ment seeks in peace or
war no interest separate from that of the people at large; and
as the nation was pleased with that sincere spirit of peace
with which the late treaty was negotiated, so, now that a
restless and unjust ambition in those with whom we desired
sincere amity has given a new alarm, the country will rather
prompt the Government to assert its honour, than need to be
roused to such measures of vigorous defence as the exigency of
the times may require."

During the winter, Bonaparte, resentful of Great Britain's claim to a
voice in the politics of the Continent, became more and more
distinctly menacing in deed and word. On the 20th of February, 1803,
in a message to the legislature, he made the imprudent, because
useless, vaunt, "This government says with just pride, England, alone,
cannot to-day contend against France." Two days later Minto, who was
in opposition, was told by Nelson, "in strict confidence," that for
some time back there had been great doubts between peace and war in
the ministry. "One measure in contemplation has been to send him to
the Mediterranean, by way of watching the armament and being ready if
wanted. He says that he is thought the fitter for that delicate
service, as on the one hand he wishes the continuance of peace, and
therefore is not likely to precipitate matters, and on the other hand
Bonaparte knows that if he hoists his flag it will not be in joke." It
had for some time been arranged that, if war came, he was to have the
Mediterranean command.

On the 8th of March, 1803, the King sent a message to Parliament,
that, in consequence of military preparations going on in the ports of
France and Holland, he judged expedient to adopt additional measures
of precaution for the security of his dominions. While this was under
discussion in the Upper House, Nelson, impressed with the idea that
war must come, left his seat, and wrote to the Prime Minister the
following line: "Whenever it is necessary, I am _your_ Admiral." Yet
he felt the tug at his heartstrings as he never had before. "War or
Peace?" he writes to his old flag-captain, Berry. "Every person has a
different opinion. I fear perhaps the former, as I hope so much the
latter." Only with large reservations would he now have repeated the
rule Codrington tells us he inculcated,--"that every man became a
bachelor after passing the Rock of Gibraltar, and he was not very
tardy in showing that he