Mr.Vansittart's report had then been received.

It represented the Danish government as in the highest degree hostile, and their state of preparation as exceeding what our cabinet had supposed possible; for Denmark had profited with all activity of the leisure which had so impoliticly been given her.

"The more I have reflected," said Nelson to his commander, "the more I am confirmed in opinion, that not a moment should be lost in attacking the enemy.

They will every day and every hour be stronger; we shall never be so good a match for them as at this moment.

The only consideration is, how to get at them with the least risk to our ships.