The Nelson Society of Australia Inc. Newsletter

January, 2012

Trafalgar Commemoration, St George’s Cathedral 2011

Program of Events All meetings begin at 7pm for a 7.30 start unless otherwise stated. St Michael’s Church, Cnr The Promenade & Gunbower Rd, Mt. Pleasant Please bring a plate for supper.

13th Feb. Monday 2012. 6pm The Annual Evening BYO Picnic at Wireless Hill Park, Melville “Nelson’s Captains” by Mike Sargeant 14th March Mon. 2012. A.G.M. ‘Nautical Terminology” John Richards Members are urged to nominate for positions on the Management Committee which currently meets at two monthly intervals. There is also a need for volunteers to assist Richard Savage on the Memorial Sub Committee. 14th May Mon. 7pm Talk. Details Later 28th May Mon. North American Veteran’s Unit, Kings Park 9th July Mon. 1.30pm Day Time Talk — details later 9th Sept Sun. 10 .30 am Visit to Peter Board’s Nelson Collection in Parkerville 21st Oct. Sun. 3pm Trafalgar Service, St George’s Cathedral 9th Nov Fri. 7pm Pickle Night Dinner 26th Nov. Mon. 7pm End of year event

Page 1 The Nelson Society Newsletter, January, 2012 Trafalgar Day Service Address given by Bob Woollett. St Georges Cathedral, Perth. October 23rd 2011

Horatio Nelson was unquestionably a committed But most notable were the gifts to his father, the and successful warrior, and the four great Battles he Reverend , the vicar of Burnham fought towards the end of his life, Cape St Vincent, Thorpe in Norfolk. First in 1794, £200 for the poor and The Nile, Copenhagen and needy of the area and then finally Trafalgar, bear ample starting in 1799, an annuity of testament to this idea. The latter £500 to assist with his father’s which we are commemorating general work in the parish, ‘a today had the avowed aim, of not mark of gratitude’ he wrote ‘to the just defeating the enemy but best of parents from a dutiful son’. utterly destroying it. It is a concept Loyalty in both directions lay at which is emphasised in many the heart of Nelson’s formation of accounts of his life and times and his famous ‘Band of Brothers’. is one which epitomised by Lord The name originating at the Battle Byron’s description of him, in his of the Nile, was one he gave to epic poem, ‘Don Juan’, as the group of senior captains ‘Britannia’s God of War’. serving under him such as, But as a summary of the man and Thomas Hardy, Tom Fremantle, his achievements, the Thomas Troubridge, Edmund picture of Nelson as no more than Berry, Alexander Bell and later a son of Mars, does him less than . Nelson was justice and fails to explain the familiar with the works of devotion and admiration he Shakespeare and often quoted inspired in those who served with him and in the them in letters. The phrase a ‘Band of Brothers’ comes population at large. from the famous speech by the King in Henry V just The key to such an explanation lies in the equally before the Battle of Agincourt, important humane qualities of the man and it is on “We few, we happy few, we band of brothers some of these that I would like to focus in my For he today that sheds his blood with me, address this afternoon. Shall be my brother.’ Foremost among these qualities, was the loyalty he Bonds between above and below were important for showed to his family and friends, and to the officers Nelson and loyalty was the glue which held them and men who served with him. A sad exception to together. He demanded unqualified allegiance from this, it must be said, was his wife Fanny, Lady his offices and men and in return fought vigorously for Nelson whom he heartlessly discarded when his their welfare. In the words of John Sugden in part 1 of relationship with Emma Hamilton developed and, his authoritive biography of Nelson, ‘A Dream of Glory, although he made reasonable material provision for ‘They were, in their leaders eyes, partnered in a her, the manner of their separation and Nelson’s patriotic and sacred enterprise.’ subsequent attitude to her, does him little credit. This deeply ingrained sense of loyalty saw Nelson It was a very different matter with other members of frequently take the stand in both naval and civil courts his family, keeping in close touch with his father, to speak on behalf of people under his command. sisters and brothers and doing what he could to In 1787, when James Jamieson the Master of the promote the navel career of his stepson, Josiah frigate Boreas, was accused of cruelty to one of the Nisbet, and his nephew, William Bolton. ship’s crew, Nelson as his captain, recommended that This interest in his family and their well-being often in view of Jamieson’s good character and clear record, took a very practical form as when during the 1790’s no further action be taken on the matter, with the he offered financial assistance to his younger sister, result that the charge was dropped. Kate, and paid the educational expenses of the In the following year, he appeared as a witness in the children of his elder sister Susannah Bolton. trial of James Carse, an elderly cooper on the Boreas

