ethod which has been mentioned of
expressing, in the order-book, his disapprobation of the act.

Captain Nelson proved, by his conduct on the occasion, what he thought
of the business: and, without his knowledge of naval usage, a man at all
conversant in legal constructions, or even the plainest principles of
common sense, must see, if he is not blinded by prejudice, that the
general rule above alluded to could never be intended to overthrow any
positive orders left by a superior officer, at the will of the inferior.
If, indeed, a case of necessity should arise, the latter would have a
right to act according to his discretion; but it must always be at his
peril, if he cannot prove, at least, that it appeared to be absolutely
necessary; still more so, if he manifestly breaks through, wilfully or
perversely, the very orders which himself received from his superior
officer, and is consequently bound to see regularly carried into
execution.

It is somewhat remarkable, that Captain Nelson, in writing to Captain
Locker, whom he always considered as a sort of father as well as a
friend, on the day preceding his departure for Nevis, where he was a few
weeks afterwards married to the widow of Dr. Nesbit, a physician of that
island, should not even yet muster sufficient resolution to say that he
was then going to take possession of the woman who, he thought, was
destined to make him happy.

To this lady, who had a son then about nine years of age, he was, at
length, early in March 1787, actually united. The marriage was
celebrated with considerable splendour, and his Royal Highness the Duke
of Clarence did them the honour to stand as the bride's father on the
joyful occasion.

A very few days afterwards, he proceeded, in the Boreas, on his passage
to Tortola, with his royal highness, who had then only that island and
Grenada left unvisited. Indeed, ever since November, his time had been
entirely taken up in attending the prince on his tour round these
islands.

On the 21st of March, he wrote, while at sea, to Captain Locker,
expressing how happy he should be when the time arrived for a voyage to
England. "No man," he observes, "has had more illness, or more trouble,
on a station, than I have experienced: but, let me lay a balance on the
other side--I am married to an amiable woman, that far makes amends for
every thing. Indeed, till I married her, I never knew happiness. I shall
have great pleasure in introducing you to her