less fortunate, owing to
the envelope of smoke and the growing darkness, which now obscured the
scene. The "Bellerophon," missing the sixth French vessel, the
"Franklin," brought up abreast the "Orient," whose force was double
her own, and which had no other antagonist. The "Majestic," groping
her way, ran into the ninth French, the "Heureux," where for some
moments she hung in a position of disadvantage and had her captain
killed. Then swinging clear, she anchored on the bow of the next
astern, the "Mercure," and there continued a deadly and solitary
action. Owing to the circumstances mentioned, the loss of each of
these ships was greater, by fifty per cent, than that of any other of
the British fleet. The movements so far described, and the resultant
fighting, may be styled the first stage of the battle. Concerning it
may be remarked the unswerving steadiness, rapidity, and yet sound
judgment, with which all the movements were executed; and further,
that not only was the first direction of the attack that prescribed by
Nelson's signal, but that the second, initiated by his own ship, was
also imparted by him. The incident of passing round the "Guerrier,"
and inside of the line, is a detail only, although one which cannot be
too highly praised. "The van ship of the enemy being in five fathom,"
wrote Captain Hood, "I expected the Goliath and Zealous to stick fast
on the shoal every moment, and did not imagine we should attempt to
pass within her." It is difficult to exaggerate the coolness,
intrepidity, and seamanlike care of Captain Foley, to whom is to be
attributed, perhaps, the whole conception, and certainly the entire
merit of the execution; but they no more detract from Nelson's honors
than does the distinguished conduct of the other captains.

The battle had begun a little after half-past six, the "Guerrier's"
masts falling at sundown, which was quarter before seven. It continued
under the conditions already given until past eight o'clock--none of
the ships engaged shifting her position for some time after that hour.
It was, apparently, just before the second act of the drama opened
with the arrival of the remaining ships--the "Alexander," "Swiftsure,"
and "Leander"--that Nelson was severely wounded; but the precise
moment has not been recorded. He was struck upon the upper part of the
forehead by a flying piece of iron, the skin, which was cut at right
angles, hanging down over his face, covering the one good ey