CHAPTER VIII.
1801 - 1805 Sir Hyde Parker is recalled and Nelson appointed Commander--He goes to Revel--Settlement of Affairs in the Baltic--Unsuccessful Attempt upon the Flotilla at Boulogne--Peace of Amiens--Nelson takes Command in the Mediterranean on the Renewal of the War--Escape of the Toulon Fleet--Nelson chases them to the West Indies and back--Delivers up his Squadron to Admiral Cornwallis and lands in England.
WHEN Nelson informed Earl St.Vincent that the armistice had been concluded, he told him also, without reserve, his own discontent at the dilatoriness and indecision which he witnessed, and could not remedy.
"No man," said he, "but those who are on the spot, can tell what I have gone through, and do suffer.

I make no scruple in saying, that I would have been at Revel fourteen days ago! that, without this armistice, the fleet would never have gone, but by order of the Admiralty; and with it, I daresay, we shall not go this week.

I wanted Sir Hyde to let me, at least, go and cruise off Carlscrona, to prevent the Revel ships from getting in.

I said I would not go to Revel to take any of those laurels which I was sure he would reap there.

Think for me, my dear lord: and if I have deserved well, let me return; if ill, for Heaven's sake supersede me, for I cannot exist in this state." Fatigue, incessant anxiety, and a climate little suited to one of a tender constitution, which had now for many years been accustomed to more genial latitudes, made him at this time seriously determine upon returning home.