PREFACE.

A period of fifteen months of the life of Nelson is illus-trated by his Correspondence in this Volume; and as hiscareer approached its close, liis Letters increased ininterest and importance.

These Letters extend from May 1804 to July 1805,during the whole of which time he was Commander-in-Chief in the Mediterranean, watching the FrenchSquadron in Toulon , until it sailed, in April 1805, tothe West Indies , whither it was pursued by Lord Nelsonwith a very inferior force.

Besides showing Nelson’s unabated energy, his un-wearied attention to the minutest details of his Com-mand, his constant regard for the comfort of the Crewsof his Ships, as to their provisions and clothing; his con-tinual efforts to prevent any waste of stores, and theGovernment from being imposed upon by Contractors,the most remarkable parts of his Letters in 1804 are,perhaps, those relating to Vice-Admiral La ToucheTreville, the Commander-in-Chief of the French Squadron

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