already taken place: for, writing to Captain Locker
on the 18th of June, off Minorca, he observes that great changes had
taken place in the fleet, and that more were on the eve of doing so.
"Perhaps," adds he, "the Admiralty may commission me for some ship
here: if so, provided they give me the marines, I shall feel myself
bound to take her, much as I object to serving another winter campaign
without a little rest."

His health, indeed, had been considerably impaired before Lord Hood
quitted the station; but as he had, after the reduction of Corsica, less
occasion for much continued exertion, it was now, on the whole, rather
increased than diminished; and this timely promotion appears to have
operated as a powerful cordial restorative.

With the Austrian General De Vins, at Vado Bay, on the coast of Genoa,
he continued to co-operate during the whole time that Admiral Hotham
retained the command; who quitted it in November 1795, and was succeeded
by Sir John Jervis; the present Earl of St. Vincent.

This change seems to have been a very fortunate circumstance for Captain
Nelson; and, perhaps, on the whole, little less so for Sir John Jervis.
The new commander in chief was much too shrewd and discerning a
character not to see the full value of such an officer as Captain
Nelson. Himself a man of the highest bravery, and of the first
professional knowledge, he could not fail to recognize, in every act,
the vigorous intellect, and undaunted valour, which Captain Nelson
possessed. It was no slight shade of an uncertain tint, but a plain and
decided distinction of character clearly perceptible at a single glance.
Bravery and skill abound, and will, it is hoped, always abound, in the
British navy; and great, indeed, must be the merits of any one who
shines with superior lustre in a constellation of such general
brilliancy. Sir John had, under his command, many able officers; but he
immediately perceived that Captain Nelson was a star of the first
magnitude, and nobly resolved to remove every intervening cloud which
might prevent his appearing in full splendour.

The great importance, not only to both these exalted naval characters,
but to their country, which has been so much benefitted by their
respective and united services, must prevent the necessity of any
apology for reverting to the very origin of their acquaintance with each
other: a communication which the author of these memoirs has the honour
of being enabled to