The sympathy of the Danes for their countrymen who had bled in their
defence, was not weakened by distance of time or place in this instance.
Things needful for the service, or the comfort of the wounded, were
sent in profusion to the hospitals, till the superintendents gave public
notice that they could receive no more. On the third day after the
action, the dead were buried in the naval churchyard: the ceremony was
made as public and as solemn as the occasion required; such a procession
had never before been seen in that, or perhaps in any other city. A
public monument was erected upon the spot where the slain were gathered
together. A subscription was opened on the day of the funeral for the
relief of the sufferers, and collections in aid of it made throughout
all the churches in the kingdom. This appeal to the feelings of the
people was made with circumstances which gave it full effect. A monument
was raised in the midst of the church, surmounted by the Danish colours:
young maidens, dressed in white, stood round it, with either one who had
been wounded in the battle, or the widow and orphans of some one who had
fallen: a suitable oration was delivered from the pulpit, and patriotic
hymns and songs were afterwards performed. Medals were distributed to
all the officers, and to the men who had distinguished themselves.
Poets and painters vied with each other in celebrating a battle which,
disastrous as it was, had yet been honourable to their country: some,
with pardonable sophistry, represented the advantage of the day as
on their own side. One writer discovered a more curious, but less
disputable ground of satisfaction, in the reflection that Nelson, as
may be inferred from his name, was of Danish descent, and his actions
therefore, the Dane argued, were attributable to Danish valour.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account