The Great Campaigns of Nelson by William O'Connor Morris

[These extracts re-typed from the original book 'The Great Campaigns of Nelson' by William O'Connor Morris]

Preface

This little volume consists of a series of articles on the great campaigns of Nelson, marked by the names of St. Vincent, the Nile, Copenhagen and Trafalgar, which originally appeared in the Pall mall magazine. the favourable reception accorded to them, though only fugitive pieces, has induced me to republish them; I have to thank the Proprietors and the Editor of the Magazine for their permission. The text has been revised and corrected, and some additions have been made to it; but I have avoided any important changes, for this was, I think, due to the publication which gave it its sanction. Captain Mahan has most kindly placed at my disposal the maps and diagrams in his Sea Power contained in the volume; this, at least is some indication that that great authority on naval warfare does not disapprove of it con tents. My thanks are also due to Messrs. Sampson Low, Marston & Co., Ltd., and to Messrs. Little Brown & Co., for sanctioning the use that has been made of these diagrams.

My object has been to present to the reader in tolerably exact outline, a sketch of the chief operations of Nelson at sea; and, at the same time, to glance at theories as to the impregnability of England, and her absolute security from invasion, which seem to me questionable and dangerous, should the nation rely on its maritime power only. For a full inquiry into the subject, the sources of information, original and secondary, are sufficiently known, it would be mere pedantry to do more than refer to them.

WILLIAM O'CONNOR MORRIS