The Life Of Nelson, Volume I.
Chapter XI.
Nelson's Return From Egypt To Naples. -- Meeting With Lady Hamilton. -- Association With The Court Of Naples. -- War Between Naples And France. -- Defeat Of The Neapolitans. -- Flight Of The Court To Palermo.
September-December, 1798. Age, 40.
The voyage of Nelson's small division from Abukir Bay to Naples occupied between four and five weeks, owing partly to light and contrary winds, and partly to the dull sailing of the "Culloden," which had a sail secured under her bottom to lessen the dangerous leak caused by her grounding on the night of the battle. This otherwise unwelcome delay procured for Nelson a period of salutary, though enforced, repose, which the nature of his injuries made especially desirable. His mind, indeed, did not cease to work, but it was free from harassment; and the obvious impossibility of doing anything, save accept the present easy-going situation, contributed strongly to the quietness upon which restoration depended. Nor were there wanting matters of daily interest to prevent an excess of monotony. Now that frigates were no longer so vitally necessary, they and other light cruisers turned up with amusing frequency, bringing information, and being again dispatched hither and yonder with letters from the admiral, which reflected instinctively his personal moods, and his active concern in the future military operations.
The distress from his head continued for some time with little abatement, and naturally much affected his tone of mind. At the first he spoke of his speedy return to England
|