The business of the English commander-in-chief being first to bring an enemy fleet to battle on the most advantageous terms to himself, (I mean that of laying his ships close on board the enemy, as expeditiously as possible); and secondly to continue them there until the business is decided.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Nelson outlines his tactical doctrine of closing with the enemy quickly and fighting until the battle is won.
- In plain terms
- He says to fight the enemy close up quickly and keep fighting until you win.
- What can you take from it?
- Commit to decisive engagement once battle is joined.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How do you balance risk and aggression?
- What defines a decisive victory?
Another view
This aggressive approach risks high casualties if not executed well.
More from Horatio Nelson
The bravest man feels an anxiety 'circa praecordia' as he enters the battle, but he dreads disgrace more.
Permalink to quote #36 Time is everything; five minutes make the difference between victory and defeat.
Permalink to quote #38 Recollect that you must be a seaman to be an officer and also that you cannot be a good officer without being a gentleman.
Permalink to quote #35
Related quotes
You have sat too long for any good you have been doing lately... Depart, I say; and let us have done with you. In the name of God, go!
Oliver CromwellOliver Cromwell quote #26 War is inevitable, and this time, it will be truly world wide. It will unravel everywhere and there will be no limit to its battlefields. The condemnations of …
Otto SkorzenyOtto Skorzeny quote #1 Canada's position was Saddam Hussein should be disarmed. Now, to be quite honest, I had a lot of difficulty understanding how he was going to be disarmed witho…
Paul MartinPaul Martin quote #1