ich shall save us all from being overrun by the exorbitant
power of France. In this view of the subject, it is impossible not to
perceive how much depends on the exertions of the great Continental
powers; and, without entering further into what relates more
particularly to them, I can venture to assure you that no good will be
obtained from them if some such measure as that now in contemplation
is not immediately adopted. On the other hand, if, by our appearance
in the Mediterranean, we can encourage Austria to come forward again,
it is in the highest degree probable that the other powers will seize
the opportunity of acting at the same time, and such a general concert
be established as shall soon bring this great contest to a
termination, on grounds less unfavorable by many degrees to the
parties concerned than appeared likely a short time since." It may be
added here, by way of comment, that the ups and downs of Nelson's
pursuit, the brilliant victory at the Nile, and the important
consequences flowing from it, not only fully justified this forecast,
but illustrated aptly that in war, when a line of action has been
rightly chosen, the following it up despite great risks, and with
resolute perseverance through many disappointments, will more often
than not give great success,--a result which may probably be
attributed to the moral force which necessarily underlies determined
daring and sustained energy.

As has appeared, the Government's recommendation had been ratified
beforehand by St. Vincent, in sending Nelson with three ships to watch
Toulon. Upon receiving the despatches, on the 10th of May, the
admiral's first step was to order Nelson to return at once to the
fleet, to take charge of the detachment from the beginning. "You, and
you only, can command the important service in contemplation;
therefore, make the best of your way down to me." More urgent letters
arriving from England, with news that a heavy reinforcement had left
there, he, on the 19th, hurried off a brig, "La Mutine," commanded by
Hardy, Nelson's former lieutenant, to notify the rear-admiral that a
squadron of ten ships would be sent to him shortly from before Cadiz;
and on the 21st this detachment sailed, under the command of Captain
Troubridge.

The "Mutine" joined Nelson on the 5th of June. His little division had
so far had more bad fortune than good. Leaving Gibraltar on the 8th of
May, late in the evening, so that the easterly course taken s