CHAPTER XX.
THE ESCAPE AND PURSUIT OF THE TOULON FLEET .-- NELSON'S RETURN TO ENGLAND.
JANUARY-AUGUST, 1805.
Object of Napoleon's combinations in 1805 Details of his plan Nelson's share in thwarting it The difficulties of one dealing with Napoleon Nelson's guiding principle The sailing of the Toulon fleet Nelson's movements and perplexities Goes to Alexandria Returns to Gulf of Palmas, Sardinia British disasters in Western Mediterranean Characteristic letter of Nelson in behalf of an officer Explanations to the Admiralty about his own course Makes a round off Toulon and Barcelona to deceive the enemy Returns to the Gulf of Palmas The Toulon fleet sails again Its movements and those of Nelson Distress and misfortunes of the latter Learns that the French fleet has passed the Straits Thoroughness and sagacity of his measures Continued head winds and distress of mind The excitement in London Gloom at the Admiralty Nelson's constancy against bad fortune Hears that the French and Spaniards are gone to the West Indies Determines to follow them there Sails in pursuit Incidents of the voyage Arrives in Barbadoes Misled by false information Rapid measures to retrieve the mis-step Infers that the enemy have returned to Europe He starts back immediately for Gibraltar His judgments rapid, but not precipitate Strength of his convictions Relief from the anxiety previously felt Movements of the allies and of Nelson Precautions of the latter His own explanation of his reasons Discussion of this utterance Indecisive engagement between the allies and Sir Robert Calder Alarm in London at the failure of the latter Nelson's protracted pursuit and mental depression Reaches the Straits again Appreciation of his action by others Exchange of views between Nelson and Collingwood Movements of Villeneuve, Calder, and Nelson Nelson's arrival in Gibraltar Subsequent rapid movements Learns the news brought by the "Curieux" Starts at once for the northward Joins the Channel Fleet off Ushant Leaves his squadron with Cornwallis, and proceeds to England Anchors at Spithead His sympathy with Calder Tenacity of his opinions.