The British fleet was rapidly closing up with the enemy, when, at about twenty minutes to twelve, Nelson again turned to Captain Blackwood, observing that it appeared to him some other signal was wanting. He paused a few moments, and then directed the signal-lieutenant to proclaim to the fleet that fine historic thought,-- “England expects every man will do his duty!” As soon as its purport was understood by the fleet, a strong and earnest cheer arose, which showed with how heroic an enthusiasm the British were going into the storm and stress of battle. Shortly afterwards Captain Blackwood, having to return to his frigate, the _Euryalus_, shook his commander by the hand, and expressed a hope he should return to congratulate him on the capture of twenty prizes. “God bless you, Blackwood,” said the admiral; “I shall never see you again.” The division under Nelson had to bear away to the north, in order to get between Cadiz and the enemy. Thus it came to pass that Collingwood’s division first joined battle,--his flag-ship, the _Royal Sovereign_, breaking the enemy’s line at ten minutes past twelve, luffing under the stern of the _Santa Anna_, and pouring into her a tremendous broadside. Three others of the enemy then gathered round the British man-of-war, hurling at her such a hurricane of shot that they were seen to strike each other in the air. “Rotherham,” said Collingwood to his captain, “what would not Nelson give to be here now?” Almost at the same time, Nelson, on board the _Victory_, exclaimed, “See how that noble fellow Collingwood takes his ship into action!”