Done!

[artyartie]

Finished my review of the bio of Lord Keith with over an hour to spare - yay! I may have to make this a regular habit. :)

The book had some definite gems, one of them being his constant verbal battles with Nelson. Keith had, ahem, the misfortune of heading the Mediterranean Fleet while Nelson was in Naples. Naturally, when Keith ordered him to Minorca to keep it from being overrun by the Spanish, Nelson sent a bare minimum of his ships and his apologies. Of course, there was a Jacobin rebellion going on, but considering what a tragedy that turned out to be (definetly one of the darker moments of Nelson's career), he probably should have listened to orders. A short time later, Nelson asked to return to Palermo, saying he was ill, and Keith shot back for him to stay away from Palermo and Lady Hamilton.

Later in the book, Nelson had this equally kind thing to say about Lord Keith. "Lord Keith Loves a little money, and a great deal much better."

He was probably just jealous because Keith made a "great deal" more prize money.

So, the first week of Assignment Hell is over, and all is good. That is, until we get the grades!

Comments

[artyartie.livejournal.com]

Oh, the chapter with Keith and Cochrane and the seige of Alexandria was priceless - the two of them could not get along and Cochrane actually tried to have Keith courtmartialled a few times. Of course, there were times wasn't exactly being a great guy - his ships were running out of food and he wasn't all too concerned about his crew going hungry. But compared to Keith and Cochrane's relationship, he'd be holding hands with Nelson in a meadow.

[esteven]

I will definitely have to try and get the book. It sounds like a most interesting read. ;D
Cochrane actually tried to have Keith courtmartialled a few times
I don't think there was a superior Cochrane didn't have issues with. He and St Vincent were usually at loggerheads and accused Gambier of hesitating at the Battle of Basque Roads. A difficult and stubborn Scot if ever there was one. :D
he'd be holding hands with Nelson in a meadow. Who?

[esteven]

Thanks to your mention of the book, which I received yesterday as I had found it cheap at amazon marketplace. It is enjoyable and I was delighted to read of poor Keith's difficulties with Thomas Cochrane's uncle Alexander. *g*
Thanks again for drawing my attention to the book