MEMORIES OF TRAFALGAR

Evening Star, Issue 21993, 1 April 1935, Page 2

MEMORIES OF TRAFALGAR

RECALLED BY DID NEWSPAPER LOCAL RESIDENT'S POSSESSION The London ‘Times,’ the most influential of Empire newspapers, has at one time or another covered every important event from its birth to the present day. Not the least of these was the Battle of Trafalgar, at which Lord Nelson was killed. A local resident recently showed a ‘ Star ’ reporter a copy of ‘ Tire Times ’ dated November 7, 1802, the paper containing a report of the battle. The paper, made up of four pages, is priced sixpence. , The Press is generally recognised as the voice of the people, and if this is so public feeling must have been great in those days. With the exception of advertisements, the paper is entirely devoted to the battle and the death of Nelson.

Following a number of despatches is a paragraph relating to Lord Nelson; “ When Lord Nelson was shot and was yet in the arms of the men who were supporting him, his ' eye caught on the tiller rope, which was unusually slack. . He exclaimed with much emphasis ‘Tighten that rope there!’ an eminent example that his professional ardour still survived the flame of life. When he saw his secretary and friend, Mr Scott,, thrown overboard- as dead, uncertain of the disfigurement of the wound and the confusion of the fight whether it was him or not, ho inquired with affectionate ardour: ‘Was that poor Mr Scott?’ An impression seems to hare been made on Lord Nelson, for as the mien were carrying him down to the cockpit he said; ‘ Don’t let me be thrown overboard; tell Hardy to take me home.’ Following a leader on the fight and the death of the national hero are some verses, which in turn are followed by the list of dead and wounded officers. Some interesting paragraphs are the other contents.

“ There was a partial illumination throughout the metropolis last night, and a general one will take place this evening.” ‘ ‘ A man was so completely cut in two by a double-headed shot that thq ; whole of his body, with the exception of his legs up to the knees, was blown some yards overboard; but, strange to tell, his legs were left standing on tho deck with all the firmness and animation of life.”

‘‘A midshipman of the name of Price was brought into the cockpit with his leg cut off up to the calf. He was an heroic youth of seventeen. The surgeon could not attend to him at. the moment, H© drew out a knife and cut the piece of flesh and splinters of bone off with great composure. ‘ I can stay,’ he said. ‘ Let me doctor myself.’ When the surgeons attended him it was found necessary to amputate above the knee. He submitted to the operation without a groan. ‘lt is-nothing at all,’ he- said. ‘ I thought it would be ten times worse.’ ’

After a long despatch from Admiral Collingwood there follows a “ general order.” Signed by the admiral himself, it orders that on a certain day the- fleet shall assemble in order that “ praise and thanksgiving be offered to the Throne of Grace for the great benefits to our country and mankind.” A Covent Garden Theatre advertisement says: “ After the big play there will he, presented a loyal musical impromptu called ‘ Nelson’s Glory.’ ” In a description of the play ‘ The Times ’ says; ‘ 1 Last night after the comedy ‘ She Would and She Would Not,’ in which Miss Smith' acted Hypolita with admirable spirit, the proprietors of the theatre, ever alive to the national glory, produced a hasty but elegant compliment to the memory of Lord Nelson. When the curtain drew up we were surprised with the view of a superb naval scene. It consisted of columns in the foreground decorated with medallions of the naval heroes of Britain. In the distance a number of ships were seen, and the front of tho stage was occupied by Mr Taylor and the principal singers of the theatre. They were grouped in an interesting manner with their eyes turned towards the clouds, whence a half-portrait of Lord Nelson descended with the following words underwritten: — ‘ Horatio Nelson, ob. 21st Oct.’ Mr Taylor and the other, performers then sang ‘ Rule, Britannia.’ Tho following additional words were sung by Mr Taylor with a most affecting expression ; it was universally encored; — Again the loud-toned drums of fame Proclaim Britannia rules the main, While sorrow whispers Nelson’s name And mourns the gallant victor slain. Rule, brave Britons, rule the main, Revenge the godlike hero slain!