[The Life of Nelson, Vol. I (of 2) by A. T. (Alfred Thayer) Mahan]@TWC D-Link book
The Life of Nelson, Vol. I (of 2)

CHAPTER I
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Captain Locker's health soon gave way.

Arriving at Jamaica on the 19th of July, 1777, we find Nelson in the following month writing to him from the ship during an absence produced by a serious illness, from which fatal results were feared.

The letter, like all those to Locker, was marked by that tone of quick, eager sympathy, of genial inclination always to say the kindest thing, that characterized his correspondence, and, generally, his intercourse with others,--traits that through life made him, beyond most men, acceptable and beloved.
He was, from first to last, not merely one of those whose services are forced upon others by sheer weight of ability, because indispensable,--though this, too, he was,--but men wanted him because, although at times irritable, especially after the wounds received in later years, he was an easy yoke-fellow, pleasant to deal with, cordial and ready to support those above him, a tolerant and appreciative master to subordinates.

It may even be said that, in matters indifferent to him, he too readily reflected the feelings, views, and wishes of those about him; but when they clashed with his own fixed convictions, he was immovable.

As he himself said in such a case, "I feel I am perfectly right, and you know upon those occasions I am not famous for giving up a point." Of his connection with the "Lowestoffe" he himself, in the short autobiographical sketch before quoted, mentions two circumstances, which, from the very fact of their remaining so long in his memory, illustrate temperament.


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