of such principles in the maritime code of civilised nations."[1]
Nelson sent to the Sound, 1801.
Bombardment of Copenhagen.
Although Mr. Pitt had retired about ten days
from office when he delivered those opinions, his
successors made prodigious efforts to maintain the
policy he had so long pursued. Nelson, who had
already gained immortal fame by the battle of the
Nile (August 1st, 1798), was despatched, second in
command to Admiral Sir Hyde Parker, to the
Sound, with the double object of overawing Denmark
and of preventing the junction of the fleets of the
coalitionists. The details of Nelson's extraordinary
exploit are too well known to be here recapitulated.
Practically assuming the chief command, he, amid
the difficult navigation of the shoals which protect
Copenhagen, bombarded the three Crown batteries of
the Danes (April 2nd, 1801), attacked their fleet with
signal success, and, when their determined resistance
placed his squadron in the extremity of danger, and
Admiral Sir Hyde Parker made the signal to discontinue
the action, placing the glass to his blind eye,
he exclaimed, "I really do not see Parker's signal for
leaving off action."
After a terrible bombardment the Danes, who had suffered most severely, allowed their fire to slacken, and at length to cease. The captured
- ↑ On the 18th January, 1798, the French Directory issued a decree declaring: "that all ships having for their cargoes, in whole or in part, any English merchandise shall be held good prize, whoever is the proprietor of such merchandise, which should be held contraband from the single circumstance of its coming from England, or any of its foreign settlements; that the harbours of France shall be shut against all ships having touched at England except in cases of distress; and that neutral sailors found on board English vessels should be put to death"!—Ann. Reg. 1800, 54, 55.
