CHAPTER III.

Nelson’s departure from England in the “Agamemnon.”—­Services in the
Mediterranean until the recovery of Toulon by the French.—­Lord Hood
in command.

February-December, 1793.

Significance of Nelson’s career
Intimate association of the “Agamemnon” with his name
Delay in her equipment
Nelson’s hatred for the French
Sails for Spithead
Cruising in the Channel
Departure for Mediterranean, and arrival off Toulon
Remarks on the Spanish Navy
Professional utterances
Services off Toulon and at Naples
Toulon surrendered to the British and Spaniards
Nelson’s reconcilement with Hood
Hardships of the cruise
His intelligence and zeal
Rejoins fleet off Toulon
Constantly on detached, semi-independent, service
Sent to Tunis
Action with four French frigates
Negotiations at Tunis
Nelson’s wish to go to the West Indies
Ordered to command a division blockading Corsica
The allies are forced to quit Toulon

CHAPTER IV.

Reduction of Corsica by the British.—­Departure of lord Hood for
England.—­The “Agamemnon” REFITTED at Leghorn.

January-December, 1794.

Importance of Corsica
Hood orders Nelson to open communications with Paoli
Operations begun at San Fiorenzo
Bastia blockaded by Nelson
Description of Bastia
The army refuses to undertake the siege
Destitute condition of the “Agamemnon”
Quarrel between Hood and General Dundas
Nelson’s opinions about besieging Bastia
Comments
Strength of the place
Nelson’s military character as shown by his opinion
Instances in his correspondence
Progress of the siege
The place capitulates
Nelson’s part in the operations
Inadequate credit from Hood
Nelson’s dissatisfaction, but continued zeal
Loftiness of his motives
Arrival of General Stuart to command army in Corsica
Preparations for siege of Calvi
News of the sailing of French Toulon fleet
Hood sails in pursuit
Development of Nelson’s military opinions
“Agamemnon” sent back to Bastia
Proceeds thence to San Fiorenzo
Nelson’s meeting with General Stuart
His opinions on a “fleet in being”
Arrival off Calvi
Nelson lands with the troops
Arrival of Lord Hood
Nelson’s part in the siege of Calvi
Defences of Calvi
Nelson loses his right eye
Friction between Army and Navy
Nelson’s tact towards both
Feeling between Hood and Moore
Progress of the siege
Calvi capitulates
Sickness among the British
Condition of “Agamemnon’s” crew
Repose given at Leghorn
Hood is relieved by Hotham and returns to England
Nelson’s criticisms on naval actions
His distress at prolonged continuance in port
Broods over Hood’s inadequate mention of him
Compliment from the Viceroy of Corsica