For the portrait of Mrs. Philip Ward, the "Horatia" whom Nelson called generally his adopted daughter, but at times spoke of as his daughter simply, and whom, on the last morning of his life, he commended to the care of his Country, the author has to thank Mr. and Mrs. Nelson Ward, of 15 Lancaster Road, Belsize Park, London. Mr. Nelson Ward is her son.

To the more usual sources of information already in print, it is not necessary to refer in detail; but it is right to mention especially the collection of Hamilton and Nelson letters, published by Mr. Alfred Morrison, a copy of which by his polite attention was sent the writer, and upon which must necessarily be based such account of Nelson's relations with Lady Hamilton as, unfortunately, cannot be omitted wholly from a life so profoundly affected by them.

A.T. MAHAN.

MARCH, 1897.

CONTENTS OF VOL. I.

[LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS.]
[MAPS AND BATTLE PLANS.]
[CHAPTER I.]
THE FIRST TWENTY-FIVE YEARS.
Distinction of Nelson's career[1]
His extensive and varied correspondence[3]
Parentage and birth[4]
Delicacy of constitution[5]
First entry in the Navy[5]
Anecdotes of childhood[7]
Cared for by his uncle, Captain Maurice Suckling[9]
Serves in a West India merchantman[10]
Expedition to the Arctic Sea[12]
Cruise to the East Indies[14]
Acting lieutenant in the Channel Fleet[15]
Promoted lieutenant in the "Lowestoffe"[16]
Goes to the West Indies[17]
Incidents of service[18]
Transferred to the flagship "Bristol"[20]
Promoted to Commander and to Post-Captain[21]
Personal appearance, 1780[22]
Youth when promoted[23]
Scanty opportunities for war service[24]
The Nicaragua Expedition[26]
Health breaks down[30]
Returns to England[31]
Appointed to the "Albemarle"[31]
Short trip to the Baltic[33]
Goes to the North American Station[35]
At New York, and transferred to the West Indies[37]
Personal appearance, 1782[39]
Sentiments concerning honor and money[40]
Returns to England and goes on half-pay[41]
Visit to France[42]
Unsuccessful courtship[43]
[CHAPTER II.]
CRUISE OF THE "BOREAS."—CONTROVERSY OVER THE ENFORCEMENT OF THE NAVIGATION ACT.—RETURN TO ENGLAND.—RETIREMENT UNTIL THE OUTBREAK OF THE FRENCH REVOLUTION.—APPOINTED TO COMMAND THE "AGAMEMNON."
1784-1793.
Appointed to command the "Boreas"[44]
Sails for the Leeward Islands[45]
Traits of character and manners[46]
Refuses to recognize a commodore's pendant, of a captain "not in commission"[49]
Indications of character in this act[52]
Controversy over the Navigation Act[54]
Refuses obedience to the Admiral's order, as illegal[57]
Persists in seizing vessels violating the Act[59]
Consequent legal proceedings[60]
Conduct approved by the Home Government[62]
Results of his action[63]
Characteristics shown by it[64]
Meets his future wife, Mrs. Nisbet[65]
Contemporary description of him[66]
Progress of courtship[68]
Reconciliation with the Admiral[72]
Characteristics manifested by Nelson in the controversy[73]
Left senior officer on the Station[74]
Health and marriage[75]
The "Boreas" returns to England[75]
Employed on the Impress Service[77]
Annoyances and dissatisfaction[78]
Prejudices against him[79]
The "Boreas" paid off[80]
Sensitiveness under censure[81]
Flattering reception at Court[82]
Efforts to suppress frauds in West Indies[82]
Breadth and acuteness of intellect[83]
Results of his efforts against frauds[86]
Prejudices against him at the Admiralty[86]
His partisanship for Prince William Henry[87]
Insubordinate conduct of the latter[88]
Nelson's difference with Lord Hood[89]
Out of favor at Court[89]
On half-pay, 1788-1792[90]
Progress of the French Revolution[92]
Nelson applies for a ship[94]
Appointed to the "Agamemnon," 64[95]
France declares war against Great Britain[95]
[CHAPTER III.]
NELSON'S DEPARTURE FROM ENGLAND IN THE "AGAMEMNON."—SERVICES IN THE MEDITERRANEAN UNTIL THE RECOVERY OF TOULON BY THE FRENCH.—LORD HOOD IN COMMAND.