Page 2 The Nelson Society Newsletter, January, 2012 for the murder of a woman during a drunken spree in the West Indies in 1790. After being accused of ashore. The evidence was not compelling and, asked if, misconduct in his position as an Administrator in in his opinion Carse was likely to commit such a foul Honduras, Despard became associated with deed, Nelson replied ‘I should as soon as suspect groups of radicals and Irish Rebels and was myself because I am hasty and he is not’, a comment involved in various plots of insurrection, including that no doubt played a part in the defendant eventually hare-brained schemes to blow up the Houses of receiving a pardon. Parliament and the Bank of England. “I served A more difficult situation arose in 1796 when Charles with Despard in the Spanish Main”, proclaimed Sawyer, the captain of he frigate Blanche, a ship in the Nelson from the witness box ‘and in all that time, squadron of which Nelson was Commodore, was no man could have shown more zealous accused of homosexual offences with member of his attachment to his sovereign and Country than crew. Nelson held Sawyer in high regard as a fellow Colonel Despard I formed the highest opinion of officer but found himself, in his own words, ‘mixed with him as a officer and a man’. indignation and sorrow’ and was forced to let the law As it happened Nelson’s eloquence was to no run its course. avail, Despard was found guilty and subsequently Sawyer was found guilty and dismissed from the hanged before a cheering crowd outside service but Nelson later wrote a letter to the Newington Goal. But it is a good example of dishonoured man and was of some help ensuring Nelson doing what he thought was his duty to an Sawyer received a substantial amount of prize money old friend, even one that was unpopular with the which had been due to him before the accusations authorities and the people at large and was now arose. accused of a most serious crime. Similarly he stood by several civilian friends or A risk of a different kind was later taken by Nelson acquaintances in their times of trouble with the law. In in the lead up to the when he the 1780’s during service in the West Indies, although showed great magnanimity towards his colleague, hardly endearing himself to the authorities, he lent his Admiral Sir Richard Calder, the Commander of support to two merchants, Messrs. Wilkinson and one of the Squadrons in the British Fleet. Calder Higgins, when they were wrongly accused in his view of needed to return to England to deal with an illicit dealings in the acquisition and distribution of naval investigation into his alleged dereliction of duty stores. when, on his return from the West Indies back in In 1803, Nelson’s long July, he had failed to intercept the French Fleet standing mentor and friend under Admiral Villeneuvre off the N.W. coast of Alexander Davison, who France. After failing to persuade Calder to take a advised him on business smaller ship, Nelson finally agreed to his going in matters and looked after his his flagship the 90-gun Prince of Wales, a finances, was accused of decision which reduced the number of Nelson’s bribery and corruption when capital ships to 27 and seriously weakened the standing for Parliament, was overall fire power of the fleet. Nelson later judged found guilty and sent to that he might be thought by some to have made a prison. mistake but felt sure he did ‘the right thing, as a But Nelson did not forsake his man to a brother officer in affliction.’ ‘My heart friend and continued to could not stand it,’ he said, ‘and so the thing must entrust his affairs with him, a rest’. gesture much appreciated On the eve of Calder’s departure for England, he and remembered by Davison wrote a letter to him wishing him a quick passage when, after Trafalgar he and a happy termination of the enquiry. Going into erected a monument to battle a few days later, Nelson is reported to have Alexander Davison Nelson on his estate at turned to one of his officers nearby and say ‘What Swarland Place, bearing the inscription ‘to the memory would poor Calder give to be with us now?’ of a private friendship’. But it was not only for his fellow officers that But an even more significant demonstration of Nelson’s Nelson showed concern. In December 1796 at sense of loyalty, this time to an army officer and former Port Ferrar in the West Indies, after a particular comrade in arms, was his appearance in court in fierce engagement with the Spanish Fleet, Nelson February 1803 to speak on behalf of Colonel Edward made a point of visiting the frigate Blanche, the Despard, an Irishman he had worked closely with other ship in his squadron which had fought well during an attack on the Spanish stronghold of San Juan in the battle. A sailor on the Blanche was

Page 3 The Nelson Society Newsletter, January, 2012 impressed and, in a letter home, proudly wrote that, By the way of a conclusion to my remarks this ‘Nelson came around the decks and shook hands afternoon and as a summary of the picture of with us as he went along.’ Nelson, I have tried to convey I would like to quote a And later, in July 1801, during his triumphal return passage written by Michael Nash, an ardent to Yarmouth after the Battle of Copenhagen, student of Nelson, and founder and Honorary Nelson insisted, before attending a civic reception in member of our Fellow Society in the United his honour, on going to the Naval Hospital to visit Kingdom in a chapter he contributed to ‘The Nelson some of his wounded sailors. According to the Companion’, edited by the late Colin White. Superintendent, Dr Green, ‘the admiral stopped at ‘Nelson now commands an international every bed and had something to say’. admiration and a world wide following. He owes his Later on old sailor, who had served on the Victory pre-eminent position not just to his professional skill as a powder monkey* told the story that on the or innovative thinking, outstanding though they were, morning of Trafalgar, while doing his tour of nor just to his remarkable personal courage and lack inspection of the gun decks, Nelson tapped him on of fear reinforced by his Christian faith. What marks the shoulder and, indicating that his shirt might be Nelson out …., is the fact that, in an age known for its struck by a spark in the forthcoming battle, said cruelty, and, in a profession dedicated to warfare, he ‘Take that off my boy, or you‘ll be in trouble later stands out as a humane and caring figure’. today’. Of few other great war leaders has it been said, as it In themselves these incidents were small gestures was said of Nelson by one of his Captains, that ‘he on Nelson’s part, but taken together they are was a man to love’. Bob Woollett

another illustration of his humanity and help us Sources: understand the impressions he made on the sailors Nelson, A Dream of Glory John Sugden who fought with him and how they personally felt The Nelson Companion. Ed. Colin White The Nelson Encyclopaedic Colin White appreciated and valued. Nelson, A Personal History Christopher Hibbert *The name given to a young boy who had the dangerous task A Portrait of Nelson Oliver Warne of bringing up the gun powder from the magazine

