Nelson's column was steered about two points more to the north than
Collingwood's, in order to cut off the enemy's escape into Cadiz: the
lee line, therefore, was first engaged. "See," cried Nelson, pointing to
the ROYAL SOVEREIGN, as she steered right for the centre of the enemy's
line, cut through it astern of the SANTA ANNA three-decker, and engaged
her at the muzzle of her guns on the starboard side--"see how that
noble fellow, Collingwood, carries his ship into action!" Collingwood,
delighted at being first in the heat of the fire, and knowing the
feelings of his commander and old friend, turned to his captain, and
exclaimed: "Rotherham, what would Nelson give to be here?" Both
these brave officers, perhaps, at this moment, thought of Nelson with
gratitude, for a circumstance which had occurred on the preceding day.
Admiral Collingwood, with some of the captains, having gone on board
the VICTORY to receive instructions, Nelson inquired of him where his
captain was and was told, in reply, that they were not upon good terms
with each other. "Terms!" said Nelson,--"good terms with each other!"
Immediately he sent a boat for Captain Rotherham; led him, as soon as he
arrived, to Collingwood; and saying, "Look; yonder are the enemy!" bade
them shake hands like Englishmen.
The enemy continued to fire a gun at a time at the VICTORY, till they
saw that a shot had passed through her main-top-gallant sail; then they
opened their broadsides, aiming chiefly at her rigging, in the hope of
disabling her before she could close with them. Nelson, as usual, had
hoisted several flags, lest one should be shot away. The enemy showed no
colours till late in the action, when they began to feel the necessity
of having them to strike. For this reason, the SANTISSIMA TRINIDAD,
Nelson's old acquaintance, as he used to call her, was distinguishable
only by her four decks; and to the bow of this opponent he ordered the
VICTORY to be steered. Meantime an incessant raking fire was kept up
upon the VICTORY. The admiral's secretary was one of the first who fell;
he was killed by a cannon-shot while conversing with Hardy. Captain
Adair of the marines, with the help of a sailor, endeavoured to remove
the body from Nelson's sight, who had a great regard for Mr. Scott; but
he anxiously asked: "Is that poor Scott that's gone?" and being informed
that was indeed so, exclaimed: "Poor fellow!" Presently, a double-headed
shot struck a party of marines who were drawn up on the poop, and killed
eight of them; upon which Nelson immediately desired Captain Adair to
disperse his men round the ship, that they might not suffer so much from
being together. A few minutes afterwards a shot struck the four-brace
bits on the quarter-deck, and passed between Nelson and Hardy, a
splinter from the bit tearing off Hardy's buckle, and bruising his foot.
Both stopped, and looked anxiously at each other, each supposed the
other to be wounded. Nelson then smiled, and said, "This is too warm
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