132 FRAGMENT OF AN INTENDED ACCOUNT 



Duncan had broke through the Dutch line, Lord Melville 

 immediately exclaimed, Here is a new instance of the success 

 of Clerk's system. 



The last and greatest in the brilliant series of victories that 

 followed the publication of the Naval Tactics, was, like all the 

 rest, obtained by the skilful application of the principles there 

 unfolded ; and of this, Lord Nelson's instructions, before the 

 battle, are the fullest evidence. They even contain, in the 

 body of them, several sentences that are entirely taken from 

 the Naval Tactics. These instructions were transmitted to Mr 

 Clerk by one of the Commanders in that memorable action, 

 Captain, now Admiral Sir Philip Durham, with a note, which 

 shews in what light his discoveries were viewed by those most 

 capable to decide. " Captain Durham, sensible of the many 

 " advantages which have accrued to the British nation from 

 " the publication of Mr Clerk's Naval Tactics, and particu- 

 " larly from that part of them which recommends breaking 

 " through the enemy's line, begs to offer him the inclosed 

 " form of battle, which was most punctually attended to in the 

 " brilliant and glorious action of the 21st of October. Mr 

 " Clerk will perceive with pleasure, that it is completely ac- 

 " cording to his own notions, and it is now sent as a token of 

 " respect from Captain Durham, to one who has merited so 

 " highly of his country. 



" H. M. S. off Cadiz, 29th Oct. 1805." 



I must observe, that the Great Admiral, to whose last and 

 most glorious action I have now alluded, had put in practice 

 the same manoeuvre in the Battle of the Nile ; the line was 

 then broken in the same way, and the discomfiture, by that 

 means, of a fleet at anchor, was the most complete that can be 

 imagined. 



From 



