been made, in 1803, Commander in Chief of the Mediterranean fleet,
and on his flagship _Victory_ had spent two years watching the
French and hampering their movements. He prevented Napoleon from
invading England.

At Portsmouth, Nelson, at length, found news of the combined fleet. Sir
Robert Calder, who had been sent out to intercept their return, had
fallen in with them on the 22nd of July, sixty leagues west of Cape
Finisterre. Their force consisted of twenty sail of the line, three
fifty-gun ships, five frigates, and two brigs: his, of fifteen line of
battle ships, two frigates, a cutter, and a lugger. After an action of
four hours he had captured an 84 and a 74, and then thought it necessary
to bring-to the squadron, for the purpose of securing their prizes. The
hostile fleets remained in sight of each other till the 26th, when the
enemy bore away.

The capture of two ships from so superior a force, would have been
considered as no inconsiderable victory a few years earlier; but Nelson
had introduced a new era in our naval history, and the nation felt,
respecting this action, as he had felt on a somewhat similar occasion.
They regretted that Nelson, with his eleven ships, had not been in Sir
Robert Calder's place; and their disappointment was generally and loudly
expressed.

Frustrated as his own hopes had been, Nelson had yet the high
satisfaction of knowing that his judgment had never been more
conspicuously approved, and that he had rendered essential service to
his country by driving the enemy from those islands, where they expected
there could be no force capable of opposing them. The West India
merchants in London, as men whose interests were more immediately
benefited, appointed a deputation to express their thanks for his great
and judicious exertions. It was now his intention to rest awhile from
his labours, and recruit himself, after all his fatigues and cares, in
the society of those whom he loved. All his stores were brought up from
the _Victory_; and he found in his house at Merton the enjoyment which
he had anticipated.

Many days had not elapsed before Captain Blackwood, on his way to London
with despatches, called on him at five in the morning. Nelson, who was
already dressed, exclaimed, the moment he saw him: "I am sure you bring
me news of the French and Spanish fleets! I think I shall yet have to
beat them!"

They had refitted at Vigo, after the indecisive action with Sir