The Death of Lord Nelson | Page 5

that he might be
entreated by somebody to cover the stars on his coat with a
handkerchief. Doctor SCOTT and Mr. SCOTT (Public Secretary) both
observed, however, that such a request would have no effect; as they
knew HIS LORDSHIP'S sentiments on the subject so well, that they
were sure he would be highly displeased with whoever should take the
liberty of recommending any change in his dress on this account: and
when the Surgeon declared to Mr. SCOTT that he would avail himself
of the opportunity of making his sick-report for the day,[7] to submit
his sentiments to the Admiral, Mr. SCOTT replied, "Take care, Doctor,
what you are about; I would not be the man to mention such a matter to
him." The Surgeon notwithstanding persisted in his design, and
remained on deck to find a proper opportunity for addressing His
LORDSHIP; but this never occurred: as His LORDSHIP continued
occupied with the Captains of the frigates (to whom he was explaining
his intentions respecting the services they were to perform during the
battle) till a short time before the Enemy--opened their fire on the

Royal Sovereign, when Lord NELSON ordered all persons not
stationed on the quarter-deck or poop to repair to their proper quarters;
and the Surgeon, much concerned at this disappointment, retired from
the deck with several other Officers.[8]
The boats on the quarters of the ship, being found in the way of the
guns, were now lowered, down, and towed astern. Captain
BLACKWOOD, of the Euryalus, remained on board the Victory till a
few minutes before the Enemy began to fire upon her. He represented
to His LORDSHIP, that his flag-ship would be singled out and much
pressed by the Enemy; and suggested the propriety therefore of
permitting one or two ships of his line to go ahead of the Victory, and
lead her into action, which might be the means of drawing in some
measure the Enemy's attention from her. To this Lord NELSON
assented, and at half past nine o'clock he ordered the Temeraire and
Leviathan by signal (the former of which ships, being close to the
Victory, was hailed by His LORDSHIP) to go ahead for that purpose;
but from the light breeze that prevailed they were unable,
notwithstanding their utmost efforts, to attain their intended stations.
Captain BLACKWOOD foresaw that this would be the case; and as the
Victory still continued to carry all her sail, he wished Captain HARDY
to acquaint His LORDSHIP, that unless her sail was in some degree
shortened, the two ships just mentioned could not succeed in getting
ahead previously to the Enemy's line being forced: this however
Captain HARDY declined doing, as he conceived His LORDSHIP'S
ardour to get into battle would on no account suffer such a measure.[9]
About half an hour before the Enemy opened their fire, the memorable
telegraphic signal was made, that "ENGLAND EXPECTS EVERY
MAN WILL DO HIS DUTY," which was spread and received
throughout the Fleet with enthusiasm. It is impossible adequately to
describe by any language, the lively emotions excited in the crew of the
Victory when this propitious communication was made known to them:
confidence and resolution were strongly pourtrayed in the countenance
of all; and the sentiment generally expressed to each other was, that
they would prove to their Country that day, how well British seamen
could "do their duty" when led to battle by their revered Admiral. The
signal was afterwards made to "prepare to anchor after the close of the
day;" and union-jacks were hoisted at the fore-topmast and

top-gallant-stays of each ship, to serve as a distinction from the
Enemy's, in conformity with orders previously issued by the
Commander in Chief. By HIS LORDSHIP'S directions also, the
different divisions of the Fleet hoisted the St. George's or white ensign,
being the colours of the Commander in Chief: this was done to prevent
confusion from occurring during the battle, through a variety of
national flags.
The Royal Sovereign now made the signal by telegraph, that "the
Enemy's Commander in Chief was in a frigate." This mistake arose
from one of their frigates making many signals. Lord NELSON ordered
his line to be steered about two points more to the northward than that
of his Second in Command, for the purpose of cutting off the retreat of
the Enemy's van to the port of Cadiz; which was the reason of the three
leading ships of Admiral COLLINGWOOD's line being engaged with
the Enemy previously to those of the Commander in Chief's line.
The Enemy began to fire on the Royal Sovereign at thirty minutes past
eleven o'clock; in ten minutes after which she got under the stern of the
St. Anna, and commenced a fire on her. Lieutenant PASCO, Signal
Officer of the Victory, was heard