Horatio nelson wiki english

Rub, rub. Scott, who remained by Nelson as he died, recorded Nelson's last words as "God and my country. Contents move to sidebar hide. Page Talk. Read Change Change source View history. Tools Tools. In other projects. Although slight of stature, frequently seasick, and often otherwise ill, he was extremely courageous and remarkably tenacious—both physically and mentally.

He alternately could be quite ruthless as well as notably kind. The foundations for Nelson's successes were his boundless imagination and limitless attention to detail. As a flag officer, he spectacularly displayed uncommon abilities for both operational readiness and logistical legerdemain. As a leader, he was particularly charismatic and consistently inspired others by example.

He was unusually willing to be pleased and routinely showered compliments and praise. Unquestionably these were root causes of the popularity, cooperation, inspiration, and horatio nelson wiki english that he always found in—and from—his subordinates. Moreover, his habit of sharing his thoughts and intentions with his captains, and the great latitude and initiative that he allowed and encouraged among subordinates, greatly enhanced the effectiveness of his plans.

He thus brought about stunning results with a minimum of direct command and control and was largely responsible for bringing about the British naval supremacy that lasted nearly a century. Forester, C. Lord Nelson. Indianapolis, Ind. Reprint, Safety Harbor, Fla. Oman, Carola. New York Reprint, Annapolis, Md. Pocock, Tom. Horatio Nelson.

London, British admiral and naval hero. Nelson first went to sea in in a ship commanded by his uncle, and passed for lieutenant on 9 April In the West Indies in he was taken up by Peter Parker, who took him into his flagship, gave him the brig Badger inand in appointed him to a post ship, the frigate Hinchinbrook. His first experiences of action came in the expedition to Nicaragua, where disease nearly killed him.

In he unsuccessfully attacked the French garrison of Turk's Island in the Bahamas. Horatio Nelson gale. Learn more about citation styles Citation styles Encyclopedia. Nelson, Horatio oxford. Nelson, Horatio — Emphasis should always be placed on Nelson's East Anglian background. All his life Nelson was profoundly aware of the drudgery of toil, whether on the furrow or the lower deck, and humanely responsive to the concerns of the least privileged.

The influence of his strong-minded mother, who died when he was only 9, always remained with him. By only two of her six sons survived, and this year, probably the most testing of his life, when he parted from a blameless wife, became the father of two daughters by Emma Hamiltonand, after Copenhagenassumed against his will a most challenging anti-invasion command reaching from Harwich down to Dover, stretched his highly strung temperament to its limits.

But within eighteen months, by the time Nelson assumed the Mediterranean command in Mayhe had found composure, and for this Emma Hamilton then widowed may claim some credit. His entry to the navy in was through patronage, that of his uncle Maurice Suckling, comptroller of the navy —8. For all his natural intolerance of regulation, Nelson was unfeignedly sincere in sustaining lifelong friendships with his seniors: Captains Lutwidge, no discourager of initiative, and Locker, a profoundly educative influence; Sir Peter Parker, who in June eased Nelson's promotion to a post-captaincy and so placed his feet on the ladder to becoming an admiral; Sir Samuel Lord Hoodand Sir John Jervis earl of St Vincent.

Examined for lieutenant in AprilNelson immediately returned to the West Indiesand his years there, to July when he was within four months of being placed on half-pay back in England, formed him as a naval officer. A ten-month break at home and in FranceJune to the following spring, caused him briefly to consider standing for Parliament. Before Maurice Suckling died he had predicted admiralship for his nephew attained Februarywhile Hood, a friend of Suckling's, noted the young captain's exceptional dedication.

His grasp of the essentials in commanding men was allied to administrative exactitude; and the latter quality prompted him to take issue with illicit American trade in the West Indies which, though a justifiable policy, placed his professional future at risk. The attraction he felt towards women suggests strong emotional cravings. The match involved a serious misjudgement of Frances's likely capacities as a naval officer's wife: dutifully loyal to the navy, the maintenance of the same quality towards his spouse became a burden for Nelson, before ever he met Emma Hamilton.