Page 4 The Nelson Society Newsletter, January, 2012 The oldest attendee at 103

Page 5 The Nelson Society Newsletter, January, 2012 ABLE SEAMAN 'BOUNCE': THE ADMIRAL'S SERVANT Lettie Sharman, ‘Nelson Dispatch’

The following is taken from a framed text which hangs on the wall at the Hotel del Almirante, Port Mahon, Menorca (former home of Admiral Lord Collingwood). '

Admiral Collingwood was a dedicated naval officer and a truly loving family man. On one of his more tedious duties, blockading the port of Toulouse, he worked between Gibraltar and Port Mahon. His officers and crew, being aware that he was missing his family, bought him in Mahon market, a terrier puppy with a patch over his right eye and presented the little creature to the Admiral who named him 'Bounce'. In appearance Bounce was similar to today's Jack Russell but with a longer head. The little dog was a great favourite on each ship on which he served with the Admiral, and was rated Able Seaman entitling him to the same food as the regular seamen. He particularly liked Figgy Duff, Pease Pudding, Hard Tack and Sunday Pork. Admiral Collingwood was so attached to him that he took him everywhere with him and he became known as 'The Admiral's Servant'. Bounce — taken from a framed drawing at Admiral The sailors made him a sailor's collar similar to their own Collingwood's home, now a charming hotel, on Menorca which was worn on the back to protect their pigtails from by kind permission Senor Enrique Pons, the proprietor the tar. They then attached tarred pigtails to the long hair on the dog's head so that he could be seen to be a out to the Ville de Paris. The crew would cheer loudly as true British Tar and he always looked right at times of he neared the ship which was a signal to the Admiral that ship inspections. he had arrived safely. He would then swim back to shore As he grew up he understood the times of the ship's and report to the Admiral. bells and all calls from the bosun's pipes. Admiral Collingwood was relieved of his command at his He was present on the quarterdeck at Trafalgar and did own request due to ill health in 1810 and died a day after

not leave the Admiral's side for the full duration of the sailing for England on board Ville de Paris. battle. When Admiral Collingwood was appointed Bounce lived on for another two years and died aged 19. Commander-in-Chief Mediterranean, Bounce came with He suffered much grief at the loss of the Admiral and one him on the flagship Ville de Paris to take station in particularly stormy day he disappeared overboard over Mahon. the side of the ship. Officers and crew searched for him The Admiral's and all agreed that he had been such a faithful friend of headquarters was the Admiral that he should be 'buried' with full naval at the Del honours. Officers and crew turned out in the best Almirante and uniforms and a quarter gun was fired. All raised their hats here Bounce in salute and gave three cheers for a brave seaman. could often be It is interesting to note that among the crew of the Ville seen in the de Paris were many Menorcan sailors and they thought it grounds and was only right that the dog should respond to their language Flagship HMS Ville de Paris very popular with as well as English. So Bounce was taught Menorcan to the staff. Admiral Collingwood insisted on the house which he responded as well as English. being run as a ship with flag hoisting in the Editor: My interest in Bounce is that my husband’s GGGrandfather morning and lowering in the evening with Bounce at- Captain Cass Halliday was the Master on Lord Collingwood’s flag tending every ceremony. ships after the Battle of Trafalgar. They were the Queen, Ocean and Ville de Paris was moored directly across the bay at the Ville de Paris., all three during the lifetime of Bounce. I am hopefully back of the house, and one of Bounce's favourite tricks still searching for a mention of Bounce in the log book of the ‘Ville de was to go down to the cove behind the house and swim Paris’ that I am slowly trying to transcribe. .

Page 6 The Nelson Society Newsletter, January, 2012

The Nelson Society of Australia Inc. 11th Annual Pickle Night Dinner.

HMS Pickle 11/11/11

St Michael’s Church Hall, Mount Pleasant, Western Australia.

Page 7 The Nelson Society Newsletter, January, 2012 To: The New York City Pickle Night Dinner New York Yacht Club

From: The Nelson Society of Australia Perth Western Australia

"Here comes that damned fool Berry! -now we shall have a battle”

(Horatio Nelson reflects upon the arrival of "Agamemnon" in the British fleet off Cadiz, October 13,1805)

With all good wishes from the Committee and Members of the Nelson Society of Australia On the occasion of our mutual celebration of the 206th anniversary of the arrival of HMS Pickle and the news of Trafalgar

“Remember Nelson”

10 November 2011

To the Nelson Society of Australia

On the occasion of your Pickle Night Dinner, we send enthusiastic greetings and warm wishes for a successful event. and Based on our common interests in the achievements of Admiral Lord Nelson and the joint sacrifices of our two nations to preserve common values of liberty, we again extend our greetings and best wishes. We salute you with the words of Admiral Lord Nelson, written on October 7, 1805 from HMS Victory to his comrade inarms and close friend Vice Admiral Collingwood:

"We are one, and I hope ever shall be. "

From the New York City Pickle Night Dinner Committee. 11 November 2011

Page 8 The Nelson Society Newsletter, January, 2012 NELSON’S WEST INDIAN WIDOW A talk given by Gillian Mead on Pickle Night 2011 about loyal Lady Frances Nelson, Nevis and Betrayal

