On the 9th, Nelson landed again, to conclude the terms of the armistice.
During its continuance the armed ships and vessels of Denmark were to
remain in their actual situation, as to armament, equipment, and hostile
position; and the treaty of armed neutrality, as far as related to the
co-operation of Denmark, was suspended. The prisoners were to be sent on
shore; an acknowledgment being given for them, and for the wounded also,
that: they might be carried to Great Britain's credit in the account
of war, in case hostilities should be renewed. The British fleet was
allowed to provide itself with all things requisite for the health and
comfort of its men. A difficulty arose respecting the duration of the
armistice. The Danish commissioners fairly stated their fears of Russia;
and Nelson, with that frankness which sound policy and the sense of
power seem often to require as well as justify in diplomacy, told them
his reason for demanding a long term was, that he might have time to act
against the Russian fleet, and then return to Copenhagen. Neither party
would yield upon this point; and one of the Danes hinted at the
renewal of hostilities. "Renew hostilities!" cried Nelson to one of his
friends--for he understood French enough to comprehend what was said,
though not to answer it in the same language--"tell him we are ready
at a moment! ready to bombard this very night!" The conference, however,
proceeded amicably on both sides; and as the commissioners could not
agree on this head, they broke up, leaving Nelson to settle it with the
prince. A levee was held forthwith in one of the state-rooms, a scene
well suited for such a consultation; for all these rooms had been
stripped of their furniture, in fear of a bombardment. To a bombardment
also Nelson was looking at this time: fatigue and anxiety, and vexation
at the dilatory measures of the commander-in-chief, combined to make
him irritable; and as he was on his way to the prince's dining-room,
he whispered to the officer on whose arm he was leaning, "Though I have
only one eye, I can see that all this will burn well." After dinner he
was closeted with the prince; and they agreed that the armistice should
continue fourteen weeks; and that, at its termination, fourteen days'
notice should be given before the recommencement of hostilities.
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