that, when the "Victory" appeared, not only should no salutes
be fired, but no colors should be shown, if in sight of the port. The
like precautions were continued when any new ship joined. Every care
was taken to lull the enemy into confidence, and to lure him out of
port.

At 6 P.M. of Saturday, September 28th, the "Victory" reached the
fleet, then numbering twenty-nine of the line; the main body being
fifteen to twenty miles west of Cadiz, with six ships close in with
the port. The next day was Nelson's birthday--forty-seven years old.
The junior admirals and the captains visited the commander-in chief,
as customary, but with demonstrations of gladness and confidence that
few leaders have elicited in equal measure from their followers. "The
reception I met with on joining the fleet caused the sweetest
sensation of my life. The officers who came on board to welcome my
return, forgot my rank as commander-in-chief in the enthusiasm with
which they greeted me. As soon as these emotions were past, I laid
before them the plan I had previously arranged for attacking the
enemy; and it was not only my pleasure to find it generally approved,
but clearly perceived and understood." To Lady Hamilton he gave an
account of this scene which differs little from the above, except in
its greater vividness. "I believe my arrival was most welcome, not
only to the Commander of the fleet, but also to every individual in
it; and, when I came to explain to them the '_Nelson touch_,' it was
like an electric shock. Some shed tears, all approved--'It was
new--it was singular--it was simple!' and, from admirals downwards,
it was repeated--'It must succeed, if ever they will allow us to get
at them! You are, my Lord, surrounded by friends whom you inspire with
confidence.' Some may be Judas's: but the majority are certainly much
pleased with my commanding them." No more joyful birthday levee was
ever held than that of this little naval court. Besides the adoration
for Nelson personally, which they shared with their countrymen in
general, there mingled with the delight of the captains the sentiment
of professional appreciation and confidence, and a certain relief,
noticed by Codrington, from the dry, unsympathetic rule of
Collingwood, a man just, conscientious, highly trained, and efficient,
but self-centred, rigid, uncommunicative; one who fostered, if he did
not impose, restrictions upon the intercourse between the ships,
against which he had i