Life seemed to be winding down for British Admiral Horatio Nelson. In October 1801, the British and French signed the Peace of Amiens, and Nelson returned to England for what seemed like the last time. Nelson was a retired hero. Blind in one eye and missing the majority of his right arm, his scars and tattered limbs told their own stories of heroism. He was honored with four orders of knighthood and two gold medals, which he wore proudly.
Before he could get too comfortable, Napoleon Bonaparte struck up a war and Nelson prepared to set out for open waters once again. Nelson was appointed commander-in-chief of the HMS Victory; a first-rate ship that would act as his station while at sea.
Bonaparte intended to take his fleet of 33 ships up the English Channel to begin his invasion. Nelson, however, planned a daring maneuver known as “crossing the t.” The admiral took his outnumbered fleet of 27 ships, and cut Bonaparte’s fleet directly in half, (like crossing the letter ‘t’). Before the carnage, Nelson spoke to the Victory’s single lieutenant, John Pasco.
“I wish to say to the fleet ‘England expects that every man will do his duty,'” Nelson said.
When the signal was raised, the fleet prepared to attack and the Victory’s captain and friend of Nelson’s, Thomas Hardy, rushed to the admiral’s side. As soon as the ships crossed, blistering fire began to shred the Victory and the other British ships. Nelson shouted above the destruction, “this is too warm work to last long.”
Even covered by humor, there was a real sense of fear among the British, but it didn’t stop Nelson from continuing to push back the French. Hours later, Hardy realized that Nelson was no longer beside him. He searched until he found the admiral bent down on one knee, then watched as he fell on his side.
“Hardy, I do believe they have done it at last… my backbone is shot through,” Nelson said.
A marksman who fired what historians call “the most infamous bullet in British history” had shot Nelson. The admiral was taken below deck where he asked for a fan and a lemonade. Nelson was last heard saying, “Thank God I have done my duty.”
The out-numbered English fleet destroyed the French and Nelson’s body was taken back to his home. When the King Henry III heard of Nelson’s death, he allegedly said, “We have lost more than we have gained.”
It makes me cringe when I hear people mention the times that his or her rights have been “stepped on” or “spat on.” I love the U.S. and all of the freedoms it comes with, but I don’t believe that I “deserve” anything. Admiral Nelson had every “right” and “deserved” a quiet and peaceful retirement. The guy was a walking story. With a missing eye and arm and scars everywhere, there isn’t a person who wouldn’t take a look at him and say he didn’t deserve a house with a view to spend his last days.
Instead, when called out of retirement, he strapped on his boots with his good hand, and readied to defend his country. That is something I don’t think I could do. Yet I get to sit in my comfy little apartment with air conditioning, sipping coffee and recalling history at its finest.
George Orwell once said that those who abjure violence can do so only because others are committing violence on their behalf. In the same way, the only reason we “deserve” our rights as Americans is because of those who have fought to earn us those rights in the first place. If ever you face an event where you might feel like your “rights” or “freedoms” have been violated, perhaps shifting your focus to the one-eyed man with one arm will help you swallow any potential sourness, and instead be thankful for the beautiful gift of freedom you’ve received.
