In this interval, Nelson's general plan of operations having been adopted, he shifted his flag to a lighter ship, the "Elephant," seventy-four, commanded by Captain Foley, the same who had led the fleet inside the French line in Aboukir Bay.

On the 30th, the wind coming fair from northwest, the ships weighed and passed Cronenburg Castle.

It had been expected that the Swedish batteries would open upon them, but, finding they remained silent, the column inclined to that side, thus going clear of the Danish guns.

"More powder and shot, I believe, never were thrown away," wrote Nelson, "for not one shot struck a single ship of the British fleet.

Some of our ships fired; but the Elephant did not return a single shot.