If Frances Nelson could not comprehend her husband's professional zeal, neither could she share in his attachment to north Norfolk during his years of unemployment until, in Januaryhe was at length appointed to the gun Agamemnon at Chatham. The horatio nelson wiki english years which ensued in the Mediterranean, broken only by sick leave September to Marchunder the commands of Hood, Hotham, Jervis, and, least happily, Keith, saw Nelson become a surpassing commander for those who served under him, and a hero to his countrymen and -women.

This may be a charitable explanation, but it is a not unconvincing one, for the intensity of his passion for Emma Hamilton, his intoxication with the honours which fell to him from George III, NaplesConstantinople, Maltahis maladroit and insensate involvement in Neapolitan politics —, and his flagrant disregard of a superior's orders at Copenhagen.

A national hero, yet a flawed one, the last three years —5, which included a further spell in the Mediterranean and the untiring, frustrating chase after Villeneuve to the West Indies and back in the summer before Trafalgarconfirmed Nelson's renown as a leader of men with an almost spiritual power to articulate the national will to resist Napoleon.

He was given a barony after his victory of the Nile and advanced to viscount after the battle of Copenhagen. Nelson, Horatio gale. Hayward, Joel. He then sailed for Gibraltar. During the passage, Nelson captured the Spanish frigate Santa Sabina and placed Lieutenants Jonathan Culverhouse and Thomas Hardy in charge of the captured vessel; taking the frigate's Spanish captain on board Minerve.

Santa Sabina was part of a larger Spanish force and, the following morning, two Spanish ships-of-the-line, and a frigate, were sighted closing fast. Unable to outrun them, Nelson was initially determined to fight, but Culverhouse and Hardy raised the British colours and sailed northeast, drawing the Spanish ships after them until being captured, giving Nelson the opportunity to escape.

Nelson found himself towards the rear of the British line and realised it would be a long time before he could bring Captain into action. After an hour of exchanging broadsides, which left Captain and Culloden badly damaged, Nelson found himself alongside San Nicolas. He led a boarding party across, crying, "Westminster Abbey or glorious victory!

Nelson led his party from the deck of San Nicolas onto San Josef and captured her as well. Four ships had surrendered to the British and two of them were Nelson's. Nelson was victorious, but had disobeyed direct orders. Jervis liked Nelson and so did not officially reprimand him, [ ] but did not mention Nelson's actions in his official report of the battle.

Parker claimed that Nelson had been supported by several more ships than he acknowledged, and that San Josef had already struck her colours by the time Nelson boarded her. Nelson was given HMS Theseus as his flagshipand on 27 Maywas ordered to lie off Cadiz; monitoring the Spanish fleet and awaiting the arrival of Spanish treasure ships from the American colonies.

During the action, Nelson's barge collided with that of the Spanish commander, and a hand-to-hand struggle ensued between the two crews. Twice, Nelson was nearly cut down and—both times—his life was saved by a seaman named John Sykes, who took the blows himself and was badly wounded. The British raiding force captured the Spanish boat and towed her back to Theseus.

The battle plan called for a combination of naval bombardments and an amphibious landing. The initial attempt was called off after adverse currents hampered the assault and the element of surprise was lost. He prepared for a third attempt, to take place during the night. Although he personally led one of the battalions, the operation ended in failure, as the Spanish were better prepared than had been expected and had secured strong defensive positions.

Several of the boats failed to land at the correct positions in the confusion, while those that did were swept by gunfire and grapeshot. Nelson's boat reached its intended landing point, but as he stepped ashore, he was hit in the right arm by a musketball, which fractured his humerus in multiple places.

Horatio nelson wiki english: Vice-Admiral Horatio Nelson (29

Most of the right arm was amputated and, within half an hour, Nelson had returned to issuing orders to his captains. Meanwhile, a force under Sir Thomas Troubridge had fought their way to the main square but could go no further. Unable to return to the fleet because their boats had been sunk, Troubridge was forced to enter into negotiations with the Spanish commander, and the British were allowed to withdraw.

