CHAPTER XVI.
THE EXPEDITION TO THE BALTIC AND BATTLE OF COPENHAGEN .-- NELSON RETURNS TO ENGLAND.
FEBRUARY--JUNE, 1801.
Origin of the trouble between Great Britain and Denmark The entrance of the Czar Paul into the quarrel Renewal of the Armed Neutrality of 1780 Relations of Bonaparte to this event Nelson joins the fleet under Sir Hyde Parker, at Yarmouth Relations between him and Parker Nelson's disapproval of the plans for the expedition Evident change in his general disposition Anecdote of Nelson and the turbot The fleet collected off the Skaw Parker's slowness and Nelson's impatience Alarming reports of the Danes' preparations Nelson's attitude and counsels Accuracy of his judgment of the conditions Tact and discretion in his dealings with Parker His letter to Parker upon the general situation Parker's indecision Nelson's plans adopted The fleet passes the Sound Detail and discussion of Nelson's plan of operations His feelings and speech in the Council of War Nelson's division anchors south of Copenhagen Nelson on the night before the battle The Danish dispositions for defence Nelson's Plan of Attack--Detail and discussion The Battle of Copenhagen Parker makes the signal to leave off action Nelson refuses to repeat it Discussion of this incident Incidents of the battle Nelson addresses a letter to the Crown Prince under a flag of truce Characteristic anecdote Discussion of the sending of the flag of truce The battle discontinued Nelson removes his ships Completeness of his success Merit of his conduct throughout He is advanced in the peerage to be a Viscount No other rewards, or medals, bestowed for this action Negotiations intrusted to Nelson by Parker The murder of the Czar Paul Armistice for fourteen weeks concluded with Denmark Qualified approval of the British Government The British fleet enters the Baltic Nelson's ardor and personal recklessness .-- Anecdote Parker's sluggishness of action .-- Nelson's impatience Russia intimates her purpose to abstain from hostilities Nelson's controversy with the Danish Commodore Fischer Parker ordered home, and Nelson left in command Dissatisfaction of the latter His longing to return to Lady Hamilton He insists upon being relieved, on account of his health He starts at once with the fleet for Revel Displeasure manifested by the Czar Alexander Nelson withdraws from Revel to Rostock The Czar thereupon raises the embargo on British merchant ships Nelson's elation over this result of his conduct Details of his life on board His avoidance of social relations outside the ship Relieved by Admiral Pole, and returns to England.