“While the advanced officers in the British squadron[1] were proving themselves worthy of that experience and decision which directed the whole, the Rear-Admiral himself had entered into action with the remainder of his force; and was the first that anchored on the outer side of the enemy, within half pistol-shot of le Spartiate, the third ship in the French line of battle. * * * * * *
“The Vanguard having thus anchored in eight fathom water, at 6h 30' P.M. veered half a cable, and in a minute opened a most destructive fire so as to cover the approach of the other ships, the Minotaur, Bellerophon, Defence, and Majestic, which respectively passed on Miead of their Admiral. Captain Louis, in the Minotaur, nobly supported his friend and commander, and anchoring next a-head of the Vanguard, took off the fire of l’Aquilon, the fourth in the French line[2].
“During the heat of the battle, and when Nelson had received his severe wound in the head from a piece of langridge shot, some circumstances occurred which marked his character and disposition. On being wounded, he had been assisted in going below, where, desiring that he might wait until his turn came, it was some time before he was discovered by the surgeon. The pain was intense, and Nelson felt convinced that his wound was mortal. A large piece of the skin of his forehead, which had been cut to the bone, hung down over his eye, and not having any sight from the other, he was left perfectly blind. Mr. Jefferson assured him, on probing the wound, that there was no immediate danger. He would not, however, indulge any hope; and having desired Mr. Comyn, the chaplain, to convey his dying remembrance to Lady Nelson, he ordered the Minotaur to be hailed, that he might thank her gallant Captain for coming up so nobly to the support of the Vanguard – the interview affected all who beheld it.”
“Farewell, dear Louis,” said the hero, “I shall never forget the obligation I am under to you for your brave and generous conduct; and note, whatever may become of me, my mind is at peace[3].”
L’Aquilon being totally dismasted, and completely overpowered by the Minotaur’s superior fire, struck her colours some time previous to the destruction of l’Orient, and was immediately taken possession of by Lieutenant Schomberg, whom we subsequently find employed, as first of the Minotaur, in a series of active and important services, on the coast of Italy, the nature of which will be seen by the following
- ↑ Captains Thomas Foley, Samuel Hood, Sir James Saumarez, Davidge Gould, and Ralph Willet Miller, of the Goliath, Zealous, Orion, Audacious, and Theseus; which ships had anchored within the enemy’s line.
- ↑ The Alexander, Swiftsure, and Leander, it will be remembered, did not close with the enemy until a considerable time after the commencement of the action.
- ↑ The above passage in italics is extracted from a memoir of Sir Thomas Louis, published in the Naval Chronicle (1806).
