who bore the
brunt of the day, were shortening sail and rounding-to, (b), still
under a hot cannonade, the batteries of their predecessors were
ringing out their welcome, and at the same time covering their
movements by giving the enemy much else to think about. The _Canada_,
fetching up near the tail of the column and letting go in a hurry, ran
out two cables on end, and found upon sounding that she had dropped
her anchor in a hundred and fifty fathoms of water. The French column
stood on, off soundings, though close to, firing as it passed, and
then, wearing to the southward in succession, stood out of action on
the port tack, (c), its ineffectual broadsides adding to the grandeur
and excitement of the scene, and swelling the glory of Hood's
successful daring, of which it is difficult to speak too highly. Lord
Robert Manners, the captain of the _Resolution_, which was fifth
ship from the British rear, writing a week later, passed upon this
achievement a verdict, which posterity will confirm. "The taking
possession of this road was well judged, well conducted, and well
executed, though indeed the French had an opportunity--which they
missed--of bringing our rear to a very severe account. The van and
centre divisions brought to an anchor under the fire of the rear,
which was engaged with the enemy's centre (Fig. 1); and then the
centre, being at an anchor and properly placed, covered us while we
anchored (Fig. 2), making, I think, the most masterly manoeuvre I ever
saw." Whether regard be had to the thoughtful preparation, the crafty
management of the fleet antecedent to the final push, the calculated
audacity of the latter, or the firm and sagacious tactical handling
from the first moment to the last, Nelson himself never did a more
brilliant deed than this of Hood's.[110] All firing ceased at 5.30.

Naturally, an order taken up under such conditions needed some
rectifying before further battle. As the proper stationing of the
fleet depended in great measure upon the position of the van ship,
Hood had put a local pilot on board her; but when the action ceased,
he found that she was not as close to the shore as he had intended.
The rear, on the other hand, was naturally in the most disorder, owing
to the circumstances attending its anchorage. Three ships from the
rear were consequently directed to place themselves ahead of the van,
closing the interval, while others shifted their berths, according
to specific directio