Owing to this persuasion he took at first a false step, which delayed
his pursuit of the Toulon fleet when it sailed under the command of
Villeneuve; and the latter was further favored by a long continuance
of fair winds, while the English had head winds. But while all this is
true, while the failure of Napoleon's combinations must be attributed
to the tenacious grip of the English blockade off Brest, _as well as_
to Nelson's energetic pursuit of the Toulon fleet when it escaped to
the West Indies and again on its hasty return to Europe, the latter is
fairly entitled to the eminent distinction which history has accorded
it, and which is asserted in the text. Nelson did not, indeed, fathom
the intentions of Napoleon. This may have been owing, as some have
said, to lack of insight; but it may be more simply laid to the usual
disadvantage under which the defence lies before the blow has fallen,
of ignorance as to the point threatened by the offence. It is insight
enough to fasten on the key of a situation; and this Nelson rightly
saw was the fleet, not the station. Consequently, his action has
afforded a striking instance of how tenacity of purpose and untiring
energy in execution can repair a first mistake and baffle deeply laid
plans. His Mediterranean command embraced many duties and cares; but
amid and dominating them all, he saw clearly the Toulon fleet as the
controlling factor there, and an important factor in any naval
combination of the Emperor. Hence his attention was unwaveringly fixed
upon it; so much so that he called it "his fleet," a phrase which has
somewhat vexed the sensibilities of French critics. This simple and
accurate view of the military situation strengthened him in taking the
fearless resolution and bearing the immense responsibility of
abandoning his station in order to follow "his fleet." Determined thus
on a pursuit the undeniable wisdom of which should not obscure the
greatness of mind that undertook it, he followed so vigorously as to
reach Cadiz on his return a week before Villeneuve entered Ferrol,