The despatches and routine papers were got ready rapidly, and placed in charge of Este, who sailed for Lisbon, in a sloop-of-war, on the 6th of November, furnished with orders to all officials to expedite him on his way, and particularly to captains not to communicate with the ship, because the plague, then raging in Gibraltar, would involve her, if visited, in the delays of quarantine.  On the 18th of November, off Cape St. Vincent, Este met the “Swiftsure,” seventy-four, bringing Orde out.  It has been charged that the latter discourteously delayed to notify Nelson of his taking over part of the station.[78] It appears, however, from this encounter, that his letter to that effect, dated the 17th,[79] though headed “off Cadiz,” was actually prepared before he reached his position there.  It was forwarded to Nelson by the “Anson,” whose captain was senior officer of the division till then blockading the port, whom Orde relieved and sent on with his despatch.  The “Anson” joined Nelson on the 15th of December.  The “Swiftsure,” which was also destined to his squadron, did not reach him until the 25th.  It seems, therefore, fair to acquit Orde of a discourtesy as aimless as it would be reprehensible.

Just before Este’s departure Nelson had reconnoitred Toulon.  A new vice-admiral had hoisted his flag in place of Latouche Treville, who had died on the 20th of August.  “He has given me the slip,” wrote Nelson, who felt himself balked of his vengeance.  “The French papers say he died of walking so often up to the signal-post, upon Sepet, to watch us:  I always pronounced that would be his death.”  His successor was Villeneuve, the predestined victim of Trafalgar.  “They now amuse themselves with night-signals,” Nelson informed the First Lord; “and by the quantity of rockets and blue lights they show with every signal, they plainly mark their position.  These gentlemen must soon be so perfect in theory, that they will come to sea to put their knowledge into practice.  Could I see that day, it would make me happy.”  The time was now not far distant.  The weariness of waiting was soon to give way to the anxious fever of doubtful and protracted pursuit, of prolonged uncertainty and steadfast endurance, through which he advanced to his final triumph, just as he had to those of the past.

The seizure of the Spanish treasure-ships, with its lamentable catastrophe, took place on the 5th of October.  Nelson had the news on the 8th of November, which, extraordinary as it may appear, was before the fact was known in Madrid.  On the 10th of November, when the British minister received his passports upon his own demand, no word had reached there.  On the 15th, Nelson was informed that a British vessel had been fired upon by the batteries of Barcelona, which was an error; but receiving at the same time a letter from the minister, probably to the effect that he would break off relations on the 10th, he inferred that war existed, and issued orders for a