Page:Memoirs of the life and gallant services of Admiral Lord Nelson.pdf/6

 6 The Life and gallant Services In April, 1797, Sir Horatio Nelſon hoiſted his flag as rear Admiral of the Blue, and was detached to bring down the garriſon of Porto Ferrajo. On the 27th of May he ſhifted his flag to the Theſeus, and was appointed to command the inner ſquadron at the blockade of Cadiz. During this ſervice his perſonal courage was remarkably conſpienous. In the attack on the Spaniſh gun-boats, on the 3d of July, 1797, he was boarded in his barge; on board of which, was only his uſual complement of ten men, and the cockſwain, accompanied by Captain Free- mantle. Don Miguel Tyreſon, who commanded the Spaniſh gun-boats, in a barge rowed by twenty- fix oars and thirty men, made a moſt deſperate ef- fort to overpower Sir Horatio Nelſon and his brave cmpanions. The conflict was long and doubtful, and they fought hand to hand with their ſwords. Eighteen of the Spaniards being killed, the com- madant and all the reſt wounded, the Rear-admiral with his gallant barge's crew, ſucceeded. Sir John Jervis concludes his letter to the Admiralty, dated the 5th of July, 1797, containing an account of this atchievement in the following words: “ Any praiſe " of mine will fall very ſhort of his (Admiral Nel- " fon's) merit!" Though the enterpriſe againſt San- ta Cruz did not ſucceed, his Majeſty's arms acquir- cd great luſtre, as greater intrepidity was never ſhewn by both officers and men. In this attack Sir Horatio Nelſon lost his right arm by a cannon-ſhot; and 246 gallant officers, marines, and ſeamen, were killed, wounded, and drowned. On his firſt appearance at court, his Sovereign received him in the moſt gracious manner, and ex- preſſed his regret, that his ſtate of health, and mu- tilated perion would doubtleſs deprive the nation of his future ſervices. Sir Horatio replied, with a dignified emphaſis, " May it pleaſe your Majeſty, " I can never think that a loſs which the perform- " ance