FEBRUARY-DECEMBER, 1793.
Significance of Nelson's career[96]
Intimate association of the "Agamemnon" with his name[97]
Delay in her equipment[99]
Nelson's hatred for the French[101]
Sails for Spithead[101]
Cruising in the Channel[102]
Departure for Mediterranean, and arrival off Toulon[103]
Remarks on the Spanish Navy[104]
Professional utterances[105]
Services off Toulon and at Naples[106]
Toulon surrendered to the British and Spaniards[107]
Nelson's reconcilement with Hood[108]
Hardships of the cruise[109]
His intelligence and zeal[110]
Rejoins fleet off Toulon[112]
Constantly on detached, semi-independent, service[112]
Sent to Tunis[113]
Action with four French frigates[113]
Negotiations at Tunis[114]
Nelson's wish to go to the West Indies[115]
Ordered to command a division blockading Corsica[115]
The allies are forced to quit Toulon[117]
[CHAPTER IV.]
REDUCTION OF CORSICA BY THE BRITISH.—DEPARTURE OF LORD HOOD FOR ENGLAND.—THE "AGAMEMNON" REFITTED AT LEGHORN.
JANUARY-DECEMBER, 1794.
Importance of Corsica[118]
Hood orders Nelson to open communications with Paoli[118]
Operations begun at San Fiorenzo[119]
Bastia blockaded by Nelson[120]
Description of Bastia[121]
The army refuses to undertake the siege[121]
Destitute condition of the "Agamemnon"[122]
Quarrel between Hood and General Dundas[122]
Nelson's opinions about besieging Bastia[122]
Comments[123]
Strength of the place[124]
Nelson's military character as shown by his opinion[125]
Instances in his correspondence[126]
Progress of the siege[127]
The place capitulates[129]
Nelson's part in the operations[130]
Inadequate credit from Hood[131]
Nelson's dissatisfaction, but continued zeal[132]
Loftiness of his motives[133]
Arrival of General Stuart to command army in Corsica[134]
Preparations for siege of Calvi[134]
News of the sailing of French Toulon fleet[134]
Hood sails in pursuit[134]
Development of Nelson's military opinions[135]
"Agamemnon" sent back to Bastia[136]
Proceeds thence to San Fiorenzo[136]
Nelson's meeting with General Stuart[136]
His opinions on a "fleet in being"[136]
Arrival off Calvi[137]
Nelson lands with the troops[138]
Arrival of Lord Hood[138]
Nelson's part in the siege of Calvi[138]
Defences of Calvi[139]
Nelson loses his right eye[140]
Friction between Army and Navy[141]
Nelson's tact towards both[142]
Feeling between Hood and Moore[143]
Progress of the siege[145]
Calvi capitulates[146]
Sickness among the British[147]
Condition of "Agamemnon's" crew[148]
Repose given at Leghorn[148]
Hood is relieved by Hotham and returns to England[149]
Nelson's criticisms on naval actions[150]
His distress at prolonged continuance in port[151]
Broods over Hood's inadequate mention of him[151]
Compliment from the Viceroy of Corsica[154]
[CHAPTER V.]
NELSON'S SERVICES WITH THE FLEET IN THE MEDITERRANEAN UNDER ADMIRAL HOTHAM.—PARTIAL FLEET ACTIONS OF MARCH 13 AND 14, AND JULY 13.—NELSON ORDERED TO COMMAND A DETACHED SQUADRON CO-OPERATING WITH THE AUSTRIAN ARMY IN THE RIVIERA OF GENOA.
JANUARY-JULY, 1795.
General military conditions in Europe and Italy[155]
Importance of the British conquest of Corsica[158]
General character of Nelson's service[159]
He rejoins the fleet[160]
His speculations as to the French objects[160]
The French put to sea[161]
Action between "Agamemnon" and "Ça Ira"[163]
Characteristics displayed by Nelson[165]
Partial fleet action, March 14[167]
Nelson's urgency with Hotham[168]
Discussion of Hotham's action[169]
Nelson's share in the general result[172]
His affectionate correspondence with his wife[173]
Anxiety for Corsica[174]
Regret at Hood's detachment from command[175]
Receives Honorary Colonelcy of Marines[177]
Sent on detached service to the Riviera[177]
Encounters French fleet[178]
Rejoins Hotham at San Fiorenzo[178]
Partial fleet action of July 13[179]
Nelson's dissatisfaction with it[180]
Discussion of his criticisms[181]
Effects of Hotham's inertness[182]
[CHAPTER VI.]
