[1] BATTLE OF ABOUKIR.
At the battle of Aboukir Bay the British losses were reported to be
896 killed and wounded. Only one captain fell. 5,225 of the French
perished, and 3,105, including wounded, were sent on shore.
When the battle was over, Nelson gave instructions that thanksgiving
aboard every ship should be offered to Almighty God for giving His
Majesty's forces the victory. It is the author's opinion that but for
a good deal of slashing genius and not a little of the devil on the
part of Nelson and his men the French would not have fared so badly.
[2] Portraits painted by poor Romney for £40, or less, sell for many
thousands at Christie's in these days.
[3] Italics are the author's.
[4] Italics are the author's.
[5] Some authorities speak of Sir William Hamilton as being an
amiable, accomplished man, who left on record a letter which reads as
follows:--"My study of antiquities has kept me in constant thought of
the perpetual fluctuation of everything. The whole art is really to
live all the _days_ of our life. Admire the Creator and all His works,
to us incomprehensible, and do all the good you can on earth; and take
the chance of eternity without dismay."
[6] Sir Harris Nicolas is inclined to believe in the purity of
Nelson's attachment and Southey says there is no reason to believe
that it was more than platonic. But these views are certainly not
borne out by those who knew Nelson and his connection with the
Hamiltons intimately.
[7] The name by which Nelson speaks of her occasionally in his
correspondence with Lady Hamilton. His daughter bore this name before
his death, but he desired that afterwards she should drop the name of
Thompson.
[8] "Correspondence and Diaries of John Wilson Croker," vol. ii. p.
233.
[9] O'Meara, vol. i. p. 308.
[10] O'Meara, "Voice from St. Helena," vol. ii. p. 229. "Talks of
Napoleon at St. Helena," Gourgand, p. 118.
[11] The body was first seen floating by a Neapolitan fisherman, who
reported the matter, but his story was ridiculed. Finally, in order to
verify the statement, the principal actors in the shameful tragedy
went for a sail in Naples Bay and soon met the body borne along by the
swift current as though to meet them. The incident created a profound
impression at the time.
[12] This girl of twenty-two, who is known to fame and immortality,
purchased a dagger, and called on Marat, who was the most infamous
arch-butcher of the Reign of Terror. He was in his bath at the time,
but this did not prevent her from making her way to him. He wrote down
the names of the conspirators she told him of having seen in Normandy,
and he told her he would swiftly have them guillotined. The assurance
had scarcely left his lips when in an instant she thrust the
instrument of death through his heart. She repudiated the stigma of
being thought a murderess, and believed that her act would be the
means of saving thousands of lives. She was dragged through the
streets, taken to the executioner, and asked for the loan of his
shears and cut off a lock of her hair. When asked if she found the
journey long, she replied with perfect composure, "Oh no, I am not
afraid of being too late." Subsequently one of the Girondin deputies
said of her, "She has killed us, but she has taught all how to die."
[13] TROUBRIDGE'S BLUFF LETTER TO LORD NELSON.
"Pardon me, my Lord, it is my sincere esteem for you that makes
me mention it. I know you have no pleasure in sitting up all
night at cards; why then sacrifice your health, comfort, purse,
ease, everything, to the customs of a country where your stay
cannot be long? I would not, my Lord, reside in this country for
all Sicily. I trust the war will soon be over, and deliver us
from a nest of everything that is infamous, and that we may
enjoy the smiles of our countrywomen.
"Your Lordship is a stranger to half that happens, or the talk
it occasions; if you knew what your friends feel for you, I am
sure you would cut all the nocturnal parties. Gambling of the
people at Palermo is publicly talked of everywhere. I beseech
your Lordship leave off. I wish my pen could tell you my
feelings, I am sure you would oblige me.
"I trust your Lordship will pardon me; it is the sincere esteem
I have for you that makes me risk your displeasure."
No reply, so far as is known, was ever sent to this outspoken letter.
[14] Castlereagh and Canning fought a duel. Canning was wounded by a
bullet in the leg, and it prevented Castlereagh from being an
unpopular figure. Indeed, he became for a time, in limited circles,
popular. Percival was assassinated. Lord Liverpool was Prime Minister
for fifteen years, and departed this life insane. Canning was
brilliant, witty, and eloquent, and his outlook was large. It was said
that he was spoiled by Pitt, and was consumed by vanity, and was
broken by Tory calumniation. Political, commercial, or social intrigue
success is always followed by the most deadly reaction on those who
practise or encourage it, and I trust that a merciful Providence will
shield from the tragedies and maladies that came to some members of
this former coalition those of the present, which apparently excels
every other in its colossal efforts at doing harm. The best brains are
needed now, not romancers.
[15] Subsequent information has proved this statement wanted
confirmation.
[16] Captain John Clavell, then first lieutenant of the _Royal
Sovereign._
[17] The lamented Sir Peter Parker, Bart., who fell in the
_Chesapeake_ in 1814, when captain of the _Menelaus_, leading his men
against the Americans.
[18] "Napoleon in Exile," vol. i. p. 56.