the admiral what was to be done; and it was resolved that they should
attempt to get possession of the heights above the fort. The
frigates accordingly landed their men; and Nelson stood in with the
line-of-battle ships, meaning to batter the fort for the purpose of
distracting the attention of the garrison. A calm and contrary current
hindered him from getting within a league of the shore; and the heights
were by this time so secured, and manned with such a force, as to be
judged impracticable. Thus foiled in his plans by circumstances of wind
and tide, he still considered it a point of honour that some attempt
should be made. This was on the 22nd of July: he re-embarked his men
that night, got the ships on the 24th to anchor about two miles north of
the town, and made show as if he intended to attack the heights. At six
in the evening signal was made for the boats to prepare to proceed on
the service as previously ordered.

When this was done, Nelson addressed a letter to the
commander-in-chief--the last which was ever written with his right
hand. "I shall not," said he, "enter on the subject, why we are not in
possession of Santa Cruz. Your partiality will give credit, that all has
hitherto been done which was possible, but without effect. This night I,
humble as I am, command the whole destined to land under the batteries
of the town; and to-morrow my head will probably be crowned either with
laurel or cypress. I have only to recommend Josiah Nisbet to you and my
country. The Duke of Clarence, should I fall, will, I am confident,
take a lively interest for my son-in-law, on his name being mentioned."
Perfectly aware how desperate a service this was likely to prove, before
he left the THESEUS he called Lieutenant Nisbet, who had the watch on
deck, into the cabin, that he might assist in arranging and burning his
mother's letters. Perceiving that the young man was armed, he earnestly
begged him to remain behind. "Should we both fall, Josiah," said he,