NELSON'S COMMAND OF A DETACHED SQUADRON ON THE RIVIERA OF GENOA, UNTIL THE DEFEAT OF THE AUSTRIANS AT THE BATTLE OF LOANO.—SIR JOHN JERVIS APPOINTED COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF IN THE MEDITERRANEAN.
JULY-DECEMBER, 1795.
Nelson takes command of a squadron on the Riviera[184]
Conditions of belligerents and neutrals on the Riviera[185]
Nelson's "political courage"[189]
Disregards Hotham's orders[190]
Hotham approves his action[191]
Effect of his action upon the enemy[192]
Evasion of his efforts by the coasters[192]
He proposes to the Austrians to occupy San Remo[193]
Discussion of this proposal[194]
The effect in his mind of a "fleet in being"[196]
Inactivity of the Austrians and of the fleet[197]
Menacing attitude of the French[199]
Hotham succeeded by Hyde Parker[199]
Battle of Loano.—Defeat of the Austrians[201]
Nelson's condemnation of the British admirals[202]
Increase of his own reputation[203]
Forcible letter repudiating an attack on his integrity[204]
Generally congenial character of his service on the Riviera[206]
Correspondence with home[207]
Passing desire to return to England[208]
[CHAPTER VII.]
NELSON'S SERVICES IN THE MEDITERRANEAN DURING THE YEAR 1796.—BONAPARTE'S ITALIAN CAMPAIGN.—THE BRITISH ABANDON CORSICA, AND THE FLEET LEAVES THE MEDITERRANEAN.
JANUARY-DECEMBER, 1796.
The "Agamemnon" refits at Leghorn[210]
Nelson's sensitiveness to censure[210]
His vindication of his recent conduct[212]
His erroneous conceptions of French military aims[213]
Importance of Vado Bay[214]
First meeting between Nelson and Jervis[215]
Nelson's anxiety to remain on the station[215]
Coincidence of views between Nelson and Jervis[216]
Nelson sent again to the Riviera[217]
Reconnoitres Toulon[217]
Expects a French descent in force near Leghorn[217]
Analogy between this and Napoleon's plans in 1805[218]
Nelson urges the Austrians to occupy Vado[218]
He hoists his broad pendant as Commodore[220]
The Austrian general, Beaulieu, advances[220]
Nelson accompanies the movement with his ships[221]
Premature attack by Austrians[222]
Nelson receives news of their defeat by Bonaparte[223]
Austrians retreat behind the Apennines[223]
Nelson resumes operations against the coasting-traffic[224]
His singleness of purpose and resoluteness[225]
His activity, difficulties encountered, and plans[226]
Transferred from the "Agamemnon" to the "Captain"[229]
Subsequent fortunes of the "Agamemnon"[230]
Bonaparte's designs upon Corsica[231]
The French seize Leghorn[233]
Nelson's inferences from that act[234]
Nelson and Bonaparte compared[235]
British blockade of Leghorn[236]
Occupation of Elba by the British[237]
The Austrians under Wurmser attack Bonaparte[238]
Nelson plans an assault on Leghorn[238]
He learns the Austrian defeat at Castiglione[241]
His gradual change of opinion as to leaving the Mediterranean[242]
His pride in the British fleet[244]
Genoa closes her ports against the British[245]
The fleet ordered to quit the Mediterranean[247]
Effect on Nelson[247]
He superintends the evacuation of Bastia[251]
The fleet withdraws to Gibraltar[254]
Growth of Nelson's reputation[254]
His susceptibility to flattery[256]
His home relations[257]
His inadequate appreciation of the character of the war[258]
[CHAPTER VIII.]
THE EVACUATION OF ELBA.—NIGHT COMBAT WITH TWO SPANISH FRIGATES.—BATTLE OF CAPE ST. VINCENT.—NELSON PROMOTED TO REAR-ADMIRAL.—SERVICES BEFORE CADIZ.
