The Naval Chronicle: Volume 5, January-July 1801

Book excerpt: The Naval Chronicle, published in 40 volumes between 1799 and 1818, is a key source for British maritime and military history. This reissue is the first complete printed reproduction of what was the most influential maritime publication of its day. The subjects covered range from accounts of battles and lists of ships to notices of promotions and marriages, courts martial and deaths, and biographies, poetry and letters. Each volume also contains engravings and charts relating to naval engagements and important harbours around the world. Volume 5 (1801) includes eyewitness accounts of the Battle of Copenhagen, one of Nelson's major victories which earned him a viscountship. It also contains a biography of Admiral Hyde Parker, chief commander at the battle, reports on negotiations with the French on the treatment of prisoners of war, and technical papers on signalling, improved methods of ship building, and the duties of a captain.