This incident, of the order to arrest the treasure-ships, which was
made general for all vessels of that class, was probably the
determining occasion of Nelson's decision to remain in the
Mediterranean. War with Spain, with consequent increased activity on
the part of France, though not certain, became probable. There was at
that time on board the "Victory" a Dr. Lambton Este, who had gone to
the Mediterranean in a civil capacity, and was on his way home.
Nelson, hoping to return soon himself, asked Este to remain until he
started, and to accompany him in a worn-out seventy-four, the
"Superb," which he was holding for that purpose. It seems that, in
looking forward to the resumption of his command, he expected it would
be the scene of a more wide-spread political activity, especially in
the far East where Este had been employed, and that, for this purpose,
he wished to attach the latter to his person. "There may be more
occupation there for us all, hereafter, than we just now foresee, or
may expect."

In confirmation of this general forecast, we are told by Dr. Scott
that, when the admiral left England before Trafalgar, arrangements had
been made with the Foreign Office for Este with six clerks to be
attached to the flagship, to conduct the diplomatic correspondence.
The fact is doubly interesting. It shows, on the one hand, the
accuracy of Nelson's foresight as to the vast importance the
Mediterranean was about to assume, to meet which he thus was making
provision in a general way; although neither he nor any other man
could have anticipated the extraordinary, complicated snarl of the
political threads in Napoleon's later years. The cares from these, it
may be said in passing, were by Nelson's death devolved upon
Collingwood; who, though a strong man, was killed by them, through
general debility resulting from confinement, and through organic
injury produced by bending over his desk. On the other hand, it cannot
but be grateful to those who admire the hero, to see that Nelson
looked forward to no inglorious ease, but to a life of strenuous work,
as well as, if it might be so, of military honor. Had he lived, we may
hope, the days after Trafalgar would not have been the grave of his
renown.

On the first of November his decision was taken. He sent for Este and
said, "Oh, my good fellow! I have abandoned the idea of going to
England, at present. I shall not go yet, and when I may go is quite
uncertain--must depend upo