sh regiment from Barcelona to the latter
island, was among the first captures.

"With respect to my making war upon Spain, and Sir John Orde not
having done it," so he wrote to Elliot, "I believe you will think I
have acted not precipitately, but consistent with the firmness of John
Bull. I can't tell what schemes ministers may have; but when I am
without orders, and unexpected occurrences arise, I shall always act
as I think the honour and glory of my King and Country demand. Upon
the most mature and serious consideration I can give the subject, the
present lays within the compass of a nutshell. Our Ministers demand
certain points to be conceded to them; they, to give a spur, detain
the Spanish treasure. Spain, the moment she hears of it, kicks your
minister out of Madrid; a plain proof they had not acceded to our
propositions. Indeed, Mr. Frere,[80] you will see by his letter, did
not believe it would have a favourable termination, even had not the
frigates been detained. I send your Excellency his letters. I feel I
have done perfectly right. No desire of wealth could influence my
conduct; for I had nothing to take worth two-pence to me. Sir John
Orde was sent, if it was a Spanish war, to take the money; but until
he saw my orders, he did not act. I suppose he was fearful of that
responsibility which I am ever ready to take upon me; and now he is to
wallow in wealth, whilst I am left a beggar. But such things are. I
receive the kindest letters from Lord Melville and the Secretary of
State, but they think the French fleet is prize enough for me." No
wonder Nelson found that diplomatists were slow, measured by himself
as a standard; but what a wonderful instinct it shows in him, that,
with action ever prompt to the verge of precipitancy, he made so few
blunders in deed. There are several errors of fact in his summary of
reasons, but his action was absolutely well-timed--to the very hour.

Meanwhile, and up to the 15th of December, when Orde's letter was
received, no reply had come to his application for leave, and no
intimation of a successor. A fresh complication here arose by the
entire break-down of one of his two junior admirals--Rear-Admiral
Campbell--whose health became so affected that it was necessary to
send him immediately home. He quitted the fleet on the 4th of
December. Nelson rightly felt that he himself could not go, leaving
Bickerton without any assistant. He went further; for, when a rumor
came that O