A man dealing with Napoleon was bound to meet perplexities innumerable, to thread a winding and devious track, branching out often into false trails that led nowhere, and confused by cross-lights which glittered only to mislead.

In such a case, as in the doubtful paths of common life, the only sure guide to a man's feet is principle; and Nelson's principle was the destruction of the French fleet.

No other interest, his own least of all, could divert him from it.

For it he was willing not only to sacrifice fortune, but to risk renown; and so, amid troubles manifold, he walked steadfastly in the light of the single eye.
While Napoleon's object remained the same throughout, his methods received various modifications, as all plans must do when circumstances change.

In his original intention the execution of the main effort was intrusted to Latouche Treville, by far and away the best admiral he had.