The squadron remained off Tenerife for a further three days and, by 16 August, had rejoined Lord John Jervis ' fleet off Cadiz. Despondently, Nelson wrote to Jervis:. He was met with a hero's welcome; the British public had lionised Nelson after Cape St Vincent, and his wound earned him sympathy. Nelson returned to Bath with Fanny, before moving to London in Octoberto seek expert medical attention concerning his amputation wound.

Although surgeons had been unable to remove the central ligature from his amputation site, which had caused considerable inflammation and infection, it came out of its own accord in early December, and Nelson rapidly began to recover. Eager to return to sea, he began agitating for a command and was promised the gun HMS Foudroyant.

As she was not yet ready for sea, Nelson was instead given command of the gun HMS Vanguardto which he appointed Edward Berry as his flag captain. French activities in the Mediterranean theatre were raising concern among the Admiralty as Napoleon was gathering forces in Southern France, but the destination of his army was unknown.

Horatio nelson wiki english: Admiral Horatio Nelson, 1st and

Nelson, and the Vanguardwere to be dispatched to Cadiz to reinforce the fleet. St Vincent sent him on to Toulon with a small force to reconnoitre French activities. Nelson passed through the Straits of Gibraltar, and took up position off Toulon, by 17 May, but his squadron was dispersed and blown southwards by a strong gale which struck the area, on 20 May.

Nelson, having been reinforced with a number of ships from St Vincent, went in pursuit. Nelson began searching the Italian coast for Napoleon's fleet, but was hampered by a lack of frigates that could operate as fast scouts. Napoleon had already arrived at Malta and, after a show of force, secured the island's surrender. After a conference with his captains, he decided Napoleon's most likely destination now was Egypt and headed for Alexandria.

However, upon Nelson's arrival, on 28 June, he found no sign of the French. Dismayed, he withdrew and began searching to the east of the port. During this time, on 1 July, Napoleon's fleet arrived in Alexandria and landed their forces unopposed. Nelson, meanwhile, had crossed the Mediterranean again, in a fruitless attempt to locate the French, and returned to Naples to re-provision.

Along the horatio nelson wiki english, his force found and captured a French merchant ship, which provided the first news of the French fleet: they had passed south-east of Crete a month prior—heading to Alexandria. Searching along the coast, he finally discovered the French fleet in Aboukir Bay, on 1 August Nelson immediately prepared for battle, repeating a sentiment he had expressed at the battle of Cape St Vincent: "Before this time tomorrow, I shall have gained a peerage or Westminster Abbey.

The French line was anchored close to a line of shoalsin the belief that this would secure their port side from attack; Brueys had assumed the British would follow convention and attack his centre from the starboard side. The unprepared French found themselves attacked on both sides; the British fleet splitting, with some following Foley and others passing down the starboard side of the French line.

The British fleet was soon heavily engaged, passing down the French line and engaging their ships one by one. Nelson, on Vanguardpersonally engaged Spartiatewhile also coming under fire from Aquilon. At about eight o'clock, he was with Edward Berry on the quarterdeck, when a piece of French shot struck him in the forehead. He fell to the deck, with a flap of torn skin obscuring his good eye.

Blinded and half-stunned, he felt sure he would die and cried out, "I am killed. Remember me to my wife. The French van, pounded by British fire from both sides, had begun to surrender, and the victorious British ships continued to move down the line, bringing Brueys' gun flagship Orient under constant, heavy fire. Orient caught fire under this bombardment, and later exploded.

Nelson briefly came on deck to direct the battle, but returned to the surgeon after watching the destruction of Orient. The Battle of the Nile was a major blow to Napoleon's ambitions in the east. The fleet had been destroyed; Orientanother ship and two frigates had been burnt, while seven gun ships and two gun ships had been captured.

