Had Paul lived, the issue might have been doubtful, and in that case England might well have rued the choice of a commander-in-chief whose chief function was to hamstring her greatest seaman; but the Danes received word of the murder, and on the 9th of April an agreement was reached.  There was to be a cessation of hostilities for fourteen weeks, during which Denmark suspended her part in the Armed Neutrality, and would leave her ships of war in the same state of unpreparedness as they then were.  The British fleet was at liberty to get supplies in all Danish ports.  In return, it was merely stipulated that no attacks should be made on any part of the coast of Denmark proper.  Norway[35] and the Danish colonies were not included, nor was Holstein.  In a letter to Addington, Nelson pointed out that as a military measure, which it was, the result was that the hands of Denmark were tied, those of the fleet loosed, its communications secured, its base of supplies advanced, and last, but far from least, the timid counsels of its commander-in-chief disconcerted; no excuse for not advancing being left.  Besides, as he said, to extort these concessions he had nothing in his hand but the threat of bombardment, which done, “we had done our worst, and not much nearer being friends.”  Sir Hyde would not have advanced.

As a military negotiation it is difficult to conceive one more adroitly managed, more perfectly conducive to the ends in view, or, it may be added, more clearly explained.  The Government, with extraordinary dulness, replied in that patronizing official tone of superior wisdom, which is probably one of the most exasperating things that can be encountered by a man of such insight and action as Nelson had displayed.  “Upon a consideration of all the circumstances, His Majesty has thought fit to approve.”  “I am sorry,” replied Nelson, “that the Armistice is only approved under all considerations.  Now I own myself of opinion that every part of the all was to the advantage of our King and Country.”  As First Lord of the Admiralty, old St. Vincent had to transmit this qualified approval; but he wrote afterwards to Nelson:  “Your Lordship’s whole conduct, from your first appointment to this hour, is the subject of our constant admiration.  It does not become me to make comparisons:  all agree there is but one Nelson.”

The armistice being signed and ratified, the fleet on the 12th of April entered the Baltic; the heavy ships having to remove their guns, in order to cross the “Grounds,” between the islands of Amager and Saltholm.  Nelson was left behind in the “St. George,” which, for some reason, was not ready.  “My commander-in-chief has left me,” he wrote to Lady Hamilton, “but if there is any work to do, I dare say they will wait for me. Nelson will be first.  Who can stop him?” “We have reports,” he says again, “that the Swedish fleet is above the Shallows, distant five or six leagues.  All our fellows are longing to