as.

[91] From England.

[92] Sir John Orde.

[93] Orde's squadron never exceeded six ships-of-the-line, while
Villeneuve's numbered eleven without the Spaniards. It will be seen further
on that Nelson blamed Orde for not keeping track of the enemy's movements,
and sending word to him at Gibraltar, and elsewhere, of the direction
taken. As far as the author's information goes, he agrees with this
censure. To fight eleven ships with six could only be justified by extreme
circumstances; but to lose sight of them in spring weather infers even
worse judgment than fighting would. It was of the first importance to learn
the destination of so large a body, considering that the interests of Great
Britain were threatened in directions so diverse as the Channel, the East
Indies, and the West Indies.

[94] Lord Radstock's son had been transferred before this from the
"Victory" to the "Hydra"; but his father did not yet know the fact, and
supposed him with Nelson.

[95] First Lord of the Admiralty, who had very lately succeeded Melville.

[96] An east wind.

[97] The signal flag for a vessel about to sail.

[98] Life of the Rev. A.J. Scott, p. 171.

[99] Ahead, but a little to one side.

[100] Phillimore's Last of Nelson's Captains.

[101] The "Northumberland" and the "Spartiate."

[102] The island immediately north of Martinique.

[103] "The Trench and Spaniards landed 1,000 sick when they arrived at
Martinico, and buried full that number during their stay." Nicolas, vol.
vi. p. 480.

[104] Author's italics.

[105] Author's italics.

[106] One of the easternmost of the Azores.

[107] The report of the American schooner, which saw the allied fleet, June
15th.

[108] Of Biscay.

[109] The extent of Brereton's fault (if at fault) depended, probably, upon
the character and responsibility of the man he had on lookout at so
critical a moment, and the care with which he tested the report made to
him. Brereton did not know of Nelson's arrival, possibly not of his
approach. At the same time men must take the blame of carelessness, when
harm comes of it. Ball, commenting to Nelson upon the incident, said: "I
think orders should be given, that when a fleet is discovered, an officer
should be sent for to witness it, and that one should be at the signal hill
at the rising and setting of the sun. I have often reflected on these
circumstances, and on the little attention generally paid them." As it
stands, the whole aff