CHAPTER V.

Nelson’s services with the fleet in the Mediterranean under admiral Hotham.—­Partial fleet actions of march 13 and 14, and July 13.—­Nelson ordered to command A detached squadron co-operating with the Austrian army in the Riviera of Genoa.

January-July, 1795.

General military conditions in Europe and Italy
Importance of the British conquest of Corsica
General character of Nelson’s service
He rejoins the fleet
His speculations as to the French objects
The French put to sea
Action between “Agamemnon” and “Ca Ira”
Characteristics displayed by Nelson
Partial fleet action, March
Nelson’s urgency with Hotham
Discussion of Hotham’s action
Nelson’s share in the general result
His affectionate correspondence with his wife
Anxiety for Corsica
Regret at Hood’s detachment from command
Receives Honorary Colonelcy of Marines
Sent on detached service to the Riviera
Encounters French fleet
Rejoins Hotham at San Fiorenzo
Partial fleet action of July
Nelson’s dissatisfaction with it
Discussion of his criticisms
Effects of Hotham’s inertness

CHAPTER VI.

Nelson’s command of A detached squadron on the Riviera of Genoa, until
the defeat of the Austrians at the battle of Loano.—­Sir John Jervis
appointed commander-in-chief in the Mediterranean.

July-December, 1795.

Nelson takes command of a squadron on the Riviera
Conditions of belligerents and neutrals on the Riviera
Nelson’s “political courage”
Disregards Hotham’s orders
Hotham approves his action
Effect of his action upon the enemy
Evasion of his efforts by the coasters
He proposes to the Austrians to occupy San Remo
Discussion of this proposal
The effect in his mind of a “fleet in being”
Inactivity of the Austrians and of the fleet
Menacing attitude of the French
Hotham succeeded by Hyde Parker
Battle of Loano.—­Defeat of the Austrians
Nelson’s condemnation of the British admirals
Increase of his own reputation
Forcible letter repudiating an attack on his integrity
Generally congenial character of his service on the Riviera
Correspondence with home
Passing desire to return to England

CHAPTER VII.

Nelson’s services in the Mediterranean during the year 1796.—­Bonaparte’s Italian campaign.—­The British abandon Corsica, and the fleet leaves the Mediterranean.