Produced by John Hill and David Widger THE LIFE OF HORATIO LORD NELSON BY ROBERT SOUTHEY (1774-1843) TO JOHN WILSON CROKER ESQ., LL.D., F.R.S., SECRETARY OF THE ADMIRALTY; WHO, BY THE OFFICIAL SITUATION WHICH HE SO ABLY FILLS, IS QUALIFIED TO APPRECIATE ITS HISTORICAL ACCURACY; AND WHO, AS A MEMBER OF THE REPUBLIC OF LETTERS, IS EQUALLY QUALIFIED TO DECIDE UPON ITS LITERARY MERITS, THIS WORK IS RESPECTFULLY INSCRIBED BY HIS FRIEND, THE AUTHOR Many Lives of Nelson have been written; one is yet wanting, clear and concise enough to become a manual for the young sailor, which he may carry about with him till he has treasured it up for example in his memory and in his heart. In attempting such a work I shall write the eulogy of our great national hero, for the best eulogy of NELSON is the faithful history of his actions, and the best history must be that which shall relate them most perspicuously. CHAPTER I 1758 - 1783 Nelson's Birth and Boyhood--He is entered on Board the RAISONABLE--Goes to the West Indies in a Merchant-ship; then serves in the TRIUMPH--He sails in Captain Phipps' Voyage of Discovery--Goes to the East Indies in the SEAHORSE, and returns in ill Health--Serves as acting Lieutenant in the WORCESTER, and is made Lieutenant into the LOWESTOFFE, Commander into the BADGER Brig, and Post into the HINCHINBROKE--Expedition against the Spanish Main--Sent to the North Seas in the ALBERMARLE--Services during the American War.