combinations in 1805

267 Details of his plan 268 Nelson's share in thwarting it 269 The difficulties of one dealing with Napoleon 271 Nelson's guiding principle 271 The sailing of the Toulon fleet 272 Nelson's movements and perplexities 273 Goes to Alexandria 277 Returns to Gulf of Palmas, Sardinia 278 British disasters in Western Mediterranean 278 Characteristic letter of Nelson in behalf of an officer 279 Explanations to the Admiralty about his own course 280 Makes a round off Toulon and Barcelona to deceive the enemy 282 Returns to the Gulf of Palmas 283 The Toulon fleet sails again 284 Its movements and those of Nelson 284 Distress and misfortunes of the latter 286 Learns that the French fleet has passed the Straits 287 Thoroughness and sagacity of his measures 287 Continued head winds and distress of mind 289 The excitement in London 290 Gloom at the Admiralty 291 Nelson's constancy against bad fortune 292 Hears that the French and Spaniards are gone to the West Indies 292 Determines to follow them there 295 Sails in pursuit 296 Incidents of the voyage 297 Arrives in Barbadoes 298 Misled by false information 299 Rapid measures to retrieve the mis-step 299 Infers that the enemy have returned to Europe 301 He starts back immediately for Gibraltar 302 His judgments rapid, but not precipitate 302 Strength of his convictions 303 Relief from the anxiety previously felt 303 Movements of the allies and of Nelson 304 Precautions of the latter 305 His own explanation of his reasons 305 Discussion of this utterance 306 Indecisive engagement between the allies and Sir Robert Calder 307 Alarm in London at the failure of the latter 307 Nelson's protracted pursuit and mental depression 308 Reaches the Straits again 309 Appreciation of his action by others 310 Exchange of views between Nelson and Collingwood 311 Movements of Villeneuve, Calder, and Nelson 313 Nelson's arrival in Gibraltar 314 Subsequent rapid movements 315 Learns the news brought by the "Curieux" 315 Starts at once for the northward 315 Joins the Channel Fleet off Ushant 317 Leaves his squadron with Cornwallis, and proceeds to England 317 Anchors at Spithead 318 His sympathy with Calder 318 Tenacity of his opinions 319   CHAPTER XXI.   NELSON'S LAST STAY IN ENGLAND.   AUGUST 19—SEPTEMBER 15, 1805.   Nelson hauls down his flag and goes to Merton 320 Interviews with the Admiralty 320 His one meeting with Wellington 321 Interview with Lord Castlereagh 323 Popular demonstrations of affection 325 Home life at Merton 326 Presentiments 327 Intimations of early summons into service 327 News arrives that the combined fleets are in Cadiz 328 Determination of the British Government 328 Nelson's opinion on the License System 330 His services requested by the Government 330 Lady Hamilton's part in his decision 331 It is settled that he return to the Mediterranean 332 His health and spirits 332 His insistence upon the need for numbers 333 Final departure from home 335 Flag re-hoisted on board the "Victory"