aboard, or would provide a refuge to a small squadron, if threatened by the sudden appearance of a superior force.  Bonaparte thought Vado important, because, on the one hand, essential to uninterrupted coasting-trade with Genoa, and on the other as advancing his water line of communications—­that by land being impassable for heavy articles, such as siege-guns and carriages—­to Savona, from which point the mountains could be crossed at their lowest elevation, and by their most practicable passes.

Nelson’s analysis of the conditions, in other respects than the one mentioned, was not unworthy of his great natural aptitudes.  There are three things to be guarded against, he says.  One is that pet scheme of his imagination, the transport of a corps by sea to Tuscany; the other two are an invasion of Piedmont, and the entrance into Italy by the pass of the Bocchetta, behind Genoa.  “If three are to be attended to, depend upon it one will fall, and the Emperor, very possibly, may be more attentive to the Milanese than to Piedmont.”  Upon this divergence of interests in a coalition Bonaparte also explicitly counted; and his plan, in its first inception, as laid before the Directory in the summer of 1795, looked primarily to the subjugation of Piedmont, by separating it from the support of the Austrian Army.  The bearing of Vado Bay upon this project is not definitely recognized by Nelson.  He sees in the possession of it only the frustration of both the enemy’s supposed alternatives,—­invasion of Italy by the Bocchetta, and of Tuscany by sea.

With these views Nelson arrived, at San Fiorenzo, on the 19th of January, and had his first interview with Jervis.  His reception by the latter, whom he never before had met, was not only cordial but flattering.  He was at once offered the choice of two larger ships, which were declined, “but with that respect and sense of obligation on my part which such handsome conduct demanded of me.”  The admiral then asked him if he would have any objection to remain on the station, when promoted, as he soon must be.  Nelson’s longing to go home had worn off with his disgust, occasioned by the impotent conclusions of last year’s work.  Then he was experiencing the feeling voiced by the great Frenchman, Suffren, some dozen years before:  “It was clear that, though we had the means to impose the law, all would be lost.  I heartily pray you may permit me to leave.  War alone can make bearable the weariness of certain things.”  Now his keen enjoyment of active service revived as the hour of opening hostilities drew near.  With these dispositions, the graciousness of his reception easily turned the scale, and before long he was not only willing to remain, but fearful lest he should be disappointed, despite the application for his retention which the admiral hastened to make.