CHAPTER XIX.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF IN THE MEDITERRANEAN .-- THE LONG WATCH OFF TOULON .-- OCCUPATIONS OF A COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF.
MAY, 1803--JANUARY, 1805.
Changed political conditions in the Mediterranean Attitude of the Great Powers Situation of Spain and Portugal Policy of the Italian States Nelson's sense of the importance of the Mediterranean Bonaparte's policy The course advocated by Nelson Accuracy of his general forecast Impatience to reach his station Unwilling detention off Ushant Quits the "Victory," and proceeds in a frigate Momentary stop in Gibraltar Arrival at Malta Extensive correspondence Policy as regards the Two Sicilies His impatience with blind observance of orders Departure from Malta for Toulon Emotions at the sight of Naples Opinion on Malta's value to England Strategic importance of Malta and Gibraltar Nelson joins the fleet before Toulon Bad condition of the ships His skilful administration of the fleet Difficulty of obtaining supplies His attitude towards Spain Importance of Sardinia in Nelson's eyes The valuable anchorage at Madalena Station taken by him off Toulon Fears loss of Sardinia, and serious consequences Significance of Napoleon's inactivity in the Mediterranean The winter rendezvous of the fleet .-- Number Seamanlike care of ships and spars Preserves health of seamen by constant activity Sanitary conditions of the fleet His personal health, and anxieties Fears a break-down Speculations as to French intentions Characteristic distrust of Frenchmen Increasing perplexities Firmness of his resolution The French manoeuvre outside Toulon Nelson's tactical conclusions and arrangements His care to impart his ideas to his officers Methods of intercourse with them Exasperation at a statement of Latouche Treville Endeavors to force or to lure the French to sea Effect of worry upon his mind His last promotion .-- Vice-Admiral of the White Wearing effect of protracted monotony Refuses to let Lady Hamilton join him The daily life on board Account of Nelson's health and habits Occupations in business hours Diplomatic ability and conciliatory temper Sharp reply to remonstrance about blockades Difficulties with Algiers Nelson's diligent pursuit of information Interest in listening to conversations Examination of foreign journals and captured letters Kindliness in intercourse with others Exercise of official patronage Protection of British trade Want of frigates and small cruisers Collection and protection of convoys Nelson applies for sick leave Desire to return to the station afterwards Leave is granted by the Admiralty The Mediterranean Station divided Sir John Orde given the portion west of Gibraltar Nelson's dissatisfaction and complaints His change of mind about going home Learns Cornwallis's order to seize Spanish treasure-ships Directs captains under his orders not to obey Letter illustrative of the characteristics of his orders Adequacy of his measures to the requirements of the case Determines not to use his leave of absence Orde arrives off Cadiz Indications of the French fleet leaving Toulon Nelson receives word of the seizure of Spanish ships Promptness of his measures .-- Reasons therefor Rumors of French departure Annoyances caused Nelson by Orde The mission of the frigate "Amazon" Nelson's hope of meeting the French fleet Opinions on general subjects Sympathetic insight into Bonaparte's purposes The French fleet sails from Toulon.