by John Marshall

“ Lord Nelson had previously laid a plan of attack, which was a master-piece of naval skill, and assured him of success. The enemy on his approach drew up in form of a crescent, and waited for the British fleet, which bore down in a double column, the great commander’s last telegraphic signal being, “England expects every man will do his duty” and nobly indeed was it performed on this memorable day, the battle of Trafalgar being without parallel in the annals of British victory. ”

“ The dreadful conflict was begun about noon by Vice-Admiral Collingwood, in the Royal Sovereign, breaking through the enemy’s line, at about the twelfth ship from the rear, in so gallant a manner as to excite general admiration; Lord Nelson at the same time made his way about the tenth ship from the van; the succeeding ships breaking through in all parts a-stern of their leaders, and engaging the enemy at the muzzles of their guns. The attack was irresistible, and its effect decisive. ”

“ A victory, therefore, was the only thing that could redeem his character; and he was conscious that a defeat could add but little to his actual state of humiliation. Influenced by these motives, the French commander, on the 19th October, left Cadiz with the combined fleets, amounting to thirty-three sail of the line, of which eighteen were French and fifteen Spanish, and steered towards the Gut of Gibraltar. ”