unpleasant meeting. Sir Edward had hitherto maintained his self-command;
but as Sir Thomas continued warm, and he was conscious of the infirmity
of his own temper, he went himself to the cabin-door, and calling for
Captain Cole, desired him to remain as a witness of all that passed. The
two Admirals quickly came, not perhaps to a more friendly feeling, but
at least to a better understanding. Sir Thomas could not but see that
the other was acting in strict conformity to his duty, and he had the
assurance that the Admiralty would correct their oversight as soon as a
reference could be made to them. Sir Edward must have felt it most
painful thus to meet an officer whose character stood deservedly among
the highest in the service; the trusted friend, and almost the other
self of Nelson. Acting with the utmost disinterestedness, though he
could only expect to be superseded, for a public board will seldom
confess itself to have been in error, he did not hesitate, as soon as
his own authority had been properly admitted, to give Sir Thomas a
separate squadron in the best part of the station. It proved a most
lucrative command, for in addition to its general advantages, some
prizes of immense value were taken. On the 20th of July, 1806, the
_Greyhound_ frigate and _Harrier_ sloop of war fell in with two large
armed Indiamen, richly laden with spices, and protected by a frigate and
a corvette. The British gallantly attacked them, and captured, with
little loss, the frigate, and both the Indiamen. To add to the
gratification of the Admiral, it was his son, Captain Troubridge, who
commanded the _Harrier_.

Sir Edward, as far as he was himself concerned, had eventually little
reason for regret. The position of true dignity, to be always ready to
sacrifice to public duty personal feelings, and to surrender, when
necessary, personal interests, but never to compromise any point of
principle or character, is generally the course not less of prudence
than of honour. He obtained on this occasion all he could desire, and
more than he had hoped for, a candid inquiry. Before his letter reached
England, there had been a change in the ministry, and Mr. Grey was at
the head of the Admiralty. Nothing could be more honourable than all his
conduct. It was at first believed that Sir Edward had committed an
illegal and unprecedented act of resistance to that authority which, as
an officer, he was bound implicitly to obey. Yet, believing that he had