Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1827-11-16

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We selec, the following narrative relative
70 the death Of Lord Nelson, DEFINING 1t OF
high interest, Guilemard, the narrator, CLAIMS
the merit OF having sent the fatal BUILT into
his lordshiL's heart.
/. The two fleets manGuvered Tor more man
an hour, for the purpose Of choosing their Po-
si,ions, and terminating the preparation ior a
hattle that was henceforth inevitable The
Redoubtable was in the centre, and aiittle IN
front 1.-The French line, which by the admirafs
last orders, had been formed in scmi-citcie
Immediately in front of him was an English
three decker carrying vice admraPs flag,
and consequently commanded by Lord Nelson.
This vessel occupied in the English fleet the
same position which the Redoubtable did In
ours All u, once i, made signals, which were
instantly answered, and advanced with in'i
sail upon US, while the other vessels followed
it's example The intention Of its commander
was evidently 10 cut our line by attacking the
Redoubtable, which presented its Hank ana
discharged It's frs, broadsides
This was the signal for action. The English
vessel returned the FIRE; and at the same mo-
ment, there began along the whole OF the two
lines fire Of artillery, which was not to cease
except by the determination OF one oil the two
souadrons. Already cries OF suffering ana
death were heard on the deck Of the Redoubla-
Bile. BY the first disc barge, one officer, and
more than thirty sailors and soldiers were kill.
ed or wounded. This was The first time had
been in action; and an emotion had never felt
till now made my heart beat violently. Fear
might form an ingredient in the feeling, but 1T
was mingled with other sentiments wich
could not account for l was griryed that
was kept in post where had nothing else to
do but to fire my gun upon the enemy's deck.
should have desired a more active duty, TO be
allowed to go over the ship, ard TO work one
Of the cannon. My desires were gratihed. All
our top men had been killed, when two sailors
and four soldiers, Of whom was one, were or
dered TO occupy their posts in the tops. While
we were going aloft the balls and grapeshot
showered among US, struck the masts & yards
knocked large splnlers from them, and cut the
rigging TO pieces One of my companions
was wounded beside me, and fell from the
heigh, of so feet upon the deck, when he broke
his neck.
When reached the top my firs, movement
was TO take avIew Of The prospect presented by
the hostile fleets. For more Than league ex'
tended thick cloud Of smoke, above which
were observable Forest Of masts and rigging,
and the flags, the pendants and the lire OF The
two nations Thousands Of flashes more or less
near, continually penetrated this cloud, and
rolling noise pretty similar 10 the sound OF con
tinued thunder, but much stronger, rose from
its bosom The sea was calm; the wind light,
and not very favourable for the execution o!
man9uvres.
When The English top men, who were only
few yards distance from US, saw US appear,
they directed sharp fire upon US which we
returned A soldier and a sailor were killed
quite close TO me, two others, who were wound
cd were able 10 go below by The shroud. Our
opponents were, il seems, still worse handled
than we, for soon saw the English tops de-
serted, aud none sent TO supply The place oil
those who must have been killed or wounded
by our balls. then locked to the English and
our own. The smoke which enveoped them
was dissipatrd for moment, and returned
thicker a, each broadsde The two decks were
covered with dead bodies, which they had not
time TO throw overheard. | perceived Capt.
I.uras molionless at his post: s several wound
ed officers still giving orders On the poop Of
the English vessel was an office covered with
blood, giving orders, and with only one arm.
From what had heard Of Nelson had no doubt
il was he. He was surrounded by several officers,
10 whom he seemed to be giving orders. Al the
moment first perceived him, several Of his sal
Iors were wounded beside him, by he ERE Of he
Redoubtable. AS had rrcei, ed no orders 10 20
down, and saw myself forgotten in The tops,
though, it my duty to FIRE on the poop the
English vessel, which saw quite exposed and
close 10 me. ! could even take aim at the men
saw, bat fired at hazard among the groupes
Of sailors aud officers. All at once saw great
confusion on board the Victory, the men crowd
ed around o ffic-r whom had taken for Mel.
son lie had just fllien, aud was taken below
covered with cloak The agitation shown at
this moment left me no doubt ! had Judged
rightly, and that i, was he English Admiral
An instant afterwards he Victory cased firing;
the deck was abandoned by al those who occu.
pied il, and presumed that the CONSERVATION
produced by the Admirai's fall was the cause Of
he sudden change. hurried below 10 inform
the captain of what had seen Of the enemy's
situation. He believed me the more readily,
as the slackening of the fire indicated hat an
event Of the highest importance occupied the
attention Of the English ships crew, and pre-
vented them from continuing the action. He
gave immediate orders for boarding, and every
thing was prepared for il in moment. 1t is |
even said that yOInp al ;ist,;,