"Sir Hyde has not told me officially a thing.

I am sorry enough to be sent on such an expedition, but nothing can, I trust, degrade, do what they will." His mind was in a condition to see the worst motives in what befell him.

"I know, I see, that I am not to be supported in the way I ought, but the St.George is beginning to prepare this day for battle, and she shall be true to herself....
Captain Murray sees, as do every one, what is meant to disgrace me, but that is impossible.

Even the Captain of the Fleet [Parker's Chief of Staff] sent me word that it was not his doing, for that Sir Hyde Parker had run his pen through all that could do me credit, or give me support; but never mind, Nelson will be first if he lives, and you shall partake of all his glory.

So it shall be my study to distinguish myself, that your heart shall leap for joy when my name is mentioned."[24] Enough reached his ears to draw forth unqualified expressions of dissent from the plans proposed, and equally clear statements as to what should be done,--all stamped unmistakably with the "Nelson touch," to use an apt phrase of his own.