s-of-the-line, in Revel, an advanced and exposed port, where it
was detained fettered by the winter's ice. Get at that and smite it,
and the Russian Navy is disabled; all falls together. This would be
his own course, if independent. As Parker, however, was obstinately
resolved not to leave Denmark hostile in his rear, Nelson had to bend
to the will of his superior. He did so, without forsaking his own
purpose. As in the diverse objects of his care in the Mediterranean,
where he could not compel, he sought diligently to compass his object
by persuasion, by clear and full explanation of his lofty views, by
stirring appeals to duty and opportunity, striving to impart to
another his own insight, and to arouse in him his own single-minded
and dauntless activity. Conceding, perforce, that Denmark was not to
be left hostile in the rear,--although he indicates that this object
might be attained by masking her power with a detachment, while the
main effort was immediately directed against Revel,--his suggestions
to Parker for reducing Denmark speedily are dominated by the same
conception. Strategic and tactical considerations unite to dictate,
that the fleet, whether it go by the Sound or the Belt, must quickly
reach and hold a position beyond--and therefore in the rear
of--Copenhagen. There it interposed between Denmark and Russia; from
there it approached Copenhagen where its defences were weakest. This
comprehensive exposition went, with Nelson's customary directness,
straight to the root of the matter.

Next day, after returning to his own ship, Nelson drew up the
following paper, which is at once so characteristic of his temperament
and genius, and so lucid and masterly a review of the political and
military conditions, that, contrary to the author's usual practice, it
is given entire. Being devoted to a single subject, and inspired by
the spirit of the writer when in a state of more than usual
exaltation, it possesses a unity of purpose and demonstration,
necessarily absent from most of his letters, in which many and diverse
matters have to be treated.

24th March, 1801.

MY DEAR SIR HYDE,--The conversation we had yesterday has
naturally, from its importance, been the subject of my thoughts;
and the more I have reflected, the more I am confirmed in
opinion, that not a moment should be lost in attacking the
enemy: they will every day and hour be stronger; we never shall
be so good a match for