life – and death. This seems only right and proper in a year that has commemorated the life of that first-class example of a second in command, Cuthbert Collingwood. It is equally appropriate that more than one article in this issue is specifically devoted to maritime memorials, the founding interest that brought about The 1805 Club some twenty years ago. The same rules of conservation and preservation apply not only to stone, of course. The study and recording of documentary evidence about the lives of admirals, captains, and their ships shares a similar impulse. It is of inestimable importance to this and to a future generation that neither stone memorial, nor the memory of gallant men, should perish for want of care. To this extent we are willing to admit that this editorial ambition has led your journal into previously uncharted waters – uncharted that is, if strictly adhering to our original remit of the ‘Georgian Sailing Navy’. In this breaking of a boundary, we take our lead from the nonconformist Admiral Nelson himself who was never one to be tied to the traditional book of rules when it came to naval engagement; indeed he rose spectacularly through the ranks by such behaviour. We hope that, in our own small way, introducing a few other subjects in these pages will enhance the whole, without proving detrimental to the end result. Articles on renowned naval strategists and minor fleet actions thus share our pages with victualling, a treasured decoration, prize litigation, even a loyal dog. ‘In Nelson, some find inspiration to carve figureheads, others to pen novels or compose poetry’. There is also space here for a cruise to the Pacific and a little Arctic exploration. Therefore, we beg your indulgence and invite you to accompany us on this journal’s eclectic voyage of discovery. As this edition of The Trafalgar Chronicle goes to press the oak leaves are turning from green to gold – hence the colour of our covers – leaving the trees themselves to winter under bare poles. For those fortunate enough to have the opportunity, it is a time to draw up to the fireside and enjoy, as R.L. Stevenson advised, some of the exploits of the Admirals whose ‘sayings and doings stir English blood like the sound of a trumpet’. Next year will be our twenty-first birthday edition. We hope, as ever, to bring forward original Nelsonian research, and much more besides. vii Anthony Cross Huw Lewis-Jones
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