The Battle of the Nile
Admiral Nelson to Admiral Earl Howe

Palermo, 8 January 1799

I had the happiness to command a Band of Brothers; therefore night was to my advantage. Each knew his duty, and I was sure that each would feel for a French ship. By attacking the enemy's van and centre, the wind blowing directly along their Line, I was enabled to throw what force I pleased on a few ships, and we always kept a superior force to the enemy. At 28 minutes pas six, the sun in the horizon, the firing commenced. At 5 minutes past ten, when L'Orient blew up, having burnt 70 minutes, the six Van ships had surrendered. I then pressed further towards the Rear; and had it pleased God that I had not been wounded and stone blind, there cannot be a doubt but that every ship would have been in our possession....

E. Moorhouse. Letters of English Seamen. (1910), p. 210.