[Footnote 72: Compare the curious definition of the term 'Retreat' in Falconer's _Naval Dictionary_ (2nd edition, 1789). 'Retreat:--The order or disposition in which a fleet of French men-of-war decline engagement, or fly from a pursuing enemy. (Note) The reader who wishes to be expert in this manoeuvre will find it copiously described by several ingenious French writers ... who have given accurate instructions deduced from experience for putting in practice when occasion requires. As it is not properly a term of the British marine, a more circumstantial account of it might be considered foreign to our plan.'] [Footnote 73: 'The _Bellerophon_,' wrote Cornwallis to the Admiralty, 'I was glad to keep in some measure in reserve.... I considered that ship as a treasure in store, having heard of her former achievements and observing the spirit manifested by all on board.' Quite unaccountably, as it so happened, the _Bellerophon_, the fastest 74 in the service, sailed very badly that day. According to one of her men, the reason was this: 'it warn't in the natur' of her to run from an enemy.'] [Footnote 74: Admiral Cornwallis's actual words were, 'Remember, men, the _Sovereign's_ flag and ensign are never to be struck to an enemy. She goes down with them flying.'] [Footnote 75: 'Monsieur V.' was the familiar term for the French admiral then in command of the Brest Fleet--Admiral Villaret-Joyeuse. The words of the last line are the actual words Cornwallis used.] [Footnote 76: Severe comment was made at the time on Lord Bridport for so disposing his fleet as to leave Cornwallis's squadron isolated and in such a situation of extreme peril.] [Footnote 77: 'Landmen' or 'Landsmen,' 'Ordinary Seamen,' and 'Able Seamen' or 'A.B.s' were the three classes or ratings into which men before the mast were divided, usually according to ability and length of service. 'A.B.' was the highest rating, entitling those of the rate to increased pay, and affording opportunities for promotion.] [Footnote 78: It should have been mentioned earlier that he was the same officer who so ably commanded the _Canada_ in Rodney's fleet on the 12th of April 1782, and took a leading part in bringing about the surrender of De Grasse, as has been described.] V THE 'FIGHTING' _TEMERAIRE_ WHERE, HOW, AND WHEN SHE MADE HER NAME Heard ye the thunder of battle Low in the south and afar? Saw ye the flush of the death-cloud, Crimson o'er Trafalgar? Such another day never England will look on again, When the battle fought was the hottest, And the hero of heroes was slain. Francis Turner Palgrave. In England's song for ever She's the _Fighting Temeraire_. Henry Newbolt. Trafalgar was her day. It was at Trafalgar that the _Temeraire_ made her mark and won undying fame. First of all-- She came to Nelson's aid, The battle's brunt to bear, And nobly sought to lead the van, The Brave Old _Temeraire_.