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Admiral Nelson’s Death
by
Jolanta Gradowicz
Event Reconstruction
Admiral Nelson:
My name is Horatio Nelson. I feel I am dying. My wounds are bleeding. I am
losing my strength. Where is Hardy, my friend? I need him. The bullet of a
French boy reached me. He might notice the medals glistening on my chest. It is
good that no one is lacking here. One of the medals was surely in compensation
for the sight in my right eye after the battle at Calvi, and the medal with the
blue ribbon – for my right arm after the battle of Santa Cruz de Tenerife . The
most bloodstained decoration was pinned after the battle of Copenhagen . Then I
made fools out of my superiors. They wanted me to cease action, but I would have
been the greatest idiot if I had obeyed them! I explained to them that I had put
the telescope to my blind eye and that was why I hadn’t noticed their orders.
Even now I am seeing their open mugs!
They should also remember the battle of Cape St. Vincent ! I crossed their plans
in a simple way. Nobody expected that I would give the well-known linear tactics
up. I put forward my three ships to attack the Spain front warships of Admiral
Cordoba. I wouldn’t have escaped a punishment if we hadn’t won then. I received
the gold medal instead of a punishment.
I am bleeding more and more. I am weaker and weaker, but England is safe. Now I
am satisfied. Thank God, I have done my duty.
I only worry about my dear Emma and about our lovely daughter, Horatia. My
beloved Emma! I am missing her so much! Only she could look well after me. She
wouldn’t let me die here. Her true love always kept me alive. Oh, my Emma, I
hope to meet you in Heaven…
Thomas Hardy –Horatio Nelson’s friend:
Horatio fell mortally wounded at the hour of victory and triumph. The attack was
well planned by him. Horatio saved Britain from the French invasion. He was the
best and greatest commander in the British Navy. He was a real hero of many wars
at sea. We loved him as he was a good seaman and a kind friend.
His courage and humanity were an inspiration for us, people of sea. We loved his
companionship.
We often had to face up to different setbacks on the sea, but we always could
count on him.
Horatio, we say goodbye to you with great sadness and sorrow.
Emma Hamilton:
Horatio, you left me and our little daughter for ever. I can’t still believe it.
Every time you put out to sea, I always feared. I always trembled because I was
afraid that the god of the sea will demand the highest price from you. Horatio,
you and only you were my only and true love. You were courageous both at sea and
on the land. You could defend me and our love from nosy and malicious people.
Our small house in Merton is empty without you.
You were my great hero. I was so proud of you.
Now I don’t know what to do. I am worried about Horatia’s future and about
myself.
I can’t cry because I shed all my tears. Only your letters, these
wonderful-and-full-of-love letters keep me alive. Always when I read them, I
have you before my eyes, Horatio.
I’ll do my best to pass on to our daughter the knowledge about her great father
and his great victories at sea.
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