CHAPTER III.
1793 - 1795 The AGAMEMNON sent to the Mediterranean -- Commencement of Nelson's Aquaintance with Sir W.Hamilton--He is sent to Corsica, to cooperate with Paoli--State of Affairs in that Island--Nelson undertakes the Siege of Bastia, and reduces it--Takes a distinguished Part in the Siege of Calvi, where he loses an Eye--Admiral Hotham's Action--The AGAMEMNON ordered to Genoa, to co-operate with the Austrian and Sardinian Forces--Gross Misconduct of the Austrian General.
"THERE are three things, young gentleman," said Nelson to one of his midshipmen, "which you are constantly to bear in mind.

First, you must always implicitly obey orders, without attempting to form any opinion of your own respecting their propriety; secondly, you must consider every man your enemy who speaks ill of your king; and, thirdly, you must hate a Frenchman as you do the devil." With these feelings he engaged in the war.

Josiah, his son-in-law, went with him as a midshipman.
The AGAMEMNON was ordered to the Mediterranean under Lord Hood.

The fleet arrived in those seas at a time when the south of France would willingly have formed itself into a separate republic, under the protection of England.

But good principles had been at that time perilously abused by ignorant and profligate men; and, in its fear and hatred of democracy, the English Government abhorred whatever was republican.