was so only because, like himself,
it was more precise in characterizing the special merits of the
action, and was therefore acknowledged by Nelson with particular
expressions of pleasure.

Besides the honors bestowed upon the commander of the squadron, and
the comprehensive vote of thanks usual on such occasions, a gold medal
commemorative of the battle was given to the admiral and to each of
the captains present. The First Lord also wrote that the
first-lieutenants of the ships engaged would be promoted at once. The
word "engaged" caught Nelson's attention, as apparently intended to
exclude the lieutenant of the "Culloden," Troubridge's unlucky ship.
"For Heaven's sake, for my sake," he wrote to St. Vincent, "if this is
so, get it altered. Our dear friend Troubridge has suffered enough.
His sufferings were in every respect more than any of us. He deserves
every reward which a grateful Country can bestow on the most
meritorious sea-officer of his standing in the service. I have felt
his worth every hour of my command." "I well know, he is my superior,"
he said on another occasion; "and I so often want his advice and
assistance. I have experienced the ability and activity of his mind
and body: it was Troubridge that equipped the squadron so soon at
Syracuse--it was he that exerted himself for me after the action--it
was Troubridge who saved the "Culloden," when none that I know in the
service would have attempted it--it was Troubridge whom I left as
myself at Naples to watch movements--he is, as a friend and an
officer, a _nonpareil_!" His entreaties prevailed so far that the
officer in question received his promotion, not with the others, but
immediately after them; a distinction which Troubridge bewailed
bitterly, as a reflection upon himself and his ship.

On the 9th of August, Nelson sent a lieutenant to Alexandretta, on the
northern coast of Syria, to make his way overland, by way of Aleppo,
to India, with despatches to the Governor of Bombay. Resuming briefly
the events of the past months, and the numbers and character of the
French army in Egypt, he expresses the hope that special care will be
exercised against the departure of ships from India, to convey this
huge force thither by the Red Sea. On the side of the Mediterranean,
their fate is settled by the recent victory. They can receive nothing
from France; they cannot advance freely into Syria, as water transport
is essential for much of their equipment; ev