Imagine growing up on an idyllic tropical island- an Fanny, now 22, returned to Nevis. Her uncle, John island so beautiful it was named “Oualie” (Land of Herbert, then asked her to live at his grand house, Beautiful Waters) by the people of “Montpelier” and supervise his Caribbean and “Dulcina” (Sweet Island) by household. This she did. the early British settlers. A few years later a senior officer The island has a central volcanic peak, of His Britannic Majesty’s Navy, often covered by cloud, giving the none other than Captain Horatio impression of snow. Because of this, Nelson, arrived in the Leeward sailors named the island (in Spanish) Islands to ensure the British Nuestra Senora de las Nieves meaning Navigation Acts (post-American “Our Lady of the Snows”. The Island’s War of Independence) were being name then became Nevis through correctly administered and abbreviation and anglicisation. It was on adhered to by traders with no this island Frances Herbert Woolward was improper dealings. born in 1758. Finding little support from many locals whose Due to the cultivation of high quality sugar cane on trading with American ships was their main Nevis, great wealth was generated. However, between livelihood, Nelson found support from Fanny’s 1675 and 1730 the island was headquarters for the uncle John who admired the way the sprightly slave trade for the Leeward Islands with approximately young Captain remained true to his principles. 6,000-7,000 enslaved West Africans passing through Nelson was a frequent guest at John Herbert’s en route to other islands each year. The enslaved where he became acquainted with Fanny, who families formed the large labour force required to work was fine of feature, sweet and gentle of nature the sugar plantations. with a complexion carefully protected from the Fanny’s parents, Mary and William Woolward, were tropical sun. She was a soothing companion, her wealthy members of the colonial elite, her father being manners mild and winning. She must have the Senior Judge on Nevis. They lived in comfort and seemed the embodiment of feminine graces. Her Fanny, herself, owned a black manservant named Cato. availability and position as likely to inherit a John Richardson Herbert, a descendant of the 4th Earl substantial portion of her uncle’s estate made her of Pembroke, was Fanny’s uncle. He became President an attractive match for Nelson. of the Council of Nevis. Their relationship developed happily and quite Her mother died in childbirth when Fanny was only two soon Nelson proposed marriage and was and she lost her father to lockjaw (tetanus) when she accepted. He declared to Fanny, “My whole life was 21. Fanny was a desirable and attractive young shall ever be devoted to make you completely woman with many accomplishments and married one of happy”, though adding, “whatever whims may her suitors, Dr Josiah Nisbet, in 1779. sometimes take me. We are none of us perfect.” Six months later Meanwhile Nelson had become friendly with Josiah became ill with Prince William (later William IV) who reminded f e v e r a n d him that he had promised delusions. They him that he would not get decided to sail to married unless the Prince England where a was present. This was a cooler climate might Royal command. benefit him. They Herbert gave his consent to settled in Salisbury the marriage and the and in May of that wedding took place at Nevis year, 1780, their son, on 11 March 1787, in the Josiah, was born. His Montpelier gardens. Prince Prince William poor father failed to William insisted on escorting recover and died in the bride and giving her away (which was really October 1781. John Herbert’s duty). Frances Nelson nee Woolward

Page 9 The Nelson Society Newsletter, January, 2012 conceive a child of their own. Fanny’s health suffered in the cold East Anglian climate but she was sustained by her love for Horatio, his father and young Josiah. But disappointment came to her again in 1793 with the outbreak of war with France when the now 13 year old Josiah joined Nelson as a midshipman on HMS Agamemnon. Fanny was distressed at losing both her husband and son to the sea. Within the year, Nelson had won a reputation for fearlessness. In the famous battle of Cape St Vincent he boarded the enemy’s “San Nicolas” crying out “Westminster Abbey or glorious victory.” Back in England, Fanny read the news with trepidation and wrote to her husband, “You have done desperate actions enough, you have been most wonderfully protected, may I – indeed I beg that you never board again.” Concern for her husband’s safety was making her ill, she said. This did not please Nelson, who wrote to her, “Why should you Wedding guests from the island’s great houses alarm yourself? I am well, your son is well.” gathered on the lawn beneath the boughs of a huge Perhaps Fanny had also heard rumours about silk cotton tree, having dressed themselves with Adelaide Correglio, commonly known as Dolly, the exceptional style in honour of the only wedding to be mistress Nelson now kept in Leghorn, Italy. Dolly held there under royal patronage. was another term for prostitute and almost certainly The day after, Nelson’s friend and colleague, she offered casual sexual services. However, she Captain Thomas Pringle, wryly remarked that the had a more enduring relationship with Nelson and Navy had lost its “greatest ornament”, so expressing kept a home in Leghorn for him for 18 months or concern that a wife got in the way of a successful more. naval career. Prince William was also concerned and He told Fanny he loved her, collecting many little wrote to Samuel Hood “He (Nelson) is in for it now. I things for her on his travels and she had no reason wish him well and happy and that he may not repent to believe otherwise. Yet, she was undeniably lonely, the step he has taken.” deprived of her “dearest husband” and child and However, Nelson said “I find my domestic happiness living in what was still something of a foreign land. perfect. I am possessed of everything that is At about the time that Nelson met up with “Dolly” he valuable in a wife”. He also said that he was morally succumbed to Fanny’s request for a likeness and sat certain she would continue to make him a happy to a miniaturist for a portrait. Certainly Fanny loved it man for the rest of his days. After the wedding the and wore it proudly around her neck. She continued happy pair stayed on Nevis awaiting orders from the to wear it long after Admiralty to return to England. suffering her hus- At last the orders arrived. Nelson and Fanny sailed band’s final betrayal on different ships and on his arrival Nelson was and treasured it to her ordered to the Nore because of renewed tension in dying day. France. Fanny finally arrived in London. It was perhaps ironic Both Nelson and Fanny were miserable, complaining that even as Nelson about being separated. Fanny wrote to her new sat for that priceless father-in-law in Norfolk saying “Hard is the lot of a memento, he was sailor’s wife. living with a mistress When the couple were reunited in England they lived of whom Fanny with Nelson’s father at the latter’s vicarage of possibly never knew. in Norfolk. His father moved out of In 1798 the defeat of the parsonage in late 1790 to give them space to the French fleet at the establish a home. They were reported to be happy though Horatio was frustrated by his failure to obtain brought her husband Frances Nelson wearing employment in the Navy and their inability to back into public mourning dress for an Uncle?

