she anchored on the bow of the next astern, the “Mercure,” and there continued a deadly and solitary action.  Owing to the circumstances mentioned, the loss of each of these ships was greater, by fifty per cent, than that of any other of the British fleet.  The movements so far described, and the resultant fighting, may be styled the first stage of the battle.  Concerning it may be remarked the unswerving steadiness, rapidity, and yet sound judgment, with which all the movements were executed; and further, that not only was the first direction of the attack that prescribed by Nelson’s signal, but that the second, initiated by his own ship, was also imparted by him.  The incident of passing round the “Guerrier,” and inside of the line, is a detail only, although one which cannot be too highly praised.  “The van ship of the enemy being in five fathom,” wrote Captain Hood, “I expected the Goliath and Zealous to stick fast on the shoal every moment, and did not imagine we should attempt to pass within her.”  It is difficult to exaggerate the coolness, intrepidity, and seamanlike care of Captain Foley, to whom is to be attributed, perhaps, the whole conception, and certainly the entire merit of the execution; but they no more detract from Nelson’s honors than does the distinguished conduct of the other captains.

The battle had begun a little after half-past six, the “Guerrier’s” masts falling at sundown, which was quarter before seven.  It continued under the conditions already given until past eight o’clock—­none of the ships engaged shifting her position for some time after that hour.  It was, apparently, just before the second act of the drama opened with the arrival of the remaining ships—­the “Alexander,” “Swiftsure,” and “Leander”—­that Nelson was severely wounded; but the precise moment has not been recorded.  He was struck upon the upper part of the forehead by a flying piece of iron, the skin, which was cut at right angles, hanging down over his face, covering the one good eye, and, with the profuse flow of blood, blinding him completely.  He exclaimed, “I am killed!  Remember me to my wife!” and was falling, but Captain Berry, who stood near, caught him in his arms.  When carried below to the cockpit, the surgeon went immediately to him, but he refused to be attended before his turn arrived, in due succession to the injured lying around him.

The pain was intense, and Nelson felt convinced that his hurt was mortal; nor could he for some time accept the surgeon’s assurances to the contrary.  Thus looking for his end, he renewed his farewell messages to Lady Nelson, and directed also that Captain Louis of the “Minotaur,” which lay immediately ahead of the “Vanguard,” should be hailed to come on board, that before dying he might express to him his sense of the admirable support given by her to the flagship.  “Your support,” said he, “has prevented me from being obliged to haul out of the line."[64] From the remark it may be inferred that the French “Aquilon,”