the first time with line-of-battle ships, working through the channel
against adverse winds. When Nelson left the fleet, this speedy
termination of the expedition, though confidently expected, was not
certain; and he, in his unwillingness to weaken the British force,
thought at one time of traversing Jutland in his boat, by the canal
to Tonningen on the Eyder and finding his way home from thence. This
intention was not executed; but he returned in a brig, declining to
accept a frigate, which few admirals would have done, especially if,
like him, they suffered from sea-sickness in a small vessel. On his
arrival at Yarmouth, the first thing he did was to visit the hospital
and see the men who had been wounded in the late battle--that victory
which had added new glory to the name of Nelson, and which was of more
importance even than the battle of the Nile to the honour, the strength,
and security of England.

The feelings of Nelson's friends, upon the news of his great victory at
Copenhagen, were highly described by Sir William Hamilton in a letter to
him. "We can only expect," he says, "what me know well, and often said
before, that Nelson WAS, IS, and to the LAST WILL EVER BE, THE FIRST.
Emma did not know whether she was on her head or heels--in such a hurry
to tell your great news, that she could utter nothing but tears of joy
and tenderness. I went to Davison, and found him still in bed, having
had a severe fit of the gout, and with your letter, which he had just
received; and he cried like a child; but, what was very extraordinary,
assured me that, from the instant he had read your letter, all pain had
left him, and that he felt himself able to get up and walk about. Your
brother, Mrs. Nelson, and Horace dined with us. Your brother was more
extraordinary than ever. He would get up suddenly and cut a caper,
rubbing his hands every time that the thought of your fresh laurels came
into his head. But I am sure that no one really rejoiced more at heart
than I did. I have lived too long to have ecstasies! But with calm
reflection, I felt for my friend having got to the very summit of glory!
the NE PLUS ULTRA! that he has had another opportunity of rendering his
country the most important service, and manifesting again his judgment,
his intrepidity, and his humanity."

He had not been many weeks on shore before he was called upon to
undertake a service, for which no Nelson was required. Buonaparte, who
was now first consul