C. steered for the center. C. in the _Royal Sovereign_ led
the lee line of thirteen ships. A raking fire opened upon the _Victory_. N.
in the _Victory_ led the weather line. C. engaged the _Santa Anna_.
Delighted at being the first in the fire. At 1.15 N. shot through the
shoulder and back. At 12 the _Victory_ opened fire. N.'s secretary the
first to fall. Fifty fell before a shot was returned. "They have done for
me at last, Hardy," said N. They bore him below. At 2.25 ten of the enemy
had struck. The wound was mortal. At 4 fifteen had struck. The victory that
cost the British 1,587 men won. These were his last words. At 4.30 he
expired. "How goes the day with us?" he asked Hardy. "I hope none of our
ships have struck." N.'s death was more than a public calamity. "I am a
dead man, Hardy," he said. Englishmen turned pale at the news. Most
triumphant death that of a martyr. He shook hands with Hardy. "Kiss me,
Hardy." They mourned as for a dear friend. Kissed him on the cheek. Most
awful death that of the martyr patriot. The loss seemed a personal one.
Knelt down again and kissed his forehead. His articulation difficult. Heard
to say, "Thank God, I have done my duty." Seemed as if they had not known
how deeply they loved him. Most splendid death that of the hero in the hour
of victory.
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