the fortune of their flag.  At the end of 1811 there were sixteen sail of the line in Toulon.  Two others were launched next year, and by the close of 1813 there were twenty-two, of which six were three-deckers of the largest size.  Sir Edward gave them every opportunity, and every prudent advantage, but he never could induce them to attack him.  They had been forbidden to engage, and the Emperor had hitherto seen nothing to induce him to recall the order.  Thus, though they were kept in a state of high equipment through the whole period of Sir Edward’s command, they never ventured far beyond the protection of the batteries; and came out only when they had a leading wind to return.

The restoration of his fleet was a favourite ulterior object with Napoleon; and if a different result of the Russian campaign had placed the resources of Europe at his command, there is no doubt but that the days of St. Vincent and Trafalgar would have been renewed.  There was an English officer who was much in his presence and confidence at Elba, and to whom he proposed the most flattering inducements to enter his service.  “I am honoured by your Majesty’s offer,” was the reply, “but I was born an Englishman.”  Conversing with him on naval affairs, he one day said, “I would have had two hundred sail of the line, and when I brought against you such a force, you must have been crushed.”  But the officer soon convinced him that the tactics which he had made so effectual on land, by concentrating an overwhelming force upon his enemy, were not applicable to naval operations.  Sailors are made but slowly.  It requires an able commander to direct twenty ships, and the most skilful could scarcely manoeuvre forty.  Dark nights and gales would disperse the unwieldy armada, and a small, but well managed force, would hang upon it and destroy it in detail.  The Emperor saw the force of the objections, and closed the conversation with the compliment already related.

Once, towards the end of the war, an opportunity seemed to be offered by which the enemy might be compelled to sacrifice part of his fleet, or to risk a general battle.  On the morning of November 5th. 1813, the French fleet had sailed out of Toulon with the wind at E.S.E., and advanced to a greater distance than usual, when the wind suddenly shifted to south-west.  Immediately the enemy made every exertion to work back to their harbour.  The main body of the British fleet was just in sight to the southward, and an advanced squadron of four sail, with a fifth at no great distance, was about half-way between the two fleets.  This squadron lay up for the enemy under all sail, with every appearance of being able to cut off the rear ships, the Wagram of 130 guns, with four two-deckers and four frigates.  On the approach of the British, the enemy tacked, and stood in so close, that many thought they intended to run themselves on shore; but they again tacked off to the southward, and the advanced squadrons stood on with every prospect of