THE LIFE OF NELSON.

Otago Witness, Issue 2660, 8 March 1905, Page 89

THE LIFE OF NELSON.

THE NAVY LEAGUE PRIZE ESSAYS

The following essay on " The Life of Nelson," -by F. B. Barton, was marked^ equal with one published last week for the naval history competition among the upper form of the Boys' High School lastf under the .auspices of the local branch o£ .the Navy League : —

Horatio Nelson was born in the year 1758 in the village of Burnhamthorpe, m Norfolk. He was the son of the Rev. Edmund Nelson, who was at the time of Horatio's birth, the vicar T>f the village. "When we review the lives of our great dead we cannot help feeling surprise on finding that so many of our national heroes were brought up as children of clergymen. la Nelson's case -we must admit that his home influences and environment had a great deal to do with tno success of his future career. All that is ' beat and noblest in a man* rhust have been engendered in his youth. Nelson's early training had a far-reaching influence over his character. Doubtless it was due very considerably to the- situation, of Nelson's birthplace that he chose the profession he did. Norfolk has produced many a sailor, but none to equal Nelson. As a child he was rather delicate, and he remained so all bis days. Nowadays Nelson's poor physique would most certainly debar him I from ever obtaining a position in the navy. But, fortunately for England and her future, the times" were different then, and Nelson, who was anxious to become a 6ailor, obtained with little difficulty a berth on "one of his Majesty's ships as a midshipman. The first few weeks that he spent were not too enjoyable, as he suffered considerably from seasickness ; and, strange to relate, to the end of his life he was subject to that complaint. However, nothing so trifling could daunt Nelson's spirit. He joined the navy to succeed, and by his resolute -determination and zeal he worked his way to the top of the ladder. As apetty officer he did his work dutifully and ■well, and. wop. the admiration and respectof the officers and men alike. Consequently he rapidly . rose, and, by the influence of his superiors, who wished to see such a capital young officer in a good position, b© received many promotions. During the first years of his life at sea he saw many parts': of the world, and while thus cruising about he. gained many valuable hints in seaman-" ship which fitted him so well for the future. At this time Europe was in a very disturbed state. Ambitious Napoleon was endeavouring to carry out his plan of becoming " Master of Europe." The one stumbling block in his way was England — her money and her fleet. Again, there were the Spaniards, who, since the time of the Armada, had been quarrelling with Eng- j land, and now threatened her. It was therefore a busy time with the British fleet. Nelson was soon engaged, and from the Very first he displayed a wonderful courage and tact. He had had several serious encounters with the Spaniards in their South Sea colonies. In one engagement at Calvi Nelson lost his eye, while at Santa Cru2 during a sharp fight with the Spaniards he was unfortunately wounded in the right arm, which eventually had to be amputated. Thus handicapped, he kept to his noble profession, and afterwards fought many a fierce battle for his country. His first great engagement was off Cape St. "Vincent against the Spanish fleet, which was endeavouring to join the Frenoh and act in concert with it against the" formidable British navy. The plan was, however, frustrated by the complete defeat of the Spanish ships at this battle. Admiral Jcrvis, a very good seaman, was in command, with Nelson as second. The victory can undoubtedly be ascribed to Nelson's audacity on this occasion. Certainly he failed in his duty to Jervis; but what of that when he proved successful in his enterprise. Instead of acting upon the orders given by the Admiral, he boldly steered his ship right into the heart of the Spanish fleet, and, after taking one ship, he captured another from the deck of the vessel he had last subdued. In this extraordinary way he achieved a meritorious victory, and added immensely to his fame. His next

engagement completely upset one of Napoleon's numerous projects to weaken the British power. This was the battle ot Aboukir Bay, where, ttter a long search extending over many months, Nelson discovered the French fleet at anchor. The enemy's fleet was plaoed in a capital defensive position fairly close into the shore, but Nelson was alert to every emergency, and, with characteristic boldness, he surprised the French by sending a portion of his fleet between theirs and the land. This strategic move placed the enemy between two fires, which proved so destructive that a decisive victory was gained by our

Nelson's next mission was to d-estroy the I Danish fleet which was thought to be preparing to co-operate with Napoleon. The British fleet set out upon this undertaking with Sir Hyde Parker in chief command. Arriving at Copenhagen, they found the Danes awaiting them, and a very hot engagement followed. Many of the British ships ran aground on the shoals, as' the Daaes had removed all the beacons in the harbour. Added to this, the fire from the shore batteries proved somewhat destructive to thosevessels which had stranded. Admiral Parker, seeing how matters stood, thought it; would be advisable for Nelson, whom he had sent to do the actual fighting, to -withdraw, and he signalled him o do so. On learning this from the flag captain, Nelson put his telescope to his blind eye, and said that they had better nght on as he could not see the signal. This won the battle for us. Now came the greatest battle in his Jife — the battle against the combined fleets of France and Spain. On the issue of that great encounter the existence of our nation de-o-ended, and in no small measure may that glorious victory be attributed to Nelson. xVt this battle he was in supreme command, with Collingwood as second. After a great deal of manoeuvring, the fleets met off Capo Trafalgar, and the battle almost instantly commenced. The British fleet was divided into two lines, Nelson at the head of one in the Viotory, and Collingwood in fche other in I/he Royal Sovereign ; and in this formation they bore down upon the enemy. The fleets were soon in action, and a fierce fight ensueg. in which the combined fleets lost about 18 vessels. Although we lost no vessel, we unfortunately lost our noble seaman Nelson. Dui-ing the fight he was struck by a bullet from a French sharpshooter who was posted with seme others in the rigging of one of the enemy's vessels. Nelson was carried below, but in a few hours exnired. Thus ended the life, on tho 21st of October. IFOS. of England's greatest admiral, Horatio Nelson. He left a motto which every Brit'sh subject should revere as the parting words of one of England's noblest 4ieoes: "England expects that every man will do his duty."