in History In contrast, Collingwood's d escription of the actio n at Trafalgar put Nelson's death first: "The ever to be lamented death of Vice-Adm iral Lord Viscount Nelson, who, in the late conflict with the Enemy, fell in the hour of victory, leaves me the duty of informing my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty, that on the l 9'h instant it was communicated to the Commander-in-Chief fro m the Ships watching the motions of the Enemy in Cadiz, that the Co mbined Fleet had put to Sea." The message went on to provide a summary of the action at Trafalgar. The First Lord of the Admiralty, Lord Barham , was notified right away, and copies of Co llingwood's messages were made quickly. Prime M inister William Pitt received word at 0300, by 0700 the King was notified, "I have urgent dispatches," by Gordon Prickers and by end of day a special London Gazette edition proclaimed the news to the public. Navy career was ended, bur for eight days in October and NoFollowing the Battle ofTrafalgar, Pickle returned to h er Royal vember 1805, she had played an important and unique role in Navy duties, including close reconnaissance of Brest harbor durthe events that shi fted the balance of power at sea for the coming ing a blockade by Admiral Cornwallis, the capture of an 18-gun century. ,!, French privateer off the Lizard, and the rescue of more than 600 crewmembers from HMS Magnificent after that ship ran agro und. Rear Admiral Joseph F Callo, USNR (Ret.) is an award-winning O n 27 July 1808 , Pickle met an untimely end wh en she was author and an NMHS advisor. H is most recent book is John Paul wrecked on a shoal at the entrance to Cadiz h arbor. Her Royal Jones: America's First Sea Warrior.
New York City "Pickle Night Dinner" Every year on November 4th, the Royal Navy Warrant and Chief Petty Officers' messes mark the Bartle of Trafalgar with a special dinner to commemorate the date when news of the battle (and of Nelson's death) reached England in HMS Pickle. On that date in 2004, a group of Americans interested in the historic career of Admiral Lord Nelson hosted an event in anticipation of the forthcoming Bicentennial of the Battle ofTrafalgar at the New York Yacht C lub. Seven annual events later, the New York City Pickle Night Dinner is now well established as an an nual tradition, with attendees coming from across the country and overseas. Nelson is the foc us of the event, as well as the special relationships berween the United States and Great Britain and berween the US Navy and th e Royal Navy. The American Friends of the Royal Naval Museum hosts the eve nt, with support from the 1805 .Club, the Nelson Society, and the National Maritime Historical Society. The 20 10 event will be held on Friday, 12 November. Second Sea Lord, Vice Admiral Sir Alan Massey, will be the guest of hono¡r and main speaker. (For more information, contact: sallymc79@verizon.net) (left) The annual New York City Pickle Night Dinner takes place in the spectacular model room of the New York Yacht Club.
SEA HISTORY 132, AUTUMN 2010
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