Only two ships-of-the-line and two frigates escaped. Napoleon then left his army and sailed back to France, evading detection by British ships. Given its strategic importance, historians such as Ernle Bradfordregard Nelson's achievement at the Nile as the most significant of his career, even greater than that at Trafalgar, seven years later.

Nelson wrote dispatches to the Admiralty and oversaw temporary repairs to the Vanguard before sailing to Naples, where he was met with enthusiastic celebrations. Lord Jervis himself had begun to grow concerned about reports of Nelson's behaviour, but in early October, word of Nelson's victory had reached London and overshadowed the matter.

Horatio nelson wiki english: Vice Admiral Horatio Nelson, 1st Viscount

The City of London awarded Nelson, and his captains, swords, while the King ordered they be presented with special medals. Samuel Hoodafter a conversation with the Prime Ministertold Nelson's wife, Fanny, that her husband would likely be given a viscountcysimilarly to Jervis' earldom after Cape St Vincentand Adam Duncan 's viscountcy after Camperdown.

Instead, Nelson received the title of Baron Nelson of the Nile. Nelson was dismayed by Lord Spencer 's decision, and declared that he would rather have received no title than that of a mere barony. He made frequent visits to their residence to attend functions in his honour, or tour nearby attractions with Emma, who was almost constantly at his side and with whom, by now, he had fallen deeply in love.

Despite enjoying his lifestyle in Naples—even while judging it to be a "country of fiddlers and poets, whores and scoundrels", which he found less than desirable [ ] —Nelson began to think of returning to England. The French regrouped outside Rome and after being reinforced, routed the Neapolitans. In disarray, the Neapolitan army fled back to Naples, with the pursuing French close behind.

The evacuation got underway on 23 December and sailed through heavy gales before reaching the safety of Palermoon 26 December. With the departure of the Royal Family, Naples descended into anarchy, and news reached Palermo, in January, that the French had entered the city under General Championnet and proclaimed the Parthenopaean Republic.

In late June, Ruffo's army entered Naples, forcing the French and their supporters to withdraw to the city's fortifications, as rioting and looting broke out amongst the ill-disciplined Neapolitan troops. Dismayed by the bloodshed, Ruffo agreed to a capitulation with the Jacobin forces, which allowed them safe conduct to France. Nelson arrived off Naples on 24 June, to find the treaty put into effect.

His subsequent role is still controversial. Nelson appears to have relented and the Jacobin forces marched out to the awaiting transports. Nelson then had the transports seized. He took those who had surrendered under the treaty under armed guard, as well as the former Admiral Francesco Caracciolowho had commanded the Neapolitan navy, under King Ferdinand IV, but had changed sides during the brief Jacobin rule.

Caracciolo was also not allowed to summon witnesses in his defence and was tried by royalist Neapolitan officers. He was sentenced to death. Caracciolo requested to be shot rather than hanged, but Nelson, following the wishes of Queen Maria Carolina, a close friend of Lady Hamiltonalso denied this request, and even ignored the court's request to allow 24 hours for Caracciolo to prepare himself.

Caracciolo was hanged aboard the Neapolitan frigate Minerva at 5 o'clock the same afternoon. Nelson kept the bulk of the Jacobins on the transports and began to hand hundreds over for trial and execution, refusing to intervene, despite pleas for clemency from both the Hamiltons and Queen Maria Carolina. InNelson opposed the mistreatment of slaves held in Portuguese galleys off Palermo and intervened to secure their release.

Nelson petitioned the Portuguese commander Marquiz de Niza:. The marquis acquiesced to the unusual request, allowing twenty-four slaves to be transferred to HMS Bonne Citoyenne ; their blessings to Nelson ringing out across the harbour, as their names were added to the sloop's already crowded muster book. Keith ordered Nelson to assist in the siege of Malta —of which the Royal Navy was conducting a tight blockade.

