Starhawk wrote:
I guess with anecdotes, in particular, it must be tempting for a writer to pick the version that most suits what they would want Nelson to have said, or that puts his subject (in this case, Berry) in a favourable (or not!) light.
- Or simply which provides the best narrative...
Mira wrote:
Nicolas records his version as follows:
Quote:
When the Agamemnon was signalled, Lord Nelson rubbed his hands together with glee, "Here comes Berry; now we shall have a battle."
I can see why biographers might have removed the reference to Nelson's actions on hearing the news!
What an extraordinary thing for Nicolas to have written! Embellishment is a dangerous game! And my regard for Oliver Warner has now completely drained down the plughole. Can you picture any gesture of Nelson's less likely to express satisfaction than rubbing his 'fin'?
I have read a comment (I'm afraid I forget where) that suggests that biographers are missing the point of Nelson's comment, and that he was simply referring to Berry's extraordinary luck in always managing to be present for every major battle, rather than expressing any particular feeling towards Berry.
Mira wrote:
John Sugden introduces an element of caution in Sword of Albion
I have to admire Sugden's skill in working in quotes from doubtful sources. Elsewhere in the
Sword of Albion he quotes from a dubious source, writing that the story "
appears to have been true in its broader elements" - brilliant!
Vicki, I think you may enjoy this old thread:
viewtopic.php?f=1&t=121