Dissatisfaction of the latter
His longing to return to Lady Hamilton
He insists upon being relieved, on account of his health
He starts at once with the fleet for Revel
Displeasure manifested by the Czar Alexander
Nelson withdraws from Revel to Rostock
The Czar thereupon raises the embargo on British merchant
ships
Nelson’s elation over this result of his conduct
Details of his life on board
His avoidance of social relations outside the ship
Relieved by Admiral Pole, and returns to England

CHAPTER XVII.

Nelson commands the “Squadron on A particular service,”
For the defence of the coast of England against invasion.—­Signature
of preliminaries of peace with
France.

July-October, 1801.

Nelson’s longing for repose
His services immediately required again
His reluctant consent
Bonaparte’s threats of invasion
Inadequacy of British preparations for coast-defence
Nature of British apprehensions in 1801
Nelson’s Memoranda for the Defence of the Thames
Analysis and discussion of this paper
St. Vincent’s sagacious views on national defence
Apparent divergence between him and Nelson
Nelson hoists his flag again
His tact and courtesy towards others
Activity of his movements
Satisfied that there can be no invasion
Boat attack upon the vessels before Boulogne
Its disastrous failure
Nelson’s distress
His exasperation at being kept afloat
His alienation from Troubridge
Annoyances of his situation
Death of Commander Parker.—­Nelson’s grief
His liberality in money matters
Pecuniary embarrassments
Signature of the preliminaries of peace
Nelson’s satisfaction at the prospect of release
His indignation at the excessive elation of others
Receives leave of absence and goes home

CHAPTER XVIII.

Release from active service during the peace of Amiens.—­Home
life at Merton.—­Public incidents.

October, 1801—­may, 1803.

Nelson makes his home with the Hamiltons
His letter of final severance to his wife
His relations to his stepson, Josiah Nisbet
Desire to have a home of his own
Lady Hamilton selects Merton for him
The purchase effected, and the Hamiltons reside with him
Position of Sir William and of Lady Hamilton in the house
Differences between them
Minto’s account of the household at Merton
Reminiscence of the same by Nelson’s nephew
Incident narrated by Lieutenant Layman
Recollections of Nelson by the vicar’s daughter