It was nearly dark when Captain Foley, of the "Goliath," lead ing the English line, took his ship between the "Guerrier," the leading French ship, and the shore. Raking the "Guerrier" in passing, he went on to anchor on the port quarter of the next French ship, the "Conquerant." Captain Hood, who followed, in the "Zealous," anchored on the port bow of the "Guerrier." The three following ships, the "Audacious," the "Theseus" and the "Orion" broke through the French line and took up positions between the enemy and the shoals. Next came Nelson, in the "Vanguard," and his was the first ship to take up her station to seaward, anchoring opposite the "Spartiate," the third French ship, which was already receiving the attentions of the "Theseus" on the other side and was thus doomed to an eventual surrender. All the remaining ships took up their positions to seaward of the French, with the exception of the "Majestic" and the "Alexan der," which broke through, and of the "Culloden," commanded by Nelson's friend, Troubridge, which was unfortunate enough to run ashore on a projecting sandbank before getting into action. Even this was not without its blessings, since, by hanging out signal lights, Troubridge was able to warn the ships following against suffering a similar fate, and they all escaped it. The enor
mous "Orient" was engaged first by the "Bellerophon" and then by the "Swiftsure" and "Alexander," which were the last ships into action, one on each side of her. The French flagship fought stubbornly, but she was set on fire and at ten o'clock blew up with a colossal explosion. Surrenders to the British were now becoming frequent, and as each ship was taken, the victors were able to move on and engage others which, no doubt mystified and con fused in the darkness, were complacent enough to wait their turn. In this way the entire French fleet was accounted for with the exceptions of the two rear battleships and two frigates which made off in time ; it is interesting to note that they were all taken or destroyed in subsequent actions. The victory of the Nile was one of the most complete in the annals of naval history, and was rich in results. It enabled England to capture Minorca and Malta ; it completely restored her position and prestige in the Mediter ranean ; and this, in turn, enabled Pitt to conclude successfully his negotiations for the formation of a new coalition.
See Southey, Life of Nelson, ed. G. A. R. Callender (1922, bibl.). (G. A. R. C.; J. G. B.)