Page 10 The Nelson Society Newsletter, January, 2012 attention, but he had by now met Emma Hamilton, hoped for with Nelson, she pleaded with him in a letter the wife of the British Ambassador to Naples, Sir “Do my dear husband, let us live together. I assure you William Hamilton. again I have but one wish in the world, to please you. It was at this time that Horatio became infatuated Let everything be buried in oblivion. It will pass away with Emma. Emma in turn doted on him and came like a dream. The letter was returned with a note from to despise Fanny whom, in letters to Nelson’s Nelson’s friend, Alexander Davison – “Opened by relative, Sarah Nelson, she described as that “vile mistake by Nelson and not read”. He could hardly have Tom Tit” while Josiah called her the “squinting said anything more cruel. Many consider Nelson’s brat”. treatment of his wife inexcusable, especially the In 1800 when Nelson was journeying home to harshness of her final dismissal from his life. England with the Hamiltons, they stayed for a In caring for Nelson’s father during long years the month in Vienna. Lady Minto who knew him in Captain spent at sea, Fanny has seldom been Corsica said he was devoted to Emma and that she recognized. No-one who read her letters can doubt the led him about like a keeper with a bear while Lord passionate love she bore Fitzgerald said that Lady Hamilton was, without Nelson, or her pride in his exception, the most coarse ill-mannered, achievements. Unlike disagreeable woman he’d ever met. Nelson’s Emma there was nothing letters had now become brief and less affectionate flamboyant or overstated but Fanny did not remark on it. about Fanny but she had With scant regard for her feelings Nelson lost no considerable people time in giving Fanny every opportunity to see how charm and impressed. real his devotion to Emma was. Lady Spencer She was a woman of wrote “When the Nelsons dined with the First Lord, silent strengths and he treated his wife with every mark of dislike and although ultimately even of contempt.” In 1801, after 14 years of defeated by Emma, marriage, Fanny and Horatio were living apart due survived a sad old age to Nelson’s affair with Emma. When Fanny heard with considerable dignity. Lady Nelson Emma had given birth to the child she had always Gillian Mead

Some Questions from the Quiz Night Relating to Nelson and His Time Answers on page 12

1. Which male relation took Horatio Nelson to sea? 2. What was the name of Horatio Nelson’s first ship? 3. Who did Nelson refer to as his “wally de sham”? A His dog, Rufus, b his servant Thomas Allen or c. his mistress Adelaide Correglia? 4. Following the amputation of his arm, what did Nelson suggest to the surgeons? a. That they should wash their hands, b that they should use anaesthetics, c that they should warm the knives. 5. What was Lady Nelson’s maiden name? 6. Horatio Nelson lost the sight of one eye. Was it the right or the left? 7. How was Sir John Jervis also known. Viscount Spencer, Lord Barham or Earl St Vincent? 8. After which battle did Nelson become Viscount Nelson? 9. To whom did Nelson refer as ”that Corsican scoundrel” ? 10. How many ships were in each fleet at the battle of Trafalgar? 11. Which ship was immediately astern of the Victory at the battle of Trafalgar? 12. The shot which killed Nelson was fired from the rigging of which French ship? 13. Who took the news of the Battle of Trafalgar back to England? 14. What was the name of his ship? 15 Which artist painted a picture called A. “The Fighting Temeraire” in 1838? B. John Constable, C. JMW Turner D. Thomas Gainsborough? 16 What was the name of Nelson’s daughter?