DECEMBER, 1796-JUNE, 1797.
Nelson sent to Elba to remove naval material[259]
Combat with Spanish frigates[259]
Arrival at Elba[260]
Hesitations of the General about evacuating[261]
Nelson leaves Elba with the naval vessels[262]
Deliberate reconnoissance of the enemy's coast[263]
Characteristic action of Nelson throughout this expedition[264]
Night encounter with the Spanish fleet[267]
Rejoins Jervis off Cape St. Vincent[268]
Battle of Cape St. Vincent[269]
Nelson's exceptional action[271]
His merit in taking it[272]
Takes possession of two Spanish ships-of-the-line[273]
Characteristics here evinced[276]
Controversy with Vice-Admiral William Parker[277]
Comments upon this[280]
Jervis's neglect to mention special services[281]
His sense of Nelson's merit[283]
Nelson's preferences in the matter of rewards[283]
Made a Knight of the Bath[284]
Promoted Rear-Admiral[285]
Cruises for treasure-ships from Mexico[286]
Anxiety about the Elba troops[287]
Sent by Jervis to escort them to Gibraltar[288]
Safe return to Gibraltar[288]
Provides protection for American merchant-ships against French privateers[289]
Rejoins Jervis off Cadiz[289]
Operations against Cadiz[290]
General good health and happiness[294]
Pride in his reputation[295]
[CHAPTER IX.]
THE UNSUCCESSFUL ATTEMPT AGAINST TENERIFFE.—NELSON LOSES HIS RIGHT ARM.—RETURN TO ENGLAND.—REJOINS ST. VINCENT'S FLEET, AND SENT INTO THE MEDITERRANEAN TO WATCH THE TOULON ARMAMENT.
JULY, 1797-MAY, 1798.
Origin of the Teneriffe Expedition[296]
Conditions conducive to success[297]
Orders to Nelson to undertake it[299]
Failure of the first attempt[300]
Nelson determines to storm the town[302]
The assault and the repulse[303]
Nelson loses his right arm[305]
Rejoins the Commander-in-Chief off Cadiz[306]
Returns to England on sick-leave[307]
Painful convalescence[308]
Restoration to health[309]
His flag hoisted again, on board the "Vanguard"[310]
Rejoins St. Vincent off Cadiz[310]
Ordered to the Mediterranean to watch the Toulon Armament[310]
Close of the first period of his career[311]
Contrasts between his career hitherto and subsequently[311]
Relations with his wife while in England[316]
Quits the fleet to repair off Toulon[316]
[CHAPTER X.]
THE CAMPAIGN AND BATTLE OF THE NILE.
MAY-SEPTEMBER, 1798.
Changed political conditions in Europe, 1798[317]
The British Cabinet decides to take the offensive[319]
The quarter in which to strike determined by the Toulon armament[320]
Orders issued to St. Vincent[321]
Preference for Nelson indicated by Government[321]
Nelson's flagship, the "Vanguard," dismasted at sea[323]
Indications of character elicited by the accident[324]
He is joined by ten ships-of-the-line, raising his squadron to thirteen[326]
Pursuit of the expedition under Bonaparte[327]
Nelson's fixedness of purpose[327]
Attitude of Naples[329]
Perplexities of the pursuit[332]
The light of the single eye[335]
Embarrassment from the want of frigates[338]
Squadron reaches Alexandria before the French[338]
Renewed perplexity[339]
Nelson returns to the westward[339]
Anchors at Syracuse[340]
Again goes east in search of the French[342]
The French fleet discovered at anchor in Aboukir Bay[343]
Prompt resolution to attack[344]
Disposition of the French fleet for battle[345]
Steadiness and caution of Nelson's advance[347]
The Battle of the Nile[348]
Nelson severely wounded[351]
The French flagship blows up[354]
Nelson's dissatisfaction with the results[356]
His orders after the battle[358]
Subsequent measures[360]
Effect of the news in Great Britain[361]
Nelson's rewards[361]
Reception of the news in Europe generally[363]
Nelson's concern about Troubridge[364]
Immediate effect of the victory upon the French in Egypt[365]
Nelson ordered with his fleet to the westward[366]
Sails for Naples[366]
[CHAPTER XI.]
