CHAPTER I.

The first twenty-five years.

Distinction of Nelson’s career
His extensive and varied correspondence
Parentage and birth
Delicacy of constitution
First entry in the Navy
Anecdotes of childhood
Cared for by his uncle, Captain Maurice Suckling
Serves in a West India merchantman
Expedition to the Arctic Sea
Cruise to the East Indies
Acting lieutenant in the Channel Fleet
Promoted lieutenant in the “Lowestoffe”
Goes to the West Indies
Incidents of service
Transferred to the flagship “Bristol”
Promoted to Commander and to Post-Captain
Personal appearance, 1780
Youth when promoted
Scanty opportunities for war service
The Nicaragua Expedition
Health breaks down
Returns to England
Appointed to the “Albemarle”
Short trip to the Baltic
Goes to the North American Station
At New York, and transferred to the West Indies
Personal appearance, 1782
Sentiments concerning honor and money
Returns to England and goes on half-pay
Visit to France
Unsuccessful courtship

CHAPTER II.

Cruise of the “Boreas.”—­Controversy over the enforcement of the navigation act.—­Return to England.—­Retirement until the outbreak of the French revolution.—­Appointed to command the “Agamemnon.”

1784-1793.

Appointed to command the “Boreas”
Sails for the Leeward Islands
Traits of character and manners
Refuses to recognize a commodore’s pendant, of a captain “not
in commission”
Indications of character in this act
Controversy over the Navigation Act
Refuses obedience to the Admiral’s order, as illegal
Persists in seizing vessels violating the Act
Consequent legal proceedings
Conduct approved by the Home Government
Results of his action
Characteristics shown by it
Meets his future wife, Mrs. Nisbet
Contemporary description of him
Progress of courtship
Reconciliation with the Admiral
Characteristics manifested by Nelson in the controversy
Left senior officer on the Station
Health and marriage
The “Boreas” returns to England
Employed on the Impress Service
Annoyances and dissatisfaction
Prejudices against him
The “Boreas” paid off
Sensitiveness under censure
Flattering reception at Court
Efforts to suppress frauds in West Indies
Breadth and acuteness of intellect
Results of his efforts against frauds
Prejudices against him at the Admiralty
His partisanship for Prince William Henry
Insubordinate conduct of the latter
Nelson’s difference with Lord Hood
Out of favor at Court
On half-pay, 1788-1792
Progress of the French Revolution
Nelson applies for a ship
Appointed to the “Agamemnon,” 64
France declares war against Great Britain