Page 11 The Nelson Society Newsletter, January, 2012 Victory’s Predecessor. Answers to Questions 1. Captain Maurice Suckling, his uncle. Early in 2010, the Odyssey Marine Corporation, a US based 2. HMS Raisonable underwater salvage company, solved one of the greatest 3. His servant, Thomas Allen shipwreck mysteries in history when they found the remains of 4. Warm the knives 5. Woolward the HMS Victory which was lost in 1744 after hitting the 6. Right Casquet Rocks close to Alderney in the Channel Islands. 7. Earl St Vincent After guarding the Western Channel approaches during the 8. The Battle of Copenhagen 1801 war with France and Spain, the Victory, the flagship of Admiral 9. Napoleon Sir John Balchin, was returning home when it struck a violent 10. England 27 France/Spain 33 storm, became detached from the rest of the fleet and was 11. The Temeraire. never seen again. 12. The Redoubtable The loss of the ship with all hands was probably the result of 13. Captain John Lapenotiere its poor sailing qualities due to its high sides and stern galler- 14. The Pickle ies. There was also doubt about the state of the ship’s timbers. 15. JMW Turner 16. Horatia The Victory had been launched only seven years earlier and was the fifth vessel in the Royal Navy to bear that name. A Letter from a Member 1,921 ton vessel, she carried 100 guns and had a complement July 6, 2011 of 850 men. The late 18th century saw a common and very Dear fellow members, lucrative practice for Royal Navy ships to carry loads of bullion As a former member, recently rejoined, I am and it was rumoured at the time that the Victory had taken four pleased to have this opportunity to address you tons of gold on board at Lisbon. As yet it has not been upon the subject at the core of our association, possible to find any evidence that his was the case. Lord Nelson, and my personal interest in his life and times. The first spark of interest came in 1959 Notwithstanding its age, the wreck and its contents remain the when, as a serving member of the Royal Navy, I property of the Crown, but, as it lies outside British Territorial inherited a copper plaque commemorating the waters, there is need for collaboration with other interested centenary of the battle of Trafalgar. That set me parties. on a course of collecting Nelson memorabilia that A major problem is the cost of any further investigation, evolved over the years from keen interest to something no government or other body is willing to undertake. almost fanatical obsession today, as it expanded In the meantime there is a risk of further degradation of the to include general naval history and maritime wreck from the natural elements and the exploitation of the site affairs. A Nelson collection can never be by unauthorised trophy hunters. The Nelson Society in the UK complete, of course. There are more than a has lent its strong support for a comprehensive archaeological thousand books listed on his life for example, and Nelson Relics are beyond the purse of the exploration to be organised as soon as possible. average collector. However, there is a mass of Bob Woollett other memorabilia and ephemera dating from the Source: Article in a recent edition of The Nelson Despatch early 19th century to today that can be found occasionally, with luck. My own collection has grown to include more than two hundred items over the past fifty years, The Quiz Night largely thanks to the generosity of my wife at Mon 28th November 2011. birthdays and Christmas, and to keeping a A big thanks to Gwen Phillips and John Caskey for running a weather eye on the salerooms. fun evening, very much enjoyed by all those present. The I know there are other keen collectors amongst winning table was Bob Woollett and his family. Well Done! our members, and maybe some of you have items you would like to swap or sell. If so please let me know, because I am always looking for 'new' material, not as a dealer, but as a collector. As well, I am always happy to welcome anyone, or group, who would like to view the collection and enjoy an informal visit. Just call to arrange a time Tel 92951450 Yours sincerely, Peter Board

We are planning a Society visit on Sunday September 9th at 10.30

Page 12 The Nelson Society Newsletter, January, 2012 Commemorating the Death of Nelson Address given by Gwen Phillips on Sunday 8th January 2012 at St Michael’s Church, Mt Pleas-

conqueror of France. He speaks only in English Today, we commemorate the funeral of Horatio, Lord and hardly ever smiles. I have no doubt of his high Nelson on January 9th 1806. He was interred at St ability, but one cannot look without Paul's Cathedral after a grateful nation astonishment at his slender body, received his body from the battle of although this can have no immediate con- Trafalgar, carried back on his shattered nection with a great soul. He was almost flagship Victory. He was accorded one of covered with orders and stars. His right the greatest funerals ever seen in London. arm is missing, the coat sleeve was What sort of man had Prime Minister Pitt fastened to the breast-as a rule Lady given the command of the British fleet and Hamilton wore his hat…she behaved as a how did people react to his death? loving sister towards Nelson: led him, As a boy, he preferred to use the English often took hold of his hand, whispered name, Horace and he remained truly, an Englishman. something onto his ear and he twisted his mouth At the age of 18, he stood before examining officers into the faint resemblance of a smile.’ and was described as ‘pale with strongly marked At Salisbury to receive the freedom of the city, he features, the mouth wide and sensitive, the eyes appeared a small, thin, mutilated figure, a beneath thick eyebrows, deeply set. His voice was disappointment to those who expected a Drake or a slightly high pitched and nasal, marked by a strong Raleigh. One observer said ‘I could not help Norfolk dialect.’ asking myself if that one armed, one eyed man In 1780, Prince William, a Midshipman aged 17, gave could really have scattered destruction among the us this description of Nelson, five years his senior, Fleets’ Sir John Moore said "with his stars and who was Captain of the HMS Albemarle and wearing medals and ribbons, he was more like the Prince of a full laced uniform at the time. ‘His dress was worthy an Opera than the Conqueror of the Nile.’ of attention His lank un-powdered hair was tied in a At Merton, his dress was often a black suit or a stiff Hessian tail of extraordinary length; the old colourful mixture of green breeches, black gaiters, fashioned flaps on his waistcoat added to the general yellow waistcoat and blue coat in the daytime. appearance of the quaintness of his figure... I had According to the boy, Lionel Goldsmid, 'that funny never seen anything like it before nor could I imagine looking fellow Nelson was dressed in naval coat, who he was or what he came about. white breeches, silk stockings hanging on as if not My doubts were removed when Lord Hood introduced pulled up, too large, and shoes rather high in the me to him. There was something irresistibly pleasing quarter with buckles.’ Lady Minto commented that in his address and conversation; and an enthusiasm he ‘had the same shock head but the same simple, when speaking on professional subjects that showed honest manners.’ he was no common being.’ Sir Arthur Wellesley, later the Duke of Lady Spencer later met him at the Admiralty. ‘A most Wellington met Horatio, Lord Nelson at the uncouth creature, I thought him. He had just Colonial Office. His initial returned from Teneriffe, having lost his arm. He looked impressions were poor. so sickly, it was painful to see him and his general ‘found also waiting to see appearance was that of an idiot; so much so that when the Secretary of State a his wonderful mind broke forth, it was a sort of gentleman, who from his surprise that riveted my whole attention.’ likeness to his picture and This pattern of remarks is quite typical. People found the loss of his arm, him at first unusual even strange looking but on further I immediately recognised acquaintance, well informed, interesting and as Lord Nelson. He could impressive. not know who I was but Thomas Kosegarten, an art expert who toured the he entered immediately Dresden Gallery with Nelson's party in October 1801, into conversation, if I can described him as ‘one of the most insignificant-looking Wellington Meeting Nelson call it that, for it was all on figures I ever saw in my life. His weight cannot be his side and all about himself, and in really a style more than 70 pounds. A more miserable collection of so vain and so silly as to surprise and even disgust bones and wizened frame I never came across. Yet me. I suppose something that I happened to say his bold nose, the steady eye and solid worth revealed may have made him guess that I was somebody in his face, betray in some measure the great