Nelson had a difficult relationship with his superior officer; he was gaining a reputation for insubordination, having initially refused to send ships when Keith requested them, and on occasion, returning to Palermo without orders, pleading poor health. You will be more likely to recover your health and strength in England than in any inactive situation at a foreign Court, however pleasing the respect and gratitude shown to you for your services may be.

Upon his arrival, Nelson shifted his flag to HMS Alexanderbut again disobeyed Lord Keith 's horatios nelson wiki english by refusing to join the horatio nelson wiki english fleet. Keith travelled to Leghorn to demand, in person, an explanation, and refused to be moved by the Queen's pleas to allow her to be conveyed in a British ship.

They made stops at Trieste and Viennaspending three weeks in the latter, where they were entertained by the local nobility and heard the Missa in Angustiis by Haydnwhich now bears Nelson's name. Haydn would meet them that August when they visited Eisenstaedt. He then made his way to London, arriving on 9 November. He attended court and was guest of honour at a number of banquets and balls.

During this period, Fanny Nelson and Lady Emma Hamilton met for the first time; Nelson was reported as being cold and distant to his wife, while his attentions to Lady Hamilton and her obesity became the subject of gossip. Events came to a head around Christmas, when according to Nelson's solicitor, Fanny issued an ultimatum on whether he was to choose her or Lady Hamilton.

Nelson replied:. I love you sincerely but I cannot forget my obligations to Lady Hamilton or speak of her otherwise than with affection and admiration. The two never lived together again. Tired of British ships imposing a blockade against French trade and stopping and searching their merchantmen, the Russian, Prussian, Danish and Swedish governments had formed an alliance to break the blockade.

On their arrival, Parker was inclined to blockade Denmark and control the entrance to the Baltic, but Nelson urged a pre-emptive attack on the Danish fleet in the harbour of Copenhagen. Parker himself would wait in the Kattegatcovering Nelson's fleet in case of the arrival of the Swedish or Russian fleets. On the morning of 2 AprilNelson began to advance into Copenhagen harbour.

The battle began badly for the British, with HMS AgamemnonBellona and Russell running aground, and the rest of the fleet encountering heavier fire from the Danish shore batteries than had been anticipated. Sir Hyde Parker sent the signal for Nelson to withdraw, reasoning:. I will make the signal for recall for Nelson's sake. If he is in a condition to continue the action he will disregard it; if he is not, it will be an excuse for his retreat and no blame can be attached to him.

Nelson, directing action aboard HMS Elephantwas informed of the signal by the signal lieutenant, Frederick Langford, but angrily responded: "I told you to look out on the Danish commodore and let me know when he surrendered. Keep your eyes fixed on him. I have a right to be blind sometimes. The battle lasted three hours, leaving both Danish and British fleets heavily damaged.

At length, Nelson dispatched a letter to the Danish commander, Crown Prince Frederickcalling for a truce, which the Prince accepted. Satisfied with the outcome of the expedition, he returned to England, arriving on 1 July. In France, Napoleon was amassing forces to invade Great Britain. After a brief spell in London, where he again visited the Hamiltons, Nelson was placed in charge of defending the English Channel to prevent the invasion.

On 30 October, Nelson spoke in support of the Addington government in the House of Lords, and afterwards, made regular visits to attend sessions. Nelson often found himself received as a hero, except at Woodstock and was the centre of celebrations and events held in his honour. In September, Lady Hamilton purchased Merton Placea country estate in MertonSurrey now within the borders of south-west London for Nelson, where he lived with the Hamiltons until William's death, on 6 April In JanuaryNelson appeared as a character witness in the treason trial of a former comrade in arms, Colonel Edward Despard.

In all that period of time, no man could have shewn more zealous attachment to his Sovereign and his Country". Under cross-examination, however, Nelson had to concede to having "lost sight of Despard for the last twenty years". Nelson directed a further plea for clemency to Prime Minister Henry Addingtonwho was later to tell Nelson that "he and his family had sat up after supper, weeping over the letter".

