"EURYALUS", _October 22, 1805._
The ever-to-be-lamented death of Lord Viscount Nelson, Duke of
Bronte, the Commander-in-Chief, who fell in the action of the
21st, in the arms of Victory, covered with glory, whose memory
will ever be dear to the British Navy and the British nation,
whose zeal for the honour of his King, and for the interest of
his country will be ever held up as a shining example for a
British seaman, leave to me a duty to return my thanks to the
Right Honourable Rear-Admiral, the captains, officers, seamen,
and detachments of Royal Marines, serving on his Majesty's
squadron now under my command, for their conduct on that day.
But where can I find language to express my sentiments of the
valour and skill which were displayed by the officers, the
seamen, and marines, in the battle with the enemy, where every
individual appeared a hero, on whom the glory of his country
depended! The attack was irresistible, and the issue of it adds
to the page of naval annals a brilliant instance of what Britons
can do, when their King and country need their service.
To the Right Honourable Rear-Admiral the Earl of Northesk, to
the captains, officers, and seamen, and to the officers,
non-commissioned officers, and privates of the Royal Marines, I
beg to give my sincere and hearty thanks for their highly
meritorious conduct, both in the action and in their zeal and
activity in bringing the captured ships out from the perilous
situation in which they were, after their surrender, among the
shoals of Trafalgar in boisterous weather. And I desire that the
respective captains will be pleased to communicate to the
officers, seamen, and Royal Marines, this public testimony of my
high approbation of their conduct, and my thanks for it.
(_Signed_) C. COLLINGWOOD.
To the Right Honourable Rear-Admiral
the Earl of Northesk,
and the respective Captains and
Commanders.