bout; I would not be the man to mention such a
matter to him." The Surgeon notwithstanding persisted in his design, and
remained on deck to find a proper opportunity for addressing His
LORDSHIP; but this never occurred: as His LORDSHIP continued occupied
with the Captains of the frigates (to whom he was explaining his
intentions respecting the services they were to perform during the
battle) till a short time before the Enemy--opened their fire on the
Royal Sovereign, when Lord NELSON ordered all persons not stationed on
the quarter-deck or poop to repair to their proper quarters; and the
Surgeon, much concerned at this disappointment, retired from the deck
with several other Officers.[8]

The boats on the quarters of the ship, being found in the way of the
guns, were now lowered, down, and towed astern. Captain BLACKWOOD, of
the Euryalus, remained on board the Victory till a few minutes before
the Enemy began to fire upon her. He represented to His LORDSHIP, that
his flag-ship would be singled out and much pressed by the Enemy; and
suggested the propriety therefore of permitting one or two ships of his
line to go ahead of the Victory, and lead her into action, which might
be the means of drawing in some measure the Enemy's attention from her.
To this Lord NELSON assented, and at half past nine o'clock he ordered
the Temeraire and Leviathan by signal (the former of which ships, being
close to the Victory, was hailed by His LORDSHIP) to go ahead for that
purpose; but from the light breeze that prevailed they were unable,
notwithstanding their utmost efforts, to attain their intended stations.
Captain BLACKWOOD foresaw that this would be the case; and as the
Victory still continued to carry all her sail, he wished Captain HARDY
to acquaint His LORDSHIP, that unless her sail was in some degree
shortened, the two ships just mentioned could not succeed in getting
ahead previously to the Enemy's line being forced: this however Captain
HARDY declined doing, as he conceived His LORDSHIP'S ardour to get into
battle would on no account suffer such a measure.[9]

About half an hour before the Enemy opened their fire, the memorable
telegraphic signal was made, that "ENGLAND EXPECTS EVERY MAN WILL DO HIS
DUTY," which was spread and received throughout the Fleet with
enthusiasm. It is impossible adequately to describe by any language, the
lively emotions excited in the crew of the Victory when this propitious
communication was made