Page 13 The Nelson Society Newsletter, January, 2012 and he went out of the room for a moment. I have no Vice-Admiral Collingwood wept doubt to ask the office keeper who I was because when openly at the news of Nelson's he came back he was altogether a different man, both death. He wrote a most moving in manner and matter. All that I thought a charlatan address, read throughout the style had vanished and he talked of the state of this fleet the next morning, in which country and of the aspect probabilities of affairs on the he spoke of the great victory Continent with a good sense and knowledge of and the loss of Nelson. Writing subjects at home and abroad that surprised me equally to his wife Betsey he said ‘the and more agreeably than the first part of our interview loss of Nelson is a death blow — I shall never cease had done in fact he talked like an officer and a to lament his loss while I Iive’ statesman.’ The sailors on Victory refused to allow Collingwood This was the man who spoke kindly to the stable lad as to remove the body to the Euryalus and so the he left Merton for the last time, saying ‘be a good boy damaged Victory made its way back to England with until I come back.’ The same man who gave the boys the body on board. at Merton School a day's holiday. It was also the man The first to hear the news on the mainland were the who was preparing to sacrifice the lives of hundreds of people of Penzance. Cornish fishermen in a Mount's men and destroy many ships. Bay lugger spotted the Pickle rounding the Lizard As Lord Nelson left Portsmouth for the last time, the Point with its flag at half-mast and would have heard American geologist Benjamin Silliman wrote that the news shouted across from the Pickle. Nelson was ‘elegantly dressed with his blue coat They lost no time reaching the Assembly Rooms at splendidly illuminated with stars and ribbons.’ Penzance, interrupting Mayor Giddy at a dinner. He On the morning of 21st October 1805, he wore his then announced the news from the Minstrel Gallery undress coat lined with wool, not silk. He wore his to the assembled crowd. medals, despite the unease of those around him. ‘In The bells of Madron Church nearby were the first to honour I gained them and in honour will die with them,’ ring with the news. A banner, paid for by the fisher- he said. The medals were tangible evidence of his life men and kept in the church until 1946 bore the and achievements, the recognition of which was very words ‘Mourn for the brave, the immortal important to him. This was a man of action however, Nelson's gone, His last sea fight is fought, his work not of fashion or surface appearance. of Glory done.’ (This banner is now in the National

After his death, what were the Maritime Museum at Greenwich.) The news would have reached Portsmouth by the actions of others? 4th November. A squadron of Russian vessels was As he lay dying, two of his in Portsmouth Harbour between 21st October and captains, Berry, whom Nelson had 28th November. They were refuelling for their described as ‘my right hand’ and voyage to Corfu, their mission being to prevent Na- Blackwood, left their ships to be at poleon taking hold of the Greek peninsular. The his side. Captain Russian Admiral described the coloured lights in the Berry, who ar- house windows and celebrations in the streets. rived at ‘the gasp This squadron of five ships of the line, two brigs and Berry of death’, was a frigate under Vice-Admiral Dimitry Seniavin, on the seen with tears flooding 74 gun Yaroslav, met the British fleet returning from down his cheeks as he returned to Gibraltar. Seniavin had served 6 years in the British the Agamemnon. navy and respectfully saluted Admiral Lord Nelson's Midshipman Joseph Woolnough remains before sailing on. Captain Lapenotiere of wrote that ‘a stranger might have HMS Pickle reached the Admiralty in London at 2am supposed from the gloom that on 6th November. Lord Barham was awoken and he spread among us that we had been Blackwood hastened to his desk to begin writing beaten instead of being the conquer- correspondence. ors.’ The men of the fleet wept like children. In the The King was informed later in the morning. His words of one sailor ‘I have never set eyes on him, for words were ‘We have lost more than we have which I am both sorry and glad, for to be sure, I should gained’ before becoming speechless for five like to have seen him, but then, all the men in our ship minutes. The Royal family gathered, shedding tears are such soft toads, they have done nothing but blast for ‘poor Nelson.’ their eyes and cry ever since he was killed. God Bless The Prince of Wales, at Brighton, declared that he You! Chaps that fought like the Devil sit down and cry mourned Lord Nelson ‘as the greatest character like a wench.’