NELSON'S RETURN FROM EGYPT TO NAPLES.—MEETING WITH LADY HAMILTON.—ASSOCIATION WITH THE COURT OF NAPLES.—WAR BETWEEN NAPLES AND FRANCE.—DEFEAT OF THE NEAPOLITANS.—FLIGHT OF THE COURT TO PALERMO.
SEPTEMBER-DECEMBER, 1798.
Voyage to Naples[367]
Recovery from wound[368]
His views as to future operations[368]
Change of view after reaching Naples[369]
Arrival at Naples[371]
Meeting with the Hamiltons[372]
Previous career of Lady Hamilton[373]
Her political influence in Naples[383]
Her characteristics[384]
Her influence over Nelson[386]
Rapid progress of the intimacy[387]
His association with the Court[388]
He urges Naples to declare war against France[389]
Political situation of Naples relatively to France[390]
Nelson goes off Malta[391]
Returns to Naples[392]
Neapolitans advance against the French in Rome[393]
Their overthrow and rout[394]
The royal family and Court fly to Palermo[395]
Nelson in Palermo[395]
Scandals about his residence there[396]
Troubridge's remonstrances with him[398]
[CHAPTER XII.]
NELSON'S CAREER, AND GENERAL EVENTS IN THE MEDITERRANEAN AND ITALY, FROM THE OVERTHROW OF THE ROYAL GOVERNMENT IN NAPLES TO THE INCURSION OF THE FRENCH FLEET UNDER ADMIRAL BRUIX.
JANUARY-MAY, 1799.
The French enter Naples[399]
Nelson's distress and comments[400]
The Sidney Smith mission[400]
Nelson's indignation[401]
Modification of Smith's orders[402]
Nelson's diplomatic capacity[403]
Jealousy of Russian progress in the Mediterranean[404]
His expectations of Russian assistance[406]
Precautions against Russians in Malta[406]
His poor opinion of the Neapolitan troops[408]
Difficulties with the Barbary States[409]
Nelson's dealings with them[410]
His hatred of the French[411]
Deep depression of spirits[412]
Fears for Sicily[413]
French reverses in Germany and Italy[415]
British and Neapolitan successes about Naples[415]
The French evacuate the kingdom of Naples[416]
News of the approach of the French fleet under Bruix[417]
[CHAPTER XIII.]
FROM THE INCURSION OF THE FRENCH FLEET UNDER BRUIX TO THE RESTORATION OF THE ROYAL AUTHORITY AT NAPLES.—THE CARACCIOLO EXECUTION.—NELSON'S DISOBEDIENCE TO ADMIRAL LORD KEITH.
MAY-JULY, 1799.
Nelson's measures to meet Bruix's fleet[418]
His perplexity and mental distress[419]
Concentrates his division off Maritimo[420]
His sagacity and resolution[421]
Growing infatuation about Lady Hamilton[422]
Learns that Bruix has gone to Toulon[423]
Takes his squadron to Palermo[423]
Distress at St. Vincent's intention to go home[424]
Movements of St. Vincent and of Keith with the main fleet[425]
Nelson starts from Palermo for Naples[425]
News from Keith causes him to return off Maritimo[426]
Dissatisfaction with Keith's measures[427]
Resolves to go to Naples with the squadron[428]
Arrival at Naples[428]
State of affairs there[429]
Nelson's powers as representative of the King of Naples[429]
Annuls the existing armistice[430]
Capitulation of the castles Uovo and Nuovo[432]
Discussion of Nelson's action at this time[432]
Justification of his conduct[434]
The Caracciolo incident[437]
Execution of Caracciolo[439]
Discussion of Nelson's action in this case[439]
His profound attachment to the royal family of Naples[443]
The King establishes his court on board Nelson's flagship[443]
Mutual admiration of Nelson and the Hamiltons[444]
Castle of St. Elmo capitulates[444]
Troubridge sent against Capua[444]
Keith orders Nelson to send ships to Minorca[445]
Nelson disobeys[446]
Keith repeats his orders[447]
Nelson again refuses obedience[448]
Discussion of this incident[449]
The Admiralty censure Nelson[451]
Nelson's discontent[452]
His complaints of his health[453]

LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS.

VOLUME ONE.