PREFACE.

Thirty-nine years have elapsed since the greatestof all the Heroes that adorn the Naval History ofBritain closed a career of unprecedented triumphs, by adeath which consummated his own glory, and renderedhim, for ever, a paramount object of National pride, gra-titude, and affection.

But though no language can adequately describe theeffect of his transcendant services upon his Country,upon Europe , and indeed upon the whole civilized World ,England is still more largely indebted to Nelson thaneven for his exploits. She owes to him a Name synony-mous with Victory, which, with almost talismanic power,inspires her Sons in the day of battle with a confidencethat ensures success; and She is indebted to him for anExample to ages yet unborn, of the most ardent loyalty,the most genuine patriotism, the most conscientioussense of duty to his Sovereign and his Country, and ofthe highest professional skill, combined with the mostgenerous disposition, the kindest heart, and the noblestaspirations, that ever graced a Public Man.