Here you are, with almost the safety, certainly with the honour of England, more entrusted to you than ever yet fell to the lot of any British officer.

On your decision depends whether our country shall be degraded in the eyes of Europe, or whether she shall rear her head higher than ever.

Again, I do repeat, never did our country depend so much upon the success of any fleet as on this.

How best to honour her and abate the pride of her enemies, must be the subject of your deepest consideration." Supposing him to force the passage of the Sound, Nelson thought some damage might be done among the masts and yards; though, perhaps, not one of them but would be serviceable again.

"If the wind be fair," said he, "and you determined to attack the ships and Crown Islands, you must expect the natural issue of such a battle--ships crippled, and perhaps one or two lost for the wind which carries you in will most probably not bring out a crippled ship.