the intended assault upon Leghorn do not appear, and it
is probable that they never passed beyond the stage of discussion to
that of acceptance, although he alludes to the plans as "laid."
Clear-sighted for the key of a situation, and ardent to strike "at the
root," as five years later in the Baltic he was eager to cut away the
Russian root of the Armed Neutrality, instead of hewing off the Danish
branch, Nelson urged the speedy adoption of the measure, and pressed
his own fitness to harmonize the land and sea forces under one
command, in virtue of his rank as Colonel of Marines. "Leghorn is in
such a state," he writes to Elliot on the 5th of August, "that a
respectable force landed, would, I have every reason to suppose,
insure the immediate possession of the town. Not less than a thousand
troops should be sent, to which I will add every soldier in my
squadron, and a party of seamen to make a show. In every way, pray
consider this as private, and excuse my opinions. I well know the
difficulty of getting a proper person to command this party. Firmness,
and that the people of Leghorn should know the person commanding, will
most assuredly have a great effect. A cordial co-operation with me
(for vanity apart, no one is so much feared or respected in Leghorn as
myself) is absolutely necessary. I am going further: we know the
jealousy of the army against the navy, but I am by the King's
commission a Colonel in the army from June 1st, 1795." After
discussing this difficult question of professional susceptibilities,
he concludes: "You will consider, Sir, all these points, and form a
much better judgment than I can, only give me credit that the nearest
wish of my heart is to serve my King and my Country, at every
personal risk and consideration. It has ever pleased God to prosper
all my undertakings, and I feel confident of His blessing on this
occasion. I ever consider my motto, _Fides et Opera_."[38]

Having, with true strategic insight, chosen the place where the blow
ought to be struck for the preservation of Corsica, he pressed, with
characteristic fervor, the necessity of taking risks. He discusses
details indeed; he proposes no mere adventure, real as was his
personal enjoyment of danger and action. What man can do, shall be
done; but being done, still "something must be left to chance. Our
only consideration, is the honour and benefit to our Country worth the
risk? If it is (and I think so), in God's name let us get to