency of the Baltic. Soon
after the armistice was signed, Sir Hyde proceeded to the eastward with
such ships as were fit for service, leaving Nelson to