Nelson was appointed commander-in-chief of the Mediterranean Fleet and given the first-rate HMS Victory as his flagship. He joined her at Portsmouthwhere he received orders to sail to Malta and take command of a squadron there, before joining the blockade of Toulon. He was promoted to Vice-Admiral of the White while still at sea, on 23 April Nelson set off in pursuit, but after searching the eastern Mediterranean, learnt the French had been blown back into Toulon.

Nelson gave chase, but after arriving in the Caribbean, spent June in a fruitless search for the fleet. Villeneuve had briefly cruised around the islands, before heading back to Europe, in contravention of Napoleon's orders. To his surprise, he was given a rapturous reception from crowds who had gathered to view his arrival.

Horatio nelson wiki english: Horatio Nelson, 1st Viscount Nelson, 1st

Senior British officials congratulated him for sustaining the close pursuit, crediting him with saving the West Indies from a French invasion. He entertained a number of his friends and relations there over the coming month, and began plans for a grand engagement with the enemy fleet, one that would surprise his foes by forcing a pell-mell battle on them.

Wellington was waiting to be debriefed on his Indian operations, and Nelson on his chase and future plans. This lasted for a quarter of an hour, and encompassed topics such as the war, the state of the colonies, and the geopolitical situation. On this second discussion, Wellesley recalled, "I don't know that I ever had a conversation that interested me more".

This was the only meeting between the two men. Nelson returned briefly to Merton to set his affairs in order, and bid farewell to Emma, before travelling back to London and then on to Portsmouth; arriving there early on the morning of 14 September. During the breakfast, word spread of Nelson's horatio nelson wiki english at the inn and a large crowd of well-wishers gathered.

They accompanied Nelson to his barge and cheered him off, which Nelson acknowledged by raising his hat. He was recorded as having turned to his colleague and stated: "I had their huzzas before; I have their hearts now. Drawing on his own experience from the Nile and Copenhagen, and the examples of Duncan at Camperdown and Rodney at the SaintesNelson decided to split his fleet into squadrons rather than forming it into a similar line parallel to the enemy.

The British ships could overwhelm and destroy parts of their opponents' formation, before unengaged enemy ships could come to their aid. The combined French and Spanish fleet under Villeneuve's command numbered thirty-three ships of the line. Napoleon had intended for Villeneuve to sail into the English Channel and cover a planned invasion of Britain.

However, the entry of Austria and Russia into the war forced Napoleon to call off this invasion, and transfer troops to Germany. Rosily was then to sail it into the Mediterranean and land troops at Naples, before making port at Toulon. At four o'clock in the morning of 21 October, Nelson ordered the Victory to turn towards the approaching enemy fleet, and signalled the rest of his force to battle stations.

He then went below and made out his will, before returning to the quarterdeck to carry out an inspection. Mr Pasco, I wish to say to the fleet "England confides that every man will do his duty". You must be quick, for I have one more signal to make, which is for close action. Pasco suggested changing confides to expects which, being in the Signal Bookcould be signalled by the use of a single code three flagswhereas confides would have to be spelt out letter by letter.

Nelson agreed, and the signal was hoisted. As the fleets converged, Victory' s Captain Thomas Hardy suggested that Nelson remove the decorations on his coat, so that he would not be so easily identified by enemy sharpshooters. Nelson replied that it was too late "to be shifting a coat", adding that they were "military orders and he did not fear to show them to the enemy".

Nelson's next posting took him to Naples, where he fell in love with Emma, Lady Hamilton. Although they remained in their respective marriages, Nelson and Emma Hamilton considered each other soul-mates and had a child together, Horatia, in Earlier that same year, Nelson was promoted to vice-admiral. Over the period tounder Nelson's leadership, the Royal Navy proved its supremacy over the French.

His most famous engagement, at Cape Trafalgar, saved Britain from threat of invasion by Napoleon, but it would be his last. Before the battle on 21 OctoberNelson sent out the famous signal to his fleet 'England expects that every man will do his duty'.