Remembering the Nelson Touch

Lord Nelson who turned 250 last month composed his final act on paper onboard H.M.S. Victory in the early morning hours before the Battle of Trafalgar, 21st October 1805:

May the Great God, whom I worship, grant to my Country, and for the benefit of Europe in general, a great and glorious Victory; and may no misconduct in any one tarnish it; and may humanity after Victory be the predominant feature in the British Fleet. For myself, individually, I commit my life to Him who made me, and may his blessing light upon my endeavours for serving my Country faithfully. To Him I resign myself and the just cause which is entrusted to me to defend. Amen. Amen. Amen.