CHAPTER XIII.

From the incursion of the French fleet under Bruix to the restoration
of the royal authority at Naples.—­The Caracciolo execution.—­Nelson’s
disobedience to admiral lord Keith.

May-July, 1799.

Nelson’s measures to meet Bruix’s fleet
His perplexity and mental distress
Concentrates his division off Maritimo
His sagacity and resolution
Growing infatuation about Lady Hamilton
Learns that Bruix has gone to Toulon
Takes his squadron to Palermo
Distress at St. Vincent’s intention to go home
Movements of St. Vincent and of Keith with the main fleet
Nelson starts from Palermo for Naples
News from Keith causes him to return off Maritimo
Dissatisfaction with Keith’s measures
Resolves to go to Naples with the squadron
Arrival at Naples
State of affairs there
Nelson’s powers as representative of the King of Naples
Annuls the existing armistice
Capitulation of the castles Uovo and Nuovo
Discussion of Nelson’s action at this time
Justification of his conduct
The Caracciolo incident
Execution of Caracciolo
Discussion of Nelson’s action in this case
His profound attachment to the royal family of Naples
The King establishes his court on board Nelson’s flagship
Mutual admiration of Nelson and the Hamiltons
Castle of St. Elmo capitulates
Troubridge sent against Capua
Keith orders Nelson to send ships to Minorca
Nelson disobeys
Keith repeats his orders
Nelson again refuses obedience
Discussion of this incident
The Admiralty censure Nelson
Nelson’s discontent
His complaints of his health

CHAPTER I.

The first twenty-five years.

1758-1783.

It is the appointed lot of some of History’s chosen few to come upon the scene at the moment when a great tendency is nearing its crisis and culmination.  Specially gifted with qualities needed to realize the fulness of its possibilities, they so identify themselves with it by their deeds that they thenceforth personify to the world the movement which brought them forth, and of which their own achievements are at once the climax and the most dazzling illustration.  Fewer still, but happiest of all, viewed from the standpoint of fame, are those whose departure is as well timed as their appearance, who do not survive the instant of perfected success, to linger on subjected to the searching tests of common life, but pass from our ken in a blaze of glory which thenceforth forever encircles their names.  In that evening light break away and vanish the ominous clouds wherewith human frailties or tyrant passions had threatened to darken their renown; and their sun goes down with a lustre which the lapse of time is powerless to dim.  Such was the privilege of the stainless Wolfe; such, beyond all others, that of Nelson.  Rarely has a man been more favored in the hour of his appearing; never one so fortunate in the moment of his death.