But such things are.

I receive the kindest letters from Lord Melville and the Secretary of State, but they think the French fleet is prize enough for me." No wonder Nelson found that diplomatists were slow, measured by himself as a standard; but what a wonderful instinct it shows in him, that, with action ever prompt to the verge of precipitancy, he made so few blunders in deed.

There are several errors of fact in his summary of reasons, but his action was absolutely well-timed--to the very hour.
Meanwhile, and up to the 15th of December, when Orde's letter was received, no reply had come to his application for leave, and no intimation of a successor.

A fresh complication here arose by the entire break-down of one of his two junior admirals--Rear-Admiral Campbell--whose health became so affected that it was necessary to send him immediately home.

He quitted the fleet on the 4th of December.