Chapter 9

NORTH SEA AND FIRST MEDITERRANEAN COMMANDS.

Declines an offer to be second in command in the Mediterranean--Commander-in-chief in the North Sea; his activity and energy--Receives the Mediterranean command--Affair off Toulon--His expectations of a battle--Disposition of his force--System of the fleet--His attention to discipline; to economy--Frigate affairs off Toulon--Care of his officers--Nature of the service in the Mediterranean--Daring of the crews--Effect of their successes--Diplomatic responsibility--Sir Edward's anxiety for a battle--Anecdote of Napoleon--Affair of November 5th, 1813--of February 13th, 1814--Capture of Genoa--Peace. page 170