Page 14 The Nelson Society Newsletter, January, 2012 England could ever boast of’ and announced his ringing joyously where they knew only of the intention, against custom, to attend the funeral as triumph.’ The sailors who had served with Nelson chief mourner. He then announced that he could not were with him at the end. leave the Pavillion. Prime Minister Pitt, himself There is a moving account by Dean Milman of St mortally ill, rose and dressed at 3am, unable to Paul's Cathedral who was a choirboy at the funeral sleep. and who witnessed the solemn effect of the sinking of Lady Nelson was sent a letter informing her of Lord the coffin. He said ‘he heard or fancied he heard the Nelson's death. She would have received the news low wail of sailors who bore and encircled the with dignity. She wrote a rather cold letter to remains of their admiral.’ Following this, they took Alexander Davison on 13th December, after he their Admiral's flag and tore it up to keep with them visited her, accompanied by his twin sons. She said something of their beloved leader. that ‘I have refused to see some of His Lordship's old It is hard to imagine more genuine devotion than friends and even some of my female friends, so shown in the actions of Lord Nelson's chaplain, Dr never bring any persons with you without first Alexander John Scott who had endured ‘the butcher's acquainting me.’ Her empty carriage attended shambles of the cockpit’ and later stayed day and Nelson's funeral. night with Nelson's body even through the long cold Lady Hamilton received a hand delivered letter at nights of the lying in state. He provided a touching Merton. She was in her bed and stayed there ‘very, account of beggars on the day of the funeral in very ill’ for some weeks. She later had all Nelson's London. ‘They left their stands, neglected the letters and his blood stained coat and hair on the bed passing crowd and seemed to pay tribute to his with her. She was stupefied by her grief. memory by a look. Many did I see, tattered and on crutches, shaking their heads with plain signs of sorrow. This must truly be unbought affection of the heart.’ Dr Scott wrote that he grieved for the loss of ‘the most fascinating companion he ever conversed with — he greatest and most simple of men — one of the nicest and most innocent.’ He said he had not shed a tear for years before the 21st October but since then ‘whenever alone,’ he confessed ‘he was quite like a Nelson’s Hair child.’‘ Setting aside his heroism,’ Scott added, ‘when I think what an affectionate, fascinating little fellow he She did not attend the funeral but waited for a report was, how kind and condescending his manners, I from Dr Scott, Nelson's chaplain. Despite what has become stupid with grief for what I have lost.’ been said about her neglect, she did have quite a Today we think of Lord Horatio Nelson, son of a reasonable settlement from both Sir William country parson but also associate of the highest in Hamilton and Lord Nelson which she basically the land. Our own actions In attending today we squandered immediately. commemorate his funeral and remember his loved The London Gazette Extraordinary was published ones, his friends. his men and his country on that day and people passed on the news. They celebrated the in 1806. brilliant victory at Trafalgar but mourned the death of Gwen Phillips. their hero. In Naples, Samuel Taylor Coleridge wrote ‘When References Nelson died, it seemed that no man was a stranger Adkin, Mark The Trafalgar Companion 2005 Arum Press, to another. For all were made acquaintances in the London Bennett, Geoffrey Nelson the Commander 1972 Penguin rights of a common anguish. Never can I forget the Books. Lon. sorrow and consternation that lay on every Downer, Martin Nelson's Purse 2004 Random House countenance. Numbers shook hands with me London Dundrow, Michael, Madron's Immortal because they had seen tears on my cheek and Legend 2004 Madron History Project Madron conjectured that I was an Englishman. Some, as Hibbert, Christopher Nelson a Personal History 1994 they held my hand, burst themselves into tears.’ Penguin Books On the 10th November, William Wordsworth wrote in Oman, Carola Nelson 1947 Hodder and Stoughton London his diary that ‘the tidings had reached us of the death Von Pivka, Otto Navies of the Napoleonic Era: 1980 of Lord Nelson and the victory at Trafalgar. We were Taplinger Pub.Co shocked to hear that the bells at Penrith had been The Naval Chronicle Vol 14 November 1805

Page 15 The Nelson Society Newsletter, January, 2012 The Nelson Society of Australia Inc Patron: Commodore David J Orr. RAN (Ret’d )Honorary Life President: Graham Perkins Honorary Chaplain: Rev Joe Newbold

COMMITTEE 2009-2010 Office Bearers: Chairman: Mike Sargeant Committee Members: Vice Chairman: Bob Woollett Ron Ingham, Gillian Mead, (Minutes Sec.) Secretary Richard Savage Gwen Phillips, Rob O’Connor. Treasurer/Membership Secretary John Lyall OTHER POSITIONS Newsletter: Betty Foster, (editor), Bob Woollett, (assistant editor) Ted Collinson and Rob O’Connor, (photos) Lilian Toomer. (distribution) Nelson Dispatch Distribution: Gwen Phillips SUB COMMITTEES Memorial Service: Catering: Richard Savage (Chair), Ron Ingham, John Caskey, Wendy and Rob Brown John Ashworth and Mike Sargeant. Pickle Night Bell Tower Display Bob Woollett, (coordinator) Ron Ingham and Mike Sargeant Betty Foster and John Caskey Reception: Cynthia and John Lyall

Any enquiries ring Richard Savage 9310 6365

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Page 16 The Nelson Society